Current Mood : Quarantine Edition


Wow a month has passed and we're still in quarantine...

Reading...
Stories We Never Told
It's been awhile since I've gotten into a suspense novel and this one is so good. The story is meticulously built up in a compelling way and the way it is told from the POV of the four main characters makes it very engaging. The slow burn and unexpected plot twists are enjoyable as well.

Watching...
Nadiya's Time To Eat & What We Do In The Shadows
I first saw Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain on The Graham Norton Show and thought she was such a breath of fresh air so I was excited when I heard her show Time to Eat would was coming to Netflix. We ended up breezing through the series of 8 episodes in one sitting. They're 30 minutes each and I skipped all the sweets I would never make/eat. I enjoyed the premise of stress-free recipes and timesaving shortcuts she shares. She shows how easy it is to prep a home-cooked meal without having to spend too much time or money. I wasn't sold on some of her flavor combinations but definitely came away with some good inspiration from the show. She made this delicious looking broccoli, onion, chicken and gnocchi bake that I want to try subbing quinoa for the gnocchi.
I'm all about shows that offer a little bit of escapism as well as make me laugh right now and What We Do In The Shadows is just that. I mean the premise about vampire roommates living  in a Victorian manor on Staten Island itself is funny. This show is based on the film of the same name by Taika Waititi and it is even funnier. Every episode has us in stitches.

Listening to...
90's Britpop
The music of my college years is soothing to me now. Blur was a particular favorite and they're probably the band I've seen the most in concert.

Eating...
Sushi
I've been cooking most of our meals but there are certain things I don't make like sushi. We had our last meal out pre-quarantine at Sugar Fish and they've stayed open throughout this period offering contactless delivery and takeout. We've been getting our sushi fix every 2 weeks. We've also ordered from Juku in Chinatown and Takeshi Sushi in Soho. Having some of the same things we had before lockdown gives us some sense of normalcy.

Making...
Avocado Toast
I don't eat much bread but I will make an exception for avocado toast which is a favorite any time of the year. I like to dress mine up with goat cheese, chili flakes, micro greens and cherry tomatoes. I use Dave's Killer Bread 21 Whole Grains and Seeds which is packed with protein and fiber and tastes good. I think I may be attempting to make banana bread soon. I swear our bananas are ripening quicker than ever. I have all the ingredients in my pantry and found a recipe that doesn't use any sugar. I mean the bananas should have more than enough on their own. I lay off the sugar cause it's terrible for your health and I’m not interested in getting sugar face and looking older than my age. Also eating less sugar may help to protect people from Covid-19.

Drinking...
Roasted Dandelion Root Tea
I've been drinking this tea for liver support and detox. It has a mild pleasant flavor and I find it's also good for digestion.

Taking...
Beekeeper's Naturals B.Powered Superfood Honey
This sustainably sourced superfood honey is a healing blend of immune-boosting propolis, nourishing royal jelly, energizing bee pollen, and raw enzymatic honey. We've been taking a teaspoon straight up daily for immune support and an energy and clarity boost and it really makes a difference. I also swear by this brand's Bee Propolis Throat Spray for eradicating sore throats.

Burning...
Scented Candles
I'm not big on perfume but I do enjoy home fragrance in the form of fancy candles. They usually have better smelling fragrances and are made without toxins. A nicely scented room relaxes me and I'm home like all the time now. The Overose Anamorphine Candle is a favorite. The scent is intoxicating and it has such great throw.  I'm currently burning the Soohyang Figue Candle which is lightly sweet and reminiscent of figs. I picked up the Otherland Canopy Candle on sale last month and I haven't burned it yet but I'm pretty sure I'm going to enjoy the aroma which is like a combination of a dewy morning breeze and fresh cut figs.

Still Dealing With...
Pain
So I was getting better and then last week I re-aggravated my neck so I've been taking it easy again because arm pain. That means limited computer time and no bending forward. Thank you to my husband for stepping up and doing so much for me during this time. The good news is that my primary care doctor's office is open again and after exchanging some messages with my doctor she told me that the orthopedic specialist I used to see is practicing there now. The only thing is I need to actually go for an in-person evaluation and I'm not that comfortable traveling uptown right now. I know I need to see him but I may wait a week or two depending on how I feel. I actually ordered a hat with a face shield and I will probably wear that if I go there. If I go I'm going to see if I can also get a coronavirus antibody test at the same time since they're offering it at the office.

Food For Thought
Thought this was an interesting read on Reasons To Escape Excess Consumerism and why now is a good time to escape the vicious effects of our own unnecessary acquisition. I'm certainly trying.

Even though we've been living like shut-ins for all intents and purposes, I'm okay with staying home and would probably continue to do so beyond the quarantine period. I get that people are sick of being at home but every time I'm out I see people who don't wear masks or properly observe social distancing and they get all huffy if I try to distance myself from them. It's honestly quite dismaying and disheartening that some people are so selfish that they don’t think they need to be part of the solution. People really need to exercise more caution right now. I'm also not going out much because of all the racially based attacks against Asians which are scary. I'm fine with taking my daily walks out on our terrace.

I'll try to get back to some beauty reviews soon.  I just haven't felt much like writing about beauty products lately and I'm not sure how much value they offer at this time. I also haven't been able to take photos because I can't hold my camera properly due to my arm pain.

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19 comments

FashionRadi said...

I had sushi as well a few days ago. So yummy!
A friend got me into it.

Lena L said...

Hi, Rowena. I'm sorry to hear that you're dealing with the pain more than you have to. I really hope this time it goes away completely! It sounds like you know exactly what to do and I'm happy to hear that you can see your physicians soon. And, I feel exactly the same as you regarding some people not wearing masks. These people usually walk straight towards you as if they own the street, don't they (and it's usually certain groups of people if you know what you mean)? I even wear a mask and gloves when I go downstairs to pick up mails. I make sure to give them mini evil eyes when I spot those people. ;p Take care and feel better soon! xoxo

R's Rue said...

Praying for relief.

Emmylou said...

Imma gonna add Stories We Never Told to my TBR, chingu:) And I loved Taika's movie so I should give this show a go then. Really happy for Taika's success since Thor Ragnarok:)
PS Yeah...I don't get why people get so huffy when you distance yourself. Same thing here. Like, hello?!?!? Don't you know what's going on out there?

Pilar said...

I hope that you're feeling better Rowena! Stay safe and be well!

Shireen L. Platt said...

Oh no, Rowena, I hope you recover son and please take it easy. I have been enjoying my time at home and the funny part is, it's not much different than my usual daily life. LOL!

Lovely said...

We had Sushi the other day too! The lockdown has been eased here in Dubai, so now we are allowed to go to the mall and restaurants at a 30% capacity. When we were in lockdown we couldn't even go out for walks and when going to supermarkets you needed a permit. Take it easy and stay safe.

xoxo
Lovely
www.mynameislovely.com


ALLIE NYC said...

I had sushi on my last day of freedom after the last fashion show I went to March 9th. These times are really something else. And I have been listening to a lot of Meg Myers she sounds like what an off spring of Tori Amos and Kirk Cobain would sound like with some lyrical input from Uncle Marilyn. And I have also been listening to the sound track from You.


Allie of
www.allienyc.com

Jackie Harrison said...

It been enjoying chia seeds pudding more often. I have not had sushi and I miss it so much. These people are careless by not wearing mask and putting everyone else in danger I agree hundred percent. Have a great weekend glad you doing well.

Paola Lauretano said...

That avocado toast looks delicious! And I love sushi!!!
I hope that you are feeling better my darling!
Kisses, Paola.

Expressyourself

Kinga K. said...

I love avocado toast ♥

Ivana Split said...

Sorry to hear about the pain issue coming back, I hope you find some relief soon. If you don't, it is good to know there is a doctor available you can visit. I've been delaying going to the doctor for now but sometimes one has to go. When I go out, I don't typically meet anyone but even when I do, most people seem to practice social distancing.

Ivana Split said...

I don't know why some people won't keep their distance or wear a face mask , it is a reasonable thing to do, even if it is just a flu season...and this is so much serious than a flu. I remember my mother would wear a face mask when she has an ordinary.sore throat to avoid infecting anyone. Some people have to wear them for health reasons and they never complain, medical workers wear them all the time, so why can't people wear it for short amounts of time....

Dressed With Soul said...

Dear Rowena, I'm so sorry that you feel these pains. I'm relived to read that your doctor now is available again. Hopefully you will recover soon!
And interesting: I prepare also versatile meals but sushi doesn't belong to those :)
Please take care!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
www.dressedwithsoul.com

FASHION TALES said...

That's nice to hear that Nadiya is on Netflix. We watch her on BBC a lot, but to be honest, I have not been watching much television lately. My work is still scheduled for flight in June but even then they have already sent us a list of precautions because some people still don't take this situation seriously. I usually take dandelion tea throughout the week, most especially during my menstrual cycle, it helps. Enjoy the weekend as best you can, Rowena, and do rest up.

Doctor Anne said...

Lockdown is slowly lifted here in Germany too, but much like you I am staying home as much as I can too. People are not keeping their distance, and I live with my elderly parents, so I am not willing to risk bringing the virus back home to them.

Gemma | Makeup Muddle said...

I am loving burning lots of lovely candles right now! They really help me relax, and they make the home smell so much nicer xo

Makeup Muddle

Aimee Bustillo said...

hope you get better soon and I am also currently reading novels because of quarantine.

http://www.aimeebustillo.com/2020/05/pink-sweater-weather.html

Mica said...

Sorry to hear that your pain has come back! It's good that you have been able to see the doctor again, hopefully you can safely travel there! I have been using the online ordering for groceries since they have opened it up again, but I did have to pop out on Friday to get some picnic things and it was crazy seeing so many people there now that so much as reopened - not a lot of social distancing going on, so I'll be sticking to online ordering in future I think! I'll need to read that consumerism link - with the stores closed I've been spending a lot less, although I confess my spending on the kids with books and puzzles has gone up to keep them amused as I work from home, ha! No fashion spending for a while though!

Hope that you have had a good weekend! We had a picnic on Saturday taking advantage of the relaxed restrictions, and then had a lovely Mother's Day :)

Away From Blue