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Week 1 Life on the Inside: How a Skier Writes about Quarantine

  • March 18, 2020March 18, 2020

It’s like we woke up one day and the world was different. Our family went from getting excited for spring break to canceling our plans. I went from preparing my template to write an article about our time at Jackson Hole and Big Sky to wondering what kind of content makes sense for Snow Happy in this world of quarantine. We are in a new reality and we have a choice how we want to react to it. Either way, here we are! Now what???

It hasn’t all been smooth, but it really is nice to slow down. No racing from school to an activity. Plenty of time for creativity and play. Believe me, I’ve broken up my fair share of sibling fights and been told “stop trying to tell me what to do” when we’re doing some school. It’s not all a walk in the park.  I’d kill to be going thru my packing list in preparation for our first trip to Jackson Hole and Big Sky. But, they will be there waiting for us next season. It’s the right thing for all of us to be staying put.


One thing I’ve been doing is some early (well, maybe not so early with spring around the corner over the weekend) spring cleaning. I started with our pantry. It was super eye opening…why? There is so much stuff in there! Go open yours. Pull out everything in the front and see what’s lurking back there!! You probably have more food there than you think. It makes me really reflect on all the bulk purchasing and running to the store as soon as we’re out of something. 

Huh? Where’d the Falafel come from??

So, as a fun (?) thing, as we run out of fresh food, I’m going to cook our pantry before I shop again. I have warned my family that this is coming and to really lower their expectations!! As we speak, I’m looking up a yeast-free bread recipe (because no yeast) and 101 things to do with beans and rice! Ha. I’ll let you know how that went next week.

In the meantime, sort your pantry. Pull non-expired items to the front. If it’s something you really don’t think you’ll use, put on your porch and offer to neighbors who maybe can’t go or are avoiding the store. Have your kids come up with recipes for all these items…they may be more interested in stepping outside the usual menu if they have come up with the ideas! 


Next, I tackled the master bath vanity. We’re scheduled to start a renovation in both that bath and kitchen next week, but that is all so up in the air! But, I’m seeing the opportunity to really clean out in preparation because usually what happens is the scramble the night before!! Am I right? Again, unopened extras of personal care products you won’t use could go to neighbors or a shelter. 

With the ski season appearing to be at an end for most of us, it’s a great time to wash all that filthy ski gear. Hmm, I see another post in my near-future. Also a great time to go the kids’ too smalls and start the donation, hand-down and/or sell piles.


Lastly, friends, here are two great recipes if you’re out of cleaning supplies or maybe your local grocer’s shelves are bare or you plain don’t want to go out (good choice!!). Maybe you just want to learn something new…also a great thing to do with the kids. If you don’t have things at home, maybe you have that order in your Amazon cart ready to go…just add these and voila – cleaner safer products from the comfort of your own home! This is a great way to spring clean your routine!  

Print

Foaming Hand Soap

Make foaming hand soap at home using castille soap!
Prep Time5 mins
Active Time5 mins
Keyword: clean living, DIY, Personal care product, soap
Yield: 1 bottle

Equipment

  • Foaming Hand Soap Dispenser

Materials

  • 2 tbsp castille soap
  • 12-16 oz warm water

Instructions

  • Fill soap dispenser with warm water (leave about 1-1½ inches at the top)
  • Add castille soap
  • Place lid on container and swirl mixture together

Notes

Fill soap dispenser with warm water to about an inch or so from the top of the container.Then, add 2 tablespoons of the liquid castille/Dr. Bronner’s soap (do this AFTER added the water…can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this mistake and the soap foams up everywhere).If using plain/unscented castille soap, now is when you may add your own essential oils of choice. Screw dispenser lid on and give a little swirl to mix contents and you are ready to wash!! Voila!! A cleaner hand soap that will save on plastic and money! Who doesn’t love that??
Print Recipe

Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner

Use ingredients from home to make a DIY cleaner!
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time5 mins
Keyword: clean living, DIY, homemade cleaning solution, non-toxic
Servings: 1 bottle

Equipment

  • Glass or plastic spray bottle

Ingredients

  • 30 drops essential oil of choice I love peppermint, lavender, lavender lemon blend, cinnamon. Pick your favorite.
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • 1¾ cup water

Notes

 
In your spray bottle (brown glass sprayers are ideal because it protects potency of the oil, but if all you have is plastic you should still go for it), add 1/4 cup vinegar, 1 3/4 cups water and 30 drops essential oil. I love Young Living oils. Spray and wipe any and all surfaces around your house!! I even use this to refresh my car. Love that it’s something I feel good about having the kids use, too.

Hang in there, everyone. We’re all in this together. Stay-connected to friends and family from a distance as best you can. Keep your body moving and mind focused on other things (in other words, limit your news in-take!). Stay tuned for some great content over the next few days like: where will you ski next year (it’s ok to think about, promise!), how to wash your ski gear, how things are going week 2 and more! And, I’d love to hear from you…what do you want to read about to take your mind off the current uncertain world outside our doors. Stay active, get outside and see the good, friends.

This article contains affiliate link. But, as always, you can trust we only include products we love and use! Thank you for your support!!

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Welcome to Snow Happy! I am Mercedes Barrs, Founder of Snow Happy. I am a writer, mama, wife, skier, tennis player, avid reader, beach bum, health fanatic, love cooking, tequila and a good home improvement project. I'm grateful to call the Colorado mountain home and priviledged to enjoy them with my husband, son, daughter and dog. Read More

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