Women Who Quarantine - Danielle's Story

Women Who Quarantine - The stories of women warriors from around the world doing their part to fight this deadly pandemic. 

Welcome back to our next lovely story for "Women Who Quarantine"  
with my very own sister, Danielle Schuh! 

From the moment Danielle was born, just 13 months after me (yep...my mother is a saint), we were pretty much inseparable! Although opposites in many areas, our differences have not only complimented one another, but have pushed us both to grow as well. One area she literally ROCKS at is being an INCREDIBLE mom and wife to her husband and three children! And if you are ever in need of excellent homemade elderberry syrup she's certainly got you covered! ; )


Danielle's Story:

​Name: Danielle Schuh
Location: Hollis, New Hampshire
Profession: Stay-at-Home Mom
@ladyschuh

How is your heart truly doing during this uncharted time?
Honestly, my heart feels extremely blessed to have all of my family together right now under one roof. Some of the day-to-day things we are really enjoying at the moment would never have happened under "normal" circumstances. So when our hearts feel a bit scared, frustrated, or anxious (which let's be real, happens often), my husband and I focus on all of the positives we have seen come out of this pandemic. 

What has been most challenging about being home?
I’m a stay-at-home mom so this is my jam, but life has sure gotten a lot busier! ❤️
I’d say the most challenging area for me has been figuring out a schedule that works for everyone. My husband and I have been working to 'pin down' the areas that really help us to feel connected and refreshed. Doing so keeps us from feeling like everyday is just another version of Groundhog Day! ; )

What good have you have seen come out of this pandemic?
Since we are ALL practicing social-distancing no one feels as though they are missing out, or guilty for not being somewhere, outside of their 4-walls. I therefore believe that this new space opens up a part of our hearts that would otherwise be difficult to attain. As a result I have witnessed families and communities working together for the good of each other. It’s so beautiful and encouraging to watch people's hearts at work right now!

Is there any advice you would give to other women that you have found helpful or wish you knew before entering quarantine?
Make sure you take care of yourself! Even though we are unable to get a pedicure, massage, or our hair done right now - do set aside “you time” to clear your head. This helps a lot when working to be the best version of yourself within this quarantine. Whether that’s a warm bubble bath (**bonus: add in some magnesium salts for a relaxing night's sleep), a glass of wine, a home pedicure or spa night - just DO IT!!
Put it in your calendar and phone as a weekly reminder. This isn’t a vacation - who knows how long it will last! I have learned from the past that putting yourself last is a slippery downward slope. That said, if you remember to take care of yourself during this quarantine it will make ALL the difference in the world! 


Is there something special you are doing to take care of yourself during this time at home? 
My family and I are loving our daily walks, as it gets everyone outside for some fresh air and exercise. It always makes us feel better overall! A few other things I've also  been enjoying would be cooking some extra fun meals (I love to cook) and little healthy treats. One of my favorite clean treats right now has been dark chocolate honey mints. They are so easy to make and SUPER yummy!! I've also been working on sending out lots of snail mail with my kiddos and some other fun projects using my Cricut. Oh, and lastly, I can't forget our impromptu dance parties - this is my husband's doing ❤️❤️. ; )

Is there a favorite song, book or podcast you are listening to right now? If so, what do you appreciate most about it?
I've been reading: My Bible Study Defining Moments, which goes over in detail the readings for each Sunday Mass. I really appreciate that it helps me to carve out time for daily prayer, while also making me feel a bit closer to Sunday Mass each week… ESPECIALLY since I can’t be there in person right now. 

I am also doing a book study with a friend called: Choosing Beauty. It’s a 30-day women’s spiritual challenge, which I’m really enjoying! It keeps me focused on my own personal growth during this quarantine. 

Favorite Healthy Recipe?
This is my family's healthy guilty-pleasure treat... but it's so healthy I don't feel guilty eating it!!

Homemade Dark Chocolate Honey Mints
recipe from: Coconuts & Kettlebells
Ingredients:Honey Mint Filling:

• 2 tsp coconut oil
• 4 tsp raw honey
• 1/2 tsp peppermint oil

Homemade Magic Shell:

• 1/3 cup cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
• 1/3 cup coconut oil

Instructions:

1. For homemade magic shell, heat the coconut oil on the stove or in a glass bowl in the microwave. Once the coconut oil is liquid, add the cacao powder and gently “fold” the cacao powder into the coconut oil until well combined.
2. To make mints, get a 12-cup mini muffin pan, and carefully spoon out 1/2 tsp homemade magic shell into each cup. Chocolate should lightly coat the bottom. Once chocolate is in each cup, lightly “swirl” the chocolate around so that it comes up the side of each cup. Put pan in the freezer.
3. Remove tray from freezer, and spoon out 1/2 tsp honey filling into each cup. Try to lightly “press” the honey down with the back of the teaspoon so that it lays somewhat flat in the cup. Return tray to freezer.
4. After about 5-10 minutes, remove tray from freezer and spoon remaining homemade magic shell in each cup so that honey is completely covered. Cups will be between 1/2 and 2/3 full. Put tray back in freezer until chocolate sets (about 10 minutes.) Store in freezer. Enjoy!

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​Sending you lots of love and joy,
Marie