You Can Conjure Up A Little Magic This Season With These Winter Foods

how to make magic with winter foods

Winter brings a chill to the air, long nights, and a delightfully cozy feeling, which means that food just becomes somehow more delicious, more amazing, more nourishing. It’s as if the lights go up, the sun goes down, and the warmth of our homes calls in some yummy spirits to bless our meals with their delightful magic, granting every morsel and bite an extra oomph — and I’m so here for it! From the delectable pastries to the simmering stews to every sip of that coffee, winter brings some of the most comforting food.

However, as a witch, I also find winter — and its food — to be filled with magic. The Winter Solstice (December 21) is longest night of the year, helping us find the rest we need to shine brightly as the sun begins to strengthen. Winter teaches us to wait and see, and to enjoy the rest and the comfort of the darkness, so that we have enough energy for the ebullience of Spring and Summer.

Winter being a time of both food and magic is perfect for bringing enchantment into the mundane, and allowing for every day activities to become something more special and intentional. With this in mind, let’s explore some common winter food spices and see how we can incorporate them to bring some magic into our lives!

Cinnamon

Photo by Studio 31 / PEXELS

Cinnamon is the quintessential cozy spice, warm and rich and full of fire. We can practically feel it on our tongues and in our hearts as soon as the first nip comes into the air. With cinnamon, that heat can be used for intentions of creativity and passion — when we’re feeling like we need an extra push or excitement, cinnamon can provide it just at the right time. Cinnamon is also full of luck and success, so bring it out when you’re feeling in a bind or like too many black cats have been crossing your road!

To use cinnamon magically, try sprinkling some in your morning coffee and feeling yourself filled with passion for the day. As you’re making your way through the day, feel the success and luck that you were so intent on at the start of the day carry you through whatever the hours may bring!

For more ways to incorporate cinnamon into your daily diet, check out our cinnamon recipes! And if you're wanting to go a more decadent route, don't forget our cinnamon roll recipes, too!

Nutmeg

Photo by Vladimir Gladkov / PEXELS

Nutmeg, which is neither a nut nor related to Megara from Hercules 😉, has a sweet, warm, earthy flavor that goes well with all sorts of our favorite winter desserts. Nutmeg is ideal for increasing our own psychic powers, as its mystical aroma enhances our ability to see the unseen. Nutmeg is also used as a money attractor, so as you recover from the holiday spending, use nutmeg to bring in all of the money you might need (or at least some of it, big spender!).

For a potent use of nutmeg, sprinkle a tiny bit some on some spinach as you’re cooking to attract money. Spinach, green like the cash you’re looking for, will soak up the vibes of the nutmeg and help your wallet overflow!

Check out this recipe for eggnog french toast to have some nutmeg and another dose of the holiday season!

Clove

Photo by john phyo / PEXELS

Clove already looks powerful, with its spiky appearance eerily similar to nails, so its magic is easy to see. Clove is spicy and sweet, with a woodsy scent that immediately evokes chillier climates and warms the heart. Clove bringsprotection in magic, keeping the bad vibes at bay and shielding you from any psychic or emotional harm that may be coming your way. Clove also helps with love and making it stick.

Bring some protection into your home by making a pomander with orange and cloves. Decide on a pattern (I personally like stripes from tip to tip), then use a toothpick to make some holes in the orange where you’ll stick the cloves. Place it in a doorway that people use frequently, and let its magic keep any negativity out of your space!

Wanna reap the benefits of clove's magic and make your house smell nice? Try our simmer pot recipes!

Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA / PEXELS

Of course, you can combine these spices together into delicious pastries, or find them already placed into the cookies we share all throughout the holiday season. Using spices as a part of my magical practice has allowed my kitchen witchery to flourish, and will definitely bring an even bigger sense of enchantment into your own life this winter. May the spices of winter warm your heart, protect your home, and bless you with their potent magic!

Looking for more ways to make magic in the kitchen? Brit+Co has all your recipe needs covered.

Header image via EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA / PEXELS

The astrology for this week will reflect sensitive, dreamy, unfocused energy and yet it also stimulates a real pathway to our personal evolution through creativity, spirituality, and sensuality. On January 11, the nodes of the Moon, representing our collective transformation will change from the dynamic paradox of Aries and Libra to the dreamy manifesting axis of Pisces and Virgo. We are collectively encouraged to let go of our need to control and release tendencies of perfectionism. Instead, trust and faith are emphasized. I will talk more about this in future writings.

Keep reading to see your lucky weekly horoscope for the week of January 5-12, 2025.

What's happening astrologically during January 5-12, 2025?

Destiny Buchman/Dupe Photos

Mars, the planet of action, is traversing the tender, family-oriented sign of Cancer on its retrograde track this week. Memories will likely surface that either make us nostalgic for better times or remind us of painful times we thought were safely in the past. Use this energy to face whatever comes up, learn from the lessons your memories provide, and move forward to create the life you desire.

Mars has a lot of power, and while it is retrograde, it is wise to take things slowly, try not to rush, but also to take action to harness what you need to grow. Look back in your journal or photo library in October through early November 2024, when Mars was direct in Cancer. Did something become evident during that time that tugged at your heartstrings? We will all yearn for a simpler time. Mars will turn direct again in February 2025 and will remain in Cancer until mid-April. These months will likely be bittersweet. Practice self-care and self-compassion.

Daisy Davis/Dupe Photos

Our reflections of the past are a catalyst to healing. If we can face, accept, and own our vulnerabilities, we can rise above any self-limiting beliefs. The energies support exercising our capacity for resilience. On January 8th, Chiron, the wounded healer and Shaman of the Zodiac in Aries, is squaring the Sun in Capricorn.

Don’t believe everything you think, as Mercury in Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces on January 6th. Events will likely be dramatic on the world stage, and unless you thrive in a dramatic environment, it is best to lay low until Mercury moves into the stable, practical sign of Capricorn on January 8th. Use the early part of the week to get creative, practice your art, or spend time meditating, doing yoga, or walking in nature. Stay clear of mind-altering drugs or alcohol as things will be hazy or confusing. If you must engage in important business or legal matters, be sure to consult a professional to get advice or to review important documents before signing the bottom line.

Jenna Langford/Dupe Photos

Acts of kindness, courage, and standing up for the underdog will fulfill an essential need to be part of your community. This week is an excellent time to volunteer at the local food bank or to walk dogs at the local shelter. Ask yourself, “How can I make the world a better place?” and act on every chance you get to be courteous, kind, and generous as Mars forms a trine with Neptune, exact on January 12.

If you would like to know more about how these and other transits affect you personally, contact me at SevenSistersAstrology.com for a reading.

Read Your Weekly Horoscope For Your Sun & Rising Signs

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Aries (March 21 – April 19)

You will likely crave anything that provides a new experience or an expanded viewpoint. It is a perfect time to broaden your horizons, be it through travel or learning. Make sure you are motivated by more than boredom but by a true desire to grow and learn. Take advantage of this opportunity to synthesize your life by joining together seemingly disparate parts. The big picture will become clear if you consciously seek ways to learn and grow.

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Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Your emotions will be heightened this week. You might find yourself attracted to intense people and a desire to experience life on more soulful or profound levels. Allow yourself to explore these emotions. Spend time in quiet contemplation to get clear about what it means to live life in a more profound way. Take advantage of any opportunity to express yourself about topics that are usually taboo or not easy to discuss.

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Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

In your personal life, you can successfully broach sensitive topics with your loved ones to create more harmonious relationships. Use compassionate language and approach each opportunity to get closer with patience and kindness. In your professional life, negotiations are favored if you meet each occasion with respect and a desire for long-term collaboration. Communicate with a desire for reciprocity and fairness for all concerned.

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Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Focus on details, stay organized, and be ready for any mutually beneficial encounters as you actively pursue your goals. Your intellect will be keen, and you will have an eye toward practical, achievable solutions. Strive to maintain an energetic balance in your activities and tend to your mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. This is potentially a busy week; keep any anxieties in check and practice mindfulness daily.

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Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Take advantage of every opportunity to express yourself creatively and clearly. Don’t forget to interject playfulness and joyfulness in your life. Connect with your natural child-like enthusiasm and approach everything you can with curiosity and wonder. Engage in lively conversations whenever you can. Interactions with strangers, through social media or in direct conversations, will illuminate your strengths and unique attributes. You are an essential part of the greater fabric of life, and the more you express yourself, the clearer that becomes to you.

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Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Dig deep to access your courage this week. Don’t let a fear of criticism or failure keep you from pursuing your goals. Seek like-minded allies and use family connections for support. Rely on your sharp intellect to communicate. Focus on solid solutions and practical proposals. Keep in mind that what you actively strive for needs to benefit not only yourself but those around you, as well. You are entering a powerful time to align your desires with the zeitgeist.

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Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Your mental abilities are strong. Use your sharp intellect to maintain curiosity and keep an open mind to learn new things. Listen more than talk as your conversations will broaden your horizons; challenge the status quo by expanding your understanding. This is a time for gathering information and knowledge from a wide variety of sources to tap into solutions that apply to a wide audience. Remain adaptable, flexible, and open-minded.

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Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

This is a critical time to integrate your internal value system with the outer manifestations of your life. How do your financial and material realities reflect your deeper beliefs? It is a time to align these parts of your life. Use your strong rational mind in balance with your acute inner intuition when faced with making choices and decisions. Our bodies hold accumulated wisdom from our lives and our ancestors’ lives. Tap into how a choice feels in your body before acting.

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Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Conversations this week offer a chance to not only articulate your ideas but to refine them. The seeds you plant, if properly tended to, will likely result in successful endeavors. Use this time to expand your ideas by engaging with people who may not think or believe as you do. Travel during this time will be especially fruitful as you will be forced to see life from a fresh perspective. You might also be interested in changing your appearance and the way you present yourself to the world. Observe any reactions to these changes from a curious viewpoint.

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Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Solitude is essential as you connect with the deep layers of your essence. Hidden facets of your nature are yearning to come to your awareness, and as you take time for introspection, these obscure elements of yourself can be revealed. A clear mind and heart will allow these new parts of yourself to be released. Refrain from judging whatever is uncovered. Try expressing any newfound awareness with written words or through music or poetry. Connect with your spiritual side as often as you can.

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Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

Use this week to network and engage in community activities. You might find yourself questioning if your social networks and friends share your dreams and aspirations. If they do, use the time to strengthen, nurture, and honor those connections. If you feel disconnected, engage in honest and truthful conversations about your priorities and visions, and listen to their dreams on an equal level. Be willing to envelop their ideas into yours to enhance compassion and inclusivity. This is not a time to go it alone but to find strength in numbers and diversity.

Brit + Co

Pisces (February 20 – March 20)

Your career is in focus. It is a good time for strategic, long-term planning. Envision a way to expand your skills through education or training. Invest in yourself to achieve your ambitions. Make every effort to keep the big picture in mind and not get lost in the small details. Focus on your core values as you strive for your ideals. If sacrifices need to be made to reach your goals, any short-term discomfort will be worth the effort. Emphasize your unique talents when making decisions.

Looking for a more thorough reading? Reach out to Tina at SevenSistersAstrology.com!

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I've been anxiously awaiting news on The Last of Us season 2 release date ever since that crazy season 1 finale in March of 2023. ICYMI, Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) have returned to Jackson but unfortunately, all's not well that ends well, because Joel is hiding a huge secret — and it's totally shaken Ellie's trust in him. I love this reluctant duo so much and I'm already making plans to visit my best friend so we can watch (and rewatch) the premiere together.

Here's everything we know about The Last of Us season 2 release date, plus the new The Last of Us trailer.

'The Last of Us' season 2 trailer teases lots of terror.

We've already gotten our first look at Kaitlyn Dever's Abby (a character fans of the game love to hate), but this is the first time we've gotten to hear her — or see her Firefly pendant. We also catch a glimpse of Ellie and Dina (Isabela Merced) dancing during what appears to be an iconic game scene and Tommy (Gabriel Luna) helping defend Jackson from the infected.

While season 1 was full of earthy tones and tons of light vs. dark imagery, The Last of Us season 2 is already showing off a much more aggressive color palette with blacks and reds that underscore just how explosive things are this season (and judging by the flares, I mean that quite literally).

When can I watch The Last of Us season 2?

Yes, The Last of Us season 2 release date is coming sooner rather than later and the show will hit Max in April 2025. We're still awaiting confirmation on whether we'll get all the episodes at once, but I'm guessing it'll be another weekly release schedule to bring us from the spring through the summer.

Is Last of Us season 2 coming?

Yes, The Last of Us season 2 is on its way! The show was renewed in January of 2023 after the pilot aired. The game sequel opens five years after the events of the first game, and Joel and Ellie's relationship has splintered because of Joel's secret: his promise that Ellie's immunity couldn't be used for a cure is actually a lie — and he murdered an entire hospital of Firefly rebels to save her life.

When Ellie finds out Joel lied to her — and when a certain someone finds out Joel's responsible for the massacre — their worlds implode.

Bella Ramsey told Vanity Fair "it’s really a story about revenge and a continuation from the first season about the dangers of unconditional love."

Meanwhile, Pedro Pascal teased to Deadline that The Last of Us team “are always going to find ways to build on the incredible source material that they have, and surprise us with how they can use that material in a different format like a television show."

Check back here for the latest The Last of Us season 2 release date news! And read up on the other most-anticipated TV shows coming in 2025.

Meghan Markle is officially returning to our TV screens, but it's probably not what you're thinking. While everyone wishes that she was somehow re-joining the cast of Suits for a reunion season (still secretly hoping that will come true), or giving us another part to Harry & Meghan, she's actually starting a brand new venture. After dropping her ever-exclusive jams, Meghan's now set to star on her very own show called With Love, Meghan! She and Prince Harry — alongside their production company — are heading up this exciting new show, and we wanted to give you all the deets on what we know, when it will air, and what exciting guests will be on it!

Is Meghan Markle doing a cooking show?

Courtesy of Netflix

Meghan Markle is doing a cooking show, and according to Deadline we'll get to "see The Duchess, otherwise known as Meghan Markle, celebrate the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship." We love the sound of that! And with Harry and Meghan having quite a lot of famous friendships, we'll see a few fun guest appearances like Mindy Kaling!

Why is Meghan Markle doing a cooking show?

Courtesy of Netflix

Roy Choi and Meghan Markle

Meghan's seemingly always shown a passion for cooking and homemaking since her days of The Tig, a blog dedicated to all things in that same vein. Alongside that, she's also written her own cookbook (the proceeds of which went right to charity), and she also just released a jam from her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard. So since this brand is going to be selling things like tableware, linens, and cooking items, we could see this cooking show really tying together all the different parts of her passions she's shown us over time.

Who will be doing the Meghan Markle's cooking show?

Photo by Toby Melville - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Deadlinereported that Sony Pictures is producing Meghan's show. They said, "It will be produced by Sony Pictures Television’s The Intellectual Property Corporation, which is behind series including Hulu’s The D’Amelio Show and A&E’s Leah Remini: Scientology & the Aftermath."

They also reported that Archwell, Hariton and Aaron Saidman, and Eli Holzman for IPC will executive produce this project as well. It will premiere via Netfliix like all of the other projects Prince Harry and Meghan have done! We can't wait!

Where did Meghan Markle's new show film?

Courtesy of Netflix

Alice Waters and Meghan Markle

They actually filmed Meghan Markle's cooking show at a house just 2 miles away from the family's residence in Montecito, California. Prince Harry and Meghan seem to draw a lot of inspiration from where they live since Meghan's brand American Riviera Orchard was also inspired by the lovely Montecito, CA. Plus, they apparently wanted to keep production close by, which we can only presume is because of their sweet little kids.

When will we get to watch Meghan Markle's cooking show?

Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation

With Love, Meghan is premiering on Netflix next Wednesday, January 15! Based on the official trailer, we'll get to see another side of Meghan Markle that's unlike how portions of the media have portrayed her. Despite the fact Meghan has never harmed anyone personally, there are those who can't help but share nasty comments about anything she does.

However, those of us who love her will gladly be tuning in to watch her shine next week!

Watch The Official Trailer For 'With Love, Meghan'

youtu.be

- YouTube

We'll be tuned in to watch her create a bit of magic in a world full of doom scrolling and fear because we need a touch of wanderlust. Also, how can we pass up reminders to create tasty meals in our kitchens?

Make sure to come back to this article for any updates on Prince Harry and Meghan's newest TV venture!

For more pop culture news, be sure to follow us on Facebook!

This post has been updated.

The next best thing after Christmasis not New Year’s – it’s Girl Scout cookie season! We just can’t resist stocking up on Thin Mints and Tagalongs every year. In the spirit of getting a taste as early as possible in 2025, we’ve got our eye on everything related to this year's season.

Get your cravings ready, because we’ve gathered everything you need to know about the 2025 Girl Scout cookie season.

When will Girl Scout Cookie season be in 2025?

Girl Scouts of the USA

Girl Scouts of the USA just announced that cookie season kicked off on January 7, 2025! Girl Scout cookie season typically runs from January to March, though the exact dates depend on the region you live in.

Several Girl Scout regions announced the dates for their season ahead of the "official" start. You can likely anticipate similar dates for other parts of the country:

Last year, in-person cookie sales started as early as January 9 while online sales began on February 16.

Where do I buy Girl Scout cookies?

Girl Scouts of the USA

You can buy Girl Scout cookies in-person or online. Oftentimes, troops will set up shop in front of grocery stores or malls. Once the season starts, you can search for in-person booths here. Many troops also offer online ordering, so you don't even have to leave the house.

How much will Girl Scout Cookies be in 2025?

www.girlscouts.org

The cost of Girl Scout cookies will vary based on the region you buy them in. In 2024, the price per box ranged from $5 to $7, amidreported price raisesdue to inflation.

Several regions have already addressed pricing ahead of the 2025 Girl Scout cookie season.

Girl Scouts of Arizona Cactus-Pine announced their first cost-per-box price bump in nearly a decade, citing rising production costs. All of their boxes will cost $6, but specialty cookie flavors like Girl Scout S'mores and Toffee-tastic will go for $7.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois have all of their boxes priced at $6.

Meet The 2025 Girl Scout Cookie Flavors

Girl Scouts of the USA

There are currently 12 Girl Scout cookie flavors, according to Girl Scouts. Their list includes the same cookies that were available in 2024. From Thin Mints to Samoas, we are so excited. Here’s the full list of cookies:

  • Adventurefuls
  • Caramel Chocolate Chips
  • Samoas (AKA Caramel deLites)
  • Do-si-dos (AKA Peanut Butter Sandwich)
  • Girl Scout S’mores
  • Lemonades
  • Lemon-Ups
  • Tagalongs (AKA Peanut Butter Patties)
  • Thin Mints
  • Toast-Yay!
  • Toffee-tastic
  • Trefoils

We’re also holding out hope that a new flavor will be announced ahead of the 2025 season (a la the famous Raspberry Rally)!

Are there any Girl Scout cookie flavors leaving the lineup?

Girl Scouts of the USA

Yes, sadly, there are two Girl Scout cookie flavors that won't be coming back after the 2025 season. Girl Scouts of the USA announced that the Girl Scout S’mores and Toast-Yay! cookies will be retired after this year, so now's the time to stock up if you're a fiend for those flavors.

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest 2025 Girl Scout cookie season news!

This post has been updated.

It Ends With Us might have premiered in August 2024, but Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's behind the scenes conflict continues to unfold in the new year. What started out as rumored drama escalated into legal issues when Blake filed a lawsuit against Justin on December 20, claiming his behavior on set was “disturbing" and “unprofessional," adding "improvised gratuitous sexual content" after the actress had already signed onto the film — all in all facilitating a "hostile work environment."

Here's why Justin Baldoni's lawyer called the claims "outrageous" — and what Blake Lively's team had to say.


Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's conflict is reportedly more than a "feud."

Lia Toby/Getty Images

After Blake filed the suit, and the New York Times published messages between Justin Baldoni and his team, reporting they were behind a smear campaign against the actress, Justin responded with his own $250 million lawsuit against the NYT. Justin's lawyer Bryan Freedman told People the claims are "false, outrageous and intentionally salacious with an intent to publicly hurt."

But on January 6, Blake's legal team came back with another statement, holding firm that "this is not a ‘feud’ arising from ‘creative differences’ or a ‘he said/she said’ situation,” they said in a statement to People.

“As alleged in Ms. Lively’s complaint, and as we will prove in litigation, Wayfarer [Studios] and its associates engaged in unlawful, retaliatory astroturfing against Ms. Lively for simply trying to protect herself and others on a film set. And their response to the lawsuit has been to launch more attacks against Ms. Lively since her filing.”

“Sexual harassment and retaliation are illegal in every workplace and in every industry," the team wrote. “A classic tactic to distract from allegations of this type of misconduct is to ‘blame the victim’ by suggesting that they invited the conduct, brought it on themselves, misunderstood the intentions, or even lied. Another classic tactic is to reverse the victim and offender, and suggest that the offender is actually the victim. These concepts normalize and trivialize allegations of serious misconduct."

“Most importantly, media statements are not a defense to Ms. Lively’s legal claims," the statement continues. "We will continue to prosecute her claims in federal court, where the rule of law determines who prevails, not hyperbole and threats."

And their costars are speaking out.

Both Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have found support from previous costars. Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, and Alexis Bledel, who starred with Blake in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, released a statement in which they "stand with her in solidarity as she fights back against the reported campaign waged to destroy her reputation."

"Throughout the filming of It Ends With Us, we saw her summon the courage to ask for a safe workplace for herself and colleagues on set, and we are appalled to read the evidence of a premeditated and vindictive effort that ensued to discredit her voice," the statement reads. "Most upsetting is the unabashed exploitation of domestic violence survivors' stories to silence a woman who asked for safety. The hypocrisy is astounding."

They continue that, "We are struck by the reality that even if a woman is as strong, celebrated, and resourced as our friend Blake, she can still face forceful retaliation for daring to ask for a safe work environment. We are inspired by our sister's courage to stand up for herself and others."

Instagram/brandonsklenar

Brandon Sklenar, who stars in It Ends With Us as Atlas, also supported Blake, linking to the NYT story on Instagram with a heart emoji. "For the love of god read this," he said.

Meanwhile, Justin's Jane the Virgin costar Gina Rodriguez told People in September that "sweet, sweet soul" Justin is "my brother forever. Forever and ever."

Stay tuned for the latest It Ends With Us (and Justin Baldoni & Blake Lively) news.