HI. How are you doing? Let’s start with a creepy photo of me in a sheet mask I guess? I mentioned this in last week’s outfit diary but I’ve decided to switch things up and make Monday’s post a list of good, distracting things.
First of all, this article (Jess Kirby linked it) made me laugh so hard and also feel a little better. I seem to alternate between being like… IT IS TIME TO BE PRODUCTIVE – wanting to do all of the things, cook, clean, organize, get ahead on life admin stuff and feeling like a hybrid Alison Roman/Martha Stewart… and being a depressed blob on the couch who wants to just eat goldfish and watch Sex & the City reruns. And it’s OKAY to do that, if that’s what helps you. I think it’s important to just give yourself grace, no matter what mode you are in:
We are all just trying to get through the days as best as we can.
I have been taking a lot of walks, cooking a lot, and just signed up for Melissa Wood Health. And I did my first workout yesterday (a 24 minute combo of yoga + planks which is all I have the energy for right now!). I am watching Tiger King on Netflix and really enjoying all the craziness of that. It is SO wild… stranger than fiction for sure!
That is what’s going on with me… (welcome to the crazy ramblings of my mind)… but how are you doing??? Tell me in the comments. I’d love to hear where you live and what life is like right now. I’d also love to know your favorite distractions. In the meantime, I’ve compiled a list of some fun things that are distracting me right now. This is going to be my Monday column going forward, I think it’s what we all need!
Nancy Meyers Movies
Nancy Meyers is what we all need right now. Older women in beautiful all linen outfits (with the most gorgeous kitchens)… falling in love! My two top picks are It’s Complicated and Something’s Gotta Give. But why not just really go for it and do a full on marathon. The Holiday is one of my most favorite movies of all time but I usually savor it for the holiday season. Top it off with Father of the Bride and Father of the Bride Part 2 and you have yourself a solid Saturday (or plans for the rest of the weeknights this week).
Other Nancy Meyers picks: The Intern, Home Again, and What Women Want!
The Baby Foot Peel
This was Becca’s idea! Now is the time (well, if you are single/not living with your partner LOL) to BABY FOOT PEEL IT UP!!!! By the end of quarantine, we will all have super soft, silky feet!
If you are not familiar with the baby foot peel, read this blog post about it (from 2015!!!). It’s a magical foot peel. You leave the baby foot peel on for an hour and then a few days (possibly longer – it usually takes me 5-7 days to start peeling) the dead skin on your feet starts to molt. Yes, molt. Like, it comes off in sheets. This one is my usual go-to (I do this probably once a year, usually before sandal season happens) but I bought this one this time. It’s working quite well so far. I did the peel on Tuesday and my feet started to peel on Saturday night. Gross but satisfying.
Online Shopping
I know, I know… I struggle with this as there’s so much economic and financial uncertainty right now! But looking at pretty things is giving me some level of normalcy so here are a few things I am loving! And if you have the financial means and job security I’m all for stimulating the economy, especially when it comes to supporting small businesses.
I’ve found a few really fun new designers. The first is La Vie Style House; I’m fantasizing about when I can take a trip next and wear one of their beautiful caftans. A cool thing about them is that through March 31st, they’re offering 25% off sitewide with code STAYHEALTHY and donating a portion of sales to the North Texas Food Bank.
The second is Mate the Label. Gorgeous, sustainable loungewear. I am thinking about treating myself to one of their cozy sets. Other things I am eyeing: This bag is frivolous but beautiful, I want a crossbody bag for my phone, and I love Sarah Flint’s new block heel sandals. I also bought these jeans (honestly why???, I haven’t put jeans on all week!) but they are perfect. The distressing at the ankles is perfect.
I included two coats as a few readers asked for Spring coat recs. I don’t know where you are going (I’m living in fleeces right now!) but I like the optimism. Loving this drapey coat and this chic trench!
details:
Mate the Label Joggers // La Vie Style House Caftan // Margaux Sandals // Tory Burch Bag // AGOLDE High Rise Jeans // BB Dakota Drapey Coat // Cupcakes and Cashmere Trench Coat // Korres Cream Cleanser // Loeffler Randall Phone Crossbody // Sarah Flint Perfect Block Sandal (take $50 off your first pair with my code GRACE50) // Mate the Label Pullover // BAGGU Travel Bag // Charlotte Tilbury Contour Duo // Madewell Vintage Tee // Jouer Cosmetics Lip Oil
Reassuring TV
OK would LOVE your TV show recs. Everyone is saying Gilmore Girls, I just wasn’t a fan. My normal stuff isn’t doing it for me (for example I started Jack Ryan but was just too distracted and found myself rewinding over and over again).
I’ve found myself watching a lot of Gossip Girl and Sex and the City reruns. A friend recommended Catwalk on Netflix (a show about show-cats). The New York Times has a great list of “comforting streaming TV shows for stressful times” (Brooklyn Nine-Nine sounds good?) and Time has a great list of anxiety free content. Or maybe I should just give in and start watching Ninety Day Fiance.
That is it for this week. I will be back tomorrow with a guide to all of my favorite loungewear. In the meantime, tell me your favorite distractions!
I am still out working (I work in a hospital), but during my down time at home and on weekends I have been watching all the past seasons of Top Chef on Hulu. The BEST distraction! So nice to see all the crazy dishes and challenges-it really has eased my mind and made me stop obsessing over everything for a bit. Plus, there are like 16 seasons!
Just wanted to say “thank you” – random from a stranger I know, but thank you 🙂
THANK YOU!!!! I hope you are staying sane in all of this (also thanks for the rec – Top Chef is a great idea!)
Thank you for all your recommendations! I find it very hard to stay away from online shopping these days . My favorite distraction so far has been to watch my cat watch cat TV – just search for it on YouTube – and it is the most entertaining thing ever. By now we are trying a different video every morning and he is already waiting for his TV time
I know, me too. I know I shouldn’t but I do it anyway… ALSO LOOKING UP CAT TV IMMEDIATELY!
Thanks, Grace! Highly recommend “Schitt’s Creek.” Funny and easy to watch. Stay healthy!!!
Gahhhh everyone loves it and I just couldn’t get into it! Feel like something is wrong with me.
Get through the first season of Schitt’s Creek and you’ll be hooked. I took Helena’s suggestion to just put it on in the background and eventually you’ll get sucked in 🙂
Thanks so much for the recs! What size do you take in Margaux shoes? I think I’m the same size as you in the Sarah Flint Perfect Heel (size 39). I’m interested in the Margaux Heel.
Hey Sarah! I take 38.5 in them (I’m an 8.5 most of the time and yes a 39 in Sarah Flint). Love Margaux, highly recommend!
I LOVE Brooklyn Nine Nine! It’s hysterical! I’ve heard about this Playlist show from NBC–sounds cute and corny and I’m all for that right now! I also want to re-watch Younger because it’s one of my favorites and I know you love it too! SATC has definitely been helping! Like Becca, I got the sweater from We are Knitters two years ago and haven’t finished! So that’s what I’m doing and making a baby sweater for a friend who’s expecting in 3 weeks! Other than that, I’m a music teacher so work is still full time for me, making video content for my kids. I bet a lot of teachers are thankful bloggers give us lots of experience with video content!
Thanks for the positive spin and making me laugh! I also want to sign up for that pen pal experience, that sounds right up my alley!
I watched a couple episodes of it and couldn’t get into it! Maybe I just wasn’t in the right state of mind!!!
Love that you are knitting!
Hi Grace! The Great British Baking Show (Bake Off in the UK) is really soothing.
I have heard that!!! Thank you!
Yes! The Great British Baking Show is like a warm hug in the form of a tv program.
How are you liking Melissa Wood Health? I just started as well but am not sure how effective it’s going to be / probably prefer Sky Ting TV!
For distraction, GREAT opportunity to watch (or re-watch) Grey’s Anatomy – plenty of opportunities to cry which feels kind of cathartic and necessary right now.
I am only one day in but like it so far!
And that is a great idea!!
Hi Grace! Love this post. I have started watching The Handmaids Tale on Hulu. I find it very distracting because that world is even crazier than ours right now. I live in Ohio and have been home since March 13 (I work in a corporate job so we are all just working from home) and have been only been around people once to go to the grocery. I have been taking lots of walks around the neighborhood to stay sane! I will admit it’s quite hard to focus during the work day
I love that show! I actually dropped off this season as it got SO depressing, but maybe I will pick it back up. Hope you are staying sane, sounds like we are experiencing a lot of the same things: unable to focus, not seeing people, going a little stir crazy! Walks have definitely helped me!
Hello from Ohio. I also work a corporate job in Revenue Assurance, and tomorrow I start my work from home. I am single, but I do not look forward to the dog thinking I am on vacation, but he will get used to it. We have to comply with Governor DeWine’s ruling to flatten the curve. Good luck & stay well.
I rewatched The Birdcage and Crazy, Stupid Love this weekend. Just what I needed. I’m also doing a lot of baking and cooking. I love Sally’s Baking Addiction and made pretzel bites and beer cheese dip–SO GOOD!
OH those are great suggestions, thank you!!!!
I’ve been watching all of the Disney+ not only because I have a 3yo and my husband and I are both working from home but because I don’t have to concentrate and it’s a great distraction and because I have a 3yo hahahaha. Also Harry Potter because there was a marathon on this weekend 🙂 Have you watched Veronica Mars? my guilty pleasure and I love me some Kristen Bell. I’m enjoying the content and having a place to go and take a break to have a read. I’m finding that I can’t concentrate on books either so blogs and short magazine articles have been my go to lately. Thanks for “weekly distraction”, much appreciated!! Stay Safe 🙂
OH marathoning Harry Potter sounds IDEAL!!!!! Thanks for the rec! And yes! I watched Veronica Mars as a kid, maybe I should pick it back up!!!!
You stay safe too! xx
I started a show yesterday that I’m obsessed with – The Restaurant. Now, I’ve never been able to stick with a series in subtitles but for some reason it sucked me in! Maybe I needed the distraction from my phone. Highly recommend!
Ooh interesting! I will check it out! Not sure what it’s about but I devoured Sweetbitter last week; it’s based off the book by Stephanie Danler and it’s her memoir of working in a restaurant. Really enjoyed it.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is SO GOOD. Also Schitt’s Creek and The Good Place!
I just can’t get into Brooklyn Nine Nine! And I love Andy Samberg. I think I’m just not in the right headspace right now for sitcom style comedy? I feel like Goldilocks with TV right now, nothing is “just right!!!”
Umm, I need to try that baby foot peel! My feet are nasty, haha! Thanks for sharing, Grace! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Thanks Charmaine!
Loved this post and the amazing recs!
As for TV – Schitt’s Creek is fantastic. The characters are EVERYTHING (especially Moira and David) in their own way. And Brooklyn Nine-Nine is really good too!
I feel like such a weirdo but just didn’t love Schitt’s Creek! I AM THE ONLY ONE!!!!!!
I feel the SAME way. And so many great friends of mine love it! I am finishing up the last season of The Office, which I love love love.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one!!!
Have you watched “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”?? If not, I highly recommend – it’s fun and hilarious and beautifully made, and the costumes are next-level! I’m doing a rewatch of seasons 1 & 2 and then I’m going to dive in to season 3, and it’s giving me something to look forward to!!
YES!!! I loved it so much. Somehow didn’t realize that the 3rd season is back. Great recommendation, thank you!
I just started rewatching sex and the city yesterday prior to seeing this. It’s making me feel good 🙂
Ready for all the loungewear please and thank you!
Oh good. It really is so comforting right now! Gossip Girl has the same effect on me!
Another vote for the Great British Baking show – it’s my safe space!!! And how about Felicity reruns? Takes me back to my HS/early college days as she was one year ahead of me and I thought was going to show me what college was really like
OMG Felicity! That is a great idea!!!!!
I live in St Louis, MO, but I’m a school psychologist across the river in IL. I’ve been working from home since last Tuesday and it’s…different. I miss our kids, I miss my friends, I miss our normal routine. We’re making things work as best we can with technology, but for some things, I just need to be with my students!
Two things have seemed to really help calm down my anxiety: taking walks while I listen to old podcasts (no mention of anything with COVID-19!) and doing puzzles and Legos (I’ve never done anything with Legos until 3 days ago, but I like it!). What I’m NOT doing? The pile of dishes that have been staring me down for the past four days from my sink…
Oh my gosh Legos sound SO fun right now!!!!!
Life: I’m doing OK, work is very busy which helps but also feels strange to be doing so many “normal” things. Husband and I did a big house cleaning yesterday and then had cocktails in our newly arranged living room so that was kinda fun
Shopping: trying to support small, independent shops as much as I can! While also not spending a ton. Just checked out Persifor for some spring work tops
Tv: you’re the worst is pretty good, little fires everywhere is good, and always love Seinfeld
Cleaning definitely helps!!! And happy to see that re: Persifor, they are a great brand!!!!!
Will look into You’re the worst!
It’s Complicated is one of my favorite cozy feel-good movies. Can’t believe I haven’t watched it yet! Putting it on the list for this week. I started Little Fires Everywhere and I’m obsessed! I’m with ya, I’m trying really hard not to online shop but buying a couple new pieces of loungewear is tough to resist, especially if it’s from a smaller business. Hang in there and stay safe! <3
It’s SO GOOD! I foresee myself watching multiple times, haha!
Watch Four Weddings and a Funeral on Hulu. It’s the TV adaptation. You will love it!! So good! I didn’t like Schitts Creek at first but powered through and ended up liking it a lot. Fleabag second season was great! Similar to Schitts Creek, I didn’t get the first season but ended up liking the second season a lot.
Everyone is saying that! It’s now top of the list!
I live in Maryland, so it’s a lot of staying in, working from home and spending time in the backyard with my daughter. It’s Complicated is one of my most favorite movies! Brooklyn Nine Nine is awesome. Highly recommend for easy-watching, and totally bingeable. Same with New Girl, VEEP and The Mindy Project, although they’re all several years old
Thank you for the recs!!!! Jealous of a backyard right now… hope you’re staying sane and cozy.
Imposters! It’s on netflix (it was a Bravo scripted series so no promises on quality) but it’s PERFECTLY distracting/engaging/fun – it’s about a glamorous con-artist and some of the people she conned.
Loving this new series!
Oh that sounds right up my alley! Love a glam con artist! Thank you!
Saw Becca’s idea to do Baby Foot and am also doing it right now! My feet are in that weird in between phase where the skin is just kinda crepey but hasn’t started doing anything yet. I am ready to peel!!
I bet you’ll start peeling tomorrow, that’s the first step! Ahhhh! So gross but so satisfying!
I’m on week 2 of working from home in Dallas, they are implementing “Shelter-in-Place” starting tonight, but over the last week I’ve just gone out for groceries or to pick up a pizza.
I just discovered Four Weddings and a Funeral on Hulu – I believe its only 1 season based off the movie – very easy to watch! I’ve also been taking advantage of the free daily workout in the OrangeTheory app they started offering! Even got a cheers from a neighbor working out on my balcony over the weekend haha! Hope everyone has a great week 🙂 FaceTime/Zoom/Google Hangouts Happy Hours have been a lifesaver for my sanity!
Dallas reader on week 2 of mandatory work from home. Dallas is implementing “Shelter-in-Place” starting tonight at midnight. I’ve been trying to take advantage of the daily workouts OTF is posting in their app, trying the yoga classes in OnePeloton and getting outside to walk but the weathers been a little finicky. Got a woohoo from a neighbor while working out on my balcony over the weekend haha!
I discovered a show over the weekend on Hulu Four Weddings and a Funeral, which is based on the film – cute light-hearted 1 season series! Also started Little Fires Everywhere. Hope everyone is having a great Monday so far 🙂
I think I’m going to need to watch Four Weddings and a Funeral, keep hearing such good things!!!
I had been wanting to rewatch Younger before watching the most recent season and took social distancing as the chance to do that:) Such a feel good show. I LOVE Brooklyn 99 so would for sure recommend that if you haven’t seen. Both shows are on hulu! I’ve also been taking this time to catch up on the recent movies I missed in theatres. So far watched Knives Out and the Mr. Rogers movie – next up Bombshell and Jojo Rabbit!
That’s such a great idea to rewatch!!!
And I LOVED Bombshell – it was fantastic. Was medium on Jojo Rabbit… I liked it, and thought it was beautifully shot, but it was definitely strange.
Based in San Francisco and I’m really lucky to be able to work full-time remotely. It’s been keeping me distracted and I feel very fortunate, given how many local businesses and freelancers I know have shut down. I’ve been trying to spend money at my favorites and buy memberships/donate when I can.
SATC and Nancy Meyers movies are a go-to for me too, and I’ve been bingeing podcasts like U Up? (and Bad on Paper, obviously!) I’ve had a hard time focusing long enough for a book or movie, honestly. I’ve been doing facetime with my friends and family over the past week and that’s helped. It’s been tough to see people my age and younger not being careful with the shelter in place guidelines. I walked by a couple cafes in Noe Valley and flinched because there were groups of people milling around, chatting and standing very close to each other. All the seniors in my apartment building are v. nervous and wearing masks, edging away from anyone passing by, and I hate that their risk and anxiety is being elevated because of carelessness.
Also people have been panic-buying so it’s been hard to get things delivered, but I finally got a Prime delivery scheduled and am looking forward to baking brownies 🙂
I know, I am feeling the same. I have had a lot of advertisers postpone or cancel programs but at the end of the day I will be fine! Things could be so much worse. I’m trying to do all I can to donate and help out wherever possible.
Glad that you are listening to BoP!!!! U Up makes me so happy as well, same with Girls Gotta Eat! I have a hard time focusing too which is awful as reading is my usual escape!
Hi! I’m actually feeling ok, even given the fact I was “temporarily laid off” Friday. I am enjoying having time to stay on top of cooking, dishes, and laundry, call and text friends, work on some other projects, etc.
For a good distraction show, I finished Gossip Girl. Then caught up on The Bold Type (recommend) and now Younger which I’m very into!!
Oh no, I am so sorry to hear that!!!! I hope this ends soon and things can get back to normal.
I’m glad you are doing okay. Sounds like we have verrrry similar taste in TV! Sending you a big hug, I’m truly so sorry.
Aw thanks Grace! I am seeing this as an opportunity to refocus and spend my energy where I choose. I am VERY grateful and fortunate to be in a position where this is a storm my husband and I can weather. I appreciate the note 🙂
Haha glad to find a TV kindred spirit!! In general I can’t handle anything gory or scary (I LOVED Scandal when I watched 3 years ago, but I’m still not over it hahaha) which is tough when so many people are into true crime, etc.
Hi Grace,
Some of my faves to binge were, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Mad Men, Felicity, Damages and The Americans.
I love the new Monday format!!
Thank you for the recs! (And so glad you are enjoying it!!!)
Hi Grace, I live in Phoenix AZ and have been hunkering down for about a week although no shelter-in-place yet. I WFH so no change to my week day life but missing going out to dinner and traveling. We have been getting take out from local restaurants on the weekend and watching some TV. I’m still trying to finish City of Girls; we’ve been taking the dogs for walks and social distancing hiking. I’m very blessed the weather is nice here so we can go outside. I’m glad I’m not the only one struggling with too much online shopping. OMG, I’m outta control! But it’s what is making me happy right now and receiving the packages give me something to look forward to.
I know, I agree. I feel a little guilty shopping (especially for things I won’t get to wear for a long time) but feel good supporting small businesses. Hang in there!!!
love love love this blog post — thank you for all these recs and resource. Was just talking with my co-worker about doing the foot peel and I think it’s the perfect time
I’ve been binge-watching old seasons of America’s Next Top Model on Hulu. It’s truly so trashy, but yet feels comforting at the same time.
I am so glad you’re enjoying it! And that actually sounds like the perfect distraction!!!!
Hi Grace, love this column and agree it’s what we all need!
I work in a Governor’s budget office so you can imagine how that has been going (not great!!). We’ve been teleworking since the 13th and it’s been going okay until this past Friday when the stress and anxiety hit me hard. Been doing a lot of indoor workouts and outdoor walks/runs and read a light book to take a break from screens. Also trying new recipes which has been fun.
I watched a season of Great British Baking Show this weekend and it helped so much. I think its the combination of their positivity, British accents and baking that is honestly so soothing. Also highly recommend Brooklyn 99 and Broad City!
Oh man, I am sure that’s been a nightmare!!!!! Indoor workouts and outdoor walks definitely help. Hang in there!!!!
I’m in Raleigh, NC with two teenagers who are not going to back to school at all this year, nor have any more grades for the rest of the year. My senior won’t have prom or graduation. :(On a lighter note, it will allow him to perfect his skills on the new drum set I bought him–what was I thinking?!)
I’m loving Zoe’s Extraordinary Playlist. It’s new on NBC (I think?), so I am watching it on Hulu. It has plenty of poignant moments, but is mostly fun. Have you seen the show Episodes (Netflix)? I didn’t think I’d be into it (it stars Matt LeBlanc as himself) and watched it on a whim, but it’s pretty hilarious. Imposters (you have to watch past first episode or two to get hooked) sucks you in, and is constantly adding new twists and turns. Revenge is soapy and twisty, too. Lastly, Party Down. It’s about aspiring actors who work for a crappy catering company. You’ll recognize most of the main actors, and each episode is a different party with a new theme and cameos from famous actors. It’s funny!
Hang in there… Appreciate any and all content you put out there; especially in this time of social distancing, our “fake online friends” are particularly important!
That is so sad – missing prom and graduation. Wow. Things I haven’t even really thought about as a single person who doesn’t know verymany teens.
I haven’t heard of that show but will check it out. It sounds good! Imposters also sounds great, as do the rest of your recs!!! Thanks for the recommendations! You hang in there too! xo
I am loving the TV show Smash right now! Only 2 seasons, lots of singing 🙂
Ooh sounds great!
I loved that you are doing this! Just what every one needs!!<3
I’m so glad! Hang in there! xo
Hi Grace,
Thanks for the fun post! Definitely trying that peel! I am in the north burbs of Chicago and we are in Shelter at home so I did a lot of long walks and home projects this weekend! Did you realize the bold type is back with a new season on Hulu? I love that show and it’s back on! I also went back to finish the last season of handmaids tale and I thought the middle of the season was really dark but it ended on a high note!
Stay well,
Mollye
Thanks for sharing this! Definitely on the hunt for recommendations right now. I am a nurse and have been spending most of my time doing drive-thru COVID testing. I love posts like this because they help me relax! Also love your Weekend Reading posts – I read them every Saturday while I have my coffee. Hang in there! We will get through this 🙂
Thank you so much for the work you do!!!!! I’m really happy to hear that my posts can bring a little levity to your weeks. Please stay safe and healthy!!!
Grace, thank you so much for all of the quarantine content! I so appreciate your ability to gather content and provide a fun distraction.
My recs-
Movies: My roommate and I have made a rom-com bracket, where our favorite rom-com movies face off! Its a fun way to avoid the “what should we watch?” question after work. For our next face-off we have You’ve Got Mail advancing against Sleepless in Seattle.
TV:I would recommend The Bold Type if you need a light TV distraction. For reality TV, I loved Next in Fashion, Chefs Table, and Ugly Delicious.
Food: Alison Roman and Bon Appetit are keeping me sane at the moment. I am currently cooking through Alison Roman’s first cook book, Dining In. My favorite recipe right now is the blistered green beans with tahini dressing.
Thank you so much for the recs! I love love love The Bold Type! And a rom com bracket sounds so fun!!!!! What a brilliant idea!
I’m from the UK so our tv shows are a bit different but I’m watching Gavin and Stacey, Red Dwarf and Car Share at the moment. All comedies and perfect just to switch off and forget about everything for a while! Hope you’re staying safe, the foot peel sounds like a good plan!
I haven’t heard of any of those but maybe I will look into them!!! Stay safe!
If you liked scrubs cougar town is hilarious. Veronica Mars is also one of my all time favorites and I can’t recommend You’re the Worst enough.
I never ever saw a foot mask but now I am intrigued haha x
Lisa | lisaautumn.com
Off topic but seeking advice – does anyone have tech advice on how to handle “too many tabs open” ?- way too many for my computer memory (and mine ) to handle.