X Brella Umbrella Rainbow
Seven sunny pieces against the winter blues
19/1/2023
Translation: machine translated
Drizzle, grey skies and darkness spoiling your mood? Here are a few things that might help
Yawn! Are you that tired and listless too? In Switzerland and Germany, almost 20 per cent of people develop the winter blues during the dark season, writes the NZZ. Main reason: lack of light. Of course, I could now link you to rows and rows of daylight lamps, but that's not what this article is about. Instead, I'm going to show you seven products that let the sun into your heart.
Rainbow umbrella
When rain and wind come from all sides in Hamburg, the locals call it "Schietwetter" - in other words, sh*** weather. You need a sturdy umbrella for such capricious weather. This model from X Brella is not only storm-proof, it also puts you in a good rainbow mood and has a transparent roof. Just in case a ray of sunshine does find its way to earth and you don't want to miss it.
Squeaky pink wellies
Remember jumping through puddles as a child? And now you're worried about your footwear as soon as three drops of rain fall? Why not try the "Largo" wellington boot from the Lunar brand: it is lined and has a sturdy treaded sole so that you won't slip even on wet paths. Bold colours like pink are really trendy at the moment anyway. Valentino's creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli has even designed an entire collection in pink. And my colleague Laura has written an article about the Pantone Colour of the Year "Viva Magenta".
Fruity and fresh perfume
Don't want to go out, but would rather cosy up at home? That's okay too. Then how about a little summer feeling to spray on? According to the natural cosmetics manufacturer, the "Sonnenseite" eau de parfum from Alverde smells of ginger, pink pepper, orange blossom, orchid and frangipani. Frangipani what? Yes, I had to look that up first too. Frangipani are brightly flowering trees that preferably grow in tropical or subtropical regions such as South America. They have a fruity, sweet scent - similar to peach. Smells like sun spirit ...
Shower curtain with a beach look
Admit it: Shower curtains are extremely unsexy. They often grow mould after a while and if you're unlucky, they stick to your backside as soon as they get wet. But there are also high-quality models. You may have to spend a little more money on these than on a run-of-the-mill model, but the investment is worth it. The shower curtain from Juniqe is machine washable at 30 degrees (bye bye mould!) and conjures up a bit of beach vibes in your bathroom. Just to get you in the mood for your first visit to the lake or sea.
Midsummer bath foam
While we're on the subject of the bath: The "Midsommar Glow" shower and bath foam from the Swedish-style brand Barnängen would be a good alternative for you if you can no longer stand shower gels with vanilla, speculoos or baked apple scents. According to the manufacturer, it gives a "summer feeling on the skin" - whatever that may be. It's up to you to find out.
135 Indonesian recipes
Good food is a real soul comforter, especially when it's stormy and snowing outside. This year, I have resolved to cook more myself. While browsing through the Galaxus range, I came across this cookbook: "Indonesia - 135 Indonesian recipes to rock your kitchen" and a first look inside took me straight back to my last holiday in Bali. Coconut and mint salsa, spicy mango tarts, hibiscus iced tea: the recipes are modern with a traditional twist and most of them are also suitable for vegetarians.
Guidebooks
Cookbook: Indonesia - 135 Indonesian recipes to rock your kitchen. A journey into the
German, Vanja van der Leeden, Publishing service Dietmar Schmitz Gmbh, Remko Kraaijeveld, 2020
Internet-free holiday
The previous six products aren't enough to chase the cold out of your bones? Maybe this book will help. "Offline - Urlaub ab vom Schuss" is the name of this somewhat different travel guide that you can take a look at if you fancy disappearing from the scene for a few weeks in 2023. Both from the real and the virtual world. The book, published by Munich-based Kunth-Verlag, promises addresses and regional tips for people who are looking for a digital detox and need a change of scenery.
Cover photo: Khachik Simonian/Unsplash
Anika Schulz
Teamleader Editorial
Anika.Schulz@galaxus.deAs a child, I was socialised with Mario Kart on SNES before ending up in journalism after graduating from high school. As a team leader at Galaxus, I'm responsible for news. I'm also a trekkie and an engineer.