Bonjour! (I’m learning French in quarantine! More on that later.)
Isn’t Jack sweet in the sunshine? He does this most every day, and I think it’s so dang precious.
I have to say how much I’m actually enjoying quarantine. I mean, today, this particular day that I’m writing this blog, I’m very motivated and have crushed my to-do list for the past two days. Tomorrow might be one of those days that I have a horrible day, because haven’t we all had them? But today I’m feeling good about things and loving that I’m finally feeling like getting back to this blog and sharing some of my favorite things from this month with you.
First, how are you? I know this can be such a weird time of loneliness, anxiety, depression, uncertainty, etc. I hope you’re finding the good in each day. Because there is always at least one thing good about each day. I make a list of good things of each month in order to write this particular blog post, but I highly recommend making the list even if you don’t have a blog. So that’s my first thing that I’m loving this month- finding something good about each day.
Food/Recipes
Another good thing thing about April has been the food. So let’s start with the fact that I got Jojo’s new cookbook for my birthday. So far I’ve tried four recipes from it, and I baked cookies from her first cookbook that were so darn delicious. From the new cookbook I made the Zucchini Bread, the Spinach Tortellini Soup, the Chicken and Asparagus Casserole, and the Chicken Parmesan. I think of all of these that I’ve made, the Zucchini Bread has been my favorite. Who know how good that would be? You can find the recipe for that, the soup, and the chocolate chip cookies here.
Books
I’ve had a lot of time to read this month, but surprisingly, I’ve not done a ton of reading. I did read our book club book which was Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore. It was fantastic. I really liked the characters and the way the author developed them. I also liked how it made me think a lot. It isn’t a light-hearted read, but it’s a meaningful one. And that is the makings of a great book in my opinion.
I also finished Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone for my class. I’ve read it before, but if you’re not sure what to read and want a commitment, then I highly recommend the HP series. It has been a sheer delight to revisit Hogwarts and these characters.
I’m currently reading What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty, who gave us Big Little Lies, and I’m really enjoying it. I’ve been staying up too late reading it most nights.
Entertainment
Brittany Runs a Marathon on Amazon Prime Video
One of the not-so-great things I’ve been experiencing during quarantine is a bit of insomnia, but one night it turned into an awesome find in a movie. Brittany is finally over her life being everything but what she thought it would be and decides to run a marathon. Her journey was so fun to watch, and I was in full on happy tears at the end of it. It’s based on a true story. Loved it!
The Bachelor: Listen to Your Heart
Sort of can’t believe I’m sharing this, but I’m hooked. It’s a welcome escape into sheer mindlessness. Paul and I both watch and have enjoyed the drama and the music. It’s available to watch on Hulu if you’ve missed the first few episodes.
Frozen II
I finally watched this movie! I’ve only been wanting to since I went to see Cats instead. Biggest movie mistake of my life. Except maybe The Grudge. I still think about it sometimes when I’m washing my hair. #yikes Anyway, dare I say that I liked the sequel as much, if not more so, as the first? I thought it was so fun and even cried a little. Precious movie!
Keeping on the Ritz
Every year our town puts on a fabulous production full of local talent called Putting on the Ritz. Since we weren’t able to “put” it on at the theater as a community, the wonderful people involved came together to virtually “keep” on the Ritz.
Take Me to the World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration
The musical theater nerd in me was so excited to see this was available to all of us. If you’re a fan of Into the Woods, Sunday in the Park with George, Sweeny Todd, Follies, or Company, then you’ll want to watch this. It is long, but we have nothing but time. It’s delightful entertainment with unbelievable talent.
Saturday Night Seder
Another musical event taking place on YouTube was this Saturday Night Seder that was led by many of Hollywood’s most popular Jews. Listen, the most I know about the Jewish culture I learned from watching The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, so this was an excellent lesson in culture and Passover in the Jewish community as well as a chance to hear some beautiful music.
The Phantom of the Opera 25th Anniversary Performance at Royal Albert Hall
Back when it was live on YouTube, I shared that the stage production of The Phantom of the Opera was to be shown for 48 hours. Again, if you haven’t figured out I’m a big ol’ theater nerd, then well, are you even paying attention? Phantom was the first Broadway show I ever saw, and I saw it on Broadway. I didn’t know at 13 years old to appreciate it like I should, but I do remember when the chandelier came down. Watching from the comfort of my own bed and being allowed to sing along and cry without any judgement from those around me (Paul was asleep) made it a perfect way to experience the live performance once again. The movie is great, but the stage is always better. Here’s the title song from the show.
Leslie Jordan’s Instagram Account
Y’all, where has he been all of Instagram’s life? He brings me pure joy every single day. He’s hilarious! I do believe the Burger King story is my favorite. Here it is.
Mental Health
I know I said I haven’t read too much this month, but I am all for reading. It keeps my imagination going, forces me to use my brain by reading words and comprehending, and it even provides an escape from the confines of my apartment. I highly recommend reading something during this time of quarantine. Surely you have a book you haven’t read on your shelf. And if you don’t, let me know and I’ll loan you one of mine. 🙂
One thing I’ve actually started doing is working out. I put together a blog post yesterday with my three, free, go-to workouts. You can find that here. It did inspire me to shop for some new, and much needed, workout pants. I’ve linked them below, and I really have been impressed with them.
Another thing that has helped me feel more like myself is getting dressed and doing my hair and makeup. I don’t always get out of the workout clothes, but I always get out of pajamas. Most days I put on a little mascara and lipgloss, but every few days I put on a full face of makeup just for me and fix my hair. It’ll do wonders for your mood and will surprise the hell out of the people you live with.
Like I said at the beginning, I’m learning French! I downloaded the Duolingo App and have started to learn French. Une femme francaise means a French woman. (I did that without looking anything up!) It’s fun and has tons of languages available for you to learn. I’ve always thought the French language was so beautiful, so I decided to take the time to learn a little while I’m stuck at home.
I feel very strongly that routine helps me to thrive. I do enjoy a lazy day but too many of them makes me feel bad. I have been trying to wake up at the same time and establish a morning and work-from-home routine. It isn’t rigid. Some days I work out first and some days I do school work first. I just set some intentions for the day and try to get it accomplished in a certain amount of time. This keeps the TV off and the phone down (most of the time).
But one thing I’ve enjoyed incorporating is cocktail hour. Yes, sometimes it’s a cocktail or a glass of wine or some alcoholic drink. But sometimes it’s a sparkling water or a whipped coffee. I like to put it in a proper glass and grab a cocktail napkin to go with it. It usually happens between 4:00 and 5:00 and is just a nice way to end my work day. When the weather is nice I head out on the deck to let the dogs run around while I enjoy my drink.
My current favorite cocktail is a French 75. I’ll be honest, I leave out the simple syrup, but mostly because I don’t feel like making it. However, this recipe tells you to make a smaller amount, and well, my brain doesn’t think that logically. So, now that I can only make 1/4 cup, I’ll probably do it.
You can find my whipped coffee recipe here.
Another thing helping my mind is to work on a project. I tackled the ultimate project in painting our apartment in the first week of quarantine. I’m still enjoying the color and have a few things ordered that will help spruce up the place a little more. I’ll for sure enjoy it as I spend all of my time here.
I also fell into the trap of cleaning out dresser drawers, and I’m thinking about diving into my closet before this is all over. I hate the thought of doing it, but I’m always so happy once I do it.
I’ve also taken stock of other areas around the house that have collected junk over the years. I’ve added a certain cabinet or drawer or space to be cleaned up and out to my weekly to-do lists, and it helps me feel accomplished.
Another thing I have had fun with this month is doing crazy things like pulling out the good china for Easter brunch. If you’ve got a birthday or anniversary coming up during quarantine, find the good dishes and use them. I found such joy using them, and I even ironed that darn table cloth.
Products
So many things have been used since I’ve been at home for so long. We won’t get into cleaning supplies and toilet paper, though those have been the most used products. One of the things that I’ve forgotten about having is the ice roller I talked about back in January. I had a headache the other night from my sinuses (because I can’t be outside for more than 5 minutes without sneezing), and it helped it tremendously. Yes, it’s good for so many other things, but it also helps with headaches and/or sore muscles. It’s a wonderful way to spend $15.
Three Beautycouter products getting me through quarantine are the charcoal mask, lip gloss, and the SOS acne spot treatment. I’ve been doing my regimen like normal, but all this extra snacking on things that aren’t so healthy has really taken a toll on my skin. These have helped a lot. Well, not the lip gloss but it makes me feel better and hydrates my lips. I’ve got a full roundup of my self care products I’m using here– from Beautycounter and Amazon.
After giving up chocolate for Lent, I was delighted to finally get to enjoy Cadbury Mini Eggs. I don’t think you can find them again until Christmas, but I sure did enjoy them while they lasted.
Another thing I’ve enjoyed is my e-reader. I have a Kindle Paperwhite and now that I’m learning more about what that means for our Amazon Prime account (Prime exclusive deals!), I’m using it a lot more. I’ve had it for years and have read plenty of books on it, but I seem to be reading a lot at night after Paul has gone to sleep. I love the light it provides for me at night, the dimming capability, and let’s not forget that if you want to read in direct sunlight, it’s absolute perfection! I did a lot of research before getting a Kindle, and I have been so satisfied.
I know I mentioned it before, but I’ve really enjoyed the new Magnolia Table cookbook. It would be a fantastic gift for yourself or to anyone who loves to cook.
During my few outings I have only taken the bare essentials with me. I have never been happier to have an Oventure key ring and a wristlet that acts as a wallet. It makes it so easy for me to be hands free in the grocery store. Wisteria Cottage has plenty of Oventures, and though my Coach wristlet isn’t available anymore, I found a sweet one for only $25 at the outlet!
Well y’all, it’s been a strange month. One unlike any other I’ve lived through. I hope you’re all doing well, staying safe, and staying home. Please continue to practice your social distancing and take care of yourselves. And please tell me what your favorite things of April have been. You can leave a comment below. I’d love to know!
