hurricane checklist.

Everyone is very concerned with making lists of things you need to have in preparation for Miss Sandy, who is currently descending on New York City– bottled water, flashlights, canned food, you know the drill. But I just think they're missing the point a little. 

Now, look. I'm not saying you don't want to have your business in order when the water lines break (is that what happens?) or when the electricity goes out. But I think there's another equally important checklist of things that will make the dreary (and let's be honest, slightly scary) couple of days feel not so bad. 

1. Some good tea! Nothing makes hours of grey skies and windy weather a little more bearable than a hot cuppa. I'm a firm believer that chai fixes pretty much anything, so that'd be my bet. (and you might want to grab some long life milk while you're at it.)

2. nailpolishes! I mean, come on. What better time to paint your nails– it's not like you'll get halfway through your second coat and realise you have to run out the door (story of my life.) Take your time, make it perfect. I have that OPI colour and just love it, and the essie one is on my yes please list. 

3. Fancy candles! Now I know the authorities have been suggesting you grab yourself some candles in case of a black out. You know, the cheap ones you get in a pack of 12 that smell like absolutely nothing. But these guys, they're in a different league. They are for pure olfactory indulgence– really the light is just an added bonus. If you've got some pretty floral notes wafting around your apartment, the objects flying past your window are going to seem a lot less worrying (right?)

4. A cozy blanket! Okay I think this one goes without saying, but if you haven't gotten around to pulling out your snuggliest winter number, now is the time my friend. A cuddly blanket's uses are really endless in this situation. A cocoon to shut out the scary world, an impromptu living-room-picnic blanket, a 'winter sarong' if pants just aren't working out for you.

5. Home-baked, fresh-out-of-the-oven cookies! If you're not a baker, I will excuse you purchasing a packet of cookies but really it'll be your loss. Not only will these cookies be delicious, warm, toasty, gooey and a perfect accompaniment to your cup of steaming chai... You can also turn them into an activity. Have a bake-off with a friend! Host a make-believe cooking show in your kitchen (what? you've never done this? what is wrong with you...) Plus! Your place will smell like doughy goodness– win.

6. A good book! You know that book sitting on your shelf that you've been meaning to read for months (years?) Yeah. Today's the day. Luckily for me, my hurricane-book is also my homework. Talk about two birds, one storm.

So, once you've got all these essentials, hunker down, charge every i-ppliance you have (if the electricity does get cut, you don't want to be the dummy on 5% battery, now do you.) and settle in for the long haul. See you on the other side!

Images: T2, Essie, Liberty, Anthropologie, Terrain, Joy the Baker, Poindextress.