Where do I even begin? Life in quarantine, even partial quarantine which is essentially what we’re doing now here in the suburbs of Chicago, has brought so many lovely new things in our lives. My inability to go out and do some of the things I might as a “default” has led to so many fun new discoveries. Here are a few of my favorites.

1. MION Artisan soap – a small, local family owned business, these natural and luxuriant products are one of my new favorite bathroom amenities. They are simply delightful. To date I’ve tried a bar of soap, sugar scrub, and natural bug sprays. I can’t wait to try some more!
2. My JBL bluebook speaker – cooking is always so much more fun with a tune to jam to! I recently rediscovered this little speaker I own and I’ve been using it constantly.
3. The DuPage County dog parks – our little whiskey puppy loves making new friends and getting to roam off-leash! (See photo)
4. Trois Rivières Rhum Blanc Agricole – the daiquiri has become our household “cocktail of the summer” and we’ve been exploring different rums as we’ve finessed making this cocktail at home. This funky bottle is absolutely delightful. The version that is distilled by the ocean is said to be even more interesting, with salty notes of the sea! That one is next on our list.
5. Smitten Kitchen frozen coconut limeade – it’s tart and refreshing and deeply satisfying and without booze while still feeling like the biggest treat. A new summer staple.
6. Oil popped popcorn made in my Lodge cast iron pan. Perfectly salted, it’s my favorite, favorite, favorite snack.
7. Mick Klug Farms monthly CSA – So many CSA (community supported agriculture) programs require a very big investment at the beginning of the season, with promises of crop shares all summer long. While I think many are often a good price for some awesome, fresh, local produce, I don’t always have that giant chunk of cash to spend. Mick Klug’s is a monthly CSA, so a smaller monthly investment. It also let me give the CSA program a try to see if it was a good fit for our family! Everything from their farm has been fresh and delicious and delightful.
8. Leelanau Coffee Roasters – a family friend left us some of this coffee when we stayed at their guest house on our honeymoon. I fell in love. With quarantine, I’ve been trying to support more small businesses, so I ordered a whole bunch of beans and I’ve been working my way through them (way too quickly, I might add). My favorite is their “Bakery Blend.”
9. Common Good Cocktail House to-go! – This is the best cocktail bar in the suburbs and they started a to-go program during quarantine. When we couldn’t go out, we could at least have a taste of our favorite spot at home. My two current favorites are the My Agra My Fire and the Darksided Daiquiri. Their patio is now open, and they even have a few tables inside.
10. HAMILTON – I’ve seen it live, but with the Chicago cast. I’m not a great fan of watching live theater filmed, but this is one of the best filmed versions of a play I’ve ever seen. To see this play with much of the original cast is also a gift of which I had never dreamed. If you haven’t yet seen it, it’s worth signing up for the free trial of Disney+ just for this.