Written By Carrie Edelstein 

A few months ago, I wished for a break– just not the pandemic kind. My weeks were all seeming the same, “rinsing and repeating” as many moms with school-aged children might say. I was consistently driving a three-mile radius loop which I started to wonder if I could do with my eyes closed. I couldn’t wait for our spring break getaway, our European cruise in June and our annual trip to South Africa. I dreamed of having time to “air dry” my hair, taking a break from makeup and skipping routines. It’s as if the universe heard my call for this much-needed introspective respite from life as I knew it, again, minus the risk of coronavirus. 

We all know during these “new normal” times what we can’t live without– mainly healthcare providers, family, grocery staff (I sure miss Charlie and Tom at Straub’s). Then there’s food, shelter, schools and teachers, toilet paper, hot showers, trash service and organizations that accept donations. But if you’re like me, you’re more likely thinking of that list of things you actually can live without. Here’s mine: 

1) Excess. I purged 70% of items in my house ranging from clothes to toiletries, old dishes, books, toys, personal memorabilia and more! 

2) Paper towels. This used to be a “can’t live without,” but now it’s dish towels only in our house. 

3) Salt. I’ve always tried to purchase foods with low or no sodium, and table salt has never been a part of my life. But I found that I need to go lower. A decrease in activity combined with any amount of salt leads to unwelcomed swelling! 

4) Advance ticket sales. My new motto is if I really want to attend a concert or event, I’m buying last-minute tickets.  

5) Caffeine. If you get enough sleep, there is truly no need for such a stimulant.  

6) Texting. A phone call is so much more personal and efficient. 

7) Rushing. Overscheduling as a family will be modified to provide more time to stop and smell the flowers. 

8) Driving. Once my schedule driving that three-mile radius resumes, it will be a goal to move to a home that is closer to the epicenter so walking or biking is an option. 

9) Virtual Workouts. I miss my Pilates instructor as well as human interaction! 

10) Pandemics. Enough said. 

*I’d love to hear your can and can’t live withouts! Send me an email, carrie@slmag.net, or tag your finest moments @sophisticatedlivingmag.