Things I'm Thankful For (during the COVID-19 pandemic)

//1// I'm thankful for more time with Scout (he'll be 11 in May). I always said I wanted to be a stay at home dog mom. Look at me now. Dreams do come true!

//2// I''m grateful for my introverted nature. I think society tries to teach you that introversion is a bad thing, but I'm 100 percent against that. I've always been an introvert and enjoyed quiet time, being home, spending time with a minimal amount of people at the same time, and reading. I think being an introvert my whole life has really helped me out in this whole stay at home situation.

//3// I am thankful that, although I'm only working for 3-4 hours per week and collecting underemployment, my company is still paying for me to have health insurance. It's something they didn't have to do which makes me even more appreciative to have coverage during this time!

//4// I'm appreciative to have mindless reality TV for days when I'm feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Love Island (available on Hulu) is one of my favorites. It's super entertaining and totally binge worthy.

//5// I'm grateful for my husband's calm nature. He's so steady and even that sometimes I just want to scream! I want to see him get really, really excited about something or really, really angry about another, but he just never does. This has been really helpful when I worry about my job, money, family, friends, and the world in general. He gives me a lot of reassurance and comfort.

Cocktails from Around the World to Try at Home

Because my Greece trip was cancelled. Because we're still under a stay at home order. Each recipe serves one!

The Negroni from Italy

1 oz of Campari

1 oz of gin

1 oz of vermouth rosso

1 orange slice to garnish

Chill liquid ingredients. 

Stir liquid ingredient together and pour into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. 

Add an orange slice as a garnish.

The Paloma from Mexico

1 1/2 oz of tequila reposado

1 oz of grapefruit juice

1/2 oz of lime juice

1 splash of soda water (or grapefruit soda such as Squirt)

Grapefruit peel or lime wedge to garnish

Combine tequila, grapefruit juice, and lime juice into a cocktail shaker with ice.

Shake well and strain into a glass over ice.

Add soda water.

Garnish with grapefruit peel or lime wedge.

The Caipirinha from Brazil

2 ounces of cachaca

2 teaspoons of granulated sugar

1/2 of a lime

Cut the lime into small pieces and place in an old-fashioned cocktail glass.

Add sugar.

Muddle lime and sugar with pestle.

Fill glass with ice and cachaca.

Pour contents into a shaker, shake well, and return the contents to the glass.

Enjoy!

The Pisco Sour from Peru

2 oz of Pisco

1 oz fresh lime juice

1/2 oz of simple syrup

1 egg white

2 to 3 dashes of Angostura bitters

Mix Pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker.

Add ice to fill and shake vigorously.

Strain into an old-fashioned glass.

Sprinkle the bitters on top of the foam.

Serve.

My Favorite Hair Oils (Splurge vs. Save)

Hair oils are fantastic multitaskers. Not only is hair oil a lubricant making it easier to detangle wet hair, but they're also a natural heat protectant, fight hair fall, tame frizz, and can combat dry scalp and dandruff.

I've used hair oil off and on for the past decade, but have been using it consistently for the last year after every wash. My main purpose for use is moisturization. I've tried many brands at many different price points over the years and have two, one splurge and one one, that I love!

The Splurge: Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil                                   $28 for 1oz

I love this one because it's formulated without sulfates, parabens, and formaldehydes. Along with hydrating my hair I find it leaves it shiny and smooth. This oil offers heat protection up to 450 degrees (F) which is perfect because I often use a blow dryer and straightener. My favorite thing about this product is the way it's dispensed. You turn the bottle upside down and gently tap the bottom with your index finger which releases a metered drop. It's pH balanced and I love using it along with my other Olaplex products.

The Save: Hask Argan Oil Repairing Shine Hair Oil             $6.99 for 3.3oz

This oil is also free of sulfates, parabens, and formaldehydates and is gluten and alcohol free. I pump out and apply a quarter sized amount after washing my hair. It doesn't weight my hair down and it has a nice, light citrus scent!

Hair oils can be made out of argan oil, coconut oil, macadamia oil, almond oil, and many, many others! It takes a little trial and error to find the best one for you!

What's Hap'pin'ing in Quarantine?

How is everyone doing in week... 5? 6? of quarantine? I've been staying sane with video chats with friends/coworkers and my sister, brother's wife, and cousin. My sister-in-law and I video chatted/watched that new Bachelor franchise show Listen to Your Heart together. Those shows are always more fun to watch with someone else. I'm looking forward to a virtual meeting with my book club tonight! Along with working on the blog I've been hitting up Pinterest! 

Since I've been watching The Great British Baking show I've been itching to make some stuff at home! However, it's really hard to get yeast, sugar, flour, and butter right now. Is anyone else having the same problem? When I do get my hands on some baking supplies I really want to make this cherry almond cake, cheddar zucchini bread, copycat Outback Steakhouse bread (honey wheat bushman bread), and Buckeye fudge.

This quarantine can be a bit stressful with not being able to see loved ones or not working. I'm thinking about trying a green tea detox bath!

I made pork loin using this recipe and it was so delicious! It was very flavorful, moist, and a hit with the husband!

My hair has gotten so long (which I looooove), but I like to have it pulled back at work so it stays out of the way. I'm tired of just twirling it up in a bun so I pinned the following styles to try when I get back to work:

Crafting can keep you going! I've been knitting (I'm at a very basic level) and I like crafting, but I'm not great at it. So I went to Pinterest to find some easy crafts that I can't screw up too badly! 

tutorial here

tutorial here
learn how to make your own stencils without a cutting machine here

What's been hap'pin'ing with you during quarantine?

Tea Time: 6 Types of Teas and their Benefits

One of my coworkers is hooked on tea. Her drinking it all day long inspired me to cut out some cups of coffee. It's hard to get bored with tea because of the seemingly endless options, and it's got great health benefits too! 

Cute tea stuff...

73 Questions

Seventy three questions. Seventy three answers. Based on Vogue magazine's 73 Questions online video series here are 73 questions that are asked and answered in less than ten minutes.

//1// Where would you go on a road trip? The western United States.
//2// What your biggest weakness? Holding my tongue.
//3// What's your biggest strength? Helping others.
//4// What's the biggest learning experience you've had? Never letting anyone make me feel bad about or question who I am. Psalm 134:19.
//5// What's your idea of a perfect date? Any in which the man has used creativity and has really taken into consideration the things I like.
//6// Favorite movie? Father of the Bride.
//7// What is a cause that is important to you? Mental health and pediatric heart health in underdeveloped countries (Mental Health America and International Children's Heart Foundation). I also love supporting Operation Christmas Child at Christmastime.
//8// What's the best compliment you have ever received? That I'm good at reading people and I can see through bullshit.
//9// When are you most inspired? When in a big city or by the ocean.
//10// Sweet or savory? Both.
//11// What is your biggest fear in life? Loneliness. And snakes. 
//12// What makes you smile the most? Joking around with friends and/or coworkers.
//13// Favorite app? Instagram.
//14// Heels, flats, or sneakers? Heels!
//15// Vintage or new? New. Vintage only when it has sentimental value.
//16// What are three things you can't live without? Family, a pillow, and my dog.
//17// Window or aisle seat? Window.
//18// What's one thing you had to learn the hard way? Adult mean girls exist.
//19// Leather or lace? Lace.
//20// What is the most adventurous thing you've done in your life? Kissed the Blarney Stone (you're tipped backwards nine stories up!).
//21// How would you define yourself in three words? I don't think you can 'define' yourself in three words. Human beings are more complicated than that.
//22// What's your current favorite piece of clothing you own? My Judy Blue jeans!
//23// What's a must-have clothing item that everyone should own? A nicely tailored overcoat.
//24// What's inspiring you in life right now? My fellow healthcare workers especially those on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic.
//25// What's the best piece of advice you've ever received? "Life's not fair." - Jay Angle (my dad)
//26// What's your pet peeve? Morning people.
//27// Diamond or pearls? Both.
//28// Winter or Summer? Summer.
//29// Most recent dream you can remember? I was married to one of the Jonas Brothers (I can't remember which one) and I was out on tour with them. 
//30// What's heavily played on your playlist right now? 90s Pop.
//31// What's your favorite board game? Guess Who.
//32// Stairs or elevator? Elevator.
//33// What book did you most recently finish? Long Bright River by Liz Moore
//34// What are you currently reading? Home for the Summer by Holly Chamberlin
//35// How do you start your day? Snoozing my alarm three times, getting ready for work in 30 minutes, leaving for work.
//36// What's your favorite holiday? My birthday!
//37// If you could raid one woman's closet whose would it be? Hands down, Meghan Markle.
//38// If you could switch lives with one person for a day who would it be? Queen Elizabeth.
//39// What's one thing you've always wanted to try, but you've been too scared to do it? Wear red lipstick.
//40// What's the one thing you wish you new at age 19? He's not 'the one.'
//41// Besides your phone and wallet, what's a couple of must have items in your purse? Lip balm, hand sanitizer (even before corona virus), a pen, sunglasses, and a book/Kindle.
//42// If you weren't a blogger or medical assistant what would you be doing? Maybe a travel writer.
//43// What's something you can't do? Ride a bike!
//44// Where was the best vacation you've ever taken? I can't choose between my Europe trips.
//45// What's one city you have always dreamed of traveling to? Amsterdam to see the Anne Frank House.
//46// What's something you always travel with? Hand sanitizer (again, even before COVID-19).
//47// Favorite food? French fries.
//48// Favorite dessert? Ice Cream.
//49// Hugs or Kisses? Hugs are so nice.
//50// What's a movie that made you cry? Marley and Me.
//51// Girl crush? Carrie Underwood.
//52// What's one talent you wish you had? A good singing voice.
//53// What's your favorite exercise? Ballet.
//54// Jogging or swimming? Swimming.
//55//What's your favorite fast food order? Dave's Double combo, mustard, pickle, and cheese only on the burger or a Filet of Fish meal.
//56// What's something you don't want to be doing in 10 years? Working on my feet all day.
//57// Favorite James Bond? Daniel Craig. 
//58// Favorite superhero? Captain Planet.
//59// What's your favorite cocktail? Vodka, Sprite, grenadine.
//60// If you could master one instrument, what would it be? The piano.
//61// What is one thing you do want to be doing in 10 years? Spending more time with family.
//62// Given the choice of anyone in the world, who would you have as a dinner guest? Kate Middleton.
//63// Would you like to be famous? In what way? No thanks.
//64// What's your favorite thing in the world? Traveling.
//65// What's your favorite color? Purple.
//66// Secret talent? Tap dancing.
//67// What is one hobby you will never give up? Reading.
//68// What the biggest surprise you've ever had? Nick (with the help my sister and friend) got my entire family to come out from Pennsylvania for my 35th birthday. I showed up at a pool party at my friend's house and everyone was there! I was SHOCKED.
//69// What is one trend you would never try? Coffin nails.
//70// Who do you turn to when you are sad? My husband, my dad, or my sister.
//71// What's a trend you would like to see disappear forever? Hipsters.
//72// Last country visited? Ireland.
//73// What's your current TV obsession? The Great British Baking Show, Little Fires Everywhere, The Office, and Making the Cut.

Duchess-Inspired Befitting Yellow Dresses (for less!)

Both the Duchess of Sussex and the Duchess of Cambridge have stepped out in yellow dresses while representing the Crown. You can get an Duchess-inspired yellow dress (for less!) that is perfect work and parties for Spring and Summer!

Inspiration

Looks for Less

Homemade Honey Wheat Bread

Whip up some warm, fluffy bread right at home with this easy recipe!

What You'll 'Knead':

3 cups of warm water

1 1/2 tablespoons of yeast (or 2 packets of yeast)

1/4 cup of shortening

1/4 cup of honey

1 tablespoon of salt

6 cups of whole wheat flour 

butter

What You'll 'Knead' to Do:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Combine warm water and yeast in a large bowl. 

Wait until dissolved and until yeast froths.

Add in flour one cup at a time until a soft dough forms. 

Knead and place the dough back in the bowl.

Cover the bowl with a cloth and let rise for 1 hour.

Knead the dough again.

Place in a greased loaf pan.

Let rise for another 1 hour.

Bake for 30 minutes or until brown on top.

Brush the top of the loaf with butter.

Bake an additional 2 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Remove the loaf from the pan and let the loaf cool an additional 10 minutes.

Serve and ENJOY!

Five Stressors for Dogs

We humans are extra stressed during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it's important to check in with our precious pooches. Our dogs can pick up on our stress which can amplify their every day stressors. Below are some common stressors for dogs we should all be aware of.

//1// Using multiple verbal cues to indicate the same behavior.

There are many ways to tell your dog to quit a behavior, such as barking. We often use "shh!", "stop!", and "quiet!" Dogs get confused when more than one word is assigned to the same behavior, and will continue that behavior out of confusion. It's best to come up with one specific word to apply to a command.

//2// Saying "it's okay" to calm a dog's anxiety.

When our dogs are anxious we often say "it's okay" to comfort them. Instead, we're actually training them to think the opposite. If we use this phrase in conjunction with something they don't like - thunderstorms, going to the vet - they learn to associate the phrase with things that aren't okay. Saying "it's okay" comes to mean something bad is about to happen and can make a dog even more anxious.

//3// Restraining a dog to give him affection.

Each dog has a different threshold, and most dogs do not understand hugs. A dog who does not like hugs may still love to snuggle. Snuggling is often on their terms and can feel less restrictive. Respect your pet's personal boundaries.

//4// Having a lack of rules and boundaries.

Dogs thrive on consistency and routine and find great comfort in it. Scolding a certain behavior one week and letting it slide the next can be very confusing for a pup. The next time the animal will not be able to anticipate the human's reaction to the behavior which can be really stressful. If your dog is not allowed on the couch, then he's not allowed on the couch.

//5// Making eye contact with a dog you don't know.

Dogs view loving gazes shared with their humans and being stared at by a stranger differently. Some dogs consider extended eye contact from a stranger to be a challenge which increases their stress response. Try to avoid eye contact when meeting a new dog and give him time to get to know you.