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

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

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.

1. Slippers - When I'm not outside exercising, you can find me wearing these faux shearling slippers from J.Crew Factory. I have two pairs, one in this dark nutmeg color and another in a seasonal holiday plaid. They are so comfortable and so cute. You can wear them with leggings, yoga pants, jeans, joggers, and anything else you happen to call comfortable right now. I love that they are high quality without a high price tag ($25!!).

2. Yoga Mat - Before my gym closed, I was going to yoga 2-3 times per week. But after it closed, I started using my mat for less than yoga and more for daily stretching. I've being doing some online yoga classes, but I much prefer in person classes. I have a hard time "connecting" to the online instructors. So, I've been using my mat to stretch before and after my daily walks and runs.

3. Kindle Unlimited Membership - If you are an Amazon Prime member, you are eligible to enroll in Kindle Unlimited for $10/month. Kindle Unlimited gets you an unlimited amount of free book downloads from over 1 million titles and thousands of audiobooks. Not all books in the Amazon library qualify, so it's best to browse the selection (which constantly updates) to decide if this is worth it for you. I've been reading books from the Kindle Unlimited library all month, and I really can't beat the price. If you read a book per week, you are getting 4 books for $10. That's hard to beat. You can try the service free for 30 days.


4. Le Creuset Dutch Oven - I've been using my Le Creuset Dutch oven to bake bread almost every other day. On the days when I'm not baking bread, I'm usually making a soup, stew, or pasta sauce in it. While this purchase is most definitely a splurge, there are less expensive alternatives that are just as effective. This Dutch oven by Ayesha Curry is a good one. This Crock-Pot brand one available at Home Depot is a great price. I love the colors of this Dutch oven by Lodge.

5. Ulta Brand Hand Soap - I've been using the hand soap for years. Obviously, I'm using a lot more of it these days. I love the selection of scents (my favorite is Rosemary Mint) and the price is right too. I just ordered 6 bottles a few days ago, and they were in stock, and now they are on their way to me. They smell so good, and Ulta often offers special deals on their own bath and body products such as buy 2, get 2 free.

6. Joggers - After seeing a few of my favorite influencers raving about the Lou & Gray sweatpants at LOFT, I ordered them when they were on sale a few weeks ago. They arrived. I tried them on. And whomp, whomp. I didn't love them. I just wasn't feeling them. I didn't like the fit on me, and they weren't flattering. So, they are going back, and I'm purchasing this pair instead.

7. Vitamin C Gummies - I've always taken vitamin C supplements, but since the threat of coronavirus has become imminent, I've upped my vitamin C game. This one has vitamin D which boots immunity. Whether you are in the midst of a pandemic or not, it's a good course of action to take a vitamin C supplement regularly.


8. Blender - My gym's café makes the best smoothies, and I'm really missing them right now. I'm trying to replicate them at home, but they just aren't the same. However, I'm trying lots of different smoothie recipes (see my Pinterest board here) with my blender. I'm also realizing that I could probably use a new blender. I currently have KitchenAid blender. Would love to know if you have a blender you love and swear by.

9. Apple AirPods - There's a lot going on in our house right now. From Zoom meetings to conference calls to Duolingo sessions, it's been difficult to filter all the different noises in order to be able to focus on my own work. Most of the time I'm working from home alone, and I can listen to music and podcasts without earbuds. But with all this activity and noise, my AirPods have been a lifesaver in keeping me sane and on task.

10. Sherpa Sweatshirt - I've been taking my loungewear seriously since we've had to shelter in place. I've been wearing this sherpa sweatshirt on repeat, and I'm definitely not mad about it. It's so comfortable, and I love that it's not overly bulky. The particular one I am wearing here is sold out, but this one is similar.

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