Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.

-A. A. Milne

  1. Dump Out the Old

No matter the size of your pantry, giving it a deep cleaning should be the first task on your list. You can start by taking everything out at once or by working top to bottom. When taking items out it’s important to develop a system. Having a simple keep and discard system will do just fine. For the items you wish to dispose of, if they are still good and you are able to donate them to a food bank, we encourage you to do so. For the things you wish to keep, sort out every item into categories. An essential item to add to your pantry in deep cleaning are shelf liners. Not only do they add a layer or protection to the shelf, it makes cleaning up any mess a breeze. On top of that, it gives shelves a polished look. Lastly, vacuum and clean the floors. Now you have a blank and clean canvas to work with!

  1. Get the Proper Storage Containers

Having the proper containers to store food in not only is visually appealing to the eye, it can also allow you to utilize all of your pantry space. There are so many options to choose from when looking for the right storage containers for your pantry. Things to take into account would be material (glass or plastic) and also lid security. Picking a style then transferring your food into these containers is one of the easiest ways to organize your pantry. Square shaped containers are highly preferred over other shapes because squares are stackable and easy to arrange. “Square containers take up 25% less space than round ones, so if you wish your freezer was 25% bigger, start saving those square plastic containers from your last takeout meal!” Examples of food you can place in these containers include: cereal, flour, nuts, small snacks, dried fruits, oatmeal, cookies, etc. These items look incredible when displayed in this  manner! These containers often come with sticky labels so you are able to add some text to the containers. You can do simple text or get creative and add some fun fonts and drawings.

  1. Utilize All Space

The inside of the cabinet door makes for perfect additional storage space. Items that are slim and lightweight are the easiest to fit inside of the door. Examples include spices, boxes of aluminum foil and freezer bags, small packages of food or snacks, and cooking tools such a pot and pan lids. You can find a door organizer off of Amazon for a reasonable price and one that fits your kitchen’s aesthetic. Some people even use an over the door shoe rack to achieve this! If you have used up all of your cabinet door storage space and need more storage space, use a small cart! Using a small cart is a trendy and easy way to add space. If you have a small pantry and can’t fit a cart into the space, place the items you grab for most often into a cart and place the cart nearby. This allows you easy access to your essential and frees up more storage space in your pantry.

  1. Keep a Cleaning/Organizing Checklist Handy

Creating an organization/cleaning checklist will help keep your pantry well kempt over time. This checklist or chart will provide you with all the necessary tasks you need to keep your pantry clear of clutter. This lowers the stress of having to clean an unorganized pantry because you are able to tackle it in small doses and you have something to guide you along the way to reach your desired end goal. Do some researching on the web to find an organization checklist you feel is right for your own pantry and organizational needs. These checklists and charts come in a variety of templates that can fit anyone’s style. Pinterest is a great site to research these charts and checklists on (be sure to check out our Pinterest page). If you have a particular way you want to govern your pantry, creating a chart of your own on Google Docs, Microsoft Word or Excel are also great resources to utilize. Do whatever you feel will make the biggest impact on your pantry and find or create a system that fits your needs.

“Design is coming to grips with one's real lifestyle, one's real place in the world. Rooms should not be put together for show but to nourish one's well-being.” 

- Albert Hadley

  1. Use Light Paint Shades

Light colors give the illusion of a bigger space. Light and bright walls are reflective, and when paired with natural light, allows for space to be created. On the other side of the spectrum, dark colors absorb light, and can easily give the illusion of a smaller space. This shows just how important it is to choose the correct shades for the room you wish to open up. Some popular light shades include: beige, light gray and eggshell white. Many people like to avoid painting their walls a stark white because of something called the “white box syndrome”, a space that is labeled as a room with no personality due to bland walls. Of course, this doesn’t mean white is completely off the table. Sometimes it can give off the popular industrial design style look. The best part about designing your own space is that the design is completely up to your own discretion. If you like the look of white walls, research some interior design looks that use white walls to become inspired.

  1. Utilize Mirrors

Mirrors can make your room feel larger. These items give the illusion of depth and also reflect light, whether the light be natural or artificial. Place mirrors flat against the wall and angled in corners to create the illusion of space. It is important to use mirrors that are fairly large in design in order to make this creation of space work. If one mirror makes a room seem larger, imagine what adding another will do. Get creative and make a “layering” effect with the mirrors to give the look of and even larger space. This gives an avant-garde design that looks incredible. Create groups of mirrors in a style you like and have fun with it.

  1. Declutter

A cluttered space adds to stress levels and is the last thing that would make a space feel open. It’s time to give your space a good cleaning by tossing out all of the unnecessary items you have lying around. Take the time to thoroughly clean and declutter so that you are able to transform the space from center of chaos to a room of relaxation. “The bedroom is the one place where you want to have a sense of calm when you enter so you are able to get to sleep and feel rested. If you have things piled up all over the place, it creates an environment that puts your mind on overload. It also makes you feel guilty about not putting things away,” said Julie Bertram, The Organizing Pro. Clutter attracts more clutter, so be sure to stay on top of organizing as time passes. Find organizational charts catered for various areas of the home online to help you stay on top of keeping your space clutter free!

  1. Have Good Lighting

Having good lighting pairs well with mirrors and lightly colored walls when capitalizing on space. This is a way to trick the eyes and the brain into thinking a space is larger than it actually is. There are a number of ways to do this. The best way is to, like the mirrors, create a “layering” effect with the lights. In doing this you are not relying on solely one source of light to open up a space. You can have a light from the ceiling, stand lights or floor lamps. Having these lights turned on will bounce light from walls and mirrors, and create an open and balanced look. Not only is a well-lit space more inviting, it can also prove to be beneficial to your overall well being. This light layering effect will help brighten dark corners and the entire room, making it look larger.

“The bed has become a place of luxury to me! I would not exchange it for all the thrones in the world.”

Napoleon Bonaparte

  1. CubiCubi Desk (99.99)

Many of us are working from home due to the viral outbreak of COVID-19. With this, it is essential to have a space where you are able to work. This desk from CubiCubi makes for a great addition to the bedroom if you do not have a home office room. This 40” desk provides you with the space you need to tackle your work. It comes in a beautiful wooden finish that can fit most interior designs and also comes with storage pockets attached to the side of the desk. The desk is easy to assemble, has a sturdy design and is built to last for years. It also comes with a free 2 year warranty if you experience any issues with the desk.

  1. Ultra Soft 3-Piece Micro Mink Comforter (49.99)

A new comforter can make all the difference in a bedroom. It can improve your quality of sleep and also the visual of a bedroom. Invest in this quality micro mink comforter from Amazon. This 3-piece set includes 1 comforter and 2 pillow shams. It comes in the sizes twin, full, queen, and king. The ultra soft micro mink polyester is a cloud-like material that is sure to surround you in the utmost comfort. The set comes in a variety of shades to fit any bedroom’s aesthetic. Some shades include blue, white, cream and many others. At 49.99, no one can pass up this quality comforter. 

  1. Oil Diffuser and Humidifier (16.99)

Add a touch of aromatherapy to your bedroom by adding an oil diffuser. The Urpower Ultrasonic Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser is the perfect accessory to add to any bedroom. Use a 100% pure essential oil of your choice to fill your room with your favorite scents. This device also doubles up as a humidifier, keeping the air around you free from dryness. Users are able to change the color of the device, choosing from 7 calming colors. This device can also be used as a night light with programmable on and off cycles. The water bin fits 100ml of water and once the water runs out, the device will shut off on its own. 

  1. Blue Light Glasses (22.98)

Working on a computer and being on your phone all day can do more damage to the eye than what most people think. Invest in a pair of blue light glasses to help prevent damage to your eyes. How do these glasses work? Blue light glasses are built to reduce eye strain. Prolonged exposure to blue light causes eye fatigue, blurred vision and headaches. We are exposed to blue light with our phones, computers, tablets, and tvs. These glasses block harmful blue light to ensure your eyes remain in good condition.  The glasses are crafted from 3A transparent lens that blocks 99% of harmful blue ray light with high transmittance. This creates the perfect balance of eye protection and a clear field of vision. The glasses won’t bruise your nose as they are lightweight and durable. Blue light hinders the production of melatonin, so prolonged use of the glasses will ensure better quality of sleep. Keep these handy on your nightstand!

  1. Ocean Wave Projector (32.99)

You’re in for a treat with this next item on our list! Invest in this ocean wave projector to calm your nerves in unwinding from a long day. The device is remote control and touch sensor activated. Users have the option to change the lighting mood, brightness, music, and volume. You are also able to set a turn off timer for the device in case you fall asleep. There are 8 lighting colors available and you are able to adjust their brightness. This feature also makes it a great addition for children’s bedrooms. 6 natural sounds are built into the device to help alleviate any stress you may be experiencing. Some of the sounds included are forest insect sound, waves and seagulls. Calm your nerves and sleep in peace with this nifty device.

  1. Plush Rug (45.99)

Rugs can cost an arm and a leg. We found one on Amazon that you’ll love! This cozy shag rug is the perfect accessory to add to your bedroom. Not only will you love it for its ultra plush texture, you’ll love it for its affordable price. This plush rug runs for 45.99 and comes in a variety of sizes to fit any space. You also have the ability to choose a rug from a range of colors to fit the aesthetic of your bedroom. The color dye is environmentally friendly, has no odor and will not fade. The rugs are made from 4cm high nectarine velvet and are also padded with a high density sponge for comfort. Grip dots are also embedded under the rug to ensure the rug stays in place. These grips are safe for all floors. The tight weaving of these rugs ensures their longevity, as the rug does not shed easily. For 45.99, you can’t beat a rug of this quality for this price!

  1. Night Light Bluetooth Speaker and Alarm Clock (36.99)

This bluetooth speaker and alarm clock is the perfect accessory for any bedroom. This device is a 5 in 1. It serves as a bluetooth speaker, alarm clock, night light, mp3 player, and supports flash drive and micro SD card input. A cool feature about this device is that the night light setting is touch activated. Users have a whopping 48 colors to choose from to fit any mood they wish. Choose from fiery red, ocean blue and many other hues. The speakers are a quality 5W sound driver. Listen to music, podcasts, books, and answer calls with these high quality speakers. This device is able to run for 10 - 12 hours and its charging time is 6 - 10 hours. A 6 to 10 hour charge may seem a bit overwhelming, but the 10 to 12 hours it lasts will be well worth it because it won’t need to be charged frequently. This device makes for an awesome addition to any bedroom.

“The first step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don’t.”

— Joshua Becker“The Minimalist Home: A Room-by-Room Guide to a Decluttered, Refocused Life”

  1. Filter Through What Clothes to Keep and What Clothes to Toss

Over time, our closets can become filled to the brim with clothes. It can become a horrific sight that makes finding what you need impossible. The first step to tackle in cleaning out your closet is going to be the biggest task, filtering through your clothing. We know what you're thinking. “Why start with the most daunting task? I’ll quit before I’m finished. Shouldn’t we start with something easier?” you may ask. In the case of your closet, starting with the largest task is the most essential because it is the main thing many of us continue to put off. Filter through your clothing items to see what to keep and what to discard. Significantly reducing the amount of clothing you’ve collected over the years will open up the space in your closet and also make it easier to find a particular item you are looking for. Place clean unwanted items in a bag and donate it to your local Goodwill or give them to someone you know who will appreciate it. Once you are able to check this task from your list, your closet will be noticeably cleaner and more spacious. This will make cleaning up the smaller aspects an easier and less time consuming task to accomplish.

  1. Choose Your Storage Method

Figure out what clothes you wish to be hung and which would do better in a storage bin. For example, you may want to hang your jeans or fold them neatly and have them placed in a drawer. This can extend to scarfs, belts, loungewear, etc. You can purchase organizers from fan favorites such as The Container Store or you can search on Amazon for quality containers that are well priced. Determine what storage method works best for the clothing items and accessories you own. You also may want to invest in new hangers if the ones you currently own are of various colors, styles and perhaps a few are snapped. There are a variety of hangers you can choose from to fit your needs and also aesthetic. Some material options available are velvet, wooden, metal or plastic hangers. You can easily purchase these items in bulk for an affordable price on Amazon.

  1. Filter Through Your Shoes

Shoes are another item that can grow in strength over time. You may find yourself with countless pairs of flip flops and/or shoes that haven’t been worn for years. It’s time to filter through your shoes and decide what to keep and discard. It’s hard for many people to part ways with their shoes, but it’s in your best interest to be honest with yourself in efforts to give your closet the cleaning it needs and deserves. Reduce your sandals from 20 to 10 and get rid of those shoes that looked like they would spruce up your style, but ended up never being worn more than once. Keep the shoes you wear often and a few pairs that are for special occasions. Be sure to keep one pair of old sneakers that you don’t mind getting dirty for things such as yard work. Once finished, you will be amazed at how much floor space your shoes were taking up. You can also choose to invest in a shoe rack to stack your shoes neatly and to increase floor space.

  1. Throw Away Items That Don’t Belong in the Closet

At times, we can find ourselves storing unrelated items in our closets. Some examples can include mail you continue to pile on a top shelf or perhaps unwanted gifts from friends and family that you’ve been worried to throw away in fear they may ask where the gift is and how you’re liking it. It’s time to filter through these items and determine what needs to be kept or discarded. Sorting through mail isn’t anyone’s favorite, but it’s a task that must be done. Be sure to shred all unneeded mail to protect your information. For all the documents you need to keep, investing in an accordion folder is a great way to organize and store these pieces of information. Accordion folders are slim and can fit easily in a space, and allow you to locate important documents with ease. As far as unwanted gifts go, you can either toss them or relocate them to a more suiting area in your home to save you from the horrors of your sweet grandmother asking where the birdfeeder she gave you 2 years ago is.

It’s finally May and Indy has got some great events in store for us! Check out this list to see the city’s upcoming events. In the wake of COVID-19, please be sure to check event website pages for potential time and/or date changes, or possibly event cancellations. 

Online Yoga Classes

Date: May 6 - 31

Sign up and attend virtual yoga classes with kOMpose Yoga Studio! Classes are conducted on Zoom and can also be accessed On Demand through Teachable. If you have never ventured into yoga before, now is the perfect time to get your feet wet. Choose an instructor and select a class that is fit for your body’s needs. Enjoy a much needed yoga session while staying safe in the comforts of your home!

Virtual Mini-Marathon

Date: May 6 - June 30

For the first time ever, you can experience OneAmerica’s 500 Festival Mini-Marathon or Delta Dental’s 500 Festival 5K virtually! How does it work? Pick the date and time you wish to run, walk or wheel and the distance you aim to achieve. Once completed, submit your results on their webpage. After submitting your results, a 2020 marathon shirt and medal will be sent to your home for your hard work and dedication. Registration starts at $65 and step-by-step instructions will be sent to you, as this is mostly everyone’s first virtual mini-marathon. Get up, get out and have fun!

Virtual Game Night

Date: May 12th

Have game night online with Indy Pride! Create an undefeatable team and play charades against other teams. This game night will be conducted on Zoom. Each team member will need a piece of paper and a pencil or pen in order to participate. Space is limited to 15 participants. If you would like to request an ASL interpreter for this event, please contact tbarbour@indypride.org. Grab your favorite snacks and drinks, and have fun!

Tessa Lark’s Hot Swing - Gypsy Jazz Returns!

Date: May 12th

This event aims to transport its audience back to Parisian cafés of the 1930s! Experience music crafted from Gypsy jazz legends such as Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli. 2014 Silver Medalist Tessa Lark and bassist Michael Thurber are back to bring you music from the 30s that is sure to lift your spirits. If you have never heard gypsy jazz music before, don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience it first hand! It will be an experience you won’t forget.

Water Lantern Festival

Date: May 23rd

Make memories with friends and family that will last a lifetime at the Water Lantern Festival. Indulge in amazing food from food trucks, listen to great music and enjoy seeing all of the floating lanterns created by those around you. The cost starts at $15.99 for the lantern kit along with a clean up fee to keep our waters free from pollution.

Schedule:

6 pm - Gates open

6-9 pm - Food trucks, music, fun

8 pm - Design your lantern

9-10 pm - Launch

10:30 pm - End of event

The Masked Singer - National Tour

Date: June 7th

The Old National Centre is holding an event you don’t want to miss! The Masked Singer is coming to downtown Indy for a night you won’t forget. Watch your favorite characters be brought to life as they sing on stage for you! The question is, who is behind the mask? Expect to be suprised by celebrity guests! This live show will feature two celebrity guest hosts and one local celebrity who will be in disguise, keeping the audience wondering who is behind the mask until they are unmasked at the end of the night. Are you able to guess who is behind the mask? 

Vintage Wine and Food Festival

Date: June 6th

Are you a wine connoisseur? We’ve got the perfect event for you to attend. The Historic Military Park at White River State Park is holding a vintage wine and food festival that you don’t want to miss out on! Sample 200+ award-winning wines at “The Biggest Celebration of Indiana Wines”. Indulge in delicious food from the finest restaurants and food trucks in the city that will be paired perfectly with your wine. You will also be able to enjoy music from talented local bands. Mark this event in your calendars!

Italian Street Festival

Date: June 12 - 13

Holy Rosary Catholic Church is hosting the Italian Street Festival in downtown Indy! Enjoy delicious Italian food, wine and beer with family, friends and event guests. Featured foods include: homemade pizza, spaghetti, cannoli, cheesecake, and so much more. Amazing food, great drinks and good music? Who would want to miss out on that?

Marion County Fair

Date: June 19 - 28

The Marion County Fair will be back this June for everyone to enjoy! Fairgoers will be able to experience a variety of attractions such as a petting zoo, live music and entertainment, queen and princess pageant, 4-H exhibits, family arts exhibits, 4-H animal competitions, fireworks, Dino-ROAR interactive dinosaur exhibit, first bite fishing tank, bear hollow chainsaw carving demos, K9 frisbee dogs, princesses and superheroes, the midway, fabulous fair food, and so much more! Get together with family and friends and make memories at the Marion County Fair that you’ll never forget.

Talbot Street Art Fair

Date: June 20 -21

The Talbot Street/Herron-Morton Place Historic District will be hosting the Talbot Street Art Fair this June. Holding 250 artists from across the nation, this art fair continues to be ranked as one of the finest fairs in the United States. The event will be located between 16th & 20th / Delaware & Pennsylvania - Indianapolis in the historic Herron Morton Neighborhood. This family friendly event will hold a wide range of artists with various styles for all to enjoy. The best part? Admission is FREE.

"It's a very strange phenomenon, but when we reduce what we own and essentially 'detox' our house, it has a detox effect on our bodies as well."

Marie Kondo, Japanese Home Organization Expert

  1. Rearrange Your Furniture

Rearranging the furniture in a bedroom is a great way to refresh a space. We enter and exit this space multiple times a day and can easily grow accustomed to its design, and over time, grow bored of it. Move furniture around to see what arrangement fits your mood. Perhaps you can move your desk closer to the window to work in the sunlight or move your bed in this spot to wake up in a blanket of sunlight. The choice is entirely up to you. You could also invest in pieces of furniture or items that have seen better days. For example, maybe you’ve kept your mattress for 10 years too many and your muscles have been aching something a little more snug. If your mattress is in good condition, how about your sheets and blankets? Are your pillows plump or have they gone flat? Ensuring you are sleeping in absolute comfort should be a top priority when designing a bedroom. Find a new way to arrange your furniture and replace items in poor condition with new ones to bring in a breath of fresh air to your bedroom.

  1. Clean Out Your Drawers

There’s nothing more stressful than trying to find what you need in a draw that’s poorly organized and full of clutter. You may find yourself rummaging through drawer after drawer for 5 to 10 minutes trying to find a missing sock or maybe a t-shirt you’ve desperately been looking for. We can easily avoid this hassle by simply cleaning out and organizing our drawers. You can either start by dumping the entire drawer out on the bed and sorting through the items or by picking things out one-by-one. Choose whichever method is most comfortable for you. Make a pile of items you want to keep and a pile for items you wish to discard. With the items you wish to keep, fold and stack them neatly in the drawer. Storing them vertically as opposed to horizontally is a great way to quickly filter through clothing items to find the one you need. For the ones you no longer have interest in, opt for donating them to Goodwill or giving them to someone you know who would appreciate them.

  1. Get Rid of Unnecessary Items

Having random items without a proper home decorating the floors and desktops of your bedroom can become irritating for anyone over time. Go around your room and grab all items that don’t have a proper storage location and pile them onto your bed. Again, make a pile of what you want to keep and what needs to be donated or discarded of. If you have lots of old DVDs and/or CDs that you are no longer attached to, sell them for cash at places such as Half Price Books or Disc Replay. For the items you would like to keep, find the proper place to store these items in. Be sure to discard of any trash by recycling what you can and throwing what cannot be recycled into the trash.

  1. Do Your Laundry

Unattended laundry grows in strength with each passing day. Today is the day where you tackle this chore. Sort through your clothes and place dirty laundry in the washer to be cleaned. For clean clothes, properly store them in drawers or hang them in your closet. Completing this task may take some time to accomplish, and unfortunately, laundry isn’t a chore most people like to tackle, but it is something that has to be done. Dedicate some time to knocking this out, and once finished, you’ll be pleased to see the space where your pile of clothes once resided, now free of clutter and your closet and/or drawers full of well-organized clothes.

  1. Get Rid of Items from Underneath Your Bed

The last thing on our list is cleaning underneath the bed. Having items stored underneath the bed is considered bad feng shui (bad energy). Many recommend having this space free from any and all items, but if you are unable to find the proper spot for some items that do reside under your bed, perhaps storing them here works best for your home. Or maybe you utilize this space to store extra shoes or clothes in shallow organizing containers that can easily slide under the bed. Whatever the reason, we recommend keeping the number to items to a minimum. Sort through these items, keep the essentials and store them neatly.

a close up of a blue sky

In the wake of COVID-19, we are surrounded by coverage of illness and death on a daily basis. This article will allow us to take a look at some of the positives in a time of uncertainty to help settle our minds and calm our nerves.

“Discipline your mind to see the good in every situation and look on the best side of every event.” 

Roy Bennett

  1. 99.9 percent of people with COVID-19 recover
a close up of a hand

In a time of panic and turbulence, it is essential to understand that the recovery percentage rate of COVID-19 is a lot higher than what most people assume it to be. The recovery rate for COVID-19 is an astonishing 99.9% (Harvard Health Blog). It may seem like the recovery percentage is a lot lower, due to the fact that we are constantly hearing about the amount of deaths this viral outbreak has caused. One can only imagine what is running through the minds of those who are unable to properly digest this information and engage in the act of panic buying and running ramped. It is important to know what harm this virus can cause, but it is equally important to understand the nature of it’s recovery period and percentage, and how to best slow the spread to keep those around us safe and free from harm.

  1. We understand how to slow the spread
a close up of a person

We live in an era where we are lucky enough to have scientists and doctors who are able to instruct us on how to best navigate during dangerous times. It is in our best interest to heed their warnings and follow their directions on how to stay safe in the wake of a viral outbreak. The directions we have been giving are to: (1) properly wash your hands, (2) quarantine in your home, and (3) if out, wear masks and practice social distancing by staying 6-feet away from another person. Engaging in these safety precautions is essential to slow the spread of this virus. We should feel fortunate to have effective and simple safety precautions to follow. With this, we should all do our best to follow the rules given to us by trusted healthcare professionals.

  1. We have the internet to connect with others and pass time
a person sitting at a table using a laptop

Having the internet available to us is truly what has made this pandemic bearable. In being stuck in quarantine, face-to-face interaction has not been possible. We miss the outside world and crave going out to our favorite places with friends and family. Fortunately, we have the power of the internet on our side. With this resource, we are able to connect with our friends and family, whom we miss dearly, while respecting the rules and regulations of quarantine. We are also given the opportunity to browse social media platforms, Instagram being one of the most popular during this time, as celebrities go live with each other and invite fans onto their lives (video calls). Without this resource, we would surely be more than miserable during this quarantine period, especially when news of extensions seem to come day-by-day. The internet allows us to stay connected with those we love and people around the world.

  1. Better air quality
a plane flying through a cloudy blue sky

Since the majority of the population is stuck indoors, the environment is getting a much needed break from human activity. There have been many reports about an improvement in air quality, and in Italy, streams that were once polluted with trash and gunk, are now clear and fish have been seen swimming in these once highly polluted bodies of water (USA Today). Unfortunately, there are many people who are not disposing of latex gloves and medical masks properly. These items have coated our streets and will contaminate our waters. It is crucial to encourage those around you to dispose of these items (and trash in general) properly, and to recycle what can be recycled. This practice should be treated just as vigorously as keeping our hands clean and keeping a 6-foot distance from one another in order to ensure the longevity of our planet, the people and animals that inhabit it. 

  1. Countries are containing and the spread
a view of a bicycle

Places such as Italy and China, where cases were initially abundant with COVID-19, are now showing stable or lower death rate percentages and contamination cases (CNET). These countries are taking the proper precautionary measures to protect their people and from spreading the virus by disinfecting streets, following quarantine rules and regulations, and by keeping their hands clean. It is our duty to be sure we too follow these rules for the protection of all people and the environment. Be sure to do your part by keeping your hands clean and by practicing social distancing. With these precautionary measures, we can beat this virus and return to everyday life, having learnt a very powerful lesson in keeping ourselves and environment sanitary.

Works Cited

Link, Devon. “Fact Check: COVID-19 Crisis Has Not Created Decreased Long-Term Human Environmental Impact.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 25 Mar. 2020, www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/03/25/fact-check-coronavirus-crisis-benefiting-environment/2908300001/.

Shmerling, Robert H. “Is There Any Good News about the Coronavirus Pandemic?” Harvard Health Blog, 24 Mar. 2020, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-coronavirus-pandemic-is-not-good-but-the-news-is-not-all-bad-2020031919247.

Trenholm, Richard. “Coronavirus Chronicles: Here's Some Good News amid the Dire Reports.” CNET, 20 Apr. 2020, 11:56am, www.cnet.com/news/coronavirus-chronicles-heres-some-good-news-amid-the-dire-reports/.

a room with a sink and a mirror

The Indy Home Pros Team is back again to bring you another Amazon list! In this article, we are showing you 10 must-have items for the bathroom. For your safety, we recommend waiting to order non-essential packages to avoid potentially spreading viral infections during this time. For now, we encourage you to simply add these amazing items to your cart or wishlist and order when conditions are ideal. Be sure to engage in social distancing and keep your hands clean. Thank you! 

“Soap is to the Body What Laughter is to the Soul”

Yiddish proverb

  1. Yimobra Original Luxury Chenille Bath Mat (19.99)
rug

This luxurious ultra plush bath mat is the perfect item to have in any bathroom! Made from chenille, it is sure to provide the utmost comfort for your feet. It comes in a variety of shades, ranging from white, dark gray, to an earthy green, and many more. With this range of shades, you are sure to find one to match your bathroom’s aesthetic. Step into comfort with this affordable and amazingly plush bath mat.

  1. Wikor Toothbrush Holder Automatic Toothpaste Dispenser Set (7.99)
a toothbrush holder

Every item needs to be given the proper home. Toothbrushes in particular need to be stored in the correct space to stay free from germs. The Wikor Toothbrush holder provides just that. This product holds these oral tools when they are not in use to keep them free from dust and contamination. The device holds up to 5 toothbrushes and does not require batteries. A toothpaste dispenser is also located on the side of the device to reduce the amount of times the tube is touched and bacteria spread. It is an eco-friendly design that is fit for every bathroom. At 7.99, you can’t beat such an awesome product!

  1. Etekcity Digital Body Weight Bathroom Scale With Step-On Technology (19.99)
a close up of a computer

Get rid of that old scale you have had for years and invest in one of higher quality. Made from German technology, this scale contains 4 sensors to accurately measure your weight. It is made of glass material and provides a sleek look to your bathroom. It requires 3 AAA batteries, but due to it’s auto-off function, you won’t need to replace its batteries for years to come.

  1. LiBa Mildew Resistant Anti-Microbial PEVA 8G Shower Curtain Liner (9.99)
a close up of a curtain

Shower liners can get dirty quick and can be such an eyesore. Invest in this antimicrobial shower liner from Amazon! It is reasonably priced at 9.99 and it’s sure to last you for months. You can buy it in either clear, frosted, or white. Toss out that old dirty liner and invest in a liner that will actually last.

  1. High Pressure Handheld Shower Head, 9 Spray Settings Hand Held Showerhead (25.97)
a close up of a device

Take your shower to the next level with this amazing shower head! With 9 spray settings, this showerhead will provide the utmost comfort to fit your needs. The showerhead is attached to a 60 inch hose and its installation is simple and time efficient. Change out that showerhead you’ve had for years and invest in one that will take your comforts to the next level!

  1. Utopia Towels Towel Set (23.99)
a close up of a suitcase

Good bath towels can be expensive. With this set on Amazon, you can get the comfort you need at a reasonable price. This towel set comes with 2 large bath towels, 2 hand towels, and 4 washcloths. It also comes in a variety of shades to fit any bathroom’s aesthetic. Invest in this set to get the towels you need for the price you want.

  1. Closestool Toilet Seat Raise Lifter (6.99)
a close up of a device

No one likes touching the toilet seat. Invest in this toilet seat grip to help keep your hands and toilet clean. This toilet seat raiser comes in a set of 2 in 2 shades. It is an amazing tool to keep in your bathroom to accommodate everyone’s needs and to help keep the bathroom clean for all users.

a man using a laptop computer

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.”

Pele

  1. Create a Proper Working Environment
a desk with a computer on a table next to a window

Environment plays a key role in our everyday lives, as it influences our behavior in a space. A space that is free of clutter and distractions may be more likely to encourage someone to become productive versus someone who is confined in a clutter-infested environment. Investing time into properly arranging this space should be the first task on your list in working from home. Choose a day over the weekend to dedicate your workspace to. You may need to pick up a desk, invest in a new chair, or possibly pick up new desk supplies. Of course you don’t need to break the bank, what you already have may do just fine, but if there are items you lack, now is the time to pick up all that you need. After gathering all your needed items, it’s time to arrange them in your space. If you didn’t need to purchase much, perhaps re-arranging your desk, chair, and supplies could prove to be beneficial. Move items around and see what setup you find most functional. If you are unsure of how to organize this space, research images of room layouts to become inspired. You have now created and dedicated a space for productivity. Great work!

  1. Don’t Work in Pajamas
a stuffed animal sitting on a table

Who doesn’t love working in their pajamas? However, have you ever wondered if they have an impact on our workflow? Of course, there are times when you actually are productive when working in pajamas, but when working from home on a regular basis, taking the time to dress in decent loungewear could well be one thing that helps keep you focused on your work. When wearing pajamas, what activities do you typically participate in? Perhaps you’re eating dinner, watching TV, or lying in bed on your phone. When working, these are the activities we try our best to avoid. Avoid wearing pajamas so you are not tempted to indulge in distractions while working. Wearing jeans in the house all day may be uncomfortable, so wear decent loungewear to stay productive and comfortable. 

  1. Start at Your Normal Time and Follow Your Daily Routine
a person cutting a piece of paper

Working from home should be like working in the office (with the perks of being in the comforts of your space). With this, you should follow your usual schedule to stay on top of tasks. If you are able to choose what tasks to start first freely, create a schedule you feel fits your remote workflow. Following a routine will help keep you focused and ready to meet your marks for the day. Without a schedule, you are more likely to do less work throughout the day and by the end of the week, have little to nothing to show. Create a schedule and stick with it.  

  1. Take a Lunch Break
a bowl of food on a plate on a table

It is not uncommon for people to skip lunch at work. In working from home, there’s no excuse to skip out on having a proper meal. What makes working from home so amazing is that instead of a boring packed lunch (or no lunch at all) you have all your favorite foods to choose from. With this, you are also less likely to spend money eating out. Take a break from your work to indulge in an amazing lunch. Be careful not to choose foods that are heavy, for example a large pasta dish, as these can cause you to become tired and less productive.

  1. Have Video Conferences with Your Colleagues
a woman sitting at a table using a laptop

Keeping in touch with colleagues is a great way to ensure you are doing your part as a team member. Having weekly meetings will hold you accountable for the work you’ve done. Another benefit is that when hearing what work other team members have been crafting, you are likely to be inspired by their work and strive to stay focused to accomplish all your tasks. In working hard, other team members will be inspired by your work ethic as well and strive to produce work of the same quality.

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