As Hurricane Sandy roared outside, I tried my absolute best to stay positive and upbeat. I decided to take the statewide lack of power as an opportunity to test out new products and see which ones I’d love: even if I wasn’t forced to use them. Like how my family found out that we actually really like spaghetti made with Campbell’s Fiesta Nacho Cheese soup as sauce, even if it wasn’t the only dented can Target had left post-storm. (It reminds me of Hard Rock Cafe’s Twisted Mac & Cheese sauce, a personal fave!) Check out my unexpected hurricane helpers and let us know how you fared the storm!

Okay, so I’m a major advocate against yoga pants and leggings as fashionable outerwear. Leave your house in anything spandex, and you’re telling the world you’re either A) out for a jog or B) giving up on life. But I have officially fallen victim to the Victoria’s Secret Yoga Bralette. I stocked up on three gorgeous lacy numbers, and I’m absolutely addicted. They’re totally comfy for snuggling up under the covers as the rain pours– but I’m afraid that I’ll give up on proper bras completely. At least they’re prettier, more delicate alternatives to sports bras.

Not leaving your house for a week is an excellent way to bring back some life into your hair. No hot tools, no important outings? I recommend taking the opportunity to treat your strands to a nourishing hair mask. They’re best if you can leave them on for hours at a time before rinsing, so douse your ends and toss your hair up into a bun. I tested out my Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment mask and was pleasantly surprised by the results. My hair is so silky and smooth, and it actually looks alright if I don’t style it. Which is quite a feat considering I’ve been showering in the dark for a week now.

Not that it’s really important or anything in the grand scheme of the horrible hurricane, but not wearing makeup for a couple of days is really weird for me. I kept wanting to pass my time by trying out crazy beauty looks, especially since it was Halloween. But taking off eye makeup in the dark is no joke. Luckily, I found that the essence Kajal Eyeliner Pencil washes off extremely easily with just regular water: no Q-tip dipped in makeup remover required.

Even though they’re dangerous if left unattended, candles are an obvious must when you’re without electricity. My family absolutely loves the White Barn 3-Wick candles from Bath & Body Works. This candle is the first one we’ve found where the wax melts evenly and smoothly, without leaving clumps of messy, wasted wax all over the jar. And one candle provided enough light for our whole living room to be a glow! We used an older one, but I also found this “Snowed In” scent which makes the atmosphere warm, cozy, and witty!

So, by no means am I saying that you tackle the next natural disaster head on with hair masks and yoga bras rather than batteries and canned goods. But hopefully you can have some fun when you’re cooped up in the house and take every minute as an unexpected opportunity to try something new. A major shout out to New Jersey as we recover from this- stay strong!