Quarantine Fitness: Staying Fit Within the Comfort of Your Home

What a difference a month can make.

That could be the understatement of the year, and if I had to wager a guess, I'd say that I'm spot on that no one anticipated the current "reality" that ushered in quickly and un-apologetically.  For me the impact from the Corona Virus was felt socially almost immediately, as I canceled standing birthday plans and began my duty to self-quarantine and practice physical distancing. A negligible concession against the backdrop of a global pandemic.

I know this shift to a “new normal” affects everyone differently, so I hope you will remember to be kind and gentle with yourself as you continue to adjust in the days ahead.  And about adjusting… If you were accustomed to a regular fitness routine outside of your living quarters, then, like me, you’re pivoting to online workout resources to keep you moving, fit (and, let’s be honest, sane.) 

Since we’ve been at this #stayathome thing for a few weeks now, I’ve scouted (both personally and by word of mouth) several programs and fitness masters that will serve us well now—and in the days beyond.  From yoga, to full body boot camps, cardio and more, you’ll want to add this round-up to your fitness arsenal.

Self-care has never been more critical than it is now, so be sure to incorporate #quarantinefitness into your routine and stay well and safe.

The Round Up~

 The Home Depot Backyard -- Now through April 18th, the Home Depot Backyard is offering a free live-stream fitness program that's available worldwide.  Workout sessions will stream live from the Home Depot Backyard Instagram account. 

Peloton – Known for their elevated bike workouts, Peloton is offering free 90-day trial subscriptions to its full fitness library, via the app, for new subscribers.

x28 Fitness -- Exclusive online training combined with tailored programs based on fitness levels, multiple nutrition plans, a Facebook support group, and more, x28 is a personal favorite for online training. 

Free Streaming Workouts -- Parade.com did the heavy lifting of rounding up over 125 (!!!) free workouts that you can stream. From Youtube, to Roku, Instagram, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, ios, the good ole' world wide web, and more, there is literally something for everyone--and no excuse not to jump in and get moving!

Happy (Quarantine) Living!


Photo Credit: Pinterest

 

{In Case You Missed It}: 2018 Highlights

Happy New Year (again!)  Amazingly, this year is off to a fast and furious start, with January soon to be in the rear view.  So before any more time elapses, I want to share one of my most favorite perennial posts, highlighting many of the moments that made the year gone by special for me, personally, and for D.M.R. Fine Foods.

Each year it seems like it couldn't get any sweeter and, then, it does!  And that would be 2018.  On a personal note, I enjoyed more fulfilling career, personal, civic, and relational highlights that made everything else the proverbial (and oh so delicious) icing on top.

That "icing" included special moments, among others, in food, travel, lifestyle and media--a well-rounded foray of the good life.  And I'm excited to recap some of the most special for you here, starting with a fun slideshow round-up. (*Recommended: watch in full screen mode.)

Food ~
My year in food included such highlights as once again being a featured blogger and contributor to the acclaimed Black History Month Virtual Potluck, with my Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding with Maple Glaze, along with more recipes and foodie indulgences from near and far.

Travel ~
My wanderlust led me to exceptional new destinations, including Cartagena, Colombia and Cozumel, Mexico, and repeat favorites, alike, including South Beach, New York City, Chicago, Orlando and Bermuda.  From the occasional business jaunt, to vacation getaways, 2018 was another year of fulfilling travel and exploration.

Fashion & Lifestyle ~
I experienced of the biggest honors of 2018 on what I'll label as the lifestyle front, which was being selected as a 2018 BHG Stylemaker by Better Homes and Gardens magazine! Can you say, awe-mazing?!  (I'll be a doing a dedicated post soon to share more of the fabulousness of my entire experience, so stay tuned!)  Beyond BHGStylemaker, I had the pleasure of joining gorgeous fashion influencer, CariRene Vintage, for an amazing afternoon of fashion inspiration at the Global Runway Fashion Presentation hosted by the Atlanta Airport.  And as a special bonus, to boot, I met one of my favorite fashion and beauty editors!

Beyond decor and fashion, another highlight included a private Girlfriends' Spa Party courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty and Saks Atlanta, making for a great afternoon of pampering with some of my favorite girls.

Media/Collaborations ~
2018 was another standout year on the media and collaboration front.  I was so thrilled to return to the t.v. to share more of my food and lifestyle passions, this time with the fabulous daytime show, Atlanta and Company.  My media footprint continued with my running monthly column with Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, media corp for my forever favorite Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, and myriad media collaborations on behalf of exceptional local restaurants, wineries, farm co-ops (City Winery Atlanta, Varun Napoli, Dantanna's, Peach Dish), Atlanta Magazine, and more!

I obviously kept to my busier pace but, as always, it was extremely worth it, and equally as special to share it with you here on the blog and via social media.  I thank you for remaining connected and appreciate your ongoing support and interest in my corner of the world.  I love having you along for my journey and look forward to sharing more as 2019 continues to unfold. 

Happy Living!

 

Welcome to a Very Good New Year

Happy New Year! I wrapped the year with a Caribbean getaway and I'm finally (slowly) emerging from my vacay state of mind and settling into a whole. new. year.  2019!  It's always amazing to take that in considering that it feels as if 2018 just began yesterday in some ways.

And what a year it was.  I experienced what was (for me) a supreme year of continued increase, growth, opportunity--and, yes, a couple of tough patches.  Still, the overarching theme, without question, was definitely God's favor and blessing--even in the uncomfortable places that required me to stretch, let go in some areas, and forge ahead with renewed strength. As my tradition has become, I'll be sharing a fuller recap of the highlights that made last year so special for me and D.M.R. Fine Foods, so stay tuned for an upcoming dedicated post!

In reflecting on the year gone by, I came across a post I shared here, in which I reasserted my faith and decision to have a very good year last year (and every year, to be honest)--before much time had elapsed and before much of the 'very goodness' had actually unfolded.  Because my mission with this brand is to share the good life in its many facets--and in the ways most meaningful to me--I wanted to share this with you to prime you for a very good year of your own this year.

I look forward to continuing to share my journey and passions with you as the year gets underway and, as always, thank you for support!

Here's to the happiest of New Years!

xo, Dawn

{Style Files}: How the Met Gala 2017 Red Carpet Was Slayed

Zendaya, Dolce & Gabbana

Raindrops on roses...whiskers on kittens...bright copper kettles...and Met Gala red carpets.  These are a few of my favorite things.  And last night's red carpet fashion came through in the oft-predictable, glam-slam style that fashion enthusiasts have come to know and love.

LaLa Anthony, Thai Nguyen Atelier

Kylie Jenner, Donatella Versace

I could barely contain myself as Instagram posts and streaming footage, coupled with television coverage, began offering up the starlet looks of the evening.  This year's gala, in honor of Commes des Garcon, brought anticipation of the over-the-top whimsy and flair of many a Met Gala gone by.  But most consistently, it was sighting after sighting of sheer...beauty.  You know the kind of fashion that makes you (okay, that makes me) want to holler?  Yes, those feelings were definitely in operation as I pinned, tweeted, insta-storied and snap-chatted some of my favorites. 

Halle Berry, Donatella Versace

Jennifer Lopez, Valentino

Priyanka Chopra, Ralph Lauren

These looks are the ones that I found to be most stunning and worthy of a little Monday night distraction, even as I told myself that I didn't have time for it.  (But as life has proven, we somehow make the time for what we truly want.)  I wanted all the fashion slaying--and it was served.  Artistically and beautifully so. From fairy-tale, to seductive, to old-world glamour and elegance, to edgy chicness, the style gamut was in full display. 

Cassie, on aura tu vu

Lori Harvey, Dolce & Gabbana

Which is your favorite?  For more Met Gala fashion inspiration, go here.

Happy Styling!

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

{A Night to Remember}: Dinner at the James Beard House

Since I began indulging my passion for all things culinary, I have been blessed to experience many delicious, inspiring--and downright amazing--moments.  And this past weekend, yet another was added to the list.  In fact, it constituted one of the most special food moments I've relished to date.

The euphoria of which I speak was a dreamy and unforgettable evening spent dining and mingling at the James Beard House in New York City.  The evening represented the culmination of the thrill of having the James Beard Foundation acknowledge my food and subsequently award me the honor of dinner for two at the Beard House.  I had been sitting on my gift for the many months since and finally elected my birthday weekend as the ideal opportunity to indulge.  And so I did.

All Smiles with Chef Petroni

Arriving at the outwardly unassuming venue where so much culinary greatness has transpired was a moment.  A few snaps later, my guest and I headed inside to join the other diners for what began as a standing reception with the most decadently scrumptious and gorgeous food and sips (think caviar, bone marrow, and then some).  Following bite after seemingly unending bite, while being cautious to reserve room for the feast to follow, dashes to and from the kitchen to observe the artistry in motion and capture some takeaway shots--including one with the featured chef, himself--, mingling with and meeting other equally exuberant guests, and doing a quick stroll of the upstairs, the formal dinner began.

What ensued was a six-course feast, aptly named the St. Joseph's Feast, interpreted by Chef Christian Petroni of Fortina restaurant in Armonk, NY; Rye Brook, NY; and Stamford, CT.  Course after course presented one delight after the next and carried the evening along so tastefully and beautifully that all sense of time was lost over the hours that passed.  A warm greeting by Chef Petroni and his team of talented chefs and staff ended the evening on the intimate, inspiring note that I could only have imagined prior.  It was, and will always be, a night to remember.

Thank you, James Beard Foundation, for the honor.  It was Happy Eating indeed!

See more photos from the evening here.