Happy New year lovely Capsule readers! As we arrive in 2022 I think its important to start the year showing ourselves as much kindness as possible. I always find January a hard month - the weather’s grim, aspirational folk on Instagram are yelling at me to ‘set goals’ and ads for ‘New Year New You’ fad diets are being shoved in my face left right and centre. In my humble opinion, January is a month for nurturing after a slightly over indulgent festive season and embracing the primal urge to hibernate. Saying that, I WILL be heading to the gym this January. Not because it’s a new year and I need a ‘new body’ but because the happy endorphins I feel after exercising will hopefully counteract the blues I feel from the cold, grey days. And I always feel more inspired to move my body if I’m not wearing old, saggy gym leggings. I’ll be treating myself to a new pair of Sweaty Betty Power Leggings’ (in the hope they not only look great but make me feel powerful). Don’t fear, I also plan to spend a large amount of time on my sofa hibernating (bingeing Netflix) and for that I’ll need some soft, comfy athleisure (posh word for tracksuit). I have my eye on the Azurina ‘Verbier Ski’ tracksuit in Seafoam.

If I do venture out for a much needed coffee (or wine) I’ll be chucking on a warm, stylish coat. My new ‘Houndstooth Straight Coat’ from Nakd will work well with everything from athleisure and activewear to dressier evening looks and office attire. And to brighten up the January days and add an element of interest to my outerwear, the Acne ‘Fringed Checked Scarf’ offers the perfect splash of colour. If the Acne scarf is a little over budget, the River Island ‘Colourblock Scarf’ looks very similar and super cosy.

LUXE FOR LESS

Acne Studios colour block scarf £220, 2. River Island colour block scarf £24

A recent scientific study (stay with me) found that spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature can improve health and wellbeing. Yes, even in January! Long weekend walks (especially ones that lead to a cosy country pub) are my favourite. In an effort to be more sustainable I’ll be bringing along my Global Wakecup ‘Travel Mug’ filled with coffee or hot soup. You can even have your name engraved on them so pesky husbands don’t steal them.

In the evenings I’ll be fully embracing self care with long baths using my favourite Mauli Rituals Ayurvedic ‘Himalayan Bath Salts’ and ‘Bath and Shower Oil’. Aromatherapy helps to boost your mood and aids with relaxation so I’ll be burning the Tisserand ‘Total De-Stress’ candle ALL month long.

And after spending the festive season living off exclusively mulled wine and panettone I suppose I’d better treat my body to some health in the form of the new Superfood Blend Protein from Wild Nutrition. I’ll be having a few scoops of this in my morning smoothie because I know it will serve me better than a bowl of coco pops (although I might have the coco pops too, because ‘balance’ and all that). Happy January!