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

Ali is still gardening! “These grow bags are perfect for NYC because they are collapsible when you’re done with them, and they’re super easy to move around in the backyard.” —Ali Philippides, Senior Product Manager

I'm still working with arts and crafts, but trying to work with my other creative outlets along with knitting. I just got myself some notebooks and a pack of pens to finally finish my novel. I used to use composition notebooks, but I thought I'd treat myself and get a moleskine. That way I can turn off all devices and limit my distractions during writing time. —Leya Kayas, AdOps Associate

Whereas Geri was all into exercise, she’s been getting crafty. “I’ve been trying to turn my empty wine bottles into cups and vases using this.” —Geri Dembicer, Director, Account Management

Instead of doing face masks, Emily is working on keeping a clean space. “This is going to sound so lame, but I’ve become obsessive about cleaning the rug under where I work. Getting the dog fur off it is almost like raking sand. Or it’s how I imagine raking sand makes you feel. I’ve been using this lint scraper, and the amount of fur that comes off is incredibly satisfying.” —Emily Levin, Creative Director, Brand Strategy

I took up analog photography last year, and with the lockdown I’ve been spending a little more time trying to work on my photography skills. When I go on walks I’ll take pictures of really mundane things like empty streets, signs, and building facades. It’s fun (but a little expensive) to experiment with different light settings and types of film. I have a Nikon FG at the moment. —Charissa Isidro, Associate Social Media Editor

As an avid birder, I wasn't so used to birding from the confines of my NYC apartment—so I picked up the only book that I thought might give me some true insight. Leslie Day's Field Guide to the Neighborhood Birds of New York City did not disappoint. It's the perfect guide for birding from home, featuring beautiful illustrations and well-researched info about the locals. A great read for any New Yorker who wants to be inspired by the wildlife all around them. —Alex Israel, Creative Strategy Director

At the beginning of the quarantine I started to do more illustrations on my iPad with the Apple Pencil but soon found myself with major screen fatigue as I worked, streamed, and Zoomed through the quarantine. I decided to get back to good ol’ pen and paper, specifically watercolor. As the weather got warmer, it was an activity to do outside with a portable easel that carried all my supplies. —Rebecca Tulis, Product Designer

I like to light a stick of Palo Santo (“holy wood” in Spanish) to conjure good energy and for its beautiful scent. My neighbor says it smells like a church- in the best possible way, but it reminds me of campfires under starry skies. —Erica Radol, Member Support

I wanted to join the pandemic puzzle craze so badly, I got a bigger kitchen table. This 1,000-piece monster was the first one I tackled. It was deliciously diabolical and the perfect cure for lockdown insomnia. —Tracy Connor, Executive Editor

As someone who has always wanted to learn how to play more than just chopsticks, I needed a piano that offered me the feel and sound of a grand piano without breaking the bank. The Yamaha P45, with its 88 full weighted keys, its range of 10 beautiful Yamaha piano sounds, and its ability to fit into my tiny Brooklyn apartment, has given me the window of opportunity to sound like some of the great jazz pianists. Now, if only I could figure out how to read sheet music. — Joe Toh Djojo, Software Engineer

At the beginning of quarantine, I was all about honing my skills at making the perfect cup of coffee. These days, I just want cold, tasty iced coffee in my face as quickly as possible. Signing up for the Grady’s subscription was the best decision my boyfriend and I could make regarding our caffeine consumption. Every month, a box of six bottles of cold brew concentrate show up at our door. All you have to do is pour some in a glass, add water and ice, and you’re good to go. - Jillian Lucas, Commerce Editorial Manager