How To Survive Being Stuck Inside! | Austin, Texas

This isn’t my normal kind of blog post, but these aren’t exactly normal times that we are dealing with either. Time for some exceptions all around! ;)

While we are all stuck at home, a lot of my clients are with their kiddos! You’re adjusting to homeschooling them, or even for the younger ones – keeping them full-time instead of them going to daycare and pre-k. I’m sure a lot of you have already figured out lots of fun ways and things to do and create to keep them busy! However, I figured I would try and help with a few suggestions as well.

Including random photos I love from past sessions, featuring some of my little clients that I’m missing so very much.

For the kids – varying in ages!

I found a few ideas on Pinterest and made a board specifically for you all! I’m sure all my clients are utilizing this to the fullest now, haha. I’m going to list a few below specifically with the direct links to the instructions for the ideas, but you can also follow my board and see lots of ideas.

I additionally put together a little list on Amazon of some things that may be fun to do with your kids during this time. If you guys have any other suggestions on items that you’ve found handy from Amazon, or ideas from Pinterest please share them with me!

1. Chalk designs using tape
I’ve loved seeing these as I take my daily walks around my neighborhood. A lot of people are doing these on their driveways and sidewalks, but some are even putting them on their fences! You can also go here to learn how to make your own ‘puffy chalk’.

2. Painting rocks
This is a really easy, cheap way to keep kids busy. Buy some paint, if you don’t already have some, and let them get creative. They can even paint both sides. There’s lots of people getting so creative with this.

3. Make your own spin drum
This isn’t one I’ve seen a lot of people post about but I love it! I used to have one of these as a kid and had quite a lot of fun with it.

4. Mini lid banjos
Continuing with the music theme – these were pretty fun looking as well. I like that kids can use these when they’re done making them, but get to be a part of designing them as well. Keeps them busy for twice as long, right?!

5. Make slime
I am sure MANY kids have already done this, but maybe you guys haven’t yet. This is something that will again keep them busy while they make it, and playing with it after it’s done. I found this recipe which makes slime that holds shape! You can even make fluffy slime. However, if you just want to make the regular slime (without glue), that recipe is here.

6. Make BOUNCY balls!
What?! I love this idea. Great for the older kids and I didn’t even know you could do this at home.

7. Overnight crystals
I thought these looked like a lot of fun. I think lots of kids would enjoy doing this and watching it form! This is something they can do more than once and start their own little collection in all different colours, sizes, etc.

8. Make your own playdough
I wish I had got to do this as a kid. I was completely obsessed with playdough and creating so many fun things with it. I think this is something fun and keeps kids entertained inside for quite a while as well.

9. All the toilet paper roll crafts!
With all the drama of toilet paper, I am sure this one will make some people laugh a little. With your left over, sacred toilet paper rolls, there’s lots of fun craft ideas for kids! I liked that this was pretty limitless when it comes to what you can do. Let your kid get creative and inspired by what they love and want to make come to life. Here is a list of 51 ideas.. This link shows you how to make a space shuttle! This one shows you how to make a unicorn which is super easy for the younger kids. This link shows you how to make a butterfly! :)

10. Painters tape games and activities
I loved this one. I’m linking two separate ideas. One is making a little ‘road’ or ‘trail’ for their toy cars etc to run along which I think it’s such a great idea. Another is one that Dad will enjoy – creating a painters tape obstacle course in a hallway. Kids can pretend they aren’t allowed to touch the tape while trying to get under, over, and through! Let’s be honest, in another week of being home, I’ll be doing this myself haha. The last link is a post with a total of 50 indoor activities and crafts for kids!

11. Tie-dye shirts!
I hear they’re coming back in style, haha! Have some fun, let your kids pick the colours and tie-dye an old t-shirt they have. I found so many fun and useful articles for this. This one is for doing it with kids specifically. This one tells you how to do tie-dye with food colouring! Then I found this one which gives you ten ways total to do tie-dye. The options are endless apparently haha.

12. Unpoppable Bubbles!
DIY unpoppable bubbles? What! Sounds like a lot of fun to try these and the kids can make and play with them in the back or front yard! Perfect for some outdoor time for them and sounds like lots of fun.

13. Dinosaur Fossils with Salt Dough
Okay this one is a REALLY neat idea. The best part is, you can really do anything with salt dough. Kids can make shapes in it with their hands, or just using even a toothpick. You can make a mold of things to have as keepsakes including keys to your first home, pet’s paw-prints, etc. So keep in mind that it doesn’t have to just be for kids, or end at dinosaur fossils! :)

14. Popsicle stick airplanes
Who doesn’t love popsicle stick crafts? If you search them on Pinterest you will find many more, but I thought this was a pretty neat one! Kids can make their own little airplanes. I love that Michaels included instructions and a supply list for this on their site.

15. Grow your own Geodes
Where are all my science loving kids at?! Here is your chance to make your own Geodes. I thought this was also a fun idea. Side note, if your kids are into learning about rocks and caverns, when the Shelter in Place order is lifted be sure to check out The Inner Space Cavern! It’s more than worth it.

16. Make your own moon sand
This is recommended as a Toddler Sensory activity. If you have a younger kiddo, this is great. However, I think it would also keep the older ones busy for a while as well. Who doesn’t like to get creative with some fun sand!

17. Galaxy in a jar
Sorry, more science ideas. I can’t help it. How cool to make a little galaxy in a jar project with your little ones. Thought this was neat and everyone can pick their own colours. :)

18. Plant something
There are lots of veggies that we buy that can be replanted. You can of course get seeds for flowers, trees and vegetables as well. My mum used to spend so much time letting me learn about planting things in our garden and I loved every second of it.

For Easter!

Easter this year is looking different for a lot of families this year. It makes me so sad for all the kids. I know a lot of them look forward to spending time with their friends and doing egg hunts. I found some fun ideas for them to do, maybe a little outside of the ordinary Easter traditions.

1. More toilet roll crafts
Making your own bunny crafts with toilet paper rolls!

2. Bake up some Easter bunny cupcakes!
When you’re done, please drop off some to my porch, because these look delicious! Haha :)

3. Foam cup bunnies
This is such a cute idea. Little foam cup bunnies!

4. Egg carton chicks
How adorable are these?!

5. Easter sponge crafts
Fun designs for Easter with sponges and paint.

6. Easter themed chalk games
Something easy to put together for kids to do outside.

7. Paint a footprint carrot, or a handprint chick
A friend of mine did this with her little one and I absolutely love it! She saw it on Etsy and made her own. It isn’t hard and makes for the sweetest keepsake! :) Another one she told me about was a handprint chick. SO cute!

For the adults!

Don’t worry I have not forgotten about all my fellow stir-crazy adults!

A lot of you are not used to working from home, or being home so much. It can be a huge adjustment. From someone who has been working from home the majority of my life, I wanted to post a few tips and tricks here.

1. Make yourself a routine!
It’s so easy to let go of a routine when you’re just home all day, every day and unable to do anything else. Don’t fall into that trap. Wake up, make your bed, put on some coffee, put on actual clothes and have a plan for the day. If you’re still working, make sure you take a ‘lunch break’, and clock out at an appropriate time. Get some fresh air when possible. Be sure to drink lots of water. The smallest things make all the difference to our mindset.

2. Keep your space clean and tidy
It’s so hard to find motivation to be productive when your space isn’t tidy. Letting dishes pile up, or laundry can really change your mood without you even realizing it. I’m naturally OCD and a germaphobe, (what a great time to be these things, right??) so I love to having a cleaning schedule for my house. Especially since I work from home, always. My favorite cleaning schedule person to follow is Clean Mama on Instagram. She has so many amazing suggestions, product recommendations and free template downloads! Right now is a great time to deep clean your house and start a cleaning schedule for yourself.

3. Make time for self-care
This looks different for everyone and that’s okay. Some people love getting their exercise in daily and it helps relieve their stress and anxiety. Others want to be able to soak in a hot bath and read a book, or listen to music. Some people are quarantining with a lot of people in their home, or multiple kids and just need some time alone. Requiring these things in your daily schedule is not selfish; it’s essential. Whatever helps you personally feel relaxed and less overwhelmed, do that!

4. Check in with your family & friends
We can’t all meet up and grab food, or drinks right now. However, we can still arrange specific times to check in with those we miss and care about. I’ve loved seeing everyone post online about their group Netflix watch parties and virtual happy hours. :)

5. Consider trying something new
I am pretty sure there is that one thing we have all always wanted to learn or try. If not now, then when? Go for it! Take some time to learn something new or to try something you’ve been wanting to.

6. Be happy!
We’re all going through a rollercoaster of emotions right now. Some days we feel great, and other’s it’s all just too much. Personally, if cleaning doesn’t help my mood, I put on a comedian that I love. Laughter is extremely powerful and being distracted by someone hilarious is the best cure for feeling down.

Organizing and Decluttering
If you’re looking for ideas of what you can organize around your house I found a few great ideas of things to declutter and organize:

– Skin-care you don’t use anymore, including expired or unused makeup.
– Kitchen utensils, tea towels, small appliances, storage containers, etc.
– Old or ripped linen
– USB Drives and External hard drives
– Go through all your clothes and shoes
– Junk drawer
– Unneeded keys on your keychain
– Pens or markers that are not working
– Deep clean your washer and your dishwasher
– Old or unused tech and cords 
– Scan in all your old photos so that you have digital copies. Eventually photo paper fades; you want to make sure you have these memories saved forever
– Organize your email! Oh yes, I know so many of us have a ridiculous amount of emails in our inboxes. Whether they’re open or unread, go through them and clear it out!

Love the idea of taking this time to deep clean your house? If you’d like some Amazon inspiration on items that I use and love to keep my house clean, check out this list I made! Everything on here are things I’d highly recommend to clean your house with. :)

– I use this to deep clean my washing machine!

– I’ve had this air purifier in my bedroom for two years now. With having two big dogs, this has come in SO handy! This is the replacement filter for the unit. I do the subscribe and save through Amazon every 3 months!

– This is my regular vacuum that I use all the time. I love the attachments and how light-weight it is! I have had this vacuum for over 4 years now and it has never failed me. Not to mention it’s priced amazingly.

– All the pet owners out there, this hand vacuum is the one for you. I use this DAILY. I love that I can quickly vacuum my car, the stairs in the house, the couch, anything! The battery lasts quite a while and emptying the filter is so easy. The roller attachment is what makes this hand vacuum different to every other one I have ever used.

– Wanting to try out a robot vacuum? This is the one I highly recommend. I can confidently recommend this one because it is my THIRD robot vacuum. Yes, that’s right, third. I had the iRobot, and the iLife – they both broke! This one is used daily in my house as well. My route is to turn it on downstairs every night as I go to bed. What is better than waking up to a freshly vacuumed house? Every morning I empty the container and then put it upstairs to clean the carpet.

– Steam mops are life altering, I promise you! I have wanted a steam mop for quite some time now. I finally purchased one after spending way too much time researching them. As soon as it arrived, I started to clean ALL my floors. It dries quickly, smells great, and leaves your floors looking amazing. It’s so easy to use! It comes with two pads (one regular and one with textured scrubbing lines on it), two scented discs (they smell great, but when you run out just put a few drops of essential oils on the pad if you want your house to smell great afterwards), as well as a cup to refill your water tank. Additionally, you can buy extra pads for it here.

– Professional style carpet cleaning at home. This is an item that I personally do not own but am considering purchasing. I have read a lot of reviews and done a lot of research. It looks amazing and you cannot beat that price!

I want to take a second to thank you all for keeping in touch with me through these times. The amazing support and love I have received from my clients is unbelievable. I am truly fortunate to be able to photograph such amazing people. Being able to capture your milestones and memories to look back on is sincerely an honor. Now more than ever, I hope everyone is enjoying the ability to look back on their photos.

Without you all, this job would not be the same by any means.

I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy!