On The + Side: Harry Potter, Free Donuts and Home Manicures

About two months ago, life as we know it took a temporary shift. These may have been trying times, but through it all, we have managed to find some light. People have stepped up to serve their community, businesses have pivoted to offer virtual services and entertainment, and many of us have used this time to learn and grow in ways we never imagined. While we are still adjusting to this new normal, we are happy to share more of the plus side of life in this week’s edition of On The + Side.

Positive Focus

In the wise words of Maya Angelou, “Be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud.” These inspiring individuals and businesses are doing exactly that. Check out some of the latest uplifting stories.

• Students at Windy Ridge K-8 and other schools in Orange County are using 3D printers to produce face shields and ear savers for medical workers. So far, the students have already produced 12,000 pieces and plan to continue for as long as there is a need.
• One jeweler in Baldwin Park has used 20% of in-store proceeds to purchase gift cards supporting local businesses. What a great way to give back to the community!
• As some elders in their 80s, 90s and even 100s are surviving the virus, they have shared their wisdom with those struggling with self-isolation and have inspired others.
• To celebrate grads, Krispy Kreme is giving away free 2020 Graduate Dozen donuts to this year’s seniors on Tuesday, May 19. They will need to wear a cap and gown or other Class of 2020 gear. Now if you’ll excuse us, our sweet tooth is calling!

Wellness Boosts

In times like these, we must remember to prioritize our health and overall self-care. Below are a few ways we can elevate our wellness while staying safe.

• As we limit our trips to the grocery store, many of us are getting a little more creative in the kitchen with what we already have on hand. For those stocking up on fruits and veggies, check out these tips to keep your produce fresh.
• The gyms are still closed, but SoulCycle instructors are helping us stay in tip top shape with free daily “off the bike” workouts. You can check out the full schedule here.
• Exercise isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. If you’re looking to design your own fitness routine, our friends at American Heart Association have created this helpful guide to building your at-home circuit workout.
• We are living in unprecedented times, and we are sure to remember this for the rest of our lives. If you haven’t started journaling your experiences, it’s not too late to start. Check out this family-friendly COVID-19 time capsule activity for a meaningful way to reflect on these times.

For the most up-to-date guidelines on taking care of yourself during this global pandemic, visit the CDC’s website.

Additional Resources

When it comes to fun at-home activities, we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re a theatre enthusiast, a Harry Potter fan, an avid baker or all three, take a look at some of our latest resources for getting through these socially distanced days.

• Orlando Fringe Theatre Festival kicked off virtually last week! You can stream their Fringe Today series through May 25 here.
• In need of your animal fix? Wild Florida is hosting #WildWednesday listening adventures, featuring uninterrupted natural sounds, on their Facebook page. You can also check out other videos and meet some of the animals.
• For those who have gotten into a baking frenzy in quarantine, the DoubleTree by Hilton has shared their beloved cookie recipe. If you try it, be sure to send a few to your friendly neighborhood credit union!
• Harry Potter fans of all ages can relive their favorite magical adventures through Harry Potter at Home, where celebrities (including Daniel Radcliffe himself) will read chapters aloud from the first book in the series.
• If you’ve been missing your trips to the nail salon, Sundays Studio is offering online professional manicure classes to help you boost your skills at home.
• The Kennedy Space Center is offering fun educational resources for future space explorers to discover a variety of STEM topics. The NASA At Home program looks (dare we say it?) pretty out of this world!

We’ll be back next week with more positive stories and resources to make this time a little easier for everyone. To get notifications when we post a new issue, subscribe to On The + Side.

For the latest COVID-19 updates from Addition Financial, please visit our response page.