Amy & Aron's

Social distancing was something I hadn't put much thought into until the Covid19 pandemic came about. I have been a waitress for about 15 years altogether in my life, I went to public schools, I love to travel, shop, dine out, and rest areas- so many rest areas... Putting a recommended space in between myself and other people has never really been a part of all of that. 

Knowing there are preventative measures to take to keep all of our families healthy, social distancing is one of them. Our little family of three has now been home for three weeks except for essential measures. I have spent more time with these guys in the past three weeks than I have in the past three months. I know my poor teenager's social life is only her parents, it's more than trying at times. 

I just found out yesterday that my office is a multipurpose room now. Yes, it was a surprise to me too. I had no idea that my family thinks this is the office/game room/family room. I mean yes the components are here. My desk and computer are in here, I have a couch and a tv and gaming consoles. I have good speakers and music available. I can totally see how someone might think that. BUT, that's not what I had in mind at all! I thought this was my solitude for working and getting my creativity going. Now I know, my family wants to be in here Every Day.  I was just staring at a solid nap. Not my nap either! It is not a "dozing off" it is a full-on nap with a blanket, in my office. If those eyes were open, it would have been a staring contest.  

So how do we survive this #SocialDistancing and stay a family? You get creative that's how. A pillow fight with a sleeping person is not a great way to start either. I just wanted to put that out there for anyone that might be wondering. 

I work closely with several brands and they put together an awesome roundup of ideas that are perfect for all of us! What are your favorite ideas?

Individually wrapped with a stable shelf life, Tastykake’s classic lineup of Krimpets, Kandy Kakes and Powdered Sugar Mini Donuts are a must for at-home snacking solutions. Looking for more than just a sweet treat to pass the time? Tastykake also provides DIY recipes available online at the Tastykake Kitchen, with all your favorite treats turned into easy family activities.





Get the Creative Juices Flowing

Cabin fever already getting the best of you? The solution is to step away from the screen and get those creative juices flowing. Below are three activities from Pilot Pen you can do while quarantined to help you from going stir crazy!

• Color - Relax with a coloring book! Grab a set of FriXion Colors Marker Pens and ease into social distancing colorfully. With the unique thermo-sensitive ink, you don’t have to worry about coloring outside the lines, just erase and get back creating. Purchase at Target HERE.
• Journal - Transform the little extra time on your hands into grateful moments. Gratitude journaling will allow you to see the good in your current quarantined state and remain positive while you may be feeling uncertain of what the future holds. Having Pilot Pen’s #1 selling gel-ink pen in America be your tool for gratitude, the G2 will help you write smoother, longer and have a beautiful memento to reflect on from this time in your life. Purchase at Target HERE.
• Create - Take time to create for others. While we are all in our respective houses, now is the perfect time to be creative and help make someone’s day a little more colorful. Draw, design, color and captivate with new made-to-create Juice Paint Markers from Pilot. The deeply saturated water-based colors are perfect for personalizing almost anything. Juice Paint is permanent on porous surfaces, from paper to fabric and wood. On non-porous surfaces like plastic, glass, chalkboards, and metal, Juice Paint can easily be made permanent or be removed with soap and a damp cloth. Write a card, customize a flower-filled vase, take snacks in a brightly decorated container; whatever the activity Juice Paint markers can be the catalyst to brightening someone’s day! Purchase on Amazon HERE. 

Sweeten Things Up

Domino Golden Sugar, the less-processed sugar you can use more freely in all your favorite foods, works cup-for-cup just like white sugar but has a beautiful golden color and a distinct hint of molasses flavor you’re sure to love. With the help of delicious sweet recipes, tiny hands and minds will be kept busy with mixing, cookie cutting and "sneaking a taste" while under house lockdown. Parents— you can even use baking to tie in a lesson to learn about measuring, math and the science to make it educational while school is out!

Although you can use Golden Sugar in any recipe that calls for white, click HERE for a few of our favorites, specifically made with Golden.

• Baking - Have you hit that panic mode of wondering how you will entertain your kids, family, and self during the next few weeks? One word: Baking! Head to your pantry and you’ll be surprised to notice you most likely already have everything you need, without having to leave the house— #Social Distancing! First things first— Sugar.
• Relaxing DIY Sugar Scrubs - Bring the spa to your house for some much-needed self-care with these homemade sugar scrubs, made with everyday ingredients that you won’t need to leave the house for. Domino Sugar is here for you now, more than ever, to make everyday life as normal as can be. Relax, refuel and take care of yourself during these crazy times.

Bring the Party 

Even in this strange new normal, you don’t have to miss a chance to celebrate moments big or small. The celebration experts at Party City want to remind you that it’s still important to have those celebrations, even from your home. With the convenient delivery right to your doorstep, Party City is here to make sure the party comes to you! With newly launched Adventure-in-a-Box, you can find curated packages perfect for all your favorite at-home activities right on Party City online. With options like Build a Disney Princess Cupcake Castle in a Box, DIY Family Movie Night in a Box, Easter Decorating Kit in a Box, and even Girls Night In Wine Tasting in a Box, Party City is here to bring all sorts of adventures safely to your doorstep.