Make Yourself Cozy

A cute, quick, easy read. Great girlfriend gift. I like the combination of journal and illustrated self help. Motivational without being too out of touch. Realistic. Would also make a great Mom gift.

Make Yourself Cozy by Katie Vaz is like a love letter to readers to love themselves, and invest in self care. Sometimes life gets stressful, and extremely busy with either school or work. Make Yourself Cozy may be a graphic novel, but there are several ideas that can help with self care. It may be small reminders like making yourself a favorite cider or hot chocolate, to watching guilty pleasures on tv, or creating a cozy outfit just for yourself. I picked up the book because I care about my self care, and I am investing it in. It's a lighter read than the other books I have read, and appreciate it. Though, I wish it had a bit more recipes, but nonetheless, I found this book cute and lighthearted. It melted my bitter heart, ha ha.

“Coziness may last a couple of days.” - This quote aptly sums up the importance of self-care and why this delightful guide is what you need if you struggle with making time for self-care. This interactive guide is filled with inspirational quotes, cute illustrations and fun exercises. While some of the exercises listed are obvious and popular, the format (pick and choose, lists, colouring) makes up for it. Overall, I found myself smiling while reading it and marking off exercises to refer to during a mental-health day.

I loved the soft colors and illustrations throughout the book. They made me feel so cozy! The advice is probably nothing you haven't seen in other similar books, but it's very feminine and that appeals to me. I can see this appealing more to women than to men (though perhaps I'm wrong?!).

I liked the included recipes and that it made me look forward to fall (my favorite season for coziness!) even more than I already do.

At a little over 100 pages it’s not a long book. In fact, you’ll speed through it in minutes. That said, I think I'll refer to this book whenever I want to feel cozy. :)

I actually really liked this. We could all use a reminder to slow down and enjoy ourselves. I like the focus on self care! This would make a super cute gift for someone, and I might just have to pick up a physical copy of this for my own!

A really cute self-care book. I loved all of the illustrations and recommendations. This is a great little book and would make a lovely gift for friends.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

“Make Yourself Cozy” by Katie Vaz is filled with fun illustrations and wonderful advice for providing luxurious care of self. Think on these descriptions and see how relaxed you feel, as they form the essence of Katie’s joyful guide: “Freshly baked bread. Cloud-like pillows. Lavender tea. Slow cozy warmth. Super soft blankets. Fluffy robes. Binge-worthy TV.” There are gentle prompts that encourage you to fill in your own thoughts on what makes you feel light and free as you slow down and find joy in everyday things. 5/5

Pub Date 02 Oct 2018

Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.

#MakeYourselfCozy #NetGalley

I loved this little book so much ! It is full of cute illustrations and hand lettering and so many cozy ideas. This book would be a great gift for someone going through a difficult time in their life or just anyone who enjoys cuddling up at home in a warm blanket.
Thanks to NetGalley for this book to review.

I love books like this! I can open it to any page and come across suggestions for something to do to make those few moments of down time extra enjoyable. In this busy world, we all need that.

Cute and lovely book! It’s full of great illustrations and interesting advice.
A fast and interesting read.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc.

As someone who struggles with an anxiety disorder, I believe that this book would be great to have sitting around. Make Yourself Cozy by Katie Vaz is an adorable book filled with inspiring subjects, quotes and illustrations. The book does not need to be read in order and can be flipped through easily. Katie Vaz does a great job at bringing the feeling of nostalgia and happiness. With this, it creates calmness. I absolutely loved the prompts, especially creating a notebook filled with compliments that you can look back on when having a tough day. Another being - "What do you feel when you ponder the universe?" and a surprisingly, an oatmeal recipe. I hate oatmeal because I had too much oatmeal as a child but those ideas are too cute! Make Yourself Cozy is one that I'll honestly consider purchasing myself when the hard copy becomes available. If that happens, I'll definitely put it in my "cozy first aid kit".

Also, I wanted to be sure that I mentioned this - while this is classified under "Religion & Spirituality", it most definitely is not. This was something that concerned me when I first downloaded this title, as I'm not entirely comfortable with religious materials. However, I didn't find anything in the book that featured religion or spirituality (unless you count a page about yoga, which I don't).

5/5

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Andrews McMeel Publishing, for providing me with a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

While this short book isn't heavy on words, it is full of great suggestions for bringing more coziness into your life. There were a few things I especially appreciated - suggested houseplants were noted as pet safe or not, there are suggested activities for all four seasons, the journal leaves space for comments/drawings, the illustrations are cute but simple and one suggestion made is to go pet cats and dogs at your local shelter! I've been doing just that the past month is so and I can second that idea as a feel-good activity. :-) After a quick first read-through, I realized I'm much better at providing cozy spots in my home for my furry kids than I am for myself. I'll definitely be using some of Katie's suggestions to make my home a little more cozy for myself as well. Hmm, do they make giant, squishy pillows for people? ;-)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this cozy little book. Comments are my own, unbiased opinion.

What a delightful book! We tend to forget to offer ourselves the much-needed self-care. I suffer from depression and anxiety and I end up beating myself up a lot. I'm learning that through the art of self-care and being mindful I have a better chance to overcome the many obstacles that plague me. Most of them are imagined I believe because of the pressure I put on myself to get everything done, I never seem to take time out for myself. I'm always on a mission, I suffer from an illness that limits my ability to accomplish some of the most simplistic tasks.
Ms. Vaz book was just what I needed, it's written in such a way that her ideas are simplistic and attainable. I highly recommend this book to everyone and I'm going to be purchasing this cute little book for Christmas gifts. I think we all need to practice self-care especially if we want to help others.

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this e-galley in exchange for my honest opinion

[I was given an ARC for an honest review]

This book is so cute and amazing and cozy! I loved it and I really want to buy the paperback edition as soon as it comes out because it is so cute! And I plan on buying some copies for my friends because IT IS AMAZING! It's filled with lovely images and such cute tips. I really enjoy reading (and dedicating my time) to self-care and self-love and this book is the perfect guide! Especially since it focus A LOT on the Autumn season which happens to be my favourite. I loved this book so much and I totally recommend to everyone that enjoys books with cute and happy drawings, good self-love tips and lots of cozy and hygge-inspired tips! :)

What a delightful and cozy book! Self-care is such an important part of life; one that is often set aside as we tend to others. The book is full of self-care tips and little reminders of small things you can do for yourself on a daily basis that have a huge impact. The colors of the book are very calming, and I found myself full of smiles as I quickly went through the pages. The illustrations are adorable throughout the book! I look forward to purchasing a hard copy of the book as soon as it's available and referring to the book often. I highly recommended this book for anyone dealing with anxiety or anyone who may just need a boost.

Thank you to Netgalley, Katie Vaz and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is such a gentle book. While I wouldn't recommend it to everyone, this is definitely a title I can see myself purchasing a couple copies of to hand out as Christmas gifts to a few specific friends who could use a little coziness in their lives. I appreciate the interactive aspects of the book (encouraging the reader to journal, to draw, and to reflect). While I'm not sure that this is best suited as a library book, I do think this is one worth reading, and I would suggest adding it to your collection.

It was easy, quick and lovely read. I loved the illustrations and colors. It was a lovely little book about self care. I really enjoyed it.

This is an adorable book that will help remind you to take care of yourself! The illustrations are playful and inviting, while the message is beautiful. Take moments each day to get cozy and savor life. This would make a great hostess gift or just a fun “thinking of you” gift for your loved ones. I’m definitely getting my friends and family a copy of this cute little book!

I loved this book. I am always searching for new books focusing on self-care. It's so important especially in this day and age to focus on yourself, your well being, your self-care! It's easy to lose yourself amongst the busyness of life, children, and social media. I love the illustrations of this book. What drew me to this book as well was the supercute cover; I want to work on making myself cozy and enjoying life to the fullest, the happiest me!!

#netgalley #makeyourselfcozy

I’m a big believer in alone time to refresh. In having little things or hobbies to brighten your day, especially when you’ve had a stressful time. I haven’t read a self-help book since the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books as a kid/teen, but this book was a joy to read.

The tips within this book are some things I do already, so I appreciated being encouraged to continue. I love having fresh or dried flowers to brighten up my room. I love plants. Reading time and enjoying a good snack is one of my favourite things to do. Going on a walk - weather permitting - is also a good stress-reliever. I enjoyed that these tips are easy things we can accomplish if we start to make time for ourselves, or more time with loved ones. It’s too easy to get caught up in work, especially since work tends to dominate much of our lives.

The book also has recipes, which I found really fun! I love the idea of baking and cooking, though often I’m too tired to really go for it. But the recipes are a good motivator to try.

There are some ‘worksheets’ within, like naming things that upset us or bring us happiness. Sometimes I found these pages not very effective, other times I did.

Perhaps what I struggled with the most is the art style. It took a bit to get into, because it’s so quirky and simplistic at times. Sometimes the art style suited the book perfectly. Other times, I wanted more from the illustrations especially because this book is so minimalistic in the first place.

I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed "Make Yourself Cozy". But it’s a lovely book that reminds us to set aside time to relax and find things to make our home comfy and peaceful. Doing these things can refresh us after hard days or weeks. I look forward to these little moments every day, and I think books like this are uplifting

What makes you cozy? Well if you don't know this book will give you great suggestions as well as help you find the answer. Full of fill in questions, suggestions and fun illustrations this book will make you feel cozy without even getting up from your chair. The author really hits it on the head and awakens your time with you. Everyone needs time with themselves to energize and escape from the hustle and bustle of life. From favorite rooms, to favorite hot drinks, to favorite activities it will reach in and has something everyone can relate to. In the day of run here, do this, children wanting attention 24/7, ailing parents and stresses of the workplace this is the book for you. I highly recommend it.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the book we need, ya'll! I mean EVERYONE!

Living with depression and anxiety, I speak loudly about the importance of self care and self love. IT IS VITAL. You would think it would come easily, taking care of yourself. Especially being a parent, partner, or have a position in your career where others rely on you. I mean, if you can take care of other people then how hard can it be to take care of yourself, right?? WRONG. It is so easy to forget and even easier to feel guilty about.

I love, let me say this loudly, LOVE this book, Make Yourself Cozy by Katie Vaz! I have read numerous self help books and more than a couple on self care and this is the one I will carry with me! It is a book of adorable and highly relatable illustrations and interactive pages showing all of the different ways we can practices self care. And it DOES take practice! This is an excellent tool to keep handy when you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed or even just fine but you have a few minutes to show yourself some care. This book doesn't just tell you to take care of yourself or even that you should. IT IS A TOOL. Some pages give examples, some ask questions for you to answer so that you can practice your own unique coping skills and self care practices. There are pages for you to fill in the blank that will get you thinking about how to become a better you FOR you.

Make Yourself Cozy would be a wonderful tool for everyone to have with them tucked away in a purse or car or downloaded on your phone. I highly recommend this book to everyone as we all need extra help when it comes to taking care of ourselves! I plan on purchasing a copy once it releases and recommending it to my own therapist as a possible tool for her other patients.

Special thanks to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an opportunity to read and review this book.

Self-Care for those of us who don't normally practice it or do so, so sparingly that when we actually do spend a little time for ourselves it's like a foreign concept. I for one am not a person that focuses on self-care it hardly ever crosses my mind but this book really makes you want to. There are small things that one can focus on if doing the huge at-home spa day isn't for you.


Some of the fun things included are regular things that can actually help you gain some perspective as well. Like a music day, getting out for a walk, cozy combo options to help you slip out of day and step into Cozy Town. There are few prompts that you can fill out to help you create things that appeal to you.


This journal is so awesome and I can't wait until its released so I go grab a physical copy.

3.7/5

What a cute book!
This is the kinda book that I wanna buy just because it is so cute (being informative is a plus point) and make me want to reach my crayon and fill the designated area.
Also make me want to cut and paste the pictures on my journal, if I have any.

So easy to read and, honestly, calming. Perfect for a bath or rainy day read.
I can see myself randomly selecting some activities to relax.
Complete with several recipes and blank lines to write your own version of cozy.

A wonderful little book that gives the reader permission to, and ideas for, active and mindful self care. The illustrations are lovely and the suggestions, while not necessarily the most radical, are practical and accessible for women and men of all ages and income levels. I especially enjoyed the interactive aspect of the book (there are a mix-and-match suggestions for a cozy weekend day and a few writing and drawing prompts) that really allows the reader to take an active and primary role in their own well being. A strong recommend.

I love all the tips and activities in this book which enable readers to make cozy lifestyle choices.

Make Yourself Cozy: A Guide for Practicing Self-Care is an adorable gift for a friend (or for yourself!) who is dealing with challenges in life, who is fighting mental health issues like mild anxiety or depression, or who just needs a reminder of the importance of quality self-care. With charming drawings and a wealth of ideas for physical and emotional warmth and healing, Make Yourself Cozy is the perfect start to a self-care bundle.

It’s filled with delightful drawings as well as interactive pages where you can add your own favorite self-care objects, write about your own feelings, and even draw your own cozy spots. And if that’s not enough, there are recipes and craft ideas, party ideas and potential getaways, houseplant suggestions and fashion ideas to fill your mind—and your life—with cozy thoughts.

Make Yourself Cozy is the second book by illustrator, designer, and creator of lovely cards and gifts Katie Vaz. Her first book was a coloring book called Don’t Worry Eat Cake (this is my life’s motto! except that I do sometimes worry and other times I eat pudding), and I’m already on board for her next book, out next year, The Escape Manual for Introverts. Her vision of life, which jumps off the page through her engaging illustrations as well as her gentle way of looking at life’s harsher moments, offers a soothing balm.

This book is the perfect antidote for a life that feels too loud, too demanding, or too harsh. So grab your favorite pajamas, snuggle under your softest blanket, grab your favorite hot beverage, and turn on your favorite soft music and open up this book to find the peaceful, cozy, warm, and inspiring self-care you so desperately need.

Also, eat more cake.

Galleys for Make Yourself Cozy were provided by Andrews McMeel Publishing through NetGalley.com, with many thanks.

This is a graphic novel for adults about self care and taking care of yourself. It is short but its nicely done and fun to read. Many of the ideas are sensible and can create a much more happy home for the readers as well. as teach good self care techniques. The suggestions range from candles, cozy blankets, reveling in quiet to comfort foods and changing your routine to focus on self care before all else. In today society of busyness I found it refreshing and very helpful.

A really fun read. Perfect for unwinding and finding peace in your life with that which surrounds you. A great pick for those fond of self-care.

Katie Vaz's cozy guide to self-care. It's filled with cute little illustrations about how to make yourself cozy or your surroundings more comfortable. I enjoyed reading this little book, although most of the content isn't anything new that you can't find elsewhere, the author managed to make it fresh and interesting with the lovely drawings and pages that can be personalised according to the reader's feelings. I don't usually review self-help books but there was something about this one. Self-care is something that's really important to take some time to take care of your mental well-being. I wouldn't mind owning a copy of this illustrative guide to self-care.

It was a nice to read book and I loved its main idea about self love, self care. The author knows how to put these ideas into words and make you feel good about yourself.

Make Yourself Cozy is a cozy read on self-care. This compact book is filled with gorgeous illustrations that guide the reader on how to make the most of life. It includes recipes, fun-filled activities, suggests perfect spots at home to sit and unwind and recommends activities during a staycation and so much more.
This is a book to be read and re-read. I highly recommend to anyone looking for an effortless way to decompress.
I received my ARC from NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

Self-care was a goal of mine this year. My ideas were limited to getting out of the house alone and taking a long bath. Vaz has great suggestions I hadn’t thought of before. This book was beautiful and informative.

I like the idea it is more visual and interactive (on some pages). This is a good look into ways into self care and having a nice day/moment. Has different ideas of what you can do. The illustrations are very interesting and likable.

Honest and in-depth advice for reaching your full potential. This advice is presented in easy to follow language that can be broken up and applied in pieces at a time. So many of us are rushing around trying to make everyone else happy and don't take care of ourselves. The author of this book gives advice on the importance of doing things to make ourselves feel better. We can only reach our full potential if we care for ourselves as much as we care about others.

Thank you to NetGalley and Katie Vaz for allowing me to read and review Make Yourself Cozy. I love books like this one, that push me to care for myself. 5/5

Make Yourself Cozy by Katie Vaz is a wonderful book aimed at helping people de-stress. I loved the way the author uses fun graphics to illustrate her points. This book is a book you write in and use over and over. Yet, it is still full of great ideas for helping you get perspective on your life when things are crazy. I looked at a digital copy and loved it, but I think it would be even better in a hard copy that you can flip through. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a chance to step back and re-evaluate things. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I thought this was super cute and had so many great little ideas for living a cozier life. I loved the illustrations and I think this would be such a great gift, especially with a little care package of other cozy items.

Katie Vaz’s book on self-care shows readers how slow, cosy warmth can help them deal with the anxieties and challenges of everyday life.

Such a good read as a self-care mentor I loved the advice and tips given to help up your own self-care game.