FROM: STELLA

TO: LAURA

1. Wow, what a crazy couple of weeks! My little family has been home together for ~3 weeks now and we are trying our best to enjoy the time together and do our part to stop the spread.
2. I finally got up the courage to cut my own hair! I’ve always hated how much hair cuts cost and wanted to try it on my own but never could actually pull the trigger. But I figured that no one would be seeing me outside of video calls anytime soon so it was now or never! I followed the guidance in this YouTube video and was pretty impressed with the result!
3. With all the extra time at home, I have been tackling all kinds of cooking projects, including this asparagus soup, this tomato tart and this berry crisp. I’ve also been getting creative with my produce deliveries and finding ways to use watermelon radishes, kohlrabi and sumo oranges.
4. Very proud of my sister who has been tackling a massive mask-making project to donate to hospitals in need. Follow her Instagram stories to see her progress, it’s really fun to see her work!
5. I’ve been super impressed with how innovative local restaurants have become during this global pandemic. We’ve been trying to eat at home almost exclusively though we’ve gotten delivery once or twice. But lots of places near us are offering groceries in addition to their to-go menu and with crazy store lines, it’s been extra appreciated.

FROM: LAURA

TO: STELLA

1. Yikes. It’s hard to even think about anything non-pandemic related, nevermind write about it. It’s been interesting to see how other blogs are handling the current situation, either pivoting content to address how our world has changed, or trying to keep up with their usual fodder to exist as an escape from the real world. We’re definitely still figuring out our strategy.
2. We’ve been trying to spend as much time as possible outside. Long walks, working out outdoors, and gardening are the main motivators to get outside lately. We have this beach tent that I’ve been setting up in the backyard for Ernie to hangout with us and stay protected from the sun. Also love these sun hats!
3. I’m currently reading three different books. When I’m very anxious I find it hard to concentrate on one thing for too long, so I rotate reading chapters of different things to help keep my mind engaged and away from Twitter. 🙃 The three currently on rotation: Broad Band: The Untold Story of the Women Who Made the Internet, Motherhood, and First We Make the Beast Beautiful (somehow reading about someone else’s anxiety has not piqued my own more than it already is?).
4. I celebrated my 31st birthday last weekend. It was a bit surreal to really do anything about it, but it was nice to have something to look forward to. My husband made Joanne Chang’s famous sticky buns (from this cookbook) which I have dreams about and Stella and some of our other friends organized a group Zoom happy hour!