The Art of Distraction
Alison Stripling • September 16, 2020
Has all this extra time at home got you searching for new ideas for staying busy? We’ve discovered some great ways to continue enjoying your favorite interests and activities via the virtual world. (Most are free, except where otherwise noted.) Keep boredom at bay by checking out the websites below.
ART AND SOUL
We know how much you appreciate the arts. Certainly now, more than ever, we all can benefit from a bit of beauty. You still can be a museum maven by exploring some of the world’s most celebrated collections and exhibits, taking video and audio tours, and reading behind-the-scenes blogs from curators. Here are a few of our favorites:
HEAD OF THE CLASS
Could your brain use a boost? Take advantage of this time to learn something new. From mastering a second language or expanding your culinary skills to auditing nearly 500 free online courses offered by such prestigious Ivy League Schools as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and more, school is now in session anytime you wish to attend.
“Kitchen Quarantine,”
hosted by Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura, of the famed Italian restaurant Osteria Francescana
CULTURE CLUB
Just because Broadway is currently dark doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a multitude of acclaimed theatre productions and musical performances. (Best of all, you can control curtain time and enjoy a snack while you watch.) Movie buffs can also quell their craving for cinema by viewing comforting classics or newer films.
BroadwayHD
(free seven-day trial, then $8.99 per month)
Kanopy
Free Movie Streaming Service
Living Room Concert Series
(Broadway performers sing selections from their shows.)
CALL OF THE WILD
Animal—and fish—lovers can still commune with their favorite creatures by venturing to the websites of popular zoos and aquariums throughout the country. Taking a peek at the antics of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians can brighten your day, while gazing at serene aquatic scenes can actually help to lower your blood pressure and reduce your heart rate.
ON THE MOVE
Getting your body in motion will make your mind feel better, too. Of course, talking a walk in the fresh air is a go-to way to get some exercise these days. But if you’re looking to switch up your fitness routine, go online to participate in a variety of workouts guaranteed to boost your energy and raise mood-enhancing endorphin levels. Our Zenergy® collection
of comfortable, breathable pieces will keep you feeling and looking great, whatever you’re doing.
KID STUFF
As difficult as it is for adults to cope with the challenges posed by self-quarantine, it’s even harder for little ones to be housebound. The following websites provide engaging, kid-friendly content that ranges from learning math-based card games or listening to audio books to doing art projects and going on virtual field trips.
Thanks to Kevin Courtney and Nick Otto for this wonderful article about one of our long-time favorite merchants at the plaza. Read the full article here .
What Should You Wear for a Date Night?
Happy hour just got a little happier at Super Duper.
When it comes to side dishes, skip the complicated recipes and let summer’s best fruits and veggies do the heavy lifting.
Trader Joe's recipe for Grilled Kim-Cheese Sandwich featuring organic mayonnaise, muenster cheese, and sourdough bread.
JAZZERCISE + ATHLETA EVENT
Athleta is coming to Bel Aire Plaza! Please join us for a week-long Grand Opening experience with fitness classes, special shopping offers, giveaways and more. REGISTER for all events - first come, first served. Limited 10 per class. https://events.athleta.com/belaireplazagrandopening Tuesday, September 7 At 10am, come to the ribbon cutting and sign up for the Athleta loyalty program to receive a custom Athleta Napa tote and be entered to win a $100 Athleta shop card. From 5-7pm, join Certified fitness professionals, personal trainers, and group fitness instructors for the Fitness Professional Party to stay in the know about enrolling in the fitness professional discount program and other important information about events and promos happening at our store. REGISTER for Fitness Pro Party: https://events.athleta.com/napafitproparty Wednesday, September 8 At 12pm, attend a Pure Barre class. Thursday, September 9 10am - Tognetti Sisters. Christina, Lauren and Jenny will offer a full body workout. 12pm - Crush Fitness class 2pm - Girls On The Run (GOTR) yoga Class Friday, September 10 10am - Orange Theory workout 12pm - Orange Theory workout Saturday, September 11 10am - dance class for moms by the dance director and Spiritleader of a local high school Sunday, September 12 10 am - HealthQuest Fitness yoga class 12pm - follow Berniedette on Insta ( @petiteandtoned ) and see some of latest styles Exciting week of events for our Grand Opening. Don't miss out! 🎉
How to Build the Best Spring Cheese Board
2020 - Gone but Not Forgotten
If you’re wondering why Trader Joe’s Organic Corn Chip Dippers made our not-scientific-but-still-pretty-accurate list of Crew Member Favorites, you probably haven’t tried these delightfully crunchy, dippable chips—something you should change very soon. They’re made with a mere three ingredients: organic corn, organic sunflower oil, and salt. That’s it!  On top of their simple ingredient list and captivating crunch, they function perfectly as the edible little corn version of a spoon. Dip them into queso, salsa, or guac. Or use the bag as a bowl of sorts, and top these Dippers with warmed turkey chili, shredded cheese and hot & sweet jalapeños for comforting, cold weather fare that’s ready in mere minutes!
