The days and weeks are beginning to blend together, yet we’re finding small joys to keep our spirits buoyed as we continue to practice social distancing. We hope you’ll like some of these suggestions, too:

WONDERFUL THINGS TO READ, WATCH + DO

This week local journalist Haley Shapley released a brand-new (stunning!) book that is an inspiring and perfectly timed read. Strong Like Her is a “cultural herstory” that celebrates the beauty of female strength and power; it’s accompanied by 23 powerful photographs of some of today’s most exciting athletes.  If you ask us, this makes for some ideal quarantine reading for you and your loved ones.

You can now access a captivating short documentary, ONE FALL, made by local filmmaker Melissa Tumas and fellow collaborators. Set in D.C.’s transfixing world of indie pro wrestling, the 15-minute film explores the themes of art, physicality, sacrifice and humanity; we guarantee you’ll be as enthralled as we were. (Follow the talented filmmakers on their Instagram account, too.)

Check out these links:

These livestream concerts available from Fremont’s Nectar Lounge, as well as Pickathon’s release of 60 concerts in 60 days (every day at 1 p.m. PT), which will support artists directly via MusiCares and be hosted by an artist or a journalist

This video of the Seattle Girls Choir singing together virtually a couple weeks back

This broader roundup of music, theatre and art offerings to absorb from your couch

This article showing Gen X some love and a whimsical tale of goats taking over a Welsh town

Virtual park tours, this concept of quarantine birding  and a list of aquariums and zoos letting us in on the animal action, via web cam magic

An enticing local podcast, The Quarantine Talk Show, in which Seattle food writer Julien Perry and Chef Aaron Tekulve check in on how other restaurant industry folks are navigating this tough time

Taking action is helping us feel better. Here’s a roundup of ideas we posted about where to pitch in plus a story on how to get involved with “Letters of Love for the Elderly”

Visit Washington Nightlife & Music Association (WANMA), a new organization formed by more than 30 independent music venues, that is working tirelessly to prevent the permanent closure of many beloved local venues

These downloadable coloring book maps will help you wander the globe while scribbling at your kitchen table

Sing along to epic videos like this one of Couch Choir participants from around the globe performing ‘Heroes’ by David Bowie and the cast of ‘Hamilton’ performing on yet another uplifting episode of ‘Some Good News’

LOCAL WINES TO SIP

Get immersed in interactive wine-sipping activities that can be shared with your quarantining partners or friends on the other side of the screen. Washington Wine has gotten uber-creative with curbside sales and pick-ups, plus their new social media initiative #SipGlocal, a handwritten letter campaign meant to unite the wine community, has gone global.

Every Thursday at 4 p.m. (PST) you can connect with Red Mountain AVA winemakers by tuning in via Facebook (@RedMtnAVA). Interact with experts from the fruitful region, as you learn about tasty varietals, pairings that would go best with your meal, etc.

Looking for some Southern Oregon vintages to replenish your supply? Abacela recently celebrated its silver anniversary, and we highly recommend checking out their delicious wines. (Bonus: Shipping rates are UPS Ground so not terribly high; within Washington, it’s a $15 flat rate for a three-bottle purchase.) So what makes the Abacela label so special?  For the last 25 years, Earl and Hilda Jones have devoted their lives to rigorously testing their hypothesis that Roseburg, Oregon, is a North American crossroads where an ideal climate and site could create Tempranillo, the star of Spain’s famed Rioja wines. They’ve not only reached their initial dream but also established 15 grape varieties in their Fault Line Vineyards, gaining critical acclaim for Southern Oregon and producing some incredible wines in the process.

TASTY TREATS TO ENJOY

This Seattle Restaurants Take Out Guide (by Bill Gates-backed platform Likewise) highlights more than 70 restaurants in the Seattle area that are still open and offering takeout/delivery during the shelter in place order.

As we get reacquainted with our cupboards and recipe files, here are some delicious snacks we’ve been enjoying at home:

Firefly Kitchens recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, and their flavorful products are perfect additions to your quarantine fridge. Their offerings (think raw, vegan, probiotics) support digestion, strengthen metabolism and boost immunity—things we could all use right now to stay healthy. Their kimchi flavors range from Ying Yang Carrots and Salsa Viva to Caraway Kraut and Classic Kraut, and they can be enjoyed a variety of ways. Blend some in your smoothie or salsa, chop it up to add to a salad, sandwich and soup, or scoop some on top of your eggs, tacos or Buddha bowl.

Local catering company Gourmondo Co. is now offering home delivery with an expanded line of gourmet, prepackaged lunch and dinner options (Mesquite Salmon Filet with Santa Fe Bean-Quinoa Salad, Soba Noodle Salad, chicken and veggie fajitas, Rigatoni Bolognese, etc.). And you can feel extra-good about supporting this compassionate company that has embarked on a collaboration with Amazon, King County Housing Authority and Seattle Housing Authority—to help bring Gourmondo’s meals to elderly and vulnerable King County residents.

 

We’ve recently discovered sweet treats by ChocZero, like their divine Keto Bark, and we fear we’re hooked for good. Their artisanal dark chocolate bark with sea salt is low in net carbs, contains no sugar, is soy- and gluten-free and somehow still tastes incredible. (Try their healthy syrup offerings, too!)

Seattle Chocolate and jcoco have launched some community-driven initiatives (to donate chocolate to heroes on the frontline, for example) and are offering new care packages that online shoppers can send to their loved ones. The sweet collections, available for free national shipping (excluding AK, AZ, FL, HI or TX), can be ordered online and include uplifting themes like Work from Home Chocolate Stash and Thinking of You.

Other snacks we’re loving include gourmet, gluten-free bNutty peanut butters that come in 15 sweet or savory flavors; think organic raspberry and white chocolate, S’mores Dream and Simply Salted Caramel.

Flax4Life makes gluten-free eating a joy, thanks to their flavorful muffins, brownies, granolas and cakes that are made with all-natural ingredients. You can feel satisfied knowing you’re enjoying a healthy dose of Omega 3, fiber, lignans without any preservatives, no hydrogenated fat, no cholesterol and no trans fats.

Lastly, Oatsome organic oat milk has become a new staple during these quarantine days. The company calls its products “deliciously drinkable and fantastically frothable”; we’d have to agree! The only oat beverage on the market that is certified organic, non-GMO and gluten-free, Oatsome contains no dairy, nuts or added sugars. Cheers!

Stay home, stay safe, and don’t forget to keep looking for those little joys.