Has this past week just felt like something out of a movie? I saw a meme earlier this week that said something along the lines of “Daylight Savings, a full moon, COVID-19 news and Friday the thirteenth all in one week. OK, who’s playing Jumanji?”. I mean, that feels pretty accurate.
How are you feeling about the coronavirus news? While I’m taking it seriously, I’m doing all the things I’ve been doing – maybe with just a little bit more hand washing. I, personally, feel like the media is causing people to spiral into panic, which ends up creating more panic. The news coverage of everyone stockpiling seems to be creating a domino effect – those who aren’t trying to stockpile are feeling squeezed to do so because they need to still live life.
I’m not really practicing the whole “social separation”, but if I was (and may have to if Minnesota mandates it), I would likely spend some of my time catching up on blogs and doing online shopping. So thankful for the internet! 😉
So, if that’s what you’re doing here today – welcome! This is a weekly series where I share some of my favorite finds – it could be recipes, clothes, activities for myself or Ivy (my 3 year old daughter) or items on my wishlist. I hope you enjoy what I’ve found this week!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure here.
Toddler Activities
We recently had two weeks without daycare so Ivy spent a lot of time at home with myself and her dad. One of the activities she enjoyed most, and is still asking to play with, is these Tempera Paint Sticks. As a mom, I love them because they are mess-free. I think she loves them because they’re so easy to use and the colors are so vibrant!
Additional Kids Activities
For those of you who are in areas where schools are closing down, or you’re staying in based for social separation, The Mama Notes had a great post with some really cool activities you can do with your kids. I have a few of these ideas saved away for days when we need some indoor play (spring is coming, folks!).
Easter Basket Filler Idea
Ivy’s at the age where holidays are so fun. I’m especially excited for Easter this year because I can’t wait for all the Easter egg hunts! She loved them last year, without fulling understanding the concept, so I know this year will be a blast.
I’ve started purchasing some items that I’ll be adding to her Easter basket this year. One of the “traditions” I’ve started is adding a new bathing suit to the basket. It’s a good filler and a useful item that will be used so much during the summer. For this year, I came across this beautiful suit and I can’t wait to add it to her basket.
Mom’s in the Workforce
I came across this post on a mom’s group I’m a part of on Facebook. It’s about how a hiring manager was conflicted with hiring a someone for a position because the candidate was a mom. The author of the post went on to detail reasons why mom’s can be the best employees.
I don’t know about you, but I think we need more business people thinking like the author of this post rather than hiring manager.
Meal Ideas for Your Kids
I don’t know about you, but I’m often at a loss of what to make for Ivy during the week. Yes, we often try to have her eat meals we’re eating, but sometimes those meals take longer to prepare – and time isn’t on our side during the week when her bedtime is 7:30.
Because of that, when I came across this post from Baby Food-e that included 64 (yes, SIXTY-FOUR) toddler meal ideas, I saved it immediately. I also knew it was a post I’d have to share with you all. It’s inspiring me to try out some new ideas – and if I’m being honest, I’ll probably eat some of these as meals too 😉
Dining Out with Kids
If the 64 meal ideas for kids isn’t inspiring for dinner (or lunch or breakfast) today, then let’s talk about how we can get through a meal with kids when dining out. Up until recently, I never let Ivy watch my phone when we were at a restaurant. I can’t remember exactly when I made the change but it was probably a night when my husband and I wanted to chat about something and it was easier to distract her with YouTube Kids when coloring wasn’t working.
In all honesty, I’d like to get away from using my phone to occupy her attention. I read this post on the Project Nursery that includes a tips on what to bring and how to pack it so that you can get through a meal device-free.
A French Fry Board
OK, so this one is a little off-topic compared to the rest of this weeks recommendations and reads, but I had to share. Living In Yellow published an awesome post on a DIY French Fry Board. If you are a lover of french fries of all kinds (as I am), then this is definitely a post you’ll want to check out!
Before We Go!
If you didn’t have a chance already, be sure to take a peak at the Kids Routine & Behavior Cards post I published earlier this week. If you have kiddos that are struggling in the mornings/evenings to focus on the routine tasks they need to complete (or maybe experiencing a change in behavior), these cards could be a lifesaver for you!
I hope you all have an awesome week. My work decided on Friday that we’re all required to work from home for the next 3 weeks, so I’m sure my personal hygiene will take a hit. I’m excited to be able to sleep in a little later and that I won’t really have to wear jeans for awhile. 🙂