Being stuck in the house can be awesome, but staying put for weeks and maybe months on end can be, well, a lot. In this time of crisis, we’re all looking for ways to stay sane and keep our cool.

Which leads to a lot of impulse shopping online. I’m guilty of adding a ton of things to my cart, but refuse to feel any guilt over these quarantine impulse buys!

49 Quarantine Impulse Buys We Feel Zero Guilt Over

No matter what your guilty pleasure might be, chances are high that there is a product out there to help you scratch that itch. Since you’re stuck in an endless judgement free zone, there’s nothing stopping you from treating yourself.

It’s for your mental health.

Best Quarantine Impulse Entertainment Purchases

Whether you need something to make the endless hours of working from home less boring or you need to keep the kids occupied to, you know, actually work, entertainment is on everyone’s list.

Here’s what we bought to keep us all entertained:

• STARZ: binge watch Outlander and the new series Dublin Murders with a free trial
• Disney+: we bought this pre-pandemic, but it’s been paying off in spades with endless child entertainment hours
• Board games: honestly, we love a board game and so we stocked up on expansion packs for Cards with Friends and the kids’ version of Clue
• Puzzles: 500 pieces for me and under 100 piece puzzles for the kids mean lots of mind-challenging entertainment
• New York Times Sunday: just the At Home and puzzle sections alone make this worth it for tons of entertainment
• Inflatable movie screen: watch all of your best screening services in the backyard with a fun under-the-stars experience
• Nintendo Switch: it’s fun for the whole family and sanity for all parents

Zero Guilt Fitness Quarantine Impulse Buys

All the anxiety baking means lots of added calories. But some of us are committed to leaving self-isolation with some extra definition.

Here’s what’s on our fitness purchase list:

• Peloton bike: it’s the buzziest at-home fitness trend of the last 18 months, but also they have a sweet military discount
• Pull-up bar: you might already have one of these, but there’s nothing that says you can’t have two
• Rollerblades: relive your youth with a new pair of rollerblades – don’t forget a helmet and knees pads though
• Treadmill: if you’re not really into spinning, try jogging instead
• Kayak: maybe you live near water right now or maybe you’re planning for a future vacation
• Pedal boat: another fun buy if you’ve got a pond nearby

Backyard Fun & Essential Yard Purchases

We all need to escape our homes. If you’ve got a backyard, patio or even a decent sized balcony, you might consider grabbing some of these no guilt quarantine impulse buys.

• Yard games: badminton, corn hole, volleyball – we’re investing in all the classic backyard games
• Swings & slides: because the kids need a place to play since all the playgrounds are closed
• Tents: we’re really loving backyard camping in our 4 person setup, plus I can run inside for a real bed anytime I want
• Plants: some of us have gone extreme in the garden right now, with veggies, flowers and fruit being potted 24/7
• Trampoline: gets all the energy out and doubles as a fun fort, too
• Sprinkler: bring back the glory of our childhood with this retro way to cool off in the summer
• Bounce house: if you’ve got a little more space, pump one of these up in your yard and be the envy of your neighbors
• Sumo or dino costume: plant yourself costumed self on the porch while you work and watch your neighbors reactions to your style
• Hammock: your WFH boss just instituted a new afternoon routine, napping in the hammock
• Fire Pit: it’s not camping if you don’t make s’mores

Around the House Zero Guilt Quarantine Impulse Buys

You’re stuck inside the house, so you might as well do a few little things to spruce up the place. Or, you know, shop for an entirely new place to call home!

• A new house: whether it’s a pre-PCS purchase or a vacation/retirement home, the market hasn’t been this good in a while
• Pressure washer: keeps things looking nice and also ideal for taking out a little pent up aggression with the power of water
• Lovesac: if you’re spending all this time at home, you might as well be extra comfy
• Bar: since you can’t go to your favorite watering hole, bring it to you with a cool place to chill after a long day of WFH
• Roomba: suddenly, I’m seeing so much dirt around the house but don’t want to actually clean it myself
• Pool & hot tub: we only invested in a blow-up pool for the kids, but our friends went for an above ground pool and hot tub

Self-Care Purchases for the Win

Taking care of yourself and stying healthy is priority number one right now. Which makes all your pampering items feel less indulgent and more 100% necessary.

• Everything from LUSH: if I’m staying home 24/7, I’m going to do it smelling good
• Guilty pleasure TV: Melrose Place, the original 90210, Gilmore Girls -whatever your fave comfort TV show is, buy all the seasons and binge it
• Puppies & kittens: it doesn’t matter if you’re fostering or adopting or maybe just wandering through PetFinder, cuddly animals are 100% self-care right now
• Bidet: because being clean is essential right now, in all ways
• AirPods: if they’re in all the time, no one will know if I’d on a work call or if I’m listening to murder podcasts
• Korean face masks: again, I’d like to look nice while not seeing anyone at all

Guilt-Free Kitchen Items We’re Buying Right Now

It seems like we’ve all agreed that quarantine is going to be the time that we all become incredible cooks and/or bakers. Between sourdough starters and DIY canning, we’re all in the kitchen. Might as well do it up right.

• KitchenAide stand mixer: the piece de resistance of kitchen appliances, every serious home chef needs to own at least one
• Vitamix: whip up some healthy smoothies or make a batch of tomato soup, this mixer can do it all
• AirFryer: so that french fries can have some redeeming nutritional value, since that’s all the kids want to eat right now
• Pasta strainer: we just scored one that literally clips onto the pot, which is great for carbo loading to combat my pandemic anxiety
• Ice cream maker: if I can’t to Ben & Jerry’s, I’ll make my own cool flavor combos at home

Quarantine Impulse Buys We All Feel Zero Guilt Over

Be honest: even if you haven’t bought any of the things at the top of this list, you’ve definitely purchased at least one of the things on this, the final list of quarantine impulse buys.

• Toilet paper: because you can never have enough
• Booze: whatever you prefer, you’re gonna stock up just in case things get really bad
• Takeout or delivery: cooking 3 meals a day, every day gets really old, really fast
• Target pickup: if you can’t get your Target fix, you can at least get your most essential impulse buys brought to your car
• Beans: canned, dried, refried – we’re all buying beans for their long shelf life
• Flour & yeast: because we need ingredients to become the next Iron Chef
• Hair dye: whether you went with semi-permanent or really committed, we’re all switching up our looks right now
• LEGOs and puzzles: even work doesn’t fill our entire day, so we’re deep diving these sets – first up: Harry Potter
• Coffee: because we all need to be caffeinated to handle life right now

What’s your no guilt quarantine impulse buy? Sound off in the comments!

The entire US military has existed under a stop movement order since March. It’s placed deployments, homecomings and PCS moves on pause for thousands of troops and their families from coast-to-coast. When we finally can move more normally, what will the post-pandemic PCSing realities look like?

Post-Pandemic PCSing Realities You Need to Plan for Now

As of publication, the military-wide stop movement order has been extended through June 30 by Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. This order will be reviewed every 15 days, according to an April 18 Military Times article. The frequent review could potentially result in an early lifting of the order or might extend the order, depending on how the pandemic response and infection rates evolve.

In the meantime, thousands of military families are waiting on word about their summer PCS moves. There are lots of questions, especially about the real-world application of the DOD’s moving guidance document.

Once we’re free to move about the country again, you’re going to want to be fully ready to move ASAP.

When Can I Move?

While most PCS orders are paused, there are some troops who have been and will be granted exemptions, according to military move expert Megan Harless.

“Some of these moves are still happening from either exemptions, such as being mission essential or in a hardship status, or by exception to policy, such as medical or financial hardship,” Harless explained.

Those exemptions include:

• Mid-PCS: service members and their families who have physically left their previous duty station and are en route to the next location
• Troops who are EASing or retiring
• Mission essential
• Humanitarian
• As a result of extreme hardship

MilitaryOneSource notes that those who are in middle of moves or just about to begin the PCS process, need to remain in close contact with their chain of command and their move coordinator.

Exemptions must be applied for. PCS orders that cannot be followed as originally written will be re-issued with adjusted no later than dates.

“Once the stop move order is lifted, troops will be able to PCS without issue,” Harless explained. “Just to note, each service branch has also implemented their own regulations in regards to PCSing this summer and many have seen their report dates get shifted.”

What Happens When PCSing Starts Again?

If you are moving and are not exempted from the stop movement, it’s important that you stay on top of your PCS orders and the moving process.

“Those who are not moving (right now) are being issued amended orders for later in the year, and some have requested to defer their move until next year,” according to Harless.

Harless recommends that troops also remain in close contact with the Travel Management Office and their move coordinator(s).

“(Move coordinators) are designed to be your single point of contact during your move and give you updates on your assigned dates, weight, delivery, and any issues,” Harless said. “If your move has not started or you cannot get a hold of your move coordinator, you can always call your local transportation office, or the moving hotline for assistance.”

Is it Safe to Drive Cross-Country or Fly?

Right now, Harless is getting reports that many hotels across the country are taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their guests.

“Those that have been staying at hotels have said that many of them are very clean and have taken steps to ensure safety for everyone to include boxed breakfasts.”

When staying at a hotel, Harless recommends:

• driving slightly longer each day to cut down on overnight stays
• send one adult into the hotel room to wipe everything down with cleansing wipes

Harless also recommends booking the most direct flight option possible to reduce layovers.

Will This Moving Season Be Busier?

“I think the season is still going to be pretty active this year despite the stop move order and all the change in orders,” Harless predicted. “Industry has noted a drop in the shipments each week compared to last years.”

While things might not be busier right now, there are warning about delays in shipments. This could result in a longer gap between when your HHG are packed and when you receive them in the next location.

“(T)here have been warnings about possible delays in receiving your shipment based on the number of shipments that have gone into storage but not yet delivered during this time frame,” she said.

Harless has noticed that there are more anecdotal reports of families opting for PPM, or DITY, moves as opposed to relying on the military for packing and shipping.

What Can I Do Now to Prep for My Move Later?

Harless is a big advocate of pre-packing, especially this year with PCSing season on pause for much of the military.

She recommends that you:

• purge unwanted items to sell, donate or dispose of
• pre-pack items you are not currently using
• use space saver bags to flat pack soft items, like linens or winter clothes
• ziploc bags for small toys and items you don’t want separated
• totes to organize space saver bags and ziploc bags by type

“Moving companies have said that if families want to start packing things they aren’t using that is fine, just leave the box open so they can verify the contents,” she said. “Don’t worry if you do start packing your items because according to the Claim and Liability Business Rules, anything the moving company takes possession of they are liable for.”

Where Can I Go for Help?

You should remain in contact with your gaining and sending commands to ensure continuity of orders. Your move coordinator is also a good point of contact.

For official DOD guidance, troops and families should reference the PCS FAQ issued via move.mil.

Military service members can also find up to date PCS information at MilitaryOneSource.

Has your PCS been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic? Sound off in the comments!

With so much of our US military operating under special conditions due to the pandemic, many troops who might otherwise qualify for special duty pay might not meet monthly requirements. However, the DOD has released guidance to help commands and service members navigate options related to pay during the pandemic.

3 Special Pandemic Pay & Incentives You Need to Know

The military is being tasked with different duties and roles, as well as having normal operations and troop movements disrupted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In response to these unprecedented times, the US Department of Defense has released several guidance letters to commanders across the services to support troops.

Special Duty Pay You Typically Receive

Many military specialities receive monthly special duty pay for performing aspects of their jobs. For example, pilots, flight crews and aviation maintenance crews all receive additional pay for these duties. However, this pay may be tied to achieving minimum monthly hours performing in this role, such as flight hours.

With many troops tasked elsewhere or no longer doing their typical jobs, those monthly hours are not being logged. This could remove that special duty pay from the next pay check.

The DOD has announced that troops who typically receive such pay incentives but cannot perform those duties as a direct result of COVID-19 shutdowns, may have recourse.

The Service Secretary for each branch of the military now has the option to waive those requirements for special duty pay.

This would mean that you could continue to receive that special duty pay even if you are unable to perform that specific job due to the pandemic.

In order to see if you qualify, speak to your unit chain of command.

Restriction of Movement Hardship Duty Pay

Some troops may be ordered to self-quarantine in a location other than their home due to possible exposure to COVID-19. In some cases, there may be additional hardship duty pay available to help defray costs associated with the quarantine.

In order to qualify, troops must be lodging somewhere other than their own home, government quarters or a hotel paid for at government expense. In other words, the hotel is being paid for out of pocket by an individual and is not going to be submitted for reimbursement later.

For troops who meet this criteria, there is an allowance of up to $100 per day and $1500 per month for costs associated with self-quarantine in a hotel.

To find out if you qualify, please speak to your chain of command.

Carry-Over Leave Max Cap Extended

With leave still allowed, but restricted to the service member’s local area only, many troops may not be taking leave in the near future. In addition, many military personnel are also working from home if possible and may require less leave time than previously. Since so much of the country are shut down, even in areas around military bases, taking leave may not be high on anyone’s to-do list.

Now, troops do not have to worry about exceeding the previous 60-day leave cap. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper announced recently that troops who are “performing acting service” may rollover up to 120 days of leave through September 30, 2023.

This temporary policy change would prevent troops from losing unused leave time, as would previously happen with the 60-day cap. The change recognizes the changes in troop movements and responsibilities as a result of the pandemic, as well as the necessity of time off for force readiness and overall troop health.

As the current global health crisis evolves, and hopefully resolves, in the coming months, monitor updated DOD policies and other force changes.

Financial Counselors Available Virtually

If you are struggling with your finances or have been impacted financially by the pandemic, personal financial counselors are available to support you virtually.

Counseling services are offered without cost to service members and their families. All counselors are certified in financial counseling and education.

Contact your local Family Center for more information.

Have you been impacted financially by the pandemic? Sound off in the comments!

During the COVID-19 Pandemic taking care of your health can be confusing especially when it comes to navigating TRICARE and the Military Health System. Even a cough generates the question do I have the “Corona”? Other questions can be admin related such as my ID card has expired. Rumors are rampant so here is where you can find accurate and updated information.

Accurate Information

Did you know TRICARE is on Facebook? This is a great source of information.  The latest  TRICARE on Facebook post gives information about using the emergency room at a military hospital during the pandemic and the steps taken to insure your safety. Another place to find detailed information is the official Tricare Corona Virus page on their website. Great accurate up to date information and frequently asked questions. It also has a section of symptoms and signs of Corona Virus. It gave a better explanation for me than I had seen anywhere else.

ID Cards

One of the big questions is what do I do if my ID Card expires? Service Members can renew online.  For family members and military retirees if your Uniformed Services ID (ID card) expired on or after Jan. 1, 2020 you can continue to use your card until Sept. 30, 2020 to receive care and fill prescriptions. If you have a new family member for TRICARE, make sure all their information is updated into the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). You will then be able to mail, fax or email your paperwork to your nearest ID card issuing facility. For more information visit ID Card Online Office.

Telemedicine

I recently had a routine medical appointment over the phone. It worked well for just basic questions and updates on my existing condition. What is you have new illness or symptoms of COVID-19? Contact the Military Health System (MHS) Nurse Advice Line. A Military Health System registered nurse can answer your questions as well as assess your symptoms over the phone. They can screen you as well for COVID-19. They can coordinate follow up medical visits with a health care provider either virtually or in person depending on the medical condition. Important: When you receive a call, it will show up as blocked or unknown. Make sure to answer during your appointment time.

COVID – 19 Myths vs. Facts

The TRICARE website also has a section of Myths vs Facts and I found it highly informative. It has detailed information on why and how to wear a mask and dispels the myth that homemade cloth masks aren’t effective. They are and the site has suggestions on how to wear, material etc.

Another myth is there are no resources for children to help them cope. Here are two: Military Kids Connect and Sesame Street for Military Families.

One way you can help is to share Coronavirus infographics such as the one on this page on your social media. The TRICARE Facebook page has a bunch to choose from. If you do share information on social media make sure it is from reliable, vetted sources.

Sign up for TRICARE Email Alerts to stay up to date on the latest news.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse.  Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

It’s been approximately one million days of pandemic self-isolation. And while mostly everyone is working from home, those male military regulation haircuts are looking a little scruffy.

Ladies in the military, I’m sorry. This post is for all the gents out there because they’ve got to keep it high and tight.

Now, look, no one wants to leave the house because germs. Which 100% removes going to the barber as an option.

What’s a hard-charging guy to do? Enlist his spouse to do the perfect fade for him, of course!

Easy Tips for a Perfect Pandemic Military Haircut

Editor’s Note: no Marines were physically harmed in the haircutting process detailed in this article. However, his pride was deeply wounded.

And that’s exactly what my husband did in April. Suddenly, I needed to learn how to do a zero to three fade on his head. Perfect symmetry was a must, obviously, as well as a faultless blend.

What follows is my documentation of that attempt. Full disclosure: he wouldn’t submit to pictures being taken during this journey. You’ll understand why.

Pre-Cut Research

I’ve seen my husband’s gorgeous Devil Dog-authorized military cut for over a decade. But I’ve never attempted to administer this cut myself. However, duty called and I responded, “Aye-aye!”

Before I whipped out the clippers, I wanted to do a little research first. So I turned to my trusty ally: YouTube.

After watching this guy cut his own hair, I felt ready to tackle my husband’s hair.

Clippers were oiled and a suitable salon-worthy cape was acquired. Ready for action.

In Which I Attempt a Marine Corps Fade

Things didn’t go well from the start. Even with a complete walkthrough in the video, when confronted with an actual head of hair, I felt woefully unprepared.

Still, he needed to meet regulations and I was the only one around to support him. Before firing up the Wahl, I triple checked that he didn’t want to just attempt this himself.

“How bad could it be?”

Oh, we were about to find out.

The first pass at the base of his neck went well. and I got the zero part of his cut done nicely.

The first issue popped up as I attempted to move to the next section: not zero.

Giving a Perfect Military Haircut is Hard!

Fun fact: heads are lumpy and bumpy, making symmetrical haircuts a challenge under the best of circumstances. These were not the best of circumstances.

My clippers slipped a little and suddenly that zero cut was reaching a lot higher up the back of his head.

No worries, I can totally fix this when I blend.

I moved on to the next segment and swapped in a new clipper guard. As I attempted to mix the completely shaved section of hair into the very low buzzed section, I started to feel like I was in over my head.

Not helping matters was the fact that my spouse is 6’3′. I’m 5’9″, but even sitting in a chair, it was hard to move my body around to keep things even.

The Tight Part Gets Higher

As lines kept zigging and zagging, I kept trying to adjust. Suddenly, that tight part of the haircut was very high on his head.

Oops.

Also, I 100% gave him an out from this disaster and he refused. It’s basically his own fault.

Again, I paused and let him assess the damage. Yes, even the very high and very tight sections.

Still, he insisted that it could be “fixed.” I, however, was losing my very limited faith in both myself and my video instructor. This was not going according to his video. Although, operator error was likely a factor.

Admitting Defeat in the Quest for a Military Reg Pandemic Cut At Home

I made a valiant attempt to do damage control, as requested. But what ended up happening was that things got a whole lot balder.

Truly, I tried to make things seem okay. I even switched out the guard for a longer attachment for the top section.

But there was just no saving this ‘do from the inevitable.

Because we were doing this at the kitchen table, there wasn’t a mirror immediately available for him to check on my progress. I just had a handheld one for quick checks.

As I kept going, at his insistence that it couldn’t be that bad, I lost it. Tears sprang to my eyes as I took in the ruin of his hair. I was sad, but also trying to keep the giggles from erupting and revealing just how badly I had done.

Finally, I lost control. There was no way that this haircut could be salvaged from the inevitable.

I broke it to my sweet, trusting husband gently.

“Babe, you’re gonna lose it all.”

He shuddered, but agreed once he looked at my attempt in the mirror. He handed over the clippers once again and I got to work. This time, I didn’t even attempt to use anything other than the lowest setting, evening everything out to “zero.”

Lessons were learned by all during this trying time.

First, don’t get attached to your hair. And second, lean into the bald look. It’s technically military regulation approved!

What’s your funniest at-home haircut story? Sound off in the comments!