Quarantine Finds - April 2020

Hi there!

Notwithstanding the fact that I absolutely missed a whole month of posting in April, I want to jump right back in with some simple delights I discovered last month.

The beginning of April is when social distancing really kicked in for me and it's been quite the thing to get accustomed to - Work from home, the constant environment, attempts at home schooling, no restaurants! Honestly, I do not think I have adjusted as well as some but I have found some small gems to help ease the mind and pass the time, at least for me. I hope you find one, some or all to be your delightful find in this new month.

Good Time Pomodoro App

(I swear this is the only productivity thing in here) When I started working from home, I had hoped to fall into an accelerated productivity routine but that dream soon crushed as I found myself more distracted than ever. Having heard of the Pomodoro Method, I looked for an app, as any proper millennial would. I loved the Good Time app because of its simplicity. The UI and UX make for a quick set-up, with limited choices to help you make quick decisions. Lest we forget, yuh supposed to be doing de people wuk!

Immortelle Beauty -Sheer Moisture Spray Oil

Of course I didn't just hear about Immortelle Beauty this April but I did get my first bottle of their Sheer Moisture Spray Oil in late March. I got the Nectar + Spice scent and *chef's kiss* I love it.

What I've enjoyed doing is taking a shower by candlelight, hopping out and taking my time rubbing this oil in. The scent is warm and enveloping and I feel like I've been candied by the time I slip between the sheets. You can still get your orders online or visit their Normandie shop once lockdown is lifted.

Cedros Bay - Coconut Body Lotion

Another great local product to help you get your pamper on. I've been wanting to try Cedros Bay Coconut Body Lotion since a girlfriend of mine let me try a sample she had. I was impressed with the texture, which is thick and emollient. The best part for me is the scent - this straight up smells like coconut cookie cake and I've said that on all reviews. If you want to smell like a baked coconut good, get this at Pennywise stores (it's under $100.00) or the Cedros Bay online shop.

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The next finds can all be enjoyed online, so please do enjoy.

MUSIC

Sabrina Claudio - I Belong to You

The artist looks so sultry and self-possessed but her voice and the beat, especially on this song, is like a caress. The lyrics can been taken in two ways but I think the general consensus is that that the song is about the self and the body carrying it. You can check out a couple more of Claudio's songs like Unravel Me or Confidently Lost.

My Analog Journal - Japanese Funk/ Jazz Mixes

As we all search for the right WFH music, i.e. the right combination of not-distracting but not-going-to-put-you-to-sleep, I found My Analog Journal, specifically their Japanese Funk & Jazz mixes. If you don't mind listening to music in a different language, like something a little faster and upbeat or are an anime fan, check out these three suggestions: Funk & Soul, Drama Funk, and City Pop, Soul & Jazz. If not, check them out anyways.

Flamingosis

Another great WFH find, again if you want something that just makes you tap your foot and gives you a little energy bump. I would describe these mixes as having a more groovy, funk flair but not overwhelmingly so. I've linked their A Groovy Thing, Bright Moments and Maniacs! mixes for your listening pleasure.

Londrelle - Self Care Package

An Instagram find, it looks like Londrelle has been making music for a while that focuses on grounding and healing the self. When nationwide lockdowns became a global thing, he released the Self-Care Package on Soundcloud. I like using it after workouts as a guided meditation as he speaks over an ambient sound-bath track. The album has seven tracks that focus on the seven chakras and it always reminds me to go inward and let go of what I cannot control.

Les Petites Mains Videos

"The little hands" are the women and men who bring the designer's creations to life. From beading to pleating to dip dyed feathers, every exquisite detail is expertly placed to create art. I do see the creation of clothes as artistry, and this feels like the highest level of that order. If you want to get inspired by what human hands can make, I have linked videos showing creations from Chanel, Mischka Aoki and Dior.

And that's it! Simple pleasures to help pass this strange time we are in. Please leave any of your favourite finds down below and share the love - that's how community grows.