A Quarantined Life… Get Dressed! (Every Day)

“Life is a party. Dress like it.”-Audrey Hepburn

Hello, sweet friends…

I also want to apologize for changing this weeks theme. I had another post planned…making mention of it on my last blog post https://marciascottagebythesea.com/an-elegant-life-in-a-quarantined-world/ however so much has changed since then…

That being said today I’d like to share how I’m adjusting these days at home and a few things that help me with maintaining a healthy mind & body…

Something which is more important than ever. let’s face it…we are going to be spending quite a bit of time here.

My most important suggestion…(drum roll)

*1. Get dressed! (Every Day)

I remember when I was still teaching and it felt (was) like a luxury to be able to stay home and lounge around in my pj’s. It was great back then…however now that I’m required to stay home… what once felt like a luxury might not be such a great idea.

Here’s a few outfits I wore this week.

oopsie…how did dapper Joe get in here?

I realize that this suggestion is coming from someone who doesn’t even go for a walk without putting lipstick on…and as I write I’m reminded of a former colleague that once told her students she couldn’t teach until she put her lipstick on. 😂 It might sound funny however during this time I’m convinced that making the effort to shower, putting a bit of make-up on, wearing real clothes, a splash of my favorite perfume works for me because it makes me feel better, hopeful and positive. Staying home in my pj’s all day does not motivate me for anything…except for a nap (which is not healthy 24/7) so I don’t do that. I’ve learned it makes a difference in how I feel about myself & the things I do have control over.

Here are a few other random things I thought of…what would you add?

2. Eat breakfast 3.write something 4.Move around 5. Floss your teeth 6. Take a deep breath of fresh air 7.accomplish one task on your to-do-list 8.sit for a few moments with just your thoughts 9. Feel the ground as you walk.10. Make your bed

👩‍🍳
What’s Cooking?

Healthy Hamburgers with steak fries

A real comfort food made just healthy enough to enjoy.

Because I don’t eat meat this recipe is using Beyond Meat.

Defrost the Beyond Meat patties. Heat up the pan to medium heat. Carefully place the patties onto the Griddle and press down lightly with a spatula. Just a slight press. Next using the spatula flip the patty over like a pancake. 👨‍🍳 Let it cook for about 60 seconds….depending on how well cooked you like it. Place a slice of cheese on the patties let it melt and remove.

Construct your burger anyway you see fit.

We topped ours with lettuce, tomatoes and avocados.

Note: I like to toast the buns too.

Steak Fries

Ingredients

• 4 large Russet Potatoes(approximately 2 1/2 pounds)
• 1/4 cup Cooking Oil
• 3 tablespoons Flour
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground Black Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
• Dash Cayenne Pepper

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
• Cut potatoes into wedges approximately an inch thick. (I typically get 8 wedges from a potato)
• Place wedges in a large bowl and add oil and all seasonings. Toss to evenly coat the potatoes.
• Place wedges on a greased baking sheet and roast in the oven.
• 20 minutes into baking, check for doneness and flip wedges. Wedges can be removed if already cooked through, otherwise let cook 5 additional minutes, or until done.

Banana Nut Bread

Joe took the above photo👨‍🍳

Ingredients

2-4 very ripe bananas, peeled. (I prefer 3 bananas.)

1/3 cup melted butter, unsalted

1 tsp baking soda

3/4 cup sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1.5 cups of all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Butter or oil a 4×8-inch or a 9×5-inch loaf pan.  
3. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. 
4. Add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir.
5. Add the baking soda, sugar, flour, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mix. 
6. Keep mixing! Mix it good!
7. Pour batter into your loaf pan (Please remember to grease the bottom with butter, or oil. 
8. Bake for about 40 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. OVEN TIMES VARY. Some people need 55 minutes. Others need 30 minutes. Please use your own judgment and the toothpick trick (insert a wooden toothpick in the middle of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. If it comes out with batter on the toothpick, please continue baking. It is not done). In a fairly new, convection oven, it takes around 40 minutes for my bread to be done. 
9. Remove from oven and let cool. For clean slices, please allow the bread to completely cool. 
10. Enjoy your simple and delicious banana bread!!!

and…

in support of our local restaurants…this week’s take-out💕

April Blessings💋