My mom snapped these photos of me the week before we went on a “shelter-in-place” here in the Bay Area. We enjoyed a walk in downtown Saratoga, and we also went out lunch. It seems like such a long time ago, but it really wasn’t. My mom was concerned about the petals on the ground since we both suffer from seasonal allergies; I really wanted to take pictures with the petals. I felt like they were pretty and spring-like.
This reversible kimono is part of my spring capsule wardrobe, and it’s a great way to enhance a casual spring look. Especially now, when we are all at home and only going out in public to buy groceries, grab take-out food, or visit the pharmacy. This kimono can brighten any jeans and tee look. I love clothing which can put a smile on my face. This floral kimono is happy and cheerful; something we all need right now.
I’m look forward to everyone getting healthy, and the shelter-in-place getting lifted. When that happens, I will likely live in this kimono on an almost-daily basis. It’s the perfect outfit enhancer.
I hope you are all doing well, and if you are on lockdown too, check out my tips section! I am alternating between tips and spring coverage during this time.
Starting at midnight, March 17, 2020, than San Francisco Bay Area went on a lockdown to help stop the spread, or at least slow it down, of the coronavirus also called Covid-19. All non-essential workers in the area are ordered to stay home. Many businesses are shut down, and everyone is ordered to stay in their homes unless they need to buy food, go to the pharmacy, see a doctor, buy gas, or go to the bank.
The bright side, is that restaurants are still allowed to serve take-out, so we can still enjoy chik-fil-a, burritos from our local taqueria, and even fancier food from our famous local eateries. The hardest hit sector during this time will be retail shops not deemed essential.
Although we are all stuck inside our homes during the lockdown, which lasts until mid-April, there are still things we can do to maintain our sanity and parts of our lifestyles. Without further ado, here are my tips for surviving the Bay Area Lockdown-or any lockdown that may be happening anywhere in the world.
Grab take-out
If you are like me, you get bored of your own cooking. Call your favorite restaurant and find out when they are having take-out hours. Place an order, and pick-up your favorite food while adhering to social distancing rules by staying 6 feet apart from other people waiting for food. Also, remember to tip them! Someone had to cook your meal, take your order, and wrap up your food. Please leave them a regular 20% tip.
Organize your house
You know that closet you have been meaning to clean out? The garage you have been meaning to organize? The guest room still in boxes? This is a great time to sort through things, and get organized!
Dive into a new book
If I had a penny for every-time someone told me they don’t have time to read, I would be very rich! Well now, you have time to read! Pick up that book you have wanted to read, and dive in! You can still order books on Amazon and get them quickly. Here are a few of my recommendations, I’m kind of a bookworm:
Shop online
Support your favorite stores online. While you might not need a new outfit for an event this weekend, you may still need other items such as new pajamas, slippers, etc. Order online, and keep the economy flowing!
Support small business
Many small business can take phone or online orders, and then ship to you. Call them and see how you can shop from them while on lockdown.
Take walks and keep active
One of the best ways to keep your spirits up is to stay active. Get out of the house and take a walk. If you do take a walk, make sure it isn’t a busy path and maintain social distancing guidelines.
You can also stay inside! Find a workout on demand or online, and get your cardio on from your house. Go in the backyard and play. Stay active, and you will feel better.
Have online meetups.
Randomly Facetime your friends. Schedule group chats via Facebook, Skype, or Zoom. You can even have group happy hours online! Keep in touch with your friends and family by utilizing video chat technologies.
Check in on elderly friends and family
Anyone over the age of 60 is being told to stay home. See if you can run errands for, and help out, an elderly neighbor, friend, or family member. Please Facetime them too! They are bored at home, and need human interaction. Do what you can to help. My Mom loves to get random Facetime calls, it’s a fun technology the elderly can enjoy.
Watch cooking shows and test recipes
OK, your normal ingredients are sold out at the supermarket due to panic buying in the community. Why not try something new? Watch a cooking show and take notes. You can try a new recipe and have fun testing new foods, ingredients, and cooking methods-just don’t start a fire ok? Keep the flame on your cooktop normal, don’t try anything fancy with flames. Just sayin’
Start your own online business
Have you been dying to sell your crafts online, but never got started? Are you itching to start a blog? Do you want to develop a new app, but have been short on time? Now is the time! Make the world a better place with your new business venture. Start a new company, you have the time. Interest rates are low too, in case you need a business loan. It’s the perfect time to be an entrepreneur. Get started!
Well, those are my tips. Feel free to leave yours in the comment section below!
Also, remember, this is temporary. We will get through and life will eventually get back to normal. The economy will go to back to flourishing, and we will all look back on this as something to tell our grandkids about. We’ve got this!
How cute is this mini tote bag, which doubles as a cross body bag, from Frame Denim! I absolutely adore this little bag. Mini bags are back in style this year, and this cute little tote bag not only fits right into the spring 2020 trend, it offers a ton of functionality. Love that!
For the spring 2020 season, I wanted a bag I could wear everyday, which fit into the current spring 2020 handbag trends. The Frame Les Second mini tote seemed to be the perfect handbag. It offers versatility, on trend colors to choose from, and the “IT” handbag size of the season. Love!
The Frame Les Second mini tote bag is a smaller version of Frame’s Les Second tote which is a classic daytime handbag. The mini version offers the small silhouette which is on trend this year, without sacrificing interior space. It also offers a cross body strap, so that the bag can be worn on the forearm, by hand, over the shoulder, or cross body. It also has a secure zipper closure, and a slim, interior pocket.
What fits inside the Frame Les Second mini tote bag
The Frame Les Second mini tote bag fits everything we need on a daily basis. It fits a wallet, phone, keys, and lipstick. Even with these daily essentials, there is a still room for a small snack, or small digital camera. It has just enough space.
I’m loving this bag in cheery yellow. It instantly gives off a happy vibe. If yellow isn’t your thing, it is also available in neutral hues, the color of 2020-classic blue, and bright pink. It also happens to be priced under $400. Love that!
Shop the Frame Les Second mini tote bag online:
This is a great bag for daily wear. It fits everything we need, plus it can be worn several different ways, to fit the occasion. The stamped croc leather is sturdy, and does not scratch easily. It can be tossed around a little bit without showing any wear. I’ve been wearing it out with my kids, while running errands, and for lunch meetings. It’s a great bag!
The Frame Les Second mini tote comes in both stamped croc, and leather. Both have a great look, and offer a sturdy finish.
Which color if your favorite?
Thanks for stopping by!
XOXO
Cathy
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