This is a collaborative post. All opinions are my own.

If you live with someone else--whether it's a spouse, significant other, kids, friends, or roommates--this time can be particularly straining. I mean, don't get me wrong. I'm grateful to be with my family right now and not living alone...but still. With so many people working from home, doing school from home, and just being at home more, our normal routines are turned on end. It can be challenging to share the same space with so many different needs, it's tough trying to concentrate on work with noise from younger kids, and it's impossible to keep the house clean with it playing so many roles right now. Here are some practical tips for living together peacefully during Covid-19.

Clear out clutter

Clutter grates on our nerves. If you're feeling anxious and irritated, what you need may be a good purge of your belongings. Give each family member autonomy over their own things, and make a day of it. Get rid of duplicates, broken items, and things you no longer use or need. If you have items like sentimental pieces or seasonal gear that you still want to keep...but they're making your house feel cluttered and crowded...then it may be worth getting a a self storage facility to give you some space and breathing room. Clearing out the visual clutter may give you some mental clarity as well.

Exercise

One of the best ways to destress is exercise. And especially right now, it's extra good (essential!) for your mental and physical health. Get out of the house and go for a walk, run, hike, or bike ride. Enjoy the sun and warmer weather while we have it, and take advantage of the opportunity to get outside and work out your frustrations. The endorphins will leave you feeling better afterward, and you'll stay fit and healthy.

Give each other some space

Even if you're living with someone you love, you both need to have your own space from time to time. Don’t expect your partner to instinctively know what that means. If you need to disappear for an hour to take a relaxing bath, just tell them. They may be glad for a bit of space too, and if you have kids you can take turns getting some alone time. It doesn’t mean that you don’t want to be around your family; it means you understand the importance of having time to yourself to recharge.

Do something creative together

Working together on a creative project is a good way to have fun and work together as a team. It's also a nice break from screen time when everything is on Zoom. If you have kids, involve them in this. Perhaps you bake something new, give each other mani pedis, do a puzzle, color in coloring books, or send some snail mail to grandma. If you're moving into a new place together with your significant other, it can be fun to do creative projects that make it feel more like a home. Paint the walls, upholster a thrifted chair, make art for your walls, or (if you're feeling brave) tackle remodeling a bathroom. Learning new skills and flexing your creativity is always a mood lifter.

Give your kids extra attention

Remember that this time is hard on our kids too. They may not fully understand what's going on, and seeing all the masks could be scary to them. Starting school online and not getting to see their friends may be a big disappointment. Having vacation plans cancelled and favorite public places closed is sad for all of us. Make sure to make time for the kids, do special activities with them, spend one-on-one time checking in on them, and ask how they are feeling.

I hope you're all staying safe and well! What other tips do you have for living peacefully together during this trying time?

This post is written in partnership with Tranquility. This blanket was given to me as part of a sponsorship. All opinions are my own.

I've written about my love of weighted blankets a couple times (here and here). At the end of a long, hard day, it's so comforting to curl up under a weighted blanket. Like getting a good hug, the deep calming pressure helps to relieve anxiety and release stress. I often put mine over my lap while I'm reading, watching a show, or catching up with Ben. And at night, if I'm having trouble calming my mind, getting under my weighted blanket can help me relax and fall asleep. Of course, during the cold winter months, that's great: having an extra layer of warmth is welcome. But in the summer, no one wants to wake up hot and sweaty under a heavy weighted blanket. The good news is, Tranquility (the top-rated, affordable weighted blanket brand) has introduced a new Cool-to-the-Touch Weighted Blanket available both online and in-store at Walmart. I got to test it out for the last couple months, and today I'm answering some questions about it!

1. First off, what is a weighted blanket?

It's pretty much exactly what it sounds like: a weighted comforter (typically 10-20 lbs) that distributes pressure evenly across your body. This Deep Touch Pressure Therapy (DTP) mimics the feeling of being held or hugged, to decrease anxiety and improve sleep quality. The Tranquility weighted blanket is filled with a blend of weighted glass beads in a fiber matrix, held in by a box-quilt design that prevents it from shifting. It has a removable, machine washable cover to keep it fresh and clean.

2. How does a cooling weighted blanket work?

I was kind of skeptical whether a blanket this heavy would really stay cool on a hot summer night. But then Spokane had a week with over 100 degree weather, and I had a chance to test it out. I actually did stay comfortable all night! The underside of the blanket uses BlueCool™ fabric that is silky smooth and cool to the touch (kind of like the cool side of a pillow). It absorbs and distributes body heat, making it perfect for summer nights and hot sleepers.

3. Who should use a weighted blanket, and when?

Weighted blankets were developed as a sleep aid, and have been shown to help people fall asleep faster, stay deeply asleep, and wake up more rested. They are great for anyone who has trouble sleeping, including those with anxiety, autism, ADHD or PTSD. But they're really for everyone. I like to use my Tranquility weighted blanket anytime I'm looking to destress and relax (while reading a book, watching a movie, sipping my morning coffee, or taking a nap on the couch). Some people even use weighted blankets at the office or when traveling.

4. How much does a weighted blanket cost?

There are a number of different weighted blankets out there, in a wide range of prices. Tranquility is truly an amazing value. Their quality and features are typically found in blankets that are way more expensive. For example, the Cool-to-the-Touch Weighted Blanket starts at just $40, while comparable options run upwards of $250. If you've been considering getting a weighted blanket, I feel really good about recommending this one. Look for it at Walmart.

5. Which weighted blanket should I get?

If you sleep hot or live in a warm climate, I would definitely recommend the Cool-to-the-Touch weighted blanket. It's available in two neutral colors (tan and grey) and comes in two weights. The 15 lb blanket is suggested for adults who weigh more than 125 lbs and the 20 lb blanket is recommended for adults who weigh over 175 lbs. If you prefer a different weight, the blanket I originally got also comes in 12 lb and 18 lb weights. It doesn't have the cooling side, but it has all the other same benefits.

With all that being said, the only way to truly know if a weighted blanket would help you relax and get better sleep, is to try one for yourself! To help you with that, I am giving away three Tranquility Cool-to-the-Touch Weighted Blankets on my Instagram this week. Head over there to enter the giveaway, and for a bonus entry leave a comment on this blog post. Good luck!

This is a collaborative post. All opinions are my own.

Interior design is as much about creating the right atmosphere as choosing the right material objects. Although a house should feel cohesive overall, each room can also have a different "mood" depending on its purpose. In a playroom or a home office, you might want a creative, energized vibe. In the bedroom, on the other hand, you probably want to create a calm and relaxing retreat. Here are some ideas to achieve that.

1. Choose calm color schemes 

Creating a peaceful space depends a lot on using the right colors. According to a study in Research Gate, colors in the workplace can influence the mood and wellbeing of the workers. Similarly, it’s essential to pay attention to what colors you choose for your home. Color psychology tells us that green is one of the most relaxing colors, probably because of its close links to nature. In 2020, shades like forest green or olive green are right on-trend. Shades of blue also produce a calming effect, due to associations with the ocean and waves.

2. Use elements from nature

Elements from nature can be helpful to create a relaxing bedroom space. Indoor plants are a great start: they can improve concentration and productivity (by up to 15 percent according to NBC News), reduce stress levels, and boost your mood. What’s more, a study by NASA showed that houseplants can remove up to 87% of air toxins in 24 hours. If you don't want to take care of a real plant, you can also use fake plants or photos of nature to get some of those visually relaxing benefits. Natural materials (like wood, stone, bamboo, and rattan) also give off more grounded, relaxing vibes than materials like plastic or metal.

3. Clean up

If you want your bedroom to feel tranquil and restful, one of the most impactful things you can do is to tidy up. Hang up that laundry that's been piled up in the corner, wash the sheets and pillowcases, dust the blinds, and clear off the surfaces of your nightstands and dressers. You may not even realize how much all that visual clutter affects you subconsciously, making you feel stressed and restless. Make your bedroom a clean, fresh, uncluttered oasis where you can refresh and recharge.

4. Improve your storage

Once you've cleared off your surfaces, you may find that you don't have anywhere to put all that stuff. The first step should be selling any unwanted items or donating them to charity. But if you're still left with a pile of things that don't have a good home, you might need some better storage. In the bedroom, consider a spacious and well-designed chest of drawers on Tylko.com website or something similar that fits with your bedroom's aesthetics. Getting organized will help you to feel less overwhelmed.

5. Use the power of scent

Another simple way to make your bedroom more relaxing is to use candles or essential oils to give off scents with calming properties. Rose, lavender, jasmine, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, chamomile and vanilla are all scents that can help us to feel peaceful and unwind. To keep things eco-friendly and healthy, choose eco-candles in biodegradable packaging. Of course, always make sure to blow the candles out before you fall asleep.

6. Make your bed

I will admit I am not that consistent with making my bed. But when I do, I always notice how nice it is. First of all, making the bed a good habit to start the day with--it makes you feel like you've accomplished something right off the bat. Then throughout the day, whenever you walk by the bedroom, it makes your bed look neat and inviting. And at night, it's so delightful to climb into a bed that's been made instead of struggling with untangling the sheets and covers when you're exhausted. It doesn't take long, so why not make a habit of making the bed every morning?

7. Open up the window treatments

This is another simple task that should be part of your morning routine. If you find that your bedroom feels a bit drab, brighten it up by opening the window treatments to allow plenty of light in. Many studies suggest that natural light improves our mood, boosts endorphin levels, and creates a more relaxing environment. Especially if you have blackout treatments that you keep closed all day, this can make a big difference. Opening the window treatments is an easy, free way to love your bedroom all day long.

It's always a good idea to make the bedroom a relaxing space, a respite from the demands and stresses of our day. And during this strange time when we're at home so much, not to mention feeling extra anxious, it's even more important to make our bedroom a sanctuary of rest and relaxation.

This is a collaborative post. All opinions are my own.

2020 has been a rough year for many reasons. Of course, in the grand scheme of things, missing out on vacations we were looking forward to is a small disappointment compared to so many serious tragedies. But still...it's hard to let go of vacation plans and aspirations. Dreaming of future travel can make the current situation feel less bleak (even if it's a hypothetical trip that you plan just for fun). And since it's impossible to know when the world will go back to "normal," you might want to rethink the destinations of your future dream vacations. While some countries are on full lockdown, other less-populated countries are starting to open to visitors--albeit with people wearing masks and gloves, and keeping their distance. Based on some quick research, here are four options that are currently open to some extent.

Antigua and Barbuda

You may have heard of Antigua and Barbuda from pirate books and movies. It's a mysterious pair of islands that are set deep in the Caribbean, where once upon a time, law and order was a running joke among thieves, murderers, and swashbucklers. But, in today’s world, it's one of the few untouched paradises still left. But for those who want to travel, why should you come here and what are the restrictions when it comes to COVID-19 travel? Well, there are four criteria that every nation is selecting as a way to handle holidays and foreign visitors. Are they open? Are the citizens free from lockdown? Do those coming into the country need to be isolated upon landing? And is the economy welcoming to tourists?

Open to foreign nationals? = Yes
Open to citizens and residents? = Yes
Quarantine for visitors? = No
Tourism? = Yes, with some restrictions

The country is up and running again, but where should you go?

Nelson’s Dockyard

Famous sea lord Nelson made this island one of his dockyards. He repaired ships and set sail from the islands while combating Spanish and French ships. It became a Royal Navy Dockyard in 1784 and lasted for 3 years, while it was in intense usage. It's now home to many sailboats of locals who use the dockyard to protect their ships from waves and gusts coming in from the Caribbean Sea. it's now also a UNESCO site because of its importance in world history. This is where you can come to witness history and take in the stories of those times when sail ships loaded with cannons, ruled the seas.

Darkwood Beach

The white sand on this beach is very refined and pure, making it feel so good on bare feet and hands. It's not quite sandcastle building material, but it's soft and light as a pillow, making it fantastic for workouts and beach games. Darkwood Beach is absolutely stunning, with open views out towards the horizon and barely any soul insights for at least a few hundred meters. It's a scarcely used beach at times, but make sure you’ve booked ahead as the authorities will be keeping watch for who is and isn’t sticking to social distancing and they will need to take down your details. These details are discarded when you leave the island or when no signs of virus have been detected after two weeks.

Andorra

There's a good chance you didn’t even know there was a landlocked country between Spain and France. It's called Andorra and it is one of the few microstates still left in the world. With just 463 square kilometers of land and a population of just 77,500, this nation heavily relies on tourism and cross-border trade. It's quite beautiful and picturesque.

Open to foreign nationals? = Yes, with some restrictions
Open to citizens and residents? = Yes, with some restrictions
Quarantine for visitors? = No
Tourism? = Yes, with some restrictions

But where should you go?

Coma Pedrosa

If you’re in the mood to leave all your troubles behind and go for a hike up the hills, Coma Pedrosa is waiting for you. The green mountains and blue standing waters are calling your name. It's very popular with mountain climbers because of the technical challenges it poses but it's also good for beginners as there are many different passes and routes up and down the mountains. It was a refuge for the early settlers who were being troubled because of their religion and they have also suffered invasions from different nations and governments in the past. However, Andorra has been around since 9500BC and has an incredible past. When you’re up in these mountains, you know you’re surrounded by truly ancient landscapes and wildlife.

Grandvalira

If you’re the type of person that cannot stand hot summer holidays, then don’t worry because the Grandvalira is skiing heaven. This ski run and mountain slope are one of the largest ski runs in the world. Stretching for 210 kilometers, you have a wide range of courses and paths to follow and challenge your skills. In all, there are 118 different runs to choose from. It's beginner-friendly but it goes all the way up to advanced and expert. There are guides on hand to show you the routes and manage the path safely. However, there are so many cameras and other people around, that you won’t feel lost for very long if you stray from the paths. It's an amazing mountain region and perhaps the best place to go when you want to forget the world and have fun in Andorra.

Bermuda

This is an island that is surrounded in mystery and fear. We’ve all heard of the Bermuda Triangle and how planes and boats go missing. That is good for a novel, but when it comes down to it Bermuda is really just another stunning Caribbean hotspot. But more to the point, what are the restrictions regarding travel?

Open to foreign nationals? = Yes, with some restrictions.
Open to citizens and residents? = Yes, with some restrictions.
Quarantine for visitors? = Limited.
Tourism? = Yes, with some restrictions.

Why come here?

The island that’s in the shape of a fish hook, has many surprises and hidden gems. It's mostly a resort island, with many spas, privacy hotels, and 5-star services. But here is where you should look to go.

Horseshoe Bay

It's the most popular beach in Bermuda and for very good reason. It's a tourist hotspot because it's along the south coast of the island so you get maximum exposure to the sun while also shielding yourself from the Westerly winds. Perfect for sunbathing and playing beach volleyball or frisbee, this is a family beach outing. Most hotels will have a shuttle bus service to this beach and it's usually totally free. If it's not included in your trip package, it should only cost around $1 or $2. From around 10 am to 6 pm, these shuttle bus services run to and from hotels. There may be some restrictions on the beach, such as social distancing but there may not be any need for masks and gloves. The vendors at the beach serving food will be checked and certified to keep operating as they are clear of any illnesses.

Crystal and Fantasy Caves

Located in Hamilton Parish it's very near to Castle Harbor. It's a long cave that spans for 500 meters and is around 60 meters deep. The cave goes further inland and becomes more and more mysterious. It was a tourist attraction as far back as 1907 after it was discovered 2 years before by Carl Gibbons and his friend Edgar Hollis. They were just 12 years old and were actually trying to find their lost cricket ball. The cave has turquoise and green water and is clear right down to the bottom of the shallow parts. There is a walkway above the waterline which guests can traverse, making for a truly immersive experience. The thin crystals hanging down from the ceiling make for excellent viewing, showing just how old the caves must be.

Cyprus

This small island in the eastern Mediterranean has a rich culture and history that spans back 10,000 years...along with beaches and vistas that are absolutely stunning. Although it has been hit hard by the lockdown, it has managed to maintain its tourism industry.

Open to foreign nationals? = Yes.
Open to citizens and residents? = Yes, with some restrictions.
Quarantine for visitors? = Limited.
Tourism? = Yes, with some restrictions.

But where to visit?

If you’re coming to Cyprus straighter after the lockdown, chances are you want to have a real escape. That’s why this should be your first port of call…

Mount Olympos

At 1,952 meters, this mountain is one of the highest in the Mediterranean. It's a tranquil place to hike and be alone with your thoughts. You’ll find that it's also bathed in history, with many ancient armies having to march through the passes and up the side of this mountain to get to their battlefields.

These are the top nations that have opened up their borders to tourists and are the most welcoming. There are some restrictions in place but they are easily followed.