So it’s been a while now, 15 weeks or so. And while we’ve all been impacted in different ways one common theme is a lot more time in our own homes. And while everyone has by now hopefully been able to get the basics: food, TP, masks, and antibacterial hand wash, plus I actually scored some cleaning wipes (it was the last container but gave me a sign of hope). But there are a few things that I’ve appreciated or added that supplement the bare essentials.
Taking a little time for self-care might be keeping me a little more sane. While I have been known to order the occasional item online a good trip to your local drugstore should stock you up for this. With all the hand washing make sure you’re treating yourself to a little extra moisture, I personally never use hand lotion so ended up splurging for this version from L’Occitane. I figured I could splurge there since I’m saving so much money on mani pedis, which I now make time for over the weekend to do myself, though I’m skipping color I do find I need a little nail strengthener or my nails fall apart so use the Nailtiques 2plus and try a little moisture there with some cuticle oil. And if your place of residence has a tub indulging in a little time with an epsom salt soak should be on the menu and while you’re there maybe throw on a sheet or a mud or charcoal mask (I find the options on sheet masks a little overwhelming), and yes still on the lookout for the perfect bubble to accompany.
I find that although I’m not going out as much I do still try to change out of my pajamas for the day, it just makes me feel better and avoids those awkward moments when the delivery guy knocks on your door. But while I do like to put on “real” clothes this mostly consists of t shirts and some sort of comfy pants. Personally comfy pants are not fitted “yoga” pants, it just still feels a little like giving up if I’m not actually exercising. Mine are usually something I’ve snagged off the sale rack but I have comparable versions to and these soft drape pants, tapered knit pants, slightly oomphed knit pants, and on a whim these overalls. And don’t get me wrong a good pair of pajama pants are in my book indispensable and I snagged a cute pair of these in the lemons right before lock-down. And yes I do still do zooms so depending on the audience have been known to put on an actual shirt. Sorry gents no personal men’s suggestions but similar pants are out there like these lounge chinos or these pants both suggested by The Strategist (which I love for reccos).
It’s been really tough not seeing people and being able to hang out on a semi regular basis but we’ve been able to supplement the quality alone time with some virtual activities. A fan of our lovely local Napa Valley it seemed like a good opportunity to support some local wineries and did a virtual tasting through Matthiasson that was fun and tasty, with a discounted follow up wine purchase. Also took advantage of some speaker series through Commonwealth Club and Eventbrite as well as some events normally attended in person like City Arts & Lectures and Pop-Up Magazine. And of course have figured out a way to get together for weekly happy hours that include themes (usually includes a virtual background and an occasional attire inspiration, Paris anyone?) and game night fun with Drawful, Trivia, Scattergories, and a non virtual made virtual version of Codenames but I think there’s an online version. Museum tours have also been attempted but something feels lacking in not being there.
My biggest quarantine splurge was well worth it for an alt gym option since my short walking has been curtailed and long walking impeded by foot issues. My building manager made a point that our ecosystem was out of balance with people trying to work on zoom and others getting their aerobic on but this low key cycle keeps me able to get some movement on a regular basis, my setup is of course with a chair and in front of the television. I also like to try to get some regular strength and stretching and have developed an affinity for the PBS show with my buddy Miranda (and no we’re not friends I just refer to the show in a way that makes it seem like we’re just going to hang out), but I like that it’s quick, full body strengthening and stretching, and again is not setting off the apartment building ecosystem.
And you know I couldn’t survive this without some tv and a few books for book club and otherwise. Let me know in the comments what is keeping you going and anything else I should consider buying?
