Tag Archives: pandemic

Feb2

A Day In The Life Of Lil Red

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A Day In The Life Of Lil Red

Hello! I told you that I would be using some of the writing prompts that I suggested for all of you yesterday and here I am – surprise! Yours truly knows a thing or two about writer’s block and, honestly, the best way for me to combat it is to think of a ton of different post topics and go from there. So, as per my own recommendation, I am going to take all of you through a normal day for Lil Red, pandemic style. Here we go:

Morning:

I typically wake up to start getting ready for work around seven. It’s a bit of a mad dash for me because I need to shower, write, and do any other last minute preparations with the hope of leaving for a client’s house at eight fifteen. This may seem like a lot to cram into an hour and a quarter but I have been dedicated to this morning routine for years and it would be weird to change it up now. I also find that I am less likely to keep hitting the snooze button when I have a few things to accomplish before I even leave for work! 

Afternoon:

My afternoons are dedicated to my clients and trying to find fun ways to keep them occupied at home during the pandemic. I love my job so much and have been an Independent Provider for people with special needs for over three years now. The pandemic has definitely put a damper in a normal day at work as community integration is my specialty but I think that I am better at my job for it because I have had to get so creative with endless days at home. No matter what we do, I am always thankful for time with my clients and get home anywhere between three thirty and five during my work week.

Evening:

Once I get home from work, I still have a bit of paper and computer work to take care of before I can settle in with Johnny for dinner and an episode of whatever show we’re watching. Right now, we are working on three different ones: Castlevania, the Ken Burns Vietnam documentary, and King Of The Hill as our comedic palette cleanser. Johnny and I will sometimes play a few video games, as well. I am currently still working on Mario Galaxy and it is so much fun! I also like to incorporate some time into all of my evenings to read and practice the five languages I am learning on Duolingo for a mental work out.

My days have felt rather blah lately but after writing out a typical day in my life, I have realized that I actually do a lot even during the pandemic. I feel proud of myself for sticking with all of my routines and still trying to make every day a great one despite not feeling my best. Here’s to safer and happier times to come!

What is a day in your life like? Which shows are you currently watching? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb1

Have Some Writing Prompts!

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Have Some Writing Prompts!

Hello everyone and happy February! Can you believe that we are already one month into 2021? I, personally, am having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that we are quickly approaching the one year mark of when the bars, restaurants, and salons first shut down in Ohio on March 19th, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Time really seems to be flying and dragging on at the exact same time.

This pandemic has done us writers literally no favors and I understand how hard it is to come up with daily content better than anyone. And, as we approach the one year anniversary (worst anniversary ever) of the coronavirus, writing can seem even more daunting as this limbo we are all stuck in feels never ending. If you are struggling to come up with content on your page, fear not! Lil Red is here to help with some writing prompts and I can’t wait to see what all of you come up with:

  • How have you adjusted to life during a pandemic?
  • What has been your favorite memory during the past year?
  • Valentine’s Day is almost here! Do you have any ideas for at home dates and gifts?
  • The pandemic has put many big events on hold. Did you miss out on any concerts or plays?
  • It’s never too early to start your spring cleaning! Any tips on the best ways to deep clean your place?
  • How has your personal style changed since the pandemic?
  • Working from home? What are the pros and cons, in your opinion?
  • Do any of your friends run a small business? Now is the time to support them by giving a shout out on your page!
  • What is the most binge worthy series you watched during the pandemic?
  • What is the most unputdownable book you’ve read this past year?
  • Where do you turn for inspiration when you are writing?
  • Describe a typical day in your pandemic life.

Believe it or not, this post is as much for me as it is for all of you because I will be using some of these prompts, myself! If you plan on using any of the above, let me know so I can check your post out. 🙂 Happy writing!

What do you do when you have writer’s block? What are you most looking forward to post pandemic? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan28

Short Supply: Staying Ever-Ready For Essential Shortages

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Short Supply: Staying Ever-Ready For Essential Shortages

If the last year has taught people anything, it’s that it really doesn’t take much for the wider population to panic about supplies. The recent Covid-19 outbreaks have caused people across the globe to panic buy items, with things like toilet paper being very hard to find in some places. Of course, while this may have been a little silly, the threat of shortages is something that it can be worth being prepared for. There are several key products that need to be considered with this, but this article will be going through them to show you how you can overcome shortages without having to empty the shelves at your local stores:

Power/Heat:

The ability to power and heat your home is something that many people take for granted. While it has only been the last 100 years or so that have standardized the environmental control many people have inside their homes, it’s hard for most people to imagine what life would be like without it. Looking for residential propane companies near me and other suppliers offering fuel is a good way to prepare yourself for the event that the mains are no longer usable.

Having a store of affordable fuels will put you in a good place should you need to rely on energy off the grid, employing the services of an expert in energy solutions such as Sunshine Fuels or similar local to you can not only provide you with a supply of cheap fuel but also the opportunity to invest in the installation of a generator which uses such fuels as your property, this way you have a backup source of power should you ever need it. Alternatively, you could switch to powering your home with a standalone generator and use affordable propane gas or heating oil as opposed to being reliant on a large energy provider to heat your home, as they will likely be the first ones to hike their prices during a future shortage.

Water:

Water is essential to all life on Earth, but many countries around the world are facing shortages of this vital compound. In South Africa, for example, people often have to queue to get access to drinking water that is rationed by the government. Having your own water source can be a good way to overcome issues like this, with wells, rain collection, and even natural springs providing excellent ways to get your hands on the water you need to survive.

Essential Foods:

Food shortages are one of the scariest prospects for many people, especially when they have children to look after. Keeping a stock of essential foods like flour, rice, and dried meat can help to ensure that you are able to feed your loved ones if the shops ever close. Thankfully, most superstores have extremely robust supply networks, and this means that they are able to keep their shelves stocked in even the trickiest of situations.

Internet:

Much like the ability to power your home, most people take internet access for granted. This resource enables you to communicate with people from across the globe, while also giving you access to almost unlimited information. Mobile networks are very well-built in most places, and this makes them less likely to fail than the network that is wired into your home. Having mobile data plans or even a few hot spots can help give you peace of mind.

It can be easy to assume that the world will always keep turning, but it also pays to be prepared in case anything happens that makes life hard for you and those you care about.

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jan27

At Home Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

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At Home Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

Hi! Valentine’s Day is, hands down, the most romantic day of the year for couples and if we weren’t in the midst of a pandemic, then I’m sure all of the restaurants and cocktail bars would be jam packed full of love birds celebrating. V-Day is going to be different this year, as staying at home is the best option for everyone right now. But, that doesn’t mean that you still can’t have a romantic evening in! Try the following for a fun and totally safe Valentine’s Day from home:

Clear the floor:

If you and your SO love to dance, then clear out a big section of floor space to create your own at home dance floor. Make a playlist with all of your favorite songs and a few ballads, of course, and dance the night away. Don’t forget to light some candles and dim the lights for an even more romantic atmosphere!

Cocktail hour:

On Valentine’s Days past, you and your partner might have enjoyed a cocktail hour at your favorite local bar. So bring the bar home! Get all of the fixings for both of your go to drinks and play bartender for each other. And don’t forget some light snacks so it doesn’t all go straight to your head! Pop on a rom com while you sip your drinks and it will be even better than being at the movie theater!

Plant some flowers:

Who needs a bouquet when you can plant some potted flowers for your house together? Pick out a packet of seeds, a beautiful terracotta pot, and soil and get your hands dirty. Watching your flowers grow together will be a sweet reminder of how your own love blossomed and you will be able to enjoy them for much longer than a bouquet that will wither within the week.

Should you not have a green thumb, a flower delivery is sure to make your partner’s day. Companies like Daily Blooms delivering flowers throughout QLD (or a similar business in your local area) will bring a stunning bouquet straight to your door. You can have it customized with your significant other’s favorite flowers and a pretty vase to display in your home. Once the bouquet begins to wither, you could even press the flowers as a keepsake of your Valentine’s Day together. 

Sweet treats:

If you and your partner both have a sweet tooth, then try your hands at making and decorating some delicious desserts. From cookies and chocolates to cake, cupcakes, cake pops, and chocolate covered fruit, you will have plenty of options to pick from. Or, if you want to make a day of it, you can bake a little bit of everything! So sweet and so fun too. 🙂

Dinner dress up:

After you’re done preparing dinner or waiting for your take out to arrive, head to your closet and you can both style an outfit for each other to wear during the meal. This will be really fun if you two have an eye for fashion and you will each get to see what your partner thinks you look best in. And, yes, sweat pants and pajamas are both viable options!

In my opinion, creating your own special memories at home seems even more intimate and romantic than a dinner out. Who needs a traditional Valentine’s Day, anyways? ❤

What are your Valentine’s Day plans? What is your favorite V-Day memory? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan26

Enjoying A Taste Of Travel While Stuck At Home

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Enjoying A Taste Of Travel While Stuck At Home

Most of us haven’t seen much beyond our own four walls since last March; and keeping ourselves occupied at home can be a real challenge after all this time. If you are itching to travel the world once more and explore your favorite destinations, consider trying some of these simple ways to get a taste of travel even when you are stuck at home in lock down:

Change your TV screen:

One super simple way to bring a taste of the tropics to your home is to change the screensaver on your TV or go into YouTube and search tropical beaches. If you have a large TV mounted on the wall; you can change the background to a beautiful scene and then have a family night with food and drink while feeling like you are somewhere else.

Have a themed game night:

Game nights are the best way to pass the time during lock down – and today we want to show you how to make your game night travel themed. You can buy a jigsaw puzzle of Washington, a monopoly board of a far off land, and consider a quiz that is travel themed. Bring all of your favorite destinations into your home through games and activities and enjoy time with your family this weekend.

Make some exotic cocktails:

If you long to be able to drink a Pina Colada on the beach once more; you can still make this happen at home. Bring a taste of your favorite holiday back home by making tropical cocktails this weekend. There are so many fun combinations to try and you can even create your own signature drink!

Enjoy cooking different cuisines:

Cooking different cuisines can be a brilliant way to transport your taste buds across the world and make you feel like you are back in that Greek restaurant or street cart in Thailand once more. Consider your favorite dishes from holidays in the past and find recipes for them online. Cook these dishes at home and enjoy taking your taste buds on a journey across the world for a little while. You can even decorate the table and the house to suit your theme and have a little dinner party with your family.

“Travel” on a virtual tour:

One great way to enjoy travel without traveling is to join a virtual tour of a city or landscape that you love. A lot of places are offering virtual tours at the moment instead of real visitors and it will allow you to immerse yourself in another place. Many museums and zoos are also offering this service and it will allow you to have some virtual days out with your family while tucked safely away at home.

Use these ideas to take yourself on a getaway this weekend – all from the comfort of your home!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan26

Need A New Hobby? Try The Following!

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Need A New Hobby? Try The Following!

Hey! Hobbies, hobbies, hobbies. That’s all you hear about when people talk pandemic and, as it has been almost a year since the start of this craziness, you might have exhausted all of the options of things to keep you occupied. Believe you me, I feel it completely and have felt like I’ve been stuck in a never ending loop of work, video games, Netflix, and bed. It can be hard to break that cycle but maybe these ideas below will help inspire all of us to keep on trying new things, despite all of the boredom blues. Let’s get to it:

Library Programs:

If your local libraries are anything like the ones in Ohio, then the events calendar on their website should be full of virtual programs that you can enjoy. There are events for every age group to participate in from story time for children to concerts from local talent and craft nights on Zoom. Take a look at your library’s website, see what sparks your interest, and sign up. The best part? If you don’t like it, all you need to do is close out of the Zoom call!

Make Some Money:

I used to be a huge fan of garage sale style apps like LetGo and they can be a great tool when you are doing a big home clean out. Start your spring cleaning early and see if you have anything that you’d like to try your hand at selling. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, as they say, and you could put your earnings towards a vacation fund when it is safer to travel. Plus: Clean house. It’s a total win/win.

Check Out Local Specialty Shops:

In my neck of the woods, there are plenty of small businesses that you can support and a lot of them have programs offered online. Perhaps your local game shop has an online Dungeons & Dragons community? Or maybe the craft store offers online tutorials on completing an art project from their employees. Not only will you help support their business but it will be a great way to meet new people and possibly develop a brand new hobby.

Fresh Spins On Old Favorites:

There is nothing wrong with sticking with the same old if it’s what you enjoy but how about putting a spin on it? Love pampering yourself in your free time? Try your hand at making your own soaps or lotion. Handy in the kitchen? Open your cook book to a random page and whip up something you never tried before. Book worm? Start your own book club with your friends over Zoom! Incorporating some new things into a hobby that is already your favorite will keep things exciting and you can become skilled in all areas of your craft.

We still have a long way to go before things go back to “normal”, which means we are going to be confined to our homes for a bit longer. Try the ideas above and, before you know it, nicer weather will be here and seeing friends safely outdoors will be possible! 😀

How do you spend your time in lock down? What is something new that you’d like to try? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan25

Virtual Game Night: Planning The Ultimate Night In

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Virtual Game Night: Planning The Ultimate Night In

Right now, with the state of the world and the pandemic that continues to rage around us, it’s not possible to see our friends and family as much as we might like. Life is complicated, things are complex, and it’s difficult to spend as much time with those we care about the most, which can leave you craving social interaction in a normal way. Enter Zoom, FaceTime, and every other video chat app that’s taken the world by storm.

These video chatting apps have made virtual get togethers with friends and loved ones doable, and have meant that while we cannot be physically close, we can still spend time with those who mean the most to us, which is amazing. If you’re getting bored of virtual quizzes, then perhaps you might like to plan a virtual game night for you and a group of your friends. The great thing about virtual game nights is that they’re fairly easy to organize and can be a lot of fun for everyone involved.

Wondering what it takes to plan the perfect virtual game night? Below are a few tips and ideas for how you can get started:

Do your research:

A great way to make planning a virtual games night a little easier is to take the time to do your research to make your night a success. You don’t want your event to be stale or boring so that everyone has a great time from start to finish. Resources like Pinterest have lots of ideas available, so it might be worth taking the time to have a browse of those for inspiration as well as finding out everyone’s favorite games to possibly incorporate.

Additional research can include shortcuts in race games, special codes like the grief runeword in d2r to improve items, and bonus maps and characters in fighting games. You can prepare this and send it off to your friends to study up on – perfect if you and your crew have a competitive streak going!

Send out kits to everyone:

Don’t just rely on technology to make your game night amazing, get creative with the games that you play. Yes, utilizing resources like Jackbox TV which can be played via smartphones is a great idea, as there are various digital games to choose from, but it’s always fun to try something different. If you plan on organizing a more traditional game, make sure to send out kits along with dice from skullsplitterdice.com for everyone to use during the evening. Make the kits fun and exciting; you could even opt to theme them if you’re having a themed games night, such as a murder mystery event. The more creative you can be, the better.

Incorporate drinks and snacks:

Don’t forget to incorporate drinks and snacks into your games night, just like you would have on a face-to-face hang out. Send off snack packs to all of your guests and if you really want to go all out, incorporate the ingredients to a signature cocktail for everyone to enjoy.

Seeing your friends and family over the computer screen is not the same as real life but it’s sure better than not seeing them at all! A weekly or monthly virtual game night will be the perfect way to keep in touch until it’s safer to meet in person.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan25

What Have I Been Up To?

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What Have I Been Up To?

Hi!! Is it just me, or is January kind of a blah month? It’s grey, damp, and cold – what’s more, all of the excitement from the holiday season has come and passed leaving not much to look forward to. As January draws to a close, it’s also a cruel reminder that in a month and a half it will be one whole year since the COVID-19 pandemic began. I don’t know about you, but that is definitely an anniversary that I won’t be celebrating!

Other than working, I really haven’t been up to much since Christmas. It’s just been the usual of Duolingo, reading, Mario Galaxy, Netflix, and enjoying Johnny’s company. Boring? Yes. But safe? Absolutely! It has been a long time since we have seen any of our friends but we just don’t want to take any risks – especially with the vaccine right around the corner.

Oh! How could I forget? Johnny and I have began looking for a house to rent once our lease is up at the apartment. It is still a couple of months away but, oh my gosh, am I excited. This pandemic has taught us that our little apartment just isn’t big enough and I can’t wait until we have a space that we can actually move around in. I am also constantly thinking about having a game room so we can entertain our friends when it’s safe to do so.

A bigger space also comes with the potential to get a pet, which is also going to be an amazing stepping stone in mine and Johnny’s relationship. We both grew up with dogs and wherever we end up moving will certainly feel more like a home with a four legged friend in it. And, also bunnies! I have had my heart set on getting two Netherland Dwarf rabbits and promised myself that it would happen once I am not in an apartment so my Bunny Mom dreams are that much closer to coming true. 🙂

Despite the boredom blahs, there is much to be thankful for like the safety of myself and my loved ones. Boring is good right now because it keeps us out of harm’s way and Johnny and I will gladly continue our lock down lifestyle with the promise of big milestones happening very soon!

What have you been up to recently? What is the next thing that you are looking forward to? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan23

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

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Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Hello everyone! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner so it’s time to do some shopping for your significant other. Today, we are going to look at some of the classic gifts you can give as well as some more unique ideas to woo your loved one with this Valentine’s Day. All right, love birds, let’s get to it:

LEGO Sets:

Have you guys seen the new botanical LEGO sets?! They are amazing and you could give your SO a LEGO bouquet of flowers to assemble together. How fun is that? LEGO also has some awesome sets of famous city skylines world wide. Perhaps you could pick a romantic city that you’d love to visit together? In my opinion, LEGOs are a two part gift because it’s so exciting to receive a set but it’s even better when you put it together… together! I love building with LEGO with my boyfriend and just one set can have you hooked on a brand new hobby – I know that was the case for me. 🙂

Pictures, Please:

For one of my client’s birthdays, he simply requested a picture frame with a picture of me and him in it. I was so touched by this and it is a gift that you really can’t go wrong with. Frame a picture of you two together and include a letter of why that moment was special to you. Sometimes, it’s the simplest gesture that is the most effective and I, for one, would love a gift like that too.

Lock Down Date Night:

Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not safe to go with the classic “night on the town” date so create a date night at home, instead. Cook a delicious meal, get all dressed up, and enjoy each other’s company. For activities, you can play games, pop on a rom com, or just reminisce on your relationship while sipping champagne. Johnny and I had a lock down style date for our one year anniversary and it is one of my most loved memories with him, despite just being in our apartment. ❤

Subscription Boxes:

Has your partner always been interested in trying Hello Fresh, Ipsy, or Stitch Fix? Subscription services are one of the gifts that keep on giving and every month will bring a new treat for your SO. This is also a fun gift because it will help break up the monotony of lock down life with something monthly to look forward to. Pick out the perfect box for your partner’s interests and you can keep having Valentine’s Day for several months to come.

At Home Spa Treatments:

After a long year of pandemic problems, maybe you and your SO just want to relax this Valentine’s Day. If that’s the case, why not bring the spa to you? Provide an assortment of products from face masks and body scrubs to deep conditioning hair treatments, nail care kits, and essential oils. Make sure you have big fluffy towels or robes too! Couples that pamper together stay together and you are both going to feel like a million bucks after your spa treatments are complete.

We are going to have to get creative to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year but that’s okay! Enjoy each other’s company and safety at home with the ideas above and have your best V-Day yet. ❤

What are you going to get your SO for Valentine’s Day? What is your favorite Valentine’s Day memory? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan20

How To Keep Your Home Healthy During Quarantine

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How To Keep Your Home Healthy During Quarantine

Right now, you are probably growing used to spending pretty much all of your time at home. Rather than being a place that you spend your evenings and weekends; your home is now your gym, workplace, and everything else besides. During the quarantine, you may have spent time perfecting your work from home set up, trying to keep yourself entertained, and the majority of it trying to stay in touch with friends and family via Zoom.

One thing that you may not have considered is whether your home environment is beneficial for your health. As everyone is spending far more time at home, it is more crucial than ever to make sure that your home helps your health rather than damages it. Here is how you can ensure that your home is as healthy as possible so that you can quarantine in the knowledge that your home is the best place to be right now:

Deal with Damp:

Dampness is a common problem in many homes and can cause health problems if it is left untreated. Mold and mildew are things that no one wants to see in their house, especially when you are spending all your time there. Ensuring that your home has adequate ventilation can help reduce damp, but if mold and mildew have already developed, you will need to remove them effectively. Using a bleach solution or proprietary mold remover should help clean off the mold and kill the mold spores. Remember that you will need to take care when using these treatments.

Clear the Air:

There is nothing more important than the air that you breathe, but it is easy to forget that you can play a part in improving the air quality in your home. Breathing in low-quality air can lead to a range of health problems and cause some potentially serious issues. Asthma and allergies can flare up when air quality is compromised, and your HVAC system could be causing these issues.

If your HVAC system is not maintained by a reputable air duct cleaning specialist such as DUCTZ, it can cause a range of problems. Over time, dust and dirt collect in your air ducts and if they are not cleaned regularly, then they will be spread throughout your home every time you use your heating and cooling system and pollute the quality of the air that you breathe. For this reason, scheduling regular HVAC maintenance is essential to ensure that your system is working correctly and that your air ducts are kept clean. A quick search for ‘HVAC contractor in Frederick, MD‘ or wherever it is you are located will put you in touch with the right professionals to guarantee good air quality in your home throughout the year.

Try a Deep Clean:

Deep cleaning your home is an excellent way to freshen it up and remove any potential health hazards. Deep cleaning removes the dust that can cause allergies and aggravate eczema-prone skin. Having a thorough deep clean of your house will also help to eliminate any harmful bacteria that could be lurking on your surfaces. Tend to what you can clean safely and leave the rest to the professionals should there be high places you can’t reach or your home is in need of a professional air duct cleaning. A freshly-cleaned, healthy home will make staying in it a far more pleasing experience.

Make your home even safer to be at during the pandemic by following the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pixabay