Heellllloooo from the abyss! I had to turn my car on the other day to make sure it still started! Quarantine ain’t been pretty so far so if you’ve come hoping I’ll set a good example, move on. I’m overwhelmed, confused and wondering how this will go on inevitably. I wanted to share my personal thoughts with you today because I think it’s important you know I’m not over here with my cute apron on being creative while home schooling 2 kids, cooking dinner and feeling good about life. If you aren’t thriving during this time, you’re not alone-and that says a lot coming from some one who naturally enjoys isolation.

I’ve got a lot going on that’s not too positive so I wanted to touch on personal stuff but also leave you with a few quarantine DIY skin care ideas as well as a glimpse in to my home life at the moment. This is a time where an online community feels more real then ever and I wanted to do my part and connect with you all and hopefully offer something fun and light but also let you know, I’m not perfect and my life doesn’t look like the stories I’m seeing on Instagram and Facebook.

First off, I’ve been really sick. Not Coronavirus sick but sinus infection/allergy sick for several weeks but at one point it knocked me out to the point that my husband had to take off work. I don’t usually get sick so this was a set back. It affected my mental health and rendered me completely useless! Worst spring break ever.

On top of that, my dad has pneumonia and has been in the hospital twice in the past month. He is currently there, stuck in a bed with very little attention and care. We are forbidden to visit him because of COVID-19 even though they know it’s still pneumonia. It’s heart breaking and besides calling him, praying is the only thing we can do for him. He is in worse shape now than he was last week when he was admitted.

Below, is my parent’s cat, Tilly. We’re keeping her while my dad is ill. She beats up all my boys daily which is the best thing to watch because they have it coming-lol! In this pic she’s just ate 2 wasps and she’s proud of it. 

At the beginning of February we had a flood that effected every room in our home. During that month, workmen were wreaking havoc in our home. We also started building on to our house back in August and still have nothing finished and possibly a run away contractor who has the majority of our budget. We don’t come by money easily and we certainly don’t part with it easily so this is a nightmare.

God has allowed a lot of upset in our family lately and I must say, I sometimes understand He’s in control and teaching us something and I sometimes feel numb and despondent. I usually try to be uplifting here but I’m tired of people acting as if they have it all together with 100% faith and trust. That’s just not realistic and everyone goes through valleys. In fact, the majority of us are in a valley at the same time right now.

What I do know is that this is a season and it will pass. If it weren’t for tough times, the good times wouldn’t seem so sweet and oh how I long for sweeter, easier times. I also know that if it weren’t for life’s trials, we would be weak and every little thing would bog us down and be hard to handle. After this valley-there won’t be much that will upset me for a while. Summer feels like a dream-but a dream that is our’s to attain. 

Homeschooling is for the birds. We might look like we’re thriving in the picture, but I’m about to loose my shit. There’s not one minute where someone isn’t asking me a question. I’m not sure if this is everyone’s experience but we are having quite a bit of “cyber” work and it’s hard to keep track of. Plus, my youngest has ADHD and it’s been off the charts. Rodney and I are both only children so there’s way too many cooks in the kitchen when it comes to monitoring homework but I’m very thankful that he is so hands on. That’s all I probably need to say because it is what it is. I’m not a good teacher and I’m easily distracted and overwhelmed. This too shall pass. 

On a positive note, we have come together as a family in a new way that is bonding us. The girls are getting some much needed home time and I’m forced out of my comfort zone which is always a good thing in the long run. 

As far as the blog-all is well and while I’ve had very few orders in my Etsy shop and have not posted before this week, I am one of the lucky ones that was already working from home and because people are home, my blog traffic is steady. I have added an Amazon button to the side of my blog. This is if you would like to help support Jenni Raincloud while sales are down. I receive a small commission if you go to Amazon through my blog. 

We’re lacking in the entertainment area except for what I’m reading. I’m obsessed with V.C. Andrews books (Flowers in the Attic). It’s given me an escape to all the chaos and lack of control in my own world. We watched The Stranger on Netflix and just finished Outsider on HBO. Outsider was way better then The Stranger but neither were that great. I watched Love Is Blind and The Goop Lab on Netflix while I was sick. Both were enjoyable. The Goop Lab was very interesting but beware of Episode 3. As far as movies, we’ve not seen many that really grabbed us. We did just watch Wish I Was Here (Netflix) and really enjoyed it.  Also, Kodachrome was another good one. Both were uplifting and touching. 

I’m going to leave you with some very basic recipes where you can determine your own carrier oils and essential oils. Basically I’m giving you my proportions when it comes to several skin care staples. Hopefully you can find ingredients you already own all though Amazon still has a few you can order and receive quickly. Mountain Rose Herbs will hopefully reopen soon. 

Basic Oil Cleanser

• 3 TBSP. Oil
• 1 TBSP. Castor Oil
• 1 TBSP. Beeswax (optional)
• 1 TBSP. Clay (optional)
• 10 drops Essential Oil

Basic Toner

• 1 TBSP. Witch Hazel
• 1 TBSP. Liquid such as Hydrosol or Aloe Vera 
• 5 drops Essential Oil

Basic Balm Moisturizer

• 1/2 cup Oil
• 2 TBSP. Beeswax
• 20 drops of Essential Oil

A balm can be uses in multiple ways. It’s great as a full body (including face) moisturizer. Remember, a little goes a long way. You can also omit the essential oil and have a lovely Vaseline alternative. Use a balm to even cleanse your skin!

Basic Facial Oil

• 2 TBSP. Oil
• 20 drops Essential Oil

Don’t forget my list of recipes HERE for more products to make!

I hope I’ve given you a sense of togetherness with this post. We’re all trying to find a new normal and at the very least, we’re all dealing with the feeling of uncertainty which is not positive and uplifting. My heart goes out to those of you struggling with depression or being stuck with family members or roommates that aren’t pleasant. Being sick for a prolonged amount of time with the added pain of worrying about my dad and the pandemic pulled me way under and made me thankful when I was able to feel more normal. It also made me ache for those that suffer from depression on a daily basis. Don’t forget, this is a season that will pass. 

For more personal posts go HERE.

Prayers for you reading these words and please don’t hesitate to start a conversation in the comments! 

xx, Jenni