I used to be guilty of buying every fashion and lifestyle magazine going. These days I only seem to buy or read them when I’m off work for any length of time- be it holiday or when I’m off sick.

With a long period of sick leave ahead of me I’m actually kind of looking forward to having a chance to indulge in some of my favourite publications, my problem being that for the first three weeks at least I shall be largely housebound.

You can imagine my delight when I discovered Unique Magazines- the online newsagents can’t you? My discovery of which is really rather timely. Right now there are some great discounts at Unique Magazines covering some of my favourite titles such as psychologies (yep, I love it!) on a three issues for £3 deal…HELLO guilt free subscription. I’m also eyeing up Vogue at £15 for six issues and a couple of the crafting titles as well to give myself some inspiration- I’m desperate to master knitting and get back in to cross stitch. Of course one can’t forget Hello Magazine, my ultimate guilty pleasure.

I’m going to be on a budget so will probably just have to pick one title to begin with, although after my sick leave has ended and I’m back on full pay I may treat myself to another one or two.

Which magazine should I go for to keep myself occupied, I’m thinking a weekly edition such as Look (which I used to buy without fail) at £15.99 for 13 issues is a sound investment. A regular delivery to my door, plenty of eye candy in the form of new season style AND a reunion with an old favourite.

Which magazines do you buy without fail?

I don’t think I really mentioned this before but (all being well) I’m going in for surgery to remove a disc from my back on February 4th. It’s only a day case, or worst case one night stay in hospital type procedure but the recovery period is a fairly long one (they reckon 6-8 weeks off work) so despite being on a shopping ban I’ve done a little bit of browsing and come up with a post-op comfort clothing wishlist.

Bambi Sweater– £19.99 from New Look. This is just too cute. Bambi is my second favourite Disney film (after Beauty and the Beast) so this has gone straight on to my post shopping ban wish list as well as my post-op one.

Cat Print PJs– £10 from George at Asda. It’s pretty self explanatory why I want these, who could resist the cute kitty face. They are an amazing price too. Most of my PJs these days come from Asda, I can’t get enough of them.

Ellesse Slouchy Sweat Pants– £38 and exclusive to ASOS. I don’t really own any jogging bottoms, I did buy some cheap ones in Primark before my ban but they are stupid slim fit ones and I’m craving something a bit baggier for lounging around in. These ones fit the bill perfectly, I love the entire Ellesse range at ASOS actually, there are some really awesome pieces.

Lacoste Ziane trainers- £38 from Treds. When I am up and about and heading to physio appointments or just a general wander to keep myself mobile some comfy, easy to put on shoes are a must. I’m really loving these ones from Treds, perfect for slipping on with whatever I’m wearing in a gorgeously girly shade of pink.

What other things would you consider essential? If you have any ideas for keeping myself entertained for the time I am off then feel free to leave them in the comments. I’m not the best person for sitting around and not doing much, eek!