Friday Favorites 4 & Link Up On the Edge #187
Here we are on day I-don’t-even-know of world quarantine. In the interest of staying positive, I am going to share some of my favorite things. While many people may be experiencing extra down time at home, I actually have much less down time with staying on track with my own writing and blogging goals and home schooling my children. My silly little guys were under the impression that they were getting a 5 week vacation. Little did they know that mom and dad can be hard asses when we want to be! Actually, we aren’t being all that hard, but we are implementing structured days that consist of morning yoga, chores, reading time, educational games, videos, and documentaries, outdoor exercise when the weather permits as well as keeping daily logs of their activities.
So without further delay, here are my favorite things that are helping me to get through the days.
Yoga with Kasssandra. We are loving Kassandra’s 20 minute yoga sessions for beginners. Because let me tell you…we are beginners! Archie has embraced our morning yoga sessions whole heartedly. Ralph, on the other hand, has been a bit of a challenge. But we will get him on board eventually!
Go Noodle. When the weather is confining us to the indoors (it has been raining here a lot lately), Go Noodle is getting us off our butts and moving around. The activities are so silly that we usually end up in fits of laughter. And we are getting exercise, too.
American Idol and The Voice. Gosh, how these shows give me all the good feels! Both are still in the prerecorded part of their seasons so I am not sure how it is going to play out when they reach the point of live performances. Are they going to perform live with no audiences or are they going to postpone it? I guess I will find out soon.
500 Nations: The Story of Native Americans. I am totally sucked into this 8 part documentary from 1995. I am only halfway through the first part, but it so freaking fascinating. It makes me sad though to see how cruel human beings can be and have been for a very long time. I wanted my kids to watch it with me, but they were not into at all. It might be a little above their age level, so I’m going to let them off the hook on this one. But if you know of any other interesting documentaries that 7 and 8 year olds might enjoy, please let me know!
All the Bright Places. I recently watched this Netflix original movie starring Elle Fanning and Justice Smith. It is a teen romantic drama that very eloquently addresses depression and suicide in teenagers. It is super sad but still very inspiring.
Sheertex Tights. Seriously, these are the best, most comfortable tights I have ever worn. And they are basically indestructible. You can read my review of them here and you can save $10 on your own pair by using code SHELBEE10 at checkout.
Souped Up Ramen. When I was in Asheville last month, I went to a ramen restaurant for the very first time ever and I was sold! Why have I been eating plain old ramen for the past 30 years when I could be souping it up pimp-style?! Gosh, I have missed out on so much. Our dear friend Adam just brought us a copy of Pimp My Noodles and while I haven’t tried any specific recipes from it yet, I have been pimping my ramen on a regular basis usually with leftovers. My favorite combination so far has been chicken, vidalia onion, scallions, carrots, mushrooms, garlic and onion powder, turmeric, and Sriracha. I do need to go find me some tofu because I think that would be perfect for some souped up ramen.
Sidewalk Chalk. My kids spent hours yesterday with the girls next door making my driveway the happiest driveway in the neighborhood. It is strange times like these that force us to rediscover and appreciate the simpler things in life. When my kids create using all sorts of different mediums, that makes me a very happy momma.
Lego Challenge. My good friend Bethany sent me this fun Lego Challenge for the boys to further expand their creativity. We have been having lots of fun with their creations.
Blogland. I am so very thankful for the blogging community right now. So many bloggers are taking steps to keep posting so we can all have a positive space to visit. While some of it may seem frivolous in light of current events, I personally think it is important to try to maintain some sense of normalcy so we don’t all fall into depression. So I plan to continue sharing my outfits and my thoughts on a variety of topics.
What have you all been doing to transition into this new and unexpected way of life?
And now your featured favorites from last week.
Reader Favorite (Most Clicked)
Jennifer of Effortlessly Sophisticated shared some helpful style advice in her post, Style Tips to Look Younger. While Jennifer believes that age should not dictate our style choices, she does offer some great ideas for keeping looks current and on trend regardless of our age.
My Favorite Fashion Post
Katie of Hello Katie Girl caught my eye with her beautifully bright color blocked outfit in her post, New Kicks on the Block. But as the title implies, it is her shoes that demand all of your attention.
My Favorite Non-Fashion Post
Johanna of Johanna Grange really caught my attention with her post, Quarantine Survival Tips with the Kiddos. While I never intended on home schooling my kids, like ever, here I am, home schooling my kids. And I will take all the tips and ideas that anyone has to offer me!
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
Shop my look…
Outfit Details: Dress-Kohl’s / Vest-Charlotte Russe / Coat-Talbots / Boots-Shoe Dazzle / Tights-c/o Sheertex / Necklace and Earrings-Good Life Gift Shop
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
56 Comments
Nancy
You are as big a fan of purple as I am at the moment! Haha, but your kids are not bored anyway! When I think of the weeks in social isolation we have ahead of us, it makes me sad. I miss my friends. But hey, the house is getting pretty clean! Lol. Have a good and safe weekend!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nancy! I have been wearing a lot of shades of purple lately for some reason! It is a lovely and a very happy color! I am laughing at how everyone has so much free time to deep clean their homes because I feel like I have less time with the kiddos home. And since I basically isolate myself at home all day anyway (unless I am traveling somewhere), that is the only difference for me right now…having my kids home all day. Hang in there, my friend. I do hope this passes soon.
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar A Strauss-Benjamin
Super cute dress!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Tamar! It is super old!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
Thanks for sharing all these things you do while in quarantine mode. I love the Voice and need to share this lego challenge with my son. Love this chic layered look Shelbee! Thanks for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! My kids are enjoying the Lego Challenge and ask for it every day! Although they have been improvising some but that’s all part of the fun. I hope you guys are all staying healthy, safe, and sane!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
I’m currently try my best not to go crazy. I’m getting work down, deep cleaning, finally started the book I’ve been wanting to read but I want to go out and do something 🙁 I miss my friends.
Jennifer
https://www.effortlesslysophisticated.com/2020/03/adding-a-belt/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Jennifer, I am so sorry! Start a book club and meet on video chat! Since I work from home and tend to isolate myself anyway, I am actually finding that I am busier than normal with my kids home now. But tomorrow is my younger son’s birthday and I do feel bad for him that he can’t have a party. We are going to do our best to make the day special for him though. Hang in there, my friend! We will get through this together.
xoxo
Shelbee
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
Some great favorites: we will have to check out Go Noodles on days we can’t go outside. We have been walking, biking and discovering all the goodies we have to play in the garage. The latest is our little plastic horse shoe set. Thankfully the boys are pretty independent with their school work and their schools have set up a pretty good digital learning experience. We are baking a lot so we have had to walk off those calories, lol!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Go Noodle is so fun, Mireille! Although, yesterday the whole website was down. I wonder if everyone is using it. The weather here has been pretty crummy lately so we have been stuck inside. We have been playing lots of board games and stuff, too. Hang in there! We’ve got this.
xoxo
Shelbee
Ashley
I love that you guys have structured your little ones’ time at home- SO smart!
This is such a challenging/weird/scary time. Definitely haven’t seen or experienced anything like this in my lifetime. Here’s hoping our quarantine will help stop the spread and our health care system can manage those who need care!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Ashley! It is a tedious process to shift our daily routine but we must make the best of it! Stay healthy and safe!
xoxo
Shelbee
jess jannenga
Love your suggestions! I think it is great to have structure to a degree with kids, I do think they think it is an extended Spring break! 🙂 Sounds like you are doing a great joB! The way I work and my hubby hasn’t changed and we are going to do some household projects too- mainly cleaning things. If we don’t stay positive, it can get depressing, so I am choosing to be positive. Love this maroon color combo with the mauve vest, very pretty on you!
Love ramen too.. yum! Sat we are ordering local food and renting a movie… not sure what yet.
take care!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jess! I am choosing to be positive as well and settle into this new way of living. Ramen is so, so good! Tomorrow is Ralph’s birthday and he wants Pizza Hut. So as long as they are still open, we will be ordering take out. Pizza and cake and movies are probably our weekend plans as well.
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellibelle
These are such great activities to keep busy! Wish my kids still love Lego the way the used to, I think I’m more of a lego fanatic than what they ever were, still have a large set to build (I purchased it for myself after Christmas). But like with you, this time is busier for me as well.
I too watch the singing competitions, American Idol has always been my favorite and this is the first year I’ve been watching The Voice on Hulu. Hopefully they won’t need to cancel them, they are part of my normality at the moment.
Loving today’s look! The purple look fabulous on you!
And thanks for continuing the linkup!
Ellibelle’s Corner
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ellie, thanks so much for sharing your faves with me! I have been watching American Idol since the very beginning. I used to watch it with my mom all the time. It was one of our favorite things to do together. She passed away in 2006 and I literally have not missed an episode since then because it makes me feel closer to her! I hope they don’t have to cancel them either, but I suspect they will figure out something to keep it going.
xoxo
Shelbee
jodie filogomo
I do think having this community helps…at least it does for me.
BTW, I have that pink faux fur vest…I got mine at Gordmans: https://www.jtouchofstyle.com/styling-velvet-pants-winter/
Great minds!!
Have a wonderful weekend,
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jodie! This community is definitely a beautiful distraction especially as things just keep getting weirder and weirder. Going to check out your pink furry vest now! Stay safe and healthy, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Katie
I think the idea of keeping some sort of schedule is so important right now! I hope things are going well with homeschooling. I am trying to teach from home and it’s a challenge! Thanks for featuring me in today’s post and I hope you and your family stay healthy!
-Katie
http://www.hellokatiegirlblog.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Katie, thanks so much! I can’t even imagine trying to teach students remotely when you never had time to plan ahead. Everything was so abrupt. I hope you are able to get into a workable routine as well! Stay safe and healthy.
xoxo
Shelbee
Maureen
I hear you! I am also keeping the little guy over here on a routine which seemed like a lot of work the past few days! I think it was because of the resistance but now that we have understanding that we are stuck together for while, we are good! The only thing I cannot give him is getting outdoors. As of late last night, we have a statewide order to stay at home. 🙁 I hope your Friday is going well and wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Maureen! I am still trying to get my boys to understand that this isn’t just going to be for a few weeks, that is more likely going to be the rest of the school year at least. And we also have the same statewide order as of last night. So no outdoors for us either. I hope you can enjoy the weekend although the weekend looks just like every other day these days!
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
It sounds like you are rocking the whole forced homeschooling thing; I’m pretty impressed as I think it took me a good year to fall into a groove with my boys. There is an excellent series called Travel With Kids that travels the globe and is wonderful for learning about geography. We also enjoyed The Science of Disney Imagineering and all the DisneyNature films. Brain Games is a great series (on Netflix I think) about how the brain works and what we see but it’s got activities to do while watching and my boys found it fascinating. They’re also huge fans of How it Works, How It’s Made, Mythbusters, Popular Mechanics for Kids movies.. we tend to focus a lot on science since that’s what my boys are most interested in. But we have used “fun” movies like Night at the Museum to give us jumping off points for studying history too and we are big fans of any movies that are based on a true story like Cool Runnings.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh wow, Joanne, thank you so much! You have given so many great suggestions! I am going to check into all of these and see what the boys are interested in and go from there. I really appreciate you taking the time to share them! I hope you enjoy your weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
You’re welcome! Happy to help. 🙂
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Laura Bambrick
I just love that Lego challenge! I’m printing it out for my daughter! It’s so fun! If weather is good we are going to chalk the sidewalk tomorrow to help bring some happiness too! Your driveway looks fantastic!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Laura! I hope Claire enjoys the Lego Challenge! It rained yesterday so all of our chalk art has been washed away. Boo. And today is Ralphie’s 7th birthday so we will be having a quarantined birthday party for him…just us at home. I feel kind of bad for the kid, but there’s not much to be done about it. Enjoy your weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jill
These are great ideas to keep busy when in lockdown mode! We moved last weekend and still have things at our old house that we need to get packed up so that’s been taking all of my time outside of work. I need to have a game plan for when we’re settled. Love this chic layered look! Your vest is so cute!
Jill – Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jill, thanks so much! I hope you can get everything moved in quickly so that you can get settled and start a new routine. Stay safe and healthy!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Wesemann
Looking very nice. 500 nations is amazing, one of the best docs out there.
Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a good weekend.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Patrick! I am astonished at how savage humans have always been towards one another!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
Another lovely outfit! I love the fluffy vest with the dress.
I enjoyed reading about your favorites! As far as shows for kids, I wonder if Cosmos hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson would work. Lots of good science!
I agree we need to keep doing what makes us happy. Be miserable doesn’t help anything in this situation.
Michelle
http://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michelle! I will definitely check out that show. My kids love science! Keep on keeping on, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellis James Designs
Love the pink faux fur vest!
Also those tights look interesting, stretchy tights that won’t break are always useful!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much! Yes, these tights are truly remarkable! They rip or run and they are incredibly comfortable!
xoxo
Shelbee
Deborah Stinedurf
Totally digging that vest my friend! I have a question because I’m curious about what other schools are doing. Are you fully responsible for homeschooling the boys or are their teachers in contact and/or providing work for them? We are required to touch base with our parents and/or students every school day as well as providing regular school assignments. Stay safe and healthy my friend! xo
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Debbie! So our school district put out a message to us that we are not required to do anything specifically with the children, but they did send home a guideline of daily activities that we can follow. But those activities are up to us. They also provided us with a whole bunch of online resources. Ralph’s teacher posts on Class Dojo every day with her morning message and a fun activity for the kids to do. Later in the day she reads a book to them and posts the video. We can post photos of our kids there as well. She did call us on Saturday to wish Ralph a Happy Birthday and said she would be making phone calls but probably only weekly or less. I have not been in contact with Archie’s teacher at all. So, basically we are on our own as parents. I have the boys keeping a daily log that lists all the activities that we did each day so they have something if they do return to school this year. My kids are in 1st and 3rd grade so we have been doing yoga, reading, math games, board games, art, exercise, documentaries, and things like that. I hope that all helps! If you want more information, just let me know! Stay safe, healthy, and sane!
xoxo
Shelbee
Dee | Grammy's Grid
Looks like you all have plenty to keep you busy. Going to have to watch the doc on Native Americans as I have Cherokee ancestors. I like your coat. Who is your photographer? Thanks so much for hosting! I’m linking up today with WEED APPRECIATION DAY and WHAT WAS IT? (ANIMAL PROMPT 75 WORDS).
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am busier than ever with my kids home, Dee! I am still making my way through the 500 Nations documentary. But I also just watched an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience (just from last week) where he interviews Shannon O’Loughlin who works for the Association of American Indian Affairs. She discusses the current status of relations between the Native American Nations and the U.S. government. It is fascinating and powerfully moving. But beware, you will get irritated with the U.S. government. It’s a long interview (over 2 1/2 hours) but totally worth it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Dee | Grammy's Grid
I enjoy listening to Joe too and the guests he has on. Gosh don’t get me started on the way the government treats our native people 🙁
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Joe is the best! I always find my mind going in a million directions and my passions get soaring after I watch him. And yeah, the Native American stuff gets me so fired up, too. I have always felt a special connection to that population for some reason (and I have no native blood according to my DNA results).
Dee | Grammy's Grid
My cousin had his dna done with Ancestry and he has native ancestry from both parents but none showed up. So I contacted Ancestry and they told me the reason none shows up is because there is not enough info in their database for indigenous peoples in the US. Our great grandmother was 1/2 Cherokee.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh wow! That is fascinating information. My DNA showed 99% Eastern European and I have no stories from my ancestors that would indicate that I have any genetic connection to any tribe. But I suppose anything is possible and none of it really impacts my feelings of strong connection. But I am curious, with your great grandmother being 1/2 Cherokee, was there anything on your cousin’s DNA report that would be closely related to indicate Cherokee ancestry or does that all just kind of disappear in the DNA testing process?
Claire Justine
Great look Shelbee, love your boots. Aww, the sideway chalk is a great idea so bright and beautiful. Yesterday our neighbour’s kids did this on the paths and I thought how cheerful it looked. Brightened up a dull day too 🙂 They also knocked on the door and left us a hand-painted stone as a present, which was so sweet Me and my daughter both wanted it, lol. Guess who won!? Yep, she did. Thanks for linking up to Stay Home Save Lives: Motivational Monday Link-Up. Keep safe lovely.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Claire! All the sidewalk chalk has sadly been washed away by rain and snow. But as soon as the weather gets nice again, I will have them re-chalk the driveway! However, we must be careful now as they cannot even be playing with the neighborhood kids at this point. How cute that your neighbors were sharing their creativity outdoors as well. Stay safe and healthy!
xoxo
Shelbee
Anna Shirley
We don’t have a quarantine yet, so my son is going to school every day. I’m helping him with some subjects from time to time, so I know what is awaiting me when I will be doing homeschooling. I’ll have more appreciation for his teachers, that is for sure. Thank you for your tips. It seems that we will need them soon.
Anna
http://www.glamadventure.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Anna! I am actually surprised that you haven’t been quarantined yet. I thought this hit your area of the world long before it got to the U.S. I have no idea how long this will last. It is getting scary and I have heard rumors that the kids may not go back to school at all this year. I hope that is not the case, but only time will tell. Stay safe and healthy!
xoxo
Shelbee
Dee | Grammy's Grid
No way to reply directly to your question (under the question) so will do it here. Nothing related to Native Americans shows up at all. Nothing in Ancestry’s database to indicate any such relations.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh wow! So there is no way to confirm if you had no idea whatsoever? You would only know of your Native American ancestry by being told by your ancestors. My interest is growing even more now! Thank you for sharing all of this wonderful information with me.
xoxo
Shelbee
Dee | Grammy's Grid
Yes, that’s true. However, I feel if our ancestors from across the ocean have been here for a while then we all have native blood running thru our veins 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I have to agree with that!
lorena
Great colors Michelle and i think the lego challenge is quite an idea.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lorena! Legos are definitely helping us stay busy during these long, strange days.
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
Also? Thank you for sharing with Creative Compulsions!
Michelle
http://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Michelle!
xoxo
Shelbee