Just A Bunch Of Things I've Tried In Isolation That You Should Definitely Add-To-Cart

Clearly we've been doing a lot of online shopping in lockdown.

1. This Nike crop-like bra, which proves I needn't have been wary of putting my D-cup sized breasts into a sports bra with such thin straps in the past.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

The Nike Indy bra is this brilliant combination of flexible support and looks — which you might say doesn't matter, but if I'm going to live in my activewear, it might as well look cute. Featuring a figure-hugging fit (no falling out during downwards-facing dog!), a flattering low-cut-design, thin, adjustable straps, padding and a breathable mesh insert to back, it's ideal for all the pretzels you put your body through during barre.

Buy for $40 from Nike (available in sizes XS-2XL and five colours).

2. This simple, compact keyboard, because the last thing I need is to replace batteries when I'm in the middle of a train of thought.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

After my second wireless keyboard went and died last month, I decided enough was enough and have gone back to a trusty, USB-plugged model. This compact version doesn't have any of the buttons on the right that usually go untouched by me (though if you'd like the full length, you can get one here) and so gives me back some valuable desk surface.

Buy for $51.14+ from Amazon Australia.

3. This Instant Pot, which will do all the temperature-measuring and timing for you — perfect for cooking novices like myself.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

I was fully prepared not to be impressed by the Instant Pot. I can not stress how tedious I find the act of cooking — but even after my very first experience, I can wholeheartedly advocate its use for the culinary-challenged or time-poor among us. A 7-in-1 appliance — yes, seven — you're able to do all the things with just a single appliance, saving storage space, washing up time and (as I was particularly curious to find out) master all the cooking techniques.

Read more about my experience cooking with the Instant Pot here.

Buy a 3L model for $189 from Amazon Australia.

4. This book, The School Of Life: An Emotional Education, introduced by Alain de Botton — because honestly, there isn't a person who couldn't benefit from a little bit of introspection.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

So, this isn't the first time I've recommended something from the School of Life and not going to lie, it probably won't be the last. An educational organisation that produces essays and books filled with psychological and philosophical concepts, its latest book is a collection of essays that have been produced over the last 10 years around emotional intelligence. Divided into works on self, others, relationships, work and culture, it's everything we need to know about life that we weren't taught about in school.

Buy the paperback for $24 or the Kindle edition for $14.99 from Amazon Australia.

5. This insulated drink bottle, which will keep your water cold and grip to surfaces — everything you could want from a workout buddy.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

Okay, I'm not sure if it's normal to be loyal to a bottle, but loyal I am. This double-walled, vacuum-insulated, stainless steel bottle keeps my water chilled for the duration of any given workout (and longer) and grips to any surface, avoiding spills. Plus, a handy loop makes for a comfortable hold.

Buy for $38.53 from Amazon Australia.

6. This yoga mat, which is a nice alternative to the carpet burns I've been accumulating while gyms are closed.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed, Amazon

I didn't want to drop a fortune on a yoga mat — when the day comes that we are safely able to re-enter gyms, you can bet I'm just going to use whatever is stocked there, rather than lug my own to class. Unfortunately, it seems everyone had the same idea as me and it was a chore to find just one that didn't break the bank. Fortunately, I found it and I've put it here so you can buy it, too. Thick and soft so that it protects your joints, its low price point makes it a no-brainer buy.

Buy for $34 from Amazon Australia.

7. This balaclava, which will come in handy, should you have taken up running in isolation like my husband.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed, Amazon

Constructed from four-way stretch performance fabric, it is made to fit over every face and be worn in more than one way.

Promising review: "I've always been reluctant to go on my daily walk during the cold seasons. This has been a lifesaver as my mouth and nose don't freeze anymore. I will say, you get used to the amused looks you inevitably get."

—Ed Summerhays

Buy for $12.98 from Amazon Australia.

8. This cast iron pan, which is an essential for steak lovers without a BBQ.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed

Cast iron pans are the preferred pans of many professional chefs, due to the even distribution of heat across the entire surface and unparalleled heat retention. This one even comes with lips on either side for easy pouring.

As we've established, I'm not much use in the kitchen, but my husband loves this thing.

Promising review: "Usually, when you put cold meat down, the pan will drop in temperature as a result and then need to climb back up. The heat retention is so good on cast iron that it won't be affected."

—Ed Summerhays

Buy for $29.99 from Amazon Australia.

9. And finally, this office chair cushion, which is solely responsible for the ache subsiding from my lower back.

Mariela Summerhays / BuzzFeed, Amazon

So, I have a pretty rubbish spine — a chiropractor once described it as someone having veered off the road in one direction and in trying to right themselves, steered far too much in the opposite direction. Long story short, even your best, ergonomic office chairs are unlikely to give me the support I need. This lumbar support made from memory foam supports the arch in my back perfectly. Attached to any seat with adjustable, elasticised straps, it is an absolute godsend.

Buy for $31.99 from Amazon Australia.

My mantra when it comes to online shopping:

ABC

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