Here’s How The Daily Beast Staff Has Been Staying Sane

I’m planting a garden for the first time in my life. I got a little indoor kit where I can grow seeds. Started with cucumbers, lettuce, carrots, and beets. Happy to report that the seeds have started to sprout!

—Ali Philippides, Senior Product Manager

I’m keeping up with my knitting. These are my favorite knitting needles and I have multiple sizes. For beginners, I was told by a veteran knitter that contrary to popular belief, it’s actually nicer to start with a larger size to get a feel for the work, so I recommend size 8.

—Leya Kayas, AdOps Associate

Reading Emma was like watching Clueless, only with more emphasis on the societal niceties observed by Victorian-era England and sadly less on the never-aging Paul Rudd. It follows the story of Emma Woodhouse, a spoiled and vain woman who attempts to play match-maker for nearly everyone she meets, to disastrous effects. In typical Austen form there is a villainous aunt, a best-friend/love interest, and an intense focus on the marriage prospects of every woman under the age of 30. Universal is releasing the 2020 movie Emma as early as March 20th, so now is the best time to catch up on a classic.

—Suzanne Figures, Head of Research & Analytics

My fiance and I live in a pretty small one bedroom and have been doing workout videos together in the living room, and by small I mean our mats overlap and at times it feels like a game of Twister but we’re making it work.

—Geri Dembicer, Director, Account Management

I’ve been doing plenty of Yoga, especially breath work. I like this foam roller. You don’t need a nice one, but do pay attention to the density. Higher density foam is a much more intense massage.

—Kenan Banks, Software Engineer

I’m taking this time to do a ton of face masks. I’m going to emerge from the cocoon of this isolation a glowing angel with baby skin.

—Emily Levin, Creative Director, Brand Strategy

I’ve been watching all of the Avengers movies, in order on Disney+. I’ve never seen any of them and had lots of FOMO when the end game came out.

—Julia Hall, Junior Designer

I’ve been cooking a ton. Trying to take myself through the full Chrissy teigen cookbooks. I have both: Cravings and Hungry for More. Since I have some extra time in the morning, I can do recipes that take a little longer or require some time to marinate.Honestly, I have a ton of favorite recipes from her, but today I’m trying her Soy-Garlic Fried Ribs.

—Charissa Isidro, Associate Social Media Editor

One of my favorite bath products is Mr. Bubble. It reminds me of being a kid and I don’t have to worry about using a bunch of it like some of the more expensive bath bombs and stuff. You really can’t beat a good bubble bath.

—Jillian Lucas, Commerce Editorial Manager

We’ve been watching Survivor from the beginning (CBS All Access has all 39 (!) seasons) because it makes us feel good to see people surviving in the elements. The dynamics season to season are also interesting studies in human psychology.

—Alex Israel, Creative Strategist

I finally have time to do more illustration and art. I recommend getting an Apple Pencil so you can draw on your iPad. There are tons of drawing apps out there, but I use Procreate.

—Rebecca Tulis, Product Designer

I’ve been getting some art time in. These highly pigmented color blocks from Portugal are great. The unusual shape makes for all sorts of freedom of expression, and they can be used wet or dry.

—Erica Radol, Member Support

I’ve been building Lego sets my nephews left behind because it helps me concentrate. I really like the Star Wars sets. Will probably order some more.

—Adam Rawnsley, Reporter

I got Betty Crocker Yellow Cake Mix, Chocolate Frosting, and Sprinkles and made a cake. It has been a daily dose of delicious joy because yes, we’re all trying to be healthy with our quarantine diets, but if you can’t go outside you also need to treat yourself a little bit.

—Samantha Winkelman, VP, Business Development