Life these past 4 weeks has been a heck of a lot different than we all could have ever imagined. Social distancing, face masks, and a big pantry stock up was probably not what we were envisioning our March (and now April) to be like. While we’ve been getting used to a new normal with all of us at home 24/7, there’s been some highlights that I would be remiss to not mention. March might not have been what we expected but there was lots of good in it too! Sharing how we’ve been keeping busy along with some photos I didn’t get around to sharing on social media.
MONTHLY RECAP: MARCH 2020
FAMILY
Lots of family time this month! {obviously!} Augustine has been such a great gardening helper, watering the plants outside, helping plant seeds, and even filling up our bird feeder. He’s loving going on scooter rides around the neighborhood -we love this one! It’s been so beneficial for us to get out for walks with Ginger and seeing him have fun makes me so happy! There’s nothing like pure happiness from a child to put things into perspective!
Corinna is getting so close to walking so this walker has been a lot of fun! We had the same one with Augustine, so hearing the little tunes play reminds us of when Augustine was in this stage learning how to walk! I feel like we’re constantly reminded how quickly time flies by because wasn’t Augustine just this small too??
Ginger turned 10!! Can you believe it?! Remember when I got that little pup? I can’t believe it’s been that long! We celebrated our Gigi Girl with an extra long walk and some belly rubs!
Oh yeah…Matthew buzzed his head! I don’t think I really talked about it on Instagram but he did! It was such a surprise when I walked into the bathroom and saw a big pile of hair. He said it’s the “Quarantine Cut.” I think he looks incredibly handsome – kind of like Matthew Fox on Lost! Btw one of my girlfriends cut 11 inches off her hair and posted the video on Instagram. I was dying in anticipation as I watched her do it! She was so brave and it actually looks amazing!
Oh and back to Matthew, we’ve been having at home date nights with grilled bread and burrata and that Caramelized Shallot Pasta that we’re still totally obsessed with! Throw in some Texas chocolate cake from Bristol Farms and you’ve got yourself the best date night ever! Who needs to go out?? {Ok we do, but we’ll get there!}
FOOD
While we’re trying to support our local small businesses with take-out orders, we’re also doing a lot of cooking which you know I love! I started making bread again and this recipe is such a great starter recipe. It seriously couldn’t be easier. If you have a dutch oven and some yeast, you’re good to go! I’d recommend starting the process about 24 hours from when you want to actually eat it. I usually start in the evening, and then do the second rise the following afternoon, and bake for dinner!
I also made this yummy spiced lentil dish with toasted coconut that I can’t wait to make again. Corinna loved it too!
Another favorite that Matthew keeps asking me to make again is the Shrimp w/ Carrot Ginger Coconut Sauce dish from the Malibu Farm Cookbook. Including the recipe here if you want to try it too!
- 1-14 ounce can coconut milk
- 1 medium carrot chopped
- 1 half a thumb sized piece of ginger
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 serrano pepper or to taste
- 3 tablespoons organic soy sauce or Bragg’s liquid amino acid
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 limes juiced
- 1 small piece fresh turmeric optional- I made mine without
- 1 stalk lemongrass optional- I made mine without
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 1 pound rock shrimp
- Any mix of vegetables: bell pepper, corn, onion, snap pea, asparagus, etc.
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To the blender or food processor, add all of the ingredients for the sauce. Blend. Taste for seasoning and maybe add a dash of salt or a bit more soy sauce.
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Saute the veggies and shrimp until just done. Season with salt and pepper.
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Gently heat the coconut sauce. Do not bring to a full boil, as it may break. When hot pour over the shrimp and vegetables. Can put vegetables on top of rice, quinoa, or any other grain.
STYLE
Ok this is a little random but I found these Birkenstock knock-off sandals for $15 at Walmart and I’m obsessed with them! Matthew has had a pair of green ones that I’ve made fun of for years, but I guess they kind of grew on me. I wanted to test them out without spending too much money, so these were perfect. I walked by them and had to immediately add them to my cart! I love the white and think they’ll be perfect for running quick errands or even going to the beach! If you want to get the originals, they’re still not a terrible deal!
I guess I’m loving shoes right now because I also got this adorable pair of navy floral mules from Margaux’s latest collaboration with Gal Meets Glam! They are so cute and while they work around the house now, I can’t wait to wear them out and about with spring dresses.
ENTERTAINMENT
I mentioned last month that I’ve been listening to Relatable by Allie Beth Stuckey and I seriously can’t recommend it enough. It’s a fun but educational podcast that breaks down the latest in culture, news, theology, and politics from a Christian, conservative perspective. Allie is under 30, but incredibly mature and relatable so I’ve loved listening to her! Her podcast comes out 3x a week and each is around 30 minutes so it’s one I can keep up with.
I haven’t watched any TV this past month so I can’t recommend anything, but I’ve heard a lot of good {and funny!} things about Tiger King. So if you haven’t seen that on Netflix, check it out and let me know what you think!
HEALTH
I recently bought a few things to help boost immunity. One I mentioned last month which is Sodium Ascorbate and I also got some Sovereign Silver. I’ve been diffusing some of my essential oils too that have properties that kill airborne germs {I like Young Living Thieves and also Eucalyptus is supposed to be good right now}. Also it makes the house smell nice!
Also, if any of you are feeling anxious right now, I wanted to share some tips that have helped me:
1. Prayer/Meditate – It helps me so much to worry less and put my faith in God. Recognizing that He is bigger than all of this and will help us through, gives me so much comfort.
2. Write Down Your Feelings – Getting my feelings down on paper helps ease my mind. I love to journal when I’m feeling anxious about things.
3. Self-Care- do something for you that will brighten your spirits. Maybe taking a bath, painting your nails, or planning a special at-home dinner
4. Workout- I feel like my whole mood can turn around by breaking a sweat! I’ve been loving the Barre3 Online classes and the Studio Tone It Up All
5. Start a New Project – whether it’s cleaning your closet, organizing your spice drawer, or throwing away old magazine, do something that will give you a sense of accomplishment!
6. Do Something For Others – I’ve been trying to think of ways to help our community during this time. You can write online reviews for businesses you frequent, pre-book appointments, order gift cards, or even order pickup from your favorite restaurant. I know these are hard times and I want to do what I can. Would love to know if you have any ideas, especially if you’re in SoCal like me!
Thinking and praying for you all! I hope we can all do our best to enjoy this next month ahead. I know things might seem bleak right now but I’m reminding myself that it won’t be forever. Instead, I’m {trying to} challenge myself to enjoy this time at home and plan some fun, and productive, projects we can do around the house. Would love to know some of your highlights from this past month and if there’s anything you’re looking forward to in April! I feel a great deal of solidarity with all of you since we’re going through such a similar experience. Remember, you’re not alone!!
xox
