{Culture Club}: Indulge Your Stay at Home with Travel, Broadway, Art and More!

Photo Credit: Departures

If phrases like, "climbing the walls" "going stir crazy" and "bored in the house" resonate with you these days, you're not alone.  While the impacts of quarantine life are affecting everyone differently, there are some effects that are likely universal.

Beyond the desire to gather, socialize, embrace and simply 'be' in uninhibited ways of days gone by, there's also the desire--dare I say need--to keep in touch with the creative sides of life.  And with that, I aim to help.

Travel and the arts have always been significant in my life and sense of personal fulfillment, so finding ways to fill the voids as best as possible from the inner sanctum of my home proffers a new infusion of life from the outside world, making the continued time indoors less escape-worthy and more stay-worthy.

If Broadway, the Opera, Museums, walks through Disney's Magic Kingdom, U.S. National Parks and the Australian Outback, Zoo Exhibits, Salsa Lessons, Hotel Scenes, and the like, suit your fancy, you'll want to take in some, or all, of the current offerings available to the public. Excited yet?

Opera~
I attended my first opera many, many years ago while vacationing in Nice, France--and it's safe to say I was smitten (and hooked) from that time until now.  Taking in the opera would continue to dot my travels during future stays in Florence, Italy and Paris, France--and I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to take in The Metropolitan Opera right from my living room in the days ahead.  Enjoy nightly opera streams from the Met, featuring classics ranging from Mozart to French masterpieces and more.

Broadway~
A child of the performing arts, who eventually dipped my toe in the community theater pond for an unforgettable (to me) stint, theater--Broadway, particularly, speaks to everything that I love about the arts: song, dance, acting, production, grandeur, storytelling and so on.  So now that my Broadway and local theater outings are on hold, watching from home has become the next best thing.  Cue offerings from iconic British composer Andrew Lloyd Weber that stream every Friday. Each full-length feature begins at 2 p.m. ET and remains accessible for the next 48 hours--just in time for weekend indulgence.  And there's more.  From BroadwayHD, to Netflix, to Amazon Prime, more productions are simply a click away.

Culture, culture and more culture~
I'm a card carrying member of the culture club (aka the art, travel, historical and beyond experiences that immerse the mind, body and soul in stimulating, exciting experiences.) And I happen to have landed upon a collection of 30 experiences ranging from purveyors such as Disney, U.S. National Parks, Tourism Boards, Museums, Zoos and more! Who knows? You may never want to leave your couch again. 

Museums~
There's no way to adequately describe Google Arts and Culture Museum at Home curation of art from museums spanning the globe; you'll really just have to see it for yourself.  And let me just say that as an avid museum lover and patron, you will see renowned exhibitions and art works that might otherwise require a near lifetime to digest in person.

Virtual Vacations~
If you're a travel lover, then it's safe to surmise that you'd welcome the opportunity to travel freely again--absorbing destinations, sights, scenes, and creating memories, that will linger long after you're gone.  If I'm right, then you're going to like what comes next.  From Italy, to Mexico, Malibu, Ireland, St. Barths, and Israel, take a (virtual) vacation to soothe your senses and reinvigorate your appetite for travel once the outdoors are fully reopen again.

Allow these experiences to make the continued days of quarantine more enjoyable (and durable), as we continue our commitment to stay home and stay safe.

Happy (and Safe) Living! 

  

Toast With This!: Dalgona Coffee

As weekends go, this past one was a satisfying mixture of productivity and chill.  Mind you it didn't come without some internal coaching to remind myself that it's okay to just. chill. at times.  The type-A, achiever part of my makeup needs reminders on this sort, occasionally-- remembering that it's self-love in motion when we can be gentle and extend grace--to ourselves! 

So somewhere in between a few house chores, indulging in walks outdoors, a training course, Netflix, catching up with family, online worship, cooking, and so on, I decided to finally give a nod to the trending whipped coffee that I've been seeing on social media.  Known as Dalgona Coffee, with origins hailing from India, Pakistan and beyond, this simple, but stunning, drink is worth the hype.  My rendition included the addition of allspice and cinnamon for a warm, subtle Chai finish.  And considering my picky ways when it comes to coffee drinks, I'm glad to report that it's a keeper. :) 

Easy enough to bring together (we're talking sheer minutes) and beautifully delicious enough to feel like the special treat you didn't know you wanted, it was a fun Sunday afternoon indulgence that I think you should add to your stay-at-home, quarantine ticking and tocking.  Besides giving certain popular coffee shops that will rename nameless a run for their (over-priced) money for similar drinks, this makes for a perfect breakfast, afternoon or dessert indulgence.

So the next time you're looking to enjoy a cheers or two, toast with this!

Happy Sipping!

Dalgona Coffee
Ingredients:
Two tablespoons instant coffee
Two tablespoons sugar
Two tablespoons hot water
1/8 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
Milk of choice
Ice

Method:
Add coffee, sugar, spices and water to a mixing bowl.  Whisk ingredients together by hand or electric mixer until the coffee becomes frothy with a whipped texture.  Pour milk over ice and ladle in whipped coffee to top.  Enjoy!

  

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