Frankie T. Smith

10 social distancing date ideas for couples to try this summer

Frankie T. Smith 3 weeks ago

Planning summertime dates might’ve been fun and easy in the past, but as we weather the coronavirus pandemic, coming up with ideas now poses some challenges. Whether you’re in a long-term relationship and live with your partner or you’re a newer couple just beginning to incorporate each other into your social circles, romantic summer activities are no longer as straightforward as a day at the beach or a trip to a new city. Depending on where you live and what phase of reopening your area is in, it may be time to get creative—while also prioritizing your safety and comfort.

“When going on a social distancing date, it’s truly important to talk to your date beforehand about what does and does not feel right for you,” Dr. Carla Manly, clinical psychologist and author of Joy From Fear: Create the Life of Your Dreams by Making Fear Your Friend,

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Long Distance Bike Trips for the Coronavirus Era

Frankie T. Smith 3 weeks ago
Illustration by Kelly Caminero/The Daily Beast/Getty
Illustration by Kelly Caminero/The Daily Beast/Getty

Descending the tight, winding roads of the San Juan Mountains from Wolf Creek Pass at the Continental Divide, I passed a long-distance cyclist with his panier-laden bike, climbing upward at a snail’s pace. The highest point he could reach was nearly 11,000 feet. I was in awe that he was trying it—imagining the risk of not being seen by vehicles rounding tight corners, or facing heat exhaustion. 

I was also happily in an SUV with air-conditioning and snacks. 

More people are seeing longer bike rides as a way to get away from it all—a type of social distancing. If the focus is less on setting the ultra long-distance record of your lifetime and more on crafting your own meaningful and tailor-made cycling experience—which also takes into consideration where you are at, and what your skillset is—cycling longer distances can be a safer form of

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Father’s Day Offers Hopes to Beleaguered Retailers

Frankie T. Smith 4 weeks ago

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Fingers crossed: the coronavirus may actually provide a boost to Father’s Day sales this year — at least that’s the hope of some major men’s wear retailers.

With COVID-19 fatigue in full force and stores reopening nationwide, merchants are seeing some major upticks in their men’s wear sales — in person, curbside and online — as shoppers seek gifts for their dads. But don’t expect a lot of ties and dress shirts to be wrapped up on Sunday. With many people still working from home for the foreseeable future, it’s not surprising that activewear is among the most purchased gifts this year. Other popular choices include tech gadgets, golf shirts and hats, and comfortable basics.

This bump in men’s sales is also providing a flicker of hope to retailers about what they can expect for the remainder of the year. Although the situation

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How Madison Beer Practices Self-Care In The Pandemic

Frankie T. Smith 4 weeks ago

Welcome to Refinery29’s Feel Good Diaries, where we chronicle the physical and mental wellness routines of women today, their costs, and whether or not these self-care rituals actually make you feel good. Have your own Feel Good Diary about how you’re coping around the COVID-19 outbreak? We’d love to hear how you’re prioritizing your mental and physical health at this time. Submit your entry here!

Today: Singer/songwriter Madison Beer uses journaling, daily walks, and cut-throat family game nights to protect her mental health while in quarantine.

Age: 21
Location: Long Island, NY
Occupation: Singer, songwriter, producer, video director

Day One

7 a.m. — I’m back in Long Island where I’ll be self-isolating with family for the rest of the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve been living on my own in LA for the past three years, so it feels strange not waking up in my own bed. I know

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