Here’s a list of highly-rated and affordable skincare. Each item has some more information about the product and why I think it might work for you.
Don’t forget to always wash your hands before you start your skincare routine.

Note: If you want to learn more about your skin and get personalized suggestions for products, there’s only one solid way to get it: a dermatologist! See if an appointment would be covered by your insurance, or if you don’t have insurance, call a dermatologist office and see how much it would cost out of pocket.

These product prices will range from $7 – $19!

Cleansers

1. Cetaphil: Daily Facial Cleanser $10

This is one of the first things my dermatologist recommended for me when I went in for an appointment. Dermatologists around the country recommend Cetaphil because of its clean ingredient list and affordability. Cetaphil is a great brand for sensitive skin or if you’re looking for a product that does not clog pores. There are rave reviews both on amazon and on Cetaphil’s website.

2. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash $7

This wash is very popular among those looking for a cleanser that will help their acne-prone skin, and it makes sense, seeing how this wash is oil-free and it’s active ingredient is salicylic acid. It’s packaging also states that it’s dermatologist recommended.

3. Innisfree Green Tea Cleansing Foam $10

This cleanser recently came on my radar when I was browsing a few bloggers’ “Top 10” lists of favorite, cheap skincare. The cleanser comes out as a foam and is infused with Jeju Green Tea Extract from “on innisfree’s USDA-certified organic (Control Union Certifications CUC) fields on Jeju Island, Korea for skin that feels clean, soft, and hydrated,” according to the website. The cleanser is also vegan!

Acne Treatments

1. Mighty Patch Original – Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Patch Spot Treatment $12 

I definitely had to look up some articles before I placed this product on the list, solely because I did not know how effective sticker-like dots were for acne. After reading Cosmopolitan’s informative article, I saw that while they’re obviously not the cure-all for acne, hydrocolloid patches help regenerate skin and soak up harmful oils that can cause pimples.

2. Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment $7

This treatment reduces and treats pimples in as little as four hours, and while I have not tried this product myself, the reviews seem to share successful experiences! Clean and Clear has been trusted for years to help those with acne and has many products, all available at your local shopping center.

3. Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment $13

This is a topical cream that aims to stop breakouts from within with prescription-strength treatment. It’s highly rated reviews on multiple shopping platforms and the product’s ability to target clogged pores and inflammation gives this product a good reputation. The formula is also water-based and alcohol-free!

Moisturizers

1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel $8

I would not be surprised if someone you know, friend or relative, has recommended this moisturizer. It’s gel consistency intrigues many while its ability to add moisture back into the skin makes it a drugstore favorite. It can be found at any store that sells skincare, and it’s affordable price makes it even more worthwhile.

2. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer $7

Aveeno is a brand that is known for its longevity and moisturizing products, and it’s highly rated lotion is perfect. It has SPF 30 and promotes an even skin tone. It is made for normal skin and doesn’t clog pores.

3. Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturizer $13

This moisturizer also has SPF and is highly recommended among dermatologists since Cetaphil is known for not clogging pores and helps calm down breakouts by not adding any harmful ingredients. The name itself––oil control––lets consumers know that this is good for oily skin too!

Hopefully this list helps you stick to your skincare routine, or if you don’t have one, here’s something to get you started!

As students began to readjust to this new reality, many student workers were left wondering where they stand now with their jobs and if they should start looking for another line of work.

The university has kept the student workers in mind during this time of transition. Students who could work remotely from home were able to continue work, but if that was not a possibility, they would find reassignment for those who needed the work hours.

Ben Phillips, who is the Coordinator of Leadership Development in the Office of Leadership and Community Engagement, was selected to work and take over this project from human resources. It is his job to match students with new temporary assignments.

There are still 77 students waiting to be reassigned as of April 12. Phillips states this is due to a disproportionate amount of students needing work, and departments needing additional assistance.

Phillips has said so far his team has, “helped 97 students find temporary student worker assignments for the rest of the semester, across both the Statesboro and Armstrong campuses.”

Kayla McCook, who worked at the on-campus Starbucks, was one of the lucky students who were able to be reassigned.

When campus closed and I wasn’t able to work anymore, I was so stressed out and upset. I was excited to hear the news of being reassigned, working at a whole new place on campus.

Kayla McCook

McCook was reassigned to the grounds departments where she helps with the upkeep of the campus, doing things like planting trees. She says it’s a lot different than what she is used to at Starbucks but is thankful for this new experience.

Shay Heard is among the student workers who are able to work from home during this time. Heard works as a student assistant in the Office of Leadership and Community Engagement and was surprised to hear that she was able to keep her job.

Heard said, “I’m still getting the same amount of hours, thankfully. We are now doing everything online, of course, from checking emails to doing project requests for people in the office.”

Rebecca Cortner, a work-study student who works in the office of testing services as a proctor for online exams, said the worst part during this time was trying to figure out if she was going to be paid the same amount of money she was awarded or if she needed to find a job in the midst of places already laying off workers.”

Cortner explained the university had set aside a certain amount of money for the semester that she will continue to receive weekly. She is still able to keep her job even though the campus is closed. Cortner was given the option to proctor exams, which she assumes will take place via webcam.

A GS student employee who works at Lakeside dining commons, who wishes to remain anonymous, is one of the student workers who are still without work. In fact, the student did not even know there was a reassignment process for student workers until the interview.

I received no emails from any of my managers or even Eagle Dining Services about student workers staying home or any other type of information about reassigning us to a new department if possible. No one reached out or gave us any type of instruction on handling the situation. Even now, I have yet to receive any emails from my department.

A GS student employee who works at Lakeside dining commons

Phillips stated that students needing temporary work were supposed to have been sent forms from them that ask students to identify their home department, normal working hours, and some of the interests and skills that they have. The departments as well can share this information and form.

“It is hard to say exactly what might have happened with this particular student. One of our largest groups of students that have applied for temporary assignments has been students from the Dining Commons. It seems like it was an unfortunate oversight for this particular student,” said Phillips

Phillips also said if any students have any questions about anything or would like to communicate with him that he is open anytime, and would love to hear from them and do his best to advocate for them.

Though a lot of uncertainty is going around, the university is trying its best in helping students continue work has helped ease their stress.

“I’m thankful that I work for such a great university that amidst all of the chaos can find us a place to work, ” McCook said.

If you’re a student worker still in need of work and reassignment you can reach out to Ben Phillips @[email protected] for help.

Savannah King works for the on-campus Starbucks on the Statesboro Campus

Location

Finding the optimum space in your home is ultimately the first step. And depending on your household size, this can vary from an actual home office to the tiniest part left in your bedroom. There is no right or wrong spot. It’s what works best for you.

Limit Distractions

Distractions are all around us, from our TVs to our phones or even our family. Your workspace should be free of any of those temptations. When you are in your work mode, try placing your phone in another room, so you aren’t tempted to grab it. This can work the same with your TV remote.

Light

Lighting is another important factor. When we are exposed to more sunlight, our cognitive function is better, according to Environmental Health, a medical journal. Try shifting your desk or space in front of an open window.

Supplies

No matter where you find your perfect setting, it should always be filled with the essentials such as your computer, paper for notes, writing utensils and a planner. Having to take a break and hunt for tools can hinder you from working efficiently.

Design

Your workspace doesn’t have to be fancy or overly dramatic. But, if you are a fan of the aesthetic, adding your favorite decor can help you stay focused and actually want to work.

Comfortable clothes

Although this doesn’t directly pertain to your workspace, it is a key factor in your success rate. Many schools or businesses require dress codes that can be uncomfortable to work in. A benefit from working from home is there isn’t a strict set of rules you have to follow. You can dress up or dress down as you please. 

Here are a few workspaces from GS students and professors who sent in their photos via Twitter using #DailyDesk.

No matter where you find yourself working, it is important to create that barrier from your relaxing space to your workspace. That way there is a designated area only for work, and you will be more likely to function proficiently.

Tweet us your at-home workspace with the hashtag #DailyDesk!

Spotify, Apple Music and every other music streaming service is likely working overtime right now. I’ve made a Spotify playlist that has all of my favorite nostalgic classics because staying inside is the perfect opportunity to reminisce on the music of years past. I’ve listed a few of the songs from the playlist, so if you do not use Spotify, you could easily add them to your Queue!

Link- https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6VOhs33GoYhQQJpxKnsTX9?si=9gzqf9XTQlCLRIakr1WM6g

Songs

• “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield

One of the songs you NEED in your back-pocket for your next karaoke takeover.

Best Line: I’m just beginning, the pen’s in my hand

• “Marry Me” by Train

Such a cute song that warms my forever single heart.

Best Line: You wear white and I’ll wear out the words I love you

• “Single Ladies” by Beyonce

The best anthem to get ready for a night out, tbh.

Best Line: Just broke up (up) I’m doing my own little thing

• “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus

The quickest way to give me flashbacks to my elementary school talent show.

Best Line: There’s always gonna be another mountain, I’m always gonna wanna make it move

• “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis

I cannot express how much of a different person I become when I listen to this song. I can somehow perfectly relate to singing my heart out in the middle of times square, obviously.

Best Line: But nothing’s greater, than the rush that comes with your embrace

• “Put Your Records On” by Corrine Bailey

While I can’t think of this song without thinking of the Chippettes jamming out on a rooftop, it’s a bop.

Best Line: Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams

• “Set Fire To The Rain” by Adele

This song is one of the many that made the world take Adele seriously, and it deserves all your respect.

Best Line: My hands, they were strong, But my knees were far too weak

• “Eenie Meenie” by Sean Kingston ft. Justin Bieber

One of my fav JB songs, quite iconic, if I do say so myself.

Best Line: Can’t make up your mind, mind, mind, mind, mind

• “Lucky” by Jason Mraz

This is one of the sweetest songs I’ve ever heard still to this day, and it automatically evokes daydreaming of falling in love.

Best Line: They don’t know how long it takes, waiting for a love like this

• “No One” by Alicia Keys

I do not know anyone that doesn’t know this song. Talk about a cultural reset…

Best Line: Everything’s gonna be alright, People keep talking, they can say what they like

• “Diamonds” by Rihanna

Another song that defined an era. Everyone and every radio station was singing this song.

Best Line: You’re a shooting star I see, a vision of ecstasy

• “Beautiful Soul” by Jesse McCartney

This song introduced me to the amazing-ness that Jesse McCartney. I still have a childhood crush on this wholesome man.

Best Line: I don’t want my love to go to waste, I want you and your beautiful soul

• “ Like A Boy” by Ciara

You probably remember this one from middle school.

Best Line: If I played you like a toy, Sometimes I wish I could act like a boy

• “…Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears

This song put Spears on the map and is one of the greatest throwback songs to date.

Best Line: My loneliness is killing me (and I)

• “Animal” by Neon Trees

I turn into a literal rockstar when this song comes on, and it’s the greatest feeling.

Best Line: And I’m afraid I won’t get out alive, No, I won’t sleep tonight

• “No Scrubs” by TLC

This song makes me remember my worth and how powerful TLC was.

Best Line: Hanging out the passenger side,Of his best friend’s ride, Trying to holler at me

• “Wannabe” by Spice Girls

One of my favorite songs to sing with my friends. I think it brings us closer every time.

Best Line: If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends

The list continues!  Take a look at 70+ more on the Spotify playlist (linked above).

At the beginning of April, Tinder released this statement under the “Passport” section on its website: “A message for our community: In these trying times, while we all know we need to stay home, this doesn’t mean we have to be alone with our thoughts. Having someone to talk to can make a world of difference. And that’s why we decided that starting this week we’ll make our Passport feature, free to everyone, everywhere.”

If you are planning to take advantage of this feature, here is everything you need to know: 

1. It’s free 

From now through April 30, Tinder has made its Passport feature free. This is normally a feature you can only get on Tinder Plus & Gold subscriptions. 

Make sure that your app is on the latest update to get the passport feature for no cost. 

2. How to Change your location

Go to settings – Location (under “discovery”) – Add a new location – Search (put in your new location)

3. You can travel anywhere in the world

Visit France, New York, Italy or even your college hometown. There’s no limit to how many places you can visit, so use your (virtual) passport and go crazy!

“People you’ve liked while using the Passport feature may see your profile up to 24 hours after you’ve changed your location(s),” according to Tinder. 

Note: You can only visit one place at a time 

4. This is your chance to practice the languages you’ve been learning in your classes

Did you spend three years learning Spanish in high school? Have you taken six credit hours of French in college? Now is the time to put these skills to the test and interact with people from different countries. 

5. It may be a good idea to put your home country in your bio

As you travel to different countries, it’s a good idea to let others know where you’re from, whether through a flag emoji of your home country, a comment like “I’m trying to practice my French. Will you help me out?”, or just telling them straight up that you’re from [insert country]. This may help when going to foreign locations and trying to communicate via Google Translate. 

6. Reconnect with people from your college town or hometown 

Many people have gone home to be with family, while others have stayed in their college town. Whichever one of these situations you are in, it’s likely that you’re missing the other. With the Passport feature, however, you’re able to reconnect with people in the places you call home. 

7. Talk to others who are going through the same thing 

This pandemic is affecting everyone, everywhere. Having someone to talk to about it during this difficult time can make you feel less alone. 

What are you waiting for? Take your virtual passport and travel to all the places you’ve been dreaming of going–at no cost to you! 

If you or a loved one are going through a loss caused by COVID-19, Dr. Lauren Patterson, assistant director of outreach and community engagement for the Counseling Center at Georgia Southern, said in an email that we must remember that grief is an individualized experience, and that there is no wrong or right way to grieve. Some common feelings caused by grief are shock/numbness, denial, sadness, shame, guilt and anxiety. 

“It can be helpful to identify and express these emotions , take care of yourself, manage stress, and-or seek professional help as needed” said Patterson. 

For those who suffer mental illnesses that get worse when cooped up inside all day, Patterson said that since each person’s experience with stressful situations is different, individuals may benefit from creating a self-care plan. 

“Individuals may find it beneficial to create holistic plans that address a myriad of physical and emotional needs tailored to their situation” said Patterson.

 One could include continuing medications as prescribed and seeking treatment via telehealth in their routine said Patterson.

Patterson also shared some tips from the CDC to help people with avoiding a mentally unwell state. The CDC’s website said that taking a break from the news is one way to avoid falling into a mentally unwell state. The website also suggests things like taking care of your physical health (eat well, exercise, etc.) as well as engaging in activities such as a hobby or an interest. The CDC list also recommends seeking social support.

For those who are extroverts, this time of isolation could be difficult. 

“Social distancing does not have to mean social isolation” Patterson said. 

She referenced a list by Active Minds of ways to connect with other people without coming into physical contact with them. A few of the suggestions include virtual trivia nights, social media challenges, group check-ins or meditations and many more. It is times like these when the world’s advancement with technology is appreciated. 

A lot of students had to uproot their lives and move back home due to the college closing or losing jobs, and they had to change their day-to-day routine. 

Patterson said that change, both good and bad, can be difficult.

“It’s important to remember that all feelings are valid and taking time to attend to those feelings may be necessary,” she said. 

The Counseling Center website offers a list of quick resources for mental health as well as hotlines. 

They also offer a page with more information on coping with grief and loss: https://students.georgiasouthern.edu/counseling/resources/tragedy-resources/

The counseling center is also working out phone call appointments as well as group telemental health therapy sessions. 

If you or another student are having difficulties during this time, the Statesboro Counseling Center number is (912) 478-5541, and Armstrong’s is (912) 344-2529. Always remember that your feelings are valid and the Counseling Center is here to help.

Given we are all either in self-quarantine, lockdown or trying our best to social distance–when’s a better time to get your health back on track?

It’s easy to forget that there are little things you can do every day to stay healthy, even if you cannot go outside. The following is a list of some activities, habits and advice you can take up while you spend your time at home.

1. Utilize The Fitness Side Of YouTube

While I’m sure YouTube is streaming overtime nowadays, there is so much more to it than juicy rants and makeup tutorials. There are a lot of really good workout videos on YouTube, all ranging in difficulty and length, so it can be easy to find the one best for you. Some of my favorite workout channels are POPSUGAR Fitness, MadFit and OfficialTheNX

2. Download The App SuperCook

One of the most frustrating things is looking at a full fridge but not knowing what to do with it. Even if you’re not a chef, the app SuperCook can help! Using SuperCook, you can type in the ingredients you have, and it will find recipes for you. You can also search for a recipe that you have been wanting to try. Cooking up what’s in your pantry or fridge is healthier than ordering takeout or eating a frozen meal, and it’s more fun.

3. Try Out Yoga Or Meditation

There is a lot of stress that comes along with experiencing a pandemic, no matter how many degrees of separation there might be between you and the actual coronavirus. With school and housing adjustments, introducing some yoga or meditation in your life can help you stay calm and healthy. Taking five minutes every day to just breathe, with your eyes closed, can do wonders! If you want to try yoga, the YouTube channel YogaWithAdriene is a great place to turn to.

4. Remember To Drink Your Water

Remember to drink your water while you are relaxing on the couch, binge-watching a TV show or getting some homework done. It’s a refreshingly easy way to stay healthy, no matter what you’re doing in the meantime.

5. Don’t Forget About Your Fruits And Veggies

When you’re stuck in the house, it’s easy to only eat snacks and frozen meals. No one is saying that you can’t have those, but try to work in an apple or a side salad every now and then. If you have a hard time finding certain vegetables palatable, try adding different seasonings or sauces to add more flavor!

Hopefully this list gives you some ideas to spice up and energize your time at home!

Being required to stay at home all day encourages sleeping and eating all day long, but here are a few tips to keep you out of a rut to keep you not only mentally healthy but also help keep you physically healthy. 

Here are five ways to avoid falling into a quarantine slump.

Stick to a schedule 

This will help provide some stability in this time of uncertainty. Try to wake up at a decent time every day and go ahead and get ready for the day, regardless of if you plan on leaving the house or not. This will help get you up and moving and keep you from sleeping all day. 

Find a new hobby

Being stuck at home can easily become boring. If you have something you have been wanting to learn like knitting or guitar, then go for it. Now is the best time to pick up a new hobby in order to defeat boredom and just learn something new. 

Spring clean

Houses can quickly get messy and cluttered when you are spending 24/7 in them. It is springtime, so why not go ahead and do some spring cleaning? This will not only give you something to do, but it will also ensure that everything is clean and disinfected so you have less of a chance of getting sick. 

Go for a hike

Most state parks are staying open during this trying time. With all of this free time, you should try to get as much fresh air as you can. Not only will some exercise be good for your body after staying inside for so long, but it will also be good for your mental health to get out of the house. 

Start a project

This one goes hand-in-hand with picking up a new hobby. You could maybe start a little garden or read a book that you have been meaning to get to. You could even redecorate your room or house. Any kind of time consuming project since there is no telling how long this pandemic will last. 

This is a difficult time for all of us. Having to uproot and change your whole routine in the middle of the semester is hard, so if you are in a slump because of all of this, it is completely valid. I hope these tips help and that all of you stay safe and healthy.

You might not be able to head to your nearest bookstore, but that won’t stop you from buying these books from the Kindle store–or ordering them to be shipped. If you don’t have a Kindle, you can download the Kindle app for free on your smartphone. 

From feminist critiques to brand-new fantasy novels, these upcoming or recently published books will have you laughing–or crying. I pinky-promise to not to sneak in any books about pandemics.

“Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot” by Mikki Kendall 

Genre: Nonfiction

Length: 288 pages

Publication: February 25th 2020

Kindle price: $13.99

Mikki Kendall is a new voice in Black feminism. In “Hood Feminism,” a collection of essays in which she draws on her own experiences, Kendall addresses how today’s feminisit movement has a glaring blind spot. Kendall argues that, rather than focusing on the basic survival of many, mainstream feminists focus more on increasing privilege for the few, which ultimately results in more women rebuffing the title of feminist. 

Food insecurity, access to quality education, medical care and safe neighborhoods are some of the issues that Kendall discusses as feminist issues, and she goes on to write how prominent white feminists can fail to see how things like race, class, sexual orientation and ability intersect with gender.

More details and reviews can be found here.

“The City We Became: A Novel” (Great Cities #1) by N.K. Jemisin

Genre: Fantasy

Length: 437 pages

Publication: March 24th, 2020

Kindle price: $14.99

Hugo award-winning and NYT bestselling author N.K Jemisin delivers the first book of a new series about five New Yorkers who must come together in order to defend their city. In this world, cities have souls–and a dark side. Some are ancient, and some are as new and destructive as children. 

New York, however, has five protectors. When an ancient evil stirs, they must rise to protect their city.

More details and reviews can be found here.

“The Gravity of Us” by Phil Stamper

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, LGBTQ+

Length: 314 pages

Publication: February 4th, 2020

Kindle price: $8.64

Two “Astrokids” fall for one another in this young adult novel by debut novelist Phil Stamper, who got his start writing Legend of Zelda fanfiction. 

Seventeen-year-old successful social media journalist Cal is used to sharing his life online, but that still doesn’t completely prepare him for when his pilot father is selected for a highly publicized NASA mission to Mars. After they relocate from Brooklyn to Houston, Cal meets sensitive and mysterious Leon and falls for him fast. 

Then secrets about the program are uncovered, and Cal must find a way to reveal the truth without hurting the people who have become important to him.

More details and reviews can be found here.

“The Herd” by Andrea Bartz

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Length: 336 pages

Publication: March 24th, 2020

Kindle price: $13.99

In this thriller from Andrea Bartz, whose previously published book “The Lost Night” is being developed for TV by Mila Kunis, The Herd is the name of an elite, women-only coworking space that prides itself on mentorship and empowerment. Its charismatic founder is Eleanor Walsh, who is also extremely private.

Writer Katie Bradley hopes she’s found her next book subject in Eleanor. Luckily, she has an in–her sister Hana is Eleanor’s best friend. As head of PR, Hana is working to prepare for a huge announcement from Eleanor that would change the trajectory of The Herd forever.

Then Eleanor vanishes without a trace, and everyone’s a suspect. As Hana struggles to unveil what her friend was hiding and Katie chases the story of her life, the sister must also face the secrets they’ve kept from one another.

More details and reviews can be found here.

“Deacon King Kong” by James McBride

Genre: Historical fiction

Length: 371 pages

Publication: March 3rd, 2020

Kindle price: $14.99

It’s September 1969. A fumbling, cranky old church deacon called Sportcoat shuffles into the courtyard of a south Brooklyn housing project, pulls out a .45 and in front of everybody shoots the project’s drug dealer.

At the heart of this book lies the reasons for this burst of violence as well as the consequences of the shooting. Award-winning author James McBride brings to life the people affected by the shooting: the victim, the African-American and Latinx residents who witnessed it, the white neighbors, the local cops assigned to investigate, the members of the baptist church, the neighborhood’s Italian mobsters and Sportcoat himself.

As the story deepens and the truth emerges, it becomes clear that the character’s lives intersect in surprising ways.

Click here for more details and reviews.

“The Last Human” by Zack Jordan

Genre: Science fiction

Length: 448 pages

Publication: March 24th 2020

Kindle price: $12.99

Humans normally fear aliens, right? Not so in this humorous debut space opera. Sarya, the main character, is the civilized galaxy’s worst nightmare: a Human. Humanity was deemed too dangerous to exist a millennium ago, but somehow Sarya, the last of the human race, lives and must hide her identity among the hundreds of alien species around her. 

After an encounter with a bounty hunter and a miles-long kinetic projectile shatters her world, Sarya must navigate the galaxy in a stolen ship and discover an impossible truth. 

More details and reviews can be found here.

“Chain of Gold” (The Last Hours #1) by Cassandra Clare

Genre: Young adult urban fantasy

Length: 624 pages

Publication: March 3rd 2020

Kindle price: $12.99

The Shadowhunters are back in an all-new series–this time set in Edwardian London. Cassandra Clare, nicknamed the Queen of Fantasy, has also written other series for her Shadowhunter Chronicles, such The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices and The Dark Artifices.

James and Lucie Herondale, the children of famous Shadowhunters Will and Tessa Herondale, have been raised in a peaceful London where demon sightings are rare. Meanwhile, Cordelia Carstairs and her family have traveled around the world, but, with her father under trial, Cordelia is determined to save her family from ruin.

But everything changes when the Carstairs family and another old Shadowhunter family come to London…and so does a demonic plague and a despicable plot.

Along the way, they will discover the cruel price for being a hero…and falling in love.

Find more details and reviews on Goodreads.

“The Oracle Code,” written by Marieke Nijkamp, illustrated by Manuel Preitano

Genre: Graphic Novel, superhero fiction

Length: 208 pages

Publication: March 10th 2020

Kindle price: $9.99

In this graphic novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp and artist Manuel Preitano, Barbara Gordon must solve her first mystery: herself.

Before she was Batgirl, Barbara Gordon was Oracle. But before she was even Oracle, she was left paralyzed by a gunshot and entered the Arkham Center for Independence, where Gotham’s teens undergo rehabilitation. Now wheelchair-bound, Barbara feels something is amiss as she hears strange sounds at night and patients go missing.

But, with Barbara’s own judgment in question, could this suspicion be a result of her trauma? As Barbara pushes her fellow patients away in favor of ghost stories, she must battle her past before she can rise to meet her future.

More details and reviews can be found here.

Each of these books will stave off boredom, so treat yourself to some great reads this spring.

That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, even with social distancing and quarantining. Without further ado, here are 10 date ideas you can do from the comfort of your own home. 

If you’re apart:

Coffee Date (Facetime Edition)*

This one is pretty simple. Plan a set time to Facetime with your (potential) significant other as if you were meeting in-person. Right before the time, make your cup of coffee and then Facetime. 

*This can also be done with dinner, whether you make it yourself or order it To-Go. This might be the perfect solution if both of you want to eat at two different places. 

Take a Virtual Tour 

There are multiple tour options on Youtube. You could wander around the Georgia Aquarium, take in the gorgeous art at the Louvre Museum or go through the rides at  Disney World. These virtual tours can last anywhere from five minutes up to an hour, giving you and your boo plenty of options. Who knows, maybe you’ll (virtually) tour a place that you decide you want to visit together in real life. 

Binge-watch a TV Series

And you thought choosing a show/movie before was hard. There’s a free website called Netflix Party that allows multiple people to see the same show or movie at once. Pop some popcorn, cuddle up with a blanket and press play! (On the plus side, now you don’t have to worry about your partner hogging all the popcorn.)

Play a Video Game Together

If you two like to play video games, now is the perfect time to really get into it. Whether you want to play against each other or on the same team, this activity allows you both to have hours of fun.

Create a List of Dates You Want to do With One Another

One of the hardest parts about dating is actually planning the dates. Now you both can brainstorm a list of activities you both would like to do. Don’t be afraid to think big, either. Your list could have everything from watching the sunset at the ocean to eating Alfredo in Italy. 

If you’re together:

Build a Blanket Fort

Honestly, what’s better than channeling your inner child and building the best fort ever? I’m talking about using all the pillows, blankets and decorations possible. Add in a lantern or two, and it makes for a creative way to spend time together. 

Make Baked Goods Together

Cookies, brownies, cakes–you name it! Baking delicious treats together can be a fun way to keep company, and it has very rewarding results.

Have an Indoor Karaoke Night

Channel you inner Beyonce, Taylor Swift or Disney star. It doesn’t matter if you’re hooking up an at-home Karaoke machine or pulling up lyrics on YouTube, Karaoke night is a great way to spend time with one another. Maybe you both have a special song that you’d like to sing with each other or a song that reminds you of your special person, which would make the night very romantic. 

Spend Some Time Outside (in Your Yard)

Whether it’s having a water gun/balloon fight, playing frisbee or taking a nice walk, it will be refreshing to get outside your four walls for a short amount of time. Besides, who doesn’t love a good water balloon fight?

Bonus: You could also have a Nerf war

Have a Game Night

Break out the Monopoly, Life and Uno for hours of fun–and hope that your relationship isn’t ruined when your partner plays a draw four card. 

While maintaining social distancing when you’re dating or in a relationship can be tough, there are still plenty of ways you both can spend time with one another. This period of time doesn’t have to tear you apart–in fact, it could even bring you both closer together. 

Have any other date ideas? Comment below!