How’s everyone doing? How did your week go? For me, Week Three of Shelter in Home has been about ACCEPTANCE. Accepting our “new normal” of remote learning, kids not returning to school till August (yikes!), loose schedules, limited mobility, social distancing, cooking with what we have in the cupboard, learning the grocery delivery hacks, cleaning up after ourselves (important when living and working under the same roof 24/7), and COMPROMISE.
Learning how to “accept the things I cannot change, (having the) courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference”, sums up my week. The simple, yet powerful Serenity Prayer is easy to understand, yet difficult to execute – especially during challenging times. Every day, I hear my mother saying, ‘this too will pass”, and it will. But until that time, we are in this together. We WILL come out of this unprecedented time stronger and together on the other end.
This week’s list of Friday Favorites includes lifestyle tips, ideas for working at home, alternative ways to get exercise for the entire family, how to host a Netflix Party, and 5 recipes you can try this week…enjoy!
1. Live Colorfully
Some experts believe that you adopt the characteristics associated with what you’re wearing. My go-to over the past few weeks of sheltering at home has been to grab a black or grey cardigan, a tank top, and a pair of black bottoms. When the sun was out this past Tuesday, I decided to switch things up and throw on some color in the form of a casual green sundress, a white cardigan, and a colorful headband. And guess what happened? I found my spirits lifted, as I went about my day with a little kick in my step. So, instead of staying in your pajamas all day, consider putting on an outfit you’d likely wear to meet up with friends – or if you are working from home, something you’d wear to a casual day at the office, and see if your mood shifts a bit.
2. On Working From Home
Millions of Americans have recently begun working from home to practice social distancing — a situation that may be brand new for many! This week, on RickandSuzanneBell.com, I shared five tips + links to help make working from home productive and successful.
Read more in the article, 5 Tips for Working From Home | (CLICK HERE)
3. Plants That Purify
This was news to me, have any of you tried these plants in your home?
4. Mom and Kid-Friendly Workouts
Over the past 2 weeks, I’ve shared my own workout routine which consists of yoga with Hana (read more HERE), meditation, and daily walking. Others have shared they are doing online Zumba and Barre classes. (HERE’S) an article listing 12 More Workouts You Can Do From Home.
This week a kid-friendly workout option came across my desk. Sworkit, an at-home fitness program and app is now offering kid-friendly workouts to help your kids stay active while at home. Ranging from warm-ups and strength to agility and flexibility, these videos are sure to keep your child engaged and occupied. (Click HERE) to check it out.
5. Host A Netflix Party
Did you know, Google Chrome has an absolutely incredible extension called “Netflix Party,” which allows subscribers to watch a show or movie at the same time as multiple friends AND have a live chat going? If this sounds like your jam, here’s a round-up of 18 Movies Perfect For Watching On Netflix Party With Your Friends While Socially Distancing (READ MORE HERE).
6. What’s Cooking This Week
One of the many things I am grateful for during these uncertain times is having the time to experiment with all sorts of new recipes. Some nights are planned, others fall to what’s available in the fridge and cupboard.
Here’s a look at this weeks top 5 Bell Family Favorites:
- Easy Brownie Sandwich Cookies (recipe HERE). NOTE: we didn’t have store bought frosting on hand, but homemade buttercream is easy, and tastes so much better!
- Grilled Honey Lime Cilantro Chicken (recipe HERE)
- Crockpot Brown Sugar Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin (recipe HERE). TIP: don’t skip broiling the pork just before serving step. IMO this step is essential.
- General Tso’s Crispy Chicken without frying (recipe HERE). I served this up with coconut rice and broccoli.
- Apple and Goat Cheese Flatbread (recipe HERE)
Stay safe and be well friends,
