How to be Chic in the Winter: Living slim, happy and stylish during the cold season

by Fiona Ferris

Late summer heading into early autumn/fall is a such beautiful time of the year. You can feel everything growing still and soft; nature is slowing down and people are getting cozy. The most stunning colours can be found outdoors at this time. Despite the natural beauty, despite your looking forward to the coziness of winter, you find that a few short months later yes, again, things have gone awry. You have ploughed headlong into winter without design or plan; you are wearing the same clothes as last year because you have not put thought into your wardrobe; you have put on weight from indiscriminate eating and you are complaining in your head, or worse, out loud that 'it's cold today'. This was me! Many warm-blooded creatures hibernate when it is cold out and go with their natural instincts by doing so. They do not enter the spring season stressed out; rather, animals waking up from hibernation are coming to sleepily, well rested and ready for the warmer season; so, why don't we? We would not go to sleep for months on end, but perhaps we can take a leaf out of their book and make each winter a mental spa time of rejuvenation, beauty and pleasure. I decided to write this book as a kind of insurance, to remind me of my exciting winter plans. It is easy to be enthusiastic about the winter season when the leaves are turning. Fall fashions are always fun to look forward to, even for a non-fashionista like me - the September issue of Vogue! I can rekindle my love for the colours of plum, navy and camel at this time of year. But a few months later the novelty has already worn off. This book is also a toolkit of all the ideas that have worked so well in previous winters, as well as new ideas I want to capture. I started this book in autumn, and am now finishing it up in spring. I am so pleased to have tried all my ideas out in a 'test' environment! Read 'How to be Chic in the Winter' to discover my strategy for not just surviving, but thriving this winter; on how to have a chic and beautiful winter season and emerge, like a butterfly ready for a gorgeous spring and summer. Contents Introduction Chapter 1. Know that winter is a different season Start winter with a goal Be ahead of the game Look forward to winter Chapter 2. Create a winter menu plan Breakfasts that are warming, filling and healthy Lunches for work and home Dinners - tweak the winter classics Snacks Fiona's favourite winter recipes Red Lentil and Tomato soup Pumpkin Soup Vegetable soup Spaghetti Bolognese Savoury mince Shepherd's pie Roast chicken 'Bangers' (sausages) and mash Parmesan chicken Crumbed chicken Pasta Bake Rice Bake Apple and Boysenberry Crumble Bliss Balls Chapter 3. Break up the long winter Learn something or have a project to complete Keep active Be social Chapter 4. Work on feeling good Home as your winter sanctuary Dress in clothes that make you feel good Be cozy when you are at home Take care of your grooming Keep well Chapter 5. Keep your motivation up Do things quickly If you are a summer person Make plans for the next six to twelve months Chapter 6. Create your ideal chic winter season Bonus journal questions To finish About the author

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Lifestyle

110 pages, Paperback

Published October 30, 2016

About the author

Hi, and welcome to my Goodreads page!

I love to write books about living a fabulous life without spending a lot of money.

I adore mindset work and how we get to be happier and more successful just from looking at things from a different angle. We get to change our circumstances if we want to, and change our thoughts as well.

My goal when I write my books is to provide inspiration, ideas, and reminders for my readers so that they can wear their rose-tinted sunglasses as they live their life. Just like I do!

I have found that everything works out better when you are positive as much as possible. When you expect things to work out for the best. When you have gratitude for all you have. And when you are always looking at how to make your life better, and richer (in all ways). In doing all these things you are elevating the happiness levels of those around you as well as yourself.

Of course life isn't perfect and we all go through sad or difficult times, however I believe when we are starting from a base level of positivity, it makes those times easier to bear.

I love the saying attributed to Queen Elizabeth II's private secretary, who told her that her job was to spread a carpet of happiness wherever she went. I have taken this on as my own life's motto and with my writing too.

I hope you enjoy reading my books and get loads of golden nuggets from them. Happy reading and please let me know your thoughts or leave a review!

Reviews

[Madelynn Whittington · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a Fan

This was not my cup of tea. It was as if some published their journal. Maybe I should publish mine!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super simple book that can be read in one sitting. I enjoy the simplicity of Fiona Ferris — this one particularly in supporting your winter wellness. I found this a nice and simple resource for myself and clients who are struggling with seasonal affective depression and small ways to embrace the glimmers of the season.

[Stacey Hatfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Even in a very dark and cold time you can be happy. You just have to have the right kind set.

Winter is the idea time to set the tone for the year. You could make plans to do fun things.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more, but I just didn't. It was very basic and focuses on an aesthetic, which may work for some people, but really wasn't what I was looking for. This would be a good book for someone who may be new to the concepts of planning things out.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as her other seasonal books. It seems to be written for people who don’t like winter. Whereas the summer and autumn books celebrate the season, this one is more how to pretend it’s still summer.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good tips

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came across this book and found it simple and fun. After reading it I’ve decided to start the year with more lighthearted books with fun inspiration for daily life.

[Vicki.lynn.v · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really disappointing...I really like this author but this book just keeps repeating itself...I took nothing away from this book.

[Stephanie M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

It made me optimistic about my life and winter. I am excited to try out the suggestions in the book.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not great literature, just cozy tips. Always love Fiona's books!

[Anna Shanny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, short, fun, relaxing. Actually got some takeaways from it!

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Fiona. She gives such practical, motivational tips. Like having an older, wiser sister writing you all her tips in a letter. Easy & brief & delicious.

[Anna Sultanova · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is unapologetically funny!) Fiona always has a light, drôle tone about everything, so you can't really hate the book - what would that make you.
It is a mix of general tips on staying healthy and keeping a cheerful mood, and some winter recipes.
In the modern era (said with an important face) when reading a book, you expect an author to have some kind of expertise on the subject, this book rather feels like a collection of different thoughts, when tips are mixed in with a "story of what I did yesterday". Definitely has some 2016 vibes)
With all that said, I believe whomever will find here a couple of things to note, like a recipe or an idea 💡 (or will remember that New Zealand actually exists (⁠●⁠_⁠_⁠●⁠), sorry New Zealanders, your country is really cool)

[Louise · Rating 1 out of 5]

It took me awhile to get into How to be Chic in Winter. The general advice is to stay healthy, eat healthy and do a lot of self care. I didn’t find I learnt anything new from reading this.


Added December 2024 - I’ve read this again during the month of December. I dipped in and out of it whilst reading other books. It’s not a repeat read for me and has now been donated. A lot of the information in the book can be found on Fiona’s blog. There is nothing new in How to be Chic in winter than you’d find elsewhere online, in magazines or in films.

[Mimi Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another goody from Fiona!