Deuces, 2020.

Let’s end this.

This year brought its fair share of challenges and hardships, and then some — we resolved to make the most of the remaining weeks by taking care of others and remembering to take care of ourselves. Get through the last month of 2020 (even though it still feels like the last days of March) with a daily dose of some of our favorite things. From fun recipes to thought-provoking documentaries, we've got just what you need to finish off the year.

  1. Hidden Holiday Gems

    December 21 st

    We're officially to that point: Just when it seems like holiday music could never get old, it does. We've compiled some of our favorite niche, underrated, back-road, and slightly obscure holiday songs from across the decades.

  2. cake

    December 22 nd

    You may have heard of the Yule log, which traditionally is burnt for good fortune and protection — and is definitely not edible. We'd like to introduce to you the Black Forest Yule Stump Cake, which is very much edible and delicious. Bake for your family or friends. (PS: Also, don't forget about those going through a tough time this holiday season. Consider giving to the Greater Lansing Food Bank to extend good tidings throughout our community.)

  3. December 23 rd

    We're putting the debate to rest: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Luckily, there are statisticians to figure that out. Yippie-kay-yay [Gretchen-like whisper here].

  4. phone bg

    December 24 th

    'Tis the season of new beginnings, switching things up, and fresh backgrounds. We've whipped up two different downloadable phone backgrounds with some words of wisdom to brighten your days. Onwards and upwards, friends!

    phone-green.jpg phone-orange.jpg
  5. mimosa

    December 25 th

    It's festive time, folks! Celebrate with The Speak Easy Podcast's recently featured cocktail, the Cranberry Mimosa. Mix together cranberry juice, champagne, and ginger ale or ginger beer, and garnish with sugared cranberries. For a mocktail version, substitute St. Julian's Sparkling White Juice for the champagne. Happy holidays!

  6. Sugar Scrub

    December 26 th

    Take a minute for mindfulness and, of course, skincare with a one-of-a-kind sugar scrub. Sugar scrubs are ideal for exfoliating and hydrating the skin. Rosie shares a DIY sugar scrub recipe to relax body, mind, and soul on our blog.

  7. December 27 th

    Plants are all-around MVPs, for the sake of your well-being and indoor air quality. Plus it's kinda nice to be around green stuff, especially in the wintertime. Here's a guide to keeping your plants (and thus you) thriving.

  8. December 28 th

    Along with gifts beneath the tree, a great way to cap the behemoth that was 2020 is giving to a reputable charity. Charitywatch.org lists and grades top charities based on the legitimacy and effectiveness of their operations. Even $5 can be enough to do some good.

  9. December 29 th

    Evident from four days ago, Santa is real. And so is magic. There's still time to harness the power of illusion before the year's out. Learn some easy magic tricks to impress your friends and, most importantly, yourself.

  10. December 30 th

    Alright, look. It's gonna happen whether you like it or not, so you better be prepared. Here's how to constructively talk about politics when everything inevitably hits the fan.

  11. noodles

    December 31 st

    Most cultures have a unique way of welcoming the new year. In Japan, that's with Toshikoshi Soba, or year-crossing noodles. Each bowl of soba is hot, healthy, and symbolic, offering those who enjoy it a fulfilling life and a break from the past, along with values of strength, resilience, and fortune. Try out this recipe.

  12. January 1 st

    It's a fresh start, but that doesn't mean we can leave safety measures behind. To learn more about what safety precautions we should maintain or adjust in 2021, Ingham County Health Department has a number of resources and fact sheets available. Michigan.gov/StayWell also offers virtual support groups for those looking for counseling or mental health guidance during this time. In short: Keep washin' those hands. Keep wearin' that mask. And keep up the good work — for all of us.

  13. books

    January 2 nd

    Here at Redhead, we always have a wealth of new book recs. If you've resolved to read more this year, give some of our staff favorites a try with our 2020 Book Recommendations list.

  14. January 3 rd

    There are more than 6,600 state parks around the U.S. – so, chances are, there's one near you regardless of wherever you've landed. Locate a state park near you and enjoy that crisp winter air – it's cheaper (and more enjoyable) than cryotherapy.

  15. documentaries

    January 4 th

    We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Netflix should let you make playlists. But they don't. So, we took it upon ourselves to curate our favorite documentaries and docuseries across all the many streaming platforms. (It's productive because you're learning, right?)

  16. January 5 th

    Take a couple of minutes today to exercise your brain — and, you know, become more informed about global climate change in the process. TED released a series of quick, insightful scientific tidbits narrated by Kristen Bell + Giant Ant. From "Why is the world warming up?" to "Why is 1.5 degrees such a big deal?" this miniseries gives brief answers to some of the key questions about climate change. Want even more science? We can't recommend Bill Nye's TikTok enough. (That's right — Bill Nye and TikTok in the same sentence.)

  17. Zoom BG

    January 6 th

    No time to stash that background clutter before your next Zoom meeting? Don't sweat – we've all been there. More times than we can count. We whipped up some handy Zoom backgrounds to set the stage for your next meeting. Just don't forget to take yourself off mute.

    zoom1.jpg zoom2.jpg

  18. January 7 th

    Your daily task: Find a pen pal! Write A Prisoner connects inmates with pen pals as a way to find mentors, legal aid, educational opportunities, employment options, or just someone to chat with. Research from the Federal Bureau of Prisons shows that inmates who establish and maintain positive contacts outside of prison walls and seek normalization through friendship are less likely to re-offend. Take a sec to find your next pen pal.

  19. food

    January 8 th

    Shopping local can be tasty. Grab takeout from a local restaurant you've never tried before. Carry Out Michigan provides up-to-date info on local restaurants offering takeout right now. We're getting hungry just looking at their site.

  20. January 9 th

    Wanderlust took on a new meaning this year. Your suitcase might be gathering dust, but your brain doesn't have to. Check out Mental Floss's list of 12 World-Class Museums You Can Visit Online. From a free virtual tour of Egyptian antiques at the Louvre to 360-degree views of dinosaurs at the Smithsonian, every night can be a night at a museum.

  21. January 10 th

    Even when the world seems to have stalled, the demand for blood donations hasn't. The American Red Cross has a constant need for blood and platelet donations – find a blood drive or donation location near you, and make a commitment to give if you can.

  22. January 11 th

    We can all use a laugh these days. Reminisce about the good ol' days of folding cootie catchers at recess with Redhead's very own Corny Joke Cootie Catcher. Download, print, fold, and share a pun. (Be warned: These jokes are drenched in cheese.)

  23. January 12 th

    Two-thirds of Americans don't know what a Roth IRA is, according to 401K Specialist. Do you? Take ten minutes to see how setting up a Roth IRA can start your year off right. Check out these suggestions from the IRS, or this video if that's more your style. We know, we know — it's not overly glamorous. But your future self will thank you.

  24. soap

    January 13 th

    If you're like us, chances are you've washed your hands at least twelve times so far today. Give your handwashing experience a personalized touch by trying your hand at soap-making! It's the new sourdough.

  25. January 14 th

    Winter is always a tough time for people experiencing homelessness — but this year adds another layer of difficulty to the equation. Take a few minutes to read this list of simple ways you can help unhoused people in your community, and consider giving to Child and Family Charities, which offers support for youth and families without housing in Ingham County.

  26. January 15 th

    If you're like some of us at Redhead, chances are you resolved to spend quarantine learning a new language back in March, and you may or may not have carried out that goal. But there's still time! Spend a few minutes today learning a few key phrases in American Sign Language.

  27. tea

    January 16 th

    C.S. Lewis famously said, "You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” Aside from this quote being incredibly cottagecore, it reminds us of one of our favorite drink recipes from The Speak Easy Podcast, the London Fog Latte. If you're a fan of lavender, vanilla, and everything cozy, you'll want to give this recipe a try.

  28. January 17 th

    Let's face it: Our lives are very online these days. From virtual learning to Zoom happy hours, how can we make sure our cybersecurity is in check? Luckily, Redhead's very own web dev Jake has a wealth of knowledge to share on everything from malware to ransomware to ... pretty much any other -ware. Check out "Quick Cybersecurity Tips for 2021" on our blog.

  29. January 18 th

    Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg served on the United States Supreme Court from 1993 until her death on September 18, 2020. During that time, she fought against adversity, ruffled feathers that were in desperate need of ruffling, and overall was a voice for underrepresented populations. Honor the Notorious RBG's legacy with this DIY crochet collar pattern, which is doable for anyone with beginner crochet skills and a deep appreciation of dissenting opinions.

  30. January 19 th

    Out with the old, in with the new. Today of all days, we're taking a moment to cleanse our spaces and, basically, take out the trash. From tidying up for the Chinese Lunar New Year to the smudging ceremonies of Indigenous communities across the Americas, learn more about cleansing and renewal rituals from around the world and the significance behind them.

  31. shirt

    January 20 th

    Today's the day, you made it! We never thought this day would come but, praise be, here we are. Celebrate a new start with a fresh t-shirt from one of our favorite Michigan-based artists, Aaron McCall. Here's to soft tees and four refreshing years. Thanks for following along, friends.