This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our privacy policy.
Discouraged about "sheltering in place"? We totally understand. But it's so important that we comply with the COVID 19 guidelines in order to keep our family, neighborhood, community, city, state, country and world as safe as possible! We're all in this together and this 30 Days - 30 Opportunities post shares some ideas on how to make this a more profitable, memorable and helpful time!
It's easy to get discouraged right now, isn't it? I had a "down" day this past Sunday. I hadn't slept well on Saturday night and it seemed that as the day wore on, I became more and more dispirited. Then, there was the straw that broke the camel's back; the announcement that we would all need to stay at home and shelter in place for another 30 days. Yikes! I went to bed in very glum spirits.
But it's amazing what a good night's sleep and some time with the Lord can do. As I prayed about all of this, I began to feel my spirit being uplifted and I started having some encouraging ideas. Ideas on how to make this crazy, unprecedented time in history a profitable, educational, fruitful (maybe even fun at times) opportunity. It's a moment in time that we've never had before and there's a good chance we'll never see again.
I mentioned this to Scott and we got together and did a little brainstorming. We talked about ways we could come out of these 30 days (we won't think about longer at this point) better, smarter, happier and having helped our neighbors, friends, community. That's what this post, 30 Days, 30 Opportunites, is all about. These are things that we came up with, some serious, some silly, some fun. I challenge you to come up with your own list. You're welcome to borrow some of our ideas or just get inspiration from them.
I wanted to preface all this by saying that I know some of us could become sick with the COVID 19 virus during these 30 days. I'm adding a 31 to this list and hope others will too. Number 31 is that we will pray for each other and support each other in any way we can; bring each other groceries, cook a little extra and leave it on someone's doorstep, send cards of encouragement and let's just stay in touch.
30 Days, 30 Opportunities
- 1. Just because we're in the midst of a pandemic, don't let spring pass by without experiencing, appreciating, enjoying it. Here in the Western hemisphere, spring is bursting forth and will continue over this next month. It would be easy to miss all the beauty, new life and incredible metamorphosis that transpires over the coming days, weeks, months. Take time to notice and be thankful. Scott took a few pictures today in our yard after a spring rain. Life is exploding here, there and everywhere!
- 2. This one goes along with number one. Get outside and exercise. Walk, run, skip, hop, jump, whatever you can or like to do. The wonderful privilege of being outdoors hasn't been taken this away from us, as long as we keep our social distance. Exercise is good not only for the body but also for the spirit and soul. I met a girl once when I was walking and I'll never forget her statement: "I told my husband, either get me a psychiatrist or give me the time to get outside and walk". That might sound strange but it definitely has validity. Exercise releases endorphins which help decrease stress levels and increase your state of well being. The Mayo Clinic says, "Virtually any form of exercise, from aerobics to yoga, can act as a stress reliever. If you're not an athlete or even if you're out of shape, you can still make a little exercise go a long way toward stress management. Discover the connection between exercise and stress relief - and why exercise should be part of your stress management plan."
- 3. Listen to encouraging music, podcasts, sermons, etc. while you exercise. Or use the time to call a friend or family member. My daughter and I have been coordinating the times of our walks and having some great "girl talks". It's been wonderful and we've been talking way more than we normally do.
- 4. Each day, take one little thing to clean and/or organize; a drawer, cabinet, closet, the windows in a particular room, the front or back porch... Scott and I love to entertain friends in our home. It's sad that we can't do that right now. But we can have our house shining, clean and ready so that when all of this passes (it will!) we will be ready to love and encourage whoever God sends our way.
- 5. Learn a new skill. There are so many things I'd love to know how to do that I don't normally have the time to pursue. Now is the opportunity to read articles and watch YouTube videos on just about anything you might have the desire to learn. Even small things like making your own salad dressing, discovering how easy it is to make jam and jelly or learning how to make homemade bread. These are skills that will transfer to your life after this pandemic. How fun it will be to surprise our family/friends with this new expertise!
- 6. If you're learning to make something tangible, like jam, bread, salad dressing - share it with others. My daughter Cait had a great idea. She's going to make granola (our favorite recipe), divide it into mason jars, stick a little label saying "Made with Love and Gloves" on each one and drop them off on neighbor's doorsteps. I told her I would design a label for her. If you would like to use this idea, just leave a comment below and I will send you the printable PDF for the labels too. There are two sizes, one for a regular mason jar and one for the wide-mouth jars.
- 7. Make masks and give them to friends, family, co-workers, healthcare workers. They're desperately needed right now. If you sew, here's a video on how to easily make masks. There's even one on making masks for those who don't sew.
- 8. If you have family and/or friends in the healthcare field right now, send them a text and tell them how much you appreciate them. Let them know that you understand what an incredible job they are doing.
- 9. Deepen your spiritual walk by spending more time in God's word and in His Presence. Pray that He would reveal Himself to you and to this world in a time of desperate need. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 - it's a promise!
- 10. Work in your yard: rake up dead leaves, plant flowers, plant window boxes, pull weeds, clean up your porch furniture... You'll have a beautiful place to enjoy when the warm weather season rolls around.
- 11. Encourage others who are having financial difficulties during this pandemic. If you can afford it, pay for regular services even if you're not getting them. We've been paying for haircuts even though we're getting shaggier and shaggier.
- 12. Eat healthier and lose some weight. Both Scott and I put on some "bear fat" over the cold winter months. I'm going to working hard on shedding this extra weight so that when I can shop again I'll feel great about buying a few new summer dresses, tops, etc.
- 13. That being said, splurge every now and then. Make something that would be a special treat for everyone in the house like this Swedish Sticky Chocolate Cake, this Raspberry Jam Shortbread Tart or this Lemon Curd Poppy Seed Cake.
- 14. Spend more time reading. I mean really, how often do you have the time to read during most of this busy life? If you have older kids, find a great book and have everyone read it, then have your own little personal book club to discuss what you learned, enjoyed or found interesting. You could also do this with friends or family that don't live with you via FaceTime or Zoom.
- 15. This is for me and other ladies who regularly get their nails done. Learn to do them yourself! My daughter Cait shared these press-on nails with me. She's been wearing them for 2 weeks without any issues. I'm going to try them. I have the weakest, crummiest nails and unless I get some kind of hard finish on them, they tear down to the nubs. I would save money and time by not going to the nail salon after this is pandemic is over.
- 16. Pursue new music. If you have Apple Music or Spotify, make a playlist to listen to on your phone when you're walking or doing mundane chores around the house.
- 17. Share your skills with others. I've been teaching my daughter and daughter-in-law how to make bread via FaceTime. I've also had fun making a cake with my two younger grandchildren on FaceTime. I've sent some new recipes that are in the testing stages to some of my older grandchildren who enjoy cooking. They won't be afraid to let me know if these recipes are "blog-worthy" or not!
- 18. Give others the satisfaction of teaching you something. So many people feel so helpless and unproductive right now and would love to share their talents and skills that they have with others. We are so fortunate to have the technology (FaceTime, Zoom) these days to be able to communicate with others even when we can't be in close proximity to them.
- 19. Read about or watch movies about other times in history that have been difficult. Discover how the people survived and found hope. I've been doing a lot of reading about WWII recently. Learning about men of all ages going to war in foreign countries makes staying at home not seem so bad.
- 20. If you're married, plan a "date-night" once a week (after the children are in bed if they're still at home.). Dress up, set a pretty table, light candles, make something special. Celebrate all the blessings we do have right now.
- 21. Sing! My mom always said that "singing is twice praying". I'm not so sure about that, but I do know singing does the heart good. And if you're like me and don't have the best voice, there aren't many people around to hear you right now! HuffPost refers to singing as a "happy drug".
- 22. Take an online class. There are so many virtual opportunities out there, voice, guitar, keyboard skills, gardening, piano... It would be so awesome to learn a new skill that you could carry with you far beyond this pandemic. A couple of my granddaughters take voice lessons. Of course, that's not possible right now but my daughter found a friend who was looking for voice students she could teach online. It's been a great experience all the way around.
- 23. If you don't have kids at home, read bedtime stories (via FaceTime) to your friends' children, your grandchildren, your nieces and nephews, next-door neighbor kids, etc. It would give the moms and dads who have kids at home 24 hours right now a nice break. We've been doing this with our two youngest grandchildren and it's been such a fun little ritual.
- 24. Take a nap! Think of how many times when you were working or hauling kids here there and everywhere and you wished you could take a little rest. Sleep.org says that "Naps boost alertness and improve motor performance, which is why you feel energized after taking one." and that "Regular, short naps can help lower tension, which decreases your risk of heart disease." So go ahead and indulge! It's good for you!
- 25. Make more phone calls to keep in touch with family and friends. Check-in on those who live alone frequently, especially the elderly.
- 26. Do something unexpected and fun. Make a special treat like these Spring Shortbread Cookies or these wonderful Oatmeal Cookies. Hide them someplace fun, then send the family on a wild goose chase to find them: make little notes that will lead them from one place to another until they finally reach "the treasure".
- 27. Memorize Scripture. It's wonderful to have treasures from God's word hidden in your heart to draw on when tough times come.
- 28. Start a journal. Write about what you're learning through all of this. I've been journaling for a few weeks now as I'm reading a wonderful book by Lysa TerKeurst called What Happens When Women Walk in Faith. It's been so valuable now but I know that it will also be benefical to look back on in the future.
- 29. Continue with regular get-togethers virtually (with technology like Zoom, Skype, etc) like small groups, book clubs, Bible studies, coffee dates,
- 30. Support local businesses that have had to close because of the pandemic. Lots of them have an online presence.
- Pray for our family, friends, neighbors as well as people in our communities, cities, states, country, and world, who have personally experienced the reality of COVID 19.
Thought for the day:
Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down,
but a good word makes him glad.
Need to hear a good word? This message from J.D. Greear is medicine for the soul "for such a time as this".
The Café Sucre Farine is a participant in the Amazon Affiliate Program. The Amazon Affiliate Program is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products on Amazon. The price you pay as a consumer does not change.
Shop Our Café Loves
We’ve gathered our favorite kitchen tools, tableware, and entertaining treasures in one place, the Café Loves store. It’s a wonderful spot to find something special for yourself or the cooks and hosts you love!
This post is so positive..I think all of the ideas are so good! I’d love a copy of the granola (& possibly the jelly ) label. That’s so fun..& making treats is my love language! 😊 Thanks also for all your great posts in the last few months.. there’s always something I want to see! Blessings!
Thanks so much, Cheri. I just sent the jelly labels and will get the granola ones off to you too!
Hello! Am only a recent follower of your recipes and really enjoying them:)
Love this post. Am doing quite a few of the things you mention and will add a few more.
Would love the granola labels:) Brilliant idea. I'm a baker so have been sharing breads but hadn't thought of granola.
The Lord bless you♥
Hello Jo! Welcome to The Café! Thanks for your kind words. I'll send the labels now.
I have been using and enjoying your posts for over a year. Thank you for 1) all of the background and history for the recipies and 2) details on the nutrient values. I just completed reading the 30 Days - 30 Opportunities post and I would like to congratulate you both for the sane outlook when in these crazy time. Please keep up the good work (and good recipies).
Dave
Thanks so much, Dave. We appreciate your kind and encouraging words! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. 💕
Wow!! I am so encouraged by you Chris!! Thank you for your amazing ideas, challenges, and recipes. I can't wait to share with my husband and make a list as well! (Also so encouraged by your walk with God!) 🙂
Thanks so much, Meghan! He inspired me to write this 💕
Hi Chris.
I love your site, your recipes and your food photography. Thank you if I could get the labels.
What an awesome idea to share👏
Thanks so much, Mary. I'm happy to send the labels!
Thank you for posting this list. Some of the ideas are things I've already been doing but there are a lot of other good ones which I hope to do. I'd love to have the labels, please. Also, in another recent post, I believe you offered some other labels that I meant to ask for. Could I have the pdf for those, too, please? Thanks again for this, and for fun recipes and stories.
Hi Joanne, thanks so much!
I'll send the granola labels now. I think you might be talking about the blackberry jelly labels. I'll send them too!
Chris - well it’s 28 degrees and snowing here in NW WI, so was feeling pretty rotten. Until I read your post. Thanks for that. Your recipes have encouraged me to stretch my cooking/baking skills and, while they don’t usually turn out as visually pleasing as yours, they taste great! Stay well, my friend.
Thanks, Deb! 28˚, yikes! Better days are coming! But I'm from WI originally so I know how it can be! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate it!
Hi Chris,
I would love the pdf label to print. Love all of your recipes. I know I can count on them to turn out p perfect every time. I can't
believe that I missed this recipe. Looking forward to making and gifting your favorite granola recipe.
Joan
Thanks for you kind comment, Joan. I'll send off the labels now!
Thank you for these wonderful ideas to do at this stressful time.
I so enjoy your recipes. You always take so much time to explain about making them and all I have tried are delicious. Scott's photography is beautiful as well.
Take care
Please send me the label. Thanks
Thank you, Sandra! We appreciate your kind comment. I'll send you the labels now!
Such a lovely post Chris! It is so easy to dwell on the negative. We simply can't forget that that there are so many positive opportunities now. Thanks for the reminder 🙂
Thanks, Jennifer! So true!
Love your site and recipes and what a great bonus with the words of inspiration. I, too, would love the labels for the granola and jam. We've all got a ton of time on our hands.
Best wishes to all!
Thanks, Tammy! You're right, we do have a lot of time. I have sent the labels!
Thank you so very much for the beautiful words of encouragement and the terrific ideas. I would love the labels for the granola. Thanks for everything.
Thank you, Debbie, for your kind and encouraging words. Labels are on the way!
Thanks for the inspiration! I'd love the pdf for the granola labels. As you can imagine, I'm not doing any catering these days. Hard to make the adjustment from 12-hour workdays to 0-hour workdays. It does give me ample time for recipe testing. My neighbors are eagerly awaiting samples of my daily (sometimes twice a day) new recipe experiments. Think positive, be strong and carry on!
You're welcome! I know your neighbors are loving have you experiment on them, Annamarie! I'll send you the labels now!
Wonderful message Chris. I've been keeping busy baking and sharing my treats with my neighbors. I also started a painting project in my living - dining area. There's nothing more rewarding than a new coat of paint to change your environment lol. I'm going to send this post to my niece who lives in California and has really been stressed out about all of this. I told her the other day, just look at this as a government funded vacation - has the money gotten into our accounts, not yet, but it will. Pay attention to what they are telling you to do and we will all come through this okay. I've followed your blog for years and just love the recipes and a big favorite of mine was your trip to Ireland! Stay safe and healthy and thank you for all you do.
Thanks so much, Elizabeth! What a great idea, to do a painting project right now! I love seeing a fresh coat of paint. I hope your niece is encouraged. I know these are hard times for so many!
Thanks for all you do! Please send me the labels for the blackberry jelly as well as the granola - I've made all your jellies and jams and love looking at the jars gleaming like jewels in my freezer.
I have one sister in Canada and one in Maryland, and we were scheduled to see each other this spring. Needless to say, this isn't happening. I challenged them to a virtual bake along. We'll pick a recipe that uses easy to find ingredients and one that none have tried before. We'll pick a day and bake all day, sharing with video, text, etc as the day goes on. I'm thinking of a bee-sting cake.
That makes me smile that you have all those jars of jam and jelly in your freezer, Nancy 💕
How fun and what a great idea to have a virtual bake along! That's so awesome.
I'll send both labels now!
All great ideas. My husband and I put on music and danced around the house like no one was watching....LOL! It was fun and made us think back to our younger days. I'd love access to your labels and what a great idea to give granola!! Thank you for always making me smile when I read your posts! Stay safe and God bless you and Scott!
I love the idea of dancing around the house, Lori. We have a "date night" tonight, we might just steal your idea 🙂 I'll send you the granola labels now!
You are such a sweet soul Chris. Thanks for all these great reminders and inspiration. Getting outside really helps me. My husband had knee replacement surgery just before they stopped doing elective surgeries, so we had planned to be home for a while anyway. Now we're just home for longer. We miss our kids and grandkids but FaceTime helps. Take care and be safe and thank you for your wonderful ideas.
Thanks, Tricia 💕 I'm so glad your husband was able to be in the window to have the surgery! I hope he heals well!
Thank you for your ideas and encouragement. I love your stories and recipes, thank you for them. I would love the PDF for the jars....and my prayers are with you and your family....stay safe and healthy!
I'll send you the labels now, Becki! Thanks for your kind comment! 💕
Thank you for all these great ideas. Would you please share the recipe for the granola and would love to have the pdf for the label. Enjoy all your recipes and really love the fig jam.
Hi Diana, thanks so much! We have two granola recipes that we love. One is a classic with oatmeal the other is just nuts (also super delicious).
Here they are:
https://thecafesucrefarine.com/best-ever-granola/
https://thecafesucrefarine.com/double-almond-paleo-granola/
I'll send you the label now!
Hi Chris, thank you so much for your encouraging words of hope. When you said you were feeling down on Sunday I felt the same way last week I kept having bad dreams and when I would wake up in the morning I questioned whether this pandemic was real or just a dream only to realize that it was for real. I have always been a positive person and always try to see the good so I had my moment and now I'm back on track. This weeks project is cleaning out my library I love to read and so over the years my collection of books and cookbooks has completely devoured my library no time like the present to share books with my neighbors and friends. I admire you very much, for your kind words in trying to uplift our spirits when we needed the most so thank you for that and for your wonderful recipes that are always no fail. A big thank you to you Scott for those beautiful photographs. I would also like to ask if you wouldn't mind sending me the blackberry PDF label and the granola label as well. I find since you came up with these labels it helps to identify all those wonderful freezer jams you taught me how to make. Can you also tell me were you get those beautiful edible flowers are they grown from seeds or do you buy little plants. I live in Toronto, Canada thanks again and God bless you and your family stay well and safe
Brigitte
Brigitte
Hello Brigitte! Thank you for your kind comment. I know that many are having discouraging days and restless sleeps right now. It's such an unprecedented time!
I love that you're taking the time to clean out your library and know your friends and neighbors will love the gift of a book right now.
I will send you both the Blackberry Jelly labels and the Granola labels.
Regarding the flowers, we usually purchase small plants. Scott will plant them in the yard and I don't use them right away in any recipes. Once they've been growing for a while and new blooms appear and I feel the pesticides are gone, then I can use them for recipes. That being said, I did just order some edible flower seeds from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bPudej
so we'll see how those do 🙂
God bless you and thank you so much for helping us to redirect our energies into helping and sharing with others especially the elderly and lonely. You thoughtful ideas gave me so much fodder to and reach out. Can you please tell me where you purchase your gorgeous edible flower seeds I could not find them here in Toronto and want a reliable source thank you again and be well.PS you two inspired me so much I changed my voicemail message to say Hello you reached Diana and please tell me how can I make your day better! amazing response on voicemail !
Thanks Chris for these uplifting suggestions. It's good to read something positive and calming to counterbalance all the sad news that's flooding the media. Yes, let's pray for each other, only our God can take us out of this tragedy and let's hope that all the kindnesses shown during this pandemic will change the way we behave "on the other side".
So much truth in your words, Monique 💕💕 Stay safe!
Thank you for your kind comment, Diana! And I love your voicemail message 💕💕💕
Regarding the flowers, we actually purchase small plants at a local nursery and then I use them after they are growing for a while and pesticide-free.
That being said, I did just order some edible flower seeds from Amazon. I can't wait to see how they grow! https://amzn.to/3dPqMGx
Chris,
I think you are the greatest! I always know when I make your recipes they will be perfect! You are a very trusted source! My Mom had broken her hip while visiting me and ended up in my local hospital. I got up the morning after the accident and feeling bad. So when the going gets tough, the tough get cooking. I made your caramel apple muffins...they were just taste wise and visually perfect. I brought them to the nurses. Needless to say, my Mom became a rockstar and Your recipe was requested by everyone...even people that didn’t have one but just heard how amazing they were. So, I have a request..do you have a classic lasagna recipe? I usually make lasagna bolognese but in these difficult times feel a need (and I have the ingredients) to make an American one. Thanks, Andrea
You are so kind, Andrea! Thank you for this sweet, encouraging comment. I love that your mom was a rockstar with the muffins, so cute!
I don't have a lasagna recipe on the site. That's a great suggestion though. When I make lasagna it's out of my head and I've never really written a recipe down. I will put that on my list! 🙂
Thank you!
You're welcome, Sue! 💕💕
Thank you for sharing your ideas. We have been sheltering in place for just about 3 weeks and were prepared for another 30. Today our governor issued a lockdown until JUNE 1!!! I was fine until I read that. I know all will be well but wow...
I would love this label if you would share.
Wow! We might need to all put our heads together and do a post called 60 Days - 60 Opportunities! Who would have ever thought?? Stay safe, Elizabeth! I'll send the labels now!
Hi Elizabeth,
Are you in Fl? My governor did the same today.
Excellent ideas Chris I had one of your salads today with the avacado mandarin oranges and pomegratin seeds with balsamic Dijon mustard dressing it was so delicious and refreshing. At work I have shared basic bread recipes for those who wanted to try to make bread and have referred them to your website for delicious fail proof recipes.
Thank you, Danielle 💕 I'm so happy you enjoyed the salad! Thanks for sharing the website!
I just love this list and appreciate your sharing it. Not only are you a wonderful cook, but obviously a sweetheart of a lady. So glad I discovered you a few years ago! I have enjoyed making many of your recipes. Blessings to you and your family. Stay well.
Thanks so much, Beth for your kind and encouraging comment 💕
I'm glad you discovered us too, Beth! Thanks for your kind and encouraging comment! 💕
This is a great idea! I usually make hot pepper jelly around Christmas, but now would be a good time to make some and give to some special neighbors. I would love to have the PDF for the granola jar. Thank you for a special gift. Stay Safe!
Thanks, Suzanne! I'll send you the labels now. What a nice surprise for your neighbors!
Beautiful and thoughtful way to spend our time and energy! Thank you for such a positive post! Loved the message from J.D Greear.
Blessings to you and your family.
Thanks, Denise! We were so encouraged by that message 💕
Thank you Chris for taking the time to bring comfort, encouragement and a smile to our screens. Love your blog love your husband’s beautiful photography and pray you and your entire family will be safe and well throughout this unprecedented time. Much love and prayers for you as well.
Beverly in Texas
Thank you, Beverly! We both appreciate your kind comment and your prayers 💕 Stay safe!
Thanks for all the encouraging ideas - I would like the pdf.
Paula
Thanks, Paula - I'm sending it now!
Hi I would love to have the PDF for the granola jar. I work all week and find on the weekends I can make lil care packages for family and friends that I can leave on the front porch. Thank you for all you do.
That is so sweet of you, Monica. I know they really appreciate that! I'll send you the labels now.