Gimme the Good Stuff

How are you all holding up? Here in New York, it’s starting to seem like this really is never going to end, and I’m feeling a sense of loss over the summer that we’d planned.

Here are 8 things that are helping me stay semi-sane:

1. Home improvement projects. Since we are rarely leaving the apartment these days, I’ve been inspired to improve the inside! I splurged on these organic sheets, have been filling my home with air-purifying plants, and upgraded a few of our rugs to less toxic versions (current fave). I’ve also been doing some organizing and deep cleaning, room by room, and this activity prompted me to publish an All-Purpose Cleaner Guide.
2. Cooking. You probably know by now that I’m not much of a cook. Mostly, I find it pretty tedious, which is probably why I made New York City my home. Sun Basket takes the pressure off a few times a week, and I’ve also gone back to my old favorite cookbook for delicious, easy, vegetarian meals. If you’re cooking more than usual (and I assume you all are!), our Cookware Guide might be of particular interest right now.
   1. Not cooking! Just yesterday, I started Nutrition for Longevity meal delivery and it is so, so delicious! It’s a unique concept of pre-made breakfast and lunch and then ingredients and recipe for a simple dinner. You can use code GIMME20 for $20 off your trial box or $40 off a subscription. So far, I’m into it!For a true detox, you could also try Sakara’s Healthy Body Project , which is a four-week transformative program that includes Sakara meals, at-home fitness classes from The Sculpt Society, health coaching, and $250 in luxe gifts, including a pair of sneakers from APL. You can choose to start May 4, 11, 18, or 25. Code XOMAIA will get you 20% off this or any other Sakara meal program.
3. Squeezing in fitness. The reality is that it is VERY hard for me to muster the discipline to work out for a full hour at home. To compensate, I’m forcing myself do a session every day, but typically it’s just 20 or 30 minutes. I’m working my way through the free trials of all the online programs you guys have recommended. So far, that’s been Tracy Anderson, Melissa Wood Health, and now Yoga Glo. Next, I’ll do The Class, and then I’ll likely stop the trials and sign up for my favorite. Let me know if I’m missing an amazing one! In terms of equipment, I purchased some basic ankle weights on Amazon, and am still using wine bottles for hand weights. I did a little research on yoga mats, and decided on this brand as the best non-toxic one on the market. I love it, and would highly recommend.
   
4. Giving back. A good way to stop feeling sorry for yourself is by an act of generosity. There are so many vulnerable groups right now, and I’ve been particularly worried about the many women I know who are employed as domestic workers and are ineligible for unemployment benefits. I’ve chosen to donate to this incredible organization, and would love to hear from you about how you’re giving back–if you are fortunate enough to be able to do so.
5. Trying to keep us well. I feel more peace of mind when I’m doing basic things to keep us safe. My husband is an essential worker, so we are not entirely quarantined, and doing lots of hand-washing, wearing masks when we go out for groceries, and trying to remember to take our elderberry syrup (it’s back in stock, you guys!). Here’s a list of natural substances that kill coronavirus.
6. Getting outside. I know many of you have nice big yards, but my fellow apartment dwellers must know my pain! Even moments on our roof, watering our little carrot garden, brighten my mood. We drove about an hour outside of the city earlier in this week for a 3-mile hike and I’m determined to make that a weekly activity.
7. Trying new beauty products or treatments. Wellll, the truth is, I’m not exactly making myself more beautiful during this time. You might argue the opposite, in fact. The new habits I’ve taken on during quarantine include not shaving my armpits (something I’ve always wanted to do–it must be the Vermonter in me!) and giving no-poo another shot. Picking at my face and chewing my cuticles have become my number 1 and number 2 hobbies. One thing I have done is add this raved-about product to my simple skincare routine. I’ve also thought about dying my hair, and started looking into safer options for that. My initial research lead me to conclude that Garnier’s Olia line is perhaps the safest, although still far from truly Good Stuff.

Will you reply to this email and let me know how you’re staying sane through this? I don’t always have time to reply, but I do read every single message!

Stay sane,

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