Layering - It's a Fall Thins. Putting It On

With the arrival of cooler fall temperatures, layering becomes second nature. The idea of taking a layer off and putting one back on really speaks to me at this time of year. Layering (and its counterpart) implies coziness, attention and self-care, as well as being thoughtful and even a little bit naughty.

Here are few of my favorite ways to put a layer on. Stay tuned for ways to take a layer off.

5 Ways to Add Layers

1. A Handmade Hat

My mom knits me a hat or two every fall. I chose this because something handmade is as close to being "layered in love" that you can get. Lately. she is really into Wool and the Gang (the name might look familiar; I mentioned them in my previous blog post). The Zion Lion Hat comes with yarn (I love the Shacklewell Grey color), knitting needles and everything else you could possibly need to knit the perfect handmade hat to keep your head warm when the temperature starts to dip.

2. A Moisturizer w/ SPF

I love Sonage's Presage Moisturizer with SPF15. It's a powerful mineral-based moisturizer that includes active ingredients designed to leave your skin hydrated while providing a powerful SPF protective layer. It's a safe sunscreen that includes Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, leaving you with a grease-free radiant glow. This is my must-use makeup primer, especially when I'll be walking around the city on a sunny fall day.

3. A Go-To Sweater

Fall means sweater weather to me. I love a tactile, soft cashmere sweater more than almost anything else in the world. On cooler days I wear nothing but jeans and cashmere. My favorites are from Equipment, with my latest obsession being their basic crew cut in the Peacoat color. The price point is great (for cashmere) and it's extra soft.

4. A Trusty & Hearty Recipe

Penne with vodka sauce is one of my all-time favorite comfort meals. Please know that I'm no Martha Stewart in the kitchen. If I can make this recipe, so can you! Now, if you eat too much of it, you will definitely be adding a layer to your body…Keep that in mind before you dig into your second (or third) serving.

Penne ala Vodka

Ingredients:

1 box of Penne

1 medium purple onion, diced

2 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil

2 28 oz. cans of Muir Glen Organic canned tomatoes (whole peeled)

1/4-cup good quality vodka

Whole cream

Fresh basil leaves, minced

Fresh Parmesan

Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Preparation:

Open both cans of tomatoes and save the juice from one can. Discard the juice from the other. Crush the tomatoes with your hands in medium bowl and set aside.

In a large pot, sauté the diced onions in olive oil until the onions are soft and translucent. Add the crushed tomatoes and the juice from one of the cans. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the vodka and let the sauce cook down (about 30 – 40 minutes).

In a separate pot, boil water. Once the water is boiled, add the pasta and cook until done. Strain the pasta and put the pasta back in the pot and set aside.

Add just enough cream to the sauce to turn it pink (around a half-cup). Cook the sauce for another 5 minutes then add the pasta. Stir the mixture and add a small handful of slices fresh basil leaves. Transfer pasta to a serving bowl and top with fresh grated Parmesan.

Enjoy!

5. The Throw

Once it gets really chilly out, chances are pretty good that I can be found on my couch watching TV shows too embarrassing to admit. I am always under a throw and this one from West Elm not only looks perfectly snuggly, but 50 percent of the purchase price will go directly to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital© through December 31, 2015.

Natural skin care products & natural skin care treatment products offer at Sonage