Top 10 | Ways to Survive Cold and Flu Season

 

Ahhh (chu) flu season is upon us and I'm not talking just your avergae cold here. Flu can be so nasty and leave you achey and unable to move from your bed. I have only caught flu twice in my life and twice I have been left absolutely wiped out. Now a new virus is amongst us which presents with very similar symptoms leaving us with the question cold or flu or Coronavirus? This is why if you do expereince any symptoms you should get yourself tested and stay the fuck home. However, if you're lucky enough to avoid Miss Rona but have been struck with flu, here are my top ten tips on how to survive: 

1. D R I N K  P L E N T Y  O F  F L U I D S

Water helps keep headaches at bay - the last thing you need when you're feeling lousy is to be dehyrdrated as well. Warm drinks also helo loosen mucus in your chest so get your fella to bring you all the cuppas to bed while you rest. 

2. C O L D  F L U  S A C H E T S  /  T A B L E T S

These are a godsend, trust me and the blackcurrant ones taste like warm Ribena and soothe the throat nicely. Don't forget though, they do contain paracetemol so remember you're actually drinking medicine and check the labels on anything you're taking because afterall, I'm no doctor! 

3. C A L P O L  P L U G I N

No this is not an ad but I am obsessed with my Calpol plugin. It's menthol of course so it's really good for those stuffed noses but it has lavender in as well so it's perfect for night time so you can relax and get some sleep. If you're lucky you might be able to find one at the mo in the middle aisle of Aldi.

4. E X T R A  P I L L O W S

Chesty coughs are nasty business and they get worse when you're lying down. This is because mucus is more likely to collect in the back of your throat. Prop yourself up as much as you comfortably can to get yourself that much needed rest your body needs.

5. P A I N  R E L I E F

Keeping on top of pain relief is important for any aches and pains and of course bringing down a high temperature. Don't forget to check those labels though ;)

6. R E S T 

This is one thing I think we are all guilty of neglecting but your body needs time to recover. If you can nap during the day then do it. Sleep is the best thing for poorly bodies. Those dishes can wait just concentrate on getting yourself better/ 

7. B A L S A L M  T I S S U E S

Another absolute gem of a creation. These are perfect for delicate noses. Who needs to deal with a sore, chapped nose on top of everything else? 

8. D I S I N F E C T

Clean your surfaces. Your door handles. And make sure you bin those snotty tissues as soon as you've used them to prevent the spread or reinfectio and of course don't forget to wash those hands. For 20 seconds. Whilst singing happy birthday or something. 

9. T A K E  A  M U L T I V I T A M I N 

Anything containing vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc is boss. Humans cannot produce vitamin C so we need a constant intake of it and of course we live in the UK and don't get that much sun especially in winter so get that vitamn D down your neck as well. Zinc also plays an important part in immunity so get boosting! 

10. S W E A T  I T  O U T

When you've got a high temperature it is your body's way of fighting something off so get the heating on, jump in a hot, steamy bath and sweat it all out. You might need a shower afterwards but it'll be worth it. 

So there you have it, my top 10 tips for surviving cold and flu season and I've got my fingers crossed you all stay healthier than I have because I've felt rough as toast this week with a nasty cold. 

Stay Safe

Rachael xo

Things to Do This Halloween in Merseyside

Spooky Season is just around the corner and it is my time to shine. Pass me the pumpkin spiced lattes, the cosy knits and a pair of boots, yes I'm that basic autumn bitch. I am so excited for Halloween this year even if Corona is trying to ruin our lives so I've put together a list of things you can enjoy with the whole fam despite Miss Rona. 

G E T  C R A F T Y

I'm awful at carving pumpkins so last year I bought some foam shapes from Aldi (seriously their special buys are the one!) and we stuck them on our pumpkins instead. Plus you don't have to deal with the stinky pumpkin mush. Winner. The kids also get to do this themselves as well which is a massive bonus. Anything you can get your hands on is a good way to keep the kids occupied on a rainy day and let's face it, our Autumn months have plenty of those. 

W A T C H  M O V I E S

Grab a blanket, light some candles, a bowl of popcorn and a toffee apple if you're feeling fancy and get cosy for a movie night. Autumn nights are a perfect opportunity to stay in and make the most of your Netflix subscription. If you're stuck for ideas on kid friendly movies, check out my list of kid friendly Halloween movies the whole family can enjoy here

P I C K  Y O U R  O W N  P U M P K I N

Pumpkin patches were all the rage last year and where better to get some pics for the Gram with the ultimate Autumnal aesthetic? We never did it last year and I had serious FOMO so hit up your local farm and get picking!

C H U R C H  F A R M  F A M I L Y  F R I G H T  F E S T I V A L

The Family Fright Festival is back at Church Farm this year albeit some restrictions due to current circumstances. You do have to prebook but surely I don't need to tell you that? As well as a PYO pumpkin patch there's a scarecrow trail with a prize for successful completion. Just note that the PYO pumpkin patch isn't included in the admission price but you can kill two birds with one stone here! 

W O O D S I D E  D R I V E  I N  C I N E M A

Hocus Pocus and Coraline are both showing this Halloween at Woodside Drive in Cinema so get dressed up in your spookiest gear, grab your toffee apples and do the cinema from the comfort of your own car. Just don't forget to restart your engine midway so you don't need a jumpstart from Winne the Witch like I did last year!

So there you have it, a list of things you can still do this Halloween without going to a party or trick or treating. In your face covid-19 - you're not gonna stop the festivities for any of us despite your best efforts! 

Rachael xo

Mum Steez | Hello Autumn

Autumn is finally here - it's finally boots season! If I could wear Docs all year, I would and I usually do. Give me boots and cold weather over sandals and sunshine any day. Midi dresses are so in this season and I love throwing on a dress because it makes it look like I've made an effort when the reality is I'm actually just really lazy and it requires no thought. Midi dresses are so comfy and can be dressed up or down which is what a girl wants, versatility right? I invested in two from Primark which will look so cute with Docs or even a little pair of heeled chelsea boots. Darker nights mean darker colours and for the innrer goth in me this is perfect, think rich burgundys and earthy tones like khaki and mustard and of course all of the black. This outfit is giving me serious witchy vibes and I am obsessed! 

What are your go to Autumn must haves?

Rachael xo