Author: MS

Lifestyle: Anxiety At Time of Social Distancing

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Sometimes we need reassurance that everything will be alright – or that it is going to be alright – and to lesson the anxiety we are all feeling during these difficult of days, I want to think about… The Calm Place  Nine feel good movies  Twenty books to read right now  Funny movie quotes you might want to revisit  Five at-home exercise you should do while social distancing  This home sure to put a smile across your face Hang in there world – and give yourself time to adjust to this new way of living {featured image source}

Culture: Where Is Your Sense of Humor

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Remaining positive is key to most any hardship we are faced with – says me ;).  You can choose to think otherwise, but the only thing that we can’t be stripped of is thinking positive. So, as I continue to effort staying and spreading positivity, I share with you a few illustrations from a very talented arts which are on point…for anyone who’s ever felt this way or  know those who do. {full illustration credit source} What are you doing to cope?

Food: Dinner Tonight – Thai Peanut Chicken

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I managed to get my hands on a bottle of peanut sauce from the grocery store two weeks ago. Before all the scary madness taking shape throughout the world of empty shelves, and legit ‘scavenger hunt’ for the basic necessities. Now I can’t even find milk or eggs. I devised a plan and announced it to the family about being mindful, pacing ourselves and not be wasteful during these difficult times. More about this topic shortly. In the meantime, I found an easy dinner recipe for Thai peanut chicken which I wanted to share, in case you are all out of ideas.  Here’s what I am doing- replacing soy sauce with Worcestershire, omitting the fish sauce and using the peanut sauce instead of the suggested peanut butter. INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts 3-4 tablespoons Thai red curry paste using more or less to your taste 2 teaspoons ground ginger 3 tablespoons sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil or regular basil chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus more for serving 1 (14 ounce) can full fat coconut milk 1/4 cup low …

Travel: Some Fun Facts to Ponder Over While Social Distancing

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Couple of weeks back, I visited the Academy of Science in Golden Gate Park. I haven’t been for over a decade. I have to say I was enlightened over again about our planet, the birds and the bees (literally), and the universe and the bodies of water around the world. These sort of reminders had me turning to the History channel more often these days to learn more about the fascinating. So I started to think last night, when I finally came to terms that I need to postpone all travels I had planned for the year to perhaps as far into the future as next year. But since I love travel, and some of you are the same, I figured to readjust my travel series to fun facts rather behind every travel. The reason for social distancing – if you aren’t taking it seriously

Food: Cooking Helps – Especially Cheesy Chicken Enchilada

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I’ve always found cooking to be therapeutic, so I opt to make dinner every night and take the leftovers for lunch to work. That’s been the standard in my household for a few decades. So, I do recommend the exercise while forced to stay home the next couple of weeks – cook, or bake, and then wash the dishes by hand rather than placing them in the dishwasher. The idea of doing something you can control has a positive affect – trust me. Tonight’s dinner – leaning towards much comfort food also – is this Cheesy Chicken Enchilada skillet – which I never thought of doing – I normally leaned towards the traditional over-baked version.  This one is easier for sure. INGREDIENTS 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/2 onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 (16-ounce) jar medium red salsa 1/2 cup sour cream, plus more for serving 4 corn tortillas, torn into quarters 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (from 1 [2 1/2-pound] rotisserie chicken) 1 (15.5-ounce) …

Decor: Home Away From Home

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As a child growing up in the middle east, my family spent the summers in Lebanon, visiting relatives. I loved my time there, and reflect upon it often, especially the Mediterranean style home in the mountains where my cousins lived. So you can imagine my fascination with this property so close to the home they owned in every sense of decor, and the need to share of course on this Friday, where most of us are learning to live in some form of isolation. Please hang in there – and stay positive and do everything you can to keep your loved ones safe

Food: Potato, Mushroom and Burrata Pizza

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Haven’t had much of an appetite for anything these days, so it’s been really challenging finding a tasty meal to prep for the family.  Except, when a burst of cravings happen – like the taste for potato and mushroom and cheese and the need for a hearty pizza. Now, although this recipe calls for making your own dough, I prefer ready made from Trader Joe dough, where I simply add all the ingredients that my heart desires at that moment and bake. INGREDIENTS 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 cups wild mushrooms, roughly torn 3 sprigs fresh thyme 3 cloves garlic, smashed kosher salt and black pepper crushed red pepper flakes 1/2 pound pizza dough, at room temperature 1/3 cup basil pesto 1 medium potato, very thinly sliced 2 teaspoons fresh chopped rosemary 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest 1 cup shredded fontina or Havarti cheese 8 ounces burrata cheese, at room temperature 1/2 cup fresh lemon micro basil or basil leaves {more}  On another note – what’s on your mind lately? Do you want to talk about it?

Lifestyle: Self Reflection and Some Form of Exercise

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In my efforts to remain positive, I find myself veering towards topics about lifestyle changes or if not for changes, then to learn to cope with all the things life has thrown in our direction. Do you believe self-reflection gives you a happier and a more successful life? If so, then here’s how you proceed. Consider tapping into your creative side, when feeling anxious during a period of isolation to effort a speedy recovery of any sort. How to recognize that you need a lifestyle change? Some helpful tips to consider while out and about during these worrying times – to completely adapt – even beyond today’s concerns. How to deal with anxiety in a nutshell – sheds some light on topics you may otherwise feel you cannot discuss with loved ones or friends for fear of being dismissed.

Food: Corned Beef and Cabbage Pie Altered

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A Topic very difficult to avoid right now is the concern and fear over COVID-19, which is naturally on all of our minds . Even if we pretend a strong front, the worry about spreading the disease or contracting it, has become part of our daily routine, as we figure out ways to adapt to a new lifestyle. The only thing I want to ask, is that we don’t freak out, nor become obsessed, but rather do our part through legitimate sources online to help contain the spread of the virus. Not to say that I am downplaying the situation, but panic is the worst enemy in times of global threat or affliction. For the time being I keep my family engaged in much cooking, and alternative conversations to help distract – and finding interesting recipes to consider fits both of my efforts. INGREDIENTS 2 lb. russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 2″ pieces 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided 1 head of Savoy cabbage 3 thick-cut bacon slices (about …