It’s me, your friendly neighbourhood, semi-retired sex blogger reporting live from my basement office where I’m currently wearing an oversized vintage Mickey Mouse sweatsuit because we’re in the midst of a global pandemic & civil rights battle and I’ve temporarily given up on real clothes (for the record, I call this look, “Business Disney.”)
{Btw, the gorgeous image above is by Kendra Dandy of The Bouffants and can be purchased here.}
I’ve had this post in the hopper for a while, but before I begin talking about personal quarantine greatest hits list, this needs to be addressed:
Non-black folks, what are you doing to support Black Lives Matter and anti-racism work?
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but a few ways quick you can be useful right now.
+ Donate to a local bail fund.
+ Donate to one of these organizations.
+ Check out this comprehensive resource list which includes other (free!) ways to help.
+ Educate yourself and do the anti-racism work. I’ve posted a few resources on Instagram, but give it a quick ‘GOOG and you’ll find tons of action steps, reading lists & more (do your research!) This list of ways to learn about and act up for racial justice that Kate posted is a great place to start. This list of ally resources is also a super helpful primer.
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Like many of you, since the start of quarantine, my spending habits have shifted. Now with #blacklivesmatter front and centre, examining how and where I spend my money feels especially important.
Normally, at this point in the Spring I’d be obsessing over new sundresses and shoes and accessories — and for better or worse — spending my money accordingly. However, over the past few months, my taste for fast fashion has all but expired (WHAT ARE CLOTHES ANYWAY?).
The truth is, quarantine has given me the space to reflect on my consumption patterns and frankly I feel pretty gross about how I spent my money over the course of 2019. Also, without the option of going into physical stores, I’ve realized how much of my shopping is motivated by anxiety, avoidance and boredom (maybe I’ll write more on that later).
The past few months have been strange, sad and challenging. I’m still trying to figure things out, but going forward, I know I want to buy more used & vintage while making a point to support more small businesses –in particular, ones owned by BIPOC. In the meantime, here are a few pandemic purchases that I do feel good about & have helped make quarantine life a little better.
Causes that matter.
See above. I know money can’t solve everything, but it can help. Since last week, I’ve donated to a handful of bail funds and black centred organizations, but I want to commit to making this an on-going occurrence on a weekly and monthly basis.
Upgraded digital media subscriptions.
After years reading for free, I finally bit the bullet and purchased a monthly digital subscription to New York magazine. Being able to read freely without worrying about a paywall has kept me informed and entertained throughout quarantine.
A folding exercise bike.
Meet my #NotAPeleton. This folding exercise bike has been my saving grace since the start of quarantine. I recently started running (and love it), but knowing I can safely do my cardio at home feels like the ultimate luxury right now. Plus, this bike folds up and fits in a closet — making it perfect for small space living.
An adjustable bed desk.
I know there’s an unwritten rule that in order to be a productive freelancer you must never work from bed, but I feel like the pandemic completely blew that right up. Life has been uncomfortable and weird. Sometimes the only way anything is getting done is if I allow myself to work from bed, while ensconced in blankets.
Enter: this adjustable bed desk. This tiny blessing allows me to comfortably work in bed AND is perfect for when I want to watch Netflix on my laptop. Being able to adjust it so my screen is at the right level has saved me SO MUCH neck strain. Oh, and did I mention it can also be used as a standing desk?
Live virtual events.
Since the start of quarantine, I’ve made a point of attending live streamed virtual events. My favourite so far have included the Werk The World series which feature performances from RPDR alumni (ticket sales go to benefit drag performers who are currently out of work due to Covid-19). Their next show, Pride Castle (June 28th) will benefit The National Black Justice Coalition, an organization dedicated to empowerment of the black LGBT+ community.
Sweatpants.
These BP Joggers from Nordstrom may be the softest pants known to man. Who knew sweatpants could feel so deliciously luxurious? I’ll take comfort anywhere I can get it these days and these joggers have kept me warm and comfortable throughout quarantine.
Subscription to WOW Presents Plus.
If you know me in real life, you’re probably painfully aware of how much I love RuPaul’s Drag Race. Watching Season 12 and now All Stars 5 has given me something to look forward to every week during quarantine. The producer’s of Drag Race, World of Wonder (WOW) offer a subscription service ($4.99/month) which gives you access to all of their shows + quarantine content hosted by your favourite queens. Being able to tune into Trixie & Katya Save The World and watch their antics every week has been such a nice treat.
A non-terrible Bathroom cabinet.
Considering how much I disliked the majority of high school, I’m really surprised by how smitten I’ve become with locker inspired furniture. I recently bought this locker style cabinet for my bathroom and do not regret it one bit.
For the longest time I’ve had a set of clear plastic Rubbermaid drawers to hold the beauty product overflow in my bathroom. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with plastic bins (you gotta work with what you have!), my dingy and crowded drawers made me (unnecessarily) feel like a broke college student.
The world feels completely out of control right now, but at least my bathroom looks somewhat like it belongs to an organized adult.
What’s helped you get through the past few months?
