We haven’t had a roundup of little things we’re loving lately, so I thought we’d do one — what little purchases are you guys loving lately? Here are some of the small recent purchases I’ve made and loved…

Psst: We’ve started collecting all of our yearlong suggestions along these lines with the tag Little Things. Check them all out here!

I wrote on CorporetteMoms about how we did Dry July and discovered a ton of great drinking vinegars and flavored bitters. The cherry bitters from Fee brothers are among my favorites; I also like lavender bitters for when you want something a bit complex with your seltzer or lemonade after dinner.

Super basic, but: we had a huge collection next to our stove of stuff we used so often that it didn’t make sense to put it in the spice cabinet, a whopping two steps away. But it made the space cluttered and dirty. I finally broke down and realized we never used the bowls that lived in the cabinet directly above the clutter, so I moved the bowls higher up and bought a 9″ lazy Susan. AAAAAAAHHHH… SO MUCH NICER. And amazingly, everything fit, from our avocado oil spray to the “nice olive oil” to the “cheap olive oil” to the huge grinders for salt, pink salt, and pepper.

Another organizing feat: My growing collection of bitters have now replaced the cabinet where we used to store all of the kids’ school lunch supplies — I bought this tiered organizer for the bitters, various pill/vitamin bottles and more.

I just bought this cooling weighted blanket for my son because he’s been a bit anxious lately, and he loves it for sleep or just hanging out doing homework. I’ve bought a number of weighted blankets over the years, and this one is noteworthy for the price and the fact that it doesn’t suck or get bunchy — no complaints. It’s $40-$189 at Amazon depending on weight, and there’s a coupon for it; go for 10% of the body weight of the person you’re buying for. (Round up if you’re between weights.) If you want something more stylish, I’ve been drooling over this weighted blanket at West Elm.

We’re still being really careful because we’re high risk, so I’ve been cutting my boys’ hair myself. My eldest gave me 10 minutes before he started twitching; my youngest only gave me 10 cuts and now says he’s never ever doing that again. They both kind of look like crazed monks, which is probably better than the Mia Farrow cuts I’ve given in the past.

STILL: I’m very happy that I finally broke down and added some thinning shears to my toolkit (along with these electric hair clippers, which are also very easy to use). Both kids have really thick hair, and I wasn’t quite sure how to get their bangs properly thinned out without a lot of weird layers. My cousin is a hairdresser and had suggested thinning shears a while ago, but I waffled between these and thinning razors while I hunted for a good YouTube video.

I finally pulled the trigger on these thinning shears ($12 at Amazon) and I have no regrets — they’re very, very easy to use, and if the kids would ever sit still for more than five minutes they might have a chance for a good home haircut.

Finally, I haven’t used this one yet because I keep forgetting for the rare occasion I have to wear a mask for an extended period, but they’re supposed to be great if you wear eyeglasses and face masks and have problems with your eyeglasses getting foggy.

Over to you, readers — what little purchases have you made lately that you’ve loved? Do tell…

The post What Little Things Are You Loving Lately? appeared first on Corporette.com.

Here’s a fun open thread for today: What is your fantasy vacation these days? Where are you itching to go once the pandemic is over? (With all of the consequences of climate change, fires, and more, has anything moved higher on your list?) Another fun question: What are you doing to get your travel fix in the interim?

We recently(ish) discussed the actual 2020 vacation travel everyone was planning that was derailed by the dumpster fire that is this year, as well as the scaled-back actual plans people were making. But we haven’t discussed fantasy trips!

My own fantasy travel in 2020 answers: 

I’ve always enjoyed travel, but the pandemic has made me realize how little of it I’ve truly done — we were kind of waiting for the kids to grow up a bit so we could actually enjoy the trips more and not get too stressed over vacation planning. (What do they say, any travel with young children is a trip, not a vacation?)

My own answers are kind of the same ones they’ve been for years, which just shows you how untouched my bucket list is: Bali. Paris, always. Buenos Aires, which one blogging friend told me is like the Paris of the South (pictured at top). If we’re talking “fantasy travel” I’ll add VIP trips to Disney(s) since I don’t think we’ll be going otherwise at this point. I’ll be following everyone’s answers closely! 

{related: how to find the vacation destination that’s right for you}

While the pandemic rages on (and travel as an American is very limited), we’ve been doing a few things to get our travel fix:

• Universal Yums: I decided this was a fun way to do virtual travel with my kids because, let’s face it, we all really like the snacks– the most. Every month, the company picks a foreign country and sends us treats from there. The subscription is $25, and each month we get 8–12 treats. I make the kids learn a bit about the country or its history before we sample the treats; sometimes that’s just YouTube videos. (Here’s my referral link if you’d like to try Universal Yums!) 
• Les Mills on Demand (affiliate link): Some of their workouts have been filmed on top of mountains and just off the shore of lakes or bays — there’s drone footage throughout of the instructors doing yoga or kickboxing or whatever against gorgeous vistas. It’s a really tiny taste of travel but sometimes sates that sense of wonder you get from a beautiful view. 
• Travel magazines: I’ve never subscribed to a travel magazine but I just decided I want to — what are your favorites, ladies? (My usual research process here would be to go to the bookstore, sit down with 10–15 magazines and pick 1–2 to buy or subscribe to — which I won’t be doing right now, alas.) Awww, here’s our last (long ago!) thread on the best magazine reads.

How about you guys — where will you go on your fantasy vacation?

Like today’s fantasy open thread? Here are others we’ve had in the past…

Stock photo of Buenos Aires via Stencil.

The post What’s Your Fantasy Vacation in 2020? appeared first on Corporette.com.

We had an interesting discussion a while ago, wondering what IS the best Zoom shirt for women (based on a NYT article about men who had Zoom shirts). Readers have had a few threadjacks on the topic, though, so I thought we’d go on a hunt for today.

Some notes on the (very different!) takes on what makes a cute Zoom top:

• Some people have noted that it is “higher necked and brighter.”
• Some people have said they only wear V-necks because they’re more flattering.
• Some people say it just does not matter.
• For my $.02, especially as we get into fall, think about adding an easy third piece like a substantial necklace, a cardigan or sweater blazer or even a scarf

I usually just collage the ones we’ve already pictured in the roundup, but there were so many nice options I thought I’d make a collage out of some of those that are only mentioned/linked below.

Above: pink / ivory / purple / white

Some Zoom tops we’ve seen…

This may be the first time I’ve ever recommended clothing from Walmart — but for $13 this top has a lot to like for Zoom. Cute ruffles and pleats at the shoulder, nice bright color, even nice ruffled edges at your wrists if you’re gesturing or adjusting on the call.

If you haven’t checked out Walmart’s Time & Tru brand, do take a look — it is often suggested by other bloggers as a dupe for Free People. Other affordable tops to consider: this $14 “femme lace top” and this $20 ruffled top (so happy and bright!). (This waffle tunic is a bit on the casual side but people swear by it as an affordable dupe for FP thermals.)

This cute eyelet puff top comes in white and saffron and is down to $19 today — lucky sizes only, though.

This top has a similar neck ruffle for $29, and this top also has eyelet details near the top for $29.

Fun fact: Express has an entire category now for “tops for video calls.” This crocheted tank feels fun, particularly because you can add it or remove it throughout the day as you want to. After all, white can be so flattering but it doesn’t always go well with the marinara in your lunch.

The above top is $29 and comes in white and black; I’m also a fan of this lace button-front peplum top, which almost looks like it functions like a cardigan. This $20 tank is a bit on the low-cut side, but I love the pleated details on the shoulder.

This madras plaid top is a bestseller at Ann Taylor and I can see why — it’s such a bright, beautiful color. I think it would look great layered under a cardigan.

In fact, I think you could actually get a lot of different looks based on what color you pull out from it (assuming you have different colors for cardigans). A dark blue one would pick up the blues and make the purples pop; a hot pink one would brighten it up and make the oranges pop.

It’s normally $59 but is marked to $30 today; available in regular and petite sizes XS-XL.

Other nice options at Ann Taylor: I love this bright blue flare-sleeve tee with pleated neck details; and this ruffle henley shell looks chic but effortless. The brand also has a ton of ruffle-neck options.

This lace and crepe top from Halogen comes in both sleeveless and long-sleeved versions — the sleeveless shell has a ton of great colors, including this cheerful green. Again, I’d do a cardigan with it because I’m always cold, but I think when everyone is back in the office it will also look great with a blazer. The tops are $59-$69 at Nordstrom.

Some other nice options: I love the tiny circles decorating the V-neck on this top from 1.State, and the pleat details on this rumpled satin shell from Vince Camuto are great for Zoom. (Also a reader favorite in the Before Times!) The button details on this silk blouse from Club Monaco are amazing, and there are a TON of tops with nice yoke details. This ruffle-sleeve top is also lovely (and comes in a zillion colors).

Finally, just a note that if you’re considering adding a third piece, statement necklaces can really elevate a simple tee; a sweater blazer can also frame a top nicely.

Readers, what kinds of tops do you consider “cute Zoom tops” if you’re on the hunt? What’s your Zoom look?

The post The Hunt: Cute Zoom Tops appeared first on Corporette.com.

I don’t know about you guys, but my anxiety is through the roof right now, and probably will be until January — I feel like it’s the case with a lot of women I know right now!

We’ve talked a lot about anxiety over the years, but not in a while, so I thought I’d start a post on how to deal with anxiety — please feel free to add your own thoughts! How do you cope with anxiety when you’re busy, readers?

{related: how to deal with post-interview anxiety}

This post contains affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support!

#1 Tip to Cope with Anxiety When You’re Busy: Get Quality Sleep

Lately I’ve been having problems both falling asleep and staying asleep (wheee), and I know this is my first avenue of attack. Here’s what I’m doing…

Try sleep aids. I’ve tried melatonin and magnesium (Calm supplements) and I’m not sure if they’re doing nothing — or making it worse. (My youngest has taken a very small dose of melatonin for a few years now, so I know it can be helpful for some people!) 

Practice better sleep hygiene. I am horrible about this — some nights I’m actually surrounded by my phone, iPad, Kindle, and Chromebook, because YES I am crazy. In a perfect world I would put Twitter and my stupid iPad game away at 10:30 and only do Kindle or read actual books. I’m off to set an alarm on my iPhone to remind myself of this…

Use a weighted blanket. After a few nights of screwing around with melatonin and magnesium, I remember, “OH YES, I have a weighted blanket.” As I’ve noted before, I like that it’s a drug-free option. It’s huge and unwieldy, so it’s a bit of a commitment to dig it out and put it on the bed… but the first night I had it on top of me I felt this delicious sinking sensation. YES PLEASE, I’D LIKE SOME MORE. I woke up a few times here and there, even with the blanket, but it was the first night of decent sleep in a week or two that I’d had. Onward with the weighted blanket! (Apparently they make some with CoolMax fabric in case you get hot at night.)

Some great sleep aids if you’re struggling with sleep issues…

Find Books and Shows that Make You Happy

When I was younger, I realized that I really enjoyed romance books but decided they were such easy reads that I should limit myself to one or two a year, only after I’d read “harder” works. Accordingly, I read maybe three or four novels a year for much of my 20s and early 30s (in fairness to me, law school and practicing law took up a lot of mental energy!).

Well, for several years now, instead of reading one romance book a year, I’ve read about 40 a year — they make me happy, and I’m no longer going to keep myself from such an easy “win.” I like the happy ever after, the delight the characters find in each other, and the often silly turns of events. We’ve talked a lot about brain-candy books in the past; readers recently had some great threadjacks for fantasy and sci-fi books (and one with lots of great suggestions for non-political books to cheer up a grandpa).

Similarly, we’ve talked about the best shows to help you laugh — just as important is avoiding shows that bum you out. My husband and I recently decided that Ozarks, while wonderful, was too dark for where I am right now, so we’re taking a break. 

Focus on Meditative, Sensory-Friendly Activities

A quick list of activities that can help (provided you don’t listen to a political podcast while doing these!):

• spending time in nature
• repetitive/mindless exercise (think running or swimming laps)
• adult coloring books
• knitting
• embroidery
• baking bread or other activities involving kneading dough (pasta, fondant, whatever)

Here are some easy kits and books to get you started on cross stitch for stress relief…

Pictured, great coloring books for adults: one / two / three / four
also: recommended pencils & markers

Connect with Friends

This is the biggest thing I’m struggling with right now. It’s hard to connect with friends while social distancing; attempting to make social plans stresses me out (a restaurant?! ANOTHER Zoom call?). And that’s assuming that you and your friends are all on the same page with the pandemic and politics and so forth; my own friends and I have vastly different approaches to schooling, social distancing, and thoughts about the protests and election and more. (And that’s among those I consider to be my liberal friends!)

I’m not sure of the best ways to feel more “connected” and grounded outside yourself — I’d love to hear what you guys think.

Treat Yourself 

Again, this is a bit of a struggle right now — I’d love a massage or a spa day or a weekend getaway with my husband but… yeah, those aren’t happening right now.

I’ve been trying to do more restorative yoga with Down Dog. I’ve also been trying to spend time meditating, but when you’re in the throes of anxiety it can feel hard to disconnect and focus on your breath.

Psst: some of our favorite home massage products include this reader-recommended back massager, this shoulder massager (similar), and this mini massage gun. Along similar lines, this $6 scalp massager is soothing, and these toe stretchers are actually better than most foot massage products.

Therapy and Medication

Online therapy is easier than ever these days, and readers have sworn by anti-anxiety medication for years. I’ve never taken more than a few Xanax pills, though, so I can’t comment. (This looks like a great guide to which medications are best for anxiety disorders — but of course, talk to your doctor.)

Readers, how are you doing? Are you feeling more anxious than usual? What are your best tips for how to cope with anxiety when you’re busy? 

The post How to Cope with Anxiety When You’re Busy appeared first on Corporette.com.

Many readers have noted that they stopped wearing makeup or switched to minimal beauty routines when they started working from home, so today we thought we’d explain how to preserve makeup you’re not using during these strange times — and how long to keep particular products.

If you’re still working remotely, have you been wearing makeup lately? Are you trying to preserve unused makeup during quarantine, or have you thrown away any products you’ve stopped using? 

Psst: We’ve also discussed clothing you’ve stopped wearing during quarantine and the “Zoom shirt” for women, and we shared five makeup tutorials to up your eye makeup game (for example, when wearing a face mask).

Step One to Preserve Makeup You’re Not Using: Check the “Period After Opening” Guidelines

Unfortunately, some of the makeup that you opened before quarantine and haven’t used since may already be on its last legs. Many beauty products are labeled with a PAO symbol (“period after opening” — it’s #1 on this list of symbols; also pictured below) that tells you how long it’s safe to use — but I just did a spot check of some of my makeup and only saw it on a few. In general, changes in the appearance, texture, or smell of your makeup items are always warning signs, so take a close look before you bring something back into rotation.

If you keep things beyond their recommended shelf lives (especially products that involve double dipping during application), you may be risking skin and eye infections and allergic reactions — and the items won’t work as well, anyway. Sure, there are exceptions — and it’s the rare person that adheres to all the guidelines for getting rid of makeup, of course!

Here are some further tips to preserve makeup you’re not using: 

1. When you can, use brushes and other tools to apply makeup, not your fingers — and clean them regularly to cut down on bacterial growth. For the products that you apply with your fingertips, make sure to wash your hands first.

2. For concealers and eye shadows with doe-foot applicators, you can avoid transferring bacteria from your face back into the product by first applying them to the back of your hand and then to your face with your fingers or another brush. Disposable applicators are another option (although of course not ideal for the environment). 

3. If your mascara is still within its shelf life but has gotten a bit dry, add a few drops of sterile saline solution and shake the tube. (In general, don’t pump the mascara wand inside the tube to try to get more product on your lashes — this will make the product dry out faster. Using a twisting motion is better.) 

4. Don’t store your makeup in the bathroom — sure, it’s convenient, but it’s too hot and humid to properly maintain many beauty products. (Condensation can lead to mold, for one.) Keep makeup out of direct sunlight, too. Some items can benefit from fridge storage, such as those with retinol or vitamin C, but others don’t do well in cold temps, like oils, serums, and lipstick. StyleCaster and Harpers’ Bazaar both had good suggestions on where to store specific products. (Anyone out there splurge on a makeup fridge? If you’re looking for a low-energy, tiny makeup fridge like the one in the stock photo, Kat’s always loved this one.) 

5. Kat’s random tip: She printed tiny labels for her makeup to note the “date received” as well as the “date opened,” since — even if unopened — it’s good to know which mascara sample or tube came in 2020 vs. 2019 vs. 2021. 

How long do you keep beauty products? Do you have tips on how to preserve unused makeup during quarantine? Do you think you’ll return to your regular makeup routine if/when you return to the office? 

Stock photo via Deposit Photos / yulisitsa.

The post How to Preserve Makeup You’re Not Using appeared first on Corporette.com.

Which are the best work from home desks? After last week’s post on how to set up a great home office, I noticed a lot of commenters noting that they were still working at their dining room table and getting tired of it. I happen to be on the hunt for a new desk for my son so I thought I’d do a hunt on desks for today! 

Note that instead of picturing just a few desks, I’m mostly going to be picturing desks using widgets — please let me know if you have any problems seeing the widgets! Stores represented below include West Elm, Crate & Barrel, CB2, Ashley, World Market, and Target. Ikea and Room and Board wouldn’t work with my widget so there are a few text links to those as well. 

This post contains affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. For more details see here. Thank you so much for your support!

The Best Affordable Work From Home Desks If You Just Want Something Temporary

These desks are all under $200…

The Best Work From Home Desks If You’re Low on Space

I get it — tiny apartment, you don’t want yet another piece of furniture. Still, a proper desk has a lot of advantages over, say, your dining room table — including a dedicated place for your work stuff and the mental importance of having a separate place for your work. (Also, you may be damaging your dining room table — look into table protectors like this one.)

This one wasn’t working with my widget but is a gorgeous armoire desk (although definitely pricey). 

The Best Work From Home Desks If You Want a Computer Tray 

These are best if you’ve got a desktop computer instead of a laptop — you can even connect a full-size keyboard to a laptop if you want a less-cramped writing experience. (This is my favorite ergonomic-friendly keyboard.) 

The Best Work From Home Desks If You Just Want, Like, a Normal Desk

The Best Adjustable Work From Home Desks (Sit/Stand)

The Best Work From Home L-Desks

The Best Work From Home Desk/Shelf Systems

Ready to go all in? It’s easier than ever. Note that you can also look into custom carpentry if you’re willing to devote this much space to it!

Ladies, what type of desk situation is best for you? Have you bought a work from home desk recently — which one, and where?

The post The Best Work From Home Desks appeared first on Corporette.com.