We are a couple months into life in quarantine, and while things are slowly starting to reopen, we are still needing to do a lot on our own, in our own homes. Like me, you have probably learned to adapt to this new normal and have come up with a routine to match. While there has been a lot of chaos and craziness in the world, at home it’s been a good time to just live and let be. When you are forced to slow down, you sometimes realize you need it, and you find the joys that came come along with it. For me, I’ve learned to incorporate more “me time” into each day. This might sound odd, since right now being housebound is truly all about me, me, me. But I have tried to do things to better myself, relax myself and help ensure I keep a calm peace of mind. Here is what has worked for me, and hopefully will work for you. While you have the time, enjoy the time, and pamper yourself a little bit!

DIY Pedicures: So many of us have missed visiting the nail salon. A simple pleasure we likely took for granted until we couldn’t go. After about 6 weeks, I decided I (aka my feet) needed a little at home treatment. Summer after all has arrived and sandal season is upon us. A simple 60 minute soak in a vibrating foot bath, with lavender Epsom salts, is so refreshing. Softening the skin makes it easy to remove dead skin, buff your nails and moisturize so your tootsies are ready to roll – even if it’s only to the grocery store! Everything you’ll need is below for your own at home pedicure is below.

Foot File,   Epsom Salt,   Nail Buffer,   Cuticle Trimmer,   Foot Bath

Face Masks & Massage: Most of us have been giving our faces time to breath, wearing less product and make up in our day to day socially distanced lives. Why not take it to the next level and give your most sensitive skin a refresh. Our faces see a lot, so to speak. They take a beating from the elements – weather, pollution, lack of sleep and so much more. Luckily, there is are a lot of great products out there to soothe and smooth them, and right now we have lots of time to test them out. Personally, I am loving all of Masque Bar’s products. They have Korean sheet masks (Korean’s have gorgeous skin, so they know what they are doing), lip masks, eye masks and even body masks. From head to toe they can help your skin get the renewed glow it deserves. (P.S. The face masks also smell amazing. Definitely a nice way to relax after a long day.) You can even incorporate some facial massage into your mask routine to help tighten and tone. I’ve been learning lots of tricks from Face Gym via Instagram during quarantine.

Makeovers: I know I just mentioned giving our faces time to breath, and I have definitely been doing plenty of that myself. It’s been wonderful not to feel the need to put on makeup every morning and to let my skin have time to just be it’s natural self. But, I love makeup! I think it’s fun to play with it and make it match the mood of the day, or the event (although there aren’t too many of those right now). So, even though I don’t need it right now, I’ve still been wearing it occasionally. For me, it brightens my mood and helps me feel ready to tackle whatever lies ahead, even if I never have to leave my house. And now, with extra time on our hands it’s ideal to practice putting on make up, perfect our skills or give ourselves makeovers. Maybe you don’t know how to apply concealer – now’s the time to practice. Maybe you want to perfect the smoky eye for the first party you will go to post quarantine, or to make your eyes pop behind that mask you now sport – well, now is the time for trial and error. And why not try with some of the best make up out there, from Merle Norman cosmetics. Merle Norman is actually the very first make up I ever wore. My mom has worn it forever and when I was in eighth grade she took me to our local Merle Norman for a make up lesson and to buy my very first products. I still remember that day, and I still love those same products! The make up is luxurious and rich in color and texture. The ladies at Merle Norman, along with my mom, taught me that quality is important in make up products. They should be able to stand the test of time (aka your day), but not break the bank. They should be backed by a staff who has knowledge on what you need and how to use it. Merle Norman does all this and more. Below are my favorite products from them and a fun makeover I did just for myself! (Follow them on Instagram for more tips.)

Inner Eyeliner,   Knockout Nudes Eye Shadow,   Cheek Crayon,   Foundation,   Face Brush

I’m wearing the Ultra Powder Foundation in Ultra Champagne, the Cheek Crayon in Pink Lotus and Berry, multiple eye shadows from the Knockout Nudes palette, the Lip Pencil Plus in Raspberry Swirl, nude Inner Eyeliner and the Wicked Lash Mascara.

Exercise: Even without gyms and workout classes, people have found lots of ways to stay active at home during this pandemic. A lot of fitness gurus and instructors have taken the opportunity to teach classes remote while raising funds for their business or others in need. My focus with exercise has been on mental clarity and stress relief. I like to have fun while working out, so I have made sure to seek out exercises that will keep my attention and leave me wanting more. I’ve taken Instagram dance classes with Ryan Heffington and thousands of his followers, I’ve learned how to move like a Radio City Rockette (sort of- boy are their moves sharp and fast) through their online tutorials, and I have taken plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors, on long walks, bike rides and rollerblading. Do something you’ve always loved for exercise, but take the time to try something new too. Let your workout be an escape from the everyday tasks at hand, and be a time to focus on you!

Movies/TV: I love TV and movies. Always have and probably always will. Normally I don’t find myself glued to them for very long though, as I tend to get bored, and usually have a million other things I could be doing. But, during this time, I am not letting myself feel guilty for lingering a little longer in front of the tube. I have caught up on shows I had on the DVR from months back, I finally got Netflix (late to the game, I know!) and have watched some cute movies I’ve been longing to see. I am not a binge watcher by any means (I can’t sit still that long), but I am allowing myself to be okay relaxing on the couch and letting the magic of movies and television transport me somewhere else. Some TV shows and movies that have kept me occupied during quarantine are below.

Cooking: Cooking is a lot of work, so you may not consider it pampering. I don’t think I would often use that word to describe it! I don’t personally love cooking and since I typically travel so much, eat out often. Being forced to eat at home has made me appreciate cooking a little bit more. Especially when I need to be resourceful and avoid the chaos of the grocery store – one visit a week is enough! I’ve just been focused on eating healthfully and mindfully, and have reaped the benefits of  fresh home cooked meals. Personally, I haven’t tried a ton of new dishes or done any baking – but so many people have. There are endless recipes out there and equal amounts of time, so give it a go and make whatever it is your heart (and tummy) desire. Taking time to enjoy the creations you make will ultimately feel like pampering.

I hope you are able to do some small things for yourself, to brighten your day, pass the time and help you come out of quarantine in the best possible way. Stay safe and healthy, and pampered!

Signed with Style,