9 Little Things Making My Days Brighter
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS…
Over the past few weeks as life has shifted, we’ve had to shift too. We’ve exchanged nights out for nights in, get togethers for FaceTime calls, and all the other million little things we took for granted for something a little different… The tradeoffs haven’t all been bad, just different. We’ve leaned on each other. We’ve had to get pretty creative with ways to make this time of FULL STOP feel less jarring and, well, a little more fun. So I thought I’d share a few things that have made my days brighter!
Our winning cake for the “Great Corona Bake-Off!”
1. Zoom & FaceTime Calls:
If you haven’t scheduled a video call for cocktails during happy hour or a family dinner, then you’ve got to stop what you are doing and text your people! Oh my gosh this is so fun. We did a Zoom happy hour Book Club and it was the best. It’s comforting and feels less isolating just to see people’s faces again. I’ve also met with my Bible study, real estate team, church friends, and old college housemates. Not having something every night of the week has given me a chance to connect with people who I typically don’t get this time with. Another fun idea we did last weekend was a “Great Corona Bake-Off.” Gather some friends on Zoom, choose some judges & a category (ours was cakes), and see who can come up with the best creation in the allotted time. I’m proud to say our house won!
2. Takeout & Delivery:
If you’re like me and typically eat out at least 3-4 times a week, you were probably done cooking Day 2 of quarantine. Thankfully, many of VB’s restaurants have improvised and you can pick-up or get food delivered. Here have been some of my favorites:
Gringo’s Taqueria (1 baja fish taco, 1 orange chipotle chicken taco, and a side of guac please!)
Bay Local (a burger and tachos with a side of heartburn)
Razzo (in Norfolk & the Penne a la vodka was amazing!!)
North End Juice Co. (blue suede shoes smoothie & lunch burrito sub chicken)
Gelati Celesti (the drive-thru is now a part of my Sunday night routine- nothing like a pint of “Just Ask” to get you through the week)
3. Binging
So curious to know your favorite shows!! I’m loving finally having an opportunity to watch all the shows people talk about. Since quarantine started I’ve finished Poldark (obsessed), am on season 5 of Outlander (also obsessed), watched Suits with my roommates, and am halfway through The Chosen (first ever multi-season show about the life of Jesus and is so well done). One of my 2020 goals is to watch all the Marvel movies and thanks to Disney+, next on the list is “Guardians of the Galaxy.” The biggest argument in our house during quarantine has been whether we watch them in order of release or chronological order. Thoughts?? I’ve settled on chronological.
4. “5 Things I’m Thankful For” List
To keep perspective in this season that can potentially be paralyzing and feel hopeless, I’ve been writing down 5 things I’m thankful for every morning. Gratefulness is the key to joy and it’s helpful for me to find joy in the smallest things like fresh banana bread, clean laundry, spring blooms, & Zoom calls with friends.
5. Margaritas
I’ve finally perfected my Marg recipe. The key, I’ve learned, is in the tequila. I use Casamigos Blanco and although it’s a little pricier, I think it makes a huge difference in flavor. And no, I don’t just use it because George Clooney created it. ;) Here’s my recipe:
1 shot of Casamigos Blanco
A few oz of Tres Agaves Organic mix
A couple splashes of flavored sparkling water (I like grapefruit)
Lots of salt and a good squeeze of lime or citrus of your choice
6. Getting that Sunshine:
Wow, does fresh air feel far more important than it ever did?! I know each location has its pros and cons right now, and even though Virginia Beach is somewhat sunny (thank the Lord!) it is FULL of pollen. But I’ll take itchy eyes, sneezing, and a sinus headache over rainy & cold weather any day! I’ve been making a point to spend at least 30 minutes out in the fresh air. I’ve been in the routine of taking at least a 30 min walk at the end of the work day before making dinner to clear my head and get some exercise. I like to listen to a good audiobook (current “read” is The Royal We) to “escape” for a little while.
7. Social Media Concerts & Classes
Does anyone else have alarms set for when all their favorite artists play during the day? No? Just me? Ok cool. I’ve loved how celebrities have provided an outlet for others to enjoy their gifts and talents during this time. It gives me something to look forward to at the end of the day. Here are some I’m watching if you’re interested in tuning in on Instagram and/or Facebook:
Michael Buble 7:00pm on Facebook - Michael and his wife share their exercising routines, cooking tips, and other random tidbits.
Katharine McPhee & David Foster 8:30pm on Instagram Live- tune in for their themed concerts.
Drew and Ellie Holcomb 9:00pm on Instagram- Drew and Ellie release a new “Kitchen Covers with Drew” each evening.
Dave Barnes has a “Quaranteenie Tiny Minute of Humor” each day on Instagram.
Brooke Ring is one of my favorite artists and is offering virtual painting classes on some Saturdays.
8. Gimme All the SNACKS
This is the only way I can be productive and get things done at home. I work well on a reward system and what better reward than food?! If you’re struggling with getting work done at home, find yourself some really good snacks, give yourself a task, and when you get that task done treat yo’ self with one of those snacks. My snacks of choice right now are:
Palmetto Pimiento Cheese
Honey goat cheese & crackers
Zevia Black Cherry sodas
Wegman’s pretzel bites w/mustard
Girl Scout cookies
Easter candy
9. @simoncholland on Instagram
If you don’t follow him, do it now and you’ll thank me later. Nothing like some light-hearted and relatable humor to get us through!