The Honor Roll
Summer Cold Edition. (Well that’s sexy.)
Summer Cold Edition. (Well that’s sexy.)
Last week’s RHONY opens with Bethenny heading out on the Mexico trip with a cold. I feel ya, girl. Something about going in + out of A/C. Every summer I get one. These are my favorite ways to deal, other than moaning and repeating “I have a cold” to anyone too slow to run away.
Supersoft “Blankie.” One of my favorite wedding gifts to receive was a super cozy, Baby Mo blanket. Now they’re available nowhere, and I’m can’t quite determine if there’s an ethical issue with the mohair or a trademark issue with Baby Mo or both. Luckily, there are these at Hudson Boston, which have that same lamby, mushy, wooly comfort.
Hot Ginger Water: I am constantly fighting the hydration battle. But this routine I actually got into and stuck with post-cold. (It came from a masseuse.) Cut some fresh ginger into about 5–10 coin sized pieces. Add them to a small pot of water, about 2 cups. Bring it to a boil and let it boil for 5 minutes. Pour into a cup and enjoy it like tea. The ginger really helps your throat. If you have any of this left over and it gets cold, add fizzy water and it’s like healthy homemade ginger ale.
Popsicles. So I’ve mentioned here before that I majorly fell for ScoopsnBites’ homemade kulfi pops. Soothing, cooling love on a stick. When your throat hurts, you’re cranky, or it’s just hot as Hades, sometimes a popsicle is all you want in the world. I’m thinking others agree, because I’ve noticed a pops’ proliferation on fancy menus. The latest to win me over: the 3-popsicle dessert (plated in a taco server) at ABC Cocina. The chocolate coconut is worth getting out of bed for.
Farmaesthetics Deep Lavender Rub and Vapour Bath Elixir. Did you know that the stuff you once used to battle the flu is full of toxins? I’ve done the research; you can read more about it on Follain. Look, if I’m going to be “bad” I’ll use that chip on cocktails and steaks, not waste it on Vicks Vapo’ Rub. Anyway, these work as well, if not better and are an actual enjoyable experience. Use the Deep Lavender Rub as you would Vicks — slather it on your chest and any other achy part. Use the Bath Elixir in a hot bath, or shake some on the shower floor and inhale the steam.
Cupping: Since Michael Phelps + Jennifer Aniston showed up publicly with circular back bruises, this ancient Chinese practice has been in the mainstream picture. (Today facial cupping and wet cupping — don’t google it — are upping the ante.) I’ve long used cupping at the end of acupuncture to treat my nerdy, non-athletic ailments: hunching over a computer for long hours and walking around all day with said computer plus a bunch of books. But, surprise, cupping wiped out my cold-related shoulder aches in just one session when no pain reliever made a dent.
Shelter Cat: What could make you feel better when you’re sick (or well), than a warm, cuddly kitty who sits on you like a hot water bottle but oh so much better. And what could be better than giving a loving home to said kitty? Also, the cat won’t sigh when you’re whining about your aches and pains again. (ed. note: No, I’m not equating a real live family member cat to say, popsicles. I just think it’s worth mentioning since Monkey + Eli Solomon have been instrumental in my own recovery and there are many cats out there in need of a home.)
Velvet: Why have so many of my friends still not seen this irresistible show, which takes place in a Madrid department store in the 50s? The third (last) season aired this winter, and sick time is the perfect time to dig into an easy, satisfying confection. (If you are too weak for subtitles, try Flaked, which recently dropped its second season.)
Ruffle Sweatshirt. Eventually, you have to go somewhere in a kind of semi-sick, mostly dragging state. You cannot take the blanket. (Though it crossed my mind.) Instead, you put on a cozy, mushy, ruffle sweatshirt. Like this or this. I realize these are insanely expensive, but I can personally attest to their softness, and with a little skill you can find them on eBay. Why bother? They’ll make you feel more human than going out in your s/o’s Michigan hoodie. And when you’re better they’ll look good with heels on date night.
p.s. Sick friend? Want to save some kitties? Hit the ❤ below and help a sister (or brother or feline) out.