California’s Blends is closed amidst the mild spring weather due to the self-isolation orders currently in effect, but the boutique’s social media and website are as active as ever. Timely releases and content are still rolling out and orders are being fulfilled as best they can.

Thus, it’s not quite business as usual for the retailer’s staff, who are figuring out first-hand how to cope with cabin fever while staying inside. Everyone finds their own sweet spot, and some key techniques to apply include getting dressed every day (in real clothes), snacking within reason and watching the ever-popular Tiger King.

---

Jared Wulf, e-commerce

What’s your daily routine?

I wake up at 8 a.m., take a shower, get dressed and eat breakfast, then walk to the neighborhood coffee shop where they’ve been selling to go drinks out of their window. After that, I sit down at my desk and get to work.

Where in your home do you like to work?

I prefer to work at my desk in my room but occasionally sit on the couch and work from the living room.

What do you wear while working from home?

For me, getting ready and dressed for the day helps keep me productive, so I wear what I would normally wear if I wasn’t on lockdown.

What are you eating now?

Working at home has allowed me to try some new recipes and cook a lot more, so that has been pretty fun for me. Every now and then I venture out of the house and grab some food to-go from one of my favorite local spots.

How do you stay in a good headspace while in isolation?

I try to get outside as much as I can. Even if it’s just for a short walk around the neighborhood, getting some sun and fresh air is important. Keeping in touch with family and friends through FaceTime and sharing playlists has also made it easier with not being able to see anyone.

What are you listening to and doing for fun?

I’ve been listening to the new Boldy James album, The Price of Tea in China, a lot, Freddie Gibbs‘ Shadow of a Doubt and whatever my friends are sending me. I also just started listening to 2tone and Matty Matheson’s podcast, Powerful Truth Angels. As for watching, most of my time in front of the TV lately has been playing Call of Duty: Warzone.

---

Franco Zulueta, content and marketing director

What’s your daily routine?

I wake up early, make a quick breakfast, get a workout in, hit the shower and get ready for my day. My routine hasn’t really slowed down with school still being in session online and our storefronts being closed — my workload has actually ramped up a bit. Every now and then I’ll take a little break to check my socials or just relax and refresh.

Where in your home do you like to work?

My girlfriend and I just bought this crazy mid-century style concrete slab table that doubles as a dinner table and desk. She’s also been working from home for a couple weeks now, so we have a nice little set-up that accommodates us both. We put it by the biggest window in our apartment which is great as we get a ton of natural light.

What do you wear while working from home?

At first, I was wearing cozy boy gear but I felt like it was making me feel really lazy. I realized how much of a difference getting ready for the day was doing for my mood. I still keep it really casual though, I just wear a long sleeve or a hoodie, jeans or some sort of pant and Birkenstock Bostons every day.

What are you eating now?

I tend to eat the same breakfast every day, a protein waffle and a protein shake. My other meals really depend on what I’m feeling or how big my workload is. When I have some time, I like to try out a new recipe and see where that takes me or if I’m pressed for time I’ll opt for take-out (from a small business, of course). I’ve also been snacking a ton which has led to a pretty impressive stash of junk food.

How do you stay in a good headspace while in isolation?

The best thing for me is staying productive, and I’m super thankful that I still get to do so. Being a full-time student and working from home always gives me something to do. Aside from that, I think it’s important to go outside, take a walk and enjoy some fresh air. Being stuck inside all day can make you go crazy.

I’ve also been playing a ton of video games with my friends, which is a great way to get my mind off work and still keep in touch. I’m trying to stay as connected with my loved ones as much as possible during this time, so FaceTime has been a godsend. I’ll call my parents to see what they’re up to or chat real quick with a close friend.

What are you listening to and doing for fun?

At home I like to have a very relaxed and chill vibe going on so lately it’s been a lot of bossa nova and jazz. Astrud Gilberto, João Gilberto, Stan Getz, Miles Davis. When I want to switch it up, I’ve been listening to the new Brent Faiyaz album since it came out and I always have a good mix of 2000’s R&B on deck.

As far as podcasts go, I think Throwing Fits is great if you want to just laugh and have a good time. Other podcasts I’ve been listening to are The Bill Simmons Podcast and Blamo!

My girlfriend and I just finished both seasons of All American and we’re just starting to dive into Tiger King. I’ve been missing basketball a ton since the NBA was put on pause so every now and then I’ll hit up YouTube and watch some old highlights and basketball stuff.