Lockdown day… what? I lost count at this point, which isn’t that strange because we’ve been in this situation for months now. Months where I’ve been grateful to still have a job (which I can do from home). Months where I’ve been in lots of (online) contact with friends and family. Months where I’ve discovered I do like going on walks (nature photography is also something I’ve been into). It’s been the year of ‘realizing stuff’ as Kylie Jenner would say (throwback to 2016). Over the lockdown period, I have definitely realized what my must haves or essentials are during lockdown. These lockdown essentials vary from clothing to books, series and more.
Even though I get dressed every single day in lockdown (this is so important to feel like yourself and be productive), I do think comfort is key. Comfort first please! So, there are a couple clothing items that I think are a ‘must’ and have become my lockdown clothing essentials.
Hoodie
Right before lockdown started I actually got my first hoodie. I can’t believe I wore these before but the ones from H&M are THE BEST. Now I own two of them: in beige and forest green. When I don’t know what to wear, I always grab one of them.
Sweater
Don’t get me started on oversized sweaters. I’ve always been a big fan of oversized sweaters but now this love has even gotten bigger. One of the sweater I’ve been living in, is this sweater from NA-KD with an ‘N’ (for Neeltje of course) on the front of it because it’s super soft!
Bathrobe
For Christmas I asked for a white velours bathrobe from H&M and lucky me, I actually got it. It’s the softest thing in the world. Especially in the mornings on the weekend, I just throw on my bathrobe and have breakfast downstairs. It’s cozy and keeps me warm at the same time.
Reading & puzzle books
Like everything, I also to though these phases when it comes to books. Reading is so important but for me it’s hard to find concentration to actually keep my mind with the story. At the end of last year, I made a real effort to start reading books again and with success. Up until now I have already finished three books and have ordered even more to keep my reading streak going. The ones I’ve read until now, I all loved (even though they were all different). To find books so read I watched videos of what people read during 2021, which I find very helpful.
Besides reading books, I also bought a puzzle book. A sudoku puzzle book to be exact. As I kid I was very into the Nintendo DS game Brain Training from Dr Kawashima (remember those times?), especially the games with sudoku’s in them. Right now I am practicing to get better at level 3 (which is hard…).
What I recommend to read:
Series to watch
Onto the thing I like to do all the time: watch series. Of course I have been working from home, so no, I haven’t been binge watching anything really. But I have noticed that all the streaming services are stepping up their game. Sooo many new series, movies and documentaries have been released. That’s when I noticed my ‘to watch’ list started to overflow a little bit. I did have a week off, so during my week off I finally got to some of the series I added to this list. My favorite? Definitely the documentary about the Elisa Lam case. I’ve watched so many videos about this case and it’s so weird and interesting at the same time.
What I recommend to watch:
On Netflix
- Crime Scene: The Vanishing At The Cecil Hotel
- Bridgerton
- Bling Empire
On Amazon Video
- Chiara Ferragni Unposted
- Station 19
- Pretty Little Liars
On hayu
- Summer House
- The Real Housewives Of Atlanta
- #RichKids of Beverly Hills
House slippers
If there’s one purchase I made last year that I am so glad about, it has to be my Ugg slippers. When you see the price, you might hesitate (like I did), but they are so worth it. Besides them looking cute (at least I think they do), the slippers are really cozy, warm and comfortable to wear around the house. Not only during winter, but all year round.
Gua Sha
A lockdown can cause a lot of stress unfortunately. I noticed my skin is the first thing that starts to act up. During lockdown I started seeing a lot of videos where people were doing ‘face gym exercises’. I wasn’t familiar with this. Of course, I do have a face roller but I only use it when I’ve put serum on my face (and that’s not all the time). So, with a gift card I had, I bought myself a Gua Sha, what they were using while doing these exercises. Let me tell you, using a Gua Sha on your face is so relaxing. I like to do it before I got to bed, when I’ve put a little bit of oil on my face. There are tons of exercises to find on the internet and I have discovered what feels good for my face and skin.
That concludes my lockdown essentials! I hope I didn’t forget any important ones… I am sure I didn’t and otherwise I will probably mention them on Instagram or in another blog post. I do know that another essential is for sure my bed, even though I am in desperate need of a new mattress. Since I can’t go mattress shopping and try them out, this will be put on my ‘after lockdown wish/to buy list’ or whatever you call it. In the meantime I will do some research… For now I am very curious: How long have you been in lockdown? What have become your lockdown essentials?
Love,
Neeltje
I wish I got into reading during the pandemic! We didn’t have a lockdown here, which is both a blessing and a curse, haha! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Author
Ah, that’s indeed a little different… Stay safe! X
I need to get myself a puzzle book! It’s great to have around the home when we want a little break from screens. During lockdown we tend to spend a lot of time on screens so reading, doing puzzles and also colouring or journaling is great to take a break from that!
Julia x
Last Post: The Best Fountains in Paris + Location Tips and Map!
Author
Yes puzzle books are a must!
I so want to try the Gua sha, I have heard so many good things about it !
http://www.fruityandpassion.com/2021/02/practice-gratefulness-with-aurate-new.html#more
Author
You really should! It feels so great. Xx