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By Katie Bianco, Jess Feldman, Holly Gambrell, Michele Kettner and Jennifer Zeleski
It’s a circus in here
When I first realized I was going to be quarantined at home for the long haul, I had grand visions of finally decluttering my house and organizing everything just so. But, it turns out that with a 2-year-old and 4-year-old underfoot, carving out the time isn’t actually a reality. If anything, my house is messier. I’ve made my peace with it and instead I’m looking for ways to experience beauty online. Luckily, many arts and culture institutions have been offering free content to find a little joy in the day. The latest? Cirque du Soleil recently started posting its amazing shows online through CirqueConnect. The French circus celebrates its 25th anniversary this year (fun fact: I went to one of the very first shows when it came to DC all those years ago) and there’s no shortage of amazing shows to lose yourself in. Last Friday, Amaluna was posted. I’ll be watching that one this week and awaiting the next episode. It will tide me over until I can experience Cirque the next time its big top comes to NoVA. -Katie Bianco, Editor
Art gallery, apartment style
I am an involuntary subject of an evolving research study: What happens when you put two creative minds in a 500-square-foot apartment for more than a month? So far, as it turns out, lots and lots of art. My partner and I are not “artists,” although we take pride in our respective crafts: his, filmmaking and video editing, mine, writing. But we’ve both started to branch out as a way to stay occupied during quarantine. Since I neglect the ability to draw, you can find me coloring some pages from these online resources. As for my boyfriend, catch him painting with watercolors and following YouTube tutorials. The only problem … where are we going to display it all? -Jennifer Zeleski, Editorial Assistant
A head piece for my head space
Look good, feel good has always been a mantra I live by, and for that reason getting ready for work in the morning has become one of my favorite pastimes. Don’t ask me why, but putting together an outfit before my commute makes me feel more awake and ready to take on the day, ultimately affecting my outlook on the hours to come. With this whole work-from-home thing though, my morning routine has become a thing of the past. Yes, I still put on jeans to walk downstairs to my makeshift office, but it isn’t the same. That’s why last weekend I made a promise to myself to try harder, the same way I always have even as a sleep-deprived college student. First step? Purchase some locally made accessories to spruce up my look, courtesy of Alexandria-based makers Mara Rodriguez of Dmaran Design and Sue Henry of Tulusa. My hand-painted, pewter snake headband from their recently launched Capsule Collection will be arriving later this week, and I can’t wait. Want to find out more about the one-of-a-kind designs? Check out my interview with Rodriguez here. -Jess Feldman, Editorial Assistant
Project peeps
Nothing says Easter like Peeps. Those bunny- and chick-shaped marshmallows covered with bright sprinkles are essential to every kid once spring comes around. I was no different. While I have had my fair share of Peeps, my favorite part about the sugary delight are the annual dioramas. I clearly remember opening up The Washington Post around Easter and flipping through all of the creative designs. From numerous political references I never got as a kid to the re-creation of the house from Up, it was truly a sight to behold. This year I will finally live my lifelong dream by creating my own diorama for the virtual Occoquan Community Peep Contest. With plenty of time on my hands and boredom skyrocketing, this will be the perfect project to put all of my extra energy into and get into the holiday spirit. Want more at-home Easter ideas? Click here. -Michele Kettner, Editorial Assistant
Becoming my own esthetician
I wouldn’t call my beauty routine high maintenance, but there are certain aspects of it that are coming to the forefront of my attention since nail salons have closed their doors. I usually get my eyebrows waxed once a month, and sometimes when I’m at the salon I’ll splurge and get myself a manicure and pedicure too. But none of those are options until the world gets back to normal. In the meantime, I’ll turn to these tips from Monica Gomez, the co-founder of Cera Wax Studio. After all, we could all use an at-home spa day right about now. -Holly Gambrell, Digital Editor