that two-piece set life. for quarantine.

there is ALWAYS something about a two-piece set. is it the time saving aspect of coordination? or just the fact that it’s matchy matchy and that’s how you feel at the moment? not sure, but i’m a fan of co-cord sets, including athletic wear… as of recently. feel intimidated by the sports bra + tights combo? enter longline sports bras + (ultra) high rise tights. now we’re talking the 30+ yo language. it’s enough coverage both ways to wear in public! as we head into fall, throw on a light jacket and you’re good to go. but enough about looking good in a two-piece. let’s talk about exercise!

more than ever, exercise is crucial! working from home + quarantine life has us even less mobile than before. coupled along with being on lockdown = mental health anchor. moving around will help you release endorphins = feel good hormones. and idk about you, but i need those things! i put together some quick bullet points in keeping active during this time. if you have any, please share as a comment! it’s really a time to get creative with resources to cope. i think that’s what we’re all trying to do.

side ramblings/happenings: the support on my last post was overwhelming in the most amazing way. as i suspected, i’m struggling to reconnect, i’m struggling to write or come up with meaningful content. but i will push through ❤ @everlane opened in ATX last week! gosh, can’t wait to check out the storefront one day. i’m a huge fan of the ethical clothing brand! i also heard @mejuri opened at the domain. may be old news by now. both brands are committed to fair pricing, so i wholeheartedly support them. this week i’m looking forward to trying @PTYD. a gluten-free, vegan, plant-based meal delivery just to switch things up. hope i’ll be full. i’ll receive my @phlur deodorant. it’s their newest product and since i haven’t worn any perfume.. i figured, hey, i’m gonna get me some nice smelling bougie deo for my armpits instead. they deserve it. #realthoughts.

currently on my playlist: know your worth by Khalid

currently re-reading (on audible): the untethered soul by Michael Singer

walks around the neighborhood (while giving other walkers space) — this a great way to get some fresh air too! i always encourage my parents to go on “walking dates.” i find that walking helps clear my mind of noise/nonsense. since it’s been really hot out, i’ve been walking around my house. yes, you read that one right. hey, you gotta do what you gotta do. heck, jog in place, walk in place, do squats/lunges, jumping jacks, sit ups, hold planks!
snippets of workouts — working out at home is hard because it’s not as motivating as a class. it’s hard to get that continuous 60-minute workout in. so work out in sets. take breaks and do a couple of sets here and there. it’ll add up to a decent workout by the end of the night! i’ve always been a fan of @blogilates, she posts some great clips that you can do in a few minutes!
no weights? — get creative and use cans of soup/beans! or like my pilates instructor says, use air resistance!! HAHA, he gets me every time 😂
remember to stretch — before diving into work, i usually do some stretches that help with the back & shoulder which are my problem areas being a work-a-holic. here is a good infographic that target a few common areas. if you sit, here are some good ergonomic reminders. and while i was at it, i really liked this work smarter, not harder infographic. yes, i LOVE infographics. 😎
dance — dance out your probs. put on some of your fave tunes and go! or if you’re into dance workouts, check out Megan Roup, just youtube search her for free workouts and learn some of the cardio dance moves. they’re a sweaty & fun workout! LOTS OF JUMPING! you are warned.
quarantine badminton — i’ve seen people do this on different ends of their driveway. fun fact: i am a HUGE badminton (and ping pong) fan. i need to try this. and i’m sure there are other sports/activities you can do that are socially distanced.
stand while working — if you can’t purchase a sit-stand desk, get creative and makeshift one! standing is more active than sitting. sitting causes you to slump/slouch in permanent ways which cause long-term body aches. i know, because i have them. LOL. i’ve seen some pretty cheap-ish ones for laptops and some with more real estate for other workstation needs.
lastly, give yourself grace — this is REALLY important. i’m chronically hard on myself but quarantine has made me work on my self-talk. if you don’t get to that full-work out in, if you’re gaining weight from stress eating, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the isolation; i feel you. it’s okay. it’s a very stressful time. doing what you can with what you have is all that matters. ❤

top | Athleta A-C powervita conscious crop in hibiscus red (old color) — similar but halter style // similar with cute cut outs!
bottom | Athleta ultra high rise elation tight in hibiscus red (old color, had to get these hemmed) — ultra high rise in 7/8 length (no hemming needed if you suffer from #shortgirlprobs // elation 7/8 tight (“regular high rise,” love the spiced cabernet color) // elation capri // LOVE these white ones!
earrings | Kendra Scott jon studs in gold (old) — similar by gorgana // similar in real gold & diamonds // similar by GLDN
rings | GLDN orinoco ring in 14K gold fill // Gorjana amara ring set

loungewear i’m currently eyeing (not pictured):

LOFT Lou & Grey signature softblend sweatshirt & sweatpants — their stuff is the epitome of causal & lounge not to mention #sosoft, i gotta purchase something from this brand one day!
Outdoor Voices cloudknit hoodie & sweatpants & tank — my lil blogger sis bought me the t-shirt for my bday last year and it IS AMAZINGLY soft! it’s called cloudknit. need i say more?

virtual hugs,
JD

tips for keeping active during quarantine:

loungewear i’m currently eyeing (not pictured):