How's everyone doing? It's been a weird week and a half, to say the least, and we have a feeling it's only going to get weirder. Many of us are practicing "social distancing," which is especially hard since we're such a social species. Turning down handshakes and hugs has become the new norm, as well as pumping hand sanitizer into our hands with each doorknob interaction. We're keeping to ourselves, spending the majority of our time at home or on the ranch and limiting time at the grocery store. Social distancing and voluntary quarantine is all part of the effort to "flatten the curve," but it can also be a time to hone in on your family, your business, and even your own personal self-care.
Start your morning how you would if you were getting ready/going to work.
For us, that usually means coffee and a podcast. A few of our favorites are The Goop Podcast, Girlboss Radio with Sofia Amoruso, Brought To You By..., She Podcast with Jordan Lee Dooley, Rural Revival Podcast, The Ranching Brunette Podcast, The Long Finish, and Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard.
Tackle that spring cleaning early!
Downsize your closet, organize your makeup drawer/skincare cabinet, get your garage in tip-top shape, streamline your pantry, clear out the trunk of your car, etc. It may help you feel as though you have a little more control in this uncertain situation. Plus, it'll add to the sanitary nature you want your home to have, especially now!Binge, baby, binge!
Here's what shows we recommend watching on Netflix/Hulu/Amazon/HBO/etc.:
- Whitney: Yellowstone
- Lauren: Dead To Me, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Sinner, American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace, I'm Sorry, Dirty John, Grace & Frankie, Queer Eye, Desperate Housewives, Black Mirror, Younger, Big Little Lies, Love Is Blind
- Natalie: The Witcher, Velvet
Test out a new recipe!
We like Ina's Weeknight Bolognese and her Chicken Pot Pies, Alison Roman's Salted Butter & Chocolate Chunk Shortbread and her Pork and Red Chile Stew with Tomatillos, Waylynn Lucas' Banana Mocha Chocolate Chip Muffins, and these Chewy Chai Sugar Cookies.
Watch some of our favorite YouTube videos.
We're obsessed with Aaron Paul's rustic river home in Idaho, Liv Tyler's 25-Step Beauty Routine, Cazzie David's breakup guide, any of James Corden's "Spill Your Guts" videos, and Vanity Fair's "What's In The Box" videos.
FaceTime/Skype with friends and family!
Social interaction doesn't have to completely cease. Chat with your grandparents over coffee, bake with your best friend or enjoy a glass or two of wine with that guy you've been seeing - all via screen time. We need connection now more than ever.
Take an online workshop or class.
Whether it's business-related or purely for educational fun, now is the time!
Get some exercise/meditation.
Whether it's out in the fresh air or a home workout/meditation, it's important to stay active during voluntary quarantine. We love Tone It Up, Love Sweat Fitness, and the Calm app to name a few.
Have a dance party!
Here's a mix of tunes that are bound to get you up on your feet: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7uSpPPr7fFEn5KNIgcY47k?si=-Z7-YfycQeWOs22hxK4izQ
Pull out the board/card games.
Go the classic, rainy day route with games from your childhood (or adulthood). We like Sorry!, Phase 10, Mexican Train, Trouble, Clue, and Cards Against Humanities.
Bring on all the bubble baths!
Cue the candles, wine, and relaxing music. Leave the phone outside your zen space and take a little time for yourself. Lauren's all-time favorite soak is "The Martini" Emotional Detox Bath Soak from Goop.
If you can, discover small businesses to support during this difficult time!
Before you turn to a big box store that will most likely be fine post-pandemic, research small businesses (local or not) and find a few you'd like to support. Whether you're looking to stock up on wine, candles, cozy knits, etc., there's sure to be a company you'll connect with and feel good about supporting!
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We will be checking in with everyone on Instagram throughout the next few weeks, so make sure to follow us and keep us posted on what's happening in your homes! We would love to hear from you via social media or email. We're in this together!!
Also, if you do need to stock up wine, we're still shipping out here at Cox Family Vineyards and offering an automatic 20% sitewide discount, plus FREE local delivery in the Greater Ukiah/Redwood Valley area. Your health is extremely important to us, so we're taking extra precautions and packaging orders with gloves and wearing masks.