On Saturday, we headed out to Cheadle Village to take in their local Maker’s Market and Victorian Christmas Market and then to the pub for a nice cosy drink in front of the fire at The Ashlea. When I got home that afternoon, I started to feel ill and then proceeded to spend the rest of the weekend, huddled under a blanket feeling pretty rotten with some kind of virus. Still feeling a little rubbish today, I decided to put together a little list of the things I was really craving – the stuff thatΒ just helped me to feel cosy while the wind whipped outdoors, huddled under my self-made nest.
Even if you haven’t been struck with a winter bug, these are kind of my go-to things to make me feel a little better when the grey skies feel like they are overtaking everything or the stress of Christmas becomes a bit too much. Sometimes we just need to remember to take care, pamper and be kind to ourselves. This season has a tendency to get a bit overwhelming and while I didn’t get to anything I’d planned for my weekend (finishing the decoration of the dining room, the weekly cleaning schedule, getting a few things wrapped, buying the last lot of Christmas presents – ack!), I think it’s always important to take a little time out to recharge the batteries.
So here are a few things I think are always nice to treat ourselves to when winter just becomes that bit too much for any of us…
Something Cold and Something Hot
At all times this weekend, I had a mug of something hot in front of me (I went through quite a bit of Peppermint Tea) as well as a bottle of water to keep hydrated. I reckon my recovery would have been even quicker had I had these beautiful Kate Spade New York Thermal Mug and Tumbler set from Rachel George! Okay, perhaps not but oh my god SO PRETTY.
A Faux Fur Throw
I have a gorgeous faux fur through I purchased at TK Maxx a few months ago and it never really left my body all weekend. Having something so gloriously soft against you just makes you feel that bit more comforted. This Luxurious Hand Made Faux Fur Throw and Cushion Gift Set* is just perfect in front of a cosy fire, no? I love the variation of colours here that really give it a luxurious look. Yum.
*denotes affiliate link
Cosy Pyjamas
Of course this isn’t a fashion blog or anything but you can not beat a soft set of PJ’s when you are feeling a bit bleh. I actually own 3 onesies and I have a drawer full of cosy lounge wear that I simply can not part with. Even though this isn’t interior-related in any way, I had to include them on my list and this image from Online Stylist just captures why perfectly.
Pets
I don’t know what it is, but if I have a purring kitty next to me when I’m not feeling myself, it helps me by like 1000%.
Netflix
I am not adverse to spending hours in front of the TV watching whatever crap catches my eye when I’m not feeling my best. I’ve been watching ABC’s Once Upon a Time recently which basically takes all of Disney’s fairytales and weaves them into a bizarre tale of good vs evil and where every character you’ve ever known as a kid is transformed into real life scenerios. I’ll be honest, the CGI is pretty awful, most of the acting is questionable (with the exception of Robert Carlyle as Rumpelstiltskin who makes a delicious villian) and the writing isn’t all that – and YET. I can’t stop myself watching it. Also, the costumes are pretty freaking amazing. (I’m only on Season 3 at the moment so no spoilers please.) Anyone else watching this series guilt-free like I am?
Bubble Baths
I know it’s a cliche but honestly, if someone wanted to run me a pink bubble bath, I would not say no. I can’t guarantee I’ll look as gorgeous as Kate Moss does in Tim Walker’s pictureΒ and there’s no way you’ll find me in heels when I’m sick, but hell, we can give it a go.
What do you do to make yourself feel better when you are sick?
Glad to hear that you’re feeling better now! I’ve just emerged from a 2-week cold (JOY!) and my self-prescription was honey, ginger, and lemon tea; being wrapped up in moss-knit blankets, and devouring books I’ve haven’t had the time to read. That faux-fur wrap looks so deliciously warm and comfy, at first glance I didn’t even realise it wasn’t real fur. x
Jasiminne: Posh, Broke, & Bored
Oh god 2 WEEKS?! That’s awful! :( I’m definitely feeling better now but I admit, it’s nice to have a little down time even if it’s forced upon you! xx
Hope you feel better soon. Those viruses suck big time!
Hiya kimberley, get better soon. Im really sad when i feel like that, yes i lay on the settee with my fur blanket with a mug of tea but i watch dvds of Murder She Wrote lol xxx
oh, dear. Feel better. I totally agree that self care is crucial. If I neglect my body for too long, it will let me know! Perhaps subtlely at first. But if I don’t listen, the message from my body will become louder and louder, until I pay attention. Brene Brown says something like..our bodies always remember and always win. Something like that. And for me, its so true. Especially the older I get.
So I invite you to snuggle those kitties, drink more tea, and binge watch your shows. :) All those chores, errands, etc will be there when you are totally well.
Oh no, sorry you’ve been feeling ill and hope you’re back to full wellness soon!
Once Upon a Time – oh my god, I love it! I was off ill for three days maybe last year or the year before (can’t remember quite when) and discovered it on Sky Box Sets – and watched the whole first series during those 3 days while I was lying pathetically on the sofa! I watched the second series later too, but I thought the third series got cancelled from whatever channel it was on over in the UK – so I’ve not seen it. Sounds like I should be able to get hold of it now, then, if you’re watching it! Oooh, I’ll be looking into that!
xx
Yes! I was sick over Thanksgiving! Gotta have my fav old patchwork quilt, cozy pj’s, cold water, a dark, well-ventilated, quiet room, my heating pad and clean sheets. Couldn’t even have turkey or watch the Macy’s parade, boo hoo!
Hope you’re feeling better but, I loved this post!
Hi! Came across your blog by chance yesterday and was amazed to see that you live in Cheadle Heath because so do I!
Going to have a good look around your site as I’m interiors crazy. Didn’t get the opportunity to visit the market on Saturday as had a previous arrangement in Manchester but will definitely put it in my diary for next year.
Oh my gosh, that’s so cool Yvonne! So nice that you found me! I’ll be honest, the markets were a nice way to spend a half hour or so but it didn’t blow me away – ha! I enjoyed the drinks in front of the fire more ;) xx
In case you haven’t seen, that jug you like from H&M is back in stock
Amen to Netflix and purring kitties when feeling ill or at any time for that matter. I watched once upon a time when it was on TV. It’s pretty good. I’m a total Netflix addict! It’s awful sometimes to be honest LOL.
Hope you are better by now.
Ughghg it really is rotten being sick! I hope you’re feeling right as rain now! Also, where the hell does that saying come from? What sick bastard thought rain was that great? Anyways, I hope you’re feeling better now! I had a weird couple of weeks thanks to 3 days of eating rotten food that, unbeknown to me, was full of gluten, so I spent the last few weeks coughing so much (my lungs get goopy thanks to gluten) and I developed a chest infection. Yay intolerances \o/
Glad to hear there was a bit of a silver lining with OUAT! I need to get on that shit, STAT. xxxxxx