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      How to Make Your Weekend Special While Staying at Home

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      So it looks like we’re all going to be at home until 2021. I hate to be so dramatic, but that’s how I feel. I miss feeling safe going out to have a meal with my friends, I miss dropping by my favorite coffee shop to chit chat with my favorite barista on a Sunday morning—and I am sure I’m not the only one having these bouts of missing how things used to be before COVID-19 became a part of our lives. But until this public health crisis gets better, we must all do our part to flatten the curve, and that means staying home (if you can). When I settled in with my parents after leaving my apartment (and exorbitant rent) in Los Angeles at the end of March, just as we saw the first peak in cases, I was so enthusiastic about making being home fun. I ordered new books to read, went for walks, and carved out time each day to do a face or hair mask. However, after nearly four months of going from my bedroom to my office (my sister’s room) to the kitchen, that enthusiasm has turned into boredom and sometimes sadness, leading me to this list. I am writing this for all of us that are feeling the weight of this “new normal.” Our weekends may look a lot different, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find new hobbies or things to do besides binge-watching our 100th show on Netflix to lift our spirits. Here are a few ways to make your weekend feel special:

      Source: @petiteelliee

      1. Work on a Puzzle
      I can’t tell you the last time I bought or put together a puzzle. As I searched the net, I realized there were shockingly a variety of options I loved, many of them designed by independent artists. I bought my first puzzle with original artwork by Afro-Latina artist Reyna Noriega on Jiggy. Sites like Jiggy, Piecework Puzzles, and Etsy offer a chance to add a relaxing pastime to your weekend plans (with a glass of wine or a mocktail) while supporting small businesses. 

      2. Take an Online Cooking Class
      At the start of quarantine, Airbnb cooking classes were my weekend ritual. I’d go to Trader Joe’s (with a mask on, of course) shop for my ingredients, and prep for my class. Scheduling these Saturday morning classes gave me something to look forward to, and they were also budget-friendly. I started out doing these classes solo and found that inviting friends based across the globe to join made the experience even more fun.  

      3. Purchase a Cocktail Kit From Your Favorite Restaurant 
      It’s the simple things I miss these days—like my favorite brunch cocktail. In some areas, restaurants are open, but if you feel more comfortable having your favorite drink in the comfort of your own home, reach out to your go-to spot and see if they’re offering take-home cocktail kits. Many of my local favorites are, and I have to say it’s nice to have a little something familiar even if I’m mixing myself. 
      READ: 15 Classic Cocktails to Master at Home

      Source: @waityouneedthis

      4. Go Indoor Camping
      Planning an indoor camping session may sound a little elementary, but who cares? Channel your inner child. Build a fort out of sheets, hang some lights, and make s’mores on the stovetop while watching the new Baby-Sitters Club series on Netflix. We deserve some time off from adulting even if it’s for one night. There are a few essentials you’ll need to build the perfect fort that you already have at home: pillows, sheets, and cozy blankets.  

      5. Tour a Museum Virtually 
      Touring a museum virtually sounded a little boring to me, especially since I was supposed to be in Mexico visiting my friend for a month in June. Visiting the Museo Frida Kahlo was on my Mexico City to-do list, so I tried visiting online. What I found so interesting about my visit was the colors of the artwork and artifacts were so vibrant. I still hope to be able to visit the museum IRL one day soon. 
      Until then, this was a nice way to view the work of one of my favorite artists. Many other museums are offering similar virtual experiences. The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture is offering video curator chats, the Picasso Museum in Barcelona  is showcasing their permanent collection, and the British Museum in London is offering an interactive experience that provides an in-depth look at key pieces inside the museum. 

      6. Start a Garden Indoors
      Gardening doesn’t necessarily require a green thumb, especially if you start with a small project like an indoor herb garden. There are quite a few kits on the market that make getting started relatively simple. If you’re looking for a kit with everything you need, try the Organic Herb Growing Kit. This kit is also popular among those who want to invest in helping their herbs flourish. 
      READ: How to Start an Herb Garden at Home

      Source: @_harlowejames

      7. Recreate Your Brunch Order
      I am going to be honest: I have tried to do this (more than once) and failed with blueberry pancakes. You might be wondering how anyone could mess up pancakes. Truthfully, I continue to ask the same question. However, I have perfected my bacon, egg, and cheese croissant with a honey drizzle. It’s *chef’s kiss.* Cooking fails happen, but trying to recreate your signature brunch can be fun even if it doesn’t turn out just how you hoped. 

      8. Have a DIY Spa Day
      I know—usually, the purpose of a spa day is to relax, meaning you aren’t the one doing the pampering. Oddly, during quarantine, I have found it relaxing to care for my skin, hair, and nails. Truth be told, my skincare routine usually stops at the places you can see. Over the last few months, I have made it a practice to scrub my body three times a week, deep condition my hair under a bonnet dryer, and manicure my nails (and apply press-ons). You can also try a body scrub and post-shower self-massage with an essential oil scented body butter to help ease your workweek woes. 
      I promise you won’t regret taking extra time for yourself. When you do decide on a weekend spa treatment, invest in products that are good for your skin that pique your senses. I think that is one thing that makes visiting a spa such a sensory experience from the moment you check-in. Lately, I’ve been alternating between smelling like a mango or a lychee fruit. My skin visually says thank you when I make this a weekly practice. 

      Source: @theyusufs

      9. Turn Off Your Phone and Get Outdoors
      You might have anxiety just thinking about disconnecting from technology. We live in a digital world that is pretty addictive that can lead to mindless scrolling and sometimes overindulging in the 24-hour news cycle. We should always be informed, but too much of anything is not good. There has been an uptick in hiking and camping this summer, since they’re a generally safe way to social distance while getting out. The AllTrails app is a great resource if you’re looking for trails nearby or want to go for a long drive. 
      One outdoor option, I’ve personally looked into is Getaway House. I need a little time away from my day-to-day surroundings, and a solo cabin with no WiFi and a lox box for my phone sounded like the perfect fit. I booked a getaway for my upcoming birthday. I’m not the super outdoorsy type, but I am looking forward to emerging myself in nature and taking time to disconnect. The Getaway House has outposts close to 14 major cities and seems to be diligent about ensuring their guest’s and team’s safety. If you’re looking to book in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, or Portland, they have a deal on Gilt City (that I took advantage of) making booking my cabin even more worthwhile.  More

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      in beauty and fashion

      The Best Affordable Home Decor at Target

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      If I were to honestly pick a single place to forever spend the rest of my days, it would be a Target store—no questions asked. It’s got what I want. It’s got what I need. As my eyes travel around this big-box retail haven, I know I’m home. From lounging on its lush mid-century modern accent chairs to piling up my cart with all of the Hearth & Hand™ dinnerware and candles, Target is essentially a meditative retreat for this home decor-obsessed gal.
      Given the amount of time we have spent at home over the past several months, many of us have gone through the same thought process of what it would be like to upgrade our abodes’ aesthetics without having to splurge on thousands of dollars worth of total revamping. If staring at the same decades-old ornamental vase has become tiresome for you, too, perhaps it’s finally time to add some new eye candy to your living room, kitchen, bedroom, and more, without having to break the bank. 
      If you’re ready to up your home decor game, scroll through our favorite Target finds that you’ll want to add to your cart immediately to give your home that budget-friendly sprucing it deserves.

      Lamps

      Rugs

      Furniture More

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      Being Pregnant During COVID-19: How I’m Staying Safe and Sane

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      I had big plans the last seven weeks of my second pregnancy—a huge birthday bash for my 2-year-old, a fancy Easter brunch for our little family of three, even a Pinterest-worthy list of activities to do with my firstborn before he became a big brother.Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
      At first, I wasn’t concerned. It felt like something happening far away, a global event that wouldn’t necessarily affect us in our little enclave in Northeast Florida.
      But that changed quickly. COVID-19 has become something that we’ve all had to face head-on, whether it be dealing with the stress of social distancing, having major events like weddings or birthday celebrations canceled, or worrying about an immunocompromised friend or relative. But being pregnant adds a whole new level of uncertainty.
      Here’s what I’m doing to stay safe and sane as a pregnant woman during the coronavirus outbreak.

      Taking Social Distancing Seriously
      While I love spending one-on-one time with my son, a big part of what keeps me sane as a work-from-home mom is largely dependent on my mom tribe. They’ve been there for me through bad days, stressful work situations, even silly fights with my husband. They’re my sounding board when I worry whether my son is hitting milestones as he should or if I need to take him to the pediatrician (again) for that rash.
      But when officials started encouraging social distancing, I knew I had to take it seriously. The research on how COVID-19 could affect pregnant women is slim, and the CDC says they still don’t know if it can be passed from an infected mother to her newborn. With that said, I knew staying away was what was best for me and my baby.
      Not being able to see my best friends every day has been rough. Postponing my son’s second birthday party was also heart-wrenching. Plus, entertaining my son on my own all day is hard. But I know it’s the right thing to do, not just for my specific situation but for the population as a whole.

      Source: @jyll_mackie via #sharetheeverymom

      Staying Informed—To a Point
      I’m a journalist, and it’s long been a habit to watch the news and stay informed. But the daily updates on COVID-19 are on a whole new level—towns on lockdown, restaurants, and bars closed across entire cities, even beloved celebrities testing positive. To be honest, it sometimes feels like we’re living in a George Orwell novel.
      With the news moving at such a breakneck pace, you could spend most of the day watching the coverage. But I’ve decided to only watch the news in the morning, during naptime, and at night. Any more than that and my anxiety starts to spike. Any less and I feel like I’m ill-informed.
      I’ve also stopped watching in front of my 2-year-old. While I’m not sure he really grasps what’s going on, I don’t want to inundate him with potentially frightening images or adult themes.

      Finding Stress Relief
      As someone nearing the end of her pregnancy, I realize that now more than ever it’s important for me to stay calm. Maternal stress has long been linked to preterm labor,  and the last thing I want to do (especially in the middle of a global epidemic) is to deliver early.
      So, I’ve decided to do everything I can to stay calm. I’ve completely finished the baby’s room, down to washing, folding, and putting away all the tiny clothes and hanging the art. I’ve cleaned out all our drawers and kitchen cabinets, put up new curtains, cleaned and organized long-neglected areas, and wrapped and assembled all my son’s birthday gifts. I’ve also made it a point to support several local small businesses (online, of course), while also squeezing in some time for binge-watching Netflix and reading two books I started ages ago.
      While your version of stress relief may look different than mine, I’ve found that checking things off my to-do list while stuck at home has gone a long way in reducing my stress level.

      Source: @thebeverlyadams

      Having a Backup Plan
      At my 32-week appointment, I asked my doctor about COVID-19 and how it might affect my delivery. She said to prepare myself to not have any visitors in the hospital apart from my husband. Immediately, the sweet visions I had in my head of my son meeting his little brother for the first time in a sunny hospital room, peering into the tiny bassinet at his tiny new brother tightly swaddled in a pink and blue striped blanket, went up in smoke. I wouldn’t get that.
      What she said shocked me then, but restrictions on visitors have become commonplace in recent weeks. I’ve decided to accept that I probably won’t get the birth I envisioned. And that’s OK. But I’ve also started preparing for less optimal situations.
      For example, what if there are too many cases of COVID-19 at our hospital and they can’t accommodate us? Our hospital recently had its first case, and I expect there will be more. Right now, I’m keeping an eye on the situation and researching other options, from delivering at other hospitals to a truncated hospital stay post-birth to yep, even home birth. And I’m not the only mom considering this option. Of course, talking to your own doctor is always the best course of action—they can provide advice and solutions directly relevant to your specific situation.
      The COVID-19 epidemic has affected us all, not just those of us expecting a baby in the coming months. I know there are people who are dealing with far worse situations than I am—those with immunocompromised children, those who still have to report to work and send their kids to daycare, and of course, those who have already contracted the infection or love someone who has.
      But being pregnant and on the cusp of giving birth right now is also really, really hard. Preparing backup plans and being mindful of my mindset is the best thing I can do for myself, and my family, at this time.

      This article originally ran on The Everymom More

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      in beauty and fashion

      This Book Delivery Service Will Make Your Summer

      by

      For the longest time, I figured people either identified as readers or not, and I definitely fell into the “not” category the last year or so. I would rather watch YouTube videos and listen to music in my spare time, not force my brain to work when I’ve finally shut it off. I enjoy books, of course, but I declared myself as a non-reader who just couldn’t find the time unless I was sitting on a beach vacation or curled up with a cup of tea. Well, obviously, our entire lives have shifted the last six months, and my whole “not reading” thing flew straight out the window, down the street, onto the highway, and into some ditch. I started reading more and more with all the extra time on my hands, but I needed to diversify my authors, both in terms of reading books by and about BIPOC and LGBTQ+ people but also in genres and ideas (trust me: I love a good thriller as much as the next gal, but I also love ghost stories and retellings and literary fiction and romance and nonfiction!). Then, I stumbled upon Book of the Month. And let me tell ya, BOTM has become my new favorite way to find books.

      Book of the Month is the fastest-growing book subscription service in America—and you’re about to hear why. They promote new and emerging authors every month, selecting five amazing new releases to choose from (read on for a look at some of July’s!). As a subscriber, you choose one of the five and it’s sent directly to your door. The titles range all genres (sci-fi, romance, thriller, historical fiction—you name it, they’ve got it), and they’re even beginning to incorporate nonfiction titles as well. 

      As I was getting back into the world of reading once again, I was inundated with recommendations for authors and titles, almost to the point of not knowing where I should start. Book of the Month made it so easy. Pick your titles, and as soon as they arrive, you’ll likely get started on them right away. I was so motivated to read my BOTM because they’re all up-and-coming titles and authors you’re bound to start seeing everywhere. Last month, I read The Vanishing Half, and the day after I finished, it made the New York Times’ Best Seller list. I’ve never had that happen before—a book I’d already read and loved become a best-seller just before my eyes. You get early access to books that are about to become major hits, so you can read and get ahead of your book clubs! Oh, and I wanted to finish it right away so my plate would be clear by the time my next BOTM arrival came in a month.  

      On my journey to become a bigger reader (will I start a BookTube channel? The jury’s still out), I struggled a bit with cost. $15 here, $25 there. Before you know it, you’ve spent the equivalent of a week’s worth of groceries on a couple of books. And if you read quickly, you’re basically done for. Book of the Month not only cut down how often I had to research books, but it cut my costs too. Using code EVERYGIRL, your first book is $9.99 (yeah, seriously—less than a coffee and a breakfast sandwich!)—then it’s still only $14.99 a month afterward (which is still an incredible deal for hardbacks). Not loving the selections one month or just not in the budget? No worries, you can skip whenever and won’t be charged. Love to read? You can select an add-on book every month from BOTM’s large selection of titles—including tons of books you’ll likely see made into movies and TV shows in the future. This month, I added Riley Sager’s Home Before Dark—a spooky thriller about a haunted house. (BRB, lighting my fall candle and wishing it was Halloween!)

      Wondering what new titles are up this month? Here’s a look at the two of the five books I’m most excited to read for July:

      Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman
      Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close

      This book sounds like a necessary read for women everywhere. Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman, co-hosts of the popular podcast “Call Your Girlfriend,” explain what it takes to really have a friendship for the long haul. We all know that friendships take work, but to really keep someone close for a long time isn’t an easy feat. These two BFFs share the ups and downs of their friendship and how they’ve gotten to where they are today. I can’t wait to read this and cry, laugh, and call my best friends. This is the book I’ll be choosing for my personal subscription—if you couldn’t already tell.

      Michele Harper
      The Beauty in Breaking

      This is Michele Harper’s memoir, following her career as a Black emergency room physician, a profession that is widely male and white. She attended Harvard after leaving an abusive childhood in Washington, D.C., and just before moving to Philidelphia to work in a new hospital, she and her husband split up. So, she’s in a new city, a new job, and newly single (something many of us might be able to relate to). This book follows her journey to self-healing, realizing that she must heal herself while she’s working as a doctor healing others. The book has tons of praise for being moving, inspirational, and educational—something we all could use right now.

      Whether you’re reading a couple of books or week or get excited when you finish one a month, Book of the Month is truly the easiest way to get a new book in your hand every month without doing much work.

      This post was in partnership with Book of The Month, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More