Stay at Home, Even In The Summer.
While the EU is expected to reanalyze the list of banned countries every two weeks, that doesn't mean European vacations are back on.
On July 1, the European Union officially re-opened their external borders to nonessential, non-EU passport holders. The borders have been closed since mid-March, when lockdown procedures were officially being enacted. Europe was not the only country to do so. 27 other countries have announced that they will be opening up their borders as well. However, not everyone will be allowed in. Only residents from 15 countries, all of which have the coronavirus under control, will be allowed entry. This means that residents from the US, which currently has the highest amount of cases, Russia, and Brazil, will have to continue staying at home. While the EU is expected to reanalyze the list of banned countries every two weeks, that doesn't mean European vacations are back on.
According to a CNN report, two EU ambassadors said that the US would need to have "a dramatic turnaround" in cases before their residents would be allowed entry. All the current countries who's residents are allowed into Europe have the same, or fewer, average new cases as the EU has had in the past 14 days. The EU has reported 16 per 100,000 cases in mid-June. In the US, the average in mid-June was 107 new cases per 100,000 people, so it's safe to say we might not be going to Europe this summer. While tourism is likely to suffer, as the US brings in a lot of vacationers annually, this is a serious matter, and the benefits are not worth the risk on both ends.
Lifestyle For Those Still In Quarantine
Still in quarantine? You’re not alone. There are still many people out there that are hesitant to go out for their own reasons. With that being said, there are tons of ways to keep busy while doing some neat things.
While places are starting to open up again, some people are still hesitant to go out for their own reasons. The problem with that, is it can have some effect on your mental health and overall lifestyle; making one feel isolated and not be their best self. So here are some things you can do to make time pass in a positive way to help you stay inspired and creative, while learning in the process.
Not wearing fashionable items? Clean the closet out.
Still being in quarantine means you are probably still in sweats, T-shirts and messy buns. That can make one feel quite dull for not wearing your normal fashionable outfits while others are. Best thing to do about that? Clean your closet out if you have not done so. Play dress up, see what outfits you could see yourself wear when you do get out of quarantine. It's a great chance to get rid of some old pieces of clothing too.
Spark a new hobby
Being isolated in quarantine can teach you a lot about what you enjoy to do and will bring you peace. Candle making is a great start and it’s super easy. There are numerous kits that you can buy online that come with the wax, candle holders and amazing scents you could use. They can be used as a great gift to someone or light one up for yourself and make your home smell like you're walking through a meadow of flowers. You could also paint! You don't have to be Picasso to enjoy painting. Just like candle making, there are great kits for it. Paint by numbers is a great tool to help you make some beautiful masterpieces that are really easy.
Stay Fit
Covid-19 was a wake up call for us all. We must make sure we are washing our hands, maintaining good hygiene and of course keeping our immune system strong. Drinking tons of water throughout your day as well as working out must be added to the list of things to do everyday. Going for walks/runs are a great way to do that while making sure you are also getting some Vitamin D. Maybe even create your own gym set up in your home.
Lastly, quarantine has made many of us become lazy and more hungry. So, why not start your own cookbook of old family recipes as well as create some new recipes of your own. It's a fun way to create something for yourself that you can share with friends, family, and pass it down to your children one day.
There are so many things we can do to make sure we are staying busy and keeping a positive mindset. Remember to make the most out of your life. The beauty of it is that we get to wake up each day and try something new, something that excites us and allows you to learn more about yourself while doing it. Be smart and be safe.
Photo Credits: Vogue, Pinterest, Etsy
Report: Melissa Adragna (melissa_adragna)
Day 35824: I Need A Drink? Do You Need One? 5 Cocktails To Try Out Right Now.
As many of us get gussied up in our gloves and face masks in the least sexiest manor, to visit the hottest spot in any town...the grocery store, why not make a pit stop at the liquor store?
As many of us get gussied up in our gloves and face masks in the least sexiest manor, to visit the hottest spot in any town...the grocery store, why not make a pit stop at the liquor store? Days somehow feel like seconds and months simultaneously. So how about we all raise a glass to pass time? Here are 5 fun cocktail recipes I have made during this trying time. Try them out anytime of day, because there are no longer any rules about when you can start drinking. And of course please drink responsibly...just because you are home it does not mean to exceed your limits. There are many benefits of quitting drinking; a clearer head in the morning and less regrets the next day are definite advantages.
5 Stars Recipe from Delish
Photo: CHELSEA LUPKIN
What a refreshing way to bring out my inner child. Shirley Temple’s were my staple as a kid, made 7 year old me feel grown up. Use your favorite champs in this pairing of two classics: mimosas and Shirley Temples.
4 Stars Recipe from Liqour.com
Photo: LIQOUR.COM
4 ingredients. Easy-peasy lemon squeezy. This simple minty cocktail was super easy to make. Tastes like a mint lemonade with the comfort of whiskey. https://www.liquor.com/recipes/whiskey-smash/
5 Stars Recipe from Hennessy
A friend of mine introduced this to me two years ago. The moment I took my first sip from the sugar lined rim, I was hooked. Please try this, you will not regret this classic cocktail.
Sparkling Pineapple Ginger Infinite Stars
Recipe from Real Simple
Photo: YUNHEE KIM
Okay, now. This is MY drink, my go to. Whiskey already goes so well with ginger ale, but with a splash of fresh pineapple juice… *chef’s kiss*. I sub ginger ale for ginger beer for a bit of a stronger less sweet taste. Overall 10/10 would recommend.
4 ½ Stars Recipe from A Simple Pantry
Photo: REAL HOUSEMOMS
Talk about a summer cocktail. This is a perfect drink for a sunny day indoors. Or any weather. Now, this recipe calls for more ingredients than the ones prior, but you should still try it out. This cocktail is like me: sweet, light and a southern belle. Okay, I’m not really all that sweet, light, or southern, but it made me feel that way. Try this on a nice afternoon snuggled up with your dog watching a murder program.
Report: Bria Ward
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.