This week on Catching up with the Kelnhofers, I’m checking in to see how everyone is doing, sharing some things that I’m making right now, an update on the kids including our new stroller (!) and plenty of things you can do to support one another in these challenging times.
The day-to-day landscape and world situation has changed so much in the last week. There’s a feeling of unease, uncertainty, anxiety and stress, and I just want you to know, I am here with you.
I shared on Instagram some thoughts – that I’d like to repeat, because it’s just a tough time right now, I think, for everyone.
I know everyone’s situation is different and I empathize with whatever yours is.
As a working mom who helps run a small manufacturing health care products business, I have to go in to work. I don’t have the luxury of working from home right now.
I also own a small creative business (sweetphi.com). Childcare juggling is hard with all the closures. I feel a responsibility towards my family, my employees and my community. I’m in tears having heard friends who had to lay off their entire staffs or businesses that will be closing completely leaving people unemployed and not knowing where their income will come from. I’m devastated and saddened. And I know I’m lucky for all that I have.
A friend in a band mentioned buying an album or merch, which I did. Bands/entertainers, their entire tours have been cancelled, indefinitely.Please just know that I am with you whatever your situation is. If there’s a small way I can HELP YOU, please let me know. Below are some things we are doing to help, as well as a few ideas from friends of mine. Please keep in mind that these ideas are assuming you can afford them. If you are experiencing financial hardships right now, please enjoy the free resources out there!
- Instead of taking one of the many free yoga classes out there, find one where you can pay. That payment will support an instructor who will otherwise not be making an income.
- Consider eating out more than you normally would. Many restaurants have added curbside service and/or delivery to accomodate! Daily sales at these restaurants will help them keep the doors open for you to enjoy when this is all over!
- Buy gift cards at your local small businesses.
- Keep your membership going at the gym/ymca etc. And please don’t ask for a discount if you don’t need it.
- Consider a donation – it may be monetary or perhaps you could cook a meal for employees who are still working (grocery stores, nurses and doctors).
- Venmo your hair stylist/nail technician (etc.) what tip you would normally give them if you were going in to the salon.
- Donate money to your local food bank. Often times money is better than a food donation because they can buy items in bulk and know where the money is needed.
There’s so much on social media and in the media. I think we all need to just be kind and understanding. I have seen a lot of things about ‘what to do with your extra time’ and it just is not my reality. I don’t have any extra time, I actually have less.
If you’re a small food business or coffee shop, I read this article which shares some great ideas.
At the end of the day, my business (sweetphi.com) is a creative small business. My business is sharing content – recipes and other lifestyle inspiration and I hope that it helps lighten the mood in these upcoming days!
One small way I can think to help is to share recipes and other inspiration during this time, maybe some lighter content and distraction. If there’s any other way I can help, or help point you in the right direction for what you have on hand in your pantry/kitchen, please let me know.
New on the Blog:
What to Make:
Reader Comments:
Eggless waffles are something my family and I make almost every week, so I love hearing when my readers love these recipes too! This comment is especially adorable!
- “I couldn’t get eggs this week due to the Covid19 buying frenzy, but we have a St Patty’s tradition of green waffles and bacon! We loved this recipe! Even my two picky eating kiddos requested I make it again. I did omit the lemon zest, and used vinegar rather than lemon juice for the buttermilk. Thank you for sharing! “
I absolutely love seeing people re-creating my recipes and the latest reader re-creation is from @laurenrobeson on Instagram who made my Sesame Salmon Rice Bowl. Reader Re-Creations:
Given the situation right now with more people spending time in doors, I’m going to share a few things: General/stories/things I’m loving:
- Cooking with kids – I mentioned in this Catching up with the Kelnhofers – I love getting Ben involved whenever I’m cooking. Now might be a good time to let kids help and learn. I let Ben help with stirring. I’ve found making pizza and letting Ben help put toppings on or mix when baking has been great – he loves it and it’s great to have him help.
- Baking projects – make some bread (like this whole wheat honey oat flax bread – our grocery store was out and my bread had gone moldy so I made some, it was relaxing). Or make a batch of the best salted caramel chocolate chip cookies or red wine brownies or the best chocolate cake you’ll ever make.
- Ben has a million cars, so I made him a ‘parking lot’ where I just drew little lines on a piece of cardboard box. We pretended to drive and park all his cars!
- Projects with kids – alphabet cookies (I use my sugar cookie recipe) or he loves helping make recipes from my cookbook (they’re so easy it’s not a million ingredients so it’s not stressful having to flip pages and figure out what to do next!)
Links from around the web:
- I brought out my cookbook and used the ‘unfried chicken’ recipe on drumsticks instead of chicken breast, it was SO good, definitely recommend.
What I’m Reading:
- I’m almost done with Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World which came super highly recommended and is a NYT bestseller and has a ton of reviews. Not gonna lie…I’m not quite sure I understand all the positive reviews. It’s kind of all over the place but it’s an easy listen.
- Finishing up My Friend Anna and it is SO fascinating – it is a true story and I think that’s why I find it extra fascinating!
- Still looking for my next book – any good romance recommendations?
Personal Stories:
- The twins are both sitting up by themselves now! It’s crazy to come in to a room and see them sitting up!
It’s beyond sweet how the kids are now playing with each other, and how cute they are at meal time (also the twins are starting to notice each other which is something so special and unexpected).- All the kids have been sick lately (before everything) with stomach bugs (throwing up) and then with some not so great colds. It’s not a great time to be sick right now (or any time) and it’s especially not fun with the extra worry. But I’m happy to report they are all on the mend!
- We got a twins stroller (Ben wanted to ride in it) and that has been great for going on walks with our family of 5!
- In this time of sheer uncertainty, I feel all kinds of pressure to ‘do this activity’ or ‘organize your pantry with all your free time’…I’m just trying to keep it together each day! I hope that this newsletter has been a little distraction, made you smile and gave you some ideas. Please know that it is absolutely ok if the best you can do is sugary cereal for breakfast, pjs all day and back to back movies! You’re doing great!
Popular This Week:
- Most visited blog post
- Most liked Instagram post
- Most pinned image
- Most viewed YouTube video
- Most purchased item
This week, garden veggie quiche is the new video on YouTube – check it out and subscribe to me channel while you’re there.
And, did you know? I have a Pinterest page where you can explore and save your favorite recipes. Check it out here.
What is making you happy in these challenging times? What’s the silver lining you are finding in all of this? Just leave a comment below and let me know.
Jennie Votto says
I absolutely love reading your updates. What a beautiful family you have. Thanks for sharing.
Sweetphi says
Thank you so much for your kind words Jennie, truly appreciate you stopping by and commenting!