Evergreen Reads to Empower Your Mind
The Standard Sister
Issue no.2
The Cozy Issue
Jan10, 25
Image by Douglas Kirkland for Look Magazine 1961
How to Keep Warm
The winter often forces us to withdraw physically and mentally, while also reminding us of many who are far from their homes, whether due to wars, natural disasters, or other reasons. As part of nature, we often feel more isolated or drained of energy in winter—longing for prolonged sleep to avoid the struggle of getting out of bed on cold mornings. The days get shorter, darkness falls earlier, and with that comes a drop in our daily functioning in all areas of life. In this issue, I will share tips to help you navigate this season
more warmly: from foods that will raise your body temperature to the best fabrics scientifically suited for winter, the concept of love languages that can bring you closer to your partner, and a piece of art in Tel Aviv that has successfully lit up and warmed the hearts of its viewers.
This issue is dedicated to those who are far from home and to the hope that everyone finds their way back home soon.
If you find this uplifting, please share this link with a woman you love.
Jean Patou 1967 (Image from Pinterest)
It's Tricky To Love
We’ve all been there—that moment of frustration with our partner, feeling unseen, misunderstood, and ice cold emotionally. But what we often overlook is that they’re probably feeling the same way about us. Relationships of all kinds are the art of loving.
Most of the time, clear communication and genuine honesty are the only ways to truly understand one another. Enter the concept of the five love languages—a framework that can offer newfound clarity in how you give and want to receive love. Once you and your partner understand your love languages, communicating them probably will strengthen your bond.
The five love languages—Acts of Service, Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, and Physical Touch—remind us that love isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. You don’t have to limit yourself to just one, but knowing which resonate most with you and your partner is key.
This concept comes from Dr. Gary Chapman, whose 1992 book, The 5 Love Languages, has sold over 11 million copies worldwide. Chapman’s success reminds us that love is one of the most universal and enduring human experiences.
According to Chapman, while we all enjoy aspects of all five love languages, each of us has a primary one that speaks loudest. Discovering yours—and your partner’s—can be a game-changer. Want to know yours? Plenty of websites (most requiring a small fee) offer quizzes to help you find out. I tried the one of LoveStrive- It was quite of a challenge!
Understanding the way you show love versus how your partner gives love (and vice versa) can highlight some surprising differences. These gaps, if left unspoken, can lead to frustration. But that’s where the real work begins. Communicating these differences and finding ways to meet each other halfway is where relationships become the art of love.
Lila Leeds for Valentines (Image From Pinterest)
Caution! Hot Fashion!
The world is divided into two types of women: those who love dressing in winter, showing off their best closet pieces and layering skills, and those who find it frustrating and are always cold. No matter which group you fall into, this article will be helpful. Dressing in winter is all about layering, we know that, but some of us still feel cold even with four layers, wondering how that’s possible. Well, the answer is simple: You’ve been wearing the wrong fabrics.
Linda Morand by Helmut Newton for Elle France 1968
In ancient times, fabric creation started with nature and relied on labor-intensive manual techniques. Fabrics came from cotton, linen (from flax), wool (from sheep), and silk (from silkworms). The fibers were twisted into yarn or thread, which was done by hand using a spinning wheel or spindle. Once the yarn was ready, the weaving or knitting process began. After the fabric was woven or knitted, it was dyed using natural dyes from plants, insects, or minerals. In contrast, modern fabric manufacturing uses advanced machinery and technologies, producing fabric on a much larger scale. The key difference, though, is that fabric sources today are not just natural; in fact, most clothing out there (especially in fast fashion) is made from synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which are derived from petrochemicals—chemical products obtained from refining petroleum.
In the recommended article by Fabricare center- a family owned and operated company since 1978! you’ll find a list of ideal fabrics and some details about them, explaining what makes them a good choice to stay warm this winter. And while one of them is synthetic, the secret to winter warmth lies in natural fabrics like wool or cashmere- made from cashmere goat (which is primarily found in regions like Mongolia, China, and parts of India). So the next time you shop for a new coat or sweater, pay attention to the combination of fabrics used. It will help you determine if it's a good winter choice or not.
And remember, high standards are the only standards—quality over quantity.
The Power of Light
Elisheva is a multidisciplinary artist working across various mediums such as performance, video art, painting, and sculpture. Her work frequently delves into the exploration of femininity and the extraordinary potential of women’s “superpowers,” including nourishment, pregnancy, emotional containment, sexuality, intuition, mysticism, and the connection between women and nature. Her art is deeply rooted in research of ancient cultures, with a particular focus on Jewish traditions, often engaging with feminine rituals and symbolism.
Image by Noa Trombo
She aims to reintroduce forgotten rituals and communal practices into our modern, individualistic lives.
Hanukkah, celebrated during the winter as the days grow longer, serves as a time to bring light, warmth, and hope into the coldest season. This holiday is part of a broader tapestry of winter celebrations, like Christmas, whose pagan origins were adapted by Christianity to instill optimism during the year’s darkest days.
In her latest project, Elisheva created a unique experience over the eight days of Hanukkah, drawing inspiration from the Jewish tradition. At the center of Hanukkah is the menorah, a symbol of achieving the seemingly impossible. With its nine branches, the menorah is lit progressively over eight days, amplifying light, hope, and warmth among communities.
Elisheva’s project, Orah ("Her Light"), was performed over the eight nights of Hanukkah throughout the streets of Tel Aviv. Each evening, nine women walked through the city carrying lit torches, reflecting the number of candles burning on the menorah that day. This powerful visual symbolized the belief in women’s unique ability to bring life into the world, emphasizing their healing energies, and the power of light.
Make Your Own Damn Dinner!
Our souls (or so they say) chose to come to Earth, likely to face challenges—like those extra three kilos that tend to creep on during the colder season. But instead of worrying about them, The Standard Sister decided to embark on a hunt to understand the best nutrition to keep us warm in winter.
When we’re cold, blood flow is directed away from the skin to protect vital organs. Staying warm in winter is not just about comfort—it’s a way to support your immune system, improve circulation, and promote overall health. Eating the right foods will effects how our bodies manage these temperature changes. ne of the most effective ways to keep your body warm during winter is by eating seasonally. In ancient times, humans depended on seasonal produce to meet their nutritional needs. Winter vegetables, like root vegetables—sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash—as well as hearty greens like kale and cabbage, are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, providing the perfect balanced winter lunch to maintain body temperature and energy levels.
It's important to remember that when you eat what’s in season, not only do you benefit from the best nutrients for your body, but you also support the planet.
That said, Sam Bourn, a UK-based nutritionist with over 16 years of experience, has explored this topic and highlighted a few instant warmth-boosting foods: ginger, turmeric, chili, shallot, and garlic. These ingredients are known for their ability to raise the body’s internal temperature fast. Sam also explains the differences between Heating, Warming, Cooling, and Neutral foods. In winter, it’s not just about avoiding cooling foods altogether—it’s about balance. You can still enjoy cooling foods (like cucumber) but better to pair them with warming ingredients.
It’s not rocket science! The key is to cook with standard principles—and then use your imagination to make your own damn winter dinner.
