Five things to do when stuck inside because of COVID-19, and Notes for the Road.

Oof. What a time it’s been. Kind of amazing that in some way, shape, or form, every single person on the planet (except maybe these guys) are being affected by this. Charlie always illustrates it best.

1 Take a long bath with your kiddos. If they’re of the age when baths with Mom are a little too exploratory– “Mom, why does your nipple look like that?” (Because of you, dear one.)–then put a bathing suit on. Add bubbles. Add epsom salts (bonus–stress reduction) with some essential oils mixed in. Add a relaxing playlist. They will love it. You will love it. Close the shower curtain and you really feel like you are so completely removed from the troubles of the world and in this sweet, cozy cocoon with the ones you love. Give them foot massages afterwards. I used to do this with the boys all the time when they were little, but I got out of the habit. Anders requested it after a bath the other day and he was just on cloud 9.

2 Make up a story. They’re the narrators, and you’re the recorder. Put pen to paper and see where it takes you. Maybe they’ll illustrate with goofy pictures afterwards. A moment in time. Staple it at the binding, record the date, and put it in the memory box. One day you’ll find it, “Remember when we were quarantined for COVID-19 and made this up?” This is a fun way to get it started.

3 Can you spare some apples? How about lemons, or zucchini, or blueberries? Make some sort of not-terribly-unhealthy-but-still-dessert type bread. Apple muffins or lemon poppyseed, or maybe zucchini bread. Hey, there’s a fresh produce element to it. It’s not all bad! If you’re low on perishables but heavy on peanut butter (can you spare peanut butter? Our shelves were empty of our favorite organic Teddie’s, so we’re going to have to conserve our three jars), make these. So, so good.

4 Find a pen pal and put pen to paper. The boys are always testing the pen pal waters with their cousins in New Jersey. Sometimes it’s more rapid-fire response time, sometimes it’s months in between. Sometimes it’s paintings, coloring, words. Write a note to your own college friend who lives on the opposite coast.

5 Try some Yoga with Adrienne with the kids, without the kids. Cosmic Kids if it’s just for them. They’re clever videos. Convenient too.

And finally, remember that if you’ve got enough beans and frozen veggies and apples and bread and also toilet paper, and if your kids being home for the next two weeks isn’t an enormous upset to your daily life, then you ultimately have a lot of privilege (I know I do) and thinking about how you could help others who are experiencing far greater difficulties would be a wonderful blessing to them. If any of you have a specific story with a tangible way to help (and that I could use my own social media tools for), please email me!

Now some weekend reading (from your house, where most of us will be)…

J.Crew Factory is having buy one get one free shoe sale. This is bizarre, but kind of awesome?

I don’t understand these.

Simply beautiful. These heartwarming moments (thank you, Sylvia) in the midst of panic are some of the best things to witness. Also, why you should all read Tribe.

As far as my own protocol goes, this vitamin C (even higher doses when actually ill; buffered so a little easier on your stomach as well… plus, truly incredible research surrounding vitamin C for things well beyond just immune support/viral infections), Mary Ruth’s morning multi every day, their probiotic, Young Living Mineral Essence, and then this D/K2. Also, cut out/limit the sugar. Thieves is diffusing all the time too, and then some combo that includes R.C. in the bedroom at night.

I heard Onward was really good. I want to see it!

Katie, from one of my favorite shops, had the great idea to buy gift cards from local stores and restaurants if you don’t want to actually visit them right now. To help keep them afloat during this difficult season!

A good time for a delicious meatloaf.

Given that he could be our next president, I thought I might read this. I guess, in the same vein, I could read a book by Trump too (but, as far as I know, he hasn’t written one).

Have a wonderful weekend, friends. Stay well.