Indoors Until Further Notice
Let's chat winter warm-ups, the wellness spots taking over NYC, and the best indoor events this week.
Welcome back to guest check! To my OGs — your support means everything. I’m feeling more inspired than ever to keep writing and I’m honestly having so much fun. If you’re new here, hi, I’m Laila! Catch up on what guest check is all about in my first newsletter, and don’t forget to subscribe below 💌
If you want to…
Prioritize your self-care
Make your daily routine something you look forward to
Be that friend who always knows the best NYC spots & happenings
Then you’ll definitely love starting or ending your Mondays with Guest Check in your inbox :) As always, grab your coffee (or martini) and let’s get into it!
Winter Warm-Ups
It’s brick cold outside, and all I want to do is stay indoors. Winter is when I like to slow down, get cozy, and prioritize self-care. Here are the things I’m doing to stay warm and take care of myself this season.
In the morning, I take Cymbiotika Liposomal Vitamin C daily, and if I feel a cold coming on, I reach for Wellness Formula (warning: it smells pretty foul, but I’m convinced it works).
For winter skincare, my skin gets super dry, so I keep it simple. I wear sunscreen every morning (yes, sunscreen isn’t just for summer). I’ve been a longtime fan of the Innisfree UV Defense Sunscreen, and for moisturizer, I’ve been obsessed with the rhode Barrier Butter.
Now it’s time to get dressed for my morning movement. First things first: proper layering. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with the UNIQLO HEATTECH Ultra Warm T-Shirt as a base layer. I pair it with a cozy sweater or sherpa jacket and finish with a massive puffer that practically swallows me whole. Looking cute? Not the priority here.
If you need a visual, this TikTok captures it perfectly—it’s your ‘Haunting the Neighborhood🧍🏽♀️’ outfit. I’d just swap the shoes for my Classic Ultra Mini UGGs because they feel like slippers you can wear outside.
After braving my 10 minutes of outdoor time, here’s how I stay cozy indoors for the rest of the day:
Ambient lighting only, lamps everywhere!
Light a candle (current favorite: NEST New York)
Treat yourself to a self-care night — full routine below
The Best Wellness Spots in NYC, According to Me
I fear there is a wellness craze taking over NYC right now (and yes, I’m definitely a part of it — LOL). Luckily for you, I’ve visited all the spots so you don’t have to. Here are the ones truly worth your time and the perfect activity for a cold day.
Remedy Place: Offers a variety of Tech-Remedies like Breathwork Ice Bath, Cryotherapy, Sauna Suites, alongside holistic options like Acupuncture and Vitamin IV Drips/Shots. P.S., Cryo is not for the weak — it’s -175°F, and yes, my eyes were literally crystalizing. Sorry Cryo, you won’t be seeing me again. (Flatiron, SoHo)
Othership: I took their guided class: all around, and absolutely loved it. The guide leads you through an immersive journey in the sauna and ice bath — I truly felt transported to another world. It’s a great way to unwind after a long day and regulate your nervous system. Plus, they have a no-phone policy, which I love. They also host an evening social on Thursdays & Fridays if you want to make new friends. (Flatiron)
Spencer’s Spa: I practically live at Spencer’s Spa at this point. It’s a luxury spa and my favorite escape from the noise of New York City. Their waiting room is absolutely gorgeous and calming, and the therapists are incredibly comforting. They offer body massages, facials and foot treatments — it’s worth the splurge. (SoHo)
I’m Busy (Having a Self Care Night)
Yes, staying in and having a self-care night counts as having plans. So no, don’t feel guilty for saying you’re busy — you are.
If you’ve been following me on Instagram/TikTok for a while, you know I love sharing my self-care routine. Save my itinerary below for the ultimate cozy night in:
Order your comfort meal for takeout (Chicken Ki-Mao from Soothr is my go-to)
Pour yourself a fun little drink (currently obsessed with Swoon Peach Tea)
Watch one episode of a series (alternating between Dubai Bling and Chernobyl, depending on my mental capacity)
Take a relaxing, hot shower
Slip into your favorite cozy PJs
Make green tea with honey while scrolling through guest check (hehe)
Treat yourself to skincare therapy (I’ll get into my routine next time)
Set the AC to 70 (no slander allowed) and sleep!
What’s Happening This Week
(1/20-1/26)
At the end of each newsletter, I’ll share a curated list of the best events happening in New York City that I think you’ll love. If you check any of them out, let me know!
NYC Broadway Week (2-for-1 Tickets with code BWAYWK25)
That’s all for this week! I love you all and truly appreciate you being here. If you made it this far, I’m guessing you enjoyed guest check, so it’s only fitting to share it with your friends (I’m watching 👀).
Wishing you a meaningful Martin Luther King Jr. Day and a cozy, relaxing day off work — stay warm!
xo,
Laila
Instagram: @laila_elnaggar
TikTok: @laila_elnaggar