The Smiths' Social Distancing Survival Kit

Saturday, April 18, 2020

Today I’m bringing you yet another post about things that are helping us survive social distancing! Yes, I know there is an abundance of information being shared, but I have to be honest - some of the posts are helpful, so I thought one of these suggestions could spark something for you!

Without further ado, here’s how we are thriving during the great social distance of 2020.

Guess Who: Yep, I ordered this classic board game and it’s provided hours of entertainment. Not only in our house, but by allowing our kid to play via Facetime with her cousins! Best $8 spent so far on Amazon!

Kid Made Modern Craft Box: I suggested this as a gift for my daughter and my uncle purchased it for her two years ago. It’s been great to have on hand for random crafting. Additionally, my years of hoarding craft items has finally paid off - and then some. We have construction paper, paints, canvas paper, beads, and markers in full rotation up in here.

Printables: Thank you lord baby Jesus for the people that made printables in just about every theme available online (just use Google and then go to the images tab). When my preschooler watches a movie, I try to incorporate a learning activity. She’s watching Aladian? Let’s color our own magic carpet. Toy Story? Let’s do a maze to help Bo Peep find her Sheep. I’m also using the Miss Kindergarten pages to help Lennon learn how to read.

My Laminator: This goes hand in hand with the printables. When I discovered that we were going through a lot of pages - especially for writing activities - I busted out the laminator and started covering our entire household. Yes, my to do list is now laminated. Best. Investment. Ever.

Palomas: Several years ago, I worked with a tequila client. I learned how to make just about the best tequila cocktail - The Paloma. Fast forward to our honeymoon in Cabo and Paloma’s were on heavy rotation. I bought this drink back around Christmas and recently got my hands on one of the key ingredients - Squirt - so I’ve put the Palomas back in rotation. You seriously just need some tequila and Squirt (bonus points for lime). Goes great with tacos and quesadillas - or any day that ends in y!

Online Workouts: I recommend free trials from Amazing Yoga and Obe Fitness. I also hear Peloton workouts are free. For my birthday in February, I asked for gift cards to purchase a spin bike for my house - since I love a good CycleBar workout. Boy, I didn’t realize how much those cards would come in handy! My under $300 bike arrived this week and I’m loving the classes from my studio. If you are looking for a bike, my checklist was something that was small, cost-effective, could record speed and hadipad holder. Amazon has a lot of options, but sadly they keep selling out given everyone being at home!

Just Dance: My daughter's dance studio has been earning their tuition with daily dance combos. When my kid didn’t want to dance alone, I took one for the team and purchased my own tap shoes from Amazon. I mean, I’ve always wanted to take up some adult tap. Let’s just say I’ll be ready to go on stage in June if they need an extra dancer - especially for the “peanut butter jelly.”


 

Nailed It!: We’ve been watching this show nightly Netflix and decided to recreate our own Nailed It Challenge for Easter by making a bunny cake. The premise of the show is that mediocre bakers are challenged to create extravagant cakes. The winner receives $10K! While not all of our bunny cake supplies arrived on time from Amazon, the key ingredient was here - fondant! For the cake, I used Duff’s white cake recipe and *tried* to make Magnolia Bakery buttercream icing. However, I only had granulated sugar and let’s just say it’s totally not the same as confectioner’s sugar. I’d give us a C+ on appearance here and the taste...well, I may not even go there lol.




I’m hoping to try a few more survival tactics this week and I’ll let you know how they go! That list includes:


MadMex Big Azz Margarita Pick Up

Firstleaf Wine Delivery (just waiting for my order to ship!)