On the thread of “things I’d ask my sisters about”: how do you make yourself more comfortable during life’s common ailments (a head cold, cramps, a stuffy nose)? I’m not intending this to be medical/prescription-oriented (go see your doctor! get the medicine you need!) but more like adjacent, ancillary things that make those routine unpleasantnesses a little easier to bear.
I’m embarrassed to say I’ve only discovered several of these comforts in my 30s and 40s — but (and this will come as no surprise) almost all of them gleaned from sisters and sister figures. Mainly, they stem from an ethos of taking care of my body as though it belongs to someone I love. This makes me so much more tender and nurturing toward myself when I’m feeling unwell!
Head cold — steam shower with Kate McLeod “Breathe” pebble, ointment like Aquaphor or Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream on nose and lips (also find it refreshing to spray this on my face — natural antibacterial, but also helps with redness/any sort of upset), sleep with head elevated (keeps things draining down!), Vicks on chest and soles of feet (my mom always did this for us and I find it very therapeutic — can’t tell if it’s just nostalgia/comfort or actually doing anything but I am committed), and wear socks on feet! Upgrade to the tissues with Aloe in them. Swaddle yourself in a favorite blanket and watch something soothing like “Downton Abbey” or both versions of Pride and Prejudice.
Cough — Keep hot chamomile tea with honey in a Yeti/insulated mug and a little dish of lozenges on the bedside table for when you need them; also: preemptively move to the guest bedroom. There is nothing worse than trying to suppress a coughing fit in the middle of the night so as not to wake your spouse! Just move upstairs so you can cough freely! I also swear by the Vicks nasal steamer if you have a lingering dry cough and you are about to go into a meeting or presentation. I actually had to record several podcasts while getting over a bad cough and this was my saving grace. Jennifer Cash (who interviewed me on her podcast!) recommended it to me and I’m so grateful to her for it.
Stuffy nose / stuffy sinuses — Steam shower, Vicks nasal steamer, Therabody wand on the warm setting (feels divine!). I also really like cooling undereye patches, preferably taken right out of the freezer. My two favorites for this are Summer Fridays (have an inherently cool feeling to them) and these Patchology ones, which you’re meant to keep in the freezer. The latter are currently on sale. I just ordered a pack to stow in the freezer for when the inevitable hits.
Upset stomach — Ginger ale, saltines (specifically the Premium brand mini size ones — I am never without a box of these and a back-up, too; I also always travel with a baggy of them). My mom taught me to follow the BART diet when sick to my stomach: stick to bananas, apples, rice, and toast, as none of these items will exacerbate/upset the stomach. More generally, listen carefully to your body. If you can’t imagine eating, don’t force yourself! If you’re hungry, eat something! I feel like there is a myth about “starving” vs “feeding” certain ailments and I couldn’t disagree more. I say listen to what your body is cuing.
Fever/chills — Wear layers to bed, have fresh pairs of clothing close by to change into (in case you sweat through!). Wear soft pajamas (I call these my “recovery pajamas” because they have seen me through many a tough day — they barely touch the body and are super soft and swingy). Sip lemon-lime Gatorade. For some reason, in my personal lexicon, orange Gatorade is for sports; fruit punch is for fun; lemon-lime is medicinal. Do you agree? When you have the chills, bring a hot water bottle or an electric blanket into bed with you. Socks!
Cramps — Electric blanket or hot water bottle. Loose clothes. Move slowly.
UTI — I got nothing. These are horrible. Who does?!
Yeast infection — Geez, I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy. Wear loose (preferably breathable, cotton) clothing, do not under any circumstances try Monistat 1 (this should honestly be banned — ask your doctor of course, but if my sisters were asking me, I’d tell them to go with a 3 or 7; the 1 is 10x worse than the baseline symptom), change undergarments frequently, use a blow dryer on the cool air setting to dry the area after a shower.
General malaise — change your bed linens, open your windows. Take a hot shower or bath, drink a clever cup of peppermint tea, go to bed early!
What other recs and comforts do you have?
Post-Scripts.
+Reassurances for rainy days.
+The care of sisters. What would we do without them?
Shopping Break.
+Just found a GREAT look for less for my spendy Suzie Kondi set: sweatshirt here, bottoms here. (Compare with Suzie here.)
+These perfect holiday pants we’ve been loving are now 25% off! I’m obsessed with them in the spiced berry. Also love this chocolate herringbone jacket — also 25% off — with those on-trend frog closures. I’m really enjoying how HHH is reimagining itself in its post-nap-dress era. A lot of great separates out right now!
+I have been HUNTING for a good discount on Irene Forte’s viral night cream, and they just gave us early access to their Black Friday deal with code EARLYACCESS. I love this stuff so much. It contains Myoxinol, an ingredient derived from Hibiscus seeds that has been referred to as “nature’s Botox.” It really helps with fine lines / firmness and also reduces redness in the skin. You wake up with really soft, happy skin. (I am also in a longtime committed relationship with this toner spray — I’m addicted! I apply right after cleansing skin in AM and PM, as a midday refresh, to set/soften makeup, etc!)
+A great everyday pair of jeans with a lot more stretch if you aren’t sure about the Lalas I’ve been going on and on about. I take my larger size in the Frames. The other piece I’m obsessed with at Frame: this brass-button cardigan. I’ve never seen anything like it! She’s 1 of 1.
+My favorite cold weather / cozy / sherpa boots. This is the exact color and style I have. I went up one size to accommodate thick winter socks and am happy I did.
+Updated my Shopbop hearts to reflect fab new seasonal arrivals! This week’s gems include this paisley maxi dress (belt and throw on suede boots for a fab Thanksgiving look), this fringed cashmere sweater, and this chartreuse clutch.
+This gorgeous turquoise station necklace is 30% off. LOVE her for a layered everyday look. Also obsessed with these crescent moon studs, also 30% off!
+Convinced that this mini pillow I just ordered will be added to my roster of sick day must haves based on the widespread LOVE it seems to garner from everyone I’ve asked.
+Nancy Meyers vibes, especially with a brass task lamp next to it.
+Another great early BFCM skincare sale happening at Barefaced. I love their toning pads (conveniently come in travel packs too) and this 10-in-1 serum, which I’ve been using since I kicked my last bottle of Vintner’s Daughter. Does everything! Mainly has been very glow-boosting for me.
+Gorgeous red or ivory wool bomber. Stunning. Veronica Beard vibes.
+CUTE $15 holiday jammies for littles, especially in the dog or holiday trellis motifs.
+Every year, Landon begs me to buy an artificial tree. I think I might finally give in. They make so much more sense (and less mess, waste, etc). I really like this style and am closing in on ordering. I also have two of these in my cart to keep in planters by our fireplace.
+Ballard has released some truly chic and unusal storage/bookcase options. Love this jewelry armoire and this bookshelf with the built-in library lighting.
+Fun fall paisley tote (under $150) for carrying all your mom stuff around!
+Currently shopping for new ski gear for my daughter, and this sweet floral ski jacket is at the top of my list!
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