COVID-19 Self Distancing: Week 3 Recap

Here we are! Week 3 completed and onto week 4 of self distancing started. This week was a lot of trying new things (baking and cooking) and working on our balance in work/life.

Something I learned:
My husband is an excellent baker and nailed scones his first try.
Sending letters and little notes to people is a fun "old" way to stay in touch. You can order stamps be mailed to your door by the way.
I love oatmeal.
My cat maybe a grandma but she can still chase squirrels and almost kill me in the process when I try to run after her and fall down the retaining wall.
Brining chicken is where it is at people to add flavor!
You can make a bird feeder stand out of a shepherds hook, pot and rocks.

Here are some picture highlights from the week.

Ryan's yummy scones.

I put hummus on fish and it was actually really good.

My letters ready for the mail.

I made homemade oatmeal and apple pie filling. HELLO!

Stella loves the warmer weather.

Supporting local business from HEARTLAND pizza!

Pizza!

My sassy coworker.

Here comes my flower bed.

I snuggled this baby a lot.

Time to swap out my winter for summer tires.

Carmen thank you for the care package.

Bike rides can be safe people.

This was soooo good. Brined and dry rubbed the chicken.

This is Easter week and its usually a week for me to spend time with my family. I need to find new ways of engagement with my family without physically seeing them. I have been brain storming ideas we will see what I can come up with. Stay positive, safe and healthy out there!

Until next time~
XoXo Emily

COVID-19 Self Distancing: Week 2 Recap & Flat Bread Recipe (BONUS!)

I am so busy! I am sorry this is like 3 days late. Work is intense right now. I am really blessed to be surrounded by so many supportive leaders, peers and team mates. Working in health care is really stressful currently with the pandemic and my main goal being a leader is to keep my team calm and focused with positive energy. With that in mind we are still trying in our limited free time to get exercise and keep sane. I have been taking baths, doing yoga and going outside as much as I can. I am happy the temperatures are going to be getting warmer this week. Sadly that has triggered my allergies making my COPD lungs a mess along with migraines. Still grateful I can work through my illnesses and still be okay.

Here are some recap items at the bottom and a bonus recipe for flat breads for those that are struggling with bread options.

This old lady maybe the worst co-worker ever but she is cute. Still not fired because she does randomly show up for work still.

We ordered tacos last Tuesday. It was A LOT of leftovers. Love supporting local businesses though.

My neighbors left me flowers letting me know they also miss Luna. :)

Our first Farmers Best Delivery was such a hit. We have loved everything we have ordered! We ordered some things this week as well and will continue to order from them. Love supporting local farmers!

I maybe getting too used to fancy tea in the AM. Also look at this giant cookie from Great Harvest Bread that we got in our Farmers Best Delivery Basket.

Left over chili and a fajita melt (leftover take out) on Great Harvest Bread. Use what you got people!

One pan sheet tray meal!

It was so easy and yummy. Recipe on my pintrest page.

My coworker showed up to work on Friday.

Friday night made a mix drink with my OJ!

Chicken Picatta. Wild Rice and Cauliflower.

I made these burgers with grass feed beef from our Farmers Best Delivery basket. They were devine.

Got a pick up order of wine to stock up so we figured why not get a wonderful treat like this from the winery. Thank you Ledgestone Winery!

I love my friends. :)

Avocado toast. Used the avocados from my first Instacart order.

Frittata make one with your leftovers people! 

hi cutie.

I want to learn to be the best virtual leader I can be in these hard times. 99% of my team is work at home right now.

Its hard to believe we are two weeks into this "stay at home" order and self distancing. I have only seen one person from afar and waived at them while walking its been interesting.




I made flat bread for the curry I made. Super easy.

NOW the flat bread recipe:

What you need~
2 cups flour
3/4 cup water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon of baking powder
2 teaspoons of olive oil for frying

I used my stand mixer to mix all of the above and then I kneaded it by hand for about 2 minutes. Divide the ball into 6 balls and roll with rolling pin into disc shapes. I did try some seasoning on some and I actually liked those you can season with whatever you want I used thyme lemon seasoning.  I used a flat top (would use my cast iron pan instead in the future) to cook these. Put oil in the pan and then put the flat breads on. 2-5 minutes on each side depending on how thick your flat bread are. Perfect for curry or a bread option if you do not have yeast.

Keep safe and healthy everyone.

Until next time ~
XoXo Emily

COVID-19 Self Distancing: Week 1 Recap

Wow. It's been intense. I have been actively vloging (video blogging) on my Instagram TV channel each day giving my family and friends updates on what is going on each day with Ryan and I as we tackle the current reality of the world. Some important highlights from the week below. I will try to do a weekly update for my family that does not use Instagram or know how to watch Facebook stories.

A reminder-- Ryan and I are 100% self distancing which means we try to limit person interaction completely unless we have to go get prescriptions/emergency items.

What I learned and tips to share:

• I can pretty much make a meal out of anything. Like leftovers are in full effect in our house. Example below of the corned beef leftovers in sandwich form. Stir fry that I also used for burrito bowls.
• I really like walks right now even if it is freezing. I will bundle up I do  not care I need to get outside people. I have tried cross fit, yoga, running, jogging and walking to stay fit. I am determined. I recommend the Down Dog App. I see some of the wonderful Zumba instructors at the Y are doing online videos going to check that out tomorrow.
• I love reading. Thriftbooks.com for discount used books.
• Farmers Best Delivery. I cannot wait for my first delivery of local bread, cheese, meat, grains and other items from them on Wednesday my delivery day. Spend $45? You get free delivery each time you order. I will report back next week on what we get.  
• I love that I can call people on facebook messenger and physically see them! I am like a super extrovert so that makes me happy I did this with my mom and a bunch of friends this weekend. It is a great way to stay in touch.  

We had PTO this week we were supposed to go on vacation. Instead we socially distanced by going for a walk in Door County at the state park. Good way to get fresh air and still be safe.

I made corned beef for St. Patrick's day. The meat was an excellent leftover sandwich.

I legit am starting to dig deep for meals with strange/random ingredients. Stir fry is an easy through it all in staple. Ryan made this by using some frozen veggies, frozen shrimp and made rice.

Be kind to each other. My wonderful neighbor left this tea for me.

My new coworker. She is a jerk. Ryan and I are both WAH for now with us social distancing 100%.

Making killer cups of tea daily!

I have done some crafting this past week including mending Ryan's grandmas quilt and fixing some pillows.

Look SPRING!

Just a girl. Jogging and walking. I refuse to not work out!

Venison backstraps from my freezer paired with mushrooms and baked potatoes. Meals can still be tasty guys! Keep it simple.

I mean it was pure luck that I had everything I needed to make grasshoppers the other night. Make due with what you got right now.

Oh stop coworker you too cute. Can I call a coworker cute?

I cannot wait for this guys I will report back!

The next couple memes are on fire with this week. I hope they bring you a laugh.

We are all in this together. Please stay home to protect people like me that could have severe complications if I get this virus. We all need to do our part. People are losing their jobs and it is hard out there. I am going to continue to try to spread positivity every day on my Facebook stories and Instagram page. Miss me? Chat me up we can talk on the phone too.

Until next time~
XoXo Emily