The 10 Positive Things in the Storm a Brightside Challenge: Quarantine 2020

A little front porch shot, wearing a cute tee saying, “Straight out of quarantine”! Outfit Details Here

The 10 Positive Things in the Storm, a Brightside Challenge.

The hidden blessings in the storm of STAYING at HOME. This week I got together with some of my midlife blogger friends to help share some of the Brightersides of staying home. Each of us is sharing our thoughts on what we felt was a positive or the Brightside of staying home while being Quarantined. While some of our states are slowly starting to open back up, each state is doing it at a different rate and following a slightly different path to opening back up. Something unknown to all of us is how long we will be keeping our distance, not gathering in a large group, having events, the uncertainty of starting school in the fall, or having sporting events. Through all of this uncertainty, we all have experienced a “BRIGHTSIDE.” Here are a few of mine and make sure to check out my girlfriend’s blogs listed below to read their thoughts and “BRIGHTSIDE’S.”

#1. More family time, Although we have always had nightly dinners, (it’s always been important for me to have my family sit down around the dinner table, share a meal and catch up on the day.” in this time it seems even more important, even though we’re all home 24/7 I think it helps me feel more secure.

#2. Time to organize, I have had projects on my lists I’ve wanted to get done for a long time. Clean out our home storage and food storage area, tackle my gift-wrapping room, clean out, and donated items in multiple closets. Add shelves and make some areas more functional, Just to name a few. This blessing of time has helped me to accomplish my list. Check Check Check! 

#3. To do projects… I haven’t made time to do it. This included a few of the items above but also some craft projects, some fix-it projects (like jewelry that was broken) Sew on some buttons, finish my Jewelry wall, etc. (My hubby had a honey-do list that got completed too.)

#4. Share more of my recipes on the blog as this was always something people asked for from my instastories. I never had the time to actually write down the recipe as I was cooking. With “Stay at home”…I could plan out meals earlier and make the time to write down what I did through the process. Helping me to have a collection of our family’s favorite meals written down for me to be able to share. (more recipes coming soon!) Hope you tried a couple of these HERE HERE HERE

#5. Self-care and testing products, one of the reasons I started Dear-Darcy was to be able to share how I like products, what they did, and how they worked. Doing the work to help save you time and help you to not waste money on products that’s weren’t worth it. As you know, I love self-care Sunday, but having more free time allowed me to test out more and give you more reviews. I hope you checked out yesterday’s on Instagram. HERE

#6. Putting the time and effort into my business, blogging consistently, researching, and making connections. Having the time has helped me to see I can succeed in making a career out of sharing what I love and what works in “making life Chic at any age!” I have always loved chatting with clients in the shops about tips and tricks that help you in beauty, entertainment, our health, and ways to wear Fashion… I was always shocked that people would come to me with How to or what works? Then I realize If I share what works for me, it might work for you… this is how I started this adventure in blogging and social media….. I even sold our stores to move into blogging full time… then life happens, and I didn’t devote enough time to what I wanted… To have a full-time career in blogging and social media. This gift of time… has helped me to evaluate, set goals, refocus…. put all my efforts into this business, which is paying off. I have NOW learned in this time where we don’t know what’s going to happen next, and we aren’t sure of the future. That if you push yourself, even in an uncertain time, You can still achieve GOALS!

#7. Take the time to write handwritten notes. It does mean more than a text. Happy Mail is something everyone could use. 

#8. Supporting Small … As a former small business owner, I’ve always known how important it is to our communities to support local and small businesses. They are the heart of this country and what gives to our communities. Having my platform has been a blessing to help promote so many small businesses at this time.

#9. That it’s OK to relax and have a full day of binge-watching Netflix. To read or to just lay in bed! Everyone needs a day of doing nothing and that it’s ok! I am normally on the go go go and use every minute I am awake to achieve something. Work, kids, home, cooking, decorating, planning, etc. It’s OK to chill! Moving forward, I believe I will be more relaxed because: REALLY what’s important?  YOU are important, your state of mind is important, and the health of your family is important. A rest day is good for you, your health, and your family. 

#10. That I love my husband’s company, and I really can be around him 24/7!  Quarantined with him and my boys work for me. OXOX … NOW can we please go out for DINNER!!!

One of my favorite quotes ….”When you focus on the good, the good gets better.”

 

Some of my talented Blogger friends, sharing their thoughts and Brightsides 

Melanie Silk @ Mels 2nd act.com

Heidi Suydam @ Simply Our Society

Nancy Weiss @ A Two drink minimum

Michele Bellisari @ Soooboca.com

Rosemary Davis @ Distinctly Southern Style

Michele Linton @  hot Fash and Sass.com

Merry Lynch @ Braving Midlife

Gwen Gottilieb @ Gwen lives Well

I hope some of my Brightside were also some of yours! Have a beautiful weekend. OX, D’Arcy