A list of 5 of our current favourite products to help you get through this winter lockdown and spark inspiration for activity ideas
Another year, another lockdown… The usual January blues may be hitting even harder this year, so I’m here to hopefully ease this for you. Although we have said goodbye to the strange year of 2020, it still feels like we’re floating around in the unknown. In this blog I’m going to give you 5 of Rinkits favourite winter products to help you through this lockdown.
Shakeit! Cocktail Sets
If we can’t go out, then why not bring the party home! Our new range of Manhattan and Boston cocktail sets are perfect to give you the feel that you are at a rooftop bar, somewhere luxurious (or so we wish). Whether you live with family, friends, a partner or by yourself, this is something that will be sure to help those January Blues. There’s nothing nicer than sipping on a fancy drink; it feels like a treat. You don’t have to be a cocktail connoisseur to make a drink you will love and it doesn’t have to be alcoholic, so even if you are T-total or doing dry Jan, you can still enjoy this.
Here’s a couple of recipes to try; Winter Cocktail-
2 Cups Milk (or non-dairy alternative)
⅓ Cups half and half Cream
½ Cup Cocoa Powder
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
½ Tsp Nutmeg
¼ Cup Vodka (can be taken away to make it non-alcoholic)
In a pot over a medium heat, add milk with the half and half cream, sugar, nutmeg and vanilla extract.
Once boiled turn off the heat and add the cocoa powder.
Mix all ingredients until well-combined, you can do this in a cocktail shaker or with a spoon.
Clementine Margarita Recipe
240g freshly squeezed clementine or satsuma juice
1 glass ice cubes
90ml premium tequila blanco
Add all ingredients to a blender or shaker and mix until well combined. Transfer to a margarita glass and enjoy!
Lightit! Candles
I’ve said it in my past blogs and I’m sure I will say it again in my future blogs, but I love candles! There’s something so calming and comforting about sitting in a room with candle light flickering. Whether it be something you like to do to create a romantic ambiance for you and your partner, a cozy movie night in for your roommates/family or even just by yourself for some much deserved self-care.
A candle’s flame is scientifically proven to reduce stress and increase our self awareness. The scent of your candle can also provide different benefits; for example, lavender is great for soothing anxiety.
Looking after yourself and your mental health is such an important thing and with everyone feeling down due to the current climate and another lockdown this is even more critical. Take some time for yourself, light some candles, run a bath, read a book, do a puzzle, whatever it is that makes you feel good and allows you to be present. It doesn’t have to be for long, I know everyone's schedules can be pretty hectic but you can always make time for yourself even if it’s just 5-10 minutes a day and drinking a hot drink. Do some stretches and take some big deep breaths as you listen or watch the candles flicker and you’ll hopefully feel yourself relaxing. If you’re working from home it can be harder to find motivation to do this but trust me, it helps.
Smashit! Pinatas
Now I know what you’re thinking… traditionally pinatas are used at parties but why not bring that fun to your home for something a little bit different. After all, they provide fun for the whole family and all ages. I guarantee it will get everyone up and laughing, and I think we could all use some fun and happiness right now. If 2020 taught us anything it’s to treasure small moments of joy like these.
Our new fax potato pull string pinatas work a little bit different than the traditional ones. Each person takes it in term pulling one of the pull cords, you never know which one is going to release the sweets.
Bakeit! Casserole dishes
Since the early 18th century, cast iron has been the go-to choice for cooking connoisseurs due to its amazing heat conduction properties. Our new Argon Tableware range of casserole dishes are made with enamel coating, making cooking and cleaning an easier job. You can switch between the hob and oven without the faff of changing pans therefore it’s less washing up!
Taking you back to Lockdown 1 and the ‘bread baking craze’, our casserole dishes are perfect for baking a no-knead loaf with minimal hassle. Get your family or roommates involved and cook up a feast to accompany your bread. Bring the feel of a restaurant meal out to the comfort of your own home! You could even pair it with some cocktails and bingo - you have yourself a great evening planned. There’s nothing better than homemade bread fresh from the oven on a cold evening.
Recipe for no-knead white loaf -
400 grams (3 cups) of flour (plain flower, bread flour or wholewheat flour
¼ tsp fast acting dried yeast
1-2 tsp salt
350ml (1 ½ cups) of warm water
Sieve the flour into a mixing bowl, add in your salt. Mix in your fast-action dried yeast. Pour in your water and mix together. You should be left with a very sticky wet dough.
Cover this in the bowl with cling film (or a damp tea towel). Leave this on your counter for about 3-5 hours.
By this point it should have tripled in size. Pour flour onto a surface (a generous amount to stop it from sticking) and shape it into a round ball. Put it into a lined (baking paper) casserole dish, place the lid on and put it in the oven for around 35 minutes at 230°C. Try not to open the lid until you think it is done. And that’s it!
Organiseit! Typha Cutlery tray
Now I know this one is nowhere near as exciting as the other products, but hear me out… A new year is the perfect time for a sort out, leaving behind anything from 2020 that no longer serves you (both physically and mentally). The Christmas decs are down, you have got all that space in your home back, so why not take it that step further. A tidy and organised house can make all the different to your mind and mood. If you’re working from home during this lockdown, it’s important to create a space that is comfortable to work in, of more tips on working from home, check out our previous blog - How to Stay Home Without Going Stir Crazy (rinkit.com). Our new Typha cutlery trays are great for organising your drawers and can be used for all sorts of things.
Concludeit! -
Despite the new lockdown restrictions, January is the perfect time to set some intentions for the year and clarify all the things you want to work on in 2021. It may not be the best time to set resolutions, because it may be harder to stick to big things right now; and that's okay! However, your intentions for 2021 can be as simple as ‘take more time for myself’. If you’re more of a visual person like me then this can be in the form of a mood board, drawing or pinterest board. Finally, write down everything that you want to be leaving behind in 2020 and then dispose of it in any way that feels right for you as a way of letting it go.
I hope this blog has given you some new hope and inspiration to get you through the next few winter months and lockdown. If you’re struggling just know that you’re not alone.
Happy new year. Thank you so much for reading.
Love Georgina and the Rinkit Team