Before you wrap another present or bake more holiday cookies, promise yourself to take time out of your hectic schedule to do something nice for yourself. After all, you can’t tackle that to-do list if you’re suddenly knocked out with the flu.

Here, 10 ways to ensure a healthier, happier and more fulfilling holiday season.

1. Nourish your body. Resist the urge to stuff your pantry with holiday treats. Instead, keep an assortment of low-calorie, immunity-boosting snacks on hand. Soup is one staple to have in your cabinets all winter. It keeps you feeling warm and full (read: too full to snack an hour later), and it’s a great way to load up on veggies and protein.

2. Take a timeout. When you’re feeling frazzled, stop what you’re doing, take some deep breaths and switch gears. Go for a run or walk, practice yoga, or meet up with a friend for coffee. You’ll return to your tasks with a fresh perspective and renewed energy.

3. Pamper yourself. Take a little time during the day to pamper yourself—starting with your hands, which are probably taking a beating not just from the cold, but from all that baking and gift wrapping. Stock up on hand lotion and keep it near all the sinks in your home, and in your purse, to stay soft and sweet-smelling. We love Gloves In A Bottle ($18 at Walgreen’s), Origins Rejuvenating Hand Treatment ($22) or L’Occitane Shea Butter Extra Gentle Lotion for Hands & Body ($26).

4. Delegate. For those of us who are a bit OCD, this can be tough, but try not to take it upon yourself to do absolutely everything. Have your significant other or your kids help too. Put them to work licking envelopes, mailing holiday cards or delivering goodies to the neighbors. Bonus points if you can get them out of the house for a while (holiday shopping, anyone?) and watch your own productivity soar.

5. Treat yourself. Shop for something you really want and buy it. Yes, it’s the season of giving, but how often do you shop for yourself? We’re talking about something you don’t necessarily need, but damn it’s pretty. Whether it’s a beautiful scarf or that new eye palette from your favorite makeup counter, every time you put it on you’ll feel fantastic.

6. Catch your Zs. Your mind is going a million miles an hour, so it’s vital that you get enough shut-eye. Sleep allows your body to repair itself, strengthens your immune system, and keeps your metabolism at an optimal level. If you’re having trouble dozing off at night, put away all the devices and read in bed to help yourself drift off.

7. Just say no. This one might be the hardest of all, but when you overcommit you set yourself up for too many negatives. If declining is not in your vocabulary, then break down the work. For example, if you promised to attend two Christmas parties on the same day, then stay at each party for only an hour or two. Most people will understand, and those who don’t may not be worth the effort.

8. Don’t attempt to please everyone. During this emotionally charged season, feelings can be more easily hurt and words may be taken out of context. Remember, we are all trying our best. It’s important to stay true to the spirit of the season—to get together, be grateful for those in our lives, and create long-lasting memories.

9. Fight the urge for perfection. If your children are decorating gingerbread houses or helping you wrap gifts, allow them to do it themselves, their way. So what if tape gets stuck in everyone’s hair or there’s frosting in all the wrong places. Everyone will enjoy themselves and feel proud of their creations when you let go and enjoy these beautiful, messy moments.

10. Be present. Give the people you love your undivided attention for five minutes, and you’ll see your mood elevate along with theirs. Share a glass of wine with your SO and ask him how his day was. Read a holiday story to a child in your life. Call your BFF and catch up on her family news.

It’s easy to get caught up in the stress, but come January, the holidays will be a distant memory and you may even find yourself wondering how you ever got that stressed to begin with…Well, maybe.

Happy Holidays from Red Typewriter!

The crisp autumn air and frosty mornings are warning us of the long winter that lies ahead. As much as we might like to hibernate the way some animals do, a better way to endure the cold is to snuggle up next to a roaring fire with a good book and some tea, wine or whatever else warms our cockles. Here, 10 amazing reads to help get you through the chilly months.

1. Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff. Reminiscent of Gone Girl but written with a decidedly more poetic hand, this jigsaw puzzle of a story forces you think beyond the stereotypes we associate with the institution of marriage. The main characters are Lotto and Mathilde, a husband and wife who meet in college, endure lean times as Lotto fails at his acting career, then rocket to fame and fortune when he becomes a successful playwright. The first section of the book is told by Lotto, while Mathilde covers the second part to fill in any gaps and completely change the reader’s perspective of what seemingly occurred in the first half. The question is, which character believes in fate and who cannot contain his or her fury?

2. The Coincidence Of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert. If you are looking for a romantic read, then dive into this delectable book about a girl, Lou, who struggles with her personal and professional life as a chef and owner of a French restaurant in Milwaukee, WI. On one of her most challenging days, a British food critic dines at her establishment and writes a scathing review leaving her wondering when her bistro will close and offering him a chance at becoming more well known. One things leads to another in this story and an unexpected romance develops. Only time will tell if their relationship will remain strong when they both discover the truth about each other.

3. Brain On Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan. This true story, which is currently being translated into a film starring Chloe Grace Moretz, will leave you with chills and have you questioning your own brain and the way it works. The author had a dream job writing for the New York Post when she was suddenly overcome by a mental illness that sends her life spiraling out of control—and has doctors scratching their heads. The book covers the very long month during which Susannah suffered this terrifying ordeal. Our advice: Read the book before you see the movie.

4. The Mountain Story by Lori Lansens. Wolf is a teen that plans to kill himself in the mountains, but when he meets three women—a widower, a triathlete and a rebellious teen—his plans change as he tries to help them through the dangerous terrain and make it back down alive. The characters must dig deep for mental strength and physical endurance as the days pass and the conditions worsen. This story, told as a flashback to Wolf’s son, has a surprise ending.

5. Slade House by David Mitchell. Set in a British town, this story is about a house that holds a deep secret that would alarm the locals if they were aware of it. Every nine years, the residents (a brother and sister) extend an invitation to a person who is lonely, depressed or withdrawn from society. At first, their guest doesn’t want to leave, but by the time they discover what really goes on in this house, it’s too late. This story, which spans 30 years, offers a fresh twist on the haunted house horror story.

6. The Man Who Spoke Snakish by Andrus Kivirahk. This book became so popular in Estonia that it was turned it into a board game. Now, translated into English, the novel sweeps us into a story about a boy named Leemet who lives in a primitive village and is the last to speak the native language, Snakish, which allows him to control woodland creatures. A fantasy fable that has bears, frogs and a louse, this tale will take you to a place you could never imagine on your own. The author also describes a 13th-century Estonia so well that readers will want to visit this country for themselves.

7. Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson. From the author of The Devil In The White City, Erik Larson’s new historical nonfiction concerns itself with the sinking of the passenger ship Lusitania, which in 1915 was hit by a German torpedo between England and Ireland, resulting in the death of 1,198 passengers and crew. Larson has a knack for intertwining characters and telling a story from different perspectives, and his latest endeavor is a suspenseful and engaging read. Readers will particularly enjoy discovering little-known details of the incident that are both riveting and revealing.

8. The Heart You Carry Home by Jennifer Miller. Becca’s father, King, is a Vietnam vet who has struggled with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), leaving her and her mother to live without his presence most of the time. Now, Becca is engaged to a soldier just returning from his second tour, and her mother tries to prevent her from making the same mistake she did. When her fiancé turns violent, Becca runs to her father for advice. Although some parts of the story seem far-fetched, the book takes you on an unexpected journey into the minds of those suffering from PTSD and sheds light on a topic that is rarely addressed.

9. All The Houses by Karen Olsson. Helen Atherton is living in L.A. and not having much success as a screenplay writer. After her father suffers a heart attack, she returns to Washington, D.C., to take care of him. While she is home, she uncovers things about her father’s past in politics, specifically how he was involved in the Iran-Contra Affair—and how that entanglement led to her parents’ divorce. This book is a great examination of the relationship between father and daughter, as well as internal family issues among siblings.

10. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. This is the story of two sisters living in France during WWII. Vianne, the eldest, watches as her husband leaves to fight at the Front. She must take care of their son and make some unimaginable choices as enemies invade their town and her home. The younger sister, Isabelle, falls in love with a man who wants to fight the Germans within France. After he betrays her, Isabelle joins the rebellion and learns the consequences and realities of war.

Every day, your kids watch you spend money. You buy groceries. You purchase a pair of new shoes. You hand over your credit card or some hard-earned cash, often with one or two little people standing by your side observing.

Now, I think it’s a safe bet that, at some point in time, your kids have tried to negotiate with you for something that costs money. Maybe they begged for candy while waiting in line at the checkout. Perhaps they pleaded for a toy in the department store. Maybe they asked for demanded a treat from the dessert menu as you ordered dinner. And what was your response? … //READ MORE

My pregnancy with our first child was nothing out of the ordinary, except that she kicked and moved a lot. When she was born, the nurse noticed her face looked blue and her cry was not robust, so they whisked her off to the NICU after I held her for a minute. She was in there for two days as they ran tests and determined that she had some fluid in her lungs. The next six months were a blur of bottles, diapers and a baby who slept perfectly through the night after the third week home. My husband and I felt incredibly blessed.

Things began to change after the sixth month. Our daughter began to change from a healthy, active baby to one who was extremely intense. … //READ MORE

Nothing warms the heart more than a scrumptious, homemade dinner for your sweetheart. So whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a special anniversary or birthday, skip the hard-to-get reservation and costly check and stay home instead. The two of you can get cozy in the kitchen while you bond over blending, braising and baking. … //READ MORE

The holidays are upon us, and finding the perfect gift for every family member, friend and co-worker can be a daunting task. But before you get your holiday stockings in a bunch just thinking about all that shopping, relax. Red Typewriter has you covered. Here are some fun and unique ideas for everyone on your list—from Uncle Fred to Fido. … //READ MORE