In these days of self-isolation at home due to the Coronavirus, of dramatic news and many long hours of quarantine every day, I feel as never before a deep gratitude for so many small and great fortunes that I have in my life.
Sure, the most important ones are all immaterial, but every now and then I find myself feeling comfort from having certain objects (and even some services) available that, if all this had happened even fifteen years ago, we would probably not have had…
In any case, there are some very tangible things that I appreciate more than ever in these days – and yes, that make me live a little better, more comfortable and even more peaceful during these long days of self-isolation at home!
So I thought I’d make a list of the material things I’m most grateful for.
1 – MY KINDLE
I know, I know, many of you prefer paper, the scent of printed books, the voluptuousness of the pages to flip through… I, on the other hand, converted to Kindle quite immediately, because at home we’re all avid readers and we have a 9-meter long, already full bookshelf, plus a series of “smaller” bookshelves, distributed in various rooms of the house…
These days as never before, however, having a Kindle is a great comfort to me: if I wake up at 3 a.m. really anxious, for example, I can download some light novel in less than 30 seconds net, to say.
Given this difficult moment, even my husband, usually a lover of paperback books, has decided to take the big step. So for his birthday I gave him this one, which is even more complete and beautiful than mine. It should arrive in the next few days.
2 – LEGGINGS
I’ve never been much of a leggings girl, to be honest, but on these long days at home I’m enjoying them more than ever.
I have two types of leggings and I use both of them: the all black, simple ones , and the athletic ones, which I stock HERE.
I prefer one genre or the other, depending on the program of the day (first some physical activity, then the rest, or vice versa).
The simple ones, of course, lend themselves to the creation of very simple but presentable outfits, those more “athletic” ones in my opinion give a nice boost of motivation to train a little bit ‘at home: seeing us prettier in the mirror while we do some physical activity, in fact, gives us the charge even if we train at home and completely alone!
Where to find nice things to practice at home: HERE, it’s a real treasure trove of beautiful things in all price ranges!
3 – SNEAKERS
Even sneakers weren’t one of my favorite pieces until a few years ago. But then, thanks to the new fashion trends, I started wearing them quite often. Currently, my favorites are the trendy all white sneakers, very fashionable at the moment, which in my long days at home I wear practically non-stop, alternating them with another pair that has some trendy details, like these ones for example.
Where to find beautiful sneakers, to wear all day long to be comfortable: HERE.
4 – SELF-TANNERS
What can I say? A real life-savers, in these days when we take too little sun! I’m glad to have stocked up during the past months (with the first sales in January), because now I have at least enough until next autumn!
For the face (don’t laugh!), unable to find my usual Collistar “Magic Drops” online, I took the male version men’s version of this product. But I have to say that I like the texture, the absorption and above all the tanning effect more than the classic version, so I’ll continue to take this one from now on.
5 – VITAMIN C SERUM
One of the problems many of us find ourselves struggling with on these long days of self-isolation at home is the lack of a glowy, natural complexion, which we usually develop naturally or almost naturally with spring – walking around, moving around in the fresh air and simply being outdoors.
I am now entirely devoted to The Ordinary for this type of product, a brand with excellent raw materials, effective products and really honest prices.
This is my actual favorite product for a glowy complexion:
6 – TUPPERWARE / FOOD CONTAINERS
Ho una confessione da fare: i contenitori per alimenti, nella mia vita precedente (fatta di cenette sushi e pranzetti di lavoro in posti carini e pasti preparati a casa, ma sempre con ingredienti freschi… si, insomma, ero viziata, lo ammetto!), non avevano un vero perché.
I have a confession to make: food containers didn’t play a real role in my previous life (made of sushi dinners and business lunches in nice places and home-made meals, but always with fresh ingredients. .. yes, in short, I was spoiled, I admit it!) .
Now, instead, when I find myself endlessly dilating the time between one grocery shopping (possibly online) and another (online as well) and organizing a regular “catering” service for my elderly parents, I understand all the genius of food containers. And, above all, I use them a lot!
I also use them to freeze, another “art” that I had to learn very quickly.
I bought these and I really like them.
7 – NICE HOME OUTFITS
Un altro genere per me abbastanza nuovo, ma che, credo, adotterò a vita, anche quando questo brutto e difficile periodo sarà finito. Sto parlando dei completi da casa, la versione presentabile e carina del pigiama, che possiamo indossare tranquillamente dalle 9 del mattina e sentirci comunque a posto.
On ASOS I found some gorgeous ones at a great price point .
8 – THIS AWESOME PRODUCT TO COVER MY ROOTS IN A SECOND DURING SELF-ISOLATION AT HOME
When it comes to (beauty) lifesavers… , this product here goes right to the top of the list. Anyone over 40, or even younger, but a few white hairs, will understand, I think.
Right now, having my grey roots covered is one of those things that makes you start the day with optimism, I find. So, welcome to these emergency purchases!
A real (beauty) lifesaver for us women over 40: the very practical roots retouching spray for the retouching of de l’Oréal roots!
9 – AMAZON AUDIBLE TO LISTEN TO AUDIOBOOKS
Although lately I have more time and peace of mind to devote myself to reading, during the day I love to have the opportunity to listen to some great audiobook and I’ve already downloaded four this month alone.
I really like audio books, because they allow me to do something else while listening: for example cooking (do you spend so much time in the kitchen like I do, lately?), running on the treadmill or doing some other kind of physical activity.
Audible, by the way, offers a free trial month. If you really don’t like it you can unsubscribe before the 30 days without having spent anything. Otherwise, at a cost of just a few euros/dollars a month, it offers incredible added value, especially to those who choose to use these weeks of isolation at home to motivate themselves, learn more and learn new things!
10 – FOOD PROCESSOR
After long reflections, around Christmas I decided NOT to take a Bimby type instrument (I’m too chaotic for something that prepares complete dishes from A to Z) and to opt instead for a “simple” food processor, of those that cost relatively little, but do practically everything, from chopping vegetables to preparing pesto to grate 24 months aged Parmesan cheese, even if you shouldn’t because the blades get ruined in the long run!
In these last few weeks of self-isolation at home, the status of my food processor has gone from “useful” to “I can’t live without!!” in the throb of a dinner.
11 – MY STEAMPOD 2.0
Another of those things that make you feel alive and positive in this difficult period of self-isolation at home: decent hair. In the absence of a hairdresser, the only solution is to do it yourself.
Speaking of which, I feel thankful as never before for my Steampod hair straightener, which is old but still perfect. From straightening to beach waves, it handles everything and does it well and quickly, without ruining your hair, unlike ordinary straighteners.
We’ll be companions for life!
12 – THIS HAND CREAM
Because I wash my hands, disinfect them and use them more than usual at home and in the kitchen, my hands have really dry, itchy skin.
So I made a big dusting of my hand creams (I had 5-6 of them scattered around the house) and, for the first time in my life, I’ve started to use them regularly.
My favorite, though, is this one: profum it smells heavenly, smoothes, nourishes and hydrates. Simply perfect!
And how are you living this time? Which products (and services) do you find most valuable? And which ones do you particularly miss?
Leave a Reply