Hello There! Today we are going to chat about social distancing. I am unsure how to feel about this, because I work in the food industry and love to socialize! I love to give hugs, shake hands, and chit chat! Since this Coronavirus Outbreak my job has closed and we are all practicing social distancing at the moment. My kids are going to spend the last quarter of school this year at home, in order to keep their distance from others as well. This is the craziest thing I have ever seen in my life!
Definition of Social Distancing
Let’s start out by defining Social Distancing. This is the practice of keeping a physical distance from others of at least 6 feet. Additionally, avoiding direct contact with humans or even objects in public places during an outbreak of a contagious disease. Indeed if you practice these things you will help to minimize and reduce exposure and transmission of infectious diseases.
Is This Good or Bad?
Of course with everything there are pros and cons! I have mixed feelings about the whole situation. I do think that it is good to practice social distancing in a time like this, however why do we not take all of these same precautions during flu season each and every year? More people are infected and even killed by the flu each year! I think that all introverts are having a hay day right now since not socializing is more than acceptable, but I feel that these individuals are going to have a harder time getting back into “normal” life.
I have a real concern for those that are trapped in an abusive relationship right now! Whether you are an adult or a minor in fear of abuse from a parent, partner, or anyone else you can get help here! Please do not feel alone in these times of quarantine!
Is Social Distancing Driving You Crazy?
In the beginning I was a little excited to not have to go to work. That lasted about a week, then I was starting to go stir crazy! Here are a few ideas to help you stay sane while trapped in your home!
Bake Some Bread
My husband and I noticed that bread was becoming hard to find. After talking a little we thought it could be fun to try our skills at some bread! We grabbed what we needed and went home. My daughter caught wind of what we were up to and volunteered to help! This is amazing because she is more into her videos and games than learning anything in the kitchen! We found a really good recipe that I would love to share with you! Keep in mind that this makes 4 dozen rolls or 4 loafs, so cutting in half is great too!
You will need:
All purpose flour, salt, oil, warm water, yeast and eggs. How easy is that?!
Start with 1 cup of warm water. The temperature of the water is very important to help your yeast ferment! The recommended temperature is between 120-130 degrees, like a baby bath. Now add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 3 tablespoons of active yeast. Let this sit for about 10 minutes.
While that is resting grab a large bowl and add 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of salt, 3 cups of warm water (same temperature as above), 1/2 cup of oil, and your yeast mixture. Now is the tricky part. Start to add your flour 1 cup at a time. I have a hand mixer with bread hooks that was a great help! In total you will need 9-10 cups of flour. You want to get your dough tacky but not sticky. Keep kneading in your flour until you reach desired consistency. Let sit covered in a darkish place for 1 hour.
After your dough has risen punch and knead it really well. Next spray your baking trays, separate your dough into 4 loaves or 4 dozen rolls, and cover for another hour. Now you can toss it in the oven at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Enjoy!!
Make Sugar Cookies
Now if you can’t find any all purpose flour you can use self rising to make sugar cookies! This is also an easy and delicious recipe!
You will need:
Butter, sugar, vanilla extract, an egg, and self rising flour. So easy!
In a large bowl mix 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of Sugar, and 1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract until fluffy. Next mix in 1 large egg, and last add 2 cups of self rising flour. Next chill for 30 minutes or longer in your refrigerator or about 15 minutes in the freezer to help make your dough more manageable.
When your chill time is almost over preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Put about 1/8 cup of sugar into a shallow bowl for topping. Make your cookies into about 1 and 1/2 inch balls, dip the top into the sugar, and place onto your baking sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, your cookies will rise up and then flatten. Then allow your cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before moving them over to a cooling rack. Wallah you are done and enjoying soft sugar cookies!
Put Together A Puzzle
Maybe you aren’t into baking. My daughter and I have found that a fun way to kill time is with puzzles. Mark Fredrickson has become one of our favorites! He does some really cute art with Labradors! They are about 550 pieces so they are easy to see and keep track of! We love them so much that we glued them and are getting frames to hang them in our daughters room.
Board games are also great time killers! Monopoly can last for a week if everyone plays right! Life is one of my favorites, but my kids love Uno! Even a deck of playing cards can be super fun and helpful during these crazy days of social distancing! BS, Speed, Go Fish, and Rummy are fun filled card games for people of all ages to enjoy!
Start Your Very Own Business
If you like so many others cannot go to their job at the moment here is an idea for ya! Why not start your own home business? I have been working this system for a year and a half now and Love it! I have learned so much and have grown in ways I never thought possible! If you are bored and looking for something fun to not only kill time but make you money, check out the details here!
No matter what you decide to do to kill time during social distancing time please STAY HOME AND WASH YOUR HANDS!! While you’re here sign up for my newsletter to the right of this page! Stay safe, healthy, and happy out there all!
Response Magic