#Top5: Pandemic Purchases
Obviously when the world shuts down, you’d think one of the only positives to come out of it would be saving money. In my case, that is a lie. With the amount of delayed package notifications I’ve received since April, I’m pretty sure that’s the case with nearly everyone in this country. I try to sit and justify some of these purchases by reassuring myself that the money would have been spent on concert tickets or travel; however, who is to really say where the money would have ended up. I’m normally on the go all the time, so being in quarantine really had me thinking about things I could use to enhance my daily life. I’ll admit, I did buy a few frivolous things, but for the most part, I definitely think I made some quality purchases that will make me happy well beyond this pandemic. I’ve ranked my top 5 purchases that have been helping me to get through this pandemic.
5. CBS All Access Subscription
If you know me, then you know my favorite reality show is Love Island. I’ve binged watched Love Island UK and Love Island Australia, so it’s only right that I binge Love Island USA. The only problem was I couldn’t find the first season anywhere until I saw that it was available on the CBS All Access app. So naturally, I decided to do the free trial so I could binge it, and then end my subscription before I was charged. In the midst of me attempting to watch my show, there was an ad for the new season of Love Island USA which would be premiering a week later. I was ecstatic y’all! I’ve never been able to watch a season of Love Island in real time with all the other viewers, and the opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time when I needed a distraction. That’s literally why this app is even on my list! It gives me something to look forward to each night. I also failed to mention that CBS All Access has my second favorite reality show, MTV’s The Challenge seasons 11-33, which is a huge deal because I grew up watching this show. I don’t know how long I’ll keep this app, but for now it’s getting the job done!
4. Ninja Professional Blender
At some point during quarantine, I started craving smoothies and had no way to make them. I already eat tons of fruit, so I originally didn’t see a need for a blender. Of course when you’re at home more than usual, you start realizing certain appliances that you didn’t really see a need for, are now necessities. I went on a research binge, trying to figure out the best blender for my needs. I thought about getting a small one since it’s just me, but those were in the $50 range so I figured I may as well just get a normal size one. After a thorough investigation, I decided on the Ninja Professional Blender. Let me just say, I’m impressed! I’ve just been free-styling smoothies, and each one has turned out so tasty. I can’t wait until the day comes where I can rank my top 5 homemade smoothies for y’all!
3. Ecobee 3 Lite Thermostat
So I’ve been in my home for 3 years, and I’m not really sure at what point my thermostat died. Like I couldn’t adjust the air or heat anymore. Typically, I don’t really use it in the winter time because I prefer a cold house; however, in the Alabama summertime, air is necessary. The crazy thing about my situation was that my air conditioner was blowing out cold air consistently to the point where my house was at a consistent 59-60 degrees. Like I said, I love my house to be chilled, but I literally was in here bundled up while it was a whole 90 degrees outside. Everytime someone would come over, they would be about to freeze to death because of how cold it was. Clearly I had become immune to it haha. Eventually, I called a heating and cooling company, and they installed the Ecobee 3 Lite Thermostat. Now, I’m not really into technology so I really didn’t have a preference on what they installed. I was simply excited that the thermostat was touch screen, and I could control from an app on my phone. Plus, it’s really cute!
2. Spa Wellness Plan
Incorporating consistent massages into my life is probably the best investment I could have made for myself. My first time getting a deep tissue massage was in 2019 as a part of my best friend’s bachelorette weekend. It was at that moment, I knew that I wanted to get them more regularly. Unfortunately, I ended up going through a little financial struggle through the latter part of 2019, so getting a massage was nowhere near a priority. Thankfully, I got back on track with my finances and saving in the early part of 2020, and was able to finally go to the spa when they finally opened back up. I went in June, and it helped so much that I enrolled in the wellness plan, where I get a 90 minute massage every month at a discounted rate. The biggest benefit for me, is that it relieves stress and tension; and it also is good therapy for my injuries I sustained in the military. My ankles, calves, and feet are in shambles 80% of the time. Deep tissue massages have been really helping to keep my range of motion in tact, and to manage inflammation and pain.
1. Mango, the Chiweenie
Honestly, I don’t know how I would have made it through these last couple of months if I didn’t adopt my dog. He has been a source of comfort for me, as well as, giving me a little responsibility so I would’t spend so much time sulking. When my job transitioned to work from home in March, I definitely didn't think that it would last this long. I live by myself so after a bit of time, life kind of just got really routine for me. I’m normally on the go all the time whether it’s working, traveling, or just exploring the city. But COVID shut all of that down haha. I had always entertained the thought of having a pet; however, I knew my lifestyle wasn’t really set up to be an owner. So once everything died down for me, it was time to seize the opportunity. I ended up adopting a 2 year old chihuahua/dachshund mix from the shelter. It definitely was an adjustment, but I don’t regret my decision to adopt my little Mango at all. I plan to make a post soon about being a first time pet owner where I’ll go into more detail about my experience, so be on the lookout!
I’m typically the kind of person that spends money on experiences rather than things; however, when a world wide pandemic strikes, there’s not too many experiences left to be had. One thing I have realized is the importance of being comfortable in your space. If life didn’t get flipped upside down this year, I’m not sure if I would have even made any of these investments on this list. If you can’t tell through my writing, I’m very excited about these purchases (plus a few others that didn’t make the list lol); and I’m looking forward to continuing to finding ways to enhance my way of live while living through a pandemic! Comment below some of your favorite pandemic purchases.
Sincerely,
Carmen
