Cozy Wintertime !

Once the holidays are over I really enjoy the relaxing, cozy month of January.  The house always looks so clean and uncluttered once all the holiday decorations are packed away for another year.  I know I will be happy to see them all again in December, but for now...I love the winter theme.

This year I added a bit more to my winter decor...a dear friend gifted me the green house container with a candle arranged with holly and ivy.   I switched it out to blue/white/silver balls and snowflakes.   The white and blue picks are new this year...could not resist a sale at the Hobby Lobby in the week after Christmas.

Since I snapped these photos our beloved EAGLES are no longer in the playoffs...so all the football decor is back in storage.  But...wait till next year !

I love the clean look of this display for winter.  The silver bird reminds me of the many birds that flit past our windows as they flock to the neighbor's feeder the floor below us.

New pillow found in the after Christmas sales....at 80 percent off I could not resist.

Always love a little display in the kitchen...

A snowman to keep Alexa company...

and some more blue and white on the mantel.

With the Christmas dishes packed away I added more blue to the china closet...

Little snowflake dessert plates were also part of my after Christmas day sale trip...

and the dining room table looks crisp and clean.

Before some of our snowbird friends left for warmer climates we invited them for a soup supper - and the weather cooperated by being cold and windy.

I made potato soup...and forgot to take photos of the entire process, but here is the recipe - 

Crock Pot Potato Soup

6 potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 onion choppped

1 carrot, sliced

2 ribs of celery, chopped

1 Tablespoon of dried parsley

4 to 5 cups of chicken or vegetable broth

1 Tablespoon of salt

Pepper to taste

1/3 cup butter

1 can ( 13 oz ) evaporated milk

Toppings - bacon, cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream

Combine all ingredients except milk and toppings in crock pot.  Cook on low for 10 - 12 hours or High for 3 - 4 hours.   Stir in can of milk for the last hour.  If desired, mash potatoes before serving. Top as desired.

***   My version - I don't peel the potatoes, then it tastes a bit more like a baked potato soup.   I use veggie broth and fat free milk... often use a potato or two more if I have them, then add a little more broth.   I mash the potatoes a bit and then use a hand held blender to make it smooth.  Leftovers freeze well and reheat in the microwave.

I wish I had taken a photo of the finished soup in a soup dish.  I serve the soup, then put all the toppings in little serving dishes on the table and people can use what they like.   This soup is always a big hit with guests.  Add salad and some crusty bread...and it is a great winter meal.

Here is my winter table...blue chargers bought years ago at Ross, white soup plates, clear salad plates, snowflake place mats and napkins ties with blue sparkle ribbon.   Everyday silverware, water glasses from Dollar Tree on sparkly coasters...also from Dollar Tree.

Dessert was a little piece ( we are all still recovering from holiday binges on cookies!) of coconut cake on warmed lemon curd withe whipped cream and strawberries.

As the sun set over Our New Vista we enjoyed this beautiful view...soon snow came and more is on the way.   Intending to make the most out of this wonderful, cozy January.  

Do you decorate for winter ?  Any special recipes you like to use during the winter months?  Please leave a message - and thank you for stopping by Our New Vista!