THE MAKINGS OFA MORE INDEPENDENT HOME
Staying at home and missing many outdoor luxuries should not stop you from finding pieces that could complete the life we all once had
Life before COVID (or BC as they say it) was the height of having everything at your fingertips. We enjoyed services and places such as spinning studios, spas, gyms, restaurants, and bars. We have seen the explosion of different cuisines and establishments that cater to everyone's desires and whims.
After COVID (or AC), movement is now limited. The new lifestyle has made our home an office, gym, and school all at the same time. Throughout quarantine, we had no choice but to quickly adapt—working from home, depending on community sellers for food, and doing almost everything virtually.
One concept introduced to households during the quarantine is being selfsufficient. It became an oftenused word, especially when people realized that supplies can come to a halt without warning and that we no longer have access to things we enjoy. People started gardening, baking, and stocking up like there is no tomorrow. Some have created different spaces in their homes so that their preferred lifestyle can continue. I am one of those, and in my experience of creating a self-sufficient home, here are some gadgets that were my essentials in the new normal.
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT
Exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining physical and mental wellness. However, people might still be worried about going back to their gyms and sports centers. Having your own exercise equipment will help in bridging the gap when it will be safer to go.
For us, our treadmill played a significant role in keeping our family fit. The Adidas T-19x's treadmill has an NRG cushioning technology that minimizes wear on the joints making it a fit for all ages. It has a 4 HP motor, has 27 pre-set workouts plus target and user-defined programs. The UltraX touch screen console creates tailored programs and has active virtual running with three simulated scenic routes. When internet-enabled, you can access
Netflix, Facebook, and YouTube.
MASSAGE CHAIR
Massages are synonymous with self-love. But since we cannot go to the spa or call home services, having a massage on-demand via a state of the art massage chair will be advantageous for any household.
The Ogawa Masterdrive Plus has 4D Thermal Rollers and Automatic Body Scanners that customize the program depending on your needs. It has a 7" screen, Mood Enhancing light therapy, M Drive Navigator, and full body-wrapped Airbag Massage function. You can also connect your phone to the Bluetooth speaker and play your favorite music while relaxing.
One of the things I like is that it has an anti-gravity position which works well with its sleep program. It combines light massage and rocking position function. Other cool programs include a Thai massage and a beauty program which promotes body toning.
WINE CABINET AND DISPENSER
A lockdown with a strict liquor ban led many to instead have a glass of their favorites wines and spirits at home. The imperative is a well-stocked bar with your favorite bottles of champagne, wines, and some whiskey. Because of this, I faced two challenges: First is how to store these properly, and second, how to maintain its flavor because I wasn't going to drink one bottler per day.
Investing in a wine cabinet was my solution to the first challenge.
You will need one that can accommodate your different kinds of wine. The Eurocave V-PURE-L is one of the best-selling single temperature cabinets that allows you to store and mature your wine in optimal conditions. It has a maximum capacity of 182 standard Bordeaux bottles. Eurocave is the French brand that invented the first wine cabinet in 1976 and regarded as the gold standard in wine storage and preservation.
In terms of preserving the wine, you have two options: one is the Eurocave Wine Art, and the other is the Coravin Model 2, wine preserver. The Eurocave Wine Art has two separate compartments to bring two bottles of red and/or white wine to the correct serving temperature. You can also use it to protect unfinished bottles of wine from any risk of oxidation for a maximum of 10 days after opening. On the other hand, Coravin Model 2's technology allows you to pour the wine without removing the cork keeping the wine fresh. A small needle is inserted inside the cork and replaces the space with argon gas to avoid the wine's oxidation.
DOWN TO EARTH VERTICAL FOOD GARDEN TOWER
One of the things I invested in during quarantine was an idiot-proof vegetable garden system. Down to Earth towers are designed by Nicolo Aberasturi. It's a closed-loop system that allows you to turn your scraps into compost, which you use to enrich the soil to grow your organic veggies.
The Vertical Container has a specially-made compact design that allows us to grow up to 50 plants in 4 square feet. They also have a petite version for condominiums and an option to put two towers side by side and connect a net for vine plants. The system makes your home more efficient in processing waste and gives you fresh vegetables on demand.
HIGH TECH HOME THEATRE SYSTEM
Netflix has been a staple during the quarantine. But since people are more glued to their devices, a lot more problems will arise in terms of the health risk of being exposed to too much blue light. Effects can vary from damage to light-sensitive cells in the retina, contributing to sleep disorders and eye strain.
Because of the extensive use of gadgets, we need to mitigate the risk of eye fatigue. There are new technologies in the market, like LG's OLED TVs. It is certified by TÜV Rheinland, a global leader in independent inspection services, to reduce the blue light content by 50% of the industry standard.
Aside from the Eye Comfort Display certification, LG's OLED
TVs also deliver perfect black, true-to-life color and can offer 1 billion vivid colors. These Perfect Blacks, combined with Perfect Color and Eye Comfort, provides a safe, enjoyable screen experience.
VIRTUAL RACING RIG
Most sporting leagues have launched their virtual race series, and the hottest must-have for car and motorsports enthusiasts is their personal racing rig. It allows you to simulate driving and racing cars and enjoy the camaraderie with fellow virtual racers.
Seven Star Garage Mezzo Forte Racing rigs come with a specially designed aluminum frame with a racing bucket seat, Steering Wheel, TV, or computer monitor. Depending on your chosen platform, you can buy a Sony Play station console or gaming laptop or PC. The people behind Seven Star Garage are former race car drivers turned racing coaches, which uses the racing rigs as a form of training for real race car drivers.
After this global pandemic, we also realized that we can and will survive with less. Perhaps the convenience of acquiring has made us jaded and excessive. But the realizations we had should be brought and adapted to the future. We saw our planet recover and realize that there are better ways to do things. Adapting to the new normal is a challenge, but it will be a challenge to be better.