A Day in the Life of a Quarantining Manhattan Mom

Brianne Manz of @Stroller in the City shows us what daily life with three kids is like in her Manhattan apartment

By Shana Liebman July 24, 2020

Brianne Manz is usually on the go. Her popular Instagram and blog Stroller in the City chronicles her buzzing and fashionable life with three kids in Manhattan. But these days, like the rest of us, she’s been home due to COVID-19. “I normally keep a very busy schedule, my husband travels for work a ton, and all three kids each have their own weekly schedules, so it's been really nice to have had this special time together including the family dinners each night,” she says.

The hardest parts are being in such close quarters, and not being able to see family and friends. But despite the stir-craziness, there are advantages. “Quarantine has been very forgiving of time and energy. I love our lazy mornings and being able to actually enjoy that morning cup of hot coffee. It has allowed us all to take everything one day at a time. And of course the excess amounts of family time that we actually all needed,” she says. Her kids took a liking to distant learning and learned to do more chores (including caring for their new rescue dog.) “My kids have impressed me so much with how malleable they have been. I'm so proud of all their hard work and understanding.”

As the city slowly continues to open up, Manz is looking forward to finally seeing friends, socializing, and networking. “I’m excited to reconnect in person with the world again!” she says. “I do think we’ve all been changed forever and will re-think our past life completely now.”

For now, the family is staying in. “We currently don't have any summer plans because we are waiting to see how things unfold. Time will tell! The beach is definitely calling our names!”

In the meantime, here is a sneak peek at a day in her life in quarantine.

Gemma has always been my little helper. She often wakes first and together we take on little projects before the others wake. She loves being by my side and following in my footsteps. It's been a blast getting to do some house maintenance together during this slower time.

In the afternoons we often take on an art project. Tie-dye is a classic project and currently so on trend. I ordered us all T-shirts and masks so we can tie-dye them!

Since the quarantine started, Siella has learned how to sew. I wanted each of them to try to pick up a new hobby It's been exciting to see her ideas realized! Here she's making some finishing touches on her newly tie-dyed project.

Siella takes her afternoon ballet classes virtually for the time being. She's an avid ballerina and always makes her class!

This is our new puppy Cooper! He's been a great addition to our family during the quarantine.

All my kids love helping me in the kitchen. Tonight we're making empanadas. One of our family favorites! Gemma's excited!

My sous chefs helping put together the empanadas! This recipe is so easy and fun for all ages!

The kids have eaten and showered. Now we're making special evening treats. With holidays and birthdays being celebrated at home, cookie decorating is a totally safe way to celebrate.