FamilyLife - May 2020 by Lawrence Ambrocio

Travel Tips on where to go

3 ways to make hotdog

Letter for moms

FamilyLife Happy Mother's Day

May 2020

May Contents

ADVICE

ORGANIZE

FEATURES

11 Celebrating mom in her own style

25 17 Americans on Where (and How) They Live Right Now

66 After The Fall: Canadian Women, Money And COVID19

15 The Best Mother's Day Gift 16 Let’s Roll! Bike Basics for Every Age 21 Family Travel Success

FOOD 73 Basic Twists

21 IN EVERY ISSUE 9 Editor's Letter 78 Last Look

ON THE COVER Photography by Getty Images

Family Life ‐ May 2020

FamilyLife EDITOR IN-CHIEF Pamela Hayford EXECUTIVE EDITOR Suzanne Moutis CREATIVE DIRECTOR Karen Paddon EDITORIAL OPERATIONS & ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER Olga Goncalves Costa TEST KITCHEN FOOD DIRECTOR Soo Kim SENIOR FOOD ASSOCIATE Stina Diös CONTRIBUTING FOOD SPECIALISTS Donna Borooah, Cara Tegler ART DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR Lena Diaz ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Sarah Big Canoe CONTRIBUTING ART DIRECTOR Leanne Gilbert PRODUCTION SPECIALIST Genevieve Pizzale EDITORIAL SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR Megan Howard FEATURES EDITOR Mary Levitski COPY EDITORS Debbie Madsen Villamere, Stephanie Zolis EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Marianne Davidson, Sarah Dziedzic HOME & GARDEN HOME & STYLE DIRECTOR Ann Marie Favot DESIGN EDITOR Morgan Lindsay NATIONAL ACCOUNTS MANAGERS, TORONTO David Lawrence, John McDowell, Nicole Rosen, Roberta Thomson NATIONAL ACCOUNTS MANAGER, MONTREAL Ingrid Barfod NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER, VANCOUVER Renee Wong BRAND OPERATIONS MANAGER Terry Smith

VICE PRESIDENT, CORPORATE SALES & DIRECTOR, CLIENT SOLUTIONS Brandon Kirk DIRECTOR, MEDIA SALES Mike Lambe ST. JOSEPH COMMUNICATIONS CHAIRMAN & CEO Tony Gagliano VICE CHAIRMAN John Gagliano PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER Ken Hunt VICE PRESDIENT, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY Sean McCluskey EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Sarah Trimble DIRECTOR, LIFESTYLE CONTENT Sasha Emmons DIRECTOR, CONTENT OPERATIONS James Reid DIRECTOR, CIRCULATION Allan Yue MANAGER, CIRCULATION Lisa Rivers DIRECTOR, BRANDED CONTENT, AUDIENCE & EVENTS Nadine Silverthorne PROJECT MANAGER, BRANDED CONTENT Milena Boskovic EXECUTIVE EDITOR, BRANDED CONTENT Meaghan Yuen DESIGNER, BRANDED CONTENT Leo Tapel Family Life is published by St. Joseph Communications, 15 Benton Road, Toronto, M6M 3G2. Contents Copyright 2020 by St. Joseph Communications. may not be reprinted without written permission. Article proposals and manuscripts must be accompanied by self-addressed envelopes and sufficient postage; otherwise they will not be returned or acknowledged. While the publishers will take all reasonable care, they will not be responsible for the loss of any manuscript, drawing or photograph. ISSN 0128-1839. Single copy price $5.99 + tax. Full subscription prices: Canada, 1 year (6 issues), $15 + tax. In the U.S., 1 year $45 + tax; Other countries $75 + tax, Indexed in the Canadian Periodical Index. Printed in Canada. Family Life, it's affiliate and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, distribute, store and archive such as unsolicited submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensate of any sort.

St. Joseph Communications can be reached at 15 Benton Road, Toronto, M6M 3G2

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Editor's Letter

We're all in this together As separated as we are physically, it’s the “We’re all in this together” attitude that helps me. It helps to know I’m not the only one whose income has been impacted. I’m not the only one working from home while dogs bark and whine for attention and family members goof off or watch movies nearby. I’m not the only one who can’t focus on work sometimes and must go for a walk around the neighborhood to clear my head or hide in the bathroom to write my editor’s note. I know I’m not alone because of the sidewalk chalk drawings, the posts of good deeds on social media, the camaraderie in my office’s team chat. We’ll get through this by supporting each other. Check on your neighbors (with appropriate physical distance). Offer to pick up supplies for others before you go to the store. Lend an ear by phone or Zoom. Play your drum kit. Dance in the street if it strikes you. Joy spreads joy. Seeing others experience a happy moment makes us feel good. Look for the good. And listen to your kids. They need your guidance now more than ever. Even the model student you never thought would sneak out in the middle of the night like an ’80s teen movie. I promise you this won’t last forever. The light at the end of the tunnel might already be kindling now.

Pamela Hayford Editor In-Chief

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Advice

Celebrating mom in her own style

By ALLISON GIBESON

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Advice A great way to show your love for special people is to spend time exploring their interests, and the same is true when it comes to honoring our moms this Mother’s Day. We’ve developed a list of ways to celebrate moms with a variety of interests, but the most meaningful part of the experience is the cherished time together. The shared experience could be just as meaningful as the activity itself. Here are our suggestions to make Mom feel honored: Find a fun cooking class to attend together if your mom loves making culinary creations. It could be a chance for her to refine her skills and for you to learn something new.

If you have a fitness-loving mom, consider signing up to run a 5K with her. She could challenge you to meet your fitness goals, and she might provide a little competition on the side.

Laughter is infectious in happy homes. If your mom loves to laugh, find a joke website and try out new jokes. In the process, you could create all sorts of funny memories as you test the jokes on others.

Does your mom love to sew or make things with her hands? Take her to a craft store and pick out items for a project you can do together. If you are not crafty yourself, let your mom teach you some of her skills.

Music might be your mom’s passion. If that’s the case, develop a lineup of concerts and live music opportunities you could attend with her. The summer offers many free outdoor concerts to experience, and you could also look for the next local concert of one of her favorite musicians.

We all enjoy binge-watching a good show. To spend some quality time with Mom, why not indulge with her in a marathon viewing of her favorite show?

Enjoying nature and the peacefulness of the outdoors is often something moms crave as a reprieve. To make the most of the outdoors, plan a picnic lunch for her in her favorite nature spot. If Mom loves reading, join a book club with her or go hear one of her favorite author’s speak. Not only will the experience give you a shared memory, but it will also give you a chance for many meaningful discussions.

Perhaps your mom enjoys simple pleasures in life—like going for a walk. In that case, accompany her along her favorite walking path. To make the occasion more memorable, scout out the scene beforehand and strategically place notes of appreciation for her along the way. Photography might be one of your mom’s hobbies. If it is, take her to some new spots outdoors, let her capture some amazing images and find some places for her to showcase the final product.

If you mom loves family game night, find a new game you haven’t played before that you are sure she will love. If you have played just about everything, make up your own game with Mom’s help.

May 2020 - Family Life

Advice

The Best Mother's Day Gift The sitcoms tell us no woman wants an appliance for a present. Commercials tout the power of diamonds, expensive jewelry, fancy cars, and other big ticket items. But, this year, my family gave me the best Mother's Day Gifts ever... and the gifts didn't cost a dime!

"Do we own a mop?".... this was the first time he has mopped since we met 9 years ago). Then, my husband and girls weeded my herb garden for me. Even my sisters pitched in, helping me with 2 major projects I had to accomplish this weekend, cutting the time the tasks required significantly.

So, lately I'm managing to meet deadlines and things that "MUST" be done, but items that can be neglected (like mopping the floor) had fallen to the wayside and these tasks were haunting me.

I didn't receive diamonds or expensive gifts this year, I was given acts of service and I would have chosen that over diamonds in a heartbeat! It meant the world to me to have some of these tasks off my plate and I can't tell you how nice it was to have clean floors again! All the commercials and sitcoms say we want elaborate and expensive gifts, but me... I'll take a clean floor and dishes ANY day! I love my family!

This weekend, my five year old, folded and put away laundry, did the dishes, and swept the floor without being asked, and my husband came home early on Friday and mopped the floor for me (this was especially noteworthy as his first question when I asked if he would be willing was,

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Advice

Let’s Roll! Bike Basics for Every Age By MELISSA BELLACH

May 2020 - Family Life

Advice We parents want the best for our children. We want them to be safe, healthy and happy. One of the most important things we can do, at each stage of their development, is to stress how an active lifestyle plays a part in physical, emotional and mental health. “Talking to my son’s pediatrician, I know he needs at least an hour a day of active, physical play. And I see the difference. He sleeps better, eats better and fights with his sister less,” says Cindy Mayer, Olathe mom. One great way to get your kids moving is to select activities they can enjoy as they grow. “Roller blading, bike riding, swimming. We like activities that provide exercise and that all the kids can do together. We have a wide age range in our house, so it is important that our activities not be limited by age,” says Noel Bergen, Kansas City, MO, mom. Bike riding is a classic family activity that can work for any age range. Here are some tips and tricks for getting your kids biking at any age!

Tots. Children as young as 18 months can learn to ride a bike. Many parents like to start with a balance bike for their youngsters. For little ones who don't have the leg strength to push pedals, the simplicity of propelling themselves on a balance bike provides freedom without complication. The rider starts out by standing and walking with the bike and gradually advances through the phases to be able to sit, run and glide. “My daughter has had a balance bike since she was 2. She can fly on that thing at this point,” says Molly McKinney, Shawnee mom.

Kids. For elementary age children, a balance bike is still an option when starting out. Another option is to remove the pedals on a standard bike and lower the seat. This allows the child to push himself along, learning how to balance and how to turn the bike. For riding lessons, try to select a learning area that is quiet and free of traffic. If the child is frightened of falling, learning to ride in the grass is an option, but he will have to push the pedals harder to get momentum.

Teens. Riding a bike can help teenage children develop good posture, which will benefit for them for the rest of their lives. If a teenager is just learning to ride, start by letting him coast without putting his feet on the pedals. Once he can balance, let him coast with his feet on the pedals. Then allow him to try pedaling and, finally, to try steering. Always offer encouragement to help him feel less self-conscious.

May 2020 - Family Life

Even for experienced cyclists, safety is an important part of riding a bike. At any age or skill level, keep these fundamental safety points in mind: Always wear a helmet. Look where you are going, not at the ground. Ride in single file with space between the bikes. Ride on the right side of the road. Plan your route ahead of time to keep everyone together. Stay alert. Obey all traffic laws. Look before turning.

Advice

Family Travel Success By GINA KLEIN

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Advice With summer in full swing, you’re probably already suffering from vacation brain. Daydreams of sunshine and beaches, mountainous terrain, and a week or two of family time away from home stir your excitement daily. Even with the pandemic, a vacation is still possible, just be sure to use common sense and follow any guidelines. Here are some tips that will surely answer your questions and help make your family trip easier and more enjoyable. Make a list. Seriously. Lists are an absolute must when planning a family trip. Make a list for your personal bag (and your spouse’s), one for each of your kids’ bags, and any other bags you plan to pack. That way, you’ll know just what you need to bring in each bag and won’t forget to pack it!

When packing, consider putting plastic shopping bags into your suitcase to use for storing soggy bathing suits or keeping your smartphone free of sand at the beach. They take up next to no space inside backpacks or suitcases.

Pack a mini medicine cabinet with all your essential medications (something for headaches, tummy aches, etc.). You never know what may ail a family member on a trip, so having your needed medications on hand rather than having to run to a store allows you to avoid another pitstop.

If you’ll be visiting a beach on your trip, remember the seaside necessities: sunscreen, beach bag, beach towels, blankets, sunglasses, beach toys, swim diapers, etc.

Plan out your travel entertainment ahead of time to avoid a headache later. Make a lengthy list of ideas for when your little ones whine about being bored. Ideas include coloring books, crayons/markers, books and handheld games.

Traveling the friendly skies? Have everyone wear shoes that are easy to take off for security. Also, let little ones run around a bit before boarding the plane. Bring a variety of snacks in resealable bags so kids have different goodies to choose from, and pack small juice boxes.

Make road trips easier for everyone. If you’ll be traveling by car with kids, don’t try to drive the long distance all at once. Take breaks. Kids will be miserable in car seats for more than six hours, so break it up by staying a night or two at a hotel depending on the length of the drive. Stop at local attractions and playgrounds along the way, too. Everyone will be much happier! Talk to your children when you reach your destination and hotel. Explain what you’ll be doing on your trip and set expectations. Stick to your normal routine as much as possible. If naptime is at noon, don’t plan any midday activities so your) can rest. If your kids take baths before bedtime, stick to that schedule as well. Going to the beach? Swim at lifeguard-protected beaches, stay within the designated swim area and never swim alone. Inexperienced swimmers and young children should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets in and around the water. Don’t use any other type of flotation device.

Pack blankets and pillows so kids can nap more comfortably in the car, and don’t forget the portable DVD player and some favorite movies! If you have a stroller, bring it. If not, be sure to rent one. Little ones get tired after walking a lot and will need a place to rest their legs. Go to a local grocery store and buy snacks and lunches. Pick up some items to make sandwiches, and don’t forget other snacks, like fresh fruit and veggies and chips. This will keep you from having to go to restaurants or ordering room service all the time, and it will save you money. If your children are past the napping stage, it’s still important to plan some downtime each day. Everyone will benefit from a midday siesta, so take some time out to nap or at least have some quiet time before embarking on your next adventure.

Book a hotel room that has a kitchen. It’s a lifesaver, time-saver and money-saver to have a space to make your own meals and a place to store some snacks. Upon waking each day, be sure to let your kids know what you’ll be doing that day, even if nothing is on the agenda. If it’s a free day, let your children decide what to do. If someone’s mood isn’t jiving with the plans for the day, change your plans. Disney World will still be there tomorrow. It might be a great day to relax by the pool instead. Most importantly, no matter where you travel, have an emergency plan. Be sure to keep phone numbers or important information on you in case of an emergency. Make phone number bracelets your children can wear when going out and about in case anyone gets lost. A keychain version can also be created and clipped onto your child’s jacket or clothing.

Summer vacations are a time to unwind from all your day-to-day responsibilities and craziness. They’re a wonderful way to enjoy quality time together as a family. Remember that it’s okay if things don’t go according to plan. With kids, stuff just happens, and then it becomes a memory that everyone can laugh at later on. Have fun and take a lot of pictures!

May 2020 - Family Life

Organize

17 Americans on Where (and How) They Live Right Now By ADRIENNE BREAUX

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Organize

Anyone would agree that 2020 has been an extraordinary— as in literally beyond ordinary—year so far. In the U.S., it’s been weird, painful, scary, hopeful, and a myriad of other adjectives. In many ways, it’s been a year like no other we’ve had before. It’s also been a year of having to face decades(and centuries-)long issues that have never been resolved. And almost everyone in the U.S. has had to do that from their homes. We want to show you some of those homes and the people who live in them. America’s greatest resource has always been its melting pot of people, cultures, perspectives, points of view, and design styles. This post is a celebration. It’s hope, illustrated.

May 2020 - Family Life

As much as Apartment Therapy’s content—and our house tours—is about interior design, it’s actually about people. The people who live in small homes and tiny houses and newly constructed condos and historic houses and everything in between. Our unofficial tagline for house tours has always been “real people, real homes.” We’re here to celebrate the ingenuity and the beauty of how real people deal with the real issues facing us in our homes and beyond —in this crazy year, and in the future. This year, our homes have become much more than just the place we sleep. They’re now our home offices, Zoom backgrounds, places of worship, places of self-care, and more. Below, 17 Americans share a little about their home, their neighborhood, and how their lives have changed this year:

Where are we?

Lowe Saddler

Koreatown neighborhood in Los Angeles, California Who do you share your home with:

Occupation: I’m an editor by day and an avid Facebook Marketplace stalker by night

It’s just me and my various busts and statues here!

Type of home: One-bedroom apartment

Do you rent or own your home? Rent

What has changed about how you live in your home this year? This year has been a whirlwind (and far from a comfortable one) for all of us. It’s been a little scary too, I’d say. I’ve been forced to think a lot more about how privileged I am to have a home—a place where I feel relatively safe and usually happy. I’ve also made a deliberate change to my shopping habits for sure. I freaking LOVE to shop. But I’ve been buying from more BIPOC creators, and I’ve also been more intentional with the large businesses I support. Do they support causes I believe in? Do they ignore matters that are important to me and people that look like me? Do they deserve these coins? If the answer is no, then I’m pulling my coins away.

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Tiffany Brown-Barino Rahway, New Jersey Who do you share your home with: My husband, daughter and son, as well as my fur baby

Type of home: We live in a colonial and it’s a new build so we were the first family to live here, which I really like

Occupation: I am a paralegal who happens to work in finance right now, but interior design/decorating has been my hobby since I was a teenager

Do you rent or own your home? Own

What has changed about how you live in your home this year? Being that I now work from home everyday, I’ve had time to really look around and figure out how the entire home functions for us. The guest bedroom also serves as a home office. Funny enough, when I first set up the space for the office, I felt silly because we didn’t have any use for a home office and always thought people were being so pretentious when they said they had one. Well… I had to eat those words this year! I love a home that smells good, so I try to keep up with my cleaning (I’m a bit of a fanatic) and there has been a heavy use of candles and wax melts in these parts! More so now because we’re here and want it all to look, smell, and feel good. I have also turned my attention to bedding because again, we’re home more, so we are also relaxing a bit more than we were able to in the past. I have slowly tried to incorporate the best linen and bedding that I can afford into our master bedroom. The husband doesn’t know it yet, but I have big plans to overhaul that space next.

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Ellie Rojas Schenley Park in Miami, Florida Who do you share your home with:

Occupation: Frustrated attorney with a passion for interior design

I share my home with my plants, 17 and counting. Each with their own personality!

Type of home: Two-bedroom bungalow built in 1955

Do you rent or own your home? Own

What has changed about how you live in your home this year? I grew up in a pastel pink country villa built in 1911 on the north side of the Escambray Mountains in the heart of Cuba. My fondest childhood memories are of that house—the giant marble staircase, arched hallways, ornate Spanish tile flooring, and a front porch that led to a tree-lined boulevard. Leaving that house and my small town for opportunities in the U.S. was difficult, to say the least. When I was finally ready to take the leap into homeownership years later, a little bungalow nestled beside a tree-lined boulevard felt like fate. It even had an arched hallway! I was lucky enough to snatch it and customized it to my liking. I added patterned tile to the front of the porch, gray marble as the backsplash in the kitchen, and painted my front door pink. Every time I walk into my little casita, it feels like I have a small piece of my childhood with me. I’ve lived in the home for one and a half years now. I look back at my history, my roots, and I know this house is a culmination of hard work, sacrifices, passion, and goal-setting. An immigrant’s aspiration to make a better life. At 30 years old, this Cuban is so proud to own her home and be able to hold on to the nostalgia of the first home she ever knew.

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Rain Bloomfield Lawrence, Massachusetts Who do you share your home with:

Occupation: Product and Operations Specialist

Right now, my friends whenever they are visiting New England

Type of home: Loft Apartment

Do you rent or own your home? Rent

What has changed about how you live in your home this year? This past year I’ve seen establishments pop up and some that weren’t able to withstand the effects of the pandemic, and that’s unfortunate since I enjoyed one of the restaurants now closed. Living alone in Lawrence, 31 miles from coworkers, good friends, the city life of Boston, and being 200+ miles from my family can sometimes feel a bit gray, but I’ve always been able to turn my free time into “me time”. New habits began to form that helped my pursuits of becoming a better version of myself and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come for me. I dove head first into veganism post-lockdown, and won’t be looking back at animal product again!

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Abigail San Francisco Bay Area in California Who do you share your home with: I have all 415 square feet to myself!

Type of home: Studio Apartment

Occupation: My day job is merchandising in the beauty industry and my side hustle (Kut from Kente) is turning living spaces into stylish sanctuaries—on a budget!

Do you rent or own your home? Rent

What has changed about how you live in your home this year? Today is a great day to pause and reflect. In the midst of a pandemic that disproportionately affects Black people, my community continues to face injustice. In the wise words of my good friend, Lea (@poet_breathenow), “At the heart of decorating your home is the effort to feel like you’re safe and secure in the familiar of your own taste—a hodgepodge of what you grew up with and what you’ve grown to appreciate.” Still, despite these efforts, carving out a safe space for myself has proven difficult because of the murder of Breonna Taylor. Maybe she picked out curtains for her window or watered and nurtured the plants on her window sill—the little things that made her feel safe. Yet, despite these efforts, her home wasn’t safe—not even as she was sleeping. That has been difficult to grapple with this year. #JusticeforBreonnaTaylor

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Kaviya Ravi The Highlands neighborhood in Louisville, Kentucky Who do you share your home with:

Occupation: I am an artist and my husband works in IT

Husband Guru, pups Zorro and Spock, and many many plant babies.

Type of home: We live in a 115-year-old single family home

Do you rent or own your home? Own

What has changed about how you live in your home this year? What a year it has been thus far! Louisville has always been such a wonderful and welcoming city. People are so nice here and nobody passes you by without a smile or a little talk about the weather, ha! I envisioned moving to a bigger city to experience big city life but Louisville won me over and this is home. With the pandemic and then with the protests, it feels like we are in the cusp of something. I don’t know what that something is. I would like it to be something positive, that my city and its people come out of it stronger, better educated, inclusive and tolerant of all our collective differences. I have hope! We have made so many changes at home to better suit our lives right this moment and not focus on things that we may need in the future. For example, my husband works from home now. He had a pretty little desk in the corner of our guest bedroom before quarantine, but that just does not work anymore. So we got rid of the guest bedroom, which was very beautiful, but we used it maybe for about two weeks a year. We turned that into a full fledged office/personal space, which he uses every single day. I also have a little studio space reserved just for me. We have realized that personal spaces are so important when people spend so much time together… and so is using every single square footage you are paying rent/mortgage on. Our kitchen, however, has become the star of our house. We (and the pups!) always end up spending the most time here. Us for the delicious cooking, and the pups for the scraps. We always wanted to cook more, but with work and excellent restaurants nearby that wasn’t always the case. But now we have rediscovered our love for cooking and we enjoy hanging out here. Besides all the pots, pans, and gadgets, we have also added an island and some seating since this has become our new “living room.” It has become a huge part of who we are, two people that are traveling all over the world through their kitchen, getting by one day at a time and having a blast while doing it together.

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Leah Nixon Fitzgerald Rapid City, South Dakota Who do you share your home with:

Occupation: Illustrator and co-owner of Tiny and Snail

My husband, our two dogs, and my parent’s dog. Also lots of orchids!

Type of home: Historic home

Do you rent or own your home? Rent (Actually renting from my parents who own the house)

What has changed about how you live in your home this year? I was living in my friend’s backyard in a super tiny house that I had designed and built on wheels and I worked full time as a construction worker for Habitat for Humanity. August 14, 2018 a telehandler fell on me at work. I lost part of my right leg, and my spinal cord was severely damaged, leaving me paralyzed from the armpits down. We were trying to figure out where I would live when I finished with rehab. My dad and aunt went looking at houses and they found one that was in my dream neighborhood, and it was one floor with wood floors. It had an interesting personality with built-ins, archways, and beautiful light. So without me even seeing the house, we bought it. Though, it needed renovations to make it accessible for my wheelchair, so we renovated the bathroom, brought the washer and dryer upstairs, and we are currently making the kitchen more wheelchair friendly.

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Laurel Bristow Virginia Highlands in Atlanta, Georgia Who do you share your home with:

Occupation: Infectious Disease Researcher

My cat MoonPie and my Axolotl, Rose

Type of home: Apartment

Do you rent or own your home? Rent

What has changed about how you live in your home this year? I just recently signed my lease again and decided to celebrate by hanging more art and nesting a bit more. I love buying art but a lot of it ends up in packaging waiting for some wall space. I think this year I’ll just hang it all. Blank space serves no purpose and art is meant to be admired.

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Laquita Tate Memphis, Tennessee Who do you share your home with: I share my home with my husband of 23 years and one of two grown sons. I also share my home with over 40 plant babies.

Type of home: We live in a two-story house.

Occupation: My full-time career is an educator. I am an elementary school principal, and I am the principal stylist for Laquita Tate Interior Styling & Designs.

Do you rent or own your home? Own

What has changed about how you live in your home this year? I am more intentional about how I live in my home, especially now during this season. My decor definitely changed in the bathroom and I am currently updating my patio space so that it can be an extension of the inside. Most recently I’ve been purchasing items for that area such as a new outdoor rug, baskets, and outdoor plants. This year has affected me personally by being an elementary school principal and trying to navigate learning for our scholars through this virtual platform. It was a challenge for many of my scholars who don’t have access to technology. It has all been very interesting, but I’ve also kept busy with my interior styling business.

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Daniel and Griffin Carrick Haymount neighborhood in Fayetteville, North Carolina Who do you share your home with: My husband, Daniel (currently deployed), our three children, Frances, 9; Teddy, 5; Benjamin, 1, and our Border Collie Maggie

Type of home: Colonial Revival Single Family home

Occupation: Artist

Do you rent or own your home? Own

What has changed about how you live in your home this year? I am an artist, trained as an interior designer, and I stay home with our three children, so not only do I spend most of my time at home but I think a lot about making our home as livable as possible. COVID-19 and my husband’s deployment, now extended, have intensified the experience of being home this year. The normal activities like trips to the park, visits to museums, as well as other outings, and time spent with friends and family (in person) that we normally rely on during deployments are not available to us, so making our home life as enjoyable as possible has been on the top of my mind. I broke out the bouncy house we were gifted a few years ago, invested in a big inflatable pool, and have tried to relax when it comes to letting the kids jump on the furniture during dance parties and games of “floor is lava” to give them some more novel experiences while being home every day. I have also made a point to maintain my art practice during the quarantine. The time I spend in my home studio is less predictable, but by being flexible to dive into the work when the time presents itself and accept that interruptions are inevitable (and frequent), I’ve been able to keep taking commissions and work on some more ambitious personal projects that have actually been inspired by this increased time at home .I’m working on large scale quilled paper doilies that explore how homemakers, mostly women, through much of our recent history, have invested a lot of time and skill into making decorative objects that enhance the beauty and enjoyment of home life. These objects, like the lace doily, hold little monetary value and are no longer “on trend,” but the immense creative labor invested into them by their maker is certainly worth celebrating. While it is a luxury to have the time to make these items, I can attest to the fact that it is also essential both for the maker and for the making of a home.

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Shane Humphrey and Taylor O’Brien Macalester-Groveland neighborhood of Saint Paul, Minnesota Who do you share your home with: We share our home with our two-year-old wirehaired pointing griffon, Barley!

Occupation: Shane is a consultant and Taylor is a photographer.

Type of home:

Do you rent or own your home?

1922 Craftsman bungalow

Own

What has changed about how you live in your home this year? So much has changed with our extra time at home. We’ve started cooking meals at home, Taylor has picked up gardening and bonsai, and we both are training for marathons to get out of the house and keep our sanity. This time at home has allowed us to finish up all of our decorating and home renovation projects. Taylor loves hunting for incredible vintage pieces and has found that with people organizing their homes and purging years worth of stuff, there is a TON of amazing vintage for sale on Craigslist and Marketplace. His notable purchases are a mint condition 1970s plaid couch and loveseat for $60; a pair of 1960s crocodile skin embossed calfskin and brass cantilever arm chairs; and the weirdest 1980s hand spoon-carved dining table. The amount of time Taylor has spent on Craigslist and Marketplace during this global pandemic is embarrassing, but the finds have been worth every minute!

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Erin Shirley Washington, DC Who do you share your home with: I share my home with my 7-year-old dog, a Cockapoo named Aster, my cat, Szutt, and 10 plants! They all have different personalities.

Occupation: Pet care

Type of home:

Do you rent or own your home?

Apartment

Rent

What has changed about how you live in your home this year? I have definitely changed the decor in my place just a bit by switching out a rug, adding things in, and moving furniture around. With the pandemic going on, I was very grateful to have my space to work in; it’s a place I can stay in forever!

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Jackie Bevilacqua Field Club Neighborhood in Omaha, Nebraska Who do you share your home with:

Occupation: Marketing Account Executive, Freelance Interior Decorating

Currently living with my pup, Mabel, and my cat, Rex

Type of home:

Do you rent or own your home?

This is a brick craftsman house built in 1915

Own

What has changed about how you live in your home this year? As with most, I found that my home and the areas within it became absolutely crucial to my well being and productivity. I worked from home for about two months and found that having a specific area to work during the days was important. As the days passed, I looked forward to finding new areas to work for a change of scenery. My patio and porch became extensions of my office. My dining room table offered areas for me to spread out. My kitchen became my mental break where I could make pasta or homemade scones. This year has changed much, and not only with COVID. I also went through a separation this year and decided to keep the home. While this house has always been connected deeply in my heart, I have found that the last year this home has brought me more focus and peace.

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Miki Carter Pasadena, California Who do you share your home with: Me and my ghost (the ghost hasn’t told me its name yet!)

Occupation: Production Lawyer

Type of home:

Do you rent or own your home?

Studio apartment

Rent

What has changed about how you live in your home this year? In the simulation that is 2020 (uggggh), I’ve been extremely fortunate to still have a job. However, I’ve gone from working in an office to working from home. I’m still in the process of updating my office corner. So far I’ve rearranged some chairs and bought a computer monitor and printer. It’s not the most visually attractive set up, but I’m hoping to get a longer desk eventually. I’m still waiting on the perfect desk to find me! Until then, I’ll be drafting contracts at my kitchen table, on my couch, on my bed, on the floor…

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Jamon Johnson Columbia Heights, Washington, DC Who do you share your home with: My home was featured on Apartment Therapy in February 2018. I was living here with my beautiful partner at the time. We are no longer together (although we still love each other dearly), but I have remained in the space

Type of home: Loft home

Occupation: Home goods and fashion accessories designer. I also started a brand with my brother and two other partners called Journacy (Journey/Legacy) to create a community for Black Fathers to receive support, resources, and inspiration while on their individual journeys.

Do you rent or own your home? Rent

What has changed about how you live in your home this year? Over the past few months with the spread of COVID, my home was redefined. Previously, I consistently opened my home to artists, musicians, and creatives to host pop ups, concerts, dinners, etc. My home was in a state of constant repurposing to fit the needs of the event. It has been nice to have it just be my home again. While I love connecting with other creative people and appreciate seeing people visit and be inspired by my work and the energy here, it has brought a certain peace to the space that I think it needed as much as I did. I began to paint more and create different types of art from what I traditionally had created.

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Esi Agbemenu Downtown Brooklyn Who do you share your home with:

Occupation: Attorney

My dog, Turkey

Type of home:

Do you rent or own your home?

Studio apartment

Rent

What has changed about how you live in your home this year? This year has seen huge change for basically every community across the country. My neighborhood has been an incredible hub of protest— with many taking to the streets to express the need for real change as America yet again grapples with its past and present of racial injustice and police brutality. This Fourth of July, rather than the usual BBQs and celebrations, I’ll be reflecting. Reflecting on how to celebrate a country that doesn’t celebrate all of its citizens and residents, and reflecting on all the opportunities we have to force meaningful systemic change.

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Tola Akinbiyi Ravenswood Neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois Who do you share your home with:

Occupation: Founder of Bon Femmes

My beautiful cats, Célene and Maximus!

Type of home:

Do you rent or own your home?

Apartment

Rent

What has changed about how you live in your home this year? This is the most I’ve actually “lived” in my home so it has been very interesting. I’ve learned working in bed is not fun at all and if I’m laying on my sofa for more than 10 minutes an unwanted nap will happen (I can’t take naps, I wake up confused about what time, day, and year it is). Decor is constantly changing. Previously the focus was more on aesthetics but now I’m very focused on comfort and functionality. I’ve had to change the layout of my bedroom because I’ve had to make room for inventory and a packaging area.

Family Life ‐ May 2020

“At the end of the day my most important job is still mom-inchief.” – Michelle Obama

Family Life ‐ May 2020

After The Fall: Canadian Women, Money And COVID-19 The pandemic's economic effects have been particularly hard on women. Three Canadians share their money worries and get advice from experts. By KIRA VERMOND

In the first chaotic weeks of the worldwide COVID-19 lockdown, Danielle French went for a walk in the woods near her home in the Peterborough, Ont., area. The owner of the event venue South Pond Farms, French needed time to think. With workshops, private dinners and weddings on indefinite hold, how would she keep her company afloat?

What’s more, this current recession is unlike others in the past, in that female-dominated service sector jobs are expected to have a slower comeback than male-dominated construction and manufacturing. And, according to Statistics Canada, women are losing more work hours to deal with family and personal matters than men are.

As she hiked, she spotted three different types of trees knitted together in a clump. “I know this is going to sound like the corniest thing ever, but that’s how I see myself and this business,” says French. “Something can be lopped off, but we’ve always got a couple of other opportunities.”

Fortunately, many women are emotionally well equipped to weather occasional storms, says Barbara Stewart, a chartered financial analyst in Toronto.

French is hardly the only person who has been forced to turn to her inner reserves of optimism to face a world spun off its financial axis. According to initial Statistics Canada estimates, economic activity in the country plunged nine percent in March 2020—the largest drop on record. Nearly half of all Canadian households reported losing income or experiencing layoffs in recent months. In April, nearly nine in 10 Canadians told StatCan that they expected the worst was yet to come.

“My research has shown that resilience is a key personality trait in women, which really bodes well for getting out of these awful situations,” she says. “We’re used to making things work.” To learn how to pick up the pieces, Chatelaine asked Stewart and Judith Cane, a veteran money coach in Sackville, N.B., to weigh in with advice for three women, including French, who are currently facing financial setbacks.

While this reality is unprecedented, financial setbacks of all stripes are hardly new. Illness, job loss and divorce can all cause severe income shocks, and facing one isn’t a matter of if, but when. A 2017 study by the National Endowment for Financial Education in the U.S. showed that by age 70, 96 percent of people have experienced four or more major life events that caused their income to drop at least 10 percent. Money stumbles can be particularly hard on women. In April 2020, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada released results from a survey on financial well-being, including the ability to absorb setbacks. While the gender split among respondents who fit the definition of “financially secure” was relatively even, 66 percent of the “struggling a lot” group were women.

Family Life ‐ May 2020

The experts say “It’s great that she’s an optimist,” says Stewart. “But practically speaking, she needs a job ASAP.” Or, make that many jobs. Wendy had already started down that path with her Airbnb rental, but she needs to diversify her sources of income even further. Rather than focusing on full-time employment, Stewart suggests building a “portfolio career,” or combining a mix of part-time jobs with selfemployment gigs. Wendy could perhaps get bookkeeping training through a government retraining program or work in retail for half the year, as well as renting out her apartment to a long-term tenant. Cane agrees that renting out the vacant space is a must if Wendy wants to keep the house—which she does, as her mortgage costs are less than rent on a one-bedroom apartment in her area. Cane also says that it’s too bad Wendy lost half her pension in the divorce. After a long marriage, often a couple’s biggest asset isn’t the house, but the pension. If Wendy really needs a bit of cash in the coming months, one option is to take up to $5,000 out of her RRSP. Usually, that would come with a 10 percent withholding tax, but by late May, the federal government was being pushed to eliminate fees for some early RRSP withdrawals, since many Canadians might need to tap into their long-term savings for short-term emergencies.

May 2020 - Family Life

Fortunately, weddings are already held outdoors, where seating can be set up for physical distancing. It also makes sense for Danielle to make use of government emergency loans, as well as the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), which can be used to to pay up to 75 percent of employees’ wages until August 29, 2020. But Danielle needs to have a plan to pay any loans back. It’s not free money. “It’s about taking advantage of government loans and balancing how much debt she really wants to take on,” says Stewart, who believes that the event industry will bounce back eventually. She also suggests Danielle get creative with her booking and deposit policies—for instance, by offering clients reduced fees later if they lock in a non-cancellable deposit now. Or, she could make her cancellation policy more flexible, so couples are less reluctant to plan for the future during these uncertain times.

Food

The Hotdog World

3 ways to make these delicious hotdogs Photography by ERIK PUTZ

Family Life ‐ May 2020

BasicTwists

Spanish hot dog 3 Globally-inspired hotdog styles with a twists Photography by ERIK PUTZ

Family Life ‐ May 2020

Mexican hot dog

May 2020 - Family Life

Japanese hot dog Family Life ‐ May 2020

Advice

Spanish hot dog

Mexican hot dog

Japanese hot dog

PREP TIME:15 MINS TOTAL TIME:35 MINS

PREP TIME:10 MINS TOTAL TIME:15 MINS

PREP TIME:10 MINS TOTAL TIME:20 MINS

1 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, thinly sliced 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 cup honey 2 tbsp sherry vinegar 1 1/2 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup crushed barbecue-flavoured potato chips 2 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley

1 cup frozen corn kernels 1 large tomato, finely chopped 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 2 tbsp lime juice 1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup ketchup 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp soy sauce 1/2 cup mayonnaise 85-g pkg ramen noodles, crumbled (discard seasoning packet) 1 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into small strips

1. Heat oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium. Add onion and garlic. Cook until onion starts to soften, 3 to 4 min. Add tomatoes, honey, vinegar, paprika, salt and ⅓ cup water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened but saucy, about 8 min. 2. Top hot dogs with tomato sauce. Sprinkle with chips and parsley. 3. Recipe makes enough toppings for 8 hot dogs. We recommend barbecuing hot dogs for 5 to 10 min. (depending on size), until grill marks form and hot dogs are cooked through. Lightly toast buns on the grill, if desired. Serve hot.

May 2020 - Family Life

Guacamole 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pits removed 2 tsp lime juice 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 cup crumbled tortilla chips 1. Salsa: Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high. Add corn to dry pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, 4 to 5 min. Combine corn with tomato, cilantro, lime juice and salt in a medium bowl. 2. Guacamole: Mash avocados with lime juice, cilantro and salt in another medium bowl. 3. Top hot dogs with guacamole and salsa. Sprinkle with crumbled chips, if desired. 4. Recipe makes enough toppings for 8 hot dogs. We recommend barbecuing hot dogs for 5 to 10 min. (depending on size), until grill marks form and hot dogs are cooked through. Lightly toast buns on the grill, if desired. Serve hot.

1. Combine ketchup, Worcestershire and soy sauce in a small zip-top bag. 2. Heat a medium non-stick frying pan over medium. Add ramen. Toast, stirring occasionally, until golden, 3 min. 3. Cut a small piece off the corner of the bag. Drizzle ketchup mixture and mayonnaise over hot dogs. Top with ramen and nori strips. 4. Recipe makes enough toppings for 8 hot dogs. We recommend barbecuing hot dogs for 5 to 10 min. (depending on size), until grill marks form and hot dogs are cooked through. Lightly toast buns on the grill, if desired. Serve hot.

Last Look

Jokes

Disney World My two-year-old cousin scared us one summer by disappearing during our lakeside vacation. More than a dozen relatives searched the forest and shoreline, and everyone was relieved when we found Alex playing calmly in the woods. "Listen to me, Alex," his mother said sharply. "From now on when you want to go someplace, you tell Mommy first, okay?" Alex thought about that for a moment and said, "Okay. Disney World."

May 2020 - Family Life