Stylish, beautiful, or not at all - things go make January and February more bearable!

[Judystilldreamsofhorses]

It’s cold, it’s dark, and let’s not even talk about the C-word. Last night I was thinking about what would make the next few weeks/couple of months more bearable. Any thoughts?

So far I have:

Ordered some lovely cosy cashmere-blend socks from Etsy for cold working from home feet

Bought a couple of nice candles in the White Company sale which I am not saving

De-cluttered a bit, and got rid of things which were tired/shabby

Booked a couple of lunches out for the next few weeks

Tried to drink more water (a glass every time I boil the kettle), using face masks, making time for nice baths with the Molton Brown haul I got for Christmas

I’ve dithered about ordering a veg box but the “preview” sections tend to show things that one of us is not keen on or not able to eat. I’d like to try and cook one new recipe each week.

It’s not style and beauty I’m afraid - but I rediscovered adult Lego just over a year ago and bought myself this big project to get through that flat January feeling
www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/toys/lego-and-bricks/lego-exclusives-and-hard-to-find/lego-10255-creator-expert-assembly-square-set-for-adults/p/166500?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=surfaces_across_google&gclid=Cj0KCQiAw9qOBhC-ARIsAG-rdn51bsCLQE1ZP-_2Z7_0vut3ZnrltqkVTbCRDkU8XVd1EVBWbz_QTyMaAosYEALw_wcB

Ah, that looks great! I think I need some sort of “project”. Tbh I wasn’t necessarily looking for style and beauty suggestions, I am just too scared to post in AIBU and this is my natural habitat so I thought it was as good a place as any.

@JaceLancs that's fab! In a similar vein I bought myself a Lego set too. Mine's the Lego Flowers one, not as spectacular as yours but hopefully fun to do. I had to buy it myself after Christmas as silly DH didn't believe I really wanted it.

On the style and beauty front, I'm going to be trying out a new perfume every day. I've bought a few sample sets as well as full bottles recently so I've plenty to try. Today's is Chanel Cristalle, which so far I really like.

Oh, and I got a lipstick set from Mac, so I'll be trying those out too to cheer me up.

I’m currently wearing my new heated throw a lot - not sure that counts as stylish but I am warm! Following for more inspiration and ideas as I hate January

What I enjoy about January is that it's a fresh, untouched year - a time for new possibilities. And I like it that there are no hyped up expectations like there are of Christmas and New Year, and that instead I can hunker down with a good book or the TV and make plans.

It's the end of the year when I'm forced to admit I've still not read Middlemarch / written that novel / learned how to line that coat, and that instead I'm a year closer to the grave that I find depressing.

@JaceLancs Please post photos when its done - that is my dream set but we just have no where to put it.

I did get this one as a birthday present but haven't opened it yet. www.lego.com/en-ie/product/winnie-the-pooh-21326

@DramaAlpaca I have a whole tin of perfume samples. I will maybe join you in that.

@Magicmagician I love my heated throw with my whole heart. So does our cat so we are frequently in a stand off over it.

@Floisme I know what you mean - I just feel like all the uncertainty makes it hard to look forward.

I’ve just remembered something else - I reinstated my Bloom and Wild subscription, and bought two pots of hyacinth bulbs from M&S.

Ooh @magicmagician which throw do you have? Would you recommend?

I’m avoiding all things like dry January and am instead going for moderation and enjoyment - so I might have one lovely cocktail but not three beers. Or I won’t have a takeaway but I will buy steak for dinner.

I have so many perfume samples - I think I’ll borrow an idea from here and wear a new one every day. It’ll remind me what they all smelt like and I can see if my tastes have changed.

@JaceLancs I got my dh the home alone house for Christmas! He’s working on it with the kids and nearly done now. Lego is so great. I love your set.

I’m trying to do everything I can to feel better about January too! I’m not drinking at all during the week (maybe weekends too, but I’ll see how I feel!), I already feel so much better about myself.

Work has been more than awful since I went back after Christmas due to Covid, plus I am now full time for the first time in 10 years so I am really trying to find ways to stay positive.
I went for my first run for months this evening and as soon as I have finished all evening chores I have been having a lovely hot bath with ylang ylang bath oil and reading the new Richard Osman book with a scented candle lit.
Just trying to get a little time to myself everyday if I can. Drinking more water and no alcohol during the week.
I would really love to get myself a luxurious blanket to snuggle on the sofa in, some soft cosy new pyjamas and maybe treat myself to some nice new make-up.

Some lovely ideas here.
I have to get as much fresh air as possible,I try to average 7 miles a day ,some days that is indoor as I am a nurse so cover a lot of ground!
I’m trying to read a book a week and keeping a reading diary to chart my progress.
Haven’t been to the gym since last Dec lockdown so I have drawn up,a schedule of home workouts from you tube and Instagram and I am aiming to do at least 3 or 4 a week.
Clothes wise I want to wear as much of the winter stuff that I have as possible without buying more...will wait for spring stock!

Ooh @DramaAlpaca I just finished the Lego flowers today. Also bought it for myself as DH didn’t! I’m very pleased with it and it is now on the mantelpiece

@OtherPlans it’s the dreamland one in large - it’s honestly wonderful, it’s changed wfh completely for me from being painfully cold to being really quite nice and it’s also great on the sofa, all warm and cosy. It’s the perfect level of warmth - like a big hug. @Judystilldreamsofhorses sadly no cat here but my dd is also a fan so sometimes I don’t get a look in!

@NotquitewhatImeant great minds

Am tempted by the Lego! I’ve been using my Diptyque bath oil, normally saved for special occasions and taking time to really get into my skincare and bodycare like you with candles and a podcast on.

But to be completely honest, I’m shopping bought a new jumper today and a new audiobook yesterday.

That’s the one I have, @Magicmagician

Oh that’s a very cute proprietorial cat right there @Judystilldreamsofhorses!

Another one typing from underneath a heated throw, it’s a game changer. Other things getting me through:

• my soup maker for easy and delicious home working lunches
• Aromatherapy Associates diffuser to make the house smell amazing
• cosy sales purchases including new hat and coat
• a daylight alarm clock which makes 6am get ups much more bearable
• skin masks for dehydrated winter skin
• not stopping the food treats under after DS’s birthday next weekend, chocolate really helps

Not S&B but we're in the middle of birthday season until it slows down in March .We also have a new granddaughter due very soon

Love your username OP! I’ve not really managed to perk myself up but liking these tips. I have a retreat booked in a couple of weeks so looking forward to that.

I really need a matching cat! So pretty. Is this the throw? www.argos.co.uk/product/7074572

My throw has grey on one side and faux furry stuff on the other. Cat not included @OtherPlans

How lovely to have a new baby on the way, @GettingStuffed ❤️

I’m really glad I started this thread, such nice ideas.

www.lakeland.co.uk/63623/Lakeland-Sherpa-Electric-Heated-Throw-Dark-Peacock-Blue

I think mine is more like this one. The furry side is really cosy.

I got some gorgeous Cyberjammies pjs in the sale this week. And some fab bargains in the Aromatherapy Associates sale too. For me nice pjs, beauty things and good books are the best treats for January along with good walks and fresh air. I am doing dry January but don’t mind at all, this is the month to snuggle down and take care of ourselves. I do like comfort food at this time of year, hearty food and puddings! I think I’m intrigued by heated blankets and need one in my life though!