Hi there, friends! I hope this blog post finds you well, spending time at home if possible. It goes without saying (yet here I am saying it anyway) things are weird right now. It's a strange line to walk - staying informed while also keeping from falling down unhelpful rabbit holes. It's probably obvious I am in no way a healthcare professional. But what I AM is an expert-level introvert who has always thrived on time spent home alone. Also, a therapist once told me I have "good self-care instincts," sooo I'm really leaning into that these days, happily doing my part to spread some peace, calm, and comfort to you, too. My heart behind inviting you into these spaces is never to ignore reality or neglect responsibilities, but simply to remind us that the Good, True, & Beautiful is still just as present in the midst of it all. 

On that note, here is a list of comforting/entertaining podcasts, books, TV, and some other gems from the internet. Take your pick(s), and let me know if you find something you especially love.

PODCASTS
 

-I can't count how many times I've audibly cackled alone in my car listening to the Popcast. 

-Deliciously Ella always has the most fascinating guests and covers topics across multiple facets of health (physical, mental, environmental, emotional, etc).

-At home working through that To-Be-Read list? Here's a podcast to help you answer the perpetual question of "What Should I Read Next?"

-If you are re-watching The Office before it leaves Netflix in 2021, here's a deep-dive re-cap podcast to accompany your endeavor.

-This episode of MindBodyGreen is on my to-listen list.

-Even though Annie isn't sick, she is quarantined due to exposure and, naturally, is chronicling it daily with fellow self-isolator, Eddie. 

BOOKS 

-If you want to live vicariously thorough Julia Child (who doesn't), My Life in France is the book for you 

-Louise Penny's series of what I can only describe as quaint murder mysteries keep me hooked without keeping me up at night in a bad way. Start with this book.

-Sorry if I'm being annoying talking about how delightful The Flat Share is, but it's the perfect lighthearted rom-com.

-Another lighthearted read I finished last week is The Bookish Life of Nina Hill. I (mostly) loved the quirky cast of characters, especially Nina.

-The Wondering Years is a memoir which seamlessly blends pop culture references I don't always get (but that make me laugh out loud regardless) with deeper themes of faith, shifting paradigms, and asking hard questions. 

-Garlic & Sapphires is Ruth Reichl's memoir of her time as the NY Times food critic which often entailed dining in elaborate disguises with a fake name in order to get an honest review. 

-The Lost Vintage takes place on a vineyard in Burgundy and weaves a modern story with an unsolved family mystery from WWII. 

MOVIES & TV 

-Whether or not you have seen The Great British Baking Show before now, just start back at season one and let your love of baked goods and humanity be nurtured. 

-Sunday I watched Miss Americana and have a new found love and respect for Taylor.

-A few shows that make me laugh out loud at least once every episode: The Mindy Project, Brooklyn Nine Nine, The Office, Schitt's Creek, and Parks and Recreation.

-Samin Nosrat is the most charming human and her travel/food show, Salt Fat Acid Heat, is fantastic.

-Watch Big Dreams Small Spaces if you want garden inspiration led by our hero.

-You can never go wrong with The Parent Trap. Also, did you know Meredith Blake and Chessy are BFFs in real life?! 

-This seems to be a love-or-hate pick, but Midnight in Paris is my go-to comfort movie.

INTERNET GEMS

-A very Calm Place on the internet - take your time scrolling through. 

-Geoffrey and Pauline Walker are the English Instagram grandparents you didn't know you needed. I never knew I could be so overjoyed to see someone sport some new trousers.

-A self care menu in case you need a few ideas.

-This is my favorite app. The $1 per month is well worth all the recipes, yoga videos, and guided meditations. 

-Mary Susan is an incredible human and a voice to listen to (especially if you are raising a kid with special needs), and she is currently sharing 75 Tiny Things That (May) Bring Some Peace Amidst the Chaos.

-If you usually love Instagram for the beautiful images but it's stirring up a bit more anxiety than is helpful right now, just hop on over to Pinterest. It's always lovely there.

-A helpful guide for how to work from home.

I HOPE YOU CAME ACROSS SOMETHING COMFORTING, ENTERTAINING, OR HELPFUL HERE TODAY, AND THAT YOU CONTINUE TO LEAN INTO THE GOOD, BEAUTIFUL, & TRUE IN YOUR EVERYDAY - WHATEVER THAT LOOKS LIKE RIGHT NOW. IF YOU EVER NEED ANOTHER PODCAST OR BOOK REC IN THE COMING WEEKS, YOU KNOW WHERE TO FIND ME. 

GRACE & PEACE, FRIENDS.