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There is something undeniably comforting about a Sunday. Even when your week has felt a little chaotic, your energy has dipped unexpectedly, or Lupus has reminded you – once again – that your body has its own plans, Friday still carries a certain kind of magic.
It is the permission slip to slow down. To put the kettle on, light the candle you have been saving, wrap yourself in your softest knit and spend an hour catching up on all the things that make life feel a little lighter, lovelier and more inspiring.
So today’s Live Well Roundup is exactly that.
It is a beautifully curated collection of articles I have loved this week – covering clever kitchen tips, cosy rainy-day ideas, and thoughtful pieces about money, confidence, and embracing change, each one resonating with the realities of living with Lupus, because even small ideas can become genuinely life-changing.
Whether you are reading this from bed, curled up on the sofa during a flare, or planning a slow and stylish weekend, I hope these links help you feel understood, connected, and just a little more like yourself.
And if you are new here, hello. Welcome to Wots Her Name Again – where style, confidence and real life are done your way.
Living with Lupus changes the way you move through the world.
You become more intentional with your time, more selective about where your energy goes and more appreciative of the small things that genuinely make life easier, calmer or more joyful.
That is why I decided to create this Live Well Roundup. It is not just a roundup of random things I have clicked on during the week. It is a thoughtful edit of ideas that feel useful, stylish, comforting and relevant to real life.
When you have Lupus, there are often days when you cannot do everything you had planned. Maybe your joints ache. Maybe the fatigue hits harder than expected. Maybe brain fog makes concentrating on anything more difficult than usual.
On those days, finding small pieces of inspiration can make a surprising difference.
A beautiful article can help you feel connected. A practical tip can save you energy. A fresh idea can make a difficult day feel a little more manageable.
If you loved my recent post, A Life Lived Chronically, where I explored how life with chronic illness can still feel stylish, meaningful and full of possibility, you will find a similar thread running through this edit too:
Because life with Lupus may look different, but embracing those changes can help you feel more confident and still find beauty in everyday moments.
Why You Should Always Wash Your Citrus Fruit With Bicarbonate of Soda
One of the first posts that caught my eye this week was Captain Bobcat’s guide to why you should always wash citrus fruit with bicarbonate of soda.
If you take immunosuppressants for Lupus, washing citrus fruit properly becomes even more important.
Medications such as steroids, azathioprine, methotrexate or mycophenolate can weaken your immune system, which means your body may be less able to fight off bacteria, mould and other contaminants that can sit on the skin of fruit. Citrus fruits are often handled multiple times during transport and may also be treated with post-harvest fungicides and pesticides to help them last longer.
This matters especially if you:
- zest lemons, limes or oranges
- Slice citrus directly into water or drinks
- touch the peel and then the fruit inside
- Use citrus in salads, baking or recipes without cooking it
Even if you don’t eat the peel, bacteria and residues can transfer to the fruit when cut. Food scientists recommend washing citrus to remove dirt, bacteria, and traces of pesticides. Soaking fruit in a solution of 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate soda to 2 cups of water for 12–15 minutes can effectively reduce pesticide residues. This simple habit can help create a safer kitchen, especially for those living with Lupus and taking immunosuppressants.
It is not about being fearful or obsessive. It is simply another gentle way to look after yourself when your immune system needs a little extra support.
Chubby Fellow London Food Tour Review
Another article I loved this week was The Frenchie Mommy‘s review of the Chubby Fellow London Food Tour.
As someone who loves London, I miss being able to explore the city freely. Living with Lupus means I have to consider my energy levels, travel time, and pacing when planning outings. However, I’ve learned that I can still enjoy what I love by adapting my approach. A recent London food tour was a lovely reminder of this.
By choosing early time slots, booking taxis, and incorporating rest breaks, I can enjoy experiences without overexerting myself. One of the biggest shifts with Lupus is realising that joy doesn’t have to disappear, even if life looks different.
You might not do things exactly the way you used to, but you can still create beautiful experiences.
If you are craving a little pampering after a London day out, my recent review of Umia Beauty at Dream Nails is the perfect read because sometimes the best weekends are the ones that combine a little adventure with a little self-care.
Grey Hair Transition: A Guide to Going Grey Gracefully
I loved this honest article by Arthur Wears on gracefully transitioning to grey hair. Embracing changes in our bodies and appearance can be powerful, especially for those living with Lupus. The condition often brings unexpected changes like hair thinning and skin issues, which can lead to feelings of grief, but it can also foster confidence.
Going grey isn’t about giving up; it’s about redefining beauty on your own terms. For me, confidence has shifted from striving for perfection to embracing who I am, even if I look different. Simple things like a great outfit or a fresh manicure can boost self-esteem, making it an important part of self-care when managing a chronic illness.
Remember, you do not owe anyone the version of you that existed before Lupus.
You are still you. Still stylish. Still beautiful. Just differently.
The Spending Habits That Cost More Than You Realise
This article from Miss Manypennies on spending habits that cost more than you realise felt surprisingly relatable, as living with Lupus can have a huge impact on finances.
There are clear costs associated with managing health issues, such as prescriptions and travel, but there are also less obvious expenses. These include spending on meals due to exhaustion or opting for convenience rather than cheaper options. There’s no shame in prioritising your energy by spending wisely.
Reading about these costs made me reflect on my own spending habits and identify areas for change. For instance, I can plan easy meals, keep essentials for flare days, and create a small comfort budget for items that genuinely help, while avoiding impulse buys driven by frustration or guilt.
Living with Lupus often requires being intentional with both energy and finances. I recommend making a list of little luxuries that enhance your quality of life, such as a scented candle, a cosy jumper, a taxi when needed, or a beauty treatment that boosts your mood. Focus on spending that supports you rather than adds to your stress.
100 Amazing and Fun Screen-Free Summer Activities for Kids
This article from Dolly Dowsie, sharing 100 fun screen-free summer activities for children, is such a lovely read.
Regardless of whether you have children, there’s a delightful mix of nostalgia and inspiration in gentle activities that can bring joy, especially when living with Lupus. On tougher days, embrace comforting, low-pressure pursuits like reading in the garden, crafting a scrapbook, painting, baking, or hosting cosy indoor picnics.
Feeling “missing out” during low-energy days can be tough, but joy often comes from small, cosy, screen-free moments. Staying in doesn’t mean you have to be bored—create a beautiful day with simple pleasures like tea, a favourite magazine, a fresh manicure, a comforting film, or journaling. Small rituals truly matter.
The Benefits of Journaling for Children
One of my favourite reads in this Live Well Roundup was this piece from Mummy Burgess about the benefits of journaling for children:
The article highlights the benefits of journaling for both children and adults with lupus. For me, journaling has been invaluable. I write freely, jotting down symptoms to spot patterns or making lists to combat brain fog. It’s a way to express my emotions.
Living with Lupus brings a mix of grief and fear, but also resilience and hope. Journaling helps create space for all these feelings, allowing you to reconnect with yourself beyond your illness. It’s an opportunity to reflect on gratitude, face challenges, and pursue dreams.
I’ve learned that emotional well-being is just as important as physical health, and journaling is a simple way to nurture that.
Easy Rainy Day Ideas When You’re Stuck Inside With Toddlers
I recently came across an inspiring article from Parentify on creative rainy-day activities for toddlers, and it truly resonated with me. It’s amazing how some of those ideas can apply to our lives too! There are definitely days when my condition keeps me indoors, whether due to exhaustion, pain, or simply needing to recharge.
On those slower days, it’s easy to feel frustrated or alone, but I believe it’s essential to have a list of comforting, low-energy activities ready to lift our spirits. Here are some of my favourites: indulging in a beloved movie, pampering myself with a little nail care, diving into a captivating book, and dreaming up fabulous outfits or exciting travel plans. I also enjoy curating Pinterest boards, treating myself to a bit of online shopping, brainstorming new blog ideas, soaking in a relaxing bath, and connecting with my favourite blogs—all of which bring me so much joy!
And that’s why I adore the Live Well Roundup! It’s such a wonderful way to stay connected to the world, even when I’m cosied up at home. Embracing these moments can truly brighten our days!
Three More Helpful Reads For Living Stylishly With Lupus
If you enjoyed this Live Well Roundup, here are three of my recent posts I think you will love, too.
A Life Lived Chronically: A deeply personal reflection on creating a life that still feels full, stylish and meaningful while living with chronic illness.
Missed The Superdrug Presents ’26 Drops? 12 Ways To Win Tickets. If you are dreaming of a feel-good day out, this post rounds up all the chicest ways to get tickets to one of the year’s most talked-about beauty events.
Umia Beauty at Dream Nails Review: A luxe but accessible beauty experience that feels ideal when you need a little confidence boost and self-care moment.
Empowering Tools for Thriving with Lupus!
For additional advice and support around chronic illness and wellbeing, these are three genuinely helpful resources worth exploring:
These sites offer trusted information about Lupus, emotional well-being, and support.
What I love most about this Live Well Roundup is that every article, in its own way, focuses on the same theme: adapting. It’s about discovering new ways to make life work for you and cultivating joy, confidence, and comfort, even when things don’t turn out as you had imagined.
Many of us living with Lupus understand this deeply. We learn to approach life in a different way. We become attuned to our bodies and what they need. We start to appreciate slower, more intentional moments. Most importantly, we discover that there is still beauty to be found in all of it.
So if you are spending this weekend evening resting, recharging or simply trying to make it through a difficult week, I hope this post has reminded you that you are not alone.
You can still create a life that feels stylish, comforting and completely your own.
If you enjoyed this Live Well Roundup, I would love you to:
- Sign up to my mailing list for more chic, honest lifestyle edits
- Share this post with someone who is living with Lupus or a chronic illness
- Leave a comment and tell me which link you loved most
- Explore more posts on Wots Her Name Again
Because sometimes the loveliest recommendations come from each other.
