I feel weird, anyone else? I never thought in my lifetime anything like this would happen, and it’s incredibly sad to think of all the lives, businesses, and countries being affected during this terrible time. My heart goes out to anyone hurting or dealing with the loss of someone. I’m going to continue to pray, practice social distancing, and do whatever I can to help stop this. It’s put things into perspective and opened my eyes to how quickly things can crumble, and hopefully, after all of this, I’m reminded how fast things can recover. I know it’s a devastating time, but it’s my natural reaction to remain optimistic and positive as I can through it all. Even though I come here to bring upbeat blogs, I still have the fear as well, and you’re totally not alone if you’re feeling overly emotional right now. History has proven that we will get through this. Don’t forget to take the time to thank all the nurses, doctors, staff still going into work, the truckers, grocery store workers, delivery drivers, restaurants providing food, and the list goes on. Send them a gift card from your favorite local restaurant, or offer to help in any way you can.
This recap post is as exciting as one can make it while being under the weather and practicing social distancing. I hope it brings just a little light to your day during this time. I have my pancake recipe coming soon, and I can promise that the recipe will make anyone stuck inside turn a frown upside down (i can’t believe I’m keeping that line in this blog!) okkkk let’s get this recap post started.
I finished up my work on Monday, made some of my favorite scrambled eggs (spinach, eggs, bell peppers, tomatoes, Applegate chicken maple sausage, everything but the bagel seasoning, and Tessame’s habanero ranch.) I took the boys for their walk, and then cleaned up the house. I’ve slowly been packing each week because we move out of the house in thirty days. That is going to fly by, so I want to be ahead of it all. I’ve been a little worried about how things will go during this time with building, closing, and home selling, but I have a feeling it’ll all work out. And if it doesn’t, that’s OK too.
For dinner, I made a Purple Carrot’s Gochujang Veggie Bowls. They were fabulous, and the perfect way to end the night while watching American Idol! Kyle and I have been watching this show ever since it returned to ABC and it’s something we really look forward to. The talent this year is incredible! So far, Arthur Gunn is my favorite, although others are creeping in! Jonny West is my second.
Things took a bit of a turn during the beginning of this week. I’m not someone who gets fevers, EVER. I woke up around 1 am on Tuesday feeling a bit nauseous but thought it was just my cycle since that’s something I experience often. I woke up feeling fine, walked the dogs, but I was SO tired. Again, I thought it was my cycle. I went upstairs to take a nap, something I NEVER do. An hour later I had the chills, extreme headache, body aches, sore throat, and a fever. We called the doctor to see what they recommended and they sent me over to a virtual doctor visit. The fever started at 101 and crept up to 103.7 within four hours. We never got through after waiting t six hours. The next morning, I had an appointment with a doctor online, and she “treated” (not diagnosed, since you can’t do that without a test) me for strep throat. My throat was blood red, hurt so bad, and I didn’t have any shortness of breath, no sneezing, prolonged fever, cough, or other Covid-19 symptoms. After three days of taking the antibiotics, my throat has healed, and I’m feeling 99% better. Of course, I’m staying FAR away from people just in case it wasn’t strep. Testing is so limited in our area and it’s hard to get seen, so I’d rather stay home and heal than risk the wellbeing of others. I finally felt 100% by Thursday.
After three day of chicken soup and Pedialyte, I was ready to get outside and get some fresh air finally. My parent’s neighborhood has a pond, so I drove out their and walked it with Grumples. 
On Thursday, when I made my grocery order online, they were entirely out of chicken or turkey at the store. I decided to get a rotisserie chicken and make my homemade chicken salad to enjoy for the week (it lasted 24-hours.) It’s always a delicious go-to! You can make the same recipe with tuna or chickpeas. I have another Purple Carrot box coming, so I’m looking forward to some creative recipes this week. 
It was so lovely to have the sun shining on Friday morning. For some reason, the sun with a side of singing birds makes me feel like everything in the world is good. I often go outside with my coffee in the morning just to meditate and listen to the birds. You should try it. I had two slices of cinnamon raisin bread with honey and cinnamon and two eggs. The perfect weather called for a coffee and dog walk.
It’s crazy to think that we move in 30 days. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was telling you all the news about the new house. This week they are going to finish doing the upstairs floors, exterior, painting, staining, and tiles. Yesterday, Kyle and I made it official and purchased our new couches. I cannot WAIT to see them in the house. We went back and forth between a few brands and decided to go with our gut and get the ones we kept going back to.
One of my favorite parts about our lot is that it sits up high from the road. It’s going to be fun sitting on the porch with coffee too because the sunrises and sunsets in this neighborhood look unreal.
There’s been so much done since I’ve updated you last. Make sure you’re following @cottagestory for all the instant updates! 😊 Many of you have been asking about when my vlogs will start up again, and I know it’s been since December! I will start them up in April, and a home tour will definitely be included.
I can’t wait for the bedroom views! This is where the sun will rise 😊 The trees are starting to bloom, and the fullness of the trees makes me so happy. Eventually, it’ll be all green when I look out the window.
And another thing I’m really excited about is our backyard, mostly for the dogs! They so deserve a big backyard to run around in 😊 We have the fence company coming to install our fence on day one because it’s a priority for us. I may end up crying when I see the boys run around for the first time.
One of the cool things about our backyard is that it’s all flat and level, but towards the end of the yard, it has a huge hill that drops down to the creek. You would never know unless you walked over to the edge. I’ve slowly been starting a wildflower meadow. I didn’t think it would actually work when I planted the seeds a month ago, but they’re sprouting everywhere! If this works and my wildflower meadow is a success, you’ll see me crying again. You can’t see the hill from the back yard, but you can from the bedroom window. It would be like a secret flower meadow, which is goals! I have a two-pound bag of perennial native species wildflower seeds coming in the mail this week and I’m going to go plant them all. I just use a spoon to dig about an inch and then add a few seeds into the hole. Try to do it if it’s going to rain that day or a few days after. I know some people just throw seed and they grow, but you’ll face the chances of birds eating the seeds, which wouldn’t be any good. Plus, when your flowers do grow, they help bees with nutrition!
These were the first few packs I bought that started the whole thing. You can get these at almost any garden center like Lowes, Home Depot, or Walmart.
The cool thing about wildflower seeds is that they do well in poor soil. Most of the soil in South Carolina is red and rocky dirt, so perfect for wildflowers.
I was happy to see how many people messaged me about the wildflowers and how invested they were in this! I think it’s a fun little experiment, so I’ll keep you updated weekly. While being in quarantine, it may be a fun idea to order some seeds on Amazon and plant a few.
I found some reputable sellers on eBay for a few, look for thousands of reviews + photos. I bought an entire bundle for $10, and I can’t wait to see them grow. I decided to plant them in some pots to see how they grow in organic potting soil. 
Since my ranunculus won’t last after early summer, I planted them in the pot with it. I lightly covered them with soil, watered them, and…
They started sprouting up a week later! I was so excited! 😊 
And they’ve been growing each day slightly 😊 In about 90 days we may see a flower!
And my other camellias and ranunculus are doing well 😊 Going out to check on them with my coffee in the morning has become a favorite part of my routine. The small things we appreciate during social distancing 😆 
It had six new buds this morning and five big blooms. 
And another one of my recent wildflower purchases has arrived. I think I’m going to plant these in the flower tins I bought. 
On Sunday morning, I made my homemade gluten-free pancakes with blueberry syrup. 😋 They were incredible! Super fluffy on the inside and crispy around the edges. I could eat this every day 😊 We ended up watching Little Women, and it was amazing! You have to watch it if you haven’t already.
We had to get out of the house on Sunday so we took the boys for a long dog walk. It was weird seeing no one around, but they loved it! I think Grumples was disappointed that he had no one to bark at. 
For dinner, we did a gluten-free turkey burger from Smashburger, Smashfries, and brussels sprouts. We had dinner, finished up a few things for the house, and then headed to the couch to watch American Idol! 😊
Luckily, we have our health. We will all get through this, even though things don’t look so promising right now. Remember to help your community and just stay away from people. Stay curled up on the couch, get outside for a walk, drive around the neighborhood if you feel like you need to go somewhere, get projects done around the house you’ve been putting off, read a book, watch so many shows, eat anything you want, and do everything in your power to stay home. ♥️ Stay safe!
Questions for you!
- How are you feeling right now?
- How are you keeping busy?
- What is your favorite positive quote?
Beautiful flowers and yummy eats! This brightened my day 🙂
I’m able to work remotely, so I’m working during the day on weekdays, then catching up with family and friends via video chats/FaceTime and baking, taking walks and doing online yoga classes, and playing board games with my husband at night!
One of my fave quotes (perfect for this out of our hands situation!): “The key to happiness is letting each situation be what it is instead of what you think it should be.” -Mandy Hale
Hi, Mary!
So happy it brought light to your day.
Sounds like you’re making the best of all of this, which is go great! Keep up that spirit.
Loved this post <3 It was a nice break from reality. I'm feeling somewhat anxious, but trying my best to manage it. I take meds for anxiety and am telling myself it's okay to take a double dose the days I need it. I'm also walking, reading, limiting caffeine, watching fun shows, and trying to get lots of rest.
I'm keeping busy by working and cooking more than usual, and the best part…starting a book! I've always wanted to write a book and I'm finally starting. It'll be a contemporary romance 🙂
My favorite quote is actually a Bible verse and it's so timely right now: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and a sound mind,"—2 Timothy 1:7
Thank you, Chandler!
Love that you’re being proactive in coping with anxiety! I made a list of my favorite shows under the “relax” highlight on my Instagram if you need some new ones!
I can’t wait to read your book one day! How amazing.
♥️ 🙏
I am feeling good! Currently doing a 14-day quarantine after I returned from vacation in Japan. I am SO thankful to have apatio space to get fresh air. Keeping busy by working from home, yoga, catching up on books, and cooking daily. And I don’t have any favorite quotes so i’ll just leave you with good vibes!
I hope you are staying safe and I’m so happy you made it home! ♥️ Keep up that positive outlook!
If your blog posts weren’t important before (I mean they totally were)… they definitely are now! What a crucial time to stay connected! Your job is important too.
That is very kind of you, thank you ♥️ 🙏
Wow your wild flowers are going to look incredible, can not wait to see them in full bloom. glad your feeling a lot better. the world is crazy right now.
I am feeling extremally overwhelmed to be honest with everything going on in my life and the virus its just a bit crazy, plus at midnight tonight the whole of new Zealand goes into lock down for four weeks, luckily for my company, works for the housing sector of the government so we will have a light staff crew on for any emergency work that needs to be carried out.
I am going to keep busy by gardening, cooking and walking my dogs, plus I will be spending as much time with my old dog Mia as I can as she got diagnosed with terminal cancer last Friday and we don’t know how long she has.
I have two favourite quotes they are “there are so many beautiful reasons to be happy” and “If plan A didn’t work. the alphabet has 25 more letters! stay Cool” .
Hope you have a great week and stay safe!!
Thank you so much, Harriet!
I’ll keep you in my prayers during this lockdown. Our cities are doing the same, but I hope this can help us reach a solution. I’m glad you’re able to keep working from home.
I’m so so so so sorry to hear about Mia 😞 Spend as much time as you can with her during these downtimes.
I’ll be thinking of you and sweet mia.
I’m feeling the same as you – wondering about my new home build and how selling my current townhouse is going to go over the next couple of months. My new house is estimated to be done first week of August so I’m not overly concerned about that since there is plenty of time, but I am wondering about when to list my townhouse now. We were planning to list it in April, and stay with family until we can move into the new house – but now I don’t know! I don’t want people coming into the townhouse and I doubt they want to come in either since they should be social distancing!
I guess it’s just like you said – everything will work out in the end the way it’s supposed to.
I’m super excited for you!! 30 days!!
Hi, Kristina!
I’m not sure where you live, but start paying attention to how quickly townhomes sell in your area. This can give you a good idea as to when to sell. We chatted with a realtor a few months before and asked when we should list and based on the sales in our neighborhood, he said we should put it on the market 30-days before. This gives us time to sell the house within a week, give 30-days for the buyers to close, and a few extra days for us to move into our new home. You will have a better idea by early summer how everything is going, but on the plus side for you as a seller, the rates may stay down, there is less out there to compete with on the market, and even though it’s a time of uncertainty people are still buying homes. You can also have a virtual video made for your home for purchasing. Definitely chat with a realtor soon!
It’ll all fall into place! The good thing is that you already have a home to live in and I wouldn’t list until you have the certainty of closing! ♥️
You’re so lucky that the market is incredibly hot where you are! I have friends in Charlotte who have said the same thing – that homes often go under contract within hours of listing! Here the average sale is about 60 days from the time of listing. That’s why we wanted to list in April – hoping it would be sold by June/July. If we have to wait until May to list I think that’s fine.
One of our neighbors is a realtor so that really helps, as I know she knows this market super well since she not only works here but lives here. She thinks our townhouse should sell much faster than the normal 60 days because it’s an affordable home in an otherwise super expensive neighborhood. Lots of young professionals want to get into our neighborhood but are priced out, so we’re hoping one of them will scoop it up just like we did back in 2016. Which is actually so funny that we bought our townhouse right around when you bought yours, and now we’re building a home right when you’re about to have yours done haha. I guess we’re on that same life trajectory! 😀
Hi, Kristina!
Yes, I definitely understand that. I would definitely chat with a local realtor who will know how to handle this situation. I wouldn’t stress right now, especially with the uncertainty. Give yourself a few weeks to see how everything is going and you’ll have a better idea as to where this virus is heading. I’m hoping everything rebounds. Sounds like you have a very desirable location and should have no issue selling! 😊
too funny! Definitely on that same path! xo stay positive!
I’m so glad you are feeling well now and got over whatever you had. 103 F fever is no joke. It is so disappointing they wouldn’t test you. Not everyone has the exact same symptoms. I applaud you for being responsible and staying away from people for a while. Your posts are always a joy and I look forward to them!
Right now I’m feeling ok. Like everyone, I find all this so weird…not something I would have guessed would happen in my lifetime. I mean…we read about stuff like this in books. I stay busy by going on hikes and walks by myself. I talk a lot more to my family and friends. Hey i too am watching AI this season and i like Just Sam, Arthur Gunn and a few of the powerhouses 😊
Hi, Aimee!
Thank you so much 🙏 Finally happy to be feeling myself again.
I feel the same for sure, and seeing every country go through the same reminds us that we are all alike at the end of the day. I’m glad you’re connecting with friends and family and getting outside when you can. So important!
I can’t wait to see the season! I was actually wondering what they’d do with filming because of the virus!
Thank you for this Taralynn! I’m glad that you have continued doing your recaps, they really are a positive influence in an uncertain time 🙂
In Aus, things are starting to shut down, but trying to stay positive. Luckily my work is fully equip to work from home, so I’m keeping busy with that and at home workouts/walks with my dog.
I just got back from travelling in the U.S, and a quote from MLK’s memorial in D.C really resonated with me, and also in this time where things are a little crazy!
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that….Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that”
Love that quote, Zoe!
& thank you for stopping by to read. Glad you’re able to work from home, and I’m sure your pup loves it, so that’s a plus side.
Stay safe!
I’m excited to see your wildflower meadow!! For me I decided I’m going to try and grow tomatoes + cucumbers this summer, I bought 2 starter plants at the grocery store, I just need my brother to help me build a raised bed in my backyard for now. Otherwise to stay busy I’ve been going on walks with my boyfriend, doing a LOT of baking/making homemade bread, and organizing!
Thank you, Marcella!
I can’t wait to do my raised beds as well. You’ll have to share your progress with me. I need all the inspiration.
Keep staying healthy and positive! xo
Glad you’re feeling better!! With times how they are currently I too am happy that you did your recap so we can all have an escape to normalcy with everything going on right now.
Can’t wait for your vlogs to start back up!! I’m so excited to see your house once you’re all moved in. You give me all the home decor inspiration! 🙂
Thank you, Hayley!
Glad you stopped by to read. I’m excited to get back to vlogs as well! It’s been a minute!
Thanks for the post, Taralynn! I’m glad you’re feeling better!
I almost feel guilty saying that I’m doing well, but I’m grateful for my physical and mental health now more than ever, and being socially responsible is helping me to feel good. I’m minimizing the time I look at news & social media to two 15-minute slots whenever I choose to fit it in during the day. As a teacher, I’m still working from home (thankfully), though I’m not actively instructing, but providing review and enrichment to my students. I miss my classroom, but I still have routine because some of the classes I teach have been online all year anyway.
I’m right there with you on the optimism train! There’s always a bright side and it would be a shame to waste this time worrying. When I’m not working, I’ve been taking an online class myself and trying new “work-ins” online, sometimes together with my colleagues on video chat. (My abs are so sore right now!!) It’s also been a great time to call people just to chat, which I rarely did anymore before. My state is practicing shelter in place, so I’m grateful for our backyard. Thanks for the gardening inspiration! I can’t wait to see how your wildflowers come out!
I love to change up the quotes I look at for inspiration, but right now I’m really feeling Voltaire’s “I have decided to be happy because it is good for my health”!
Looking forward to whatever you decide to share next!
Take care,
Maureen
Thank you, Maureen!
I understand that. It feels weird being happy in a time like this, but you’re welcomed to feel sad, happy, joyful, silly, and anything that gets you through the day! I think it’s important to stay optimistic and have faith. 🙏
Keep up the positivity and stay safe!
Wow, with a fever that high they should have tested you. So glad to hear you’re feeling better. Take it easy and rest. Thank you for social distancing. Your flowers are stunning! Your home looks gorgeous too!
How are you feeling right now? Back pain but otherwise fine.
How are you keeping busy? Trying to uplift the spirits of other people.
What is your favorite positive quote?
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.”
― Walt Whitman
Hi, Jen!
I do agree, but I don’t think our town had the tests available during this time, and they probably put higher-risk patients as a priority, which is sooooo understandable. My job was to heal at home and stay away from people.
Thank you for the kind words, we can’t wait to move in!
I love that you’re trying to uplift others during this crazy time 🙏
Hope you’re doing well and staying healthy, Taralynn! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Thanks, Charmaine! ♥️
Thank you so much for your recap – I was obsessively checking your blog because these posts bring me so much joy! I feel bad complaining because physically I am healthy and safe, but mentally and emotionally I feel all over the place. In South Africa we are starting a 21 day lockdown tomorrow night. The disruption to my everyday routine and general uncertainty over how long this will last is very overwhelming. I’m trying to be positive and focus on the important things but it’s a tough time for everyone right now. Sending you lots of positivity ♡
Don’t feel bad at all! You can feel ANY way you want during this time. It’s ok to feel sympathy for others while being grateful for everything in your life. I understand how it could feel wrong or where the guilt comes from though. I know we will get through this! Try your best to keep positive and remain optimistic during the lockdown. Enjoy the books, music, movies, and relaxation 🙏
So glad you’re okay, friend! That would be really scary, especially with all of the coronavirus stuff happening right now.
I love Jonny West and Arthur Gunn! I also like Nick Merico, even though I know he has had a bit of an attitude.
Your flowers are gorgeous!!
Make Life Marvelous
Thank you, Ashley! ♥️
Yes, those are some good singer right there! I’m sad we only get Hawaii week coming up! They had to postpone film 😭
Hi Taralynn,
It’s so good to read your post after these crazy days lately…
I feel better than last week, I try to keep positive and repeat myself that everything is going to be fine. I do zumba 3 times per week and it helps me a lot to fall asleep. I couldn’t sleep because of anxiety but looks like zumba works fine for me to overcome this problem. I also started to draw again and I call my friends and family a lot, it really helps, In Spain it’s ben announced that the quarantine will take longer, for now until 15th of April. Let’s see what happens then…
My positive quote comes from my favorite TV show, One Tree Hill:
“There’s no shame in being afraid. Hell, we’re all afraid. What you gotta do is figure out what you’re afraid of because when you put a face on it, you can beat it. Better yet, you can use it. ”
I am thinking about watching it again, I like to come back to OTH from time to time.
Have a nice and safe week, I hope you feel better now!
Kisses from Barcelona
Hi, Milena! ♥️
So happy you stopped by.
Our country is going through the same, so I totally feel you on that. I love that you’re turning to activities to keep you busy and healthy during this time. I’m sorry you’re experiencing the anxiety, but that’s very normal.
OTH was always a favorite of mine! 😊
Please stay safe and I’m thinking of you!
xo xo
Loving all the wild flower talk! That meadow is going to be gorgeous! I can’t wait to see what it looks like in bloom!
1. My feelings have been all over the place! Just found out backup dates for our wedding are potentially the 4th of July or Halloween! A spring wedding on Halloween! lol!
2. Keeping busy by still working, I work at a nursing home in physical therapy. I go back and forth between being grateful I’m still working and being terrified of getting sick or contaminating my patients. My dog is loving having me home more in the evenings though and the weather is finally nice enough for daily walks! 🙂
3. “when the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace” – Jimi Hendrix
Hi, Sarah!
Thank you 😊 Things like flowers bring me all the joy during this time.
My friend got married on Halloween and it was actually beautiful! 😊 Fall is such a happy time of year.
I always think of how happy all the pets must be right now with their owners home!
Please stay safe, especially with your job!
Just wanted to say your house is coming along beautifully! I can’t wait to see the finished product. I hope you keep the pictures coming!
I work as a physician assistant so I’m right on the front lines of this. I normally work in surgery but with elective surgeries being shut down, I’ve been deployed to work on the inpatient floors and doing curbside testing. It’s so much worse than what they are even reporting here in Michigan! I am just hoping we see a drop in the curve soon and can get back to “normal” life. I try to stay positive and am thankful I have a job in such high demand during this time. I’m also happy that I get to help so many people.
Hi, Kayla!
Thank you so much. I will definitely keep the photos coming and I plan to do some room reveals when we get things decorated.
I appreciate everything you do on the front lines and I’ll keep you in my prayers! I can’t imagine how scary that must be, but many wouldn’t be able to survive if it weren’t for you! Thank you so much.
Thinking of you!!
Hi Taralynn,
I am so glad you are feeling better, that is so scary!!
I have been furloughed at my job for 10 weeks which sucks. Thankfully, my husband still works for now at least so we are thinking of those who both people in the household lost their jobs!
Once you are 100% better will you consider doing a day in the life vlog?! I love your vlogs, and I am sure it would help with a lot of people’s boredom! Lol
Hi, Lauren!
Thank you so much 🙏
I will for sure start a blog this weekend! ♥️
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, hoping everything works out in the end! Keep hanging in there!
Taralynn, your new house is so beautiful! And yay, I am so glad you are going to start vlogging again. And I just LOVE the idea of a wildflower meadow. Just think of all the bumble bees and butterflies that will get to enjoy them as well!
You blog gives me so much joy – thank you for that!
I am glad you feel better!
Thank you so much, Nadine!
I cannot wait for the bees & butterflies!
♥️ thank you for stopping by and the kind words.
Your new house looks so cozy already, you four will enjoy it so much, how exciting! Love the wildflowers too, trying again here this summer! My favorite quote:
‘The days are long, but the years are short’……so, so true, especially after kids. 💜
Enjoy your time in!
Thanks, Ann!!! ♥️
I love your weekly updates even in the chaos of the world! Its some form of normalcy!
We are hanging in there! Waiting for some warmer weather in Indiana so we can get outside! It’s awesome you have been able to be out so much!
Glad you’re feeling better!
Thanks, Kristin
Hope you get that warm weather soon!!