Current Mood : Quarantine Edition


Reading...
Anna K
I'm not usually into YA fiction but this novel which is billed as a modern day retelling of Tolstoy's Anna Karenina set in Manhattan is just the light and breezy read I need right now. I'd say it also has touches of Gossip Girl and Crazy Rich Asians.

Watching...
Governor Cuomo's daily updates
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's daily coronavirus briefings have become a must-see on national level. He provides all the important information in a manner that is truthful, rational, intelligent and relatable.  While some of the facts he states are scary, his delivery is steadfast and soothing with a touch of humor at times. He became my hero when he implored Trump not to rush toward reopening the economy at the expense of human lives. Governor Cuomo provides much needed leadership in these uncertain times and friends of mine who aren't even in NY have told me that they watch his briefings for a dose of sanity. Yes I voted for him and I feel better with him leading my state now because our mayor is incompetent.

Listening to...
Gloss Angeles
Helmed by two beauty editors, this podcast covers skincare, makeup, and wellness. I especially enjoy it when they bring on experts to tackle treatments and trends. The episode “Melasma and Hyperpigmentation 101” was one that I found particularly enlightening since my most vexing beauty issue is dark spots.

Eating...
Savory Oatmeal
While in quarantine, I've been making 3 meals a day more than not. We've gone back to steel cut oatmeal for breakfast because it is comforting and nutritious. I can also easily batch cook it in my rice cooker and just heat it up in the mornings. We eat it savory congee style and the best thing is that you can add whatever you want. A favorite is kale, mushroom and egg. I'm not a fan of traditional breakfast food and this is probably the closest I'll get. I've been doing well with sticking to eating healthy even though shopping has been interesting. We're very fortunate to still be able to access good delivery and takeout food in the city and we treat ourselves sometimes since this also means supporting our local businesses. I'm so glad we can still get Cava, ByChloe and Sugar Fish as well as a few Chinatown favorites.

Drinking...
Hot and Sour Soup
I have a slight obsession with hot and sour soup. It is comfort food to me and might actually be my favorite thing for breakfast. I still don't know how to make it so we've buying it in large quantities from Shanghai 21. Maybe now is the time I learn how to make it.

Managing...
Pain
I suffer from chronic pain and this is something that I've managed with exercise and acupuncture. I can't see my acupuncture doctor right now and of course my condition has worsened probably due to the stress of the situation we're currently in. So I've invested in a massage gun and have relied on my TENS unit for relief. Lately the pain has been so debilitating that I can't lift my left arm sometimes which means no blogging or much of anything else. I'm honestly afraid that this could be something serious because I'm in constant pain now and it will be awhile before I can see a doctor and get some imaging done.

Taking....
More Baths & More Naps
I've been doing this since the start of quarantining but it's become even more of a necessity to help stem the pain of my dead arm which has affected my sleep lately as well. I swear by a blend of epsom salt, magnesium flakes, OUAI Chill Pills and lavender oil  for that spa feeling which is both relaxing and soothing at the same time.

Following....
The Social Distance Project
This a website which is a compilation of anonymous stories submitted by people stuck together in self-imposed quarantine due to COVID-19 is fascinating as most of us are trying to navigate the  problems and drama that can potentially arise in the age of social distancing.

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24 comments

Shireen L. Platt said...

I have been making hot and sour soup too, not quite restaurant quality but it will have to do for now. Why is it so hard to make hot and sour soup as good as restaurants?!

Emmylou said...

Oh my gosh, chingu! I hope the chronic pain eases up soon. ((((HUGS))))) Are you taking any stronger pain meds? It sucks that you can't see your acupuncture doctor right now:( It's good that you at least got that massage gun, but I do hope that the whole world soon gets rid of this terrible virus so we can go on with our lives.
XOXO

windowtothebeauty said...

The same with me: D I don't know how I will get back to work after this laziness and naps: D

R's Rue said...

Praying for relief. Stay healthy.

Lena L said...

Hi, Rowena! It's good to see your post again. I am sorry to hear that you're having a hard time managing the pain...I agree the stress we're dealing with must have something to do with it. I hope the massage gun and good baths/rests will make it go away in no time. I myself have been taking baths more often these days. I am more of a shower person but I think it really helps. I have become a huge fan of Gov. Cuomo. No wonder many people now have the Cuomo2020 fantasy. I really wish him well. He needs to stay strong and safe for all of us!

Eli Dou said...

I hope these things you bought relieve you a bit and the pain "goes away". Yoga is helping me a lot with my back pain, now that i can't go to see my physiotherapist.
xx

Eli

www.curly-style.com

Doctor Anne said...

I am very sorry to hear that you are suffering from increasing pain - are you at least able to consult your therapist over the phone? I know that further diagnostic isn’t possible right now, but maybe he or she has some other suggestions.

Jackie Harrison said...

I hope you feel better taking bath might help. Gov Cuomo rocks he keeps it real. Be Safe

Antonella said...

good healing dear =)

Dressed With Soul said...

Hopefully you will feel better very soon, dear Rowena. I'm conviced it helps that you are continuing to eat healthy. All the best to you!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
www.dressedwithsoul.com

Pilar said...

I hope that you're feeling better Rowena!

FASHION TALES said...

Yes, baths are the best thing for you; I remember my sports therapist telling me to take more baths when I hurt my leg badly. That oatmeal reminds me of my mum's savoury porridge which I made the other day. That and kale and seaweed soup have been on repeat lately, aside from baking. Blog when you can, no need to stress, lovely! Take care.

Jo said...

Hi Rowena,

I've been thinking about you since you are one of the two bloggers I know that live in NYC. How are you guys coping? We can only learn from the news. I hope your pain will go away soon. This is a sad and weird time and I've sure it too shall pass.

xo Jo

http://www.whiterosesandcoffee.com/

sonia // daring coco said...

Oh no Rowena, I'm sorry to hear about your chronic pain issues. I can somewhat relate with my lower back however I can manage this with proper posture. If I needed third parties for assistance I don't know how I would manage during this time. It can be so debilitating and exhausting. I hope you can find relief somehow. The governor of NY has definitely left and made his voice heard worldwide. Watching hime and they way he talks, you'd think he was president of the USA...

Sxx
daringcoco.com

R.ChamberofBeauty said...

Hi Rowena, I'm really sorry to hear about your chronic pain issue. In my opinion, the baths are good for your pain. I also was not well for a few days. This is a tough time for all of us. I hope we all will get back to our normal days. Take care of yourself.
Have a great day dear.
Kisses <3
http://www.rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.com/

FashionRadi said...

I'm going to check out this podcast. I've been listening to a few different ones. Really enjoying them this time around.

Paola Lauretano said...

So sorry for your increasing pain.
sending you lots of love right now and tonnes of positive vibes my beautiful friend!
Kisses, Paola.

Expressyourself

Antonella said...

Oh good luck dear =)

Ivana Split said...

very sorry to hear about your chronic pain getting worse. I've been working overtime for the past 3 weeks and I've started to feel it too....I'm struggling with pain. It will be a while before I can see a doctor. I'm fortunate that my husband is retired and willing to take over grocery shopping and often also meal preparation, I don't know how I would manage without him as I'm in a high risk group and take medication that lowers my immune system so I really should not leave the house. I'm grateful I can work from home even if it is longer hours at least I'm safer.

Hena Tayeb said...

So sorry to hear about the pain that you are in. Is there no way to get a tele appointment with a doctor? Can maybe give you something to take the edge off the pain.
Gov. Cuomo has really been a great leader.. our Gov. Murphy has also really stepped up his game.

ALLIE NYC said...

Yes Governor Cuomo has been like a beacon of light and so many say HE should be president. And that book sounds great! And I am sorry you are in so much pain. I hope it is not something serious. Have you ever tried Quell?

Allie of
www.allienyc.com

Evi Erlinda said...

Wishing your pain is relieving!
Be safe!

Oh to Be a Muse said...

I really should be eating more steel cut oats and sticking to 3 meals a day -- good on you. I also read your most recent post, so I'm happy to hear that you are feeling a bit better.

new post: https://www.ohtobeamuse.com/2020/04/stay-home-remodeling.html

little luxury list said...

Rowena, I wish I knew the right doctors or tools to help with your pain. I do hope it gets better.
Thanks for the reminder about steel cut oatmeal. i really need to try a savory version!