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. 

• 

• 

• 

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!  

• 

• 

• 

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!!