A Working Girl's Guide to Not Looking Like Shit: Josie Maran Argan Oil

via Sephora

Sometimes the key to looking good is all about getting to a point where you don’t feel the need to wear as much makeup. Isn’t that the end goal anyways? Nobody wants to keep up the “zit spackling routine” they developed in high school, and since we’re evolving our habits should too, right?

 So apart from the obvious requirements of actually washing your face before bed and taking your iron supplements, you can add one more non-committal step to your daily routine: Josie Maran Argan Oil. Beauty oil has been the talk of the town for some time now, and the cool thing about it is you can use the product literally anywhere you want. Why the eff have we been buying lotion SPECIFICALLY for our face when we could’ve been buying oil and putting it EVERYWHERE. Your face! Your nails! Your hair! Argan oil’s multi-purpose applications are truly a dream. I’ve also started to notice a big difference in how I look sans make-up, way more fresh faced in the mornings, which means I can take it easy on the foundation. Once applied, argan oil doesn't feel greasy in the least bit. It's actually known for it's anti-aging properties. If you need more proof, just look at Josie Maran's face (HANDSOME!).

Of course, the only issue here is price. A small .5 oz bottle will come up to $14, which is fine because you are just trying it out, and you’re too young to commit. Unfortunately, if you find yourself falling in love with the product and want to bulk barn it, going up a scale in size to the 1.7 oz comes up to $48. Major bleh, but thank goodness for Sephora travel size samples.

By Navi Lamba

Did you miss Navi's last Working Girl's Guide? Do not fear—you can read it here.

Weekly Perks version 5.0

via 

Just Tell Me That You Want Me is a collection of Fleetwood Mac covers. It officially comes out August 14, but seeing as the internet scoffs at release dates, they're streaming songs at their site. You should listen to the Lykke Li one at the very least, but the New Pornos, Best Coast, MGMT, Karen Elson and The Kills are among the other contributors, so play around. -- Amanda

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It's nice to remember sometimes that in a world full of young people who love to go out and party, there are some (like us) who are just as content to stay home with a good friend, a beer, and a movie. I used to feel so inadequate, but in the past few years I've made peace with the fact that people are into different things. I love reading about people I respect and admire who have felt similarly. And as it turns out (though I feel like I kind of knew this about her already). This blog post, whose author feels really strongly adverse to social events, also recommends a great Charlie Kaufmann speech. -- Laura Kathleen

via

One of the many things I would do if I had a few more hours in the day is spend more time preparing stuff that I love to eat and drink. And as great as a cold beer is in the summer, I'd love to make fancy drinks that look good and taste even better. One of my fave blogs, Sweet Potato Chronicles, has recipes for simple syrups that you can basically customize to make any flavour you want. Orange peel and rosemary syrup for a cocktail? Cilantro and mint? The opportunities and endless, and they're calling me. --Laura Kathleen

via

If you are ever bored online ever again, you can refer to The Electric Typewriter's list of 150 Essential Articles and Essays. You've likely read a handful of these already (has any female who has ever dreamed of being a writer not read Didion's On Keeping a Notebook?) but they all look like the amazing 20-minute reads that'll bowl you over. I hope I'm not the only one who see's the list and is like "GAME ON. Summer goal." --Laura Kathleen

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I watched three amazing films while I was home sick last Thursday and Friday: Sunset Boulevard, The Last Days of Disco, and Mildred Pierce. All amazing, and all highly recommended. Click on the movie names to check out the trailers. -- Laura Kathleen

Review: July 2012 Glymm Box

While Amanda has been doing Luxe box reviews forever now, I was never that impressed with them; for a while now I've been looking to try a different kind of monthly sample box. I heard really great things about Glymm from the owner of beauty line who has worked with them and said that they really had their shit together. And after looking at the Glymm site (which is awesome (a magazine, a blog, and a place where you can actually shop for the products you love) and what they are doing on social media (engaging and listening, not just pushing out content) I decided on my next candidate.

Glymm is $12 a month and gets shipped around mid month.

The packaging might not be as pretty as the little black Luxe Box, but it's what on the inside that counts.

The little orange nylon bag is perfect for people like me who hoard little makeup bags. 

And here are the goods. Quite a nice little package.

First up we got a little pot of exfoliator from Dirt. It smells amazing and is best used on your face. It's got a really grainy texture, and when you rinse it off it leaves a nice layer of moisture that you have to wash off. It left my skin feeling insanely soft, not greasy at all, and I'm still feeling the effects a few days later. This was definitely my fave product of the bunch.

I am under the belief that a lot of hair creams do exactly the same thing, and if it's doing that thing right, it'll keep your hair healthy, untangly, and somewhat shiny. I use all these creams and oils somewhat interchangeably and don't notice much of a difference—but I prefer products like this that you rinse out in the shower. 

I was super sceptical when I saw that this hair perfume was vanilla scented (though 14-year-old me would have been psyched). I'm not much of a scent person to begin with, and a scent for your hair seems totally unnecessary. But I wanted to try it before I knocked it, and when I was walking home after a 9-hour day and my subtly sweet-smelling hair blew in my face, I was surprised in a really nice way. It was like a stop and smell the flowers moment. Would I ever buy this product? No. But I'll definitely use this little spray vial, especially before the summer's out.

I know Cyber Derm by reputation. They focus on a "new kind of moisture formula" with more medically safe and cosmetically trendy ingredients. They focus on different skin needs of their customers—this sample came with a hydrating sunscreen and a PM anti-age. This stuff is scentless and doesn't leave any kind of residue. It's a but unclear that this stuff is moisturizer and not sunscreen—honestly, it would have felt like the best sunscreen ever—which makes me curious and want to try more of Cyber Derm's stuff. Some reviews I've read are pretty negative about the packaging, but I think it's hilarious and it helps the product to stand out.

And lastly, a coupon for 25% nail polish on the website. I'm assuming it's a one-time thing, but seeing as they offer Butter and RGB, I'm pretty into it. 

You can read more about all the products on their website. 

If you like what you see and want to try out a Glymm box, please use my referral link HERE to sign up.

You can check out all these pins and more on my 

A Working Girl's Guide to Not Looking Like Shit: Caudalie Beauty Elixir

 Hey all! This is our first guest post by our first honorary Burgundy Girl. Navi is amazing (you can read some more of her beauty writing here) and you'll be seeing her 'round these parts a lot more in the future.

via Nordstom

There’s something insidious about getting ready to work an 8 hour day; you know that once you walk in to your place of business the makeup you started the day with will most probably disappear within the next couple of hours. No thanks to a phenomenon I like to refer to as “computer face” – it’s essentially the result of sitting in front of a glowing box straining to see the humour in cat gifs, as your concealer melts off your face. The face melt thing also has nothing to do with the fact that you’ve been listening to Slayer all afternoon.

Ladies, I have something that can help fight this. It’s a beauty elixir by Caudalie – it’s a 2-in-1 toner/elixir mega combo. I like to spray it on in the morning as a toner, and then keep it with me and spritz throughout the day. A small bottle from Sephora comes up to $18 (before taxes), and will last you a good 2 months (that is, if you don’t develop an addiction to spraying your face in public spaces, in which case I’d bank a month).

How to Move Without Going Crazy

via HomageNews

Moving—even the word strikes me with that familiar crippling fear of change and uprooting. And yet I have moved (on average) once a year for the past five years. I have picked up all of my belongings (usually with the help of a boyfriend, brother, and strong male friend) and put them in a new apartment, house, or building. Each time I think that it'll be a while before I have to do it again. But, you see, I've got wandering eyes when it comes to the apartment market. There are so many possibilities in what is out there—new neighbourhoods beckon, cheaper rent would save me so much money, and a backyard or balcony would be oooooh so nice. And yet there are so many risks involved with getting a new place—at least there are if you are as comfort-driven and neurotic as me. 

I've just settled into a new place. I've now had three sleeps in a new apartment and my stomach is finally unknotting itself and I'm starting to relax into the idea that I won't hate it here. Isn't that a terrible thing to think? But moving is scary and can be very stressful—you don't know how you are going to feel about a place that you've signed a lease for until you sleep in the place for at least one night. 

via Ponita

Some of the biggest stresses about a new apartment are things that you have very little control over where you're going to be until you're past the point of getting out of it. That being said, you can increase your chances of finding a good place by doing some research and by knowing exactly what's important to you. Need lots of natural light? Don't care about access to an outdoor space? Know these things before you look. Here's what I've learned (through much trial and error) is important to me.

1. Neighbourhood, and proximity to life


I'm now living definitely off the beaten track, and I think I'm okay with that. It's not in the middle of nowhere, and it's really close by to some of the coolest people I know, but it's not downtown. I look out the window and I can see the buildings of the city and I think I am in the middle of nowhere but I know that really I'm not. I'm not even as far as the Junction, and lots of people live there! I'm takings walks around the neighbourhood to get to know the place a little bit, and feeling kind of proud that I'm not basing where I want to live on where is popular with other people but where there is reasonably priced rent, a bigger apartment than I'm used to, and lots of interesting things to discover.

2. Noise

The apartment I just moved out of was the first floor of an old house that was connected to the houses on either side. The floors, walls, and ceilings were so thin that I could hear everyone around me at all times—I could hear their conversations, and feel the bass in their music. It really sucked. My new building was made for lots of people to live in, and the noise is so much less of an issue. I still worry that my neighbours can hear my late-night movie watching or 24/7 Patsy Cline records, but since I can't really hear them I'm realizing that it's not going to be an issue.

3. Landlords


I've been pretty lucky when it comes to landlords, but I've heard some real horror stories. Having a good landlord is really important, when you get a leaky ceiling, a broken fridge, or bedbugs (which we will all have gotten soon, if we haven't already) you need someone that's going to be on your side and help you out. A Google search is usually all it takes to unearth the really bad ones, but if you have a good landlord it's kind of invaluable.

4. Windows


It's been about three years since I've been able to lay in bed and look out the window, and I'm totally obsessed (in fact, that's what I'm doing right now). I love that I can see the sky, the CN tower, birds, a giant sign for the Brick, a couple billboards, and the backs of lots of houses. I have window sills that I can sit on and look dreamily out of and watch trains go by. I'm only on the third floor but I can see the city. It's very cool.

5. The perfect place for the cat's litter box.

A good little nook or cranny to stick that stinky box is so important—you don't want it just sitting in the middle your living room or bathroom. Find the perfect space for your cat to shit and you might just find your dream apartment.

Our Seven Deadly Sins of Beauty

We had a really fun weekend around these parts! There was a big swap at my house, complete with brunch foods and baked goods and mimosas and heaps of clothing – plus the best company ever to comb through it all. Everyone got new-old items they love (which you'll see tomorrow!) and Laura and I got some chill hangout time, which was pretty wonderful and never seems to happen enough.

Plus, we got mimosa-saucy and made a video! It's the Seven Deadly Sins Beauty Tag that's been going around Youtube, a series of questions based on the deadly sins, but about your favourite beauty products instead. So if you've ever wondered what it was like to hang out and talk beauty products with us, here's a taste.

Notes:

– The perfume Laura couldn't remember the name of is Bottega Veneta, which is a "leathery floral chypre" that sounds amazing. (Remind me to sniff you the next time we hang out, Laura!)

– I didn't really go into the details of Amaze Gel, but it's a gritless exfoliating gel that works magic on very sensitive skin. Seriously – you rub it in, and dry skin just beads off and your skin is instantly more supple. I can't recommend it highly enough – it's definitely worth the price, plus it's Canadian! You can find out more and order it online here.

Thrifting in Detroit

As you already know, I LOVE my Michigan shopping, especially when you can spend the afternoon in a handful of second-hand shops and flea markets and emerge with everything your heart desired for under $10. EXCEPT, one thing I had to leave behind was a piece that I know I've seen before but I barely have words to describe. Anyone who can help me with this gets 5 points. Picture like a balaclava but with the whole face uncovered, and a circle of faux fur around the top. I tried looking it up online but I'm having no luck, especially because I'm searching for a fashion balaclava with fur. Any recommendations? The closest thing I can find is this, but it was nicer, I swear.

via the loveship

On to my real finds, I got some great printed pants, and an anorak/rain jacket very similar to the one that I gave away last year.

These are so so soft, highwaisted, and less shapeless when I'm wearing them.

These are just like DUNGAREES! Workin' pants, you know? 

A little baggier, these pants have the most gorgeous print. 

Here's the print. 

I feel like I'd buy anything Misty Harbor. I love the plaid on the inside. 

And I also scored this beauty from Target, after falling in love with it online.

Also comes with a belt so it doesn't just look like a chic pillowcase. 

You know what else I got? This:

First time somoa eater here! They were caramelly and coconutty and delicious. They were everything.

And this:

Which is wonderful and never loses its flavour. All together it was a very successful trip south of the border.

What I've Been Watching Lately

The X-Files

via static age

I know I've talked about my love for this show before, but I won't be happy until everyone I know is watching it and loves it as much as I do. I will watch this show forever and for always, even though it makes me distrust weird-looking people on the street and gives me nightmares. The show is a perfect mix between one-off monster stories and episodes that advance the plot in a mind-blowing way. It also makes me worry that I will never experience love as deeply as Mulder and Scully feel for each other, but that's a whole different story. I'm on the seventh season (of nine) and I plan on starting it from the beginning once I'm done. Or maybe I'll just re-evaluate my life and, y'know, go outside.

Bell Book and Candle

via somebody stole my thunder

This romcom stars Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novack and is about witches and the men who love them. Well kind of. It's set in New York in the winter and has a really young Jack Lemon as the cutest damn warlock/jazz musician I've ever seen. They frequent this bar called the Zodiac, which I'm dying to find recreated somewhere, that's underground and dark and secret and filled with music and witches with magical powers. Novack is a witch with a heart of gold, and looks every inch as beautiful as she did in Vertigo.

Picnic at Hanging Rock

via flickering myth

I read about this movie on Fieldguided, and since I take everything she says as the gospel truth—what? I think our tastes are very similar—I watched it, enthralled. This movie is beautiful, dreamy, and mysterious. The story reminds me of my favourite Margaret Atwood short story "Death By Landscape," which is what originally drew me to it—there is something scary and romantic about the wilderness, whether it's Canadian or Australian, and there is an innate fear that the elements are overpowering. It takes place in 1900 on Valentine's Day, and is a perfect girls night pick.The hazy-look of each scene was apparently from a bridal veil cast over the lens, which only adds to the feminine mystique of the film.

Revenge

via thoughts and musings

Something I copyedited yesterday made reference to this TV show, and I decided to watch the pilot—before I knew it I had finished 6 episodes and I'm dying to see more. I should clarify, though, that I don't necessarily think this show is good. If someone I didn't like was openly watching this show I would judge them. But I have fallen into the story without meaning to—it's so juicy! And since you know from the beginning that main character Emily is out to destroy everyone in her circle of the Hampton's, there really isn't a guessing game to what is going to happen. YOU KNOW. It kind of reminds me of The OC (my only other view into this kind of super-rich life) but all grown up. Totally silly and unrealistic and embarrassing, but I love it.


What have you been watching lately? Any recommendations?

The New Inquiry

TNI has been killing it lately, with the addition of a new team of bloggers that clog up my Google Reader and make it harder for me to read about NYFW recaps. They're putting out such interesting, thought-provoking articles that I haven't looked at pictures of cats in days! (Just kidding.) My favourite of the bloggers is Autumn Whitefield-Madrano, who writes the TNI blog called The Beheld, which "examines the concepts of beauty and personal appearance." I think this girl and I may be kindred spirits. She has also worked as a fashion copyeditor (my specialty of choice) and is interested in the feminine appearance, its history, its theories, and how it can be exploited—all in a way that draws you in and keeps you hooked. And this is coming from a girl who couldn't get 20 pages in to The Beauty Myth. Also, I don't think it's a coincidence that I was listening to this song when I stumbled upon her writing.

So seriously, do yourselves a favour and check out The Beheld.

My Criterion Top 5

On the advice of Amanda's beau, which he suggested after reading our post on the Criterion's Top 10s, I put together a list of my Top 5 Criterion films. (I started with 10, but then I got really, really exhausted). While I was putting this list together, I learned several things. And I'm sure Amanda will agree.

1. I have seen an embarrassingly low number of these films. Because of this, many of my choices are films that I love, yes, but are probably on the list because I haven't seen other, better films. Does that make my list irrelevant? I think... not.

2. There are so many incredible films that aren't on this list. Almodovar's oeuvre, for example, was nowhere to be seen. And no Dario Argento? The collection, which started in '84, prides itself on gathering the greatest films from around the world. And since this is the case, even though I am a supporter of what they do (which is help keep these films appreciated and pristine—you can read more about it here), I think that they've still got a long way to go. But I couldn't exactly just make a list of my 10 favourite films, could I? I needed some kind of definable list from which to choose.

I'm going to stop excusing myself now and give you my Top 5 (sorry) Criterion films:


1. Charade

I keep coming back to this film time and time again, because it has everything. Romance, comedy, action, suspense, great fashion, Cary Grant, and that AHA! moment when you finally figure it all out (and then smugly think that you figured it out before anyone else). What more do you need? It has my favourite line from any movie ever ("How do you shave in there?") and is probably the reason why I trusted men who lied to me for so long. (So what if she doesn't know his name? It's still true love!) The trailer, narrated by Grant, is a treat in itself.

2. Jules et Jim

via khalatnost

Sigh. I haven't seen this movie in years but it still fills me with this feeling of the romantic idea that you can be happy in love with more than one person and you can all be friends and love each other. Very Bohemian, non? It's about a love triangle between Jules et Jim et Catherine, and runs the gamut of emotions. It's also, at times, really playful and fun. Like this scene, the absolute best:





3. Three Colors: Red

via Criterion

If you haven't seen a Kieslowski film, do yourself a favour, go out and see one now. And preferably this one—I think it's the most accessible, which is maybe why I like it the best. All the Colors films are great, especially when you watch them in succession (with this one last). I love seeing the ways in which the colours are used. This film is about a fashion model and her strange friendship with an old peeping tom weirdo, showing that an impossible fraternity can exist between seemingly opposite people. It was also Kieslowski's last film.

4. 3 Women

via feelslikewhitelightening

Shelley and Sissy! I already love it. This film is the inspiration for so many fashion spreads, I can't even tell you. It's set in a dusty California resort town, and is totally dreamy. It switched from straight forward to surreal, and it's nice to see Spacek play a role other than Carrie. As a woman, I don't see how you could not like this film.

5. Winter Light

via flickr

This film is the epitome of a Bergman film. It's stark, dismal, and incredibly Swedish. A pastor of a small, rural church is looked to for guidance but is struggling with his own faith. If the fear of nuclear annihilation were not present, this film could easily take place 50 years in the past, and I love that about Bergman films—they don't belong to one time only. This is the second film in a trilogy (though the only one I've seen) about religious faith and doubts, which when done right can be so relatable and compelling. The role of the school teacher mistress is essential for my enjoyment of the film—it's her unwavering devotion to the pastor that stands in for the religious devotion that the pastor lacks. And, NBD, Bergman once said that he never really knew himself until after he made this movie. So there.


So, have I inspired you to watch any of these films? Amanda, I'm tagging you in, girl. You're up next.

vive magazine issue 4.1

I'm going to have to toot my own horn today because I'm feeling pretty proud of myself: the digital version of vive is now online. The mag looks even better in print, but if you missed our launch party, don't live in Toronto, or are an online-only mag sort of girl, then you are now in luck. 

READ IT HERE!

All I'm allowed to share with you here are teasers of the two major shoots that we did, the first by Dan Epstein and the second by Alan Poon:

So much hard work went into this mag, from the editors on the masthead to the photographers, writers, stylists, models, copyeditors, everyone—not to mention the bake sale buyers and party goers who helped us raise the money to print this baby. It was not easy, nor did I expect it to be. But the experience of putting this mag together with so many talented people has been invaluable and a lot of fun. We've already started on the next issue, due out in the spring.

vive has a very similar look and aesthetic to what we do here on Burgundy Girls, so if you love us (or love our blog) then you'll enjoy the mag as well. And, if you zoom in just enough, you'll see an article written by Amanda! (And seriously, it's a good one.) We'll soon post a list of the shops and cafes in Toronto where you can find vive, so check back on the blog if you want to get your hands on an issue!

We are always looking for new contributors—writers, photographers, illustrators, bloggers, etc., so please get in touch at sayhi@vivemagazine.ca if you are interested.

Oh, and one more thing. I love working for a print magazine, but the digital version is very special to me, because—let's be real—it will be able to spread faster, be seen by more people, and generally be able to go further than print can. This year, we will be releasing an online-only version or two, and I'm excited to take advantage of the digital platform and push the envelope a bit.

Tapped Out

Feeling a little bummed, a little burnt out, bros. I've been pretty slammed getting my career on lately, but that hasn't left much time for the rejuvenation of my soul, you know? I've been feeling under the weather today, went to the chiropractor and got a wee bit pummeled, and then had to slog home through winter slush, which has finally reared its ugly head. To top it all off, I was planning on reviewing my January Luxe Box for you, but it has yet to arrive. It's in shipping purgatory. No, I'm not kidding.

#canadapostfail

It was at my damn house! They could have left it and they didn't! They even took the time to come back and take the notice card! And now its shipping status is unchanged, and it is back in Mississauga. We just haven't had much luck lately, Luxe Boxes and me.

Anyway, it was the icing to a day that felt altogether too long. So I did the only thing I could do.

I put on my Chainsaw Face t-shirt.

(Oh, you ask, what is Chainsaw Face? Just an easy two minutes that never fails to make me smile.)

Then I pretended I was someplace warm and sunny (which obviously requires mood music).

And I tried to become one with nature.

It's WORKING!

Then I cuddled with this little sausage.

And somehow, everything seemed a lot less awful.

The Criterion Collection's Top 10s

I watch a lot of movies; I collect them and absorb them and I take in their messages—a really good movie will make me feel like I understand the world a bit better. I have an ongoing list of films that have either come from recommendations or passing mentions, and the more films I have on that list the more I feel I have to look forward to. Is that kinda sad?

Well here's something even more sad: I regularly troll the Criterion website, a site I think can teach you a lot about the literary Cannon—or, at the very least, will send me scribbling down names of directors and films. They have many top 10s, from directors and film lovers, and the lists are kind of confessional. In the case of directors, you can see where they draw their inspiration—would you be surprised if I told you that Brunel and Wes Anderson are on almost all of these lists?—and in the best cases you can be introduced to a kind of film that you never even know existed.

Sometimes I'm like... "Seriously? Chungking Express? Tell me something I didn't already know." But sometimes I will stumble upon gems.  Let me give you a little preview of the goodness.

First up is the top 4 Criterion pics of Anthony Bourdain:

via Criterion

 How can you read those blurbs and not want to watch the film?

Here are the top 3 of Mike Allerd. Seriously, I will watch anything on his list. Anyone who loves Charade as much as I do must be my kindred spirit.

Check 'em all out for yourself! You never know what goodies you'll find. 

Winter Cold Remedies, the Second

This title is a little misleading, as I am not actually sick. No, not yet, I'm not in full-blown recovery mode like Laura, but I feel it coming. I feel that dull ache starting in my forehead. I feel those chills digging into my bones a little deeper than they normally do. And I am fighting it with all I have before the sickness actually takes root (especially considering I no longer have sick days, eep). That means canceling plans to get to bed early, bundling up, eating healthy and stocking up on my essentials below. If indeed I AM getting sick, I want to be prepared to kick its mucousy ass quick.


Things to Put In My Body
Chewable Vitamin C
I am popping this shit like candy right now. You can't OD on it, so I take some whenever I think of it. I'm really digging the blueberry flavour right now, but orange is a solid choice. And actually, remember to take your daily multivitamin too – I know when I'm in the depths of a cold, all that daily routine stuff falls by the wayside, but your multivitamin will help you get better quicker, I promise.

via

Tea
I know I talk about DAVIDsTEA a lot, but that's because my affection runs deep, and at the very core of my barrel o' love is this one: Organic North African Mint. At once refreshingly minty and soul-warmingly spiced, this green tea will cure what ails you. I love it because it feels like the breath of fresh air your sinuses have been too clogged to experience for days. Resting your nose over a steaming cup of this and inhaling will do you a world of good, sicko.

My runner-up is perfect for sore throats: Bravissimo. It's camomile-based so it'll relax you, and it feels like it coats your throat in honey.

And if you're not the tea-totallin' kind, hot water with lemon and honey. Throw some ginger in there too if your sinuses are loaded.

Soup
Straight up. As a child, it was always Lipton's chicken noodle, so I keep that in my cupboard for a quick fix and easy comfort. If I'm feeling a little housebound and bored after a few days (or if you have a sick partner/roommate and you feel like being really nice), I make some Portugeuse-style chicken soup. The recipe I roughly use is this one, but I don't use the bread, cheese or pork and instead I add in onion, carrot, and a boned chicken breast, then shred the chicken after it's been boiled in the broth. Load it up with whichever veggies are on hand, but make sure you use that rapini – it's rich in vitamin C. Insta-cure.

Wonderbread toast with melted butter
Obvious. This is the easiest thing in the world to make, fills you up, and tastes like memories. You're sick – you deserve bleached flour. As a plus, it won't make you feel nauseous if you're that kind of ill.

via

Raspberry Ginger Ale
Do they still make this? I don't even know if it's still available. It is my favourite drink in all the world, and I think it may only be released seasonally now. Cranberry ginger ale or even the regular kind are good in a pinch. This is especially necessary if you're feeling queasy, and for even more calming power, let it go flat before drinking.

Neocitran
This stuff knocks you out. It's like getting a very good version of drunk, but also satisfyingly warm and filling. For use only if you're feeling truly, untouchably awful, which is a personal rule. I'd get way too addicted if I drank it more than twice a year. I'd become a Neocitraholic, which is just one rung above glue sniffer, I think.

Hot Toddies
If you have to be sociable, at least be sauced. My go-to is a blueberry tea: a shot of Grand Marnier, a shot of amaretto, and black tea (I prefer Earl Grey). I once had a bad case of strep throat the day of a party at my house and I drank these the whole time. I was pleasantly lubricated and feeling fine all night long.
(Alternate drink: screwdriver. Orange juice for the vitamin C, vodka to cut the phlegm and make you feel better.)


Thing to Put On My Body
Consonant Lip Balm
My nose always gets chapped from blowing it so often, so I keep a good lip balm on hand since it's more effective than anything for your face. This one is locally made, unscented and really rich without being greasy in the slightest.


Soft, Shapeless Sweaters
Completely essential. My current fave is this alpaca one I found in the men's section of a thrift store. Cute animals are certified to make you feel better.

My Ugliest Pair of Sweatpants/PJ Pants
Your moment of weakness is their moment of glory. Wear 'em loud and proud, you have the ultimate excuse.

All of My Blankets
I bury myself in duvets, twist myself in afghans, curl up under comforters. I go in full on nesting mode. When I emerge a few days later, it feels like shedding a cocoon of sickness and emerging a glowing, well-rested buttefly. Glorious.


And Beside Me
Good Company
It's simply the best when you have someone to hang out with on a sick day. Any healthy person willing to hang with your sick ass is a saint, your partner or your mom. Fellow sickies are so-so as company because while you can commiserate and have the same schedule (watch TV, sniffling, nap, repeat), they'll also be irritable and annoyingly loud like you. Dogs are swell because they really do try to cheer you up, but also force you to go outside with them which sucks. Cats really are the ultimate in sick partners.

What are your get better quick tips?