How are you holding up, friend?
I hope you’ve been finding ways to have fun and appreciate the good things in life amidst all of this uncertainty. To help you feel inspired and hopefully discover some new things to keep you occupied in quarantine, I’ve pulled together a list of things I’ve been loving lately.
Each item on the list is something I’ve personally been using for inspiration, stress management, or just for fun.
Please note: No asked me to include them in this list, nor will I get paid or credit if you decide to purchase or listen to any of the below items. I'm just obsessing over them right now and think you will find some inspiration too!
What I’m loving lately:
1. Everything Is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo
If you don’t know who Marie Forleo is, do yourself a favor and check her out! She’s hilarious, brilliant, and motivating. A few months ago she came out with a new book Everything Is Figureoutable, reminding us that no matter how tough the situation, we can figure out a way to achieve our goals. If you’ve been looking for some motivation during quarantine, this book is a fabulous companion!
When ordering this (or any) book, please consider supporting your local bookstore rather than buying from a big retailer, as small businesses are particularly hurting at this time. Many of them offer curbside pickup or offer national shipping. My favorite bookstore to support is Harvard Book Store, but of course find one that you feel most connected to.
2. Silver Palate CookBook’s Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
This is my favorite cookie recipe of all time. Bold statement, but I stand by it!
I personally swap out the raisins for chocolate chips because I waaaaay prefer oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, but you do you!
3. Emily McDowell’s New Card & Journal Collab with Elizabeth Gilbert
Emily McDowell is one of my favorite artists when it comes to buying cards and small gifts for friends. Elizabeth Gilbert is one of my favorite writers. Tell me they’re doing a collaboration together and I’ll spend all of my money (only half joking).
These two wonderful ladies just put out an amazing collection of cards and journals featuring Emily’s art and Liz’s words. They’re beautiful and motivational and the perfect thing to mail your friend who could use a pick me up.
4. Explore africa’s live webcams
A friend recently sent me a link to one of Explore Africa’s live webcams and wow, they are so fun to watch! It’s a great way to see some nature (virtually) if you’re stuck in a city apartment. Plus watching baby elephants play around is endlessly entertaining!
Need a little distraction today? Click here and find your favorite webcam to watch!
5. Corona care box by american happiness
Back in 2017, a Boston acquaintance of mine, Michelle Wax, started a project called American Happiness, in which she traveled all around the U.S., interviewing and working with individuals across all 50 states on the topic of happiness. It’s an awesome project that I highly recommend you follow!
In response to COVID-19, American Happiness has created Corona Care Boxes as a way for individuals to support small businesses, as well as care for friends and family. It can be hard to know how to support others while needing to be physically distant from them, so I love that this is an option! It’s affordable, helps small businesses, and is bound to put a smile on your friend’s face.
6. Unlocking Us Podcast by brené brown
As you probably have figured out, I love anything and everything by Brené Brown. She is one of those people whose words never fail to guide me and inspire me. When I heard she was putting out a podcast, I couldn’t have been more excited!
Unlocking Us officially launched the week of March 16th and new episodes come out once a week. So far my favorite episode is the one with Glennon Doyle (also can’t get enough of her) and I’m very excited for last week’s episode with David Kessler on grief and finding meaning. Hope you enjoy as much as I do!
7. some good news with John krasinski
The ever hilarious John Krasinski started a YouTube channel called Some Good News, where he highlights good news happening in the world (since we hear so much negativity everywhere else). It is is one of the sweetest, most poignant things I’ve watched in a long time! There are only a couple of episodes so far and I can’t wait for more! (Not to give everything away, but Hamilton fans should definitely watch Episode 2…)
Now it’s your turn! Got any good books, podcasts, recipes, or general things you’ve been loving lately? Let me know in the comments below - I’m always looking for recommendations!
Be well,
Carolyn