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The End of the School Year 2020: A May Like No Other

The End of the School Year 2020: Is it really May?

The end of the school year 2020 has meant a May like no other.

For more than four decades, I have been a student, a teacher, a counselor – and sometimes two or more of these at a time.  My husband is also a career educator.  Our children are school-aged.  Our entire marriage and family structure has been built on the foundations of a traditional, Northern-hemisphere, academic school year – until now.  

Summer is like New Year’s for educators. 

It is a chance to refresh, restart, reflect and recharge.  Which means May has a “feeling” to it that is singular.  May is like a month-long New Year’s Eve.  “One last” of everything with each cohort of students, each class, each extracurricular group.  

It is celebratory – open house, awards night and end-of-year concerts.  

It is tear-inducing – as students meet or miss graduation requirements.  

It is bittersweet – as students launch to sometimes far-flung destinations, excited with the possibilities and aching for what once was.

And in 2020, May is all of these things, but being experienced in the alone-togetherness brought on by our current health crisis.  

This May is different. 

Instead of juggling Open House schedules across multiple schools, there are none.  Instead of racing to our kids’ end-of-year concerts and assemblies during our lunch breaks and prep periods, we are recording digital clips and making photo slides to share with grandparents.  

Instead of working on a team to graduate hundreds of high school students in a ceremony attended by thousands, we are encouraging kids to complete their online assignments – and then upload a picture of themselves for their virtual graduation – our own 8th grader included.  

The end of a school year feels different. 

It is both frantic and endless.  It is exciting and emotional.  It is full of launching kids into new beginnings, and bittersweet farewells to colleagues retiring and moving away.

And the end of the school year 2020 is different.

And now it is as though we are doing this all in a vacuum.  No yearbook signing.  No elementary school parades.  No in-person celebrations.  Yet all the same milestones being approached.  

Just as though few of us can keep track of what day it is right now, for the first time in my four decades as a student and educator, May feels little different than March or October.  (Not in the least helped by our erratic weather!)

I’m trying to focus on the good that will come out of this – for our students, my fellow educators and our often-archaic education system.  

Here are the beginnings of some silver linings I am seeing:

Student well-being: 

Yes, I have students who are working in essential jobs. And families who sharing too-small spaces. And parents who are accessing food banks – formal and informal- at higher rates than previously. But even in those homes, it seems that kids are sleeping more.  Not in a let’s-change-the-bell-schedule kind of way, but in an authentic, sleep-the-hours-they-need kind of way. 

Many students have less school work, and more time to run or cycle – or chase little siblings.  They are feeding their minds with more chosen activities – deep dives into topics of interest, or returning to long-lost hobbies – or having a little fun alongside the little ones in their homes.  The more kids connect to an interest, the more they become engaged with learning in general. And the fortunate are able to feed their bodies with regular meals (no skipping lunch to take a test or go to a club meeting).  

A shift away from standardized testing:

The first to go were our state tests – in language arts, math and physical education. These often arbitrary measuring sticks imposed inequitable consequences across our diverse student body. Kids of color and from less-affluent households were routinely more likely to be placed in support classes or extra PE classes, disallowing them from taking electives that truly interested them.

And now we are beginning to a shift in college admissions testing as well. Many schools have moved to test-optional for the Class of 2021 – including the influential University of California system. Anecdotally, these tests often seem to favor students whose families could pay for pricy test prep classes and tutors.

Regardless of income, they often reinforce disadvantages resulting from wildly different educational preparation. Educators at all levels work to close the gaps – but this is a core challenge in education and these tests rarely unearth something new, rather just reenforce the reality we dig in with day in and day out. With the tests being migrated to uncertain online formats, their viability as a valid tool is being diminished even further.

While some worry about the landscape of college admissions with less emphasis on testing, I do not. It may just cause the upheaval in this system that is, in my opinion, long-overdue. Without the complicated system of numbers and indices created by test scores and GPAs, maybe students can focus on showing colleges what they know and what they love. And maybe colleges can focus on building interesting, interested classes rather than chasing rankings.

Long-awaited automation:

There are some areas in education that have resisted the influence of educational technology (“edtech”) for years, if not decades – until now. The lockdown of school facilities basically overnight – combined with the desirable mandate to keep education moving forward – created an opportunity for edtech to have it’s moment.

Families who have transportation issues have showed up to Zoom parent conferences. Kids who avoided school are getting help via teleheath. And the stacks of papers that have continued to dominate school offices and classrooms are slowing migrating to online platforms. Forms, applications, and fliers are now digital. We are proctoring exams remotely. And rethinking authentic assessment using hard-to-fake tools like FlipGrid. And grading online – which can provide instant feedback to students in platforms like Google Classroom and Canvas.

A New Kind of Teacher Appreciation:

Coronavirus memes will likely be a genre of internet creativity that will be inextricable from our memories of this time. And whether they call it “homeschooling” (which it’s not) or “distance learning” (which it is), “online classes” (not really) or “crisis education” (absolutely), a subset of these memes do nothing but note the amazingness of teachers.

As a career educator, I have lived in this world of unsung heroes for decades. But now it’s as though the whole community has a new appreciation for the roles served by both educators and the school buildings we typically keep up and running.

And while the calendar has placed Teacher Appreciation in May for decades, there is no May when the spirit of it has been more valued. And this is not the year for the cliched gifts that are well-intended but often go unused. Your educators do not need test ornaments for their dining-room-table-turned office. They will need to rethink their use of classroom kitsch as we enter an age of extreme cleaning. And school supplies are also more complicated now.

So here are some ideas for teacher appreciation – from home.

  • A video – record your kid doing almost anything – even for a few seconds – and it will make their teacher’s day. Bonus if it’s something that person taught them, of course, but just them on camera is enough to melt most of our hearts.
  • A song or poem or other words of kindness – again, no worries about content or length – just as long as they are heartfelt.
  • A fruit basket – our PTA came through with this amazing idea and it was beyond welcomed, especially as grocery store visits are so infrequent.
  • An e-gift card – especially for a local restaurant that does take out or a local bookstore – this supports their business, and also thanks the educator.
  • A manicure – nothing like a salon-quality manicure, at home to brighten someone’s day. (options restocking at regular intervals)

How are you marking the end of the school year 2020? Share in the comments.

Need some more self-care? Click here to grab your free Self-Care Survival Guide – and receive weekly email updates.

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Another 10 Ways to Refresh Yourself – While Staying In

Another 10 Ways to Refresh Yourself - While Staying In

Looking for more pick-me-ups while staying in?  Here are some more ideas to brighten your day – even your week.  

In the Kitchen: Ways to Refresh Yourself

Make a Cocktail

When you’re at home, the feeling that it’s 5 o’clock somewhere – combined with no need for a designated driver and Zoom – means that almost any hour is cocktail hour.  Particularly if you put a little juice in your drink.  That makes it breakfast-ready, right?  I’m not a big tequila drinker, so I tend to go with rum-based drinks.  A recent choice?  This Blood Orange Mojito.  

Pop Up a Snack

While packaged popcorn can be a calorie-bomb, home-popped popcorn can be a relatively healthy whole-grain snack. 

How to pop at home? 

  • Place ¼ cup of popcorn kernels in a brown paper bag (no one is packing lunches right now, anyway!) and add 1 teaspoon olive oil. 
  • Shake to coat all kernels in the oil. 
  • Fold down the top of the bag – but do not seal – and place in your microwave. 
  • You can use the popcorn setting, if you have one, or just set the timer for 3 minutes and listen for the popping to slow to once every few seconds. 
  • Err on the side of less time than more, of course.  

Cold Brew Some Coffee

If you haven’t gotten on the “whipped coffee” bandwagon, here is a simple, straightforward alternative to making a trendy coffee drink at home. 

  • Simply place 1 cup ground coffee of your choice into a quart mason jar (you can use decaf if you’ll want to drink the finished product later in the day). 
  • Fill the jar with filtered water, stir and cover.  Let rest at room temperature before pouring through a coffee filter (or pressing in a French press). 
  • The resulting coffee concentrate may be enjoyed hot or cold, diluted with more filtered water, or any milk or cream product you’d like. 
  • Store any remaining concentrate in the refrigerator.

Bake Some Churros

These recipes have been flying around as Disney-philes find themselves without a beloved treat.  I just love that I can get a favorite – delicious – comfort food – without frying.  Dorothy Kern’s recipe at Crazy for Crust is a great starting point, but you can modify a bit.  I experimented with chilling the dough before baking (worked great – the recipe makes a ton!) and also with my air fryer (worked great – but needs way less time- watch them closely).    

Omnivore Salt

You need this in your life.  It is like magic – a no-thought-required “recipe” to make nearly every food in your pantry sing with flavor.  Season meat or fish.  Toss potatoes before roasting.  Saute green beans, carrots – or just about anything else – with a healthy pinch.  Use it in this easy onion dip.  You’re welcome.  

And Beyond…

Marco Polo

It’s like FaceTime or Skype, but you can leave a message for friends and family with this free app.  This is particularly helpful when checking in with folks in different time zones, or with complicated schedules – yours or theirs (#autismmomlife).  I’ve been using Marco Polo with my Color Street team for years – and now more and more friends are using it.

Human+Kind Body Mousse

It’s like showering with a cloud.  Light, fluffy and gently cleansing.  I love the Tropical Splash (of course!), but just ordered the Grapefruit to try. A perfect treat to turn your shower into a mini-spa treatment.

Honest Lip Crayon – Lush Sheer Rose

A great low-key way to moisturize your lips and add subtle color to your next Zoom call.  Several sheer options to choose from – and Pro Tip: most Honest Beauty purchases ship free.

Creatively Cailin Earrings

The one accessory that almost everyone can see right now.  Make a statement in your next video conference with these stunning, handmade leather earrings. Or looking for a little pick-me-up to show up in your mailbox every month? Subscribe to Uncommon Creations – an extra special, handmade item each month (and you can pause or cancel at any time).

Long Time No Sea

You know how you aren’t supposed to have a favorite child?  It’s kind of the same with our dozens of shades of Color Street.  I generally tell people my favorite is whatever I happen to be wearing at the moment.  This spring shade is going to make me a liar. 

Please note, Color Street is working to manage meeting a growing demand for these amazing nail strips while implementing full physical distancing and other safety procedures. In the short term, please explore your options here and then order from me directly.

Want other self-care tips? Check out my free self-care survival guide here.

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Pantry Recipe Ideas: 7 Ideas to Use Things Up In Your Kitchen

Pantry Recipe Ideas: 7 Ideas to Use Things Up In Your Kitchen

Do you need pantry recipe ideas?

As you try to limit your trips to the grocery store, you are probably digging deeper into your pantry as you plan and prepare your meals. 

You may have discovered some forgotten items in the back of your pantry, or the bottom drawer of your fridge.  Or the timing of your grocery trips may mean that you need to use up things like eggs and milk to make room for new arrivals. 

Or you chose a produce box from a local farm or restaurant to support a small business, and now you have some produce to use – pronto.  Whatever the reason, you may find yourself looking for some pantry recipe ideas to use up food items.  Here are some pantry recipe ideas to get you started:

Seeds and/or Nuts

Almost any seed or nut can be added to this granola recipe – feel free to be creative.  Our last batch had sesame seeds and chia seeds in it, but you can use sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, almonds – whatever you and your family prefer (and whatever is taking up space in the back of your pantry or fridge).  

Nut or Seed Butter

It has been difficult to find bread (though I did recently find this family bakery that makes shelf-stable, finish-at-home bread – what a game changer!), so it’s time for other vehicles – like celery, bananas, or even stir some into a dressing for noodles and/or lettuce.  

You can also make a 3-ingredient cookie with this formula: 

  • 1 cup SMOOTH nut and/or seed butter (my last batch was part sunflower seed butter and part peanut butter), ¾ cup granulated sugar, and 1 egg. 
  • Beat all three ingredients together to form a soft dough.  Chill briefly if dough is too soft to shape.
  • Form into cookies on a greased or lined baking sheet, and press tops with a fork in a criss-cross pattern, if desired.  (Bonus “4th” ingredient – sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on each cookie.)
  • Bake at 350 for 10 minutes or until the tops of the cookies no longer look shiny. 
  • Store in an airtight container, or freeze.  

Chili Flakes

If you have had a takeout pizza in the last few months (and really, who hasn’t???) then you probably have acquired an even larger collection of those red chili flakes in your kitchen.  While I do enjoy a pinch on a slice of pizza, I also find that our favorite pizza places give us way more than a pinch!  What to do the extra?  Consider this Thai-style sweet chili sauce recipe.  It’s great with dumplings or spring rolls, on chicken, with noodles…

Milk

If you stockpiled a bit too much milk, it can be a race to use it before it expires.  One solution is to freeze the entire unopened container.  Or you can make a batch of a favorite comfort food:  chocolate pudding.  While most recipes can be made with a variety – or a combination – of milk products, this one is specifically designed to use up that carton of oat milk that you bought because it was shelf-stable – but now you need to use it up.   

Crunchy Vegetables

This pickle recipe from Rachael Ray calls for cucumbers, but I have pickled plenty of crunchy vegetables that were in the back of my refrigerator a bit too long.  You can use carrots, celery, onions, peppers…or try whatever is lurking in your produce drawer – it can’t hurt!

Egg Whites 

After making several comfort-food batches of these brownies and these cookies, you will have some extra egg whites on your hands.  I stash them in the freezer and then defrost to add to these waffles or to make mini pavlovas with this recipe from Smitten Kitchen.  

Berries

You may be able to get your hands on larger and larger quantities of berries right now, but without end of school year parties, graduation celebrations, and other big events, you may find it’s hard to keep up with the ones at the bottom of the box. 

Enter this quick “jam” – a total “cheater” recipe – but one that works.  In a wide non-stick skillet, combine a pint of sliced strawberries (or whole other berries) with a cup of sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice.  Simmer until the mixture thickens to desired consistency – which could range from a thin sauce (perfect for stirring into yogurt or drizzling over ice cream – or those pavlovas!) to a thicker spread, especially if you have some blueberries in the mix.  

BONUS: Frosé Recipe – Combine about 1 cup of the above jam (strawberry and/or raspberries) with 1 bottle of rosé wine in your blender. Blend until smooth and freeze for several hours. Because of the wine, it won’t freeze solid, but you can serve with a splash of additional rosé, or berry soda or sparkling water.

What are your pantry recipe ideas? Share in the comments below.

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The Best Smores: Toasty and Delicious

Are you ready for the best smores?

The Best Smores: Toasty and Delicious

Smores are a quintessential summer food. And also rife with nostalgia.  Maybe they take you back to your first overnight camp?  Or a Girl Scout jamboree?  Or a bonfire on the beach? Or perhaps a family barbecue?  The truth is, you can make smores almost anywhere. 

You can toast marshmallows over almost any fire, the flames of your gas grill, or even near a coil-style electric burner (if you happen to have an older stove in your life somewhere!).  You can even toast marshmallows with a kitchen torch that you might use for toasting meringue or making creme brulee. 

Some For Now, Smore for Later

Both of these recipes make a lot – but since we may not have a lot of crowds this summer, you can freeze both easily.  Which means you can make a batch now and your family can enjoy smores all summer long.  Just defrost 6-8 marshmallows and 12-16 cookies, depending on the size of the chocolate bar you can get your hands on.  

If you are strapped for time (but really, who is, lately?), you can focus on the marshmallows.  If you’ve never had a homemade marshmallow before, you will quickly become a convert.  Alone, they are both gluten- and dairy-free which makes them a lovely gift for many.  After toasting them all summer long, you can use the same recipe to top your Thanksgiving sweet potatoes, or include in your holiday baking.  The possibilities are nearly endless.  

The Crunch Factor

I have tried many versions of homemade graham crackers over the years – and none have replicated the crisp of the package you probably grew up with using for smores.  That being said, these speculoos cookies may be rolled thin and have a nice spiced note that works well.

Toast marshmallows to your liking and sandwich between speculoos cookies with a piece of chocolate of your choice (for a real treat, try a specialty chocolate bar, like the organic dark chocolate caramel crunch with sea salt from Equal Exchange or the organic superdark mint crisp chocolate bar from Alter Eco – can you tell I like dark chocolate?)

So, are you ready to make the best smores?

The Best Smores: Toasty and Delicious

Homemade Marshmallows

Inspired by Molly Wizenberg and Shanna of Pineapple and Coconut
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Resting Time 4 hrs
Total Time 4 hrs 30 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer with Whisk Attachment
  • 9×13 Glass Baking Dish
  • Pizza Wheel

Ingredients
  

  • Nonstick vegetable oil spray
  • 1 cup cold water divided
  • 3 1/4- ounce envelopes unflavored gelatin
  • 2 cups sugar 1 cup sugar
  • 2/3 cup light corn syrup 1 cup honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions
 

  • Spray a 9×13 glass baking dish with cooking spray and dust with powdered sugar.
  • Pour 1/2 cup cold water into bowl of heavy-duty mixer fitted with whisk attachment. Gently stir in gelatin and allow to sit for 15 minutes.
  • Combine 1/2 cups sugar, honey, salt, and remaining 1/2 cup cold water in heavy medium saucepan.
  • Swirl pan gently until sugar dissolves, then attach candy thermometer to side of pan.
  • Raise heat and bring syrup to a boil. Watch carefully, without stirring, until syrup reaches 240 degrees (about 8 minutes).
  • With mixer running at low speed, slowly pour hot syrup into gelatin mixture in thin stream down side of bowl (avoid pouring syrup onto whisk, as it may splash). Gradually increase speed to high and beat until mixture is very thick and stiff, about 15 minutes. Add vanilla and beat to blend, about 30 seconds longer.
  • Scrape marshmallow mixture into prepared pan. Smooth top with wet fingers. Let stand uncovered at room temperature until firm, about 4 hours.
  • Stir cornstarch and powdered sugar in small bowl to blend. Sprinkle over top of the marshmallows, and onto work surface.
  • Turn marshmallow slab out onto work surface and sprinkle more starch-sugar mixture over marshmallow slab.
  • Coat wheel of pizza cutter (or cookie cutters) with nonstick spray. Cut marshmallows into squares or other shapes. Toss each in remaining starch-sugar mixture to coat.

Notes

Store in an air-tight container.  May be frozen for several weeks.  
Keyword celebrations, sweet treats
The Best Smores: Toasty and Delicious

Speculoos Cookies

Inspired by Renee Boustead's adaptations to this recipe.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Refrigerator Time 20 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup 1 stick butter
  • ¼ cup 2oz superfine sugar, plus extra to finish
  • ¾ cup 6oz all purpose flour
  • 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oven to 375 degrees.
  • Beat the butter and the sugar together until smooth.
  • Stir in the flour and spices to get a smooth paste. Turn on to a work surface and gently roll out until the paste is ½ inch thick.
  • Cut into squares (or any other smores shape you prefer) and place onto a baking tray. Sprinkle with remaining superfine sugar and chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.
  • Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until pale golden-brown. Set aside to cool on a wire rack.

Notes

Store in an air-tight container.  May be frozen for several weeks.
Keyword celebrations, sweet treats

What does it take for you to have the best smores? Comment below.

For more recipe ideas, follow me on Pinterest.  

Need some more self-care? Click here to grab your free Self-Care Survival Guide – and receive weekly email updates.

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Pantry Hacks: What to Make in Your Vitamix – Besides Smoothies

Pantry Hacks: What to Make in Your Vitamix - Besides Smoothies

It’s time for some pantry hacks…

After five or six weeks at home – (aren’t the days and weeks just blurring together?) – you are probably digging deep into the back of your pantry – and your other kitchen cabinets. Here are some ways to use a likely underused appliance – your high-powered blender – to stretch your pantry a bit further.

Do you love your Vitamix? Or is it collecting dust in a corner since it’s heyday ended in 2015? 

Nothing like a pandemic and weeks on end at home to help you value your cooking appliances.

Instapot? Check.

Air fryer? Check.

But it’s not quite smoothie or milkshake weather in most parts of the country right now.  So what about your Vitamix?  Here are some pantry hacks to help you use it now.

Except in the height of summer, I use my Vitamix more often to make ingredients than I use it to make actual finished products.  And with a mandate to limit shopping trips and with stores sold out of different ingredients at different times – it can be a real meal-saver right now.  

Almost anything dry can be ground into another, finer version of itself.  You can powder your own sugar or turn almost anything into flour – oats, rice, almonds, and, of course, wheat.  

You can also make “milk” of many types, but adding water to a soaked base – almond, rice, coconut.  If you use finely shredded coconut and hot water, then no soaking is required.  

Pantry Hacks: How to use your Vitamix to MAKE Ingredients

Note: I happen to have a Vitamix I bought from Costco – (yes , from the demo station…), but other similar, high-powered blenders should world just as well.

Powdered Sugar

  • Whirl 1 ½ cups granulated sugar for a 30 seconds.
  • Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch and blend again.

Use in: 

Maple glaze – combine maple syrup and powdered sugar for an easy glaze – just right for sugar cookies, pumpkin bread (with that can of pumpkin lurking in your pantry), or to fancy up your waffles.  

Brown Sugar

  • Place 2 cups granulated sugar in the Vitamix.
  • Turn on and drizzle in 3 tablespoons molasses through the opening in the lid.
  • Blend, using the tamper, until the sugar is uniform in color

Use in: 

Coffee cake, perfect chocolate chip cookies, or in these wings.

Coconut Milk

  • Combine 1 ¾ cups very hot water and 1 ¾ cups unsweetened shredded (not flaked or toasted) coconut. 
  • Process for about 1 minute and drain through a fine-mesh strainer and/or cheese cloth.
  • Squeeze remaining coconut through a clean dish towel to extract all milk.
  • Whisk in ¼ teaspoon baking soda.  

Use in: 

A tropical drink (try adding some to the Blue Hawaii recipe here) or make an easy coconut curry by combining coconut milk with curry paste, some of that brown sugar you just made, lime and cilantro.  Add protein and/or veggies of your choice and simmer until cooked through.  

Almond Milk

  • Soak 1 cup of raw almonds in water for 4+ hours, drain.
  • Blend with 3 cups water.
  • Store in refrigerator and shake before using.

Use in: 

Smoothies, shakes, cereal, lattes – or if the grocery store is out of the milk you might typically buy.

Flour

  • You can make oat flour or rice flour or almond flour or almost any other kind of flour you can think of – quinoa? coconut? Give it a try!
  • Blend the grain or nut in the Vitamix until desired consistency is reached. 
  • For almonds and other high-fat ingredients, be sure they are cold before blending.  

Use in: 

Tortillas, and various baked goods; stretch your all-purpose flour by combining it with an additional type of flour.  

What are your favorite pantry hacks? Have you seen this collection from the New York Times? Comment below with what you’ve tried.

Need some more self-care? Click here to grab your free Self-Care Survival Guide – and receive weekly email updates.

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15 Quick Ways to Refresh Yourself

15 Quick Ways to Refresh Yourself

Do you need quick ways to refresh yourself?

Do you need a break?  Something you can do without leaving home (obviously) that can help refresh you and reset the trajectory of your day.  As we shelter in place, it’s important to focus on what you can do, rather than what you can’t. The good news is that there is plenty to do.  

As a special needs parent, one of the features I’ve noticed in our new now is that there are almost no transitions.  This has actually translated into fewer meltdowns – an unexpected silver lining. But this has also led to a state of blurry monotony and a near constant state of asking “what day is it?”  

As a special needs family, we are used to living a version of Groundhog Day.  We spend a lot of time in this state (though, admittedly, the current quarantine has pushed the needle a little too close to the movie in some ways!)  

Here are some quick ways to refresh yourself and reset during your day to help break up the monotony and allow you to refocus on what is next.  

Listen

Happiness Lab Podcast 

All the episodes are great – but Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos (instructor of the now-fames Coursera class, Psychology and the Good Life), has really nailed it with her Coronavirus Bonus episodes.  Each episode is better than the last.

Staying in with Emily and Kumail 

Just what the title says. Practical, real, and hysterically funny – just what we all need.   There is a little colorful language so wear earbuds or listen away from your littles. Your teens may listen along with you.

The Piece of Mind Retreat Playlist

No one can travel right now, but you can travel in your mind with our playlist.  And when the world can travel again, The Piece of Mind Retreat will be waiting.

Breathe

2 minute meditation

Even if you have never considered meditation, it’s worth giving it a try.  It is a simple, free way to calm, center and refocus yourself.

Kelly McGonigal Meditation

This one is from a favorite author, health scientist and fitness instructor. (It’s just over 15 minutes- but Kelly is great!)

Read

Self-Care Challenge

This is a great time to think about what is in our self-care challenge over at the Piece of Mind Retreat. Almost everything in it can be applied while in quarantine.

Self-care Survival Guide 

Our self-care survival guide is a great source for simple ideas to refresh your day, your week and your month. Just what’s needed when hardly anyone knows what month or day it is.

Play

Gaming can make a better world

Game scientist Jane McGonigal proves this in her Ted Talk. So play a game – play charades with your family, a round of cards, or even a mobile app – any of this can help you reset.  

Play online

Play a game like Drawful 2 on a platform like Jackbox. Or many of the other online social games that are quickly emerging.

Play family games

Here are ten of our favorites. Or print your own Cards Against Humanity and play with your roommates (or older kids!). 

Watch 

Some Good News

Really. There is some good news out there now. If you haven’t checked out this YouTube, home broadcast from The Office’s Jon Krasinski, then it’s time.  Each episode is better than the last.

How to Make Stress Your Friend

A great resource for everyone – but especially prescient right now. Kelly McGonigal is an author, educator and psychologist – and one of my favorite fitness instructors. She is the real deal – and so is this talk. I’ve watched it countless times and highly recommend it.

Do

BollyX

Quarantine is a great time to shake up your fitness routine – like with this option that merges Bollywood music and style with cardio dance. On Zoom classes, just turn your camera off and dance like nobody’s watching – because they aren’t. Or watch on YouTube or Instagram like this 10 minute BollyX video – (and plenty more fun, free options on their YouTube channel).

Chalk it Up

A quick craft – like a Chalk Couture project can activate your creative mind – and freshen up your space.

Mani-Pedi

An at-home manicure from Color Street – beautiful, long-lasting nails in the comfort of your home.  Dozens of color and design options that ship right to your door. 

What are your favorite quick ways to refresh yourself? Comment below with your ideas.

Need some more self-care? Click here to grab your free Self-Care Survival Guide – and receive weekly email updates.

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How to Celebrate Easter Without Candy – (well, eating it, at least)

How to Celebrate Easter Without Candy

Easter is a spring holiday that is often intertwined with candy. But celebrating Easter without candy may be a necessity for your family. Maybe you have food allergies or intolerances in your family?  Maybe you are practicing healthier eating and want to share this with your friends and neighbor?   Or maybe you just want a break from the sugar rush?  If that’s the case then here are some great ways to ring in spring without candy.

Get festive with the decorations:

Like these egg designs from Chalk Couture.

Go fun with the food:

These are two of my favorite dips – and if you make the onion dip with fresh spring onions they’ll be an especially seasonal addition to your table.

Or try these Adorable Chick Cupcakes from Fun Happy Home.

Mini dutch babies – either savory or sweet – are a great way to make any meal special – breakfast, lunch or dinner.

JUMP TO RECIPE

Think Outside the Box with the Activities:

Coloring Fun:

This year especially, adults and children will enjoy coloring with these festive pages from Fun Happy Home.

Peeps Playdough:

Play with your candy – and turn it into extra “safe” playdough also from Fun Happy Home. (And I won’t tell if you have to “taste” the dough!).

Bunny Ears Headband:

Dress the part with these simple bunny ears from Fun Happy Home.

Celebrate with Your Fingertips:  

Try Easter designs like these. Or the fabulous Spring Collection here.

Are you ready for some special spring nails???  More info available from www.larasandora.com/shop.

Want to try a sample first?  There’s a link to request that here.  

Easter Without Candy: Mini Dutch Babies

Mini Dutch Babies

Adapted from America’s Test Kitchen
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Course Breakfast, brunch
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons grated zest and
  • 2 tablespoons juice from 1 lemon if desired
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups skim milk see note
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar if desired

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • OIL MUFFIN TIN Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees. Brush muffin cups with oil. Place muffin tin on oven rack and heat until oil is shimmering, about 10 minutes.
  • MIX BATTER Meanwhile, combine flour, cornstarch, lemon zest, and salt in large bowl. Whisk eggs in another bowl until frothy and light, about 1 minute. Whisk milk, butter, and vanilla into eggs until incorporated. Whisk one-third of milk mixture into flour mixture until no lumps remain, then slowly whisk in remaining milk mixture until smooth.
  • BAKE AND SERVE Carefully divide batter into heated muffin tin and bake until edges of Dutch Babies are deep golden brown and crisp, about 10-15 minutes.

Notes

Transfer muffin tin to wire rack and sprinkle Dutch Baby with lemon juice and confectioners’ sugar, if desired. You can use whole or lowfat milk instead of skim, but the Dutch Baby won’t be as crisp. For a sweet treat, serve with an assortment of berries and lightly sweetened whipped cream. For a savory one, top with sauteed mushrooms and grated gruyere, or caramelized onions and feta or blue cheese crumbles.
Keyword brunch, celebrations, quick and easy

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Pandemic Education: Rethinking the Classroom – and Our Humanity

Pandemic Education: Rethinking the Classroom - and Our Humanity

What is pandemic education?

If you have been a US educator for more than two decades your career has been punctuated by some tremendous events.  You may not often reflect on those events- or their impact on education. But one thing that many of us have now is time for reflection – on, among other things, pandemic education.

Rethinking the Classroom

My very first year of teaching, in the spring of 1999, I walked into class on a Wednesday that was markedly different than the day before, the week before, the month before.  Anyone who was a teacher, a student, or a parent in the US on April 20, 1999 felt their world turn upside down as we watched an unthinkable tragedy unfold on security camera footage.  

I was just 22 years old when I walked into my classroom on Wednesday, April 21, but I was suddenly wearing educator shoes much larger than those usually sported by first-year teachers.  It was immediately clear that there would be no content that day. No group activity I had planned. And certainly no topic of discussion other than Columbine High School – and how we would or could be different. 

Maslow’s Hierarchy – which had been so fresh in my mind from grad school – was front and center that day, by necessity. The conversation was simply about safety, security, and belonging – or lack of belonging – the underlying sentiment attributed to the two young men who caused the carnage.  

We didn’t know it at the time, but the expectations for both educators – and our school spaces – changed dramatically as a result of that day.  We now routinely spend school hours not only practicing for fire evacuations and earthquakes, but also teaching our students how to effectively barricade classrooms, obscure office windows, and repurpose heavy objects to thwart potential intruders.  

Our school spaces have changed as well.  My younger colleagues aren’t sure what I’m talking about when I mention “Columbine locks” (which may be locked from the interior, without a key), because they have never worked in a room where you had to reach your hand into the hallway to awkwardly lock your door.  (Indeed, for years following Columbine, I would open my classroom door, re-lock it immediately, and then prop it open for the rest of the day.) Each and every space has blackout shades. And our entire school community knows what to do when they hear “this is a lockdown.”  

Rethinking our Humanity

A few years later, another Wednesday:  September 12, 2001. Another exceptionally challenging day to be in the classroom.  The adults were barely able to process what had just unfolded. (While the crashes occurred early in the school day in the Pacific time zone on Tuesday, September 11, we had little access to television at school and the internet was not widely accessible for news, so we really couldn’t process anything until after school that day).  

The raw footage of airplanes flying into towers, and people fleeing through ash and debris was seared into our minds.  I wanted to crawl into a corner and cry. But instead I sat with class after class of young people, helping them process what we could.  Who. What. Where. When. How. The why was, of course, much more difficult.  

As an educator – and particularly as a secondary social studies teacher, which I was at the time – the unintended consequence was a new level of relevance.  Perspective. Point of view. Cultural conflict. And the government’s response. For a number of years following, we were able to more successfully register young voters, encourage civic involvement, and make a strong case for the relevance not just of the social sciences, but of world languages and global literature.  Quite a feat in our often STEM-obsessed society.  

Rethinking Both at the Same Time

And here we are.  Nineteen years later.  Overhauling our education system from our living rooms and kitchen tables.  While the world for which we are preparing our students seismically shifts beneath our feet.  

Navigating the current pandemic is like fording an uncharted river.  We are still in the middle of the river – many of us abruptly thrown from it’s banks in the middle of March..  It is unclear how long the crossing will be, or what we will find on the far banks. But some truths are already emerging.  

Hurtling forward

There are changes that are happening that are long overdue.  Systems and processes that were stuck on paper for decades, not because it was better that way, but because change is notoriously slow in public education.  We are automated and streamlining more. Colleges and universities are providing more virtual tours and meetups as well as moving toward test-optional admissions.  Both of these shifts will ideally provide much more equity of access.  

The truth is that telehealth is likely a better way to connect with kids who avoid school due to their mental health challenges; it’s nearly impossible to have an in-school check in if the student can’t get out of bed.  And practically overnight, our school and district closed the digital divide – at least in terms of hardware. (A clear area of growth is teaching fluency with the technology – to different extents – to students, parents and staff.)

What is relevant now:  the ability to use technology to connect, and the ability of young minds to capture the myriad lessons from this complex situation and raise their voices for a better outcome in future years.  

Back to basics

But what is emerging alongside this lurch toward the future is a simultaneous stripping away of what it means to educate.  It is likely that the spring semester (or quarter) of 2020 will long be remembered for its unique place in our collective memories.  Schools at all levels are still very much grappling with questions regarding standards, assessments, grades, transcripts and diplomas.  Despite this lack of clarity, there is one thing that is not questionable: the relationships that are forged in school communities are foundational.  

So while the documentation of this term is legislated by school boards and superintendents, on the ground, consider going back to Maslow.  Educators, especially teachers, tend to focus on Bloom’s taxonomy – scaffolding learning to support students in analyzing and synthesizing complex information.  But now is the time for Maslow.  

Set aside the complex homework policies and stop chasing your tail to create cheat-proof online tests.  Instead, call your students and check in on them. Connect on whatever social media or educational platform where your students hang out.  Invite them all to jump on Zoom with you – just so they can see your face – and each others’.  

Because when they recount their experience in the spring of 2020 to their children, they won’t remember what was in chapter 16.  Or even what happened at the end of the novel you had assigned. If we’re lucky, they will remember that they stayed home for several weeks in their physical home – and that you helped bring their school “home” to them.  

What does pandemic education mean to you? Comment below with your thoughts.

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How to Get Started on Zoom: 5 Tips and Tricks

How to Get Started on Zoom: 5 Tips and Tricks

As much of the world is adapting to being in quarantine, you may be wondering how to get started on Zoom. Zoom is one of many video-conferencing tools available to the general public.  During our “new now” of self-isolation and stay-at-home-orders, Zoom has taken the important step of providing free, uncapped access to all educators.  Video conferencing creates an avenue for connection and social interaction – arguably the most important aspects of education – and of society – to focus on in these challenging, ever-changing times.  

So, how to get started on Zoom?

Just start. Go to zoom.us. If you are an educator, be sure to log in using your school email to have no limit on the number of minutes in each Zoom call. If you want to meet right now, choose “Host a Meeting.” If you want to meet later choose “Schedule a Meeting.” Complete the fields listed and you are on your way.

Don’t be intimidated

You may be thinking online video conferencing is complicated and overwhelming.  But don’t go on thinking that this technology is only for CEOs and consultants. When you dig in, you’ll find it is not that much different than FaceTime or Skype – but has some much-needed flexibility.  

Practice with your family

Everyone’s at home anyway.  Call your partner or spouse in another room.  Or set up multiple devices in different rooms and log in on all of them yourself.  Once you have practiced setting up a Zoom meeting – and seen what it looks like to have other devices join – then you will have greater confidence.  

In large groups, mute everyone  – and have them raise their hands

If you are hoping to instruct people – in art, yoga, math or anything else – then mute everyone.  Those in the meeting can click “participants” and have the option appear on the side of the screen to “raise hand.”  This will allow you to see who should unmute- and when – to answer questions or take input.  

A note to educators:  Zoom may or may not be your preferred choice for direct instruction, but if your district and school allow it, it is a flexible choice for office hours, Q and A sessions – or even just show and tell (even our high school students want to show you their pets!).  

In small groups, use the chat to share links – or screen share to share memes

If you are connecting for discussion or social interaction then no need to mute participants.  You can use the chat to share links – or take turns sharing your screen with distracting memes, favorite videos, game boards, or almost anything else.  

Think outside the box

Once you are on a Zoom call, the options are almost endless.  And now is the time for creativity. Connect with friends and family across time zones.  Take a “tour” of a friend’s recent remodel or new garden plantings. Schedule a tea time or happy hour – (bring your own beverage, of course!)  Plan a game night night- either by adapting a card or board game, or by downloading an online game through a service such as Jackbox. You can plan a paint night, craft day, mani party, cooking class – or almost anything else you can think of!

What are you waiting for? Now you know how to get started on Zoom.

How to Get Started on Zoom: 5 Tips and Tricks

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Color Street Spring 2020 Collection: Sensational

A bright spot in wild and uncertain times, spring 2020 collection from Color Street is here to lift your spirits and brighten your mood – all from the comfort of your own home.

Color Street’s Spring 2020 Collection brings you glitter designs, glitters, solids, nail art designs, petites and pedicure options. Want to get yours? Click here beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 1:00 pm Pacific.

Without further ado: The Color Street Spring 2020 Collection

Here are the Color Street Spring 2020 glitter designs:

The glitter options from Color Street for Spring 2020 are here:

Color Street Spring 2020 Glitters

Here are the stunning solids for spring 2020 from Color Street:

Color Street Spring 2020 Solids

Here are the spring 2020 nail art designs from Color Street:

Color Street Spring 2020 Nail Art

Here are the Color Street Spring 2020 petites:

Color Street Spring 2020 Petites

Here are the pedicure options from Color Street for spring 2020:

Color Street Spring 2020 Pedicures

Ready to order: click here.

Want a sample first? Click here.

Need some more self-care? Click here to grab your free Self-Care Survival Guide – and receive weekly email updates.

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