Next-Level Popcorn? Best Sweatpants Ever? You Need These Self-Isolation Splurges
Crowdsourced from Jeremiah Brent, Matilda Goad, and more.
Updated Oct 11, 2018 12:09 PM
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Home is where the heart is, especially right now, even when the days are starting to meld together. The good news: Making daily rituals feel extra-special—like setting the dinner table with linens (and candles!), drinking juice from freshly squeezed oranges, and slipping into ultra-cozy pajamas before watching Tiger King—can help.
In the hopes of making all your home lives a bit more joyful, we crowdsourced the best self-isolation splurges from some of our favorite people. Want to take your popcorn to the next level? Check. Ready to upgrade your sweatpants game? Check. Need a little something to help you fall asleep? Check, check, check. Here’s to transforming your home into a brighter place, starting now.
The Sleep Helper
I splurged on a bunch of new books (I’m loving Save Me the Plums by Ruth Reichl right now) and a gravity blanket, because I haven’t been able to sleep. —Ariel Okin, interior designer
The Movie Night Snack
Right now, I’m really into making a huge batch of homemade popcorn using mushroom popcorn kernels (they are big and beautiful) in my Great Jones Dutchess pot; drizzling it with Brightland olive oil; and seasoning it with Bragg Nutritional Yeast (a pantry essential!), Momofuku Tingly seasoned salt, a pinch of Aleppo pepper, and Japanese Togarashi. The whole process brings me joy: the sound of popping kernels and the taste-testing to make sure the seasoning is just right. And it’s even better the next day if you can resist not eating the entire bowl! —Holly Liss Jammet, founder of Enlisst
The New Uniform
My self-isolation splurge has been multiple toys for my son to keep him busy during the quarantine. I also bought two pairs of sweats from Entireworld: one for myself and one for my son to stay comfy and cozy while we are stuck at home. They are my new favorite sweats! —Hilary Matt, interior designer
The Farmers’ Market Delivery
I have been upping my cooking game and decided to take the leap and order farm-to-table boxes. They not only support the local economy, but I don’t have to leave home to go to the market. Instead, a box of fresh produce is delivered right to my door on a weekly basis. We ordered our first box (which came within five days) from Farm Fresh to You. The silver lining about being stuck at home is that it has allowed me to actually hit the reset button. —Haley Weidenbaum, founder of Everhem
The Skin Savior
Right now I’m working on getting my skin in shape while I’m able to give it a break from makeup and pore-clogging products. I love Dr. Barbara Sturm Daily Moisturizer, Irene Forte Apricot Face Peel, and Goop Glow Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator. For me, it’s about the ritual and the feeling that I’m getting that time to myself twice a day. Plus, I can see results every day, which is awesome. Finally, something I’m in control of! —Sylvana Ward Durrett, CEO and cofounder of Maisonette
The Home Improvement Task
This week I bought these super-fun collapsible storage bins by Hay. I also purchased this storage canister and bathroom tumbler by Blomus for both of our bathrooms. Self-isolation has put us into total home-organization mode. We have been trying to take advantage of the time to really deep-dive into some details that frankly we have not, until now, had the time to devote to. There is something so calming for me to have all of my toiletries tucked away in their specific storage containers rather than floating out in the open. —Jenny Kaplan, cofounder of Pieces Home
The Pet Project
We’ve been looking for ways to support our small local businesses right now, so I bought a few beautiful flowering houseplants from my local florist on Shelter Island. The plants are blooming, and as nice as it is to bring some natural life into the house, the distraction of maintenance is even more of a gift. Caring for them is included on the boys’ chore list, and growth progress is included in dinner conversations and science projects! —Christine Gachot, cofounder of Gachot Studios
The Immune-Boosting Elixir
I’ve been drinking Organifi green juice every morning to help boost immunity. It has everything from spirulina and turmeric (which I swear by) to ashwagandha. It’s nice to start off your day by investing in your health. The kids drink it, too! —Jeremiah Brent, interior designer
The WFH Accessory
I’ve been working from home, so I bought a lamp from Overstock. Although it’s a small purchase, it has really elevated my space and was the perfect finishing touch for my apartment! —Nicole Gibbons, founder of Clare
The Fancy Dinner
The Gardening Essentials
I’ve been distracting myself by becoming immersed in the world of flowers and plants. For inspiration and supplies, I go to Sarah Raven; she’s old school and still sends out catalogs. It’s a novelty to leaf through and mark what sparks my curiosity. I ordered some bulbs last week and will enjoy watching in wonder as they slowly unfurl and come to life. —Matilda Goad, designer and House & Garden contributing editor
See more stories like these: 15 Luxurious Ways to Make Your Time Indoors a Little More Special These Home Brands Are Stepping Up to End the Medical Supply Shortage 4 Pro Organizers on the Projects They’re Tackling Right Now