So. Hi! Things have changed a lot since we last talked on the blog, no?
I typically try to get blog posts up as early as possible in the morning, but I will admit I’m feeling a little paralyzed and very scrambled. So today’s post took a little longer than anticipated to write.
After polling you guys on IG stories last night on what kind of content you want to see and how I can help bring some joy to your life during this crazy time, I now have SO many amazing ideas for posts to come this week, so that is the list I plan to work from! A lot of great, helpful content coming your way! 👏🏼
I know times are heavy, but I will share with you this: The best gift my mother ever gave me was teaching me that you can’t control what happens, but you can choose how you react to it.
We’re in this together! Let’s make sure we can look back on this time and be proud of how we rose to the occasion together. Our elders have endured FAR worse than a self-quarantine. Let’s all make the best of the role we need to play here to minimize the impact of this disease on our country. (And for the record, if you don’t know, the role that we, especially as millennials, need to play, is staying home––avoiding contact with others as much as humanly possible over the next couple of weeks!)
With that being said, here’s my ultimate guide of all the things that can bring you joy and make life easier as you cozy-in at home!
A “work from home” jumpsuit
When I ordered this jumpsuit from Everlane I had no idea how useful it would really become!! It’s my new favorite thing and the best way to “get dressed” while still being comfortable! Comes in so many colors and is so easy to dress up (you know, later). It runs true to size!
A great face mask
With all this extra time for skincare, I feel like we’re all going to have GREAT skin, yeah!? Lotssss of time for masking. 💁🏻Here are some of my favorites:
Herbivore Prism AHA Mask: I lovvveeee this mask! One, it’s totally clear which is kind of wild! It has AHA/BHA. Great for exfoliation, dullness, pores, and dark spots!
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask: This is such a hyped-up mask and I was so glad to hear it lived up to the hype! It’s so moisturizing and leaves your skin is SO soft!
Beautycounter Charcoal Mask: Fantastic for breakouts, minimizing the appearance of pores, oil control, deep cleaning and clarifying!
Fancy hand soap and hand lotion
I love Beautycounter’s Citrus Mimosa hand wash and hand lotion, and it comes in a perfect little set! I’m ordering more today–and they just launched a 10% off sitewide sale!
MORE CBD!
I plan to upgrade my Equilibria Balance Box subscription to include the *Extra Strength* daily drops…for obvious reasons. (Because we can only consume so much wine, right? 😂) I’d only recommend the extra strength if you’re already a CBD user. If you’re a newbie, definitely go for the regular strength!
Use code JESSKEYS for 20% off your first order! Tip: You get the most bang for your buck with a subscription (where the products are discounted), and you’ll never have to worry about running out!
Comfy slippers
Slippers are a work from home essential!! I’m obsessed with these “relax” slippers that seem very fitting! 😂AND they’re on sale!!
Lap desk
I know many people are working in very tight quarters these days and we don’t all have the luxury of desks. A lap desk like this one can help make being productive on the couch or in bed a breeze!
Cozy blanket
There are few things more comforting than a fuzzy blanket. My favorite one is old so I can’t link it, but this one is basically the exact same and it’s only $19 on Amazon!!
A new hobby
Want to learn a new language? I ordered this “Conversational French Quick and Easy” book (both the audiobook and the paperback so I can follow along with the audio!) and I’m making flashcards to memorize the vocabulary. They make them for several languages! I also love the podcast Coffee Shop French!
Play an instrument? A few followers who are musicians recommended starting with a Ukulele because it’s easiest to learn and play!
Start knitting? My grannie taught me how to knit and crochet when I was young. Both are very cathartic! There are many starter kits you can find on Amazon!
Try and support your local tutors and teachers! Simply do a google search for virtual lessons!
A new workout
Similar to the above, your local studio may start offering online classes! If not, Youtube is an excellent resource for great at-home workouts. I recommend also checking out Melissa Wood Health, and Mary Kate from Froyo to Fitness is also an amazing resource! I’m also a fan of BBG for at-home workouts!
ALL THE WINE!!!
Perhaps the most important item to have in supply at all times. 😜
There are SO many delivery services that offer wine, liquor, etc delivery! Drizzly, Saucy, Postmates, Foxtrot––just google “wine delivery” in your area if you need more suggestions!
Also, now is an awesome time to sign up for my favorite wine club, Winestyr! Looking forward to our wine shipment and getting to try new wines that support small wineries is always so fun!
GG readers are reporting needing to open wine bottles at RECORD SPEEDS!! This automatic wine bottle opener should help the process go even quicker if your corkscrew is in need of an upgrade. 😉
Some new books
I have a GIANT list of books in this post that I’ll be updating this week, but here are some good ones to start with:
WWII Historical Fiction/Non-Fiction:
My favorite genre that always helps put things into perspective, especially now. Things could be MUCH worse. My favorites lately: The Things We Cannot Say, Cilka’s Journey, and The Lost Girls of Paris.
For something light:
I LOVE Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows–which will make you laugh out loud, and Sourdough–which is so cute and quirky. Both are reviewed in this book roundup post!
Organizing essentials
Need to tackle some home organizing projects? I also SWEAR by these“over the door” organizers (they don’t damage the door so they’re renter-friendly too!) I have them behind almost every door in our house!
Support local businesses and those in need
There are a lot of ways to help your favorite local business from home. They need us now more than ever!
Order gift cards to your favorite restaurants (you can use them later!) or order delivery! Buy gift cards from your favorite boutiques, or shop online or through their social media channels! Don’t cancel your gym or studio membership! Consider buying punch cards or passes to use in the future.
If you can, donate money to your local food pantry or other local organizations that are helping those less fortunate during this time. A quick google search should lead you to the right place.
Fun post! I’m going to check out Yatir’s stuff.
I’ve use duolingo and podcasts (“Coffee Break German” is the one I use but they have other language options), along with some classes at our Rex center to learn german, excited to try his products! Stay & sane 😁
Lol wow lots of spelling errors! Sorry! Meant to end it with “stay safe & sane in quarantine” 😂😂 and REC center, not Rex 😆 I’m going crazy already lol
Love that you commented on local businesses. I live in downtown Downers Grove (IL) and they are all about supporting small businesses. I want to keep the downtown alive. Definitely planning to buy gift cards and look for other ways to keep them going.
Great post! I would also suggest donating your ticket(or money) to arts organizations (theatre, opera, symphony) that may have cancelled your event. Those of us working in those fields will be affected perhaps the longest, as mass gatherings will be the last thing up and running. A lot of arts organizations even make this possible online. Some artists are paid have salaried union contracts…but many do not and have had a huge and sudden loss of income
Thanks!
Don’t forget to support your local bookstores too, who are just in much in need during this time! Would be awesome if you could also link to local bookstores when you recommend books, rather than just Amazon! Thanks!
Great post
i love this.
this is awesome.
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I like that you mentioned that online wine delivery services are getting more common due to the need for people to stay home as much as possible. I do like unwinding during the weekend by drinking alcoholic drinks especially during dinners. It’s a good way to be able to have nice conversations with my husband since we tend to get very busy even when we are both working from home.