I woke up very early this morning with a lot on my mind. So I got up, made coffee, put some calming essential oils in my diffuser, crawled back into bed with my laptop and did the thing that always calms my mind, write. While the world is feeling very out of control right now it’s more important than ever that we are taking care of ourselves. Physically, yes that’s obviously very important, but even more important is your mental health. The United States is at the very beginning of what could be a long road of isolation like we’ve seen in China or Italy. That can do a lot of harm to your mental health. I’m not going to get into all the scary details as to why, I’m assuming you are watching the news, but if you are in need of some tips and tricks here is what works for me. As an introvert at heart I like to think I already excel at self-isolating, haha. I recharge when I have alone time. Sometimes it’s as simple as watching a TV show or movie or reading a book (more on this in a second) but often I find that getting my thoughts down on paper (like right now) helps me process. So dust off your journal if you haven’t written in awhile. Lighting a candle, burning incense, or diffusing essential oils are all things I do to create a calm environment around me. If you are looking for a way to introduce a little self-care I recommend you check out our self-care boxes over on The Sister Market. FYI as of now, we have no plans to change our business operations over there. Send yourself a box or send one to a friend or family member you think needs a little boost right now.
I know a lot of people are starting to work from home who are not usually in that position. I’ve worked from home for about 8 years now, and I wrote this blog post back in 2018 about it and I still follow these steps today. The only thing that would obviously need to be adjusted is getting out and meeting up with friends. We are fortunate to live in a time where technology can help aid us in this though. Plan virtual “coffee dates” with friends via video chat. Or maybe even better “happy hour”. Pour a glass of wine and jump on FaceTime instead of meeting at a bar. There are so many virtual ways you can stay connected to friends and family if you find yourself physically isolated.
Yesterday on Instagram I asked for your latest Netflix recommendations thinking that we’re all about to find ourselves with a lot of down time at home. I’m sharing those below along with my own personal favorite TV shows, movies, and books if you are looking for some ideas.
TV Shows:
Netflix-
Gilmore Girls- I re-watch this at least once a year. One of my all time favorite shows.
Schitt’s Creek- If you need to laugh this is the show for you.
Gossip Girl- an oldie but a goodie.
Hart of Dixie- I’m currently making my way through this series. It’s fun and light.
The Crown- If you’re obsessed with the royal family like we are this show will be your jam.
Grey’s Anatomy- If this is a show you’ve never gotten into and you find yourself with a lot of time on your hands, now is a great time to binge-watch all 15 seasons on Netflix. Season 16 is currently airing and you can probably find those episodes on Hulu.
The Great British Baking Show- I find this show so calming so if you need that right now turn this on. Warning you may want to have some baking ingredients on hand in case you get inspired!
Cheer- If you haven’t seen this it’s worth a watch!
Love Is Blind- This show is legit crazy but very entertaining!
Queer Eye- Filled with so much positivity it’s a great show to watch right now.
Somebody Feed Phil- If you like food, travel, and laughing this is the show for you.
Dead To Me- If you missed this show when it first came out you should watch it now. It’s really good!
Spinning Out- I watched this, thought it was just okay, but if you’re really into ice skating you’ll like it.
Stranger Things- Season one is still probably my favorite, but another really good show!
Virgin River- This is a slightly darker version of Hart of Dixie. The same actor even plays the town doctor in both shows!
You- It’s very dark, so maybe not the best thing to watch right now, but worth watching.
The Stranger- A really well done mystery series! I loved it!
Outlander- I haven’t seen this, but it got recommended a lot, so I’ve added it to my queue!
Anne With An E- Another one I haven’t seen but it’s giving me Little Women vibes so I’ve added it to my queue!
The Bachelor- If you want to forget about Peter’s season of The Bachelor for some reason Jason Mesnick’s season only (?) is available on Netflix.
Hulu-
One Tree Hill- Another all time favorite show. Shelby is currently re-watching it now.
The OC- Just like OTH, this show brings me back to high school.
Killing Eve- If you haven’t seen it this is a must watch. It’s so good! And I think the next season starts in April so you can catch up now!
Little Fires Everywhere- not out yet, but really looking forward to watching it when it comes out soon
Four Weddings And A Funeral- A series based on the movie. I’ve never seen the movie version but really enjoyed this series!
Pen15- If you grew up in the 90s/early 2000s you’ll love this one!
High Fidelity- I haven’t seen this yet but it’s on my list.
Hillary- Just watched this and found the insight into her life and the 2016 campaign in particular very interesting.
HBO-
Big Little Lies- Some of the best acting on TV right now can be found on this show. It’s so good!
Game of Thrones- If you’re one of those people who never watched this series take the opportunity to watch it now. The last episode aside, it’s worth it.
Apple TV-
The Morning Show- Really really loved watching this show. It’s very well done.
Amazon Prime-
Marvelous Mrs. Mazel- If you’re a fan of Gilmore Girls you’ll love this one as it’s done by the same people.
Downtown Abbey- This is a nice comfort show. Make a cup of tea and cozy up.
Jack Ryan- I haven’t actually seen this, but Shelby has and loves it!
Fleabag- Everyone says to watch this. It’s won every award. We watched the first episode and didn’t understand the hype, but maybe we just need to keep watching?
Modern Love- Another series I haven’t seen but it’s on my list!
Suits- I never watched this but kind of want to just to see Meghan Markle pre royal drama.
Disney +
Encore- If you did musical theater in high school, or just appreciate musical theater, you’ll love this show!
Lizzie McGuire- If you feel like reliving your childhood this is a fun one to go back and binge-watch.
Boy Meets World- Another oldie but goodie!
Friends- while it’s not currently streaming anywhere, if things get desperate you can buy it on iTunes.
Movies:
Netflix-
All The Bright Places- haven’t watched this yet but it’s on my list!
My Girl- random, I know, but it’s one of my favorite childhood movies and it’s in my Netflix queue.
Miss Americana- I found this Taylor Swift documentary very interesting and I’m not her biggest fan.
It Takes Two- another oldie but goodie staring the Olsen Twins.
The Grinch- Because sometimes you just need to watch a Christmas movie.
Center Stage- This is probably my second most watched movie of all time (Parent Trap is the first). The best dance movie out there. Period.
He’s Just Not That Into You- Not my favorite movie, but it’s on Netflix now so sharing in case you didn’t know that.
National Treasure- Shelby and I love this movie! Haha
Hulu-
10 Things I Hate About You- 90s high school rom com. Need I say more?
She’s All That- I repeat, 90s high school rom com. Need I say more? Haha
When Harry Met Sally- I’ve actually never seen this. Is that crazy? Just saw it was on Hulu so I’ve added it to my list!
The First Monday In May- If you’re into fashion and want to see behind the scenes of the MET Gala this is an excellent documentary.
A Quiet Place- Love this movie! We were looking forward to seeing the second one and were sad to hear the release date was pushed.
The Martian- I weirdly love this movie, haha! The book is excellent too.
Amazon Prime-
Troop Zero- I haven’t seen this, I think it just came out, but it looks cute!
Brittany Runs A Marathon- Another one I haven’t seen but it looks funny.
The Farewell- I’ve heard really good things about this one.
Home Again- This is an enjoyable rom com starting America’s sweetheart Reese Witherspoon.
Midsommar- Haven’t seen this but we’re obsessed with Florence Pugh so just added to the watchlist.
iTunes-
Yesterday- If you’re a fan of The Beatles (and who isn’t?!) this is a really good movie.
Little Women- This doesn’t come out until April 7th, but we’ll 100% be purchasing it.
Parasite- This one has been on our list for awhile.
Knives Out- This is another one we’ve heard good things about and want to rent.
1917- Not available to rent until March 24th, but really want to see this one too.
Disney +
Ok, so like every Disney movie ever made is on here so I won’t list them all. But wanted to call out a few things. The recent live action Lion King is available to stream and Disney just announced they are releasing Frozen 2 to stream 3 months early and it’s available starting Sunday 3/15. A new original movie called Star Girl was just released that looks cute.
Books:
Sweet Laurel Cookbook- One of the ways we are coping with self-quarantine is to do a lot of baking! It is pure coincidence and fortuitous timing that we just added this cookbook to The Sister Market. Sweet Laurel is a whole foods baking company, meaning, no filler, no weird stuff. Just the best organic, whole ingredients going into delicious grain-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free baked goods. Most of the items are made with less than five ingredients, and none of them are the wacky gums and stabilizers you’ll find in most gluten free and paleo products. Everything is easy to find at your local grocery store.
Little Women- Believe it or not I never read this book growing up, and after seeing the new movie last year I decided I wanted to read it!
One Day in December- A story about love at first sight, through a bus window, with a stranger. And then the bus pulls away. What follows is a decade of searching, heartache, and ultimately destiny. Loved this book!
American Royals- Really love this one! It reimagines the United States political system as if we had a royal family. It’s very interesting! P.S. the sequel comes out in September!
Red, White and Royal Blue- Sort of along the lines of American Royals, this book takes you down the path of what if the First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales. One of those books you want to read in one sitting because it’s hard to put down.
The Women In The Window- This was one of my favorite books I when I read it a few years ago. They are releasing a movie version staring Amy Adams in May, so if you haven’t read it read it now before the movie comes out! I’ve heard people compare it to Girl On The Train, and while it’s definitely a different kind of story, after reading it I understand the comparison. I’m usually really good at predicting where a story is going, and I did not see this one coming. At all.
Harry Potter- This is kind of the perfect time to re-read this series!
Hopefully there is at least one or two helpful things you found here! Comment on this post with your favorites and we’ll create one giant community list everyone can refer too!
Take care of yourself. We’ll get through this together.
-Ash