Hi Friend,
You've been in my thoughts and I hope you're doing all right. Our circumstances vary, but this is challenging for absolutely everyone (even those who seem to have a pretty good setup at first glance). Some are in dire situations in terms of health, isolation, finances, or job security. My heart is aching, but I'm trying to stay positive and keep creating as a way to cope. After a week of adjusting and struggling to keep my patience, I'm also making some changes as we head into week 2.
Here's what I've been thinking about, my usual list of recipes, and a podcast I think you'll enjoy - I hope they're helpful!
Prioritize Community
Community and connectivity is a Blue Zone trend that's believed to help people thrive and live longer. Whether it's FaceTimes, Zoom calls, Street Stretches, making noise, or singing together - I suggest you make this a high priority each day. And while you're at it, please remember to give people a big smile and check-in as you're out stretching your legs or walking your dog. We have to stay 6' apart, but we don't have to be distant.
We're blessed to live in a special neighborhood, very connected to the people on our street. One of our rock-star neighbors has organized 2 daily activities in front of our homes: a 1:30pm Street Stretch and a 7pm song. I'm going to do my damnedest to get my whole family out for these two meet-ups. I'm making this and video calls with my family a priority. Let me know if you'd like to organize something in your neighborhood and I'm happy to send you an email template that you can use to get the ball rolling!
Daily Movement + Exercise
- Daily walks. Movement is essential for our physical and mental well-being. I try to get in at least 30 mins of movement each day, preferably including a walk outdoors so that I can get the benefits of bright sunlight in my eyes (more on this in the podcast linked below).
- However, I'm 100% a class person and I miss higher intensity exercise! So, I signed up for unlimited classes through my dear friend's LA-based Pure Barre studio. Stacy is my oldest friend and one of the most beautiful human beings you could ever meet. If you're interested in a great at-home workout, please consider checking out this package and supporting a female-run small business through this difficult time.
- For kids: Cosmic Kids Yoga. Though we typically don't do screen time for our children, we decided to try this for our 3 year-old a couple times this week. She's enjoyed it, and it was a good low-key option while she was under the weather--but still in need of some movement.
Cooking Highlights
Check out my Instagram page for the latest and greatest. This week, I posted:
- Blueberry Breakfast Bites: a breakfast idea for anyone with silicone egg / baby food molds.
- Macro Plates w/ Carrot Ginger Dressing: a meatless Monday idea (full details on my site).
- Dairy-Free Sweet Potato Nachos - this deserves it's own write-up someday. In the meantime, I wanted to plug this delicious Cashew Queso from Siete. So good!
- 1hr Bone Broth how-to (Instant Pot): see the most recent Bone Broth highlights for a step-by-step guide - this is as simple as it gets.
- Cauliflower, Celery & Fennel Soup how-to video: see my most recent Soup highlights (several appearances and squawks from my children... #cookinginquarantine at its finest! And yes... cauliflower, again! It was a great way to use and stretch my produce at the end of the week).
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| | A Podcast I Liked
Max Lugavere on the Wellness Mama Podcast (you may recognize his name -- I shared a great interview he did on Alzheimer's a few months back). He's the author author of the NYT bestseller, Genius Foods: Become Smarter, Happier, and More Productive While Protecting Your Brain for Life and a new book called The Genius Life: Heal Your Mind, Strengthen Your Body, and Become Extraordinary.
He touches on several important topics, including the power of light, nutrition, air quality, movement / exercise, plastics, our toxic load (from birth) and more. I use a lot of products to avoid / minimize many of the issues discussed - if you're interested in making some healthy swaps, I have items like amber light bulbs, glass food containers, plastic-free coffee makers and baby bottles, air purifiers, etc. on my Favorites* page.Thank you so much for reading and for staying connected during this crazy time. I hope you stay well, give yourself grace, and extend that to the people around you as much as possible (they might be struggling more than you realize and coping in different ways). After some tearful hugs, this is one thing I'm focused on doing better next week. |
| Please pass this along if you know anyone who could benefit from this information.
Be well & stay connected,
Jess
P.S. Did someone forward this email to you? Let's stay in touch! I'd love to include you on future newsletters and connect on Instagram.
*I'm an Amazon Associate. This means that I receive a small commission on qualifying purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. This helps cover some costs of running this site and supports my goal of bringing you free educational content. |
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Kaleifornian.com | RecipesMy Favorites | Healthy Living
I always appreciate feedback, recipe ratings, and your comments on my blog and Instagram posts! If you make any of the recipes I've posted, I'd love to see! Tag @kaleifornian_ and/or use hashtag #kaleifornianeats when you share a pic on Instagram. And shoot me a note if you tried something different or have a tip that you think should be in the write-up. Thank you so much for your support! It means the world to me. ♥
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