Pandemic Distractions + Happy Weekend

Hello.

How are you? Hanging in there I hope. Maybe even doing better than hanging in there? I think for most of us, myself included, navigating these unprecedented times continues to be day-by-day, even hour-by-hour. Thankfully we are seeing more sunshine as of late and that is helping me SO MUCH. Getting out on a daily family walk in the morning is such a great way to start our day–even when “starting our day” happens more around 9:30 or 10. Any favorite survival strategies to share right now?

Besides watching Netflix, playing games and eating all your quarantine snacks, what are you up to this weekend? It looks like I’m going to be making some face masks. (Sounds so strange doesn’t it?) It seems that while we Americans were initially being told not to wear masks publicly, that recommendation could be changing soon. There is data to support the positive effects of wearing masks while out in public during this time, while also still practicing social distancing, washing hands and not touching your face. Of course we shouldn’t be buying any of the N95 masks that our medical personnel need, but I’ve seen a lot of tutorials for making your own masks. While no experts agree on one specific type of mask, I did find this list of different mask tutorials from the LA times, and I was drawn to this mask tutorial recommend by a doctor who is also a quilter. I like that it’s contoured to fit your face (as opposed to the masks with pleats) and that there is a built in pocket for a filter–something that most doctors are highly recommending. These masks are actually the kind of masks you can make to donate to hospitals as well! I’m going to go ahead and paste the video below so you can watch, and here is the pattern so that you can print it out. Also, you might want to read up on the best fabrics to use for homemade masks as that will make a BIG difference.

And now, how about some wonderful distractions from the Coronavirus related news? Truth be told, most of them are still Coronavirus related, but most are funny and I think we need laughter more than just about anything right now.

LOVE this family sing along–maybe even especially the fighting at the beginning?

John Krasinski’s Some Good News Channel with special guest Steve Carell? YES PLEASE!

Alicia Keys new rendition of “My House” is both hilarious and poignant… basically everything we need in pandemic life.

This piece by Meg Conley hits the nail on the head when it comes to influencers influencing in the pandemic.

You should probably be listening to Brené Brown’s new podcast.

Speaking of listening, you can check out my Coronavirus Playlist here.

Also, one of my favorite songs from the playlist, has an awesome music video which basically doubles as a science class for your kids.

Super easy Pinecone bird feeders to make with your kids. (You probably have the supplies on hand.)

Don’t tell my kids, but in an effort to support small businesses, these are some of the gifts they’ll be getting in their Easter baskets:

Some sweets from SweetShop Lulu

Some of the best stickers on the planet. 

Cute sunnies from the Daydream Republic.

When Charley Meets Emma is always a great Easter basket gift–my link takes you to IndieBound which connects you with local and Indie book resellers.

Charlotte the Scientist Finds A Cure (a doctor rabbit!) is another great Easter book, especially for right now during the pandemic!

LOOM Journals, which are parent-child journals (and they have Love journals as well for partners/spouses) make another great gift so that you can write about this time during the pandemic. I’m excited for my kids to get theirs.

That’s all I’ve got for now! I hope you guys have a fun and safe weekend.
XO,
Miggy