Lifestyle
How to Celebrate Halloween in 2020
Strut your most ghoulish costumes, put up your jack-o’-lanterns, and boast your most delicious pumpkin pies. Halloween is just around the corner! But 2020 seems to be raining on everyone’s parade, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a survey, almost 70 percent of Americans celebrated Halloween in 2019. And it’s no surprise why everyone gets giddy when they feel the hair-raising Halloween air and spirit. But how to celebrate Halloween in 2020 despite the pandemic?
They say it’s not the destination; it’s the journey. In this case, it’s not the location nor huge parties; it’s all about creativity. You can still have fun this Halloween and celebrate it like COVID has nothing on you. Here are a couple of ideas.
Hang treats
Let’s start with the basics — Trick or Treat. You surely can’t go about Halloween without the traditional Trick or Treat. But since we’re on to a “zero to minimal contact” rule, homeowners can still be generous with treats by hanging them. Try to hang candies and chocolates from your fence, so kids can quickly grab them.
Drive-in movie night
Although Halloween organizers would prefer doing everything indoors, nothing like a good scary movie in the open air. Just remember not to share bowls of popcorn or glasses. If you miss hosting events, you can organize a scary movie night in an open lawn, drive-in style, just like how they do it in the 50s. Put up a projector and instill rules on car parking, which should be at least two meters apart.
Indoor games
Staying at home is still the topmost priority despite the pandemic. And while it’s recommended to avoid mingling with other people in big crowds, you can always have an intimate gathering with your family at home. Think of indoor games for the entire family. You and your kids can still have fun through a pumpkin carving contest. Make sure you have a special treat waiting for the winner. Or you can also do a mummy wrap content. Pick two representatives and let your kids wrap them in tissue paper. The one with the spookiest mummy wins.
Amp up decorations
Since Halloween parties are canceled this year, there’s no time to mope. Don’t let this break your Halloween spirit. Try to amp up your Halloween decorations at home so you won’t feel like Halloween is skipped this year. Then bake some Halloween-themed goodies for the entire family.
Scary stories
If you’re wondering how to celebrate Halloween in 2020 with some friends without breaking the social-distancing rule, share some scary stories and do it COVID style. Set up a stage in an open space (your lawn is a good idea). Then put up some chairs, which should be at least a meter apart. Invite some friends over to share their scariest stories or experiences. Make sure you put on some eerie music to go well with the story-telling event. Entice the story-tellers with a special treat so everyone will be compelled to share.
Bake and drop
Sharing the Halloween spirit has always been the tradition. Unfortunately, this year, sharing can be in different ways. If you don’t want to miss out on Halloween, but are still willing to share this moment with friends and family, you can “bake and drop.” Bake some Halloween-themed cupcakes and drop them off at your friends’ doorsteps. This way, you’re still letting them know you guys are in this together — pandemic or no pandemic.
Facebook live party
We know you miss being in huge crowds and meeting new people during special events and parties. But if you’re wondering how to celebrate Halloween in 2020 with familiar and random people, do it virtually. Social media has the power to bring everyone together. It’s all boils down to your creative juices. Host a Facebook live party for friends and everyone who likes to join. If you’re a musician, you can do a Facebook live performance.
If you know your way through the kitchen, whip up some Halloween-inspired dishes and do everything live. Anything you can offer to the audience that’s entertaining will genuinely be appreciated, especially during this time where everyone is bored at home.
Zoom parties
We won’t be surprised if Zoom will be seeing a surge in video group calls for Halloween this year. Halloween advocates will be turning Zoom video group calls into an all-out Halloween blowout. You can put on the boldest or scariest makeup and organize Zoom events. You can see who has the eeriest backdrop, host costume parties, share ghost stories, or arrange a Halloween-themed trivia event.
Wrap Up
The COVID-19 pandemic is undeniably holding off everyone’s plans this year. Of course, the topmost priority is everyone’s safety. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun — safely. If you’re still in a pickle about how to celebrate Halloween in 2020, try these simple and exciting ideas. Halloween events may be canceled, but nothing should ever break one’s Halloween spirit.
Starting your fitness journey this year will be your wisest decision. Whether you visit your nearby gym or do it at home, using the right exercise equipment is crucial. But don’t go overboard when you’re doing the latter! Our fitness buffs have your back! We’ve tried some of the best fitness equipment of 2024, and here’s our list.
1. Fitness watch
Getting a fitness watch should be your first tool when starting your fitness journey. It lets you record your daily activities, check the calories burned, remind you to move, and track everything you do—even your heart rate! Apple offers fitness watches that also sync with your phone, but here are some affordable ones on Amazon:
Fitbit Sense 2 – $299.95
Garmin Epix Pro – $1,099.99
2. Resistance bands
Resistance bands are portable and affordable if you’re always on the go. They promote strength training and also improve stability.
Fit Simplify – $9.95
WSAKOUE Resistance Bands – $29.99
3. Kettblebells
If you frequent home workouts, getting a kettlebell can let you exercise with less fitness equipment. It can improve strength, power, and endurance. Kettlebells are excellent for developing overall fitness.
Amazon Cast Iron Kettlebell – $17.40
WeGym Soft Kettlebells – $169.99
4. Pull-up bar
A pull-up bar is one of the best fitness equipment at home. It’s convenient, and you can move it around. This is also great if you want to work on your upper body strength.
Ally Peaks Pull-up Bar – $31.89
Sportneer Pull-up Bar – $39.99
5. Exercise bike
If you’re willing to invest in extensive fitness equipment, an exercise bike should be one of the first things to get. It offers multiple benefits, primarily working on your cardiovascular fitness! Getting on an exercise bike every morning, even for 30 minutes daily. This fitness tool is excellent for strengthening your legs and burning calories!
Yosuda Exercise Bike – $249.99
Ativafit Folding Exercise Bike – $365.49
6. Treadmill
If you’re fond of running, getting a treadmill is a way to do it regularly. Sometimes, weather conditions prevent you from going outside to run. With a treadmill on standby, you can do it anytime while watching TV, listening to music, or watching over your children.
Umay Folding Treadmill – $319.99
NordicTrack T Series – $2,999
7. Rowing machine
If there is one fitness equipment I make a beeline for at my local gym, it’s a rowing machine. This equipment might seem simple, but a few rows on this bad boy will leave you feeling like you ran for miles. A rowing machine is excellent for endurance training and a great full-body workout.
Yosuda Rowing Machine – $299.99
Snode Rowing Machine – $399.99
8. Dumbbells
Dumbbells are the most versatile fitness equipment you can have around the house. Whether you’re doing circuits or weightlifting, dumbbells will surely elevate your workout routine. You can perform different kinds of exercise programs with dumbbells! Plus, it helps you gain muscles, lose weight, and boost your overall health.
Amazon Basics Dumbbells – $14.93
ProForm Dumbbell Set – $299
9. Step platform
Using a step platform is a form of low-impact workout. This could be a cardio workout alternative if you’re worried about regular jogging or running impacting your joints. It works both your upper and lower body strength!
Yes4All Step Platform – $48.99
Yes4All Step Platform – $18.99
10. Yoga mat
You can’t start your fitness journey without a yoga mat. Getting one lets you perform exercises wherever, whenever! This is an excellent fitness companion for your cooldown exercises or stretching routines.
Amazon Basics Yoga Mat – $20.19
Manduka Pro Yoga Mat – $136.76
Getting a reliable robot vacuum means you can lay around on your couch while the cleaner does the heavy lifting! Our team searched high and low for the best robot vacuum, and we can say we enjoyed testing them! Here are our top 10 picks for the robot vacuums of 2024.
1. iRobot Roomba j7+
The Roomba j7+ is the best robot vacuum overall. It features self-emptying capabilities, intelligent navigation, and an easy-to-use app. Despite being loud and having average battery life, it recognizes up to 80 household objects, ensuring your home gets cleaned while avoiding cords and shoes. PrecisionVision Navigation and the P.O.O.P. guarantee add to its appeal.
Price:
- $642.80 on Amazon
2. iRobot Roomba s9+
We all agree that this is the best robot vacuum for pet hair. It features a D-shaped design for corner cleaning, exceptional suction power, and an auto-empty base. Though expensive and with average battery life, it offers 40 times power-lifting suction, 30% wider dual multi-surface rubber brushes, and Dirt Detect technology for tackling excessive pet hair and dirt.
Price:
- $899.99 on Amazon
3. Eufy S1 Pro
If you’re looking for a robot vacuum with powerful suction, look no further. The Eufy S1 Pro boasts an 8,000PA suction and self-washing mop head for unparalleled cleaning efficiency. Intelligent mapping ensures precision, while speed and effectiveness set it apart. Despite being expensive and loud, its cutting-edge self-cleaning technology and power make it a top-tier choice.
Price:
- $999 on Kickstarter
4. Shark ION AV751
If you need a robot vacuum on a tight budget, the Shark ION AV751 is for you. This robot vacuum offers excellent suction power and a 120-minute run time. Its tri-brush system and stair/cliff edge detection make it efficient. Alexa and Google Assistant integration adds convenience, making it a manageable option for those seeking simplicity.
Price:
- $319.99 on Amazon
5. Neato Botvac D8
The Neato D8, known for its D-shaped design, excels in corner cleaning and advanced mapping. Ideal for smaller homes, it offers 100-minute battery life and a lidar for space mapping. The app supports no-go zones and scheduling, though it can’t map multiple floors and may climb low furniture and ledges.
Price:
- $699.99 on Amazon
6. Bobsweep PetHair Vision
Designed for pet owners, this vacuum excels at pet hair removal and offers smart navigation and mopping capabilities. Its quiet operation and three-inch height allow easy cleaning under furniture. With longer battery life, it efficiently covers large areas. The drawback? Its cleaning schedule may reset unexpectedly, and customer service follow-through can be slow.
Price:
- $399.99 on Amazon
7. Dreame X30 Ultra
This best 2-in-1 vacuum and mop offers quiet, self-emptying, dual oscillating mop heads and MopExtend mop pads. Although it has an app that’s not very user-friendly and is expensive with recurring costs, it provides comprehensive cleaning of all surfaces. Its multi-functional base station and 8300PA suction power ensure efficient home maintenance.
Price:
- $1,399.99 on Amazon
8. Samsung Jet Bot AI+
If you don’t mind the bulky size, the Samsung Jet Bot AI+ is a good robot vacuum option. Its self-cleaning base adds convenience. This robot vacuum has an attractive design and advanced AI for obstacle avoidance.
Price:
- $899.99 on Amazon
9. Dyson 360 Heurist
The Dyson 360 Heurist offers exceptional cleaning power with solid suction and intelligent mapping. This premium robot vacuum reaches edges effectively, thanks to its motorized brush. Though slow to set up, its precise map fine-tuning and methodical cleaning make it a top choice.
Price:
- $399.99 on Amazon
10. Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
Nothing is more self-sufficient than this all-in-one robot vacuum. It’s self-cleaning, self-emptying, self-washing, self-drying, and self-refilling! Plus, it uses VibraRise mopping and customizable cleaning routines.
Price:
$949.99 on Amazon
Do you need a good night’s sleep but your mattress is ruining that? It’s time to find a brand-new mattress to relieve yourself of the stress of the day and doze off without a hitch. Learn more about the Bedstory 12-inch Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress and what people think about the product here!
BedStory
BedStory has helped millions of sleepers get quality sleep with their mattresses, pillows, and toppers. Since 1983, the company has sold its products to over 90+ countries. Plus, they ensure that only state-of-the-art technology makes it to their products to improve people’s sleep. Additionally, their product line is made in the USA, ensuring quality standards are met every time new products are manufactured.
Specifications
Price: $369.99 to 559.99 (tax included)
Mattress Sizes
The BedStory Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress comes in four sizes: twin, full, queen, and king. Plus, it comes in 12 or 14-inch sizes, too.
Mattress Layers
Have a restful sleep with six layers of comfort. The soft-knit fabric is on top that helps your mattress breathe. Plus, it keeps you cool while you sleep. It has a fire-resistant barrier and the gel bamboo charcoal memory foam. Plus, it has high-density foam, pocket springs, and base foam.
Lumbar Support
Have terrible back pain and want to alleviate it during sleep? BedStory has lumbar support embedded in its mattress. Pocket coils and orthopedic foam act as lumbar support while you slumber.
Cooler and More Refreshing Sleep
Their memory foam infuses gel and bamboo, making it feel cool on your body as you sleep soundly. It’s also made out of knitted fabric to let the mattress breathe. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about odors since it has moisture-wicking and odor-reducing properties. Plus, it also dissipates heat.
Motion Isolation
Do you or your partner toss and turn all night long and can’t get a wink of sleep? BedStory reduces the noise of joints shuffling all around. It’s all because the springs absorb any noise that could disturb your slumber.
Mattress Expansion
Since this is a bed in a box, it will take time for your brand-new mattress to expand to its original state. The BedStory mattress expands within 48 to 72 hours.
Delivery, Warranty, and Return
Expect your brand-new BedStory Mattress to arrive within 2 to 5 business days! The wait will all be worth it once it arrives at your doorstep.
Your BedStory Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress will have a 10-year warranty.
Regarding returns, you can try sleeping on the new mattress for 30 nights’ worth of sleep. However, if you’re not fully satisfied with the mattress, a return is possible within a 100-night window.
Certifications
You’ll be safe and sound when sleeping on a BedStory mattress since it’s CetriPUR-US and OEKO-TEX Certified. This ensures that you’re sleeping on a mattress without any harmful chemicals.
Recommended Bedframes
BedStory suggests that you can place the memory foam mattress on a platform, box spring, or slatted frame bedframe for an optimized sleeping experience. You want to make sure that you’re putting the bed on a solid bedframe to let the mattress expand properly and let you sleep without any disruptions.
The Ideal Sleepers
Like many products, the mattress isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Not everyone will enjoy their slumber with this mattress. However, it’s good to know who’ll love sleeping in this bed all day long.
- Light and sensitive sleepers
- Babies
- Elders
- People experiencing regular joint aches and pains
Maintaining The BedStory Mattress
Most beds last seven to ten years. After all, it’s expensive to change mattresses regularly. During your sleep tenure with BedStory, you can care for it to make your mattress last long. Here are tips from BedStory to help you maintain the mattress.
- Don’t eat on the bed
- Use a vacuum to remove dirt or debris
- Spot clean stains using detergent
- Put a mattress protector
- Rotate the mattress to avoid further wear and tear. Rotate it every 3 to 6 months
- Air out the mattress
- Don’t jump on the bed
What Do Sleepers Think?
BedStory sleepers love the mattress firmness. It’s medium-firm, so if you’re looking for something soft, you’re better off buying a mattress topper to make it soft. Plus, some sleepers find it easy to sleep faster. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about aches and pains upon waking up or during the middle of the night.
However, BedStory isn’t for everyone. For instance, some sleepers find that the mattress doesn’t expand or inflate to its actual size. Other sleepers say that firmness isn’t enough for them. Plus, other sleepers experience aches and pains while sleeping on this mattress.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the BEST mattress is essential to getting a good night’s sleep. The BedStory Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress could be the next mattress to grace your bedframe. Many sleepers rave over the mattress since they sleep easier, faster, and better. Plus, some experience less or no pain upon waking up, which is a game-changer for many sleepers. Finally, it’s value for money considering the specs. You don’t need to change your mattress regularly. Plus, you can return the mattress if it’s not a good fit!
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