If the Great Quar has taught us anything, it’s that…. it’s taught us many things. We actually DO enjoy a good puzzle, we can finish off a package of Oreo’s just fine without guilt, we thought we spent too much time on our phones BEFORE quarantine, our kids are actually lazier than we thought, and we really really really really really rely on toilet paper. Like, a lot a lot.

But, it’s also in times like these that we search deep down inside for what truly brings a smile to our faces when the world feels like a dark dark DARK hole penetrating hell’s surface.

Here are 15 things that have brought me joy during the hardest year of most of our lives. And could also serve as some great gift ideas this holiday!

1. Lounge wear - Jeans can suck it. Find the best, butterly leggings (and Lulu dupes) at Colorful Koala and shameless plug for killer lounge wear at Zumiez.com (ahem! I have all the Santa Cruz hoodies and they do not disappoint)

2. Schitt’s Creek - Watching every season, over, and over, and over, and over. Find rad SC goods at one of my favorite online stores Society6. Best Wishes, Warmest Regards.

3. Wine clubs - Let’s be honest. Yes, I would like to reduce the amount of wine I’ve consumed during this time, but ALSO, I do not want to. Crunchy Red Fruit was created by Seattleite Sommelier Jackson Rohrbaugh. Formerly a bartender, server, and sommelier at Seattle’s most fine cuisine restaurant, Canlis.

4. Making mask chains (“croakies” to the hipster) - stupid that we’re doing it, but it’s very creatively satisfying. I’ve linked my go-to pieces from my favorite craft store, Michael’s.

Chains - Paracord - Acrylic Link Chains

Beads - Crystal Embellishments - Charms

Tools - Lobster Claws - Clamps - Rings

***Real life - that’s a gross amount of lint and dog hair on my mask. My apologies.

5. Getting grocery and meal delivery - it just feels right and necessary and embodies my overall sense of laziness right now. If you live in the Seattle area, you’re in luck. The Catering Company delivers prepared scratch made meals, ready to eat or heat up upon arrival. They deliver east and south of Seattle and as far north as Marysville. Their menu options change each month and offer unique selections of delicious fresh goodness. Use code HONESTCHATTER10 for 10% off your first delivery!

6. Copious amounts of COFFEE! Make sure you never run out by snagging a Bottomless scale to monitor your coffee consumption and ship you your preferred coffee at just the right time… freshly roasted!

7. Baking shit - banana bread, banana muffins, banana zucchini, banana chocolate chip. My favorite kitchen tools are from Zulay Kitchen! They’re sleek, great quality and innovative, and great price points to boot! Click for 20% OFF right now site wide!

8. Spending hours doing facial care - Oil cleanser, CBD serum, gua sha stone, rose quartz roller, complextion mist, toner, anti wrinkle lip pad botox alternative, night cream, day cream, neck cream, eye cream, brow cream. Feel even better by using nature’s ingredients found in my favorite skincare by Primally Pure and snag a portable facial humidifier by Hey Dewy.

9. Taking work virtual meetings without video, from bed without a bra - But, if you feel like you need a bra, this Jockey bra has amazing fit and price point. I have like 3 of them. I probably should just buy one for every day of the week, because that’s where we’re at.

10. Mid work day break walks with dog and kiddos - Brutus is a tank, so when we go for a walk, he pulls with excitement to pee on every single plant, hydrant, pole, and tire. Thankfully, I plan smart and always wear Brooks shoes so I’m ready to run with him (or look just slightly cooler when I collide with the sidewalk).

11. Google Meets with friends - It’s a lovely excuse to tell your kids and husband that you’re not available from like 7-8pm and to open a nice bottle of wine because you’re actually having a drink with someone this time. It calls for the good stuff.

12. Extra snuggle time with the family floofsters - Endlessly watching animal videos and sending texts to friends of videos and photos of our floofsters, while browsing online for rescue floofster bebes. Brutus, Bob and Pearl get really amped when a box from Chewy.com shows up at the house. Don’t forget to treat your family floofs this holiday! Shop Chewy.com for festive holiday goodies or subscribe to save on your routine pet food orders. Shipped right to your home!

13. Not packing school lunches - “Hey kids! Totino’s pizza rolls are in the freezer! Help yourselves!”

14. Working out at home alone - I can literally roll out of bed and on to my spin bike or on to a yoga mat and no one will witness my floppy boobs (because why bother with a sports bra) and my quarantine 15 spilling over the top of my pants. You can support artists and your exercise habit by snagging a yoga mat with your favorite print from Society6. Pick from 100’s of artists and prints to create your perfect savasana.

15. Eating our feelings and stress shopping - I’ve managed to keep my morning routine of Organifi Green Juice and Complete Protein, but from about noon on, I fall in to the “I keep going to the fridge and pantry looking for something new” routine. As far as shopping goes…. let’s just say the huz and I had to have a chat about my package deliveries. Even the neighbors were growing concerned.

What activities or things have been bringing you joy and comfort right now? Share yours in the comments on Honest Chatter and inspire others to seek out the good!

#theyearwas2020

15 Things That Bring Joy During Covid and Quarantine Season