As days grow longer and more members of our community get vaccinated, we’re remaining cautiously hopeful about the months to come. Seattle International Film Festival is getting ready to brighten our screens in April, and beloved annual celebrations like Taste Washington have figured out ways we can continue to (safely) enjoy the state’s best vintages — paired with some of the region’s tastiest food, too.

Even though businesses continue to open, and more Washingtonians are returning to adapted workplaces, we’re continuing to wear our masks and follow suggested social distancing protocols. (We’ve found that these IRIS three-ply options prove good for double-masking purposes.)

And speaking of what’s helping us get through these strange and difficult times, Four Seasons Hotel Seattle wants to hear about Washington’s best caregivers — whether a parent, guardian, frontline worker, first responder, neighbor, family member or anyone who’s gone above and beyond.

These cherished community members have a chance to win the ultimate, downtown two-night staycation; nominate your #FSCommunityCaregiver here, from March 9 through March 22. The winner will be announced by April 5, 2021, via Instagram.

The staycation includes: a two-night stay for up to two adults and two children or three adults in a Deluxe Bay View room, valet parking for one car, breakfast for two each morning, one dinner for two in Goldfinch Tavern or through in-room dining (alcohol not included), one 50-minute massage at The Spa, a flower arrangement courtesy of Sal Floral Design and a take-home box of Fran’s Chocolates.

On the topic of local indulgences, Seattle Chocolate Company has released its spring collection, and we’re feeling the bright hues and seasonal sweetness. The limited-edition collection features art by Llew Mejia, and enticing flavors range from the Honey Almond and Coconut Truffle Bar to the Carrot Cake Truffle Bar (!).

Caffe Vita’s coffee bags also got a hip, new look, making them more sleek and better for the planet. Their coffee now stays fresher for longer, thanks to a degassing valve and resealable zipper pouch, and the packaging is made from a material called Biotrē 2.0™, made of all renewable materials.

Another favorite culinary find as of late? InnovAsian Cuisine, a Tukwila-based Asian frozen food company, has come up with tasty dishes that are incredibly easy to prepare (music to our ears, after a year of cooking!). Be sure not to miss dishes like General Tso’s Chicken, Vegetable Fried Rice and Pork Potstickers — all ready within mere minutes.

What we admire most about this innovative brand, though, is how they made an important decision during the pandemic to focus their philanthropic efforts locally. So far they’ve partnered with regional corporations and nonprofits including Gourmondo Co., FareStart and the Tukwila Pantry Food Bank.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift (for yourself or others) during Women’s History Month, Seattle-based Tokki has launched the “Women Who Light Us Up” candle collection, honoring inspirational heroines such as Madame Vice President Kamala Harris, Eleanor Roosevelt, Cleopatra, Amelia Earhart and Virginia Wolfe, with ten percent of profits benefitting Girl Up. One of our favorite candle messages echoes Harris’s unforgettable words: “I’m Speaking.”

Tokki features patented video technology for custom messages to accompany its beautiful hand-poured candles and creative curated gifts – most from BIPOC and female-owned businesses. Products remain sustainable by arriving in eco-friendly and reusable gift wrap, too.

Seattle’s Elysian Brewing is giving us another reason to “cheers” this season. We’ve learned that “Pints for PPE,” the company’s program in partnership with innovative waste management company TerraCycle, was designed to help the community recycle single-use personal protective equipment (PPE).

In response to the 45 million masks used per day in the U.S. – most of which are not approved for traditional recycling bins – Elysian installed TerraCycle Zero Waste Boxes, specially designed to recycle single-use masks and gloves, at its Capitol Hill brewpub. (Everything collected will then be sorted and processed into raw materials that can be reused instead of being sent to landfill.)

To encourage the local community to participate, the brewery rewards everyone who recycles their single-use PPE with a $7 gift card redeemable at the pub. (The brewery is investing a minimum of $1,000 in gift cards for locals who recycle their disposable PPE.)

When it comes to self-care this season, we’re stocking up on goodies from companies like Lovespoon Candles, a brand that also offers a subscription box option when you join its Candle Club. The female-owned business sells premium soy candles that are sustainably handmade in America, and the company gives back to Feeding Children Everywhere. Choose between transportable travel tins (with all those future explorations in mind) or larger candles showcasing unique aromas like “banana nut bread,” “beach linen” and “citrus mandarin.”

This past year certainly has us reassessing our home office spaces and habits that contribute to vital life areas like our sleep and eye health. Did you know that blue-light defense cream was a thing? We sure didn’t, but we have to say that Strong Beauty Life’s No-Blu: Daily Face Protection, Blue Light Defense Cream (and collagen facial masks) have been making our skin feel remarkably smooth and fresh. (And after all that screen time, we were game to give the product a go!)

If you’re looking to boost the week of someone you adore, discover witty gifts from Em & Friends that honestly — and humorously — speak to the highs and lows of this past year. Show love and support via a Pep Talk Postcard Book ($12), or offer the gift of reflection through an EMF x Elizabeth Gilbert “Gorgeous and Amazing Journal” ($18).

And last but not least, if you’re someone who looks for a little inspiration from the cosmos, perhaps you’ll be interested in a “star-powered roadmap” provided by Ophira and Tali Edut, better known as The AstroTwins.

Once again the duo has created an in-depth astrology forecast for every sun sign, spanning the entire year. This 2021 Horoscope Guide covers topics from career and love to retrogrades and eclipses, while also offering a global astrology outlook for major changes to the economy, politics and world health. Onward and upward, to brighter days ahead!