24 Cozy DIYs That Will Make Winter Way Better

‘Tis the season of frigid weather, icy conditions and snow days. And what better time to work on our #31daysofdiy than all curled up with a blizzard blaring outside? Make some hot chocolate, put on a good movie and pick one of these cozy DIYs to finish before the next #snowmeggedon. Whether you’re in the mood for a few no-sew winter accessories, some all-natural spa treatments or want to make your home extra cozy, we’ve got 24 fun DIY projects to entertain you while the storm carries on.

1. Mittens from a Sweater: We all have a sweater or two that we know we’ll never wear, but for sentimental reasons just can’t bear to part with. Instead of stuffing it in the back of your closet for another winter, give it a new life as a cute pair of mittens. (via Brit + Co)

2. Faux Fur Trapper: We’re all about that fur, the faux stuff of course. Wouldn’t this trapper hat be adorable for the kiddos? (via See Kate Sew)

3. No-Sew Beanie: What’s better than getting snowed in with your bestie? Making custom matching beanies of course. (via Brit + Co)

4. Heart Patches: Even if there aren’t holes in your sweaters, these heart patches are too cute to say no to. (via EmerJa Designs)

5. DIY Tea: From licorice and peppermint to lavender white tea, we’ve got several amazing mixes that’ll keep your hands and heart warm during the next blizzard. (via Brit + Co)

6. Grapefruit Lip Scrub: Winter is notorious for drying out your lips, so whip up some of this tasty sugar scrub to fight off that dry, chapped feeling. (via Julie Ann Art)

7. Bleach Dye Joggers: Getting snowed in means you can wear whatever you want, no judgement. Not that you would get any judging looks when you wear these fancy dyed joggers out on the town. (via Brit + Co)

8. Heart Hand Warmers: These are definitely the cutest way to keep cold hands at bay. Tuck them in your coat pocket to keep warm after your epic snowball fights. (via Hello Natural)

9. Pom Pom Ear Muffs: We’re bringing ear muffs back. A matching pair is also required for your pet, of course. (via Brit + Co)

10. Copper-Dipped Mug: Dress up some plain dollar store mugs with a sleek metallic makeover that’s totally dishwasher safe. (via Design Improvised)

11. Arm Knitting Infinity Scarf: No idea how to knit? That’s ok, all you need to make this chunky scarf is two balls of yarn and two arms. Even the least crafty of us has those things lying around. (via Brit + Co)

12. Mini Zen Garden: Combat cabin fever with a pretty little zen garden. Gather some of your favorite objects, like crystals and succulents, and enjoy some personal meditation time while the storm blows outside. (via The Merrythought)

13. Sequin Top: Dress up an old sweatshirt you’ve forgotten about with some sparkly sequin writing. The hardest part of this DIY is deciding what word to wear. (via Spark and Chemistry)

14. Sugar Body Scrubs: Being snowed in is the perfect time to pamper yourself with some homemade spa goodies. Make these sugar scrubs to give yourself the royal treatment. (via Flair)

15. Teddy Bear Pom Poms: Whether you want to add them to hats, pillows or blankets, you’ll want the fluffiest pom poms possible. Looking like cute teddy bear tails, these super puffs are great for all cozy crafts. (via Fall for DIY)

16. No-Sew Beanie: We adore a solid, no-sew project, and this one is a fab way to salvage a sweater that has become unwearable. Dress it up with a pom pom or bejewel it if you’re feeling extra ambitious. (via The Wonder Forest)

17. Shaggy Yarn Tassel Rug: Floors feeling a bit chilly? Settle down with a good movie and make a fluffy shag rug to keep your toes warm. (via Urban Sleek Blonde)

18. No-Sew Blanket Scarf: You can never have too many scarves, right? With just a bit of fabric you can make this trendy scarf with practically no money and no time. (via The Chic Country Girl)

19. Fur Scarf: If you’re nervous about crocheting because you don’t want to make mistakes, then working with faux fur is ideal. The fluffiness will hide any little imperfections, leaving you with a perfectly fabulous scarf. (via Delia Creates)

20. Woven Circle Mat: You crafty types know that sometimes you just have A LOT of yarn sitting around. If you’re looking for a unique project that doesn’t involve crocheting or knitting, try making a funky, uber colorful floor mat. (via A Beautiful Mess)

21. Bronzing Caffeine Body Butter: Let’s be honest, we could all use a little bronzing action this time of year. Coffee and coconut oil make this lotion a cellulite-fighting superpower. (via Hello Natural)

22. Lace Sweater Insets: If you don’t want to cut up an old sweater to make mittens or beanies, just add some pretty lace insets for an easy makeover. (via Sincerely Kinsey)

23. Chunky Tassel Throw: Winter cold is the perfect stage for some epic snuggling. Dress up a tired throw blanket with some oversized tassels. (via Craft Berry Bush)

24. Peppermint Soy Candle: Peppermint can boost your energy and relieve headaches, and can also help with allergy and cold relief. So, not only will your house smell wonderful, you’ll actually be improving your well-being without even leaving the house. (via Sincerely Kinsey)

What are your favorite snow day DIYs? Talk to us in the comments below!

Eating out as a vegan can be a true challenge, especially if you don’t exactly know that what you’re ordering is 100% vegan. Fast food faves like McDonald’s and Taco Bell are secretly packed with vegan items, and Starbucks is no exception. From oat milk coffees to satisfyingly savory snacks, you’ve actually got plenty of plant-based choices when you pull up at your local Starbucks.

Scroll on to explore every vegan Starbucks drink and food item you can add to your order!

Vegan Starbucks Drinks

Starbucks

1. Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado

This new-to-the-menu espresso drink combines brown sugar syrup and oat milk to balance out the punchy coffee notes.

Starbucks

2. Latte (Iced + Hot)

You can totally enjoy a latte at Starbucks if you're vegan. Their oat, almond, coconut, and soy milks are vegan, plus many of their syrups qualify as vegan, too, if you want to flavor up your drink. According to this Starbucks supervisor, all of Starbucks "clear" syrups are vegan and dairy-free. Starbucks' regular and white mocha sauces and caramel drizzle are also vegan and dairy-free.

Starbucks

3. Americano (Iced + Hot)

Starbucks' Americanos are just water and espresso, so you don't have to worry about any dairy being in there. Optionally, you could ask for a splash of non-dairy milk and pumps of your fave syrup.

Starbucks

4. Brewed Coffee (Iced + Hot)

Same goes for their brewed coffees, including iced coffee. Easily ask your barista to add in some non-dairy milk and a few pumps of syrup if you desire!

Starbucks

5. Nondairy Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew

This vegan cold brew drink is crafted with non-dairy cold foam that's flavored with salted caramel – and it's delish!

Starbucks

6. Nitro Cold Brew

A plain nitro cold brew from Starbucks is fully vegan and dairy-free. You can choose to add a splash of non-dairy milk, if you wish your sip to be a bit smoother and creamier.

Starbucks

7. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

This one's a classic: shots of espresso get shaken up with ice and brown sugar syrup to create a frothy foam, then the drink is topped off with oat milk to cut the bitterness. It's quite a delectable order, even if you're not eating fully vegan.

Starbucks

8. Starbucks Refreshers

All of Starbucks' fruity Refreshers are vegan. Plus, you can can add lemonade, tea, other flavor inclusions like strawberry and peach to add some extra oomph.

Starbucks

9. Iced Black Tea

Their refreshing iced black tea is certifiably vegan, too.

Starbucks

10. Iced Green Tea

If you prefer green tea, Starbucks' offering is vegan-friendly. If you tend to take your tea a bit sweeter, just order it with however many packets of your preferred sweetener, and your barista will add it in.

Starbucks

11. Lemonade

You truly can't go wrong with a lemonade!

Starbucks

12. Hot Teas

Starbucks' hot teas are totally vegan, too. If you want to make them fancier, ask for an additional splash of your go-to non-dairy milk!

Vegan Starbucks Foods

Starbucks

1. Rolled & Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Now onto the food! First up is Starbucks' oatmeal, which you can fancy up with nuts, berries, and brown sugar. Make sure to order it with water to ensure it stays vegan.

Starbucks

2. Plain Bagel

Surprisingly, Starbucks' bagels are also vegan.

Starbucks

3. Everything Bagel

The plain and everything bagels will work for any vegan eater.

Starbucks

4. Avocado Spread

Plus, you can order your bagel with a side of this delicious avocado spread for a nutritious boost!

Starbucks

5. Spicy Falafel Pocket

This 100% vegan snack pocket is new to the Starbucks menu, but it's already become a fan-favorite amongst vegans and non-vegans alike.

Starbucks

6. Chipotle Almond Dip

You can order the Spicy Falafel Pocket with a side of this fully-vegan Chipotle Almond Dip (AKA Bitchin’ Sauce). Yum.

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What is it about family sagas that seem to make book clubs more interesting? Maybe it's because we know interpersonal relationships can be a little dysfunctional. It could be that we still don't know how to communicate with the people we love the most. Even if we love our parents and siblings, reading about other families' fictional twists and turns gives us a rush of adrenaline.

So it's no wonder Jenna Bush Hager's January book club pick feels like something we can read without putting down. It's full of complicated relationship dynamics, love, and reconciling one's identity with their past. You can say it's the perfect read to kick off your 2025 reading goals!

Learn more about Jenna Bush Hager's 2025 book club pick and fall in love with one character's journey of self-discovery.

Amazon

The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma Knight

Penn should be excited about advancing her education at the University of Edinburgh, but she can't stop thinking about the secret her parents have been keeping from her. For some reason, she believes she'll uncover it while she's in Scotland because Lord Lennox — her father's friend — is in the area.

Her hunger for the truth leads her to Lord Lennox's estate where she she starts mingling with his family and even discovers love in this moving novel.

@readwithjenna/Instagram

Jenna Bush Hager's Thoughts About The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus

Jenna Bush Hager thinks readers will love The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus because "it's a rich novel" with themes of "friendship and motherhood" (via Instagram). It's so good, she's sure "it will sweep you off your feet (via Instagram).

We hope you enjoy reading about Penn's journey in The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus and encourage you to check out Reese Witherspoon's January book club pick next!

Trader Joe’s loves to keep us on our toes when it comes to their new arrivals. We’re constantly monitoring the aisles to discover all the new TJ’s sweet treats and savory snacks they launch – and these 7 new picks for January 2025 are not to be missed! All of these Trader Joe’s products will run you less than $5, which only makes sealing the deal on your grocery bill easier.

From delicious dips to a very enticing new frozen meal, these are the 7 best new Trader Joe’s finds you absolutely need to try in January 2025.

Trader Joe's

1. Teensy Candy Bars

These tiny little candy bar bites ($2.99) resemble Snickers in the best way possible: layers of nougat, caramel, and peanuts are enveloped in a delicious chocolate coating for maximum snackage. We're gonna have to resist eating the whole bag! TJ's even suggests using these bits as decoration for other desserts, like sprinkling some on a scoop of ice cream or baking them into some cookies.

Trader Joe's

2. Olive Tapenade Hummus

Trader Joe's array of dips is simply too good to resist, and this newcomer hummus ($3.49) is no exception! It's a tub of "smooth and nutty" hummus topped with a tapenade comprised of black olives, manzanilla olives, capers, and olive oil to give it a salty effect. It's gonna taste so great as a dip for crackers or as a spread on a Mediterranean pita wrap.

Trader Joe's

3. Organic Concord Grape Jelly

This squeezable grape jelly ($3.49) is nothing short of nostalgic. Trader Joe's says it's "super smooth, joyously juicy, and potently purple," which immediately has us sold on making PB&Js every day now.

Trader Joe's

4. Spicy Chicken Nuggets

Oh, yeah. Bring on the spice with these spicy nuggs ($3.99) that make the perfect easy meal no matter the time of day! Made from all-natural chicken breast and rib meat, breaded with wheat, rice and corn flours, then covered in hot sauce and lightly fried, TJ's has their texture down to a tee. You can easily cook 'em in the air fryer, oven, or microwave before chowing down!

Trader Joe's

5. Crispy Potato & Poblano Pepper Tacos

These halved and fried frozen tacos ($4.99) will totally crush your Taco Bell cravings, since they come together super quickly and contain flavors with mind-blowing authenticity! Each taco is filled with a blend of seasoned mashed potatoes and some "ever-so- slightly spicy" poblano peppers that'll work so well with any dipping sauce, from TJ's salsa to their creamy Jalapeño Sauce.

Trader Joe's

6. Strawberry Mini Hold The Cone!

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Trader Joe's is debuting a new flavor ($3.99) of their classic Hold The Cone! frozen dessert: strawberry! These tiny, chocolate-covered cones are lined with even more "rich" chocolate on the inside, then packed with strawberry ice cream, which TJ's says is crafted with plenty of strawberry purée.

Trader Joe's

7. Caesar Salad Dip

Trader Joe's shoppers have said this new Caesar Salad Dip ($3.69) makes a perfect girl dinner addition– which, if you get it, you get it! The tub starts with a "creamy" base that's then loaded up with Caesar-seasoned sour cream, mayo, anchovy paste, Parmesan, and finely shredded Romaine for the crunch. It's best enjoyed with crackers or veggie sticks to dip, but you could also smatter fried chicken or seared steak in it for some ahh-mazing flavor!

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