Carrie Ann Inaba, Author at Carrie Ann Conversations

July 31, 2020February 10, 2021

6 Tips for Taking Care of Your Pets During COVID-19

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Tips for Taking Care of Your Pets During Quarantine

Life has changed for all of us as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Our schedules, work life, and social patterns have all shifted drastically as we’ve had to adapt to a new way of living. As we’ve learned to stay home more, we’ve retooled our own schedules and lifestyles to better support us during the pandemic. But we might not think about these changes have impacted one part of our households: our pets.

As our idea of normal has shifted, theirs has as well. Many of us are home a lot more, drastically changing what our pets’ day-to-day lives look like. As happy as they might be to have us home more than ever, pets are experiencing changes to their routines, activity, and eating schedules that might put their wellness at risk. As much as we want to promote healthy lifestyles for ourselves during lockdown, we need to put intentionality towards caring for our pets as well.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re quarantining with a pet.

1. Keep Them Stimulated

As we struggle to keep up with our lives during quarantine, the attention we spend on our pets might waver. It’s easy to become passive and forget to engage our animals in active play, but this is essential both for exercise and quality of life.

Jodie Havens, Training Expert for PetSmart, says that making sure your pet gets enough active play can ensure their wellness on many different fronts. “Exercise promotes overall physical and mental health, prevents boredom and destructive behavior, reduces stress, encourages bonding and offers many other benefits.”

She says games like hide and seek, tug of war, and playing catch with a ball are all great ways to provide physical and mental stimulation. “You could set up a fun obstacle course, teach them a few new, simple tricks using their dinner as a reward, or help control their impulses with a game like ‘Finish Line.'”

If you’ve been hiding your dog’s favorite squeaky toy while sheltering in place, many vendors sell an alternative that won’t disturb your work from home. Ultrasonic squeaky toys can keep your dog engaged without ruining your peace and quiet.

2. Keep Healthy Eating Patterns

As we limit our trips to the store, we often end up with bigger stockpiles of food than we are used to. While we’re storing two weeks of groceries at a time, it can be easy to give your pet bigger portions without thinking. However, keeping your pet’s eating schedule and portions consistent is important for their health. If you’re having a hard time controlling your pet’s eating, you can buy a slow-feeder to make sure they’re eating the right amount.

When you’re around your pets all day you might be tempted to give them treats often, but setting a limit or even saving treats for training purposes can ensure your pet doesn’t reach an unhealthy weight during quarantine. PetSmart’s Resident Veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Freeman says, “It’s easy to give treats to our pets — we use them to reward good behavior and demonstrate how much we love them. However, offering too many treats can pack on the pounds, which can lead to a myriad of health issues such as diabetes, cancer, arthritis and kidney dysfunction.”

Dr. Freeman also says that when it comes to treats, ingredients matter. “Aim for treats that contain real meat and offer added benefits like glucosamine for joint health.” This way, every treat can be a reward without compromising your pet’s health in the process.

3. Keep Up With Their Vet Appointments

As so much of our routine has been shaken up, remembering to schedule vet appointments might fall by the wayside. While so many businesses are still on lockdown, vet practices are considered essential and should be open to ensure your pet’s well taken care of. Many veterinarians offer a curbside service, where they take the dog inside by themselves while you wait outside. This can be a stressful prospect, so make sure you’re prepared beforehand.

Your animal’s shots and checkups might not seem urgent today, but paying attention now will save you from facing bigger issues with your pet’s health down the road.

4. Make Sure They Exercise

A walk around the neighborhood is one of the daily pleasures of life right now; it can double as a way to keep your pets healthy and stimulated. Dogs need regular walks as a part of their exercise routine, and a trip outside to explore the nearest park can help both you and your pet to feel less trapped.

If you have a cat, make sure you’re stocked up on toys to keep them occupied. Indoor cats are especially at risk for weight gain and understimulation; taking time to play with them while you’re on the phone or watching TV can keep them active, healthy and happy even while indoors.

5. Avoid Over-Bonding

Hollywood animal trainer William Berloni told Bloomberg that there’s some risk in letting dogs get used to our stay-at-home routines. He says that if dogs get too acclimated to us being at home all day, it can result in much more anxiety when our normal patterns pick up again and they get left at home. Berloni says dogs are becoming “overly bonded,” relying on their owners more and more in order to stay calm, and that they might be losing their ability to self-soothe when they find themselves left on their own.

Berloni advises creating a schedule that mimics your normal routine, including regular walks and the separation dogs would normally experience. He recommends putting your dog in a separate room (or in their crate) at least twice a day for an hour so they can become adjusted to your absence and learn how to cope. Leaving a lot of toys around so they can learn to occupy themselves helps as well.

Dr. Freeman says that if actions like picking up keys or putting on shoes stress your pet out, start doing these things when you’re not leaving the house to get them accustomed to those behaviors, and then start quietly leaving the house for short periods of time.

Dr. Freeman says it can also be helpful to establish a room or a crate as a “safe zone” for your dog. “Establish this as a safe area by giving lots of praise when they willingly enter it. You might also consider leaving some recently worn clothes out in the area so that it smells like you.” She says to practice leaving the safe zone for short periods, increasing the intervals over time. “You can give your dog a treat-dispensing toy that takes time to consume to keep them occupied.” All of this will help your dog more easily adapt to your entrances and exits without anxiety or stress.

6. Don’t Let It Get Too Quiet

Andrea Arden, owner of Andrea Arden Dog Training in New York, told Bloomberg that it’s easy for dogs to adjust to our new, quieter lifestyles with social distancing and shorter walks. This unfortunately means that their tolerance for noise gets lower, making it more likely that any sudden noise might set them off. Arden recommends taking your dog to an outdoor spot that’s a bit busier to help them get reacclimated to the bustle of average life, building up their resilience for noise and activity outside of your quiet home.

By keeping these things in mind, we can help to keep our pets happier and healthier even as we’re figuring out how to manage the transitions involved in staying at home.

If you’re looking into adopting during this season of social distancing, Your Dog Advisor’s list of questions to ask can help you know which dog will make the perfect addition to your household.

July 29, 2020March 22, 2021

9 Incredible Products To Help You Stay Organized

Staying Organized | CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS

In times of stress, it can be hard to keep track of small chores and clutter can quickly become overwhelming. As we’ve continued to stay inside due to COVID-19, our homes have become a bigger and bigger part of our world. It’s never been more important to keep our spaces clear and free of clutter so that they can continue to be our sanctuaries in this time, but it’s also never been more difficult to remain focused on everyday upkeep. If you’ve ever lost control of a craft cabinet or junk drawer, you know how daunting it can be to clear it out.

Fortunately, staying organized doesn’t have to be hard. With a few simple changes, clear surfaces and decluttered cabinets can be an everyday luxury, allowing you to feel free, clear, and comfortable at home. You’d be amazed at the difference a clutter-free home can make; instead of feeling scattered or overwhelmed, we can feel grounded in intentionality and clarity and have the freedom to focus on making every day the best it can be. Our homes should be places for peace and a few small steps can help keep them that way.

Here are nine home accessories that can help you get —and stay— organized.

1. Adjustable 8-Tier Wall and Door Rack

Have you ever found yourself needing a little more space to get your kitchen, pantry or garage sorted? Shelf space is always an issue when you’re trying to get organized and an easy way to reduce headaches is to give yourself more room. This easy-to-install shelf rack can fit any wall or even hang over a door to accommodate any space you need.

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2. 3-Tier Under Sink Cabinet Organizer

If you have bathroom or kitchen cabinets that quickly pile up, there’s an easy way to maintain order. This small shelf organizer will help create more structure in larger cabinets so that you can keep everything in its place.

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3. Wall-Mounted Broom Organizer

It’s hard to keep mops and brooms in a place that’s out of the way but easy to access, and if you’re not careful about storage they can quickly become cumbersome. This wall mounted tool will keep them all together, helping keep your closet in line and preventing any broom avalanches when you’re in a hurry.

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4. Battery Organizer Case

If you have a junk drawer that’s out of control or can never seem to find the batteries you know you’ve bought, this organizer will save you headaches for years to come with special compartments for every type of battery.

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5. Under-Cabinet Pan Organizer Rack

As we cook more of our meals while we stay home, it’s easy for our cookware to fall into disarray. If your pots and pans are always getting separated from their lids or falling all over the place, this shelf will make it easy to keep your cabinet free of clutter.

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6. Bliss Collections Daily Planner

Your shelves and drawers aren’t the only things to keep organized! Clutter can accrue just as easily in your schedule, to-do list, or even just your thought process. With this at-a-glance planner, you can keep all your important thoughts easily at hand and stop stressing out that you’ve forgotten something important.

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6. Food Container Lid Organizer

For anyone who has a mountain of Tupperware, this lid organizer can finally stop your containers from overrunning your cabinets. Opening a cabinet and easily being able to grab exactly what you need can be an understated way to feel less stressed and more organized every day.

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7. Cadriy Refrigerator Organizer Bins

Especially as we make more of our own meals at home, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by fridge clutter. It’s so much easier to keep track of your food (and get rid of anything expired) when you can see it all at once. These bins make it easy to keep things like fruit, condiment bottles, and leftovers in order clearing up space for your next culinary creation!

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8. Over the Cabinet Basket Dispenser Door Grocery Plastic Bag Holder

One type of clutter we always underestimate is the kitchen cabinet collection of plastic bags. Most of us have a habit of saving grocery bags to reuse later; keep them from getting out of control with this easy hanging storage.

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9. Waterproof Organizing Shower Curtain

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If your shower has limited surface space, it can be hard to keep track of toiletries and keep them organized. This curtain provides several pockets so you can keep your necessities for easy access and avoid cluttered shelves and falling bottles.

A lot of the time, staying organized can feel like an uphill battle and it can be hard to know where to start. Reducing clutter doesn’t always have to mean a huge, dramatic whole-house purge. Sometimes a simple investment in a product that makes life easier every day can be enough to take care of problem areas. Whether it’s an overrun kitchen cabinet or a lack of shelf space, hopefully something on this list can help you feel more clarity in your home and in your mind.

July 24, 2020April 28, 2022

9 Journal Prompts for Practicing Gratitude

Gratitude can be such an important tool when we face times of adversity; the ability to shift our perspective to the positive can make a world of difference. Psychologists say that practicing gratitude can actually make you a happier person in general; being able to grasp contentment no matter our circumstances can change our lives for the better.

Knowing that gratitude can improve our life, though, doesn’t always mean it’s easy for us to take steps towards incorporating it into our normal routines. It can be easy to read about practicing gratitude, and even understand why it’s important, but some of us might need more guidance to actually connect with that practice.

Especially when things are difficult, as they are for so many of us right now, it can be hard to truly cultivate the sentiment of gratefulness without worry, distraction or resentment. Sometimes it can feel like connecting to gratitude is too much to ask of ourselves. It can be easy to get frustrated, give up, or not see the point in digging deeper. If you’ve tried building gratitude before but lost motivation, or just don’t know where to begin, these simple journal prompts might be exactly what you need to get started or find your way back to gratitude. You can go through as many as you like, pick one at random, or just soak them in as inspiration for some prompts of your own. Journalling is always a deeply personal practice; the only thing that matters is doing what feels right to you.

Go somewhere quiet, take a deep breath, and trust yourself. You might be surprised by what your inner spirit has to say today.

1. Which relationship are you thankful for today?

2. What’s your favorite memory from the past year? Why are you holding it so close today?

3. What’s one thing you’re excited about today?

4. What’s one hard thing you went through that taught you something important?

5. What’s one object that you treasure, and why? What’s the story behind it?

6. What’s one way your life is better this year than it was last year?

7. What’s the last purchase you made just for you? What did you love about it?

8. What would your best friend in the world say they appreciate about you?

9. Go on a walk and try to make note of as many beautiful things you see/hear/smell as you can.

I hope these questions can help to create the space we need to explore our own relationships with gratitude, and expand our awareness of the gifts we have already. Hopefully as we attempt to focus on all that we have, our worlds can start to feel a bit bigger and our futures a bit brighter.

July 21, 2020February 10, 2021

9 Refreshing Drink Recipes For Summer

The summer is often a time when we seek to escape to exotic destinations for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. However, if you’re staying at home this summer, you can still beat the heat and give yourself a mini-vacation whenever you want.

Whether you’re traveling or not, summer is for relaxation, sunshine and finding fun ways to beat the heat. If you’d like to make your average weekend feel more like a getaway, sometimes all it takes is a bit of intentionality. Something as simple as a new summer drink recipe can reveal the potential in a summer day, adding a bit of sparkle to your ordinary routine and transporting you into your own personal vacation for a few moments.

Here are 9 recipes for cool, refreshing summer drinks, ranging from caffeinated to alcoholic to iced teas, that can help you cool down and create your own special escape even at home.

1. Homemade Cold Brew

If summer generally signals your transition to iced coffee, you’ll enjoy being able to save some cash and create your own creamy, invigorating cold brew at home with your favorite coffee grounds and a bit of patience.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups coarsely ground coffee
3 cups water

In a 1 quart mason jar, steep the cold water and the coffee grounds overnight. If you prefer a stronger brew, you can steep for up to 20 hours. After steeping, use a cheesecloth or a paper coffee filter to strain out the coffee grounds as you pour the mixture into a second container. You’ll end up with around two and a half cups of cold brew concentrate; dilute it with two and a half cups of cold water and you’ve got about a week’s worth of homemade cold brew.

2. Strawberry Mint Sangria

Summer is a great time for a low-maintenance, fresh fruit sangria; this recipe adds a mint twist for an even cooler blend that you can enjoy all afternoon.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups quartered strawberries
2/3 cup mint leaves
3 tbsp sugar
1 juiced lemon
2 bottles rosé
1/2 cup club soda

Combine the strawberries, mint, sugar and lemon juice in a large pitcher. Pour in rosé and stir the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved. Let the sangria sit for thirty minutes and add club soda before serving.

3. Pineapple Strawberry Lemonade

A tropical version of a summertime favorite, this sweet and tart combination can make for the perfect escape.

Ingredients:

2 cups strawberries
1 1/2 cups lemon juice
1 pineapple cut into chunks
1 cup sugar
4 cups water
Ice

Combine pineapples and strawberries in a blender for 4 seconds. Add the lemon juice and continue blending until fully combined. Add the mixture to a large pitcher and pour in the sugar and two cups of water, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Add the rest of the water and refrigerate; serve over ice.

4. Virgin Pink Grapefruit Mojito

This sweet pink mojito can be served virgin or made alcoholic with a splash if white rum.

Ingredients:

2 cups soda water
1 cup pink grapefruit juice
4 tsp raw sugar
Large ice cubes
Lime slices and mint leaves (for garnish)

For each serving, combine 1 tsp raw sugar, 4 mint leaves and a slice of lime in the bottom of a glass until the sugar is dissolved. Add 1/4 cup grapefruit juice and stir; top off with soda water and garnish with mint and lime slices.

5. Cherry Limeade

This fizzy sweet take on a Shirley Temple is the perfect nostalgic drink for a summer day.

Ingredients:

1 cup chilled lime juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 2 liter bottle of Sprite
1 10 oz jar maraschino cherries
2 thinly sliced limes
Crushed ice

Halfway fill a pitcher with crushed ice. In a mixing bowl, add lime juice to sugar until it dissolves and add to the pitcher. Pour Sprite, cherries (including the syrup) and lime slices and stir.

6. Frozen Lemon Granita

This granita isn’t just light, cold and refreshing; it comes with its own unique serving method for added fun.

Ingredients:

6 large lemons
1 cup sugar
2 tbsp limoncello
Sprigs of mint

Take a small slice off of the bottom of each lemon so it can sit flat without rolling. Cut off the top and pare out the center of the lemon around the pith to make your serving “glasses.” Squeeze the scooped-out lemons for their juice (ideally around 1 1/2 cups). Boil 3 cups of water with the cup of sugar until the sugar dissolves, remove from heat and stir in 1 cup lemon juice. Add more juice to taste and stir in the limoncello. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and leave it in the freezer for an hour.

After frozen, scrape the mixture into crystals with a fork and return to freezer. Continue to re-scrape every hour for the next 3 hours until the granita has a fluffy texture. When ready to serve, scoop the mixture into the lemons and garnish with mint.

7. Blackberry Mint Iced Tea

If you’re looking for a healthier, low sugar refreshment, this green tea beverage will keep you cool and hydrated all summer long.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup blackberries
6 mint leaves
2 bags of green tea
3 cups of hot water
raw honey

Combine the blackberries, mint, and tea bags in a small pitcher. Add hot water and steep for fifteen minutes, then remove the tea bags. Put the pitcher in the fridge for 4 hours to chill and then serve when ready.

8. Coconut & Macadamia Iced Latte

If you’ve grown tired of your daily brew, try adding a little luxury to your coffee with this sweet, Hawaiian-inspired recipe.

Ingredients:

3 tbsp coconut cream
4 tsp simple syrup
2 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 shots espresso
1/2 cup macadamia milk
Ice

Mix the espresso into the coconut cream, simple syrup and vanilla. Pour the macadamia milk into a glass of ice and add the espresso mixture. Stir until everything combines and enjoy.

9. Dole Whip Lemonade

If you’ve been craving the taste of a vacation this summer, bring the flavors of Disney’s iconic Dole Whip to your own back porch with this delicious recipe.

Ingredients:

1 cup frozen pineapple
1 cup lemonade
1/2 cup coconut milk
Pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries (for garnish)

Simply combine pineapple, lemonade and coconut milk into a blender and serve in glasses garnished with pineapple wedges and cherries.

July 21, 2020July 22, 2020

10 DIY Craft Kits To Make Staying At Home Fun

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | 10 DIY Craft Kits To Make Quarantine Fun

As we continue to stay at home, finding new ways to stay engaged and entertained can be difficult. With so many of our usual avenues for fun being temporarily closed to us, some of us are finding ourselves with an abundance of free time we don’t know how to fill. If you’ve been looking for ways to be creative but don’t know where to start, DIY kits can be a great way to build something unique and beautiful with a little guidance. There are so many offerings on Amazon that can help you get started on a new project no matter where your interests lie, and there’s never been a better time to take a break from the news to spend a bit of time working on something that’s just for you.

Whether you’ve always wanted to make a terrarium, learn to crochet or create beautiful candles as gifts for friends and family, here are ten DIY craft kits to get you started on a new project or hobby.

1. Bliss Gardens Succulent Terrarium Kit with Moss and River Rocks

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If you’ve got a passion for plants, this kit will help you create your own terrarium environment for a special succulent.

2. ROBOTIME DIY Wooden Miniature Dollhouse Kit

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If you like projects with clear instructions and expectations, this dollhouse project could be perfect for you. Intricate and detailed, this house is sure to be meditative to construct and beautiful once finished.

3. DIY Melt & Pour Shea Butter Soap Making Kit

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Whether you’re looking for an original gift for a loved one or want to stock your own shower, this kit gives you everything you need to make your own unique soaps.

4. DIY Sunflower String Art Kit

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This string art project is an easy way to create an interesting new accent for any room.

5. Amazing Origami Kit

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The art of origami, or folding paper into three dimensional shapes, can be an incredibly relaxing way to spend time. With 144 papers and seventeen projects to master, this kit can fill some spare hours for a long time to come.

6. Therapeutic Grade Bath Bomb Kit

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If you’ve been obsessed with the bath bomb craze, or even just curious about them, you’ll love being able to craft your own with your choice of quality scents, colors and ingredients.

7. Crochet Characters Soft & Snuggly Cacti

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Whether you already know how to crochet or want to learn, this helpful kit will guide you in creating beautiful stuffed cactuses.

8. Elegant Place Coaster Kit

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If you’re looking for a practical project, or one you can do with a friend, these DIY coasters are a great way to spend an afternoon.

9. DIY Candle Making Kit

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Candles are one of my favorite home accents, and it’s never been easier to start making your own. This kit will give you everything you need to start curating a collection of handmade candles.

10. 3 Pack Embroidery Starter Kit

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Embroidery has had a resurgence in recent years as more and more people gain interest in colorful hoops. If you’re looking to get involved in embroidery this kit can be a great place to start.

July 17, 2020February 10, 2021

7 Herbs You Can Grow at Home

There are few pleasures as simple or joyful as being able to pick fresh herbs to use in your cooking. Not only are herb plants useful and delicious; their luscious leaves and fragrances can make a home feel truly alive. Keeping herbs in the home can encourage you to cook more if you’re hesitant, or just raise the quality of your dishes if you’re already a star chef. There’s nothing more satisfying than cooking with herbs that you grew yourself.

Growing herbs can be intimidating for first-time planters who aren’t sure what it takes to keep them alive; here are 7 herbs that are easy to grow in your home and use to season meals all year long.

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS| 7 Herbs You Can Harvest At Home

1. Rosemary

One of my favorite scents, rosemary is a sweet-flavored perennial that goes great with savory dishes like roasted potatoes or chicken, and can even go in tea and ice cream. Rosemary is a hardy herb that can be grown simply by bringing a cutting from a larger bush inside; it can thrive indoors if you make sure to meet its needs. It generally has roots that are as long as the plant is tall, so make sure to give them deep enough of a pot to live in. Rosemary is also particularly sensitive to overwatering, so keeping them in a pot with drainage, or putting some gravel into the bottom of their pot, will allow them to keep from rotting.

Rosemary loves hot, sunny locations in the summer, so placing it in a South-facing window, which are generally brighter and warmer, will suit them. If you take these steps up front, rosemary can be an extremely durable plant that will provide you with fresh flavor for years.

Rosemary, along with thyme and sage, is easy to propagate from cuttings, so if you’ve got a friend with a rosemary bush outside you can start your own plant for free!

2. Mint

Mint is a beautiful, versatile plant that’s easy to take care of and can be used in so many recipes (or simply to garnish your favorite tea or mixed drink). Make sure to place them in an East-facing window that is a bit cooler if possible. Mint prefers to thrive in soil that’s consistently moist, which means that keeping it in a container with drainage is important to avoid standing water.

As with most of these leafy plants, experts recommend pinching leaves off the mint plant as you remove them rather than pulling them; pinching encourages growth in lower, dormant leaf buds and keeps your plant producing viable leaves.

3. Oregano

In the mint family, oregano is another low-maintenance, fragrant herb that makes a great, fresh addition to pasta, pizza and vegetables. It prefers a bit hotter light, meaning South-facing windows suit it best. Oregano is more sensitive to overwatering than mint, so it only requires watering when its soil is completely dry. Oregano is a short-lived perennial, meaning that it needs to be replaced or reseeded every two years.

4. Cilantro

Cilantro is a fresh-tasting herb that makes a great addition to salads and tacos. Cilantro prefers to grow in hot, bright places, making South-facing windows ideal for them. Similar to mint, cilantro thrives best in moist, well-drained soil.

5. Parsley

Parsley might be best known as a garnish but it can be used for so much more; it can provide flavor for a lemon pesto or tabbouleh or add seasoning to a salad or soup. Similar to rosemary, parsley tends to have deeper roots and will need a taller pot to thrive. It needs bright light and good drainage to grow; parsley is used to humid environments and will welcome the occasional misting.

6. Chives

Most often used to top baked potatoes, fresh-cut chives can add a fresh, zesty flavor to a variety of dishes. Chives will grow best in a sunny, South-facing window and benefit from regular watering and misting. When it’s time to harvest chivies for a meal, snip off leaves with some sharp kitchen scissors; just be sure to leave at least two inches at the base of each leaf so that it can regrow, and don’t cut more than a third of the leaves at one time.

7. Basil

Fresh basil can add a world of flavor to many Italian dishes and can even be used to make homemade pesto. Basil craves heat and light, so make sure to keep it near one of your brighter windows in moist soil. This plant is one of the easiest on this list to care for and is even sold in most grocery stores, but as a perennial, its stems will eventually grow woody and die. To keep a fresh supply of basil, you’ll need to replenish the seeds or replace the plant on a yearly basis.

July 15, 2020August 29, 2020

Carrie Ann Inaba Shares Her Favorite Stylish Face Masks

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | Cute Face Masks

Wearing a face mask has become a part of our daily lives, an action we take to protect ourselves and each other while COVID-19 continues to threaten our communities. While wearing masks when we go outside is something that’s new to many of us, it doesn’t have to reduce our comfort or our identities. A whole new market for masks that are both comfortable and personal is blooming, meaning it’s never been easier to get a mask to suit your own unique personality and style.

Here are 9 interesting masks available for purchase now!

1. Levi’s Bandanas

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Simple but stylish, these bandanas can add some flare while keeping you safe.

2. INTO THE AM Seamless Face Cover

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This face cover can be pulled down to act like a scarf when you don’t need it, and pulled up easily when you need full coverage.

3. RIAH Arrow Face Mask

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These colorful arrows can add a bit of personality to your everyday.

3. Starry Sky Pattern Face Cover

These masks will add a bit of magic whenever you wear them.

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4. Achiou Neck Gaiter Face Scarf

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This face scarf can be a comfortable alternative to masks that hang on the ears.

5. RIAH Floral Burgundy Face Mask

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This vintage pattern can add a nice touch to any outfit.

6. Yiiza Cute Heart Face Mask

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Inspired by Commes Des Garçon’s iconic heart clothing, these masks add a thoughtful touch while remaining simple.

7. Floral Face Mask

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This fun floral mask is sure to brighten your day.

8. Popfunk Blue Tie Dye Mask

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This beautiful tye dye mask adds a splash of color while remaining light enough to blend with any outfit.

9. Pink Cotton Mask With Carbon Filter

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This bright mask is not just bold and fun; it’s also equipped with a changeable filter for extra protection.

July 14, 2020February 10, 2021

What I’ve Learned From Quarantining Alone

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | How To Be Alone In Quarantine

I live in a house by myself along with my rescue animals, who are often the best company I could hope for. In normal circumstances, this arrangement is perfect for me; my house is a quiet sanctuary from the motion and noise of my everyday life. When I’m around the bustle of production for one of my shows or on an adventure with some of my friends, my home makes for a welcome place of solitude I can come to, a place to relax and recharge.

But what about when solitude becomes the only option?

Like everyone else, my life changed dramatically in March as the COVID-19 outbreak began to spread to the United States. As we began to experience lockdowns and social distancing, I knew my life was going to change. Because of my autoimmune conditions, being extra cautious meant being cut off from many of my usual patterns of socialization. My house wasn’t just my sanctuary anymore; it suddenly became my whole world.

A lot of us, I think, have a quiet fear of being alone. We’re afraid that things we experience aren’t valid unless someone else shares in them. We’re scared of what being alone will mean for us, will mean about us. Loneliness is real; humans need each other to live, need community and comfort and support and love, and the prospect of being cut off from so much of those life-giving forces can be frightening.

But there’s something waiting for us on the other side of loneliness. There’s a chance to know ourselves better, a chance that we too often pass up in favor of knowing others instead. A chance to feel comfort in the quiet, to relish in the stillness, to see time with ourselves as a precious gift instead of a curse. How do you act when there’s nobody around? What interests are you drawn to when you alone are in full control of your time? Maybe you’ll find something you never expected in the silence: a newfound passion, a deeper focus, a softer and sweeter compassion for the voice inside your own head.

There is another gift in developing a comfort with being alone. When we no longer need to use other people as background noise or distractions, we are able to appreciate them, fully, for what they are. The people in our lives are no longer constants that we take for granted or tools we use to stave off loneliness; they are a treasure, actively chosen every day because of the value we know they have.

Our appreciation for other people can deepen so much when we stop thinking of them as a means to an end, and our understanding of the good they bring becomes so much clearer. They become beloved, precious extensions onto the happy life we have at our core instead of depleted resources that buckle under our expectations that they will fix our own inner unhappiness.

When you’re comfortable being alone, the experiences you choose to share with others can become absolutely magical. When we face the limits of living through a pandemic, our own imaginations can surprise us, and only make our connections stronger. A big, grand adventure might not be possible right now, but with some care, intentionality, and imagination, we can still create memories worth treasuring.

Last weekend, a friend and I decided to camp out in his back yard. We cooked our dinner on a grill, brought everything we needed outside, and set up our tents to give us the best view of the stars.

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We pretended his pool was a nearby lake and brought a fan outside (if you’re going to pretend to be camping, you might as well go all the way and pretend to be glamping!). The ability to sleep under the stars, to change my perspective and spend time with a friend made for the perfect supplement to my socially distant life, and becoming comfortable in my own company made it all the more valuable.

If you’ve been spending quarantine alone, you might be surprised by what you learn about yourself, and the blessings and strength you find in the silence. You might also find that the ability to find small adventures, moments for joy and creativity in uncertain times, is one of the greatest gifts you can have.

July 10, 2020February 10, 2021

6 Ways to Add Creativity to Your Everyday Life

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | 6 Ways To Be Creative

Many aspects of our lives encourage us to think of ourselves only in terms of our productivity, what we’re able to offer to others, what we have that will make us money or prove ourselves worthy in the eyes of the world. Especially now, when so much of our life is online and many of us are more in charge of our own work schedules, it’s easy to feel like we’re never doing enough, never working as hard as we could, never reaching our maximum for productivity. But we were put on this earth for more than just work. Our worthiness isn’t measured in the number of hours we spend making money. We need to remind ourselves, often, that we are built for more than just being productive.

Every day you experience new things, sift through memories and process emotions. You are a unique mix of thoughts, feelings and desires and you deserve to honor those parts of yourself that make you different from anyone else on the planet. You owe it to yourself to hold a space for expression, to spend time with the sides of you that aren’t for consumption, to simply explore what it means to exist without any expectations or deadlines.

Is there an art or hobby that’s called to you? Something you loved as a child, or have always wanted to pursue as an adult? Make time for it. See how your deeper self reacts when you give it a nurturing space to be heard. Life always feels more meaningful with intentionality, and there’s no goal more worthy than one that honors your passions. Here are ways you can express yourself creatively, even if you have no experience. Creativity should be an aspect of everyone’s life, and I promise that you have creativity within you.

1. Creative writing, poetry or journaling

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There are so many ways to express yourself when you sit down with pen and paper. You can create a new world and fill it with characters you love. You can write down memories from your childhood or your thoughts about the future, explore what they mean to you or how they’ve shaped the person you are today. If your thoughts feel scattered or difficult to express, even getting them down in loose prose or a short poem can help unlock new outlets for your thoughts and experiences.

2. Dancing

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Dance can be such a powerful, intuitive outlet for feelings you can’t even put into words. Whether you’re a trained dancer or totally new to it, dance has the ability to put physicality into your creation, using your whole body to express yourself. You can access this creativity simply by putting on your favorite playlist and finding a groove. Dancing has always been one of my personal favorite forms of expression, of course, and the rising popularity of TikTok dance challenges shows that people from all walks of life love to dance and that you don’t need classical training to enjoy dancing. As a bonus, dancing is also one of the most enjoyable forms of exercise and can keep you healthy and produce endorphins that make you happier.

If you’re new to dance, try playing a variety of tempos and styles of music, and just let your body move. If you’re shy, close your eyes and turn out the lights and just feel the rhythm. Remember, in creative movement you can do no wrong. Everything is perfect because it’s all about you.

3. Painting or Drawing

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Artists leave a lot of perspective in the things they choose to capture and the way they choose to do it. Drawing or painting scenes from your everyday life, people or places that are important to you, self portraits or even small sketches of ideas that amuse you can help you explore what’s important to you.

Watercolors are a fun way to start learning to paint because they’re so forgiving— don’t be afraid to make mistakes! I like to start with a dot in the middle of the page and move outward from there. Often, I’ll play some music to help me find a flow. Sometimes I keep what I create and sometimes the end result doesn’t look like much. Either way, I’ve released some deeper emotions that were trapped and by looking at the art I created, I can sometimes better understand the feelings that I was experiencing under the surface.

4. Collaging

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If drawing and writing don’t appeal to you, collage is a great way to express yourself visually by rearranging media you already have. Combining words and pictures you find important or interesting in a new way can be a pressure-free, stress relieving way to create something new. The experience of playing with the way we see things can be rewarding and can even spark entirely new thoughts.

If you enjoy more direction or affirmation, you can use collage to create a vision board of clippings that call to you, putting some intention towards the energy you’d like to call into your life.

5. Learning a musical instrument

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If you’ve always had a love for music, it can be so empowering to learn how to play a musical instrument. With a bit of practice you can start interacting with your favorite songs in a whole new way, or even start writing music of your own. If you’re a lifelong music lover like I am, sometimes there’s no greater joy than being able to recreate a song you’ve always loved all on your own.

6. Photography

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If you don’t feel drawn to drawing or painting, photography is another way to show off your unique eye. Whether you want to invest in a digital camera, experiment with a disposable one, or just use your phone, the world is full of interesting people and places to document. You can start a new album or scrapbook of loved ones, favorite places or special moments, or create a photoblog online to share your work with others. Photography can be such a powerful tool for exploring the way the world looks through your eyes, and it’s one of the best ways to hold onto the memories that shape and define us.

Today, try to make some time to create something that’s just for you. Whether that looks like spending a whole weekend on a project that’s important to you or just finding five minutes to journal or draw before bed, investing in creativity will always be rewarding.

July 1, 2020July 1, 2020

9 Accessories For Plant Lovers

CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS | 9 Plant Accessories

Whether you’ve been working with plants your whole life or have just decided to add a plant to your home, you know that houseplants have so much to offer us. Tending to plants can be a great hobby and even, for some, a form of meditation.

Live plants contain multitudes of benefits; they’re living art, transforming our homes with their colors and vibrance. They can improve our air quality, cleanse our spaces and even show us, over and over again, the rewards that can grow from the attentiveness and intentionality that comes from caring for plants each day.

There’s no shortage of ways to get more involved in planting as a hobby but here are a few items that can help you turn your home into your personal oasis.