We have learning all sorts of news things around here during this quarantine from how to make sourdough to how to make coconut yogurt. Or as the kids like to say, cocoyo.
If you’re anything like me, you might be starting to panic a little. While I love a few spare minutes to myself while my kiddo zones out on Netflix Kids or plays some games on ABC Mouse, I try to limit those times for when Mommy needs a freaking shower, or when I’m making breakfast/ lunch/dinner/ cleaning. What about the other 8-10 hours left in my day?
When I freak out, I like to formulate plans. Plans help me relax. So, while my husband and kiddo are sleeping, this momma has taken to the internet to Google myself into a happy summer, filled with activities I can try at home. Now I am sharing my bounty with you…you’re welcome!
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I am all about that nontoxic, natural life and I did not want to use bleach like chemicals to clean my house. So I went on another mission to find a clean, nontoxic disinfecting alternative as effective as bleach. Enter: Force of Nature.
2020 will definitely be a year to remember, not only for the Coronavirus pandemic causing mass shut downs and shelter in place orders that have swept the world, but also for the vast inequalities it has helped to shed light on. A disproportionate amount of Black Americans have died from COVID-19 than whites or other ethnic groups. Black Americans represent 13.4% of the US population, but over 60% of the deaths from the virus. How is this even possible? After all, “The virus knows no race or nationality; it can’t peek at your driver’s license or census form to check whether you are black. Society checks for it, and provides the discrimination on the virus’s behalf. The effects of that discrimination are found in the morgues.”
Disparities could be due to inequalities in access to health care. However, a much more likely reason is the systematic, structural, and institutionalized racism that has plagued this country for the past 400 years. To exacerbate these glaring inequalities is the continued news cycle of Black people dying at the hands of police and white supremacists. And now, months later, an uprising has begun.
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I have finally found the best nontoxic brand to clean my home: Branch Basics. Here is why I like it:
Staying hydrated is so important for overall health, vitality, and luminous, radiant skin. So needless to say, reusable water bottles are a definite must have for teachers in the classroom or for anyone really. Here are some of our favorite chicest water bottles:
Are you looking to find the perfect gift for young kids? Are you sick of buying shiny plastic toys that you know will get used once or twice and then thrown in the corner? Read on for one of the very best gift ideas for young children.
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In times of crisis this family turns to carbs. Lots and lots of carbs. I have never made bread, thought about making bread, had the desire to make bread. Up until recently, I had not really even been eating bread…or gluten for that matter.
Continue reading to learn about my journey cultivating my first sourdough starter.
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During this crazy time we are living in, we decided pretty early on that we wanted - no, what we needed - our students to do was to be writing daily while at home. We wanted them to record their thoughts, feelings, and experiences while sheltering in place. We aren’t alone. Our favorite teacher/ author, Kelly Gallagher also is having his students writing from home.
We knew that we wanted to create something that students could look back on for years to come and that reflected their unique perspectives and interests. We wanted to create a journal that we could share remotely that focused on student centered reflections of this unprecedented time period.
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I recently read a beautiful opinion piece written by Mitch Album: In coronavirus crisis, our humanity saves us. In the article, he implores us to rise up, to not become the worst versions of ourselves, our neighbors, or our leaders. Instead, he states that we all need to feel a little grateful. “Feeling gratitude during a crisis is the beginning of resetting your compass.”
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Well, I have had a lot of time on my hands lately, and I went down the rabbit hole of cleaning tips and tricks during a pandemic and this is what I learned:
I don’t know if anyone, aside from the crazy toilet paper hoarders, was quite prepared for this pandemic, but we definitely were more prepared than many. So, If you like being prepared and want to know how we are weathering the pandemic sheltering in place, read below for my pandemic survival guide. Readers, please take note, I get through stressful situations by joking and not taking myself too seriously. If you are looking for a serious read, this may not be for you. If you are looking for a light read, with some funny advice, read on dear teachers.
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