Shelter In Home Week 2 | Friday Favorites

Happy Friday Friends! Needless to say, it’s been another roller-coaster of a week as my teens began remote learning from home while we try our best to keep some type of schedule, stay positive, and support each other during week two of Shelter-In-Home. This “new normal” is anything but normal, and we continue to adjust, accepting the fact that we are not over the hump just yet. I had a few requests to share outfit ideas on what to wear while sheltered at home, but to be honest, I’m lucky if I get in the shower in by 2pm. The most exciting part of my outfit selection is what long cardigan (with pockets) to pair with either leggings or wide leg lounge pants and a tank top. That said, I think it IS important to TRY to get out of your pajamas, brush or pull back your hair, and put on some tinted moisturizer and lipgloss – you’ll just feel better. Are you in an area that is currently Shelter-In-Place? How are you coping with the “new normal”?

One of the highlights of my week is Thursday Night Virtual Happy Hour, set up by one of my tech-savvy girlfriends. Every Thursday night, a group of us connect to Zoom, alcoholic beverage of choice in hand. It’s our time to share how our week has been going, what shows to watch, discuss how our kids and families are coping – and we laugh. How are you staying connected during this socially disconnected time?

Now on to Friday Favorites, a few ideas and recipes you can try this week…enjoy!

1. Hide your laundry pile from co-workers with West Elms Stylish Zoom Backgrounds | Domino.com (HERE)

Video conference meetings are a window inside everyone’s homes, so when you aren’t exactly in love with the big brick wall or beige headboard behind you, these virtual catch-ups can be a frightening experience. But who said your space had to be real? West Elm has launched a series of backgrounds for the web platform Zoom so everyone can dial in from their dream house. To read more | CLICK HERE

2. Closet Organizing in 5 Easy Steps | (HERE)

With the ongoing Shelter In-Home California Mandate, many of us are taking to organizing our homes. Last weekend we tackled my son and daughter’s closet and drawers; this weekend I plan to take on the daunting task of organizing my own wardrobe. I find the most challenging part of taking on a closet, drawers, pantry, etc. is simply getting started. I invite you to grab a mug of coffee and browse through my guide on How to Overhaul Your Closet in 5 Simple Steps | CLICK HERE. Then, refill your mug, turn up the music, and get to work – you’ll thank yourself later!

3. One Bowl Banana Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake | Recipe (HERE)

Got bananas? This recipe is so delicious, I had requests to make it twice this week!

This week’s top 5 meals:

1. Hawaiian Chicken (HERE) served over Coconut Rice (1/2 water, 1/2 coconut milk in RIck Cooker) and steamed Brocolli,
2. Burrito Bowls (HERE)
3. Kale Salad with (THIS) Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing
4. Easy Korean Beef Bowls (HERE)
5. High Protein Sloppy Joes (HERE)

For more recipie ideas, I invite you to visit my Let’s Eat Board on Pinterest (HERE),

4. PINTEREST

What would I do without Pinterest? My go-to for recipes, wellness, aromatherapy, what oils to diffuse from my diffuser, craft ideas, organizing tips, daily inspiration and more. Browse over 10,000 of my pins, on 40 curated boards on my AskSuzanneBell Pinterest Page by (CLICKING HERE).

My top 5 boards this week are:

1. 1. Let’s Eat (HERE)
   2. What We Wore, Outfit Ideas for Women over 40 (HERE)
   3. AskSuzanneBell.com Inspiration from the Blog (HERE)
   4. Everyday Style Tips (HERE)
   5. Favorite Beauty Products (HERE)

5. Brighten the day of a Friend, Relative, or Stranger

We’ve been sending emails to my Grandmother’s Assisted Living Home, which are printed by staff and delivered to my Grandma – just like good old fashioned snail mail. This week my daughter along with fellow members of her NCL Chapter, made cards to be delivered to Assisted Living Homes in our area. Today, my girlfriend left 2 packs of Color Street polish strips along with a card in my mailbox – a simple gesture that made my day! My point is, reach out and connect with those you love, and strangers in need of human connection. We’re all in this together.

6. Discover creative ways to stay active

As I said earlier, this ride is not over yet. Every day we make a concerted effort to do something active. For me, this means walking my dog and setting aside time for an online yoga class and meditation (read more HERE). For my son, it’s running the track or following a workout video on YouTube. There are online disco parties, Barre classes, cardio classes and more. Find what works for you, to keep your mind and body active.

Stay safe and be well friends,