Every Friday we'll be sharing some of the little things that have inspired us, simplified our lives or just made us smile this past week. 

We just wrapped up week 4 of quarantine for our family and this week was somewhat easier on morale.  Maybe it's because it supposedly takes 28 days to form a habit (is that a myth? couldn't really find anything to back it up!) or perhaps because I'm not trying to do as much, putting less pressure on trying to be overly productive with our days.  Whatever it is, one thing that has been lifting all our spirits has been staying connected with our friends + family.  As different it is from anything we were ever used to or could have imagined, family Zoom sessions to celebrate birthdays and Passover, FaceTime playdates for the kiddos and Houseparty girls' nights have been lovely ways to stay connected to our loved ones through this strange time. 

• The CDC officially recommends face masks for anyone going out in public, regardless of whether they’re symptomatic.  They also recommend making or wearing fabric face masks in order to save medical-grade masks for healthcare workers.  Some of our favorite small businesses have been making fabric face masks and doing some good while helping keep our communities safe. 

  1) Our friends LuluLuvs just started making adorable face masks for both kids and adults using some of their excess fabrics.  I ordered some in their pretty florals! 100% of proceeds are donated to NYC Health+Hospitals.   

  2) One of our favorite home textiles companies, Heather Taylor Home is selling 10-packs of face masks in their signature fabrics and  donating 10 masks to those in need including medical workers, first responders, social workers and the homeless population with each purchase.   

  3) Hadley and Bennet have developed fabric face masks designed to be use with a filter with a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at a local CA children’s hospital.  1 mask is donated to front line workers for every purchase.  They also have the option to purchase in bulk and donate these masks. 

• I'm usually a pretty avid reader but haven't really been able to keep my mind focused on any books over the last few weeks, although I know it would probably do me good rather than compulsively reading the news over and over.  We've read about a million books with our kids though (many of them over and over and over) and particularly enjoy this funny and sweet series that both our 2 1/2 and (newly!) 5 year-old love.  

• While we're somewhat finding our rhythm within this new normal, we know that we're very fortunate and that the situation is still incredibly difficult for millions as the pandemic continues to ravage through the country and beyond.  Entire industries have shut down and millions of jobs have been lost. Vulnerable populations — the elderly, those below the poverty line, children, and those working on the front lines — have been most severely affected.  Here are some charities that have set up funds or donation matches supporting those most affected by the coronavirus pandemic. 

Have a restful weekend and stay safe + well!

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