Best Online Reads

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. Ten amazing free classes you can take online from Harvard, MIT, and more via The Girlfriend.

2. Why you need to stick to a regular bedtime during quarantine via MindBodyGreen.

3. How to set goals during a time of uncertainty via Career Contessa.

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10 Great Beauty Buys Under $10

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One area where I've really scaled back during this quarantine is beauty. I'm wearing less makeup and spending less money on beauty-related items. I am still taking diligent care of my skin (cleansing and moisturizing morning and night), but I'm not doing my normal daily makeup routine, and my focus on beauty products is leaning a little more towards those of the inexpensive-but-effective variety.

Since I like to think that we are all paying a little more attention to our bank accounts right now (whether you are currently employed or not), I wanted to share ten of the beauty products I am currently using and loving, all under $10.

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Small Changes To Make Around the House To Save You Money

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It’s a challenge to save money in this uncertain world. There are distractions from saving everywhere, always new subscription services (hello, Book of the Month Club) or new restaurants to try out. It feels like there is no way to budget and save for future, no matter how hard you try.

However, if there’s one place that you can always save money even when you’re struggling to budget, it’s your home. While you can’t avoid mortgage or rent payments, there are other aspects of the house that will help you cut costs.

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The Books I Read in February and March

February started off strong in terms of reading, but by mid-month, I had faded a bit, and then once March came and the quarantine was ordered, I had a hard time focusing long enough to read more than a few pages at a sitting. Because of that, I've combined February and March into one post.

Now, I am back on track and plowing through the books again. But before I get too far ahead of myself, here are the books I read in February and March.

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4 Areas Of Fashion and Style Where You Shouldn't Follow The Trends

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You might think that to be fashionable, you need to follow the latest trends. For instance, a lot of people think staying in fashion simply means looking at what influencers or celebrities are wearing. However, this isn’t quite true. The reality is that their fashion choices may not suit you. You may not share their body type or lifestyle. When it comes to fashion trends, it’s best to follow your own direction. Decide what you like and what looks best on your body with your face and hair and how it will fit into your overall lifestyle.

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Best Online Reads

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. What will our new normal look like when we get back to "normal" via The Slate.

2. Thirty-one thoughtful gifts to send friends and loved ones during social distancing via Glamour.

3. What to do to banish boredom at home via Sunset.

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Where Will You Go (After Quarantine)?

About two weeks before our governor ordered us into quarantine, we had considered making last minute plans to go away for a short spring break trip. Usually we gift the girls a trip as part of their Christmas present, but we didn't do that last Christmas. With Emma graduating from high school and Harper from middle school, we had planned to use some of the spring break trip funds on graduation parties and gifts. But when airfares and hotel rates dropped drastically, we had second thoughts. Until I really thought about it. I knew it wasn't happening. I knew travel would be halted and we'd be at home. This week is the kids' spring break, and a little part of me feels like we are missing out on a trip even though we had nothing planned.

But it has gotten me thinking about travel plans when the bans are lifted and we can start getting out and about again. I've been thinking a lot about our spring break trip to California last year and wishing we were going again this year. The picture above was taken at the Santa Monica pier. It's been fun to browse Pinterest looking at all the travel pics and dream a little about exotic locales.

Where will you go when we can travel again?

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Weekend Dispatch

Today marks the first day of our second month of coronavirus quarantine. We've had 4 full weeks of working from home, schooling from home, working out from home, and learning to love being home. Who thought we'd say that life is stranger than fiction? Honestly though, this is the stuff a good fictional novel is made of.

Each week is starting to feel weirder than the one before, but oddly normal as well. We've fallen into a sort of routine, but this week the girls have spring break, and I'm a bit worried about boredom setting in without school work and any outside activities to do. I'm still trying to find an indoor workout routine that I love. I miss my gym and the routine I had there, and finding something that clicks here at home has been a struggle. Last week, I started running outside instead of walking. It was an adjustment and quite a struggle initially as I only run on treadmills in ideal indoor temperatures. But I still need an alternative for colder or rainy days.

Anyway, here's what I've been enjoying:

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Best Online Reads

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. Don't miss "Some people"... via Kottke.org.

2. How to make a coronavirus face mask out of a t-shirt via Huffington Post.

3. Four possible timelines for when social distancing will end via The Atlantic.

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10 Items I'm Using More Frequently While Sheltering In Place

Since going into self-isolation almost one month ago, I've found myself reaching for the same 10 items over and over again. Some are items I've used daily in the past, but now I'm using them all day, every day. Others are items that I've owned and haven't used in months, but all of a sudden, I'm putting them to use on the daily.

I know most of us aren't focused on spending unnecessarily right now, but if you want to treat yourself to something you'll use over and over again while you are staying safe at home, here's what I've been relying on.

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Tips To Help You Care For Aging Parents At Home

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If you've made the decision to care for your elderly parents at home, then you'll know what a big deal it can be. You may feel as though you want to make them feel comfortable but at the end of the day, you also want to make sure that you are looking after yourself as well. I asked a good friend of mine who is currently caring for her parents to share some tips on caring for aging parents without compromising your own mental health.

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20 Great Buys Under $25

After three full weeks of isolation, I've learned a thing or two (or maybe 10, but who's counting?). I've learned that it's no time for splurges and frivolous purchases. I'm all about the practical and the reasonable right now. I'm also all about comfort while I am at home or even running out to do a curbside pickup. I've scoured the web for some fun and functional items under $25 that are available online for quick delivery.

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What Does Your Dream Home Look Like?

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Since being quarantined almost 4 weeks ago, I've been spending a lot more time (WAY too much) on Pinterest. Obviously, I've been looking for recipes ideas (aren't we all?). I've also been basking in all the pretty pictures, whether they are travel pics, food pics, fashion pics, or insightful quotes. But the type of pictures I seem to be the most fascinated by are the home pictures. Maybe it's because I've been spending so much time in mine that I just want to look at everyone else's. We all want to live in beautiful, grand surroundings. But due to money and resource constraints, that isn't always possible. That's where your imagination comes in. I've come across some pictures of home features that I had no idea existed. I'm not kidding when I say there are some really far out houses out there. Here are a few of the things I might include in the dream home of my imagination.

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Best Online Reads

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. Three easy ways to save $100 or more a month via The Girlfriend.

2. How to politely turn down a virtual date via Bustle.

3. Five ways to stay connected during isolation via MindBodyGreen.

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How To Cook With Your Kids During a Shelter-In-Place (And Why You Need To)

Have you heard it yet? The dreaded phrase, "Mom, I'm bored." After almost three weeks of sheltering-in-place, you've likely heard it multiple times. One way to break up the boredom is to get kids in the kitchen to help cook and bake. Most children will express an interest in cooking at some point in their lives. Usually, they like to get involved in baking sweet treats like cookies and cupcakes, where they can lick the spoon as a reward for their efforts. Allowing your kids to help you cook and back will engage them in new learning experiences that will set them up for life. 

Here are just some of the wonderful benefits gained when you take the time to cook with your kids and teach them more about food:

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