These past few weeks at home have brought uncertainty, but I have to say that being home has made me embrace being a homebody. I miss the city, having my own place, working with my closest friends, and having the freedom to do just about whatever I want. However, having a fully functional kitchen has been a plus. My down time is either producing more work or trying to feed my creativity into writing and trying new hobbies. I think a lot of people are trying to fill the time with things that make them happy and I can completely advocate for that.
Whether it be reading new books, doing yoga, painting, gardening, or cooking new recipes, art has been one of my saving graces during a time like this. A big part of our lives comes from being creatively stimulated and entertained, I empathize with families trying to come up with intricate science projects for their kids or Zoom play-dates, because I cannot imagine what it's probably like keeping your kids entertained and busy right now.
When I'm taking a break from school work, I have been trying out new and old recipes. Every now and then my family will order takeout, but I've been really curious with using only the ingredients we have to make food. Before, I was always hesitant to make recipes, mainly because I never had the time, but I've found a new comfort making food that my family can enjoy at the end of a long day.
Joanna Gaines's second cookbook, Magnolia Table, was something I indulged in because her definition of food capitalizes on bringing good company and good memories to each meal. Not just recipes that are set and stone, but ones that I can assimilate with my grandma's famous recipes, too. So I set out to make homemade pizza. I made dough that consisted of Joanna's and my grandma's recipes, and my personal added touches for toppings, to create a deliciously balanced margarita pizza. What's not to love about that?
Making pizza dough is actually quite simple. I've never made bread before, but you can't really mess it up if you go little by little. If there's anything I learned from my family and consumer science courses, it's that less is more.
All you need is active dry yeast, sugar, flour, salt, oil, and warm water. To their distinct measurements, you gradually knead in each ingredient until you get a nice ball of dough, simple right? I'm no Bon Appetite chef, but my grandma has taught me that there's delicacy is making dough and not over-kneading it or adding too much water. Sticky dough is a no-go.
I think the most satisfying part about making dough is that you make it with your hands, clean obviously, but the process is just as gratifying as taking a bite of that first slice. The best thing about pizza is that you are not limited to the toppings you put on it, so pineapple it is. You can make extra dough for later and pizza night can be every night. Making pizza engages you and brings me back to my Italian roots.
I've already made Joanna's famous oatmeal cream pies, which are undoubtably the best things I have ever made. In her cookbook, she also includes a variety of herb and spice pairings, which are great if you have random spices lying around. An abundance of salads and soups you can make in a crock pot, and of course my favorite, desserts like creme brûlée and flourless chocolate cake.
My reliance on food may have sparked a new hobby, but at the end of the day, it has given me appreciation for having food on the table and a roof over my head. What has been on your menu lately?
I have been seeing an abundance of dinner tables converted into home offices, "soft offices" or just people's beds converted into offices, some really killer home offices that were built for actual work, and some really creative set ups, so I was inspired to share my at-home office. Which I'm actually quite proud of.
What has evolved from a makeup vanity now into a dual-purpose vanity and desk has become my place of production and zoom meetings. As a kid I'd use it to play school, pretending it was the teacher's desk, but now I get to live out my 10 year-old fantasy and write all of my assignments, blog posts (even this one I'm writing), and participate in class at my desk.
I keep my productive spaces pretty organized, and I think a lot of my friends from school can abide by that. I am the most focused when I know where everything is, the main tool, my MacBook Pro, has been my saving grace through all of this. As a matter of fact, my camera has been broken for the past month, so Zoom meetings have been less awkward to say the least.
As you can see, I have a small gold tray that I bought from Target's Project 62 line, wouldn't we all love to go back to Target? I linked a similar one I found and I love to keep my makeup brushes, perfume, or Q-tips at hand because you never know when you need a quick Zoom session touch up. I also have this really quirky eyelash mirror. Folder organizers are also the way to go, I mostly love them because they hide all of my legal pads I use for notes.
Next to me, I usually have some type of liquid. I have been loving citrus infused water and hot tea. It gives me a boost and isn't something sugary or overly caffeinated. I'll have my AirPods handy, as well as, a note pad or a weekly to-do list to keep track of my online assignments and meetings. Rifle Paper Co. makes a lot of pretty ones that are functional and pull off like a sticky note.
I have also been really into these blue light glasses, although I don't know if they actually work or if I'd just gave into the trend. Staring at my screen all day does strain my eyes, but I've not worn them enough to find out if they have lasting benefits. All I know is that I feel more productive wearing them, so maybe that's a hidden plus.
I think everybody needs a sufficient desk lamp. I brought this one back from school and I use it every day. The lighting in my room is nice, but during the afternoon or when Chicago decides it'll be cloudy and snow, I feel like I could just take a nap and not do work. This one was also purchased at Target (who could have guessed).
Above my desk is usually a wall calendar. I always buy the Paper Source ones that have pretty landscapes or national parks on them. Once the year goes by, I cut off the bottom calendar part and keep them as wall art instead. All of their calendars are more than 50% off, so I would highly recommend giving them a quick browse!
I know this is a weird time and a very different adjustment to our every day routines, especially for those who have never worked from home. I am hopeful that this will not be the normal routine forever, but uplifting each other by showing the ways we get productive and maintain our daily routines always helps me stay motivated when times are hard and confusing.
Trying to stay engaged online as a college student has presented its challenges, but remembering that I have a support system of professors, advisors, family, and friends makes it just a bit more doable. What has your work-from-home routine looked like?
Who am I kidding, I haven't worn makeup in like a year, but hey! It still brings me joy and that's all that matters. Today, I wanted to do a rather light-hearted post, as much as I also would love to briefly update you all on my life, it has been pretty slow-moving. Home life has ramped up, though, I have now designated a place in my childhood bedroom for work and school. I try to assimilate a routine every morning: wake up at 8 a.m., get dressed, eat breakfast, and get on with whatever class I have that day. I know my situation is much different as everyone else's currently, but one thing I know for sure is that I have not been wearing makeup at all.
I have not realized the power of makeup until I started becoming more and more of a zombie trying to get work done and feel somewhat like a presentable human. It goes to show that sometimes putting even a dab of concealer can make you feel more alive than ever.
Clinique has been one of my favorite brands for an all-day "no makeup" look. It's a power concealer in a bottle, the Skin Perfecting Foundation and Concealer allows my face to breathe, feel natural, moisturizes and conceals perfectly without having to feel it on my face. It's the perfect stay-at-home foundation.
Another one I've loved for a while is the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer. It's a great full-coverage concealer for those really long Zoom meetings. It doesn't crease and your professor will for sure not know if you stayed up watching Grey's Anatomy until 2 a.m.
On days where we have had some sun, I've been really trying to maximize the time I get to have outside. With that, I've noticed tan lines! However, the unwelcome oil is back on my face, and I have been mitigating it with the Physicians Formula Super BB powder. I bought this recently at TJ Maxx and have been using it ever since, the best part is that it's a powder with SPF 30.
Red eyes can become a common theme with heavy screen time, so every now and then, I'll dab a little bit of the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer to mask some of the redness and oiliness that builds up during the day of e-learning.
With a bit more sun-kissed skin and brighter days, I've been brushing on a bit of Nars Laguna Bronzer to my cheekbones and forehead. Another tip I have if you really want to look presentable with minimal effort, is using a brow pencil. The IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal brow pencil does just the trick for framing out your face in just a couple small swipes.
I hope you all are doing well, despite the circumstances, there are a lot of small ways we can make big impact and if that means putting on a bit of makeup, doing your hair, showering, or washing your face. Self care is the most important during these uncertain and rather worrisome times. A boost of confidence might be key, positivity goes a long way, so just know that we are all in this together.
Hi. Hello. I'm back! It's been about a month since I've written a blog post as there have been some pretty big and troubling circumstances going on. It has taken me a while to get back on my blogging feet, so now is the time for me to finally update you all.
These past few weeks have been challenging to say the least, being a college student especially, transitioning all of my classes, job, and extra curricular activities online. Sadly, I know that a lot of other people have lost their jobs, reverted to homeschooling their children, or even work on the frontlines. I am so very grateful and extend my love for the countless number of healthcare workers, emergency services, truck drivers, farmers, essential businesses, teachers, and those who have to sacrifice it all in order to make our country safe.
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