May? Really? After the longest possible March, April flew by without my even noticing. It was helped by unseasonably cold weather, which has been a boon to those of us who are really staying home. Like me.

Ted Kennedy Watson and Lisa Birnbach - via Zoom

My guest this week is lifestyle expert and retailer Ted Kennedy Watson, owner of two of my favorite gift shops, Watson Kennedy, in Seattle (and online). Ted knows a thing or four about making one’s home comfortable, cozy (my very favorite adjective), and inviting, so I invited him to give us some pointers on doing just that as we sequester on.

NOTE: We’re still recording the podcast from home, audio quality via zoom (not complaining, just explaining!).

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If you ask me, the pandemic will not suddenly disappear this summer and give us the usual vacation schedule to which we are accustomed. Our summer has already begun, in a way – as has our fall. Those of you who are staying at home at your summer houses know this better than we do. You might be able to walk to the lake or the pond or the beach – separated by six feet. Us city mice are more confined and enclosed, but I cannot complain about it or anything else.

The 5 Things that made Lisa’s life better this week.

1. As of this past week, my Exhibits™ and I have a regularly-scheduled Zoom call. You may have heard that Exhibit A has his own exhibit, and that almost one year old steals the show and sometimes comes straight to the computer screen and gives us spectacular views of his tonsils. Seeing my brood all together gives me more joy than I can say. (We FaceTime one on one frequently, but I enjoyed their interactions with one another as well.) Since they are spread far and wide, I hope this is a custom we continue once we are allowed to socialize in person

2. Words With Exhibit C ™. When she asked if any of us played Words with Friends, I said I hadn’t (because I hadn’t), but now we play together. I think we’re well matched but so far she has won more games than I have.

3. Roast Beef Sandwiches. We cooked a roast beef, and it is the gift that keeps on giving. We got a second dinner out of it, and two lunches. Very tasty. My first roast beef. My growth as a cook has grown exponentially since we no longer eat at restaurants.

4. Food Delivery services. I cannot tell you how indebted I feel towards Fresh Direct and InstaCart. But I sort of just did.

5. My brother Jonathan took our mother out for a short drive over the weekend. It was her first time outside in at least six weeks. They drove over to my building, and we had a good socially distanced catch up. I am so grateful to Jon, and comforted by seeing her in person.

Ted Kennedy Watson at a book signing - glassbaby on Sacramento St., SF

Ted’s Tips

How to make your house more comfortable and pleasant during a long confinement

Light candles, even in the morning
Polish silver. You will be amazed at how therapeutic it is.
Have fresh flowers. SO good for the soul.
Wash your bed linens twice as often as you normally do. A fresh bed is heaven.
Use your produce as a visual. A big bowl of fruit is a beautiful sight.
Set the table for each meal. Treat every meal as special. Because it is!
Turn down dimmers for lighting. It instantly makes the space cozier.
Light extra candles while dining. I promise you will be happier.
Have relaxing music playing on low in the background throughout the day. For me, it is Classic King FM.
Use your favorite room spray, liberally. Gives a room an instant refresh.
Rehang artwork. It will give a wall a completely new look.
Rearrange a shelf/shelves. It can take a matter of minutes but the result will bring instant joy.
Add a stack of comfy throw blankets next to your sofa. That way you can curl up to read or nap and be extra comfy.
Move your furniture around. It refreshes a room and doesn’t cost a penny.
Make your dining table your desk. It allows you to spread your work out while giving you a different view.
Have a proper cocktail hour. Get dressed up for it.
Open up your windows wide. Gives an instant Spring-cleaning feel.
And lastly, use the good stuff! Bring out the beautiful old silver. Open up that special bottle of wine you have been saving.

Ted’s 5 Things:

1. My husband. Even after 32 years, he is still who I would choose to ‘shelter in place’ with.

2. Our pooch Bailey. You know how much I love our dog! At 14 1/2, I feel this incredible privilege of caring for her in her senior years.

3. Flowers. To me they are like air. I need them to survive. They don’t have to be fancy, but fine if they are too. Flowers make me crazy happy.

4. Friends. I miss seeing and being with our friends soooooo bad! A shared history is such a glorious thing in life.

5. The US Postal Service & FedEx delivery folks. They are doing incredibly hard work at this amazingly stressful time, putting themselves at risk, and still always give me a smile when they pick up or deliver our parcels.