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
Gwen Gottlieb says
This was such a terrific read! A great reminder to be thankful for the little things. and now I don’t feel guilty for lying on the couch all day! LOL. looking forward to your recipes because I am always down to trying something new. DDefinitely consider myself lucky as well that I actually love being with my husband. thanks for terrific post.
D'Arcy Vandenberg says
Thank you for taking the time to comment! It is a blessing to like being with our spouses….Some have not been as lucky.
Nancy Weiss says
Darcy,
I feel lucky to have become acquainted. Youve inspired me to continue writing and working on my blog. I enjoyed reading your ten positive points and especially the quote at the end, look forward to your future posts and more wonderful ideas
D'Arcy Vandenberg says
I loved I have helped and Inspired you. That makes me feel so good!
Rosemary Davis says
Hi there Darcy!
I so enjoyed reading your 10 Positive bright points of the quarantine!
IT HAS BEEN INSPIRING GETTING TO KNOW YOU AND THIS POST HELPS TO KNOW YOU EVEN BETTER. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE CHATS AND POSTS!
ROSEMARY
D'Arcy Vandenberg says
It’s been a pleasure getting to know you and the other ladies. Thank you for your kind words.
MICHELE LINTON says
tHANK YOU d’ARCY FOR THIS BIT OF INSPIRATION. yOU TRULY ARE A HELPER!
Rosemary Davis says
Darcy,
I love your quote!
yes, the good does get better when we are paying attention.
I am enjoying getting to know you better. Your energy is amazing and inspiring.
melanie silkworth says
Hi Darcy:
You have been making great use of your time! I’m impressed that you’ve always had nightly dinners together. I must say that is one of the things that I’ve appreciated about this time–the longer dinner conversations. Fun getting to know you and appreciate your generous giving spirit.
Xx Melanie
D'Arcy Vandenberg says
I have tried to use my time wisely:) Yes, It is important for our family to eat together and have always practiced that. Loving our group.
Michele Bellisari says
i LOVE ALL OF WHAT YOU PUT IN THIS POST d’ARCY. tHE GIFT OF TIME IS PARTICULARLY A GREAT POINT AND THE nETFLIX BINGE. sOOO HAPPY TO HAVE MET YOU AND THAT IS ANOTHER BIG PLUS OF THIS Quarantine. Great thoughts!
M
D'Arcy Vandenberg says
It truly is a gift! Happy to have met you too and looking forward to learning more about you. Thank you for commenting
Rosemary Davis says
Darcy,
I enjoyed reading your ten positive posts. I feel that they have helped me get to know you better.
Your energy is contagious and it is great fun to be a part of this group with you.
Thanks for your inspiration and sharing!
Rosemary
D'Arcy Vandenberg says
Thank you for your kind comments! Looking forward to getting to know you better.
Jenifer says
THERE HAVE DEFINITELY BEEN SOME POSITIVES. IT’S NICE HEARING ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE/FAMILIES THAT ARE SPENDING TIME MORE TOGETHER BECAUSE OF THIS SITUATION. I definitely want to check out some of those recipes!
xx Jenifer
D'Arcy Vandenberg says
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. Our family is close:) it’s been fun for me to see our boys get even closer. I hope you enjoy some of the recipes I’ve posted…Some family favorites.
Tiana Holiday says
Love the reminders of what’s really important. Thank you.
D'Arcy Vandenberg says
You are so welcome. Thank you for stopping by:)
Kim Cook says
Love the handwritten notes. I have written a few during this time. Feels great to send them!