COZY ONION SOUP

Ingredients:

Let’s be honest those big Costco bags of onions don’t wait forever. When life’s running out of them, I just make it happen.

Directions:

1.Slice all your onions and garlic. Shallow fry them in olive oil or butter until caramelized golden and brown.

2.Add your spices and the handful of raw chopped onion. Pour in the broth. Let it simmer until the onions are soft and thick.

3.Scoop into a small ovensafe bowl. Add toasted bread on top, sprinkle with cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden.

4.Eat warm, with a soft smile and quiet moment.

A mix of onions: sweet, yellow, white whatever you’ve got

Garlic (3–4 cloves, sliced)

A handful of raw chopped onions (for extra punch)

Spices: black pepper, thyme, salt

Chicken or veggie broth

Shredded cheese (Mozzarella, Gruyère, or your favorite)

Bread of choice (I love sourdough or baguette)

ROASTED TOMATO SOUP (MOOD-LIFTING MAGIC)

Tomatoes are like sunshine in food form especially when they’re roasted. Mix whatever you have: cherry, Roma, even a few sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper note.

Ingredients:

Cherry, Roma, and/or sun-dried tomatoes

Garlic (whole cloves, unpeeled)

Fresh basil and rosemary

Olive oil

Salt and black pepper

Broth of your choice (I use chicken or veggie)

Directions:

1.Roast your tomatoes, garlic, and herbs on a tray with olive oil at 400°F (about 200°C) until soft and bursting (20–25 mins).

2.In a pot, heat a splash of olive oil and sauté a little more garlic. Add your broth and roasted tomatoes.

3.Blend using a stick blender (or regular blender).

4.Pour into a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and serve with crusty baked bread.

A Final Stir

Soup doesn’t need to be complicated to heal you. It just needs a little love, a little simmer, and a little time. So go ahead rescue those onions, roast those tomatoes, and let your kitchen become your calm.

THE ULTIMATE WOMAN’S THE ULTIMATE WOMAN’S SURVIVAL KIT: 10 MUSTHAVES FOR EVERY HANDBAG

WHAT’S INSIDE A WOMAN’S HANDBAG?

Is it a treasure chest, a survival kit, or a mystery box? To find out, we hit the streets of Seattle, Redmond, and Renton in Washington, asking 100 women the golden question:

If we opened your handbag right now, what would we find?

Their answers? Equal parts practical, empowering, and downright essential. Whether you’re a minimalist or a “kitchen sink” kind of packer, 1.these 10 items made the list and for good reason.

These 10 items made the list and for good reason.

1. Pads/Tampons: The Unquestioned MVP

First on almost everyone’s list, because we all know Aunt Flo shows up whenever she pleases no RSVP required. A pad or tampon isn’t just for you; it’s for the friend, coworker, or stranger in need. Carry one like the lifesaver it is.

2. Keys: Your Ticket to Freedom

From unlocking your car to your front door (and maybe even a diary?), keys are the OG handbag essential. Pro tip: Add a cute keychain it’s practical and makes losing them slightly harder.

3. Charger: Because Dead Phones Are So 2005

We live in the age of TikToks, texts, and Tinder swipes. A portable charger ensures your phone stays alive to keep your life running smoothly. Consider it the modern woman’s magic wand.

4. Lipstick/Lip Balm: Power in a Tube

A quick swipe of lipstick or balm can transform your look and mood. Whether you’re a bold red kind of gal or prefer something more subtle, having one on hand is nonnegotiable.

5. Safety Pins: The Silent Fixers

Wardrobe malfunctions? Solved. Broken bag strap? Fixed. Lost button? Saved. A safety pin is the unsung hero of the handbag world.

6. Perfume/Lotion: Smell Like Confidence

Nothing says I’ve got this like a quick spritz of your signature scent or a dab of hand lotion. It’s self-care in seconds, and honestly, who doesn’t want to smell like a field of dreams?

7. Pepper Spray: Safety First, Always

A handbag essential that says, “I’ve got your back, and I’m not afraid to use it.”

Empowerment is carrying what you need to feel secure wherever you go.

8. Comb: Bad Hair Days, Be Gone

Wind, rain, or humidity your hair doesn’t stand a chance without a trusty comb. It’s a small but mighty tool that keeps you looking polished, no matter what.

9. Mirror: Reflect and Reassess

A compact mirror isn’t just for touch-ups; it’s also for those moments when you need to check if the spinach from lunch has overstayed its welcome.

10. A Notebook or Phone Notes App: Your Brain’s Backup

Whether you’re jotting down a grocery list, a groundbreaking idea, or a random quote that inspires you, having a space to capture your thoughts is invaluable.