After weeks of staying at home, I may never wear pants with buttons or bras with underwire again! Seriously, you have to look hard to find the silver lining in the situation we are all in now. For me, those include sleeping in, not caring much about how I look, and getting more exercise.
On the downside, I’ve also been consuming more wine, binging more TV, and staying up way too late. With so many of the things we love being out of reach right now — going to restaurants, traveling, seeing friends — it is the little things that bring me comfort and joy right now.
Favorite Things for May
We have polled our editors and contributors and here are the products, apps, podcasts, books, and entertainment making us happy right now.
Chill Angel Super Soft Merino Genie Joggers
Our contributor Amy Whitley recommends Chill Angel's merino wool loungewear. This female-owned company created this clothing line for women dealing with hormonal changes. Their cami and jogger pant are super soft and keep you cool at night. Follow Amy on Instagram.
True Body Scoop Neck Bra
The True Body scoop neck bra has been my go-to for long-haul flights for years, but now in this era of staying at home, it has also become my daily uniform. With no wires jabbing you, but enough support that you aren't sagging everywhere, and a buttery-smooth but breathable fabric I may never return to regular bras.
Annmarie Skin Care
I haven't been wearing make up while staying at home, but I have not neglected my skin care either. I recently discovered a new skin care line from Annmarie Gianni that is organic and wild crafted, but not at the crazy high price points of similar brands. I recommend starting off with their sample kit with Trio Serums to give it a try.
Native Deodorant
Contributor Mary Solio has been trying to incorporate more sustainable and healthy products into her life. She switched to a natural deodorant a few years ago and hasn't looked back. She and her daughter both love Native deodorants for their use of safe and natural ingredients. It has held up and works very well with their daily routines. Native has some great and unique scents that are not overpowering. Their favorites are Coconut/Vanilla and Cucumber/Mint.
DOVE HAIR Fresh Coconut Dry Shampoo, 5 Ounce
Our contributor Sarah Wilson from The Wandering Rumpus relies on Dove's Dry Shampoo for quick fixes before the ever-present Zoom conference calls.
Wicked Tulips Flower Farm
I love tulips. To me they feel like a sign of hope and a sign of spring. Since we had to cancel our trip to Amsterdam this spring, and the local tulip farms are closed to the public, it has been interesting to see how farms have adapted. One local farm has donated all its tulips to first responders and healthcare workers. Another, Wicked Tulips Flower Farm, offers a virtual farm visit. It is a great way to help support a local farm and get my tulip fix. Maybe a farm in your area is doing something similar?
Calm App
If you are having trouble sleeping lately, you aren't alone. Amy Whitley recommends subscribing to the Calm mobile app and feels that it is worth the cost for the sleep stories alone.
The Lost Girls of Paris: A Novel
I thought I would be reading a lot more than I have during this time of quarantine. Instead, I think I'm just mentally spent and prefer to stream something instead. However, I have read about a half-dozen books and so far my favorite has been The Lost Girls of Paris.
Set in NYC and Europe, this novel tells the story of one woman trying to uncover the mystery behind a suitcase she found in Grand Central Station. This leads her to learn about a secret spy network of women that inflitrated France during WWII. The story moves between two time lines as the mystery unfolds.
SomeGoodNews
I spend way too much time digging into the news every day, tracking numbers, and watching our governor's daily press briefing. It can all just be too much.
Luckily beloved actor Jon Krasinski brings us all Some Good News each week in his YouTube series full of heart-warming and funny moments.
LastWeekTonight
The laughs are few and far between and I'm kind of over talk show hosts coming to me from their homes. But, I always look forward to my weekly fix of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.
There are guaranteed to be a few laughs but I also really appreciate the deep dives he does into pressing issues. And the bonus is that my teen loves to watch it with me.
The Durrells in Corfu Season 1
Mary, from The World is a Book, loved this series from the UK. It is a comedy-drama about an English family who moved to the island of Corfu in Greece in the late 1930s. The series was inspired by the real-life adventures of the Durrells. There are many eccentric characters and the scenery is amazing. It’s a great way to armchair travel to a Greek island.
The Night Manager, Season 1
If you like spy movies, mysteries, or thrillers, you will probably enjoy season one of The Night Manager on Amazon Prime Video. With an excellent cast of Tom Hiddleston, Olivia Colman, and Hugh Laurie, as an international arms dealer, the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. And damn, why didn't realize how good looking Tom Hiddleston was when he was Loki in The Avengers movies?
Money Heist | Netflix Official Site
Our contributor Mary Solio from The World is a Book recommends binging Money Heist on Netflix. She says, "my husband and I binged through this action-packed Spanish series. It is intense, full of interesting characters and guaranteed to take you on many twists and turns as a group of robbers take over the Royal Mint of Spain. The series is dubbed in English but you can also use the subtitles if you want to practice your Spanish."
The Stranger | Netflix Official Site
I'm a fan of shows and movies that keep me guessing and plots with twists and turns. The Stranger ticked all those boxes for me. Based on a Harlan Coban novel, this British mystery thriller tracks a family with secrets and a "stranger" who makes it her mission to expose them.
Borrowed Future
Contributor Mary Solio listened to this podcast as her family began their college search process with their now almost graduating Senior. As she narrowed down her choices, they have listened to it again for tips on financing college, choosing a financial fit school, and getting some practical tips to save money while in school. She recommends this for anyone going through the college process with their kids.