Our lives have changed dramatically over the last 6 weeks or so, beginning with a fear of a pandemic that quickly spiraled into the reality of a pandemic. It feels like the end of the world to some, and to others, it is.
Those of us who are healthy and at home are the very lucky ones, but it doesn’t always feel that way. Some are busier than ever, attempting — and often failing — to juggle kids and work, all while suppressing the urge to strangle a spouse or partner. Others are struggling with the vast aloneness of social distancing. And, inevitably, we find ourselves comparing and contrasting our situations. I’ve definitely rolled my eyes at the complaints of friends, then found myself complaining about similarly “trivial” things that I’m sure my friends found equally absurd. And, we do ourselves and others a disservice by trying to compare and belittling each other’s struggles, as it’s an un-winnable contest. There are no gold medals awarded in the social distancing Olympics; just do your best to support each other and stay the fuck home.
I thought it might be helpful and productive to share some things that I’ve been doing in my spare time that have brought me moments of joy. You might feel like you have no free time, but try to carve out a few minutes for yourself each day to do something for you. Conversely, if you have a ton of time and no outlet for it, try something here and see if it keeps you occupied.
The HEA Book
Perhaps some people are taking this moment to learn Cantonese and read the greatest novels ever written, but I sure ain’t. I want some fun, and there are few things more enjoyable than a luuuurv story with a happy ending. Some of these are a whole lot of fun the whole way through, others deal with tough issues before we get there, but all are smartly written and will leave you happy in the end.
The Garden
Growing stuff is fun, and you should try it. I’ve been growing my perennial garden for a few years now and watching the transformation from a pile of dirt to a thriving garden each year is still a bit shocking for this Queens girl. We’re currently putting in a vegetable garden and I can’t wait to get started.
Why is this a fun activity for right now? It can be totally mindless. Anyone can dig up some dirt and plant some seeds. (But, you can also be more thoughtful about it, figure out which plants grow best in your planting zone, which plants grow best together, and which are most resistant to the vermin in your neck of the woods, etc.) It’s physical. You don’t realize that you actually worked hard until you ache the next day. And it’s productive. You’re creating life, people.
I know that if you’re an apartment dweller you want to punch me in the face because you’re thinking: Michelle, where am I putting this magical garden of which you speak. Answer: start small. All you need is a window sill. Buy a little planter set, like this one from Target. Is your window sill too narrow? Find a sunny spot for this hanging planter (here’s a much more affordable version), or buy a planter with a grow light. Then, find the seeds you want and the soil you need online. A little herb garden is perfect for a beginner, and Park Seed has a vast inventory of herb seeds available. And, if you just want to buy a kit with everything included, there are so many affordable ones online, like this one on Amazon for $28. If you have a balcony or terrace, consider a vertical cedar planter for herbs/vegetables and pretty planters for a flower garden. Some of my favorite plants to grow in planters are perennials like lavender, golden sword yucca, ornamental grasses, hydrangeas and salvia (note: perennials sometimes don’t return if planted in planters) and annuals like Boston ferns, impatiens, dahlias, and ranunculi. Note that each of these have different sun requirements so figure out what you need for your particular sun/shade situation.
Baking
I’m not sure why baking is so satisfying right now, but it’s basically been my favorite thing to do. I’ve been gravitating to easy recipes with few ingredients, and thus far have shared my recipes for beer bread, blueberry scones and banana bread on the blog. I’ll continue to share successful recipes.
We don’t all have required ingredients right now, but most recipes can be modified as long as you have flour and baking soda/powder. Don’t have butter? Maybe you have another somewhat tasteless fat, like vegetable oil, and in a pinch you can also try avocado. I’ve often replaced oil with applesauce in some recipes even before this crisis. Applesauce, as well as yogurt, bananas, avocado, and nut butters, can also replace eggs. We can’t just run to the store right now, so it’s time to be creative.
Other than actually food supplies, you’re going to need parchment paper, a baking sheet, bowls, a spatula (or spoon) and a whisk (or fork). Everything else is optional and you can also be creative here. Parchment can replace muffin pan liners. Use floured cutting boards or sheets of parchment as prep surfaces and wine bottles as rolling pins. Bake-safe glass containers can replace brownie and loaf pans. Some baking replacements will require adjustments in bake times, so you’ll have to watch these items a little more closely.
Small Home Projects
We’re stuck inside, so now’s the time for those DIY projects that you’ve been putting off forever. So far, we’ve done very little. I hung art in the Ugly Bathroom, fixed some artwork and the curtains in my daughter’s room, and my husband organized his office. This week, I’m putting the hardware on the Ugly Bathroom cabinetry and adding wall hooks.
What are some easy projects to tackle? Simply change the hardware on cabinetry or a piece of furniture (for some inspiration, here is my post on cabinet hardware). A friend recently did paint brushstroke wallpaper, which is an easy and quick project if you have the supplies (check out the My Style Vita blog for a simple tutorial). Hang those pictures that are just sitting around your house. Replace lightbulbs. Accessorize; so many great home stores are having sales right now, and check out my post on my favorite online pillow stores for an easy update. Want to update a bedroom? I’ve also posted twice with source info on my children’s bedroom updates (you can find my son’s update here and my daughter’s here).
And, if you’re looking to declutter and organize, check out this post by my friend Sarah of The Mother Clutter (@themotherclutter) for some tips.
This is not the time, I REPEAT, this is not the time to try DIY plumbing and electrical work if you have little or no experience. Same with any project requiring a nail gun or saw if you don’t really know how to use it. Professionals can’t come immediately to fix your mess and hospitals don’t have the capacity for you right now. Keep it relatively small and very safe. If your house is anything like mine, there’s plenty of little projects to tackle.
Exercise
Confession: I hate exercising. You will never hear me wax on and on about the post-workout endorphins. However, I just started exercising again, and I do have to admit that it is making me feel less blah. Here and here are articles on online workouts available right now, many of them free. There’s no risk in trying and if you decide it’s not for you, your couch will be exactly where you left it.
I hope this helps if you’re looking for something to fill whatever free time you have. Hang in there. XOXO
