The CDC has recommended that everyone wear a face mask in public to help stop the spread of COVID-19. In Illinois, it is a requirement that you wear a mask when you are out in places where there are other people nearby like at a park, grocery store, or pharmacy. Masks are very important because they stop you from spreading germs to others, and if worn by another, they stop them from spreading germs to you. It’s an extra precaution that will help stop the spread and keep those around us protected a little bit more.
Face masks can be hard to find and buy right now due to the high demand. Everyone needs at least one, so it is understandable that stores and online retailers are sold out of masks. 
So, what can you do if you can’t buy something? Do it yourself! Today, we will be learning how to make face masks at home with items we already own. I chose these two videos because they are easy to follow and don’t require advanced sewing skills. There are a few different ways to make your mask at different difficulty levels, so there will be something for everyone! Let’s get started.

This first video shows you how to make three different kinds of masks. They all are perfectly acceptable to wear in public and are effective to stop the spread of germs. (Just make sure the mask covers your nose and mouth). As she says in the video, the CDC recommends using “tightly-knit cottons” for masks. This could be a bandanna or cotton tee shirt. 
The first face mask she shows how to make requires no sewing, and the other two just require a line or two of simple stitches. You can totally make all these if you have a needle and thread! Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to cover your nose and mouth without slipping around your head.
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This second video shows you how to make a face mask that will fit over your nose better, giving you more room to breathe. Though it requires a bit more time and sewing, it’s a good option for comfort and breathability
Stay safe out there, and remember to always wear your mask!

Travel the world without leaving Champaign! If you love trying foods from different places, check out these international grocery stores. You can find  ingredients and products from around the world. Whether you need to find uncommon ingredients to use for a recipe or just want to try some candy, snacks, or other treats that are found in different parts of the planet, you are sure to find it in one of these stores. All of the following grocery stores are super close to Regency West Duplexes, so next time you have to go grocery shopping, maybe stop by one of these places before you go to Walmart or Aldi's and see what there is to see! 

Cookies, cakes, candies, and a host of other baked goods are a staple of Christmas time. Each get together, party, or holiday movie night isn't complete with out a sweet treat. If you want to bring a stand-out dessert to your next party or just want to enjoy some delicious cookies without destroying your kitchen, consider stopping by any one of the following bakeries in Champaign-Urbana to find the perfect holiday dessert! 

Location: 902 Meijer Dr. (in front of the AMC Theater)
Offers: Iced sugar cookies, cookie baskets, truffles, cupcakes, and brownies. 
About: They offer a large variety of decorated cookie baskets starting at just $19.99. For the holidays, they have cookies decorated for Hanukkah and Christmas along with winter-themed cookies. These cookies are simple, sweet, and fun. Learn more & order here!

Location: 802 W. John St.
Offers: Elegant cakes, french macarons, scones, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, cinnamon rolls, and new items each week.
About: This charming bakery is the ideal place to find desserts with a twist. The bakers here are always changing up their menu to fit the season, mixing treats that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Click here to visit their website. 

Location: 116 N. Neil St. & 811 W. Springfield Ave.  
Offers: Scones, croissants, tarts, cake rolls, chocolate mousse, cookies, cakes, French macarons, and seasonal treats. (They also offer homemade treats for dogs!)
About: With two locations, there is no shortage of baked goods to be found at Pekara. Each dessert is made with care, and it shows. Here you'll find gourmet style desserts as well as more comforting treats. They have what you need for any occasion. For more information, click here!

Thanksgiving is only a week away. For many, that means meal planning, shopping, prepping, cooking, eventual eating, and cleaning up after everything is over. That's a lot of work for one day, and though gathering around a table covered in homemade food is awesome, there are other ways to spend this turkey-center holiday. If the whole cooking ordeal isn't for you, don't worry! Here are restaurants in Champaign that will be open on Thanksgiving Day and will be offering delicious turkey dinners and holiday meals. The best part: no clean up required. 

Welcome to Regency West's blog! Here you will find information about local events, restaurants, shops, and much more. Learn more about all there is to experience in Champaign. Visit the blog every week to see what's going on in town, for recipes and decor inspiration, and for guides on what to do in Champaign. If there is anything you'd like to see featured on this blog, please let us know in the comments section! 

See you soon!