April Reflections

Gearing up to take you into my reflections on the month of April! Talking all about my feelings, some things I’ve done for relaxation and just blabbing about life in general!

Hey, friends! I’ve really enjoyed doing these Reflection posts for the last few months.

Granted, the last 2 have looked a lot different than my normal life – but I’m still so thankful to have a space where I can write down my feelings and I have people who will listen (or at least, I think listen. If you’re reading this, Hi Mom.) 

So let’s jump into what’s been happening!

Day 46 – A Day in the Life 

Today I did the dreaded thing and counted how many days it’s been since we have been staying at home. It’s 46. It’s been 10 weeks since I have seen my family. I desperately want to give my Mom a huge hug – especially with Mother’s Day coming up 🙁

For the past 46 days, we wake up. Somewhere around the 7 AM hour. I make coffee, we do our Bible Study, make breakfast, shower and I’m usually actually getting to work around 9:00. 

I work for a bit – maybe shoot a recipe, write a blog post, edit photos, check on emails etc.

Lunch is around 12:30 which has consisted of MANY turkey sandwiches and jalapeno kettle chips. 

I finish up work for the day around 4. Then, our daily walk ensues. Followed by dinner + probably a glass a wine + watching whatever show we are on at the moment (We just finished Waco and WOW so intense.)

Sleepytime tea + reading (I’m rereading the Chronicles of Narnia series) + bed and then repeat. 

Of course, I’m incredibly thankful to have a stocked pantry full of food, a warm house and a wonderfully supportive husband during this time so I am counting my blessings! 

I go through ebbs and flows of happiness but also sadness. Panic attacks and also peace. How about you all? Are you hanging in there? 

Favorite April Recipes

I’m still putting out new content here on the blog that I think/hope is helpful to you all and I’m so thankful I have that opportunity! 

I’ve made some yummy things this month! Here are a few of my favorites: 

Carrot Cake Bread aka a big thick loaf of warm + spicy carrot deliciousness. 

Chipotle Pineapple Chicken Bowls – Who couldn’t use a new chicken dinner recipe? 

Coconut Pecan Cookies – Hello buttery soft + nutty delicious cookies!

Simple Lemon Lime Margaritas – I updated this recipe with new photos just in time for you to get your marg on for Cinco De Mayo

Easy Homemade Banana Pudding – Trust me, you need this in your life and trust me, you won’t ever go back to making the boxed stuff. 

Trying New Things

One thing that Benjamin and I have been doing this month is trying out new drinks! 

We are usually very much dry red wine people – that’s our go to. Ben likes a hoppy IPA beer as well. But we aren’t the biggest fans of liquor. 

BUT, since we have been quarantined, we have decided to try out different drinks and have a date night every weekend! 

So far we have made: the Lemon Lime Margaritas mentioned above, Mint Mojitos (from fresh mint in our backyard), Rum + Lime + Club Soda (not sure what that’s called but it’s delicious) and finally, the beloved Moscow Mule. 

It’s been fun getting to experiment and it makes the experience SO much more fun. We go outside on our back porch, turn on our twinkle lights, turn some oldies on, sip our beverages and enjoy each other’s presence. 

A Semi-Anniversary 

Speaking of enjoying each other’s presence, I know that I’m over-emotional BUT this Saturday, May 2nd, marks 5 years since me and Benjamin’s first date! We were just babies!

I know that’s probably a silly thing to even celebrate – but hey, in these trying times, we all gotta find happiness somewhere! 

I don’t think we are going to do anything special – maybe try out a new drink, eat some pizza and watch Brooklyn 99. We’re content with just being together which makes me happy. 

My life has forever changed for the better since meeting Benjamin and I can’t wait for our next 50 years together! 

So..where do we go from here? 

Good question! I’m not sure where you’re tuning in from – but here in NC the order has been extended right now to May 8th. From there, our state will re-open in phases. 

Maybe by Summer everything will be back to a new “normal”? 

I’m not sure. All I know is that I thought I was a homebody and introvert before…but I desperately miss my family, my friends, my church family and HUGGING PEOPLE.

Seriously. I really wonder if this whole situation will strengthen relationships even more, bring people closer together and make sure we never take for granted one another’s presence. 

One can only hope. 

Until then, I guess we’ll just keep on taking it day by day. 

Hope you’re all doing well and staying healthy and safe. We can get through this together! XO – Haylie