Quarantine & Chill

Guys...this is complete madness. It almost seems unreal. At this point, you are most likely experiencing a bit of “cabin fever” like us. We wanted to hop on, and tell you what we are doing to keep ourselves busy during this time of chaos and uncertainty. Writing this post gives us a sense of normalcy and serenity. We hope this post can help you get through these times as well, or at least give you something to do for the next ten minutes! While we have been spending a great deal of time apart, we were able to hop on a Zoom call and catch up to put together this post.

This is the best time to tap into that “self care” time that you always put on the back burner because life is just always too busy. Whether it be boredom, stress, anxiety, or any of the emotions in between. Below are ideas that have helped us stay sane: We all handle situations like this differently, so take what you need and whatever may help you.

Take care of yourself and your relationships:

Nic: We finally have the time to take a candle-lit, bubble bath with soft music playing in the background...ahhh so relaxing. I have also been indulging in lots of facemasks with my family. Here is a link to the under eye face masks that we have been loving, it is SO soothing, and moisturizing! It feels good to actually get up and get ready for the day as you normally would--I have had such fun playing with new hair and makeup styles. And lastly, while we may be physically isolating, we can still keep up with one another through texts, calls, and video chats--I suggest that you set up dates and times for these virtual hangouts as you normally would.

Ash: I personally am struggling during this quarantine. I have been going out on health walks to enjoy the fresh air. Like Nic said, Facetime time has always been a must but now I am just Facetiming anyone and everyone to help pass the time AND work on my relationships.

Get Crafty:

Nic:  I am 2 years behind on my scrapbooking and I always seem to put it off. Well with nowhere to go and no one to see...I finally have the time. One thing I have always wanted to learn how to do is make my own polymer clay earrings. I wear so much jewelry and having the ability to make my own would save me serious $$ while also giving me another creative outlet. I have been having so much fun with these hands-on activities and they definitely give me creative outlet for all this pent up energy I have.

Ash: I personally love coloring and messing around with watercolors. I have plenty of art supplies from an Art Therapy class that I am able to put to good use. I now have time to color through my adult coloring books that I have collected. Here is a link to some printable adult coloring pages. A more hands-on craft that I tried out was tie-dying some sweaters and shirts, AND bleaching some old t-shirts that I had, I think they turned out pretty good!

Engage your Brain:

Nic: Being cooped up inside can make you feel a bit stir-crazy. Lazing around in pajamas and a messy bun all day can start to get old. I’ve found that doing things that make me think really help keep me feeling productive (and sane)! I have found myself spending time reading a book (currently in the middle of “One Day in December” by Josie Silver), investing through Robinhood (get it while you can and the market is down!!), and doing daily Washington Post crossword puzzles.

Ash: Word searches and sudoku puzzles have been my go-to for my brain to keep working. I now have more free time to catch up on some reading. I have been learning all about enneagrams from The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery.

Support Local:

Nic: Now more than ever it is time to Support! Local! Ladies! If you have the funds to support your favorite small business, this is a crucial time for you to help them--it can truly save their business as we see companies left and right crumbling. My current favorites that I have been supporting are: Vinnie Louise, Gold + Ivy, and Hey Mavens! Take a look at the candle set that I purchased, they truly light up my day.

Ash: Supporting locals is just a habit and not being able to physically go to shops, or farmers markets is very saddening. For clothes I love everything Molly Green, and while I am able to work there during this quarantine, the online shop has all the goodies (make sure you use my code ASHLEYWMG, when checking out)! For haircare I use Roses+Azalea, especially for my dry shampoo, they just came out with a skincare line that I am dying to use!

Get Cookin’:

Nic: I have been having SO much fun in the kitchen, using simple or leftover ingredients found in the kitchen are key. I have been putting my bar skills to whip up Pomegranate Margaritas, Blackberry Mules, Orange Crushes, and Spiked Strawberry Shortcake Milkshakes all using fresh fruit! In the non-alcoholic section I have tried out whipped coffee (as seen on TikTok), curry tuna salad, shrimp crab boil, loaded avocado toast, and bruschetta. I swear, I’m going to gain at least five pounds with all this time spent in the kitchen!

Ash: During this quarantine I have been a pescatarian - crazy I know. But my favorite meal is cauliflower tacos with pico de gallo. If I’m looking for a to-go order I have found a new Thai place that is to die for! Satay has some of the best pad thai, and it is only about 3 on the spicy level in comparison to others I’ve tried.

Spring Cleaning:

Nic: With all this free time on our hands I have tried to put some of my energy towards getting organized. I’ve been working on de-cluttering and removing as much unnecessary stuff I have in my room. And I have been (trying) to make my bed every morning. Something as little as this routine makes me feel like I’m getting at least one thing accomplished!

Ash: I have been putting all my attention to clean out the closet from clothes I haven’t worn in the past six months (pray for me).

Watch Something New...or Re-Watch Something you Love:

Nic: I have been getting my $$$ worth of my family’s Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus subscription, that is forsure! The new movies and shows I have been watching are: the Tiger King docuseries (obsessed!!), All American, with Manifest and Summer Night currently in queue! I have definitely been re-watching some of my favorite past movies and shows like: Mulan, National Treasure, Vampire Diaries, and New Girl. Check out this great Joe Exotic mug and sticker set that Mary Kathryn Design is selling!

Ash: This is the perfect time to go through your “to watch list” on your streaming sites. Season 2 of Legacy and Elite came out and I am so pumped to watch them! I definitely need to get on the Tiger King train because I have heard great comments about this docuseries. On Hulu, I have been binging The Handmaid’s Tale...it’s been three days and I am already on season 2!

Learn Something New:

Nic: This goes along with engaging your brain, but it takes it a step further! This free time spent inside can be used on some personal development. It can be physical, mental, emotional. I have been spending time with LinkedIn Learning, a free platform for Nashville Public Library members! Also Rosetta Stone just came out with a free 3 month trial of their foreign language program for students. Lastly as I have quickly learned that geography is NOT my strong suite, I have been working on memorizing the U.S. map with capitals. I hope to move to other countries and continents soon too!

Ash: Updating resume, and gardening… I do NOT have a green thumb...so this will be fun. I have also been brushing up on sign language. I took two classes while in college and I am very excited to learn some more via Youtube.

Discover New Music:

Nic: I have been going through all sorts of genres and artists, and have found myself bumping to some great music that is new to me. I made a Spotify playlist for you all to check out what I have been listening to. Check it out here!

Ash: Roddy Rich has been my go to artist during this quarantine. I also just get on Tiktok to find new tunes and try to learn the dances.

Stay Active:

Nic:  My family has definitely participated in our fair share of walks in the evenings, but I’d love to be a bit more active in this abundance of free time. I’d love to start waking up earlier in the morning to go for a run. Catching that beautiful spring sunrise or sunset is the perfect excuse the get a glimpse of the outdoors.

Ash: Working from home means that I have to stay glued to my laptop till 4 p.m. once I get off I go straight outside for some fresh air. I usually walk around my neighborhood or go to a greenway that's close by. OR I do a quick body workout from Tiktok ;) TikTok workouts and dances will get your heart rate up forsure.

Plan out your post-Quarantine life:

Nic: I constantly daydream of all the things I will do when this madness ends. Starting with my grad school advising I am planning out the rest of my course load until graduation I have been trying to make a five year plan of what I hope to be doing in the future--sounds boring, but also fun to put my aspirations down on paper. Lastly, and most importantly I also have four trips in the works including Texas, New York, Arizona, AND another big post-grad Europe tour. All these trips are definitely in the air until things start to clear up, but it is exciting to plan these fun adventures.

Ash: This is the perfect time to do all your research that you have been putting off. Look for the top three hotels/hostels/airbnbs and go ahead and draft out an itenary of what all you want to see/do and taste. I was planning a quick trip to Chicago for my birthday but that will probably not happen since we will still be quarantined (sad face). Chicago is my first pick then maybe Puerto Rico just to get out of the States or Guatemala to visit my grandparents.

Last but not least...Limit your exposure to the news. There is SO so SO much going on,this is truly the talk of the WORLD. It is important to get away from the 24/7 news cycle so that you don’t overwhelm yourself. Turn off your news notifications and stay safe AT home guys. Comment below and let us know what you’ve been doing during your quarantine period. Wait and see what we’ll do next!