TOP 10 MARCH FAVORITE PRODUCT FINDS

FAVORITE Quarantine and Social Distancing Product Finds to help you one way or another to cope with these self-isolation days a little bit better.

WHEW, WHAT THE HECK!? 🙄

MARCH 2020!?!?

What a way to kick off the new decade!!! 😯 😯

I know I am not alone when I say this (at least 90% of the world will agree with me, probably the only time this kind of unanimous agreement is bound to ever happen ;)), last month, MARCH 2020 was one for the books!!!

Something that will go down in history and 1000% will make it’s way into history (and science) books for our future generations to read.

The Coronavirus Pandemic!

Unprecedented, tough, uncertain, difficult, and troubling times in the history of our generation!!

So with everything that has been going on in the world, I am taking a new route as I share this March’s favorite finds blog post.

Almost all of these favorite finds will help you in some way or another to deal with the self-isolation, self-quarantine, and social distancing days a little better, I promise!

We are on Day 26 of self-quarantine. So trust me when I say, most of these products and/or finds have been incredibly useful.

And as you scroll through, if you notice a theme here, that is because it kinda is… most of the products below are geared towards health, wellness, and personal growth (besides travel of course, duh).

Photo Courtesy: Cristy Cross Photography

Loving these March Favorites? Then check out my other monthly favorites post:

January Favorites // February Favorites

2019 Favorite Finds

TOP 10 QUARANTINE AND SOCIAL DISTANCING FAVORITE PRODUCT FINDS

1) ALT SUMMIT

If we still lived in normal times then ALT Summit would have made it to the introduction to this blog post. But alas, since things have drastically changed between when I went to Palm Springs to soak in all the ALT GOODNESS and now, this is making it to the list of 10 favorites instead.

If you are asking, but how is this useful and helpful to me? Read on…

Founded in 2009, Alt Summit is a conference and a community geared towards Amplifying Women’s Voices. It is a community of/for thousands of women entrepreneurs in creative fields. One week a year, ALT provides a physical gathering place for this community of women (and men) and then incredible things happen!!!

As I said in this Instagram post, community, and coming together, are way more important now than ever before! We might all be #socialdistancing ourselves, but we can all still support one another, still be there for each other, and still lift each other up from the comfort of our homes, virtually and in spirit! #strongertogether

I had the incredible opportunity to go and partake in all things ALT Summit this March! Soooo thankful that I had already left for Palm Springs before things got worse cuz I would have 100% canceled if my flight was even a day later.

Being surrounded by so many ordinarily-extraordinary-women coming together from all walks of life, women who are ultra passionate about their craft (as unique as it may be), women who go all in, do their best and excel, women who break through barriers, women who impart their knowledge, women who do not let their ‘status’ define them (single, married, divorced, mom, new mom, etc) or their circumstances stop them, women who keep pushing the limits, women who motivate and inspire like no other, all while cheering each other on and lifting each other up, it was truly a humbling experience, to say the least.

And for that I am eternally grateful and feel so blessed to have been able to meet and connect with such a powerhouse of women!

Now, who wants to go back with me next year?

On that note, what I want to convey is that ladies (and gents) go buy your ticket to that conference or summit you have been meaning to go to for ages, your future self will thank you! It is a great way to meet and connect with your tribe (people who really get you) and create that super supportive community for yourself and others!

There are currently several organizations putting together virtual conferences and virtual summits and offering them for free or for minimum fees. Check them out and sign up, I have included some of them in the Ultimate Quarantine Resources blog post.

You don’t have to wait until everything goes back to normal, you can take advantage of these conferences and be a part of these communities NOW!

Photo Courtesy: @molly__mccauley @mollyandcophoto

2) BELTED UTILITY JUMPSUIT

I know money is tight right now and you might not be interested in shopping for anything else but the essentials at the moment. I get that, and I am with you on that, exactly why I haven’t been talking much about products on my Instagram lately.

But, it would be a sin not to share this long-sleeve jumpsuit with you all, because, I got asked about it (besides the compliments of course) over 100 times on the day I wore it at ALT Summit. And I am not making this up. I have witnesses, and the witnesses even joked that I should put a sticker on me sharing the details of the jumpsuit 😀

So I feel compelled to talk about it here. I mean, if an outfit makes dozens and dozens of people stop and chat you up, then you owe it to the world, right!?

Funny thing is, you know what, I will save that for my ALT Summit recap blog post (which would have been published the 2nd week of March. But that’s on hold for now given that I have been busy putting together several resources to help you get you through these uncertain times, find all the resources here).

Long story short, if there is one thing you want to buy, then do check out this long-sleeve belted jumpsuit designed to include flap pockets, collared neckline, and button-down closure. Super comfortable and breathable too!

3) Schick Silk Touch-Up Multipurpose Tool

Who else has been struggling with all things grooming?

With social distancing and self-quarantine being in full effect, whose eyebrows, upper lips, etc are way out of control? Yep, I knew!

I know, first world problems (especially at a time like this) but a problem nonetheless.

So ladies, meet this super awesome and super amazing, not to forget super inexpensive Schick Silk Touch-Up Multipurpose Tool. I am so glad that I gave it a try before I left for ALT Summit and I have been absolutely in LOVE with it!

I am not going to lie, I was super skeptical to use this, I mean, it could mess up your face you know. But I had no choice, my regular trusted desi (Indian) salon lady moved to a different state (a blessing in disguise) and I had no time to make my way all the way across town to my other trusted salon to tend to my facial needs. So Amazon Prime and this tool came to the rescue.

The Schick Silk Touch-Up Multipurpose Tool can be used for shaping your eyebrows, exfoliating and also easily removing fine hairs on your face (dermaplaning), etc.

I was scared that using this tool would make my hair grow back faster and thicker, but nope, none of that has happened and I am so thankful for this little miracle!

So nope, I am not going to be coming out of this quarantine like those funny memes making the rounds on the internet (if you know you know ;)).

P.S. This has 10,000+ reviews for a reason!

Going forward, I plan to do my eyebrows and dermaplaning at home by myself. After all, I used to do my roommates’ eyebrows (with just a tweezer) during grad school, and now shaping eyebrows got a whole lot easier and faster.

4) MEDITATIVE STORY PODCAST

I couldn’t have found this app at a better time, seriously!

The perfect way to start your mornings!! I go back and listen to the same episodes over and over again.

“A first-of-its-kind immersive storytelling podcast.”

Meditative Story is produced by WaitWhat in partnership with Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global. I mention this cuz if you follow Arianna Huffington then you know that she is such a great advocate for health and wellness.

“Meditative Story combines extraordinary human stories with meditation prompts embedded into the storylines — all surrounded by breathtaking music.

Each week, a storyteller will take you on a journey to a pivotal moment and place in their life. As you listen, mindfulness prompts are seamlessly woven into the story.

The overall effect is an entirely new and immersive sensory experience. It’s not just a story as entertainment — it’s about empowerment, giving you the ability to unplug, disconnect from the day-to-day stresses of the world, and be transported to another time and place.

The language of stories is universal — and by connecting so deeply to someone else’s story, you’ll be able to connect with your own, emerging restored and recharged.”

You have to give it a listen to really know what I mean and why this podcast is not like any other meditation podcasts!

Also, if you are on the journey to create a holistic lifestyle, then read this.

5) OPRAH’S 2020 VISION TOUR

I wish that Oprah came to Seattle or at least that I could go to one of the cities where she held the 2020 Vision Tour.

Even if either of the above did happen, I would still have to binge-watch the rest of the videos from Oprah’s 2020 Vision Tour. Which is exactly what I did as soon as they went up on YouTube.

If you do not know anything about Oprah’s 2020 Vision Tour, then in a nutshell –

At the beginning of 2020, Oprah went on a tour to nine cities with WW (Weight Watchers Reimagined) and her special guests. She had an intimate one-on-one conversation with nine different celebrities as she motivated audiences to make 2020 the year of renewal and celebrate all we are meant to be.

In a special letter to O readers, she said: “This is going to be a day-long party for everyone.”

“Oprah will guide attendees through a series of self-reflections, leading to a personal 2020 action plan. Special guests will join in, and an inspiring speaker will energize audiences with tools and insights to move them toward their healthiest and best lives.

Emmy Award-winning choreographer Julianne Hough will lead an exhilarating movement experience using her KINRGY method.

Oprah will interview an influential trailblazer and changemaker who has inspired millions through their unique and powerful wellness story. Every city will highlight remarkable individuals who, by taking charge of their own health, created a ripple effect of wellness in their communities.

Global dance phenom DAYBREAKER will lead an electrifying pre-show dance party. Oprah will wrap up the day as only she can, with a finale that empowers audiences to let 2020 be a year of transformation and triumph—beginning first and foremost with what makes us well”.

Typically, I am not one to #NetflixandChill or binge-watch stuff on TV, especially at times like this when I could be using my time to be even more motivated and learn/excel/grow. But when it comes to anything that gives me a high (as in inspirational high) then I am all for binge-watching it.

Which is exactly what I’d recommend you do, binge watch her 2020 Vision Tour Videos. If Oprah and these trailblazers stories don’t help you reset your mind and focus on what you are capable of then I do not know what will!

RELATED POST: It is all about your attitude, read more here.

Photo Courtesy: Oprah Mag

6) NETFLIX PARTY

Watch movies on Netflix with your friends and family remotely.

With social distancing and not being able to do all the things we took for granted (going out to the movies, hanging out with friends, etc, etc), this is as close as it will get to meeting your friends and watching a movie together (virtually).

How To Use Netflix Party To Host A Movie Night?

Download The Netflix Party chrome extension.
Choose a movie to watch.
Your friends and you need to log into your own individual Netflix accounts.
Access Netflix and play the movie.
The Netflix Party icon near your address bar will change from gray to red.
Once you click on it a new window will pop up prompting you to ‘Create a Netflix Party.’
Click ‘Start The Party’. Either you can fully control the playback (play, pause, etc.) or share control access with your friends.
Then click “Copy URL” and share it with your friends. The link is always available when you click The Netflix Party extension icon.
The Netflix Party extension will sync the playback across all your accounts, so everyone is watching the same thing at the same time from your individual accounts.
The Netflix Party feature includes a text chat function on the side of the screen like any live stream and everyone can chat in real-time.

So what are you waiting for?

Get ready to host your next movie night!

You can find a list of movies to watch here or here (just search for Netflix in the posts).

7) OUTLIERS BOOK

Outliers is not a recent find, I read it several years ago, but given the current circumstances we are all in, I figured that this would be a perfect time to talk and share about this book here.

The author, Malcolm Gladwell, asks what makes high-achievers (outliers) different?

His answer is that success is not just about your ability but it is decided based on a combination of several key factors such as opportunity, upbringing, cultural background, and values, along with putting in the hours.

10,000 hours as he says, the amount of time it takes to master something.

If there ever was a time when you could put in a dedicated amount of time to practice something you are passionate about, then now is it. Sure, you don’t have 10,000 hours but you have more time than you will probably ever have.

Give the book a read and see what aspects of it you can adopt in your life.

RELATED POST: If you do not know where to begin, then start by giving this and this a read.

8) 10% HAPPIER APP

To me, 10% Happier is more than just a meditation app, I view it as a self-care app.

Given the current anxious and stressful times we are all living in, any help to relieve stress and anxiety, and help us get better sleep is most welcome.

“Want to sleep better, be more mindful, improve your relationships, and become just about ten percent happier? This is the app for you. Our guided meditations, videos, talks, and sleep content will help you build (or boost) your meditation practice, and stick with it.

Video and meditation combos that make it fun and straightforward to learn to meditate.
A library of 500+ guided meditations on topics ranging from anxiety to parenting to focus, ensuring that you can find exactly the right meditation for the moment.
A sleep section filled with relaxing meditations that make it easy to fall (and stay) asleep.
Bite-size stories, wisdom, and inspiration that you can listen to while on the go – for those moments when you’re not feeling like meditation but want some mindfulness.”

If you are looking to switch up your self-care routine then definitely give the 10% happier app a try. Plus, read more about how to nurture your mind, body and soul here.

9) DUO LINGO

This language app has been my latest obsession. Such a fun way to learn a new language.

As I mentioned in this 39 Ways To Travel From Home blog post, if you thought packing your bags and taking off to a new destination is the only way to travel the world then you are in for a real surprise… you will soon realize that traveling is much more than just zipping away in a car or hopping on the plane.

So while you are stuck, nope, safe at home, learn a new language or two.

I am currently using the Duolingo app to learn Spanish. My progress has been real slow, but by the time this pandemic is behind us I might learn a lot more than just trying to say ‘hello’ and ‘where is this place?’ LOL

10) HOT AIR BALLOON

I know, I know, we cannot travel right now and here I am talking about hot air balloon. But hear me out, you can always (still) travel (from home) and this could be one of the bucket list items that you add to your list for when you are able to travel again.

Hey, we always need something to look forward to right!?

It is what keeps us going…

I was lucky enough to enjoy a picturesque sunrise hot–air balloon flight over the mammoth Sonoran Desert when we were in Phoenix in February (right before this whole pandemic began).

I will write a detailed post about it (again, something I have put on hold at the moment). But for now, I quickly wanted to share about it in this post.

The 360-degree views of the desert had made me, yet again, realize just how small and insignificant us humans are. And now the whole Coronavirus took that realization to a whole new level and is proving it to us in ways that none of us ever even imagined!

So go on, add ‘going in a hot air balloon’ to your post-quarantine travel bucket list.

But until the post-quarantine days are upon us, change the way you think about travel and Explore The World From The Comfort Of Your Couch!

On that note, stay safe, stay healthy and stay inspired!

And I will continue to share content that will help make your social distancing and self-quarantine days a little bit better and easier, so don’t be a stranger, frequent the blog, and come hang out here…

“Your Vibe Speaks Volumes Louder Than Any Words Could Ever Speak.”

xoxo,

Kusum