My Unexpekted Luxuries
From the tweaks and treats that elevate your morning routine to the one thing that uplifts you before bed, we ask our fave writers how they elevate the everyday with little luxuries. This week it’s editor and author Jo Hoare.
Bathroom boost
As much as I try, I cannot get on board with early starts, so for anything that means I see a number lower than eight on my alarm clock I need to give myself some serious motivation not to succumb to the snooze button. An energising, deliciously scented shower gel is an easy way to upgrade my morning and wake me up. Anything citrusy does the trick but my favourite is crisp, clean grapefruit, DrSALTS+ Recharge Therapy Shower Gel hits the exact spot.
Latte not late
I wish I was cool enough to sip on cute little cups of espresso, but unfortunately I have the tastebuds of a child and need my coffee mild and super milky. Once upon a time when we went to offices every day Pret fulfilled my need, but thanks to my best-ever-wfh purchase of a milk frother I think I can make a better cup than them now. Plus, it makes delicious hot chocolates (told you I had the taste of a child).
Cashmere-acle
On paper, a cashmere tracksuit might sound impractical, but this is for naps not laps. Super soft and cosy - I find mine at H and M. A cashmere tracksuit is the perfect sweet spot between PJs and popping to the shop appropriate and makes you feel chic rather than slobby.
Bloom buddies
Cheap flowers used to be the very worst indicator of a rubbish present - woe betide the apologetic man bearing a garage forecourt bouquet - but bargain blooms in supermarkets have really stepped up their game and splashing out a fiver on a seasonal bunch is my favourite way to get my supermarket Deliveroo order up to the minimum amount. Quirky vases like my leopard head version dress up even a one pound bunch of daffs and having fresh flowers on my wfh desk (AKA a corner of my kitchen table) gives my whole working week a lift.
Share the joy
Me and one of my closest friends send each other a text every night with at least one thing that’s made us feel good that day. It can be as simple as watching an episode of a series we love or sharing a screenshot of a dress we’ve ordered, but it means I pay attention to finding something happy in every day.
Love Lavender
Evenings are for beauty rituals. In the morning I’m too lazy/cold/late to bother with body moisturising, so I like to apply before bed and choose one with a scent to help me feel relaxed. The delicious combination of lavender and jasmine in SenSpa’s Relaxing Body Cream gives me mega just-stepped-out-of-a-spa vibes.
The eyes have it
I cannot sleep without a good eye mask. What started as a necessity due to choosing a bedroom blind that prioritised style over substance (i.e. it let in every shred of light from the multiple street lamps) to the 5am dawn has now become a treat. I ask for a new silk one each Christmas and find that as well as making it much easier to drift off, and stay adrift, it also minimises pillow wrinkles which is super handy for the mornings when you don’t want a zoom call to give away that you’ve only just woken up (told you I wasn’t a morning person).
Read more articles from Jo Hoare and our panel of experts here.