I went to do my weekly grocery trip today and the store was in panic mode. No parking, empty shelves, long lines and a sense of desperation. I have lived through tornadoes, floods and hurricanes and I would have to say that the hysteria I experienced in the grocery store is of that caliber. There is no doubt the COVID-19 virus is here and it can be serious. While events, schools and businesses close or adjust schedules it left me wondering – what do we do with all of our time alone? Let’s be clear, I am not trying to make light of a serious virus but am trying to find a way to make use of the isolation time. As you know, at Amalie Beauty we believe beauty is more than skin deep so here are some ideas that you may want to consider.
- Plan that procedure you’ve been putting off – If you’ve contemplated a professional peel, laser treatment or deep facial that requires a 5 days to 7 day recovery this could be your window of opportunity. Many companies are asking people to work from home so this may provide you with the chance to have a minor beauty treatment and heal without missing work or being embarrassed.
- Get into home improvement – Now that you’re spending more time at home than usual take a good look around your home. Walk through room by room with a critical eye. It’d the perfect time to address things that make you crazy or freshen up your look. A new coat of flat paint will cost you around $15 and it is the single most impactful thing you can do in your home. Special of high end paints can be as high as $40 but even that is the cost of dinner for two. If you have no self confidence go to your local Lowes or Home Depot and ask the people that work there. It’s also amazing what you can find on youtube. Believe me, home projects are not hard, you got this! If you want some ideas on DIY home improvement projects check out this list from Cheapism, 10 Little Home Improvement Projects That Make a Big Impact
- Clean & De-Clutter – Spring is coming so it’s a good time to do your deep cleaning. If you’re a germaphobe its an especially good time. Worried about chemicals when cleaning, why not try to make your own cleaner. I recently made my own shower glass cleaner and granite counter cleaner and they are honestly the best I have ever used. There are lots fo recipes on line as well as videos. When it comes to decluttering, less can be more. As you clean see what you really don’t need. If you don’t want to sell your items Salvation Army and goodwill are always happy to take donations. Be sure to get a receipt for your taxes. If your up for streamlining your hime and making some extra cash, try placing you items on Letgo, Craigslist, Facebook Garage Sale Marketplace, The RealReal or one of any other many sites. These sites are easy and free. I recently sold a chair and ottoman that I just didn’t need. Of course, be sure to follow their safety recommendations and bring a friend or family member when you meet someone. Let’s face it, retail is not what it once was. Repurposing clothing, furniture and other goods is the new hot trend so why not be part of it.
- Home Spa – It’s time to try that soothing bath, face mask, hair mask or nail color you always dreamed of. I love this article from One good Thing by Jillee because she uses things you have in your home to create the spa, no special equipment required and many of the treatment us fresh ingredients you likely have at home. If you’re working from home, it’s also a good opportunity to go natural. Let your hair air dry, skip the makeup and nourish your skin with a good beauty oil. When I’m working from home I put SHINE Organic Brightening Oil on after I clean my face followed by my day skin cream and it gives me a natural healthy glow without makeup. I have found the use of SHINE over time, has made me so comfortable with my skin tone and overall look that I now wear very little makeup.
- Get a Green Thumb – If your lucky enough to have a yard and/or garden, now is the time to be in it. If your focused on your yard you should be considering planting bulbs for summer blooming, mulching, weeding, fertilizing and trimming. If you want to grow your own food, this is the key time to do you plantings and seedlings. Gardening is great outside exercise and it will make your proud of your home and health. Want some inspiration? 15 creative DIY Spring Garden Projects .
- Take the Time to be Gracious – Just because your isolated, it doesn’t mean you can’t think of others. Sit down and write a letter to a friend, neighbor, family member and/or pick up the phone and call them. Yes, I said call them! Try to avoid the email and texting and go for something more personal. You have the time and likely others in hibernation do too. Older adults and high risk groups like people who have serious chronic medical conditions (Heart Disease, Diabetes and Lung Disease) are really frightened. Your call could make all the difference that day.
- Get back into that hobby you can’t seem to find time to enjoy. Do any of these ring a bell? Photography, reading, gardening, cooking, singing, working out/running, painting, journaling/writing … and the list goes on. If you’ve been too busy to enjoy one of your favorite activities, now may be a good time to discover old friend again.
- Hit Pause – allow yourself to pause life for a bit. Treat yourself to some mindless bing watching or video gaming, if that’s you’re thing. Unplug, yes, I said it, unplug – try to embrace and enjoy the quiet. This is going to feel weird and unnatural so start small. 30 minutes, then an hour. I touch my phone way too many times a day, if your like me, give this one a try. After all, we have a lit of so many other things you could be doing.
- Work it out – If your concerned about going to the gym, download one of the many new workout apps you’ve been meaning to try. At home sessions and equipment are one of the larger exercise trends for 2020. The science of working out as well as nutrition has become so accessible that you can literally chose an app based on your goals. Weight loss check out the top 5 best meal delivery and workout apps here. Best overall workout apps for women from Parade. Many of the apps are free so you have nothing to lose.
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