Strange times we’re going through right now, right? It’s like, the more you tell someone they have to stay home, the more they want to start exploring the outdoors. The more you tell someone that they can finally binge-watch their trending Netflix show (aka Tiger King), the more they want to have a picnic in the park next to everyone else having a picnic in the park. Is it me, or have we needed to go to Target more this week than any other week before this entire pandemic started?
You’re right, it’s difficult not to lose your mind and go stir crazy during this whole “stay home, stay safe” lock down, so what can you do to make it better at home? I’ve been lucky enough to have my hands full with my newborn, so hopefully, you have more time to do these things!
But first, how’s maternity leave going?
Since we were fortunate enough to have Maverick before all of this, we’ve just been hanging out at home for the most part. Part of me wishes he was still in my tummy so I could protect him, but it’s okay. Maternity leave has mostly been me sitting in a chair watching Netflix as I feed or console Maverick. It’s also been cleaning the house because of the doggy fur and dust and reorganizing things to make space for all of our baby stuff. We were supposed to go to Washington to visit everyone so they could meet Maverick, but I guess that’s just going to have to wait until we can use our leave again. So for now, Maverick is going to observe the inside of our home and backyard.
So what can you do?
Clean out your closet
I’ve been putting off cleaning out my closet for so long. Only because I was pregnant and I didn’t know what I wanted to keep for my new momma bod. But it is spring, so it’s a perfect time to do some spring cleaning! Since you aren’t going to be going anywhere crazy during this lock down, it’s a good opportunity for you to go through your closet and try on things you want to keep or get rid of. I know the biggest thing that holds me back on donating/selling clothes is the thought, “if XYZ happens, this would be perfect!” … XYZ never happens. Try to focus on keeping timeless pieces, staple pieces, and a few signature pieces. I’ve found myself moving away from loud clothing and staying relatively plain and neutral. It’s much easier to mix-n-match your outfits if all the pieces are around the same color scheme.
Writing more
You can obviously see that I’ve had more time on my hands to write since I’ve been posting more frequently. Being stuck inside and not being able to hang out with friends or family actually gives you the excuse to spend some time on your computer. If you’ve ever wanted to build a blog or write a book, then maybe right now is your chance to build that foundation! My friend Aleita has already finished her first book and has started working on her second one. Even though she had been working on it for the past year, this little break gave her the time she needed to let her creative juices flow. I’ve had more time to go through my photos, take photos, and organize my thoughts for the blogs I want to write. Even if you start on a free blog like Weebly or Wix, it’s better than not starting at all. Or if you aren’t into writing for the public eye, investing in a journal might be a cool idea to document how your 2020 is going. I’m sure it’ll be an interesting story to tell your future grandkids.
Trying your hand at baking
Okay, so far, I’ve only baked lactation cookies and made pot roast. Other than that, Sean and my mother-in-law have been cooking everything. I’m very thankful for that because I am EXHAUSTED. I do want to get back into baking during my leave though. It’s something that I used to find so much joy in. Cake decorating was so much fun when I was in culinary school. So far, all I’ve done to get this whole baking thing underway has been bookmarking recipes on Instagram. I follow @sweetish.co and @livewellbakeoften. The food they post always looks absolutely delicious, and I’ve followed a few recipes from them that were very simple to do!
Learn how to use a sewing machine
Sean has always prided himself on sewing things by hand. When he got the bright idea of making Maverick a swaddle that looks like a Pokemon, he quickly realized how long it would take to sew it by hand. That’s when we invested in a sewing machine. Now Maverick has a Pokemon swaddle, and I have a sewing machine. I’ve set aside my college t-shirts to have them made into a quilt, but we keep forgetting to send the box to my friend Mrs. Tanya. So I decided during this quarantine season, why not try to learn how to quilt myself? So now I have a bunch of cut up & fused fabric on my table waiting to be quilted together. I’m excited because this is probably the most motherly hobby I could think of. Wait till we get to that Halloween drip this year, my family is going to look fireee.
Play video games
Sean has been doing some catching up on his video games. I just bought Sean Dreams for PlayStation 4. It seems like a very interesting type of game because you can actually make your own game or play other games. It seems like it takes a lot of time to learn, but we've seen a few that were really well done! They also have recently released Animal Crossing, a game Sean and I have both become slightly addicted to. It kind of reminds me of Facebook’s infamous FarmVille. I never played the original AC, but I’m really lovin’ this one. And really, if we can’t get together in person, getting together on each other’s islands in the next best thing right? If you ever want to connect, drop your Friend Code in the comments!
So happy we were able to purchase weights before this lock down started!
Start a new workout routine
You don’t always need to be in the gym to start a fitness routine. Everyone is afraid of getting sick right now, so what better way to protect yourself than getting healthy? Exercise will help boost your immune system! I’ve done a few fitness apps for beginners that I love to include Nike Training Club and FitOn. I’ve also followed @WhitneySimmons and @Brooklynhillfit on Instagram that have great workouts. It’s hard to do those workouts unless you have a home gym though. Anyways, get movin’ at home, get healthy. Not just for your physical appearance, but to live a better lifestyle overall!
Bottomline, stay the fxck home
I can’t stress this enough. If you don’t need to go anywhere then why voluntarily expose yourself to the virus? The cases here in El Paso are going up each day and it’s terrifying watching it come so close to home. If you don’t need gloves or masks, stop hoarding them and donate them to hospitals where the workers actually need them. If you already have 18 rolls of toilet paper, don’t go hoarding another load on your next trip to the store. It’s actually such a frustrating feeling going to the store and not being able to buy Lysol or Clorox because Karen wants to hoard them. Even though Karen is a non-essential worker who is supposed to stay home ANYWAYS. You guys do know that if we want to keep everyone safe and clean, then you’re supposed to let others have the supplies to be safe and clean? Okay, that’s all. Stay home, wash your hands, cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze. #COVID19