prairie girl musings

Tag: coronavirus

  • My Quarantine Routine

    My Quarantine Routine

    Truthfully, I don’t know how best to proceed with this blog. All I know is how vital it is to my sanity during a time when I’ve lost the majority of my work. Writing and creating in whatever way I can has always been so important for my mental health. I’m actually finding that confinement and restriction can do wonders for creativity, in general. Let’s just say, I’m clinging to some semblance of normality by maintaining my regular routine.

    I’ve heard many bloggers and content creators mention how they don’t want to encourage consumerism during these challenging times and I’d like to echo that sentiment. I know many of us have lost our jobs with many companies folding at a moment’s notice. Who knows what the future holds when things change so dramatically each day? While I don’t want to gloss over this fact, I personally find it refreshing to lean into my interests during difficult times (as superficial and unnecessary as they may seem…) Last weekend, I watched the entire season of Next In Fashion and honestly nothing’s made me happier.

    In sharing my quarantine routine, I urge you to look to what you already have at home, products that you haven’t touched, ingredients you don’t normally use, and books you’ve yet to read rather than feeling like you need purchase something new. Well, we can’t really buy anything non-essential in New Zealand at this stage anyway… Believe me, I tried to order sweatpants because I left mine in Canada.

    Like everyone else, I’ve been listening to my fair share of podcasts and regularly watching YouTube videos. I absolutely love hearing about the daily routines of different individuals. So, without further ado, this is my daily quarantine routine.

    Please note: I’m not in full quarantine, but rather self-isolation/lockdown as is the case for all non-essential workers in New Zealand.

    Processed with VSCO with a6 preset

    7:00am Wake up, drink some water and read for 25 minutes (I’ve just finished reading The New Animals by Pip Adam and am on a bit of New Zealand literature binge…)

    7:30am Get dressed for my run. On alternate days, I do an at-home workout instead (usually HIIT but sometimes pilates).

    8:15am Yoga or stretching followed by coffee, morning skincare and a shower (I’ve just started using Monday Haircare since running out of my regular shampoo and conditioner and being influenced by everyone on Instagram). For skincare, I still have my Synergie cleanser, exfoliant and daytime moisturiser, but might soon run out. For serum, I’ve been using the Lancôme Advanced Génifique, which was a PR gift two days prior to lockdown. 

    8:30-10:30am Writing time. I had previously been reserving my mornings for emails, scheduling in social media posts, writing articles and strategy calls with clients, but a lot of that is no longer part of my workload. Don’t worry, I’m finding things to do (like writing this blog post!)

    10:30-11:00am I’ve been eating breakfast quite late during lockdown, I usually make a green smoothie consisting of the following ingredients: two handfuls of spinach, one banana, Everything Butter by Fix & Fogg (it’s a game-changer), frozen blueberries and celery if I’m feeling it. Otherwise, I’ll fry up an egg, spinach and have that with avocado and kimchi on toast.

    11:00am-1:30pm More writing, whether it’s a blog post or a client report. Again, I’m assuming I’ll be spending a lot more time writing lists and short stories, reading the news, watching vlogs, and maybe even starting a gratitude journal (probably not though…)

    1:30-2:30pm I might have a snack or if I’m still full from my late breakfast, I’ll go for a walk around the block instead (granted I worked out at home that morning. Gotta ration those outdoor excursions, am I right?)

    3:00pm The afternoon slump hits and I usually curl up in bed for some more reading or even a nap. If I’m feeling adventurous, I might paint my nails or do a face mask.

    4:00pm I might start thinking about dinner, walking back and forth from my desk to the fridge several times…

    4:30pm If I decided to wear makeup that day (highly unlikely) I’ll remove it now. If I’m wearing jeans or a dress (also unlikely) I’ll change into sweats or pyjamas.

    4:45pm After looking longingly at my phone, I’ll probably start to rustle up some ingredients for dinner. If it’s not my turn to cook (it’s usually not, I’m not the best cook) I’ll watch a YouTube video and drink some water. I’ve been drinking SO MUCH WATER these days. Anyone else?

    5:00pm It’s the end of the work day, hurray! Dinner is fully underway and our bubble is getting excited for our evening television viewing.

    6:30pm Dinner time! We’ve been loving roast veggies, Taco Tuesdays and slow cooked anything. I’m hoping to make Kraft Dinner for some nostalgic purposes this weekend. It’s super processed though, so I wouldn’t suggest having it unless you’re desperate.

    7:15pm After enjoying dinner and asking each other about our days, it’s time for a drink. I’ve been trying to hold off drinking on week nights, but sometimes I crack and open a bottle of rosé. I’m trying not to be too hard on myself. This week we’ve been watching Castle Rock on Lightbox (it’s also on Hulu), it’s scary and makes me feel better about my situation.

    9:30pm Evening skincare routine time: double cleanse, (Synergie, again!) hydrating toner, (Dermaviduals) serum (I have a few drops left of my Synergie Acceler-A night time serum and it’s heavenly!) and sometimes even a mask (I was sent a few hydrating Syrène masks to try, loving them) followed by my evening moisturiser (Drunk Elephant). If I’m not too exhausted from my busy day, I’ll do some bedtime reading before lights out.

    Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed seeing what I’ve been up to this past week. Leave your quarantine routine in the comments below or tag me on Instagram using the hashtag #quarantineroutine. Love you lots and take care!

    Processed with VSCO with a6 preset

    Lead image by Nancy Zhou.

     

  • What To Wear, Cook, Watch, Read & Listen To While At Home

    What To Wear, Cook, Watch, Read & Listen To While At Home

    Like many of you, I’ve been feeling anxious and slightly panicked over the past days due to our least favourite c-word. Earlier today, our Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern announced that New Zealand will go into lockdown within 48 hours. To me, this offers a such sense of relief as I know it’ll help flatten the curve and reduce case numbers in our small country. It’s so important that we not only follow the government’s instructions, but look after ourselves while in self-isolation. I’ve been self-isolating for over a week already, only leaving the house to pick up essential groceries, so feel like I’m starting to get a handle on it.

    As you might already know, Nick and I were preparing (both physically and mentally) to move overseas in a few short weeks. We’ll be staying put in New Zealand for the foreseeable future as travelling (both domestically and internationally) needs Most of our furniture has been sold, but fortunately some kind friends have lent us their chairs to use in the meantime.

    It’s easy to focus on the negatives right now, but I’ve decided to dedicate my online space to spreading positivity; reminding you to take care of yourself mentally and physically; and hopefully providing a bit of a distraction from the headlines. During these unprecedented times, we’re invited to slow down and spend time on what matters. If you need some inspiration to become more of a homebody, here’s what I’ll be doing this month:

    Wear: Ah, loungewear. Rather than go the whole nine yards and get fully dressed for a day spent working from home, I prefer to take a minimalist approach. Sometimes I’ll change into my workout gear right in the morning, do a lunchtime workout and then shower and put on more everyday clothes for the afternoon/evening. Changing once or twice throughout the day helps elevate my mood.

    I’ve been known to wear my Bassike rugby pants (pictured below) on days when I might need to leave the house (which is quickly becoming a distant memory) as well as linen trousers like these from Hej Hej. I’ve been on the lookout for a matching beige tracksuit similar to this one Hailey Bieber wears so well.

    SJW03405
    Photo by Shayden Whipps

    Cook: I’ve never been much of a chef or baker, but I’m determined to try out a few recipes over the next few weeks. These are the recipes I’ve been bookmarking as of late:

    Banana bread
    Cauliflower fried rice
    Roasted courgette and chickpea salad
    Savoury spinach pancakes
    Dressed beetroot salad

    I’ve started making smoothies every morning as well and my favourite is a green smoothie with spinach, banana, frozen açai, oat milk and peanut butter. I’ve also placed an order for some Grizzly sourdough, hot cross buns and sea salt bagels because this girl needs her comfort carbs.

    klara-avsenik-E2ZeI008uWg-unsplash

    Watch: I’m a big fan of thrillers and the occasional horror film (Midsommar was my jam) but during these anxiety-inducing times, I’ve been allowing myself to binge shows like Queer Eye, Schitt’s Creek and even rewatching Mad Men.  If you haven’t seen Fleabag, it’s the best TV I’ve watched in years! Modern Love (it’s on Amazon) is also incredible, the first two episodes are a must watch. 

    Crash Landing On You is a Korean series I’ve been getting into as well and I’m keen to start watching To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. Have you seen either of these?

    Listen: Pre-coronavirus, I was already on a bit of a podcast binge, but in the past two days I’ve discovered even more that are worthy of a listen.

    After Work Drinks with Grace O’Neill and Isabelle Truman is my go-to. If you’re struggling with the adjustment of self-isolation, give their recent episode, ‘A Self Isolation Survival Guide’ a listen.

    Don’t Keep Your Day Job with Cathy Heller is an inspiring podcast that I’ve recently started listening to. It’s very aspirational at times, but quite reassuring at the moment.

    Hurry Slow with Jocelyn K. Glei is a podcast about pacing yourself, hosted by Jocelyn K. Glei. Hurry Slowly is a podcast about how you can be more productive, creative, and resilient through the simple act of slowing down.

    Read: I’m ashamed to admit I’ve only finished one book since January. I was such a bookworm growing up, preferring books to other people’s company most of the time (lol), so I’m hoping to get back into reading over the next four weeks. Here’s what I’ve read and loved:

    Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport is brilliant. It’s all about deciding which forms of technology are absolutely essential to you (and your work) and then eliminating the rest.

    The Testament by Margaret Atwood is the perfect follow-up to The Handmaid’s Tale and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s the first book I couldn’t put down in ages!

    Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman is a lovely escape to gorgeous Italian in the summertime (minus the Covid-19 pandemic, of course). I’m just starting this book, but it’s so beautifully written and descriptive. Highly recommend (and watch the film, too!)

    IMG_4588 2

    I’d love to know what you’re wearing, watching, listening to and reading — any book recommendations out there? Sending you all lots of love during this uncertain time.