This post is graciously sponsored by Impact Fashion NYC, whose creations make anyone feeling beautiful, no matter where they are.
I’ve been talking so much recently about things to do with your kids in quarantine. How do we keep them entertained all day in “homeschool”. But what about us? What about the women who are not used to being home all day with our kids? The women who choose to work because we’re not meant to be stay at home moms? But now we’re forced to be stay at home moms. In fact, not only are we all stay at home moms now, but we’re also full time teachers for our kids, with literally nothing else to do. So as it is for me, I also imagine that this shift is difficult for most women.
I’m not here to tell you that it’s easy or that “this too shall pass”, but I do want to share a few ways that I’ve been trying to stay “normal” during these tempestuous times.
1. Get dressed.
Not every day. Because that would be a wildly overzealous task. But every few days, put on something nicer than a sweatshirt dress. And you know how much I love a good sweatshirt dress. But I do believe it’s important to feel like a pretty human every once in a while. Put on a bra, maybe some tights, perhaps some earrings? And I think you know what comes next.
The Tulip Dress from Impact Fashion NYC is THE dress you need to fancy yourself up this season, quarantine or not. I mean, I got in it and literally went out to the woods to climb on trees. It is so comfortable, very easy to move in, the fabric is deliciously light, and that pop at the bottom is perfect.
If you are in need of that modest LBD (Little Black Dress), this is it. I’m excited to wear this dress year-round. And I think this is an investment you’ll be glad you went with.
2. Put on some makeup.
Doesn’t have to be a lot. On a normal day, I only use tinted moisturizer and mascara. The end. You can see my every day, beauty picks in this post. But when I want to up my game a little bit, I add a pretty lip or pretty eye shadow. I just feel more alive, and I like to look at myself in the mirror when I’ve got my makeup done. A HUGE thank you to Rivkah from Pearls of Chicago, who is my go-to makeup artist in Chicago. She also did my fab and fun, spring makeup look for this shoot.
3. Get outside.
We are so lucky this is happening in the spring season. I consider it such a blessing that we are able to get outside most days. We’re not in the middle of winter where a blizzard is going to come at any second, and we’re getting into the part of spring where, at the very least, afternoons are somewhat warmer, and it’s nice enough to be outside.
This happens to me be favorite time of year because I ABSOLUTELY LOVE gardening and working in my yard. I usually wait until the weather is a bit warmer, but I’ve already been out weeding, running my sprinklers and checking on my little baby flower buds that are popping up. I also get my kids into this. We search for mommy’s flowers, and I let them help me with whatever I’m doing. But this is cathartic for me.
What can you do outside? Some ideas: Have a 6+ ft away conversation with your neighbor or a friend. Go for a walk. Have a glass of wine on your deck or porch. Paint something. Read a book. And if you can’t or don’t want to go outside, OPEN YOUR WINDOWS! If it’s in the high 40s or above, open your windows for at least 15 minutes a day. You won’t regret it.
4. Go for a drive!
No one ever banned you from getting in your car and taking a drive. In fact, I’ve found that driving is more fun lately because there are, fortunately, less people on the road. So the Chicago traffic that I usually hate, is highly reduced. And I find that driving on the lake in Chicago, down a scenic road or to pick up a Target Drive-Up order while listening to the Wicked Musical Album or some good country music, is just the break I need to feel like I’ve “left” the house, but I haven’t actually “gone” anywhere.
5. Watch all the shows.
If you’ve had that show that you want to watch, now is the time. Here’s my list of Netflix and Hulu shows that I love.
It’s also a great time to read a book that you’ve wanted to read. I have my list here.
6. The most important thing…
Is to not be too hard on yourself. I know, everyone is saying this. But I mean it. My kids’ teacher gives us projects to do every day. Ask me if we’ve properly done any of them. The answer is: NO. But we do what we can, I’ve done a lot of fun sensory activities with my kids that we wouldn’t normally do. And to top it all off, I feel like my kids are watching LESS shows than they normally do.
Obviously, no judgement if you’ve been watching more, but you get what I’m saying. We’re all doing the best we can, and you’re doing better than you think. Let’s just survive the next few weeks, and then we can talk about homesteading again. I am certainly on my way to being the Homeschool Mom of the Year, but never feel that you have to hold yourself to the standard of “that mom” or Pinterest. You are awesome. You are stellar. And you are the best mom for your kids. Ta-da!
I’m staying sane by watching you and other influencers talk about how they are trying to handle it all. Play candy crush. Watch a movie. Do laundry and sometimes just have a good cry.
HAVE ALL THE TEARS! AND DON’T BE ASHAMED OF IT! Even better if you can explain your tears to your kids. But more on emotions coming soon…:)