My Favorite Things During the Corona Virus Shut-In

Hello, my peeps. It’s been an interesting month so far. I feel everything was ramped up to the extreme, and now I find my boys home, my husband home, my dogs ecstatic, and me? Well, I’m kind of thriving in self-isolation.

I’m weird like that. It’s almost as if my Muse is so relaxed at knowing she never, ever has to leave the house –no more track picks up, errands, or schlepping. Everyone is home safe. Sure, being in a packed house is definitely a challenge, but I can retire to my sacred office space and work away. I’m ahead for the first time in years of my drafts, and allowing myself to play.
So, while we are all looking for new things to do to keep ourselves occupied without gorging too much on social media, I thought it would be fun to list my favorite things for the past month.

Here we go!

1. Love is Blind – This Netflix series is so bingeworthy it’s ridiculous. Every time I mention it to someone, they give me that snobby look and then hours later, text me to let me know they are already on episode six. It brings all the feels and drama and is perfect to watch while eating some snacks or sipping some wine under a cozy blanket. Email me after if you need a support group. I did.

2. Down Dog app and Online Meditation with Deborah – I mentioned last time I’m focused more on my health and making sure I do movement to keep my body strong, but now I’m working on my mind. Down Dog is offering a free membership if you want to try yoga – it’s such a great way to destress and quiet the mind. I’ve always been an advocate of meditation, and a guided one is the best way to try. Deborah Hanlon offers one online Sunday nights for only ten bucks and it’s well worth the price. I was floating for days afterward, and she sends you the link so you can do it over and over. Here’s the link if you want to check it out: https://thecenterforbeingknowingdoing.com/event/virtual-guided-meditation-with-deborah-hanlon-4-8/

3. Mini cucumbers. Yep, that’s right. I’m obsessed with these crunchy, almost calorie free, water packed treat. I purchase a bag, grab one, and go, and it’s been a great addition to my new eating habits. Sometimes the simplest things are the best. And they may even be easily available in the supermarkets – so far I haven’t had an issue like I’ve had with the frozen food. Fingers crossed.

4. Books. Oh, yeah, I’ve been binge reading like mad, squeezing in a story whenever I can. Here are some of my highlights of books I’ve loved lately!

A Rogue of One’s Own by Evie Dunmore – cannot say enough good things about the second installment in her series – it’s historical romance at its best.

Perennial Seller by Ryan Holiday – a deep dive into what makes a book not only a bestseller, but one that people will always remember. I took notes on this. It changed the way I viewed many things in my career – if you’re a writer or artist, it’s a must read.

Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow – A behind-the-scenes account of the Weinstein cover up. Seriously, I couldn’t put the book down, and unfortunately, couldn’t un-see all the corruption in this scandal. Read it.

5. Madison Reed hair root cover up – Sigh. Yeah, I hate gray roots. And constantly spending time to dye really pisses me off. I was using the spray stuff but it got flaky in my hair, and felt like I had hair spray – which I hate. I took a chance on this and love it! It’s a power, so you just use the brush like makeup, and then cover the roots that are cropping up. It’s not itchy, it stays put, and it does a great job. I have a feeling we’ll be needing more of these tips since I can’t get to my hair stylist for a while! Here’s the link if you want to peek: https://www.madison-reed.com/shopping/root-touch-up

That’s it! I’m sure I’ll be doing more of these as we stay the course during this difficult time. I’m sending you all the good thoughts and positivity!