If you grew up in the 1970’s, you may have watched the kids tv show ZOOM on Rhode Island’s PBS station.

I did.

This was back in the day when we had maybe 4 channels tops on our television. (My aunt who lived upstairs had a rooftop antenna , so her set also picked up 38 WSBK and 56 WLVI out of Boston, which was a VERY big deal at the time.)

These days, we’re all spending time on the Zoom video conferencing app, which I had no idea even existed until after we had started quarantining.

Truth be told, I’ve never been much of a fan of video conferencing or calls, but in isolation, I am finding them a lot more comforting than texting or messaging back and forth on social media.

You can take a workout class (a number of studios in the state have moved online), gather your book club besties together for a catch-up session, or even meet up on video with your crew for a cocktail or two. Celebs like Andy Cohen, Meg Ryan, Helen Hunt, and Rita Wilson are all hosting them for their friend groups now too.

If the idea of some cautious cheersing (and screentime) with your inner circle sounds pretty good, keep scrolling because I’m suggesting a few items from local Rhody businesses, that you can either curbside pick-up or order online, that will make your next Zoom Happy Hour a bit bubblier.

1. Consider Preordering A Cocktail Kit from The Eddy in Providence. They have started putting together these marvelous packs with all the ingredients you need to make drinks like a Grapefruit Gimlet, a Ward 8, or how about a Spicy Passionfruit? You can also pick up local brews and the like — along with your food order — from some of your fav eateries and restaurants. I’ll bet dollars to daiquiris at least one of your go-to’s is posting about it over on their IG.

2. Knock It Off Tees from Parched PVD and Frog & Toad are scorching hot at the moment. But if you want to add some retro glam to your ZHH, scope out The Vault Collective (They just recently launched an online site.) or any number of RI-based sellers who are on Etsy for vintage jewelry or cute tops that can be worn back to your leggings or athleisure pants. And hey, don’t stress too much about living in sweats because even Anna Wintour’s isolating in track pants this month.

3. Whether you’re embracing self care and running with it or not, a little moisturizing (by way of a spritz of face mist or a few drops of oil) goes a long way in terms of looking one’s best on these video chats. Check out Ocean State based makers like The Peyton Co, Herbalicious, JAVA, and Farmaesthetics for one or more items to get glowing.

That’s all for now.

Stay well,

Patty J