Hi all! How are you holding up?
Overall I’ve been feeling pretty good, all things considered. Aspects of quarantine are starting to feel “normal” — wearing a mask to go outside, washing my hands a million times, wiping down every single package or grocery item, etc.
There are of course a million things I miss about life before this (ugh I cannot wait to hug every human) but I’m feeling grateful for my own health and sanity right now. How about you?
Here are some recent favorites and things that have brought me joy over the last few weeks:
My [Quarantined] 30th Birthday
I turned 30 last Saturday! During a pandemic! Craziness!
I ended up having a pretty great birthday, even though it wasn’t the 30th birthday I initially planned. That 30th birthday involved seeing Hamilton on Broadway and a big brunch gathering with my friends… I made the most of the situation and am so grateful for the outpour of love from the people in my life, especially my parents.
I started off my birthday with a Bar Method class on Zoom. Even in normal times, I would’ve started off my day with Bar Method and I was so hyped one of my favorite instructors was teaching that morning.
My parents came into the city and we picked up brunch from one of my favorite places, La Palapa in the East Village, and ate on their balcony. The weather was absolutely perfect all day and I spent most of the day on the balcony on the phone or Zoom with family and friends.
How great is this tiara I found on Etsy?
My parents left in the afternoon. At night I got dinner from my favorite sushi place and had a dinner date on Zoom with a friend. I finished off the evening on Zoom once again with friends and friends of friends from my trip to Nicaragua, which is how I’ve been spending most Saturday nights during quarantine.
All in all, a birthday full of sunshine, family, and friends. What more can I ask for, even during a pandemic?
this pink Marine Layer dress
[pictured above]
Even in the midst of a pandemic I wanted to look cute on my birthday! This dress from Marine Layer was a hit. I also love this romper from them as well.
My Birthday Sculptacular Event
This might take the cake as my favorite thing to go down in 2020. Last week I hosted a huge Yoga Sculpt class on Zoom in honor of my birthday and to raise money for Fuel the Fight. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m super extra when it comes to celebrating my birthday so figured hey, why not throw my own massive 30th birthday party?
Holy moly did the event surpass my wildest dreams. In the end we raised $1,197.11. People from all different corners of my life showed up to sculpt and support me. I was seriously blown away and so honored.
This event was a huge silver lining of quarantine — I don’t think I ever could have pulled off an event that big IRL. Thank you to everyone that showed up, donated, and supported me.
Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi
I’m VERY late to the party on this one, but I finally tried the famous cauliflower gnocchi from Trader Joe’s and I get the hype. They are SO good!
I’ve been loosely following this recipe — First I defrost the gnocchi and then sauteeing in garlic olive oil. Add tomato sauce, frozen shrimp, and Miyoko’s vegan mozzarella. Let sit for 5 or so minutes. That’s it.
Glossier hand cream
My hands are so dry from all the washing. #PandemicProblems. Glossier just launched their new hand cream. I’m a bit iffy on the smell (sometimes it smells great, and then other times it oddly smells… dusty?) but I like that it’s not too oily, it rubs in and it’s helped revive my cracked hands. The shape of the container is also really smart, easy to throw in your bag.
Delivery from Jajaja
I absolutely love the vegan Mexican restaurant Jajaja. I’ve been getting their vegan quesadilla with a side of chips + guac delivered as a weekend treat. I was a bit worried the quesadilla wouldn’t travel well but it’s been perfect both times I’ve ordered it.
Goldbelly
Goldbelly ships gourmet food and dishes from your favorite restaurants. For mother’s day, I sent my mom pierogis from Veselka via Goldbelly. If you’ve ever been to Veselka you know just how great their pierogies are. They were a total hit and my mom so surprised by the gift.
Pajamas: Lively All-Day Lounge Pant
I’ve been on the hunt for new pajama pants. All of mine are pretty old and starting to fall apart. I found it surprisingly hard to find PJ pants that don’t come as a set or aren’t some gross, itchy, fabric.
I still have a few more pairs of pajama pants coming from various stores, but I’m really loving the All-Day Lounge Pant from Lively. The fabric is insanely soft (although might get a bit toasty in the summer) and I was pleasantly surprised that they fit well without needing to be hemmed. If you’re on the tall side (I’m only 5’2″) they might be a bit short — but for shorties like me, they’re a great length!
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