Escapes During COVID-19 Archives - Once Upon A Postcard

The Bar’s Open! And Drinks Are On The House!

04/19/202005/07/2020
by Jeannine

Remember, you heard it here first! That’s right, the bar’s open and drinks are flowing freely. Well, not the physical bars, but the virtual bars are open. From the looks of it, we hope they’re here to stay. And yes, you saw that right…drinks are on the house! Your house, that is. Leave it to a group of innovative bartenders to do what they do best and serve up an escape for the evening. However, this group took it a step further, adding live entertainment to the mix. For those of you who didn’t subscribe to the social media bandwagon in the past, you might want to get on board now. The desire to connect is just part of the human spirit. Fun seekers are now navigating their way back into socializing through venues like Facebook® Groups, while safely staying quarantined at home.

My favorite virtual watering hole is a Facebook® Group called the “Coronavirus Quarantine Virtual Bar”. This is possibly the most successful bar I’ve ever seen. Rivaling in member numbers, some of the most exclusive private clubs most of us will never enter. It has over 30k members and growing. On any given Sunday afternoon in April, you’d normally find the locals cheering on their favorite basketball, baseball and hockey games at the corner pub. But today, each member bellies up to the bar sitting in the comfort of their home. With no sports in sight, they’ve adjusted to a new kind of get-together. Enjoying an evening of barroom banter from the best seat in the house! All the while listening to free entertainment. This entertainment comes piped in, live, from the entertainer’s home as well.

The possibilities and benefits are endless with this new way of socializing. Think of how much money the bar saves on not having to pay for the taxi’s home when we down one-too-many shots (yes I too have had those embarrassing nights).

What’s In Store When The Bar’s Open?

So what’s in store for you at this evening out (in) environment? Well, after you run a brush through that quarantine hair, slap on some make-up and find your clubwear (or not…yoga pants are ok too), pour yourself a glass of your favorite spirit and settle in for a relaxing night among friends. See photos of other members at the bar. Join in on discussions. Add a video showing your view from the bar. Look for fun banter, meme games, and live music. Pretty much everything you would look for in your favorite saloon, without loud noise, waiting for drinks & DUI’s awaiting your drive home.

Who’s Serving?

The best part is, along with pacifying that need for human contact we all crave, you can help your new friends with tips. They are welcome and sent to the bartenders for setting up your entertainment. Instructions on how to send tips are right on the page (download the Venmo app before you enter the bar). Some entertainers can be tipped directly. All other tips go to the unemployed bartenders who started this awesome haven.

What Are The Rules While The Bar’s Open?

Keep in mind, as with any successful establishment, there are rules that must be followed. Not following their 6 simple rules will have the “bouncer” booting you out of the group for good. I’ve listed them briefly here so you’re prepared for what to expect (the full explanation of each rule is also listed on the page):

No political or religious posts are allowed in the bar
No selling or promoting any goods or services there either
Keep it peaceful. Debates happen but kindness is required
KEEP IT CLEAN! No nudity posts and no racial posts
No Rapid-Fire-Sh@t-Posting…meaning you can post MEMES that are fun and funny, but posting a bunch at once gets you muted. Keep it up and the bouncers boot you! and for their final rule…
Men should never rollerblade without hockey stick…(well, that just goes without saying in my book!)

How Do You Get There?

The bar’s open to the public and there’s no cover charge (as of yet). Just open your Facebook® account, search for ‘Coronavirus Quarantine Virtual Bar’ in the search bar. Then click on the ‘Join Group’ button. Next, you just have to wait for them to approve you. I got approved fairly quickly (no that has nothing to do with me being a blonde and them letting the cute ones in first) so you can probably just jump right in.

When Is It Open?(and other questions)

I did have some questions for the admins, however, they are understandably busy welcoming the newcomers and organizing the entertainment line-up for the days ahead. Some answers I found in the group, but if anyone knows differently please let me know by leaving a comment below. Here are some common questions you may have too:

Q-What time is the bar open?
A- The best part of this bar is it’s open for 24 hours of fun 7 days a week. So grab a seat whenever the mood hits.
Q-Are there craft cocktails featured?
A-Not really sure, but that would be kind of fun. Our bartenders can get their newest drink right in our hands!
Q-For the full bar experience, is there an adjoining chat room where people can go off and get to know one another?
A-I guess your Facebook® Messanger works here.
Q-When is “last-call”?
A-Probably when the quarantine’s over, I’d think. Although, the bonds are getting stronger here so people may just keep this going (I hope!..A girl can dream).
Q-Can you get bottle service at this bar?
A- No! But you can order a subscription box to have your favorites delivered (see my ideas for this at the end of the article).
Q-Do you have Happy Hour.
A-Apparently so! From what I’ve noticed, it’s usually when the performers are on. So the performance must be the “Happy Hour Special”. The great news is these “Happy Hours” can be at any given hour!
Q-Is there a favorite drink?
A-Yes! Whatever you’re serving (I prefer Margaritas)
Q-Who’s in the line-up for entertainment?
A-Click on ‘Events’ on the page for upcoming performances
Q-Can anyone perform?
A-Scheduling is recommended with the CQVB staff for maximum exposure so contact the admins on the page through messenger
Q-Have any “bar-fights” broken out?
A- I haven’t personally seen any, but the bouncers are pretty tough here so I wouldn’t chance starting one…they will throw you out!

If The Bar’s Open, Where Do I Get A Drink?

So, we have a meeting place, your friends have arrived. (logged on)…where are the drinks? To spice up the atmosphere and get the party going, sign up for alcohol subscription boxes. From the craft-beer lover to the most astute wine connoisseur, there’s a box for every palate. With so many to choose from, here are just a few I could think of that seem to be popular:

FLAVIAR

Whether you spell it Whisky or Whiskey (and they will explain the difference), this is part subscription box, part club. Expand your horizons here acquiring hard to find bottles and uncommon labels.

CRAFT BEER CLUB

Have some favorites on the U.S. Independant Brewers list? Get those coveted bottles here with their subscription box each month!

SALOONBOX

More of a cocktail type? Get craft cocktail recipes with all the ingredients delivered right to your door. Impress your friends and show them what a true mixologist looks like!

Mash&Grape

Have a healthy group with a variety of tastes? This subscription box is a dream come true. Choose from one of 6 spirits-themed boxes each month: Bourbon, Whiskey, Scotch, Gin, Tequila & Rum. Each box is curated from big names and independent distilleries sure to impress.

TASTER’S CLUB

For the wine or spirit enthusiast in your group, this is the perfect club. Pick your poison and they curate your selection from Bourbon’s To Bordeaux. This is truly the taster’s choice club!

Whatever the choice is, stay home, stay safe & be healthy! Since I’m trying to be responsible & stay inside, I won’t be on the road anytime soon (Thank God… that last Margarita I made was strong!), hopefully, I’ll see you at the bar!

Photo Credits: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11

Disclaimer: The company Facebook® and its subsidiaries in no way endorsed this article. They are also not in partnership with OnceUponAPostcard.com. Any mention of their company or products is only noted to highlight this author’s opinion of the company or the service.

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COVID-19 Travel

5 Ways To Escape During #StayAtHomeSavesLives Quarantine

03/26/202005/05/2020
by Jeannine

I was a lucky kid! When I was younger I didn’t always think so, though. I remember feeling bored & having to rack my brain for new ways to have fun. Every morning after breakfast, my mother or grandmother would shoo us outside. Streetlights or a call for the day’s meals were the only things that interrupted our play. For me, the theme was always, Adventure! Sometimes, the way you were raised (learning how to entertain yourself creatively) & things you learned to appreciate, are the only tools you’ll need in times like this. With the #StayAtHomeSavesLives Quarantine from Covid-19 underway, it’s a scary time for everyone. But I think I’ve remembered what I’ve forgotten about how to ease the anxiety. And it comes from my child-like spirit of finding adventure in the little things (Mommy & Nanny really knew what they were doing). We didn’t have video games, we had trees to climb. Streaming shows didn’t exist, but tire swings to push each other on did. We picked peaches from the orchard and caught lightning bugs in jars. There weren’t hoards of people around us entertaining our every whim. We had Mother Nature and her timeless beauty. I was a lucky kid!

Oh, the things we long for at the beginning (adventure & fun). They seem to be the same things we cherish in times like this and as we get older. I invite you to take a page from my book and join me in our escape to the havens we call home. In the quietness of this sanctuary, I promise you’ll reawaken your inner child and find that adventure. I’ll show you, here, how to take the classical elements of earth, water, air & fire to use nature in your healing. At the very least, you’ll get the peace & rest you need as we wait out this storm together.

# 1 Adventure For The #StayAtHomeSavesLives Quarantine

Create A Home Spa – The Element of Air

Why You Need This

If you’ve ever been hospitalized for a lung infection (like pneumonia…which I have been hospitalized for), you’ll know, the doctors and nurses want you to practice deep breathing exercises to strengthen your lungs (and also so they can check your lungs functioning). They’ll give you a device known as the Handheld Incentive Spirometer to breathe in and out. By doing this exercise it helps your lungs get rid of fluid & germs that can lead to infections and produce more oxygen for your body. Lacking a Spirometer & lucky for us, I’ve realized there is a way for us to do this at home. I practice in my yoga studio.

What You Want To Do

One of the first practices in Yoga is learning to breathe to bring more oxygen to every part of your body. One form practiced is called Ujjayi breathing, also known as “the ocean breath”. Which is taught to tone the lungs, bringing oxygen to all parts of the lungs. It’s also believed to build energy while clearing toxins from the body.

Where You’ll Set Up Your Yoga Spa

It’s time to roll out the yoga mat & create a zen-like corner in your home or on a balcony. I put plants and small fountains throughout my yoga studio to center myself in a peaceful natural space. Once you’ve claimed your private sanctuary, the fun begins.

Sit with your back straight and shoulders down. Keep your head up to keep your spine aligned straight. This posture assures the best breathing flow through your body. Sit crossed leg style on the mat or if that doesn’t work for you, sit with your back straight and legs outstretched (if you’re more comfortable on a chair sit straight with your feet flat on the floor). Place your hands on your knees, palms to the sky. Pull up YouTube’s Yoga music. Then, with soft music drifting through the air, close your eyes. Now breathe.

Breathe in through your nose & feel your diaphragm expand. There is no amount of time you have to hold this breath. When your diaphragm expands completely, then release. Feel your diaphragm release the air from your lower belly, up through the rib cage into your chest and your throat, then out. Breathing out through your nose as well. The rushing sound of the air entering and leaving your body is reminiscent of the sounds of the ocean (which is an equally relaxing bonus). And, repeat. Keep doing this for a while.

Resources To Use & How To Use Them

Now, you don’t have to do this part, since it’s really just a breathing exercise right now. But, if you’ve never practiced yoga, you can try some beginner stretches and poses now (there are tons of apps and websites or Pins for basic yoga). I personally use the app ASANA REBEL so I can take it with me wherever I am (this app has great exercises, meditations and music to help you both in relaxing and sleep). Introducing yoga breathing and stretches is known to reduce anxiety and for an added bonus your body will feel like you’ve had a full body massage.

BONUS: For inspirational poses that help the lungs and more information about the benefits of breathing techniques I provided links to other great articles at the end of this article.

# 2 Adventure For The #StayAtHomeSavesLives Quarantine

Soak Up The Bubbles – The Element Of Water

No… I didn’t mean the bubbly. But, OK…if you were thinking of tossing back a couple of glasses of Champagne, have at it. That wasn’t what I meant, although the two absolutely complement one another. What I was referring to is filling up that soaking lounge you rarely allow yourself to indulge in. Pour in your favorite cocktail of bubbles and fizzies . Then soak. Soak for an hour if you want. Let every muscle in your body relax. This is your time. Enjoy it.

# 3 Adventure For The #StayAtHomeSavesLives Quarantine

Catch Up On Your Favorite Reads – The Element of Earth

I love to travel. When I can’t, though, I love to read about other’s travels. The stories give me ideas for my own bucket list. It opens a window to a part of the world I’ve yet to explore. Reading, in itself, though, has always been a way to relax for me. It’s been an escape to another world, another time, another life. I read anything I can get my hands on, as often as I can. Don’t let those precious pages made from the trees collect dust on your shelf, grab your favorites. Then find yourself wandering a world from another’s imagination or experiences. Enjoy the escape for a couple of hours.

# 4 Adventure For The #StayAtHomeSavesLives Quarantine

Write Your Story – The Element of Earth

Everyone has a story and they’re all interesting. Traveling around the world, the best part of any trip is meeting locals, hearing their stories and learning new cultures. So grab that journal you’ve been meaning to get to. Dust it off & open to that crisp blank page. Then tell the world yours. Write about family traditions & memories you cherish. This keepsake can reduce anxiety helping you think of happy memories. Reminisce about your own adventures. Who knows, it may be the next New York Times Best Seller when you’re done!

# 5 Adventure For The #StayAtHomeSavesLives Quarantine

Have A Bake-Off & Put The Puzzle Pieces Back Together – The Element of Fire

After the bubbles and the deep breathing exercises. After the reading and the writing, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite. Rollout the family recipes and start a bake-off. Make your favorite treats. Then grab your significant other. Pull out the old school board games like Risk & Monopoly (oh, God, is that really now considered “old-school”?!). Find that puzzle in the closet & spend some time laughing & reconnecting while you symbolically and literally put the puzzle pieces back together.

Above all else, stay home, stay safe & God speed to your family’s health. We’ll see each other soon in our travels.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: I am not a certified Yoga instructor. I am not a Medical Doctor or Practitioner. I am also not a Nutritionist or Dietician. Every person should consult their physician before trying ANY exercise program or changing your diet. During any exercise, if you experience any dizziness, chest pain or shortness of breath stop any exercise immediately and contact your physician.

FDA DISCLAIMER: The programs present on the website, as well as the associated information, have not been assessed by the FDA. Therefore, these are not meant to serve diagnostic purposes, nor as a treatment or prevention solution for diverse medical conditions. Before starting any lifestyle change, relating to your health and wellness, it is best to consult your physician. Getting medical advice is especially important if you are a minor, a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, if you have allergies, are diabetic or have additional medical conditions.

Resources

In the United States, for any COVID-19 information please click the link to the Center For Disease Control here.

Click on the highlighted words below for some other great articles to read that explain or offer:

Yoga Poses For The Lungs

Health Benefits of Practicing Breathing Through Your Nose & Not Your Mouth

Beginners Guide To Yoga Breathing Exercises

Breathing Exercises To Increase Lung Capacity

What Is An Incentive Spirometer & Its Benefits

When You’re Ready To Travel Again Click Here For The Best Discounts

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