Creature comforts: Cosying up at home and winning… 4 tips on loving home time alone

By creammagazine, July 2, 2025

With more and more socialising happening from the home, from Zoom to communal gaming – and with the majority of us happy to communicate online rather than the old-school face-to-face way – it’s no surprise we’re also more comfortable on the couch than going out these days.

‘Cocooning’, or that idea that we’re more content cosying up in a familiar environment rather than being out and about surrounded by strangers, becomes a particularly popular phenomenon in the winter months.

You can keep track of your favourite sports without stepping foot out of your own yard, even complete an entire degree in communications without physical contact with the outside world.

Here are six great things to do while cocooning at home yourself:

01. Write a list of all the things you are grateful for; you’ll notice up to about number 10 on that list, a nice surprise will hit you.

02. Put a record on that just puts in, you know, that mood. Vinyl, CD, Spotify, MP3, it’s up to you what medium you choose, just remember it’s your song.

03. Listen for sounds outside your own house. You’ll be surprised how many birds have been singing, hot cars have had their engines rumbling, or kids have been laughing in the park while you’ve been busy ‘elsewhere’.

04. Breathe – and enjoy that moment with yourself, away from social media for a time and from the busy physical world for a while.

Michael Mastess

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‘Houndsome’ outfits for your pooch – outstanding dogwear that puts part of my winter wardrobe to shame!

Australian dogwear label Houndsome making handsome clothing for dogs while staying firmly sustainable.

In case you haven’t realised it, our pets – dogs in particular – are having it large. Sometimes larger than we are. Organic foods; longer leashes; bigger, fluffier beds; an amazing array of toys to chews from (see what I did there?); even pet insurance. Heck, I don’t have insurance on certain things in life. And don’t get me started with pet wardrobes. Actually, do get me started – especially since I’ve come across an awesome new dog clothing label, aptly named Houndsome.

Houndsome is the brainchild of two clever dog lovers and long-time friends, Lib Schlyder and Claire Stewart, whose aim is to create dogwear that uses natural, premium fabrics designed for real comfort, uncompromised movement and, best of all, longevity – not landfill.

The brand’s fabrics and materials are meticulously tested for durability and longevity, ensuring each Houndsome product withstands the rigours of daily use and that extra rough-and-tumble treatment dogs provide. This helps reduce the need for frequent replacements, minimising waste.

It helps that these women also have a keen eye for quality patterns and design, opting for classic prints like tartan and, pardon the pun, houndstooth. They also create dandy-looking scarves and cravats.

Highlights from label’s Autumn/Winter 2025 collection (seriously, they have seasonal collections) include wool coats, pure merino knits, cotton and denim jackets and rainwear, along with 100% Australian merino wool blankets – all made locally, with mills and factories in Geelong, Launceston, Lilydale and beyond.

I popped a gorgeous tartan coat on him in stylish ‘cockatoo teal’ and he looks so handsome in it! I’m talking superdoggel ready to strut the runway. Indeed, these coats and other clothing are so standout, your pooch will be the talk of the park.

@critiktok100

Ringo gets a new outfit from sustainable dogwear label Houndsome… and he looks real handsome! #houndsome #tartan #dogwear #dogsoftiktok #fyp

♬ original sound – thetiktokcritik

Designed and made in Australia, every Houndsome coat and jacket blends design, function, and comfort. From luxe Merino wool sportscoats (yes, dogs are sporty) to timeless denim and water-repellent spray jackets, each piece features adjustable velcro straps, a soft, fur-friendly lining, and convenient harness opening for effortless walks.

“Now that I’ve got my Houndsome wardrobe, I’m all ready to strut the catwalk. Well, maybe the dogwalk.”

Ringo Litmus Starkey

While Australians are increasingly making conscientious choices in their wardrobes and homes, the petwear market has been slower to catch up, often favouring fast trends, synthetic fabrics and vague ‘Made in Australia’ claims. Hence the Houndsome label was born – proudly accredited as Australian Made, and a collection packed with more style than some of the labels recently witnessed at Australian Fashion Week. I kid you not.

Antonino Tati