Hey there, happy Friday, and wow.
How are you? How are you holding up? Life is far from normal, and while this transition is new, and hopefully short-lived, it’s hard to make change.
But none of us are invincible. Convincing older parents they shouldn’t go to the grocery store. Convincing young people they shouldn’t be hanging out with friends. Convincing ourselves it is all going to be alright. But we will get through this as long as we all adapt.
Yesterday was the first day of spring. Did you even notice?
I’ve been posting these weekly Friday Faves for 9 years and if I look back, I bet that each year’s Friday Faves post during the first week of spring boasts about new beginnings, emerging from the darkness, feeling lighter with new found joy.
As I write this, I’m looking outside and I can see day lilies sprouting from the ground and coned grape hyacinths coming up through the lawn. Yesterday I just sat and watched the biggest, fattest robin resting at the edge of my little backyard pond, splattering in the water as the raindrops fell around him. And when I look at the majestic, snow capped mountains pristine against the blue sky, it does feel calm, hopeful and new, even with the backdrop of the virus lurking around corners everywhere.
Right now, all I can do is be patient and look for hope, beauty, and love in the small acts of others and in nature around me, like:
- Text a friend you’re thinking of.
- Go for a long walk.
- Order take-in from your favorite local restaurant.
- Take a Sunday drive on a Tuesday.
- Tell the grocery store stockers and clerks you appreciate them.
- Drop off cookies or a care package to your neighbor—maybe one you’ve never met.
- Regift games your kids have grown out of to another family.
- Hug your kids/partner/pet.
- Sit and reflect.
- Take care of yourself.
Could there be a silver lining to all of this? That we might be be forced to slow down and finally realize the value of what’s truly most important to us? Oh boy, I think we all really, really hope so.
But enough of that. Let’s move on to some brighter notes and this week’s list of Friday Faves.
Neighborhood happy hours = 18 great examples of social distancing. But honestly the dinosaur is my favorite.
and…
Working from home global pandemic bingo.
Our most favorite show on Netflix now. SO GOOD.
This famous author/illustrator is teaching kids how to doodle online. Now I want to do it too!
I think that by the time we come out of this, people will be demanding higher pay for teachers and day care workers because they’ll see for themselves how hard being with your kids all day is! But, you don’t have to do it all! Now is the time to lower the parenting bar for work-from-home parents.
Be kind! Grocery store etiquette we should all be following now.
How to prioritize your food in the fridge to make it last longer.
Okay, this casserole is genius and you don’t even have to dress up in those weird rainbow uniforms when you make it.
Mac and cheese attacks:
- Make this mac and cheese mash up with my favorite side dish that gives it just a bit of healthy.
- Stuff ’em! Potato skins with cheesy mac and cheesy.
- Super creamy Instant Pot mac and cheese in da house!
Easy chicken empanadas! This is how to put the kids to work and help with dinner.
Eating spaghetti with chickpeas is a cupboard dinner done right.
Leggo my eggo with this smart recipe for eggless waffles.
Deviled eggs with the one thing that makes them even better: bacon.
This favorite Asian chicken classic made healthier. Smart.
A healthy shepherd’s pie that sneaks in the veggies.
This pillowy gnocchi skips the potatoes for basic flour. EASY!
This slow cooker chicken recipe makes great leftovers.
This recipe for one of my favorite Thai chicken dishes
10 storage products Amazon reviewers love.
Since you have a little extra time on your hands: Your spring cleaning check list.
We’re all freezing more food so keep it organized:
- with these stackable bins for bags of frozen veggies
- with this shelf to add more height
- reusable freezer storage bags
- and these tote bags for deep freezers to keep things organized in the dearth of the bottoms.
Who else could use a laugh? 21 funny shows and movies to stream right now.
We are all caught up on this documentary and really can’t wait for season 3.
I’ll be doing this: What to do when you rip off your gel manicure.
The best online streaming workouts. I’m partial to this one.
I’m starting my spring style shopping here.
9 chic AF outfits to copy for spring.
Ho.Lee.Cow. Almost everything at Nordstrom is 25% off.
The best board games to keep you from feeling bored.
And if you’re still bored, try this.
Okay, that’s it for this week. Stay safe, stay in place, and stay strong. XOXO
We send good emails. Subscribe to FoodieCrush and have each post plus exclusive content only for our subscribers delivered straight to your e-mail box.
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter for more FoodieCrush inspiration.
As always, thank you for reading and supporting companies I partner with, which allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you. All opinions are always my own.
Patti
Thanks for the good ideas for these challenging times. I always love Friday Faves.
Maggie
Thanks for sharing the article on working from home with kids. As a teacher, a mom to a 6 year old and 1.5 twins, I’m way overwhelmed with the idea of distance learning, teaching a first grader (not my “normal” 7th graders) and wrangling my twins without making them all beyond addicted to screen time. It’s nice to be reminded of solidarity and the idea that we will get through, it might not be ideal and it may not even be good, but we’ll make it.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Yes we will! Thanks for the encouragement Maggie
Phi
I love love love your Friday Faves always, I was so honored and excited you included a link to my eggless waffles, thank you!!