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Women Who Quarantine - The stories of women warriors from around the world doing their part to fight this deadly pandemic.  Welcome to our next interview for "Women Who Quarantine" with the beautiful Tara Hettrick! As most of you know by now Tara is my fabulous assistant! I cannot express how grateful I am for ALL she does! As I mentioned the first time I introduced her to you all, it was seriously a match made in Heaven! I absolutely love her wild and adventurous spirit! She is an experienced world traveler with a heart of gold! Check out her story below to learn how she is living during this uncharted time. _________________________________________ Profession: Virtual Assistant Current Location: New Hampshire @t.hettrick t.hettrick What’s life like being home? I’m back in beautiful NH, quarantining at my grandparent’s home after leaving Italy a week before the country began shutting down due to COVID. It’s been wonderful and difficult on many levels. Wonderful: I always love the feeling of “coming back home” after I’ve been traveling for awhile. Whenever I get back to the place where I was born and raised…. there’s a deep comfortability in the familiar. I’m also grateful to spend time with my hilarious, Wheel-of-Fortune solving grandparents, while being deeply aware that this is a time I will never have with them again. It makes it all the more precious. Difficult: I see what’s happening around the world and it makes my heart cry. I truly LOVE the world and to hear about: - Friends losing their jobs and possibly not getting them back. - My favorite coffeeshops and restaurants permanently shutting down. - Beaches not opening. IT’S SIMPLY HEART-BREAKING. And it sounds silly, but "Don't put Baby in a corner" lol... I miss traveling and meeting new friends! With my travel plans completely upended, I’m not sure what the future even holds. I’m usually one to embrace and celebrate the unknown, but some days it sure can be difficult!
What are you hearing from your friends around the world? It warms my heart to think of all my friends, and this is what I’m hearing: utter heartbreak -- anger -- despair Not for themselves, though. Even those who have lost their jobs or loved ones, or are in difficult home situations, are grateful. They’re FIGHTING to see the good and WILLING to take a chance on changing their old ways of life... INSPIRATIONAL. *tears* It's kind of like a internal reset. There DOES seem to be an underlying, lurking fear that we'll forget the good we've adopted during quarantine. But, I really don’t think we can. With everyone so happy that it’s 'like 1999' again, it’s hard to lose focus when it’s such a prevalent topic. I DO think it’s going to be important to be reminders and inspirers for each other. My friends are doing that for me, so it’s like the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” What habit have you started, or broken, during the quarantine? I’m working out and taking long walk at least 5 days a week! Living and traveling with an autoimmune disease, you’re not always sure if you can count on your body to do what you want it to do from one day to the next, lol….. so I’m slowly and CONSISTENTLY working on getting stronger. And guess what? Shocker - it’s working!!! I’m also giving myself a lot of kindness and grace to just BE… which is, honestly, probably the best habit a recovering perfectionist can do! Ha! Seriously, though, if I wake up and feel my energy is rather low, instead of doing a pilates workout, I’ll put my favorite playlist on and try to learn a popular Tiktok dance for 15 mins… because when it’s time to dance again…. I.WILL.BE.READY! 💃🏼 Is there a question you ask yourself everyday? Yes! I've been baking, creating, drawing, taking pictures, and cutting hair for family in my "Make-DO Hairdo Salon". ;) It’s made me fall back-in-love in the process of creating as an artist. If I’m not intentional about it, then the things that I can lose myself in and make me so happy - get pushed to the side. It makes no sense, but it is what it is. So, I’m asking myself - what beauty did I deliberately take time to appreciate, acknowledge, or create through art today? It helps set my mindset up for the next day… it’s incredible that even the thought itself helps me to be present in the here and now. And…. if I’m being real….. did I shower in the last 4 days?! <gasp> Because really, what day is it anyways?? 🙄 How has this redefined your view of living a normal life and the idea of traveling? I think this goes back to the last question…. why didn't I prioritize ‘creating’ before quarantine? I’m taking time to go over all my habits, how I think, why I do things, etc. etc. etc. It’s been extremely refreshing! I want certain aspects to be part of my normal life… but I've got to make the time for things to change! Traveling. Well, to be quite frank, I haven’t allowed myself to dwell on it very long, as it causes me to get slightly depressed. My friends in Europe are keeping me updated as things are beginning to open up. The restrictions really take the fun and pleasure of out the journey itself! I don’t want to travel in an environment of fear. So, when the time comes for me to travel to my next place, this girl is going to have her 'bags packed and ready to go'! What’s a story – from a book, a movie, an article, a podcast – that you’ve been gripped by recently? Why did it capture you?  I’ve been in my happy place, rereading some of my favorite childhood books! Last week I read, 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond'. After I finished it, I was like….. “AHHHH!!!! No wonder this was one of my favorite books!!!!” 🙌🏻 The protagonist is a girl who walks to her own beat, craves adventure, and loves beauty (in friendship and nature). She struggles with with being “put in a box”, while learning to appreciate the points of view from her different-minded family members. I’m seeing so much division on how this quarantine is going down. It’s so polarized. The fear and shaming make it hard to have an HONEST AND LOVING conversation. Thinking differently doesn't mean you are evil… or a witch ;)…. it just gives room for new creative solutions! 💖 So, this book is her journey to show what love and kindness can do for society… something I think we need a good dose of! What is your personal mantra? “Just be.” By saying that, it gives me permission to stay in the here and now… to not get caught up in the anxieties of the future, or the pressures of what I SHOULD be doing. A mentor of mine once told me, “Stop should-ing on yourself.” Whoa…. talk about mind-blowing!! By reminding myself to just be, it forces me to be honest with myself and assess how I’m doing mentally, spiritually, physically. When I change my “should” phrases into action phrases or simply not doing it - it gives me a lot of peace and joy. Guilty pleasure during this time? …. PG people please lol…🤪 Oh that is easy... paleo hot chocolate. Every.Single.Day. Favorite recipe during this time? This is actually a fave recipe any time.... Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad Ingredients:
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Women Who Quarantine - The stories of women warriors from around the world doing their part to fight this deadly pandemic.  Welcome to our next interview for "Women Who Quarantine" with Ashley Noronha! Ashley is joining us from the Eternal City... and where Audrey Hepburn happens to meet Gregory Peck... aka Roman Holiday... which happens to be a fav of mine! Ashley and her husband have actively used this quarantine time to delve into their personal lives to be intentional, 'sparkle light', celebrate life, and to be creative! Specifically on the creative front, Ashley and her husband, John, started a Youtube channel called, Our Crazy Rome Life, to help bring clarity and a little levity to being stuck at home. This humorous and advise-filled channel should not be missed! Ashley's Story Profession: Executive Director, Truth & Beauty Project; Rome Correspondent for Relevant Radio; university professor Location: Rome, Italy Websites: www.truthandbeautyexperience.com www.sparklersdiaries.com YouTube: Our Crazy Rome Life How is your heart doing during this uncharted time? There sure have been lots of unknowns! But one thing my husband John and I know for sure, is that when we find ourselves in any new reality, our first question is ... 'how can we bloom where we're planted?' Since we lost almost all of our paid work due to the Lockdown, John and I prayed about how we could continue to do good and reflect God's love, even from this "new normal" behind the walls of our Rome apartment. The next thing we knew we were creating videos on YouTube at 'Our Crazy Rome Life' - with a mission to inform and bring peace, positivity and smiles during this difficult time. Knowing that we have helped shine some light in the dark has brought joy to my heart! It's been beautiful to see how many personal relationships have been reinvigorated during Lockdown. In the past, I used social media only to wish people happy birthday or see the latest pics of my friends' growing cutie-pies. During Lockdown, I've been contributing through social media and have reconnected with so many friends. These fortified relationships and new friendships has warmed my heart! One night we had a "light flashmob" in Rome, where at 9 pm everyone turned off the lights of their homes and turned on their phone flashlights. All of those little lights sparkling in the Rome skyline inspired me to start a movement to inspire hope. So SparklersDiaries.com was born. It's a network of people who want to do good during this time and the members now span 4 continents. Being part of that movement for good has brought hope to my heart! What has been most challenging about being home? The most challenging aspects are the loss of income and not being able to grocery shop frequently. Since lines are long and store hours are short, we've been shopping about every 10 days. Also, during the severe restrictions of Lockdown in Rome, only one of us could leave the house at a time. You really have to plan your shopping list well or you're out of luck! We also miss simple daily rituals, like saying "ciao" to our neighbors at the local coffee bar or enjoying a cioccolato gelato with friends. What are you doing to keep balanced and motivated? At first, one day slipped into the next, so we realized we had to inject a dose of structure into it if we were going to successfully attend to the body, mind and soul and manage to live life to the fullest under Lockdown. First, we started planning the next day's activities the night before. This helped us stay on track, be mission-focused, and accomplish more. We made sure that each day included exercise and "vitamin d breaks," where we stopped what we're doing and went out on one of our balconies to take in some good old sunshine. We became intentional about coming up with ways to "sparkle light" and did things like leaving gifts at our neighbors' doors and phoning people who may be lonely. Also, I picked up my ukelele, "Pearl," after a long hiatus and have been having fun strumming away and getting some good doses of oxytocin from it as a bonus! Are there any healthy habits you’ve adopted during this time that you plan to take with you afterwards? We realized that the best defense against this or any illness is to build up our immunity and intentionally ensure that our day includes all the human 'goods' that make our lives complete: good food, exercise, vitamin D, socializing, self-care, outreach, work, and leisure. At the beginning of Lockdown, John and I did a Facebook Live to help people in other countries know what to expect with the quarantine restrictions that were coming their way soon (since Italy was a few weeks ahead). One thing I recommended was using a rebounder (mini-trampoline) as a way to get cardio and have fun during Lockdown. Various friends in different parts of the world ordered theirs right away! Plus I found out that some other friends already had rebounders! So, we started a weekly, 10- minute quarantine "jump-party!" How do you think this pandemic could be used to reshape Italy (society) for the good? If people are thinking outside of themselves - rather then turning inward - this situation could lead people to be more patient and more considerate of each other. To answer this question, here's a piece of an article that I wrote for Our Sunday Visitor, that seems appropriate to share with you here: Italy has survived plagues, sacks, natural disasters and wars, and the plan is to do it again. ... Families are conversing, getting to know each other, and praying together. They are discovering the musical talents of their neighbors, enjoying nature and learning to appreciate the gift of freedom. And many are choosing to intentionally rise up to help their loved ones and neighbors get through this with grace. ...During a recent musical flash mob, my husband and I danced on the balcony. On a nearby terrace, a couple held their two young sons close and swayed to the music. One woman leaned on her windowsill and sang along. Another folded her laundry as she rocked to the beat. I don’t know their names, but we greet each other every night. We are suffering together and singing together. Although we are isolated, we are united. https://www.osvnews.com/2020/03/23/when-life-gives-you-lemons-make-limoncello-survival-and-joy-in-quarantined-italy Is there something special you are doing to take care of yourself during this time? When John and I initially started making videos and producing content, we had NO idea how much time and effort a project like this required - editing, music, filming, lighting - so I started burning the candle at both ends. Exhausted, I realized I had run right into an internal stumbling block - I was willing to work SO hard because I thought these projects could help others, but I wasn't willing to stop and take care of myself holistically. When I was able to articulate this stumbling block, I acknowledged that the current pace was unsustainable and since then, have made it a priority to plan and balance my day. Here's an immune-boosting concoction that we make to keep us feeling great and full of energy: What is your favorite book and/or podcast that you’ve listened to or read this week? Brighton Rock by Graham Greene! He also happens to be my favorite writer, for his ability to craft gorgeous and poignant sentences that go deep into the human psyche and reach down and grip the soul. I'm now working on Wise Blood by Flannery O'Connor. It's just a coincidence to read one after another, but there are some fascinating similarities in the male protagonists of both books, as both men are on a painful quest for God and, like most of us, get lost along the way. I also read A Case for Kindness by Lisa Barrickman and appreciated her formula for how to impose a system of kindness in your life. Guilty pleasure during this time? …. PG people please lol…🤪 If I didn't have to earn a paycheck, the one thing I'd like to do is write fiction. But in the past, when I felt the urge to write surging up inside, sadly I usually quell it with something along the lines of, "but I'd better do [insert practical task] instead." But in the last few weeks, I've been giving in to the creative tug. And I've been having a blast with something I would have previously considered only a "guilty pleasure" that could be entertained only after every single one of my other chores was complete (which means never). So, I'm behind on emails and my house is messy, but all of a sudden I realize that it really doesn't matter. It doesn't add one hair on my head to have a constantly tidy kitchen. Now, I find that the lead character of my story, Remi Castelino, is accompanying me throughout my day as, together, we work out what his next adventures will be ... To make it happen daily, I've had to be methodical and have built this "guilty pleasure" into my morning routine. I wake up in the wee hours and the first thing is prayer time. After that, I write until it's my scheduled exercise time. Knowing myself, if I don't schedule writing, I won't do it and would come up with 100 other more practical things to do. What is your healthy favorite go-to quarantine recipe? Neither John nor I do much baking, but there's something comforting about warm banana bread! So I've made it quite a few times during Lockdown. Here's my dairy free, egg-free, and gluten free recipe: 1 cup of buckwheat flour 1 cup rice flour (I tried it with oat flour once, but found it too heavy) 5 bananas 1/2 cup stevia 1 tbsp, ground flax 3 tbsp, water 3 tbsp, olive oil You are supposed to mix the dry things separately and then mix the wet things in another bowl and then mix them. Well, I skip that and instead throw everything in one bowl and mash them up! I mean, why clean two bowls? I then put the mixture into a baking pan that I've greased with olive oil, and bake at 175 C (or 350 F), until I smell it. That's my sign that it's finished. Despite the lack of scientific methodology, we've really enjoyed the yummy outcome! Sending best wishes from Bella Roma! Sign up below for my newsletter to learn more about these heroic women from around the world and become part of a rockstar community of dream builders who desire to live a healthy life!
Sending you lots of love and joy, Marie Women Who Quarantine - The stories of women warriors from around the world doing their part to fight this deadly pandemic.  Welcome to our next interview for "Women Who Quarantine" with Rachel Lisle! I still remember the first time I heard of Rachel, a Family Nurse Practitioner from Coppell, TX. A friend of mine had just been in to see her for a wellness check-up and wanted my take on the protocol she was given. I was so impressed by what I saw due to the fact that in many ways she works similarly to the excellent holistic doctors I refer clients to. It is often unusual to find a FNP practicing in this way. Now, a year later, I have the privilege of calling her both my sweet friend and colleague! : ) Rachel lives with her husband, Hunter and two children, Emma and Harrison, while working on the front lines to fight COVID-19 inside of her practice. Rachel's Story: Profession: Integrative Family Nurse Practitioner and Mother Location: Dallas, Texas @rlisle_integrativemedical website: Integrativemedical.com How is your heart doing during this uncharted time? My heart is overall doing great due the freedom and extra quality time we have with each other! I feel so much more relaxed not having to worry about the next place we need to be. As a result, our days are far less structured than usual! What has been most challenging about being home/at work? Trying to spend one-on-one time with each family member. My two children are both hungry for alone time with each parent. It has taken over 4 weeks for us to learn, but we are utilizing new tools to accomplish this need. One night a week, my daughter Emma and I will have a movie night, special dinner, and sleepover. During that time, my husband spends alone time with our little one, Harrison. Another day of the week, my husband will take Emma on a long bike ride/go fishing, while I build a train station or legos with Harrison. What is the good you have seen come out of this? I've truly seen so much good come from this shelter-in-place order, while not minimizing the sadness and severity of the situation. People are outside a lot, which is beneficial to one's health, mood, and energy. Every dog is literally living their best life - getting loved on by family and going on daily walks! Families are spending more quality time with each other without the business. They are eating dinners together, while getting creative on how they spend their time. I'm also finding that individuals are using this quieter period to focus on improving their health, which is great! I've seen an increase at my practice of patients motivated to tackle chronic health conditions, optimize their overall health, focus on prevention, and/or commit to a weight loss plan. This time has allowed for people to truly focus on their health, while seeing the benefit of prevention firsthand. Is there any advise you would give to other women that you have found helpful or wish you knew before entering quarantine? As much as I have loved spending every waking moment with my family, my neighbor gave me a great piece of advice. She and her husband take at least 10 minutes per day to go outside by themselves. This allows a few minutes of peace and quiet to reset, which helps promote mind-fullness. Communicate with your partner and/or your children, and claim a few minutes for yourself each day! Is there something special you are doing to take care of yourself during this time? I did a cleanse with Marie the first few weeks of quarantine, which was a true gift to myself. I had a wonderful increase in energy, clarity, and overall health that gave me a great boost as we entered quarantine. What is your favorite book and/or movie that you’ve watched or read this week? We recently watched the new 'Call of the Wild' and 'Emma' movie. I absolutely love classic literature and have re-read 'Call of the Wild' with a new appreciation, especially since I am spending so much time with my dog. Jane Austen is also my favorite author, so I am starting to re-read Emma as well. Go-to healthy *family-friendly* quarantine recipe: Paleo Chicken Pot Pie Taken from: Nesting with Gracee Ingredients:
Paleo Pot Pie Crust:
Instructions:
Pot Pie Crust:
Notes: *I would recommend using blanched almond flour if you can easily get it, blanched is lighter in color and lighter in taste. *You will start to adapt it and use what veggies you have on hand. Sign up below for my newsletter to learn more about these heroic women from around the world and become of a rockstar community of dream builders who desire to live a healthy life!
Sending you lots of love and joy, Marie Women Who Quarantine - The stories of women warriors from around the world doing their part to fight this deadly pandemic.  Welcome to our next interview for "Women Who Quarantine" with Arley Rose! Arley is one of those people you can't help but be inspired by! Her hard work and dedication to her career, learning, and family has skyrocketed her to huge heights. She's a dog-rescue lover, green juicer, and Miami native - as in one of the hot spots for the virus. Arley's Story: Profession: Chief of Product, for a Meal Delivery Company (catered fit) Location: Company based in Ft Lauderdale, I live in Miami Beach Fl. @arleyrosebh (I’m private but will accept the request) How is your heart doing during this uncharted time? Physically, I am still trying to do an HIIT workout to get my heart rate up...but honestly that doesn’t always work. (Mostly because I can’t commit to it the way I would in a gym) Emotionally speaking, my heart is torn— I swing between the comfort, safety and happiness of being home with my husband...mixed with this overwhelming and crippling sadness that I feel unable to really DO anything while so many people are suffering. It’s this ominous feeling, which can even elicit guilt, knowing that we are okay, and people are suffering. All of this coupled with constant fear of getting sick, and the idea that if I needed to go to the hospital, even not-COVID related, I would be alone. So it’s like one of those Newton’s cradles, swinging back and forth between peaceful, safe, and comfortable and then it knocks to the other side triggering guilt, sadness, and fear. What has been most challenging about being home? There are two main things: 1. Not being “allowed” to leave. I stay in more so for my own health as I have a weakened immune system and I miss the casual nature of being able to just LEAVE my house. 2. Not being with my family. I have an older grandfather and two parents. I never thought if we were all “isolating” we would also be isolated from our families. Additionally, my husband’s grandmother (in Texas) is in her 90's and has been put on hospice...while we are grateful for her long life and lack of pain, it’s heartbreaking that he (my husband) cannot be with his family, or even his grandmother...and, if/when she passes, we will not able to attend any service. What are you doing to keep balanced and motivated? It might sound counter intuitive, but I actually think more of a “no rules” mentality is helping us. If we want to move the furniture and dance around the living room at 10 am? Great. If we want to bake a cake at 1 am? Awesome. We try to keep some of our normal habits, reading, exercising, etc. BUT, being forgiving of ourselves is really the biggest thing. Daily balance is kind of out the door here, and that’s okay! We focus more on staying happy and bringing enjoyment to ourselves that is forcing “balance”. And in many ways, with us both being home, we are overcorrecting the lack of work-life balance we’ve had for years. Married 8 years, and so much of that time has prioritized work... now, we prioritize ourselves, (individually and together). How do you think this pandemic could be used to reshape society for the good? I think we (as a society) “check in” on each other more, and are a little kinder to the people who are on the front lines (Meaning hourly workers). Hopefully that stays. I think this pandemic is like a sociological tectonic plate shift... and I don’t have details about how exactly it will change society, but I do think politically speaking it’s making many people question the long term sustainability of a capitalist economy. I think that service based industries (besides the grocery stores and essentials) are not able to adapt easily, and that so many can’t move 'offline' because the business model just isn’t built for it. I think this pandemic was a global test on the employment argument about the perks of working from home and remote employees— which will eventually loosen the grip of some old thinking and expand employment opportunities beyond the city centers. I think so much is going to change, and I’m eager to participate in it! Is there something special you are doing to take care of yourself during this time? I'm just trying to be kind to myself and not put too much pressure to be MORE productive. What is your favorite book and/or podcast that you’ve listened to or read this week? I haven’t listened to a podcast recently (as I’m not driving my car), but I just finished, Upheaval: Turning Points for Nations in Crisis by Jared Diamond ... I try to read things relevant to what’s going on. Another book I recommend right now, even though it isn’t a recent read is: The Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic - and How it Changed Science, Cities and the Modern World by Steven Johnson. The Ghost Map is an easy read and really amazing in helping to understand and prove theories, while showing how urban developments contribute to the spread of disease. It’s a great book to get you noodling problem solving, especially if you feel like you are trying to solve a problem alone. Guilty pleasure during this time? …. PG people please 😆lol… Not looking at the screen time alerts. iPhone likes to tell you if you’ve increased your screen time...I don’t look at it. I spend so much time FaceTiming family, or even playing games, so seeing increase in screen time just isn’t helpful. Also - I think it goes back to “no rules”. There really aren’t any guilty pleasures right now, it’s just about trying to have fun safely at home. Actually - I did “invest” in a Pilates reformer. I guess we can call that a guilty pleasure because it definitely cost more than I should be spending at the moment. Haha!
What is your favorite healthy go-to quarantine recipe? Much like every other person in quarantine mode...I keep buying bananas and letting them rot. So, I bake a banana bread about once a week. I try to mix it up, chocolate chips, maple oats, walnuts etc., but we have basically started counting our weeks inside by the number of banana breads. Also, I really like it because you can’t mess them up. It’s like you can throw whatever you want in, and it usually works out! My other favorite recipe, though not technically “healthy”, was a lemon ricotta pound cake. It was so light, fluffy and delicious. We had it for breakfast, heated it up and put some icecream on it- just perfection! #norulesquarantine Banana Bread Recipe Taken from: Cookie + kate INGREDIENTS:
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Sending you lots of love and joy, Marie Women Who Quarantine - The stories of women warriors from around the world doing their part to fight this deadly pandemic.  Welcome back to our next lovely story for "Women Who Quarantine" with my very own sister, Danielle Schuh! From the moment Danielle was born, just 13 months after me (yep...my mother is a saint), we were pretty much inseparable! Although opposites in many areas, our differences have not only complimented one another, but have pushed us both to grow as well. One area she literally ROCKS at is being an INCREDIBLE mom and wife to her husband and three children! And if you are ever in need of excellent homemade elderberry syrup she's certainly got you covered! ; ) Danielle's Story: Name: Danielle Schuh Location: Hollis, New Hampshire Profession: Stay-at-Home Mom @ladyschuh How is your heart truly doing during this uncharted time? Honestly, my heart feels extremely blessed to have all of my family together right now under one roof. Some of the day-to-day things we are really enjoying at the moment would never have happened under "normal" circumstances. So when our hearts feel a bit scared, frustrated, or anxious (which let's be real, happens often), my husband and I focus on all of the positives we have seen come out of this pandemic. What has been most challenging about being home? I’m a stay-at-home mom so this is my jam, but life has sure gotten a lot busier! ❤️ I’d say the most challenging area for me has been figuring out a schedule that works for everyone. My husband and I have been working to 'pin down' the areas that really help us to feel connected and refreshed. Doing so keeps us from feeling like everyday is just another version of Groundhog Day! ; ) What good have you have seen come out of this pandemic? Since we are ALL practicing social-distancing no one feels as though they are missing out, or guilty for not being somewhere, outside of their 4-walls. I therefore believe that this new space opens up a part of our hearts that would otherwise be difficult to attain. As a result I have witnessed families and communities working together for the good of each other. It’s so beautiful and encouraging to watch people's hearts at work right now! Is there any advice you would give to other women that you have found helpful or wish you knew before entering quarantine? Make sure you take care of yourself! Even though we are unable to get a pedicure, massage, or our hair done right now - do set aside “you time” to clear your head. This helps a lot when working to be the best version of yourself within this quarantine. Whether that’s a warm bubble bath (**bonus: add in some magnesium salts for a relaxing night's sleep), a glass of wine, a home pedicure or spa night - just DO IT!! Put it in your calendar and phone as a weekly reminder. This isn’t a vacation - who knows how long it will last! I have learned from the past that putting yourself last is a slippery downward slope. That said, if you remember to take care of yourself during this quarantine it will make ALL the difference in the world! Is there something special you are doing to take care of yourself during this time at home? My family and I are loving our daily walks, as it gets everyone outside for some fresh air and exercise. It always makes us feel better overall! A few other things I've also been enjoying would be cooking some extra fun meals (I love to cook) and little healthy treats. One of my favorite clean treats right now has been dark chocolate honey mints. They are so easy to make and SUPER yummy!! I've also been working on sending out lots of snail mail with my kiddos and some other fun projects using my Cricut. Oh, and lastly, I can't forget our impromptu dance parties - this is my husband's doing ❤️❤️. ; ) Is there a favorite song, book or podcast you are listening to right now? If so, what do you appreciate most about it? I've been reading: My Bible Study Defining Moments, which goes over in detail the readings for each Sunday Mass. I really appreciate that it helps me to carve out time for daily prayer, while also making me feel a bit closer to Sunday Mass each week… ESPECIALLY since I can’t be there in person right now. I am also doing a book study with a friend called: Choosing Beauty. It’s a 30-day women’s spiritual challenge, which I’m really enjoying! It keeps me focused on my own personal growth during this quarantine. Favorite Healthy Recipe? This is my family's healthy guilty-pleasure treat... but it's so healthy I don't feel guilty eating it!! Homemade Dark Chocolate Honey Mints recipe from: Coconuts & Kettlebells Ingredients:Honey Mint Filling:
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Sending you lots of love and joy, Marie Women Who Quarantine - The stories of women warriors from around the world doing their part to fight this deadly pandemic.  Welcome to our next interview for "Women Who Quarantine" with Margherita Agostini! Margherita is a pearl in the midst of the beauty of Florence, Italy. She has dedicated her time and talents to rediscovering the ancient Beauty, Truth, Art, and Holistic Healing of the Florentine people. It's her hope that one day, when Italy begins to awaken from this shocked state, she will be on the frontlines leading the way! Margherita's Story: Profession: Historian of Art, Italian Language, and Literature Location: Florence, Italy 1. How is your heart truly doing during this uncharted time? My heart is beating very well. I feel calm and safe where I am currently living. I rent a room inside a convent, right in the middle of Florence. Uncharted times can also be the best times! 2. What has been most challenging about being home? For me, I am grateful as nothing has been particularly challenging. The only things I really miss are my regular visits to museums, exhibitions, my long walks along the Arno river, and the gym at the fitness studio. 3. What are you doing to keep balanced and motivated? I am currently doing a full immersion into the history of Florence - I read a lot, work on cultural projects and take many pictures in the garden. I find great enjoyment in spring with all the flowers, butterflies, and bees… 4. How do you think this pandemic could be used to reshape Italy for the good? Italy is suffering a lot right now. But through its immense pain, my country is finally remembering and appreciating its own beauty, along with its true spiritual and artistic richness. In regards to reshaping, I am currently creating a project which combines: Art, History, and Health. It is my hope that it will be helpful in rebuilding our ancient culture following this pandemic. It's also quite interesting to discover the old and precious Health Care History of Florence, from the Middle Age till now. Overall I believe that this crisis could bring with it a great awakening of humanity as a whole, while allowing for the opportunity to recreate the way we work and learn moving forward. 5. Is there something special you are doing to take care of yourself during this time? I go up....and down... the many stairs of the convent for about one hour every evening. At the end, I feel quite tired and enjoy a good sleep. 6. What is your favorite book and podcast that you’ve listened to or read this week? I am reading “La splendida storia di Firenze” (Piero Bargellini) and listening to the conferences of the poet and philosopher Marco Guzzi on YouTube. Favorite Recipe During Quarantine: Marinated raw salmon carpaccio with arugula salad and melon. INGREDIENTS:
Finish the meal with refreshing: Ginger and Lemon Sorbet for dessert. Buon Appetito! Sign up below for my newsletter to learn more about these heroic women from around the world, while becoming part of a rockstar community of dream builders who desire to live a healthy life!
Sending you lots of love and joy, Marie Women Who Quarantine - The stories of women warriors from around the world doing their part to fight this deadly pandemic.  Welcome back to our next sweet story for "Women Who Quarantine"! Lena and I met while working on a retreat together about three years ago and quickly became close friends. She is one of the most beautiful and loving souls you will ever meet, and her cooking is out of this world!!! Although I love pretty much anything she makes, her authentic Indian food always nourishes me to the core! : ) Lena currently lives in Texas with her husband and two sweet boys. Lena's Story: Name: Lena Sunny Location: Carrollton, Texas Profession: Owner of Little Loves Baking Academy and Mother www.littlelovesbaking.com @littlelovesbaking How is your heart truly doing during this uncharted time? Remember that Red Hot Chili Peppers song, “Roller Coaster”? That's where I'm at right now. Ups and downs, mostly bumpy in the beginning, but now starting to get the hang of what to expect. And by what to expect, I mean adjusting to uncertainty. It’s both restrictive and freeing all at once. Paradox city! What has been most challenging about being home? Having a front-row seat to seeing what my vulnerabilities are. Like the patience required to teach my own kids, and how I draw from an empty well there sometimes. Also, balancing work with homeschooling. I’ve had to pivot my business to online services, and finding pockets of time to do that can be challenging! What is the good you have seen come out of this pandemic? This time has been hard, but the good has been phenomenally eye-opening. I get to see my kids’ needs more deeply. There is more space for that to flow out and more heartfelt conversations around those topics. I’m adapting by figuring out non-traditional ways of meeting those needs as they arise. It has definitely sparked creativity in all of us! Also, coffee on the porch with my husband in the mornings has been a gift of simplicity beyond compare. Is there any advice you would give to other women that you have found helpful or wish you knew before entering quarantine? Make connection a priority. This is an opportunity to mend and heal difficult places within our families. The quarantine will shed light on those areas, and instead of looking away or distracting - lean in to those opportunities with love. Put that above academics and homeschooling, trust me it can wait. The love and healing cannot. Is there something special you are doing to take care of yourself during this time? I set out two chairs on my tiny front porch, and bought a fold up table that I can place out there whenever I need quiet time away. Sometimes it’s to do my own work, or just have a cup of coffee by myself. Time alone refreshes me, even in bits and pieces! Also, I have a secret stash of chocolate that no one knows about. : ) Is there a favorite song, book or podcast you are listening to right now? What do you like about it? I am staying plugged into my church’s online content. Outside of the quarantine, I have podcasts that I normally follow. But right now, I really need to feel connected to my community. So, I have been using my moments of free time to virtually connect and listen to my church’s reflections, praise & worship, and Mass celebrations. It has united us all as a faith community. Red Lentil Dal This is an easy and inexpensive quarantine dish, especially if you enjoy Indian food :) INGREDIENTS:
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Sending you lots of love and joy, Marie Women Who Quarantine - The stories of women warriors from around the world doing their part to fight this deadly pandemic.  Welcome to our next interview for "Women Who Quarantine" with Carrie Chojnowski! Carrie is both a dear friend and colleague of mine. The area I appreciate most about her is that she continuously strives to be a better person in all she does! I have always found that very beautiful! Last summer she moved to Italy with her husband and children, while also pregnant with their third child. She now resides in Vicenza, one of the hot spots for the Coronavirus. Carrie's Story: Name: Carrie Chojnowski Location: Vicenza, Italy Profession: Naturopathic Doctor and Mother www.solevitae.me @caviero How is your heart truly doing during this uncharted time? To be honest, my heart is really all over the place. I gave birth to my third child, a baby girl named Luna, right before the quarantine in Italy. I wasn’t anticipating this level of isolation coupled with being newly postpartum. It's also been difficult, because my mother-in-law was helping a lot prior to Luna's birth, but now is no longer allowed to be with us. We were really looking forward to her assistance and company in the early days postpartum. In addition, my five-year old twins, Mia and Nico, have been out of school since the end of February. I have had to adjust having them both at home all day along with a new baby. Sometimes, my heart feels anxious and overwhelmed, especially with the idea that my children are growing up in this very intense and uncertain time, but I quickly reign it in until I feel a sense of peace. Ultimately, I believe that it is their soul’s contract to be alive in this world at this time. Therefore, I feel it is my job, as their mother, to bring a sense of peace and calm into the home, while also setting an example for them. When I am in the present moment, I feel joy because we are all together. We have our health, as well as everything else we need. There is so much love in my home right now as we spend all of our time together enjoying our new family of five. When I focus on that, there is nothing but love. What has been most challenging about being home? Several things have been very challenging: the isolation and the inability to go for a walk just for the sake of going for a walk (our lockdown means that you can’t go out unless it is to the pharmacy, grocery store, or hospital and only one from the family can go). I miss taking the kids out to the park, especially since Spring is in full swing in Italy right now. What good have you seen come out of this pandemic? I have seen my family connect on a deeper level. My husband and I are making a concerted effort to support one another with love and kindness, even when we are both a bit stir-crazy and irritable. I feel like we’re giving each other more grace right now, too. Also, it has been wonderful to have this time with our new baby, while being able to adjust without the added craziness of all of our typical schedules to contend with! Is there any advise you would give to other women that you have found helpful or wish you knew before entering quarantine? A close friend sent an article to me by Michael Meade called, “To Not Abandon Ourselves.” In it he says, “We have to be careful not to abandon ourselves as we temporarily release aspects of our social identity.”. He discusses further that by going deeper into our discomfort, we may make ourselves more whole, returning to life with “deeper connection to both meaning and purpose.” Meade says that, “What changes the soul can also change the world”, and I deeply believe this. I frequently return to his article to remind myself that, by willingly entering into discomfort with an open heart - it can be a game changer. Is there something special you are doing to take care of yourself during this time? I make sure to get outside every day. I sit in the yard and just breathe deeply, bask in the sun, or walk around. It reminds me to be present and in that present moment I am safe, my family is safe, and we have everything we need. This brings me deep peace, which I try to hold onto throughout the day. I’m now a few weeks postpartum and feeling good. I also re-started my yoga practice, which always makes me feel better after I take the time to do it (even if it's only for five minutes). I’ve been praying each day, focusing on everything that I am grateful for. I also pray for those who need support, love, and peace, specifically for: those who are caring for the sick, those who are dying in isolation, and those who are having babies alone. If I had given birth to Luna one day later, I would have been without my husband and baby, while being held at the hospital for 7 days; so this feels especially important to me right now. I’ve also been connecting with friends and family regularly through FaceTime so that we all don’t feel as isolated. Carrie’s IMMUNE ENHANCING TEA (made for a large mason jar)
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Sending you lots of love and joy, Marie Women Who Quarantine - The stories of women warriors from around the world doing their part to fight this deadly pandemic.  Welcome to our second interview for "Women Who Quarantine" with Sarah! Sarah is good friends with my sweet assistant, Tara. They met in DC and bonded over salsa dancing, great tequila, and deep conversations about the beauty of life! We are so happy to have you with us, Sarah! : ) Sarah’s Story Location: Washington, DC Profession: Government Employee totes_deff_Sarahhh How is your heart truly doing during this uncharted time? My heart is genuinely a balance of grieving and grateful. What has been most challenging about being home? Most challenging has been keeping up with the news without being sucked into the sensationalism. What is the best way to avoid information overload? I watch my home state governor's briefing and the federal briefing every day. It gives me all the information I need...the rest is just talking heads. Is there any advice you have found helpful during your time of quarantine? I’ve adopted a daily routine. It starts strong in the morning and is more lax in the afternoon. It’s most helpful on those day’s where I’m feeling a little down or lost in it all. :) Is there something special you are doing to take of yourself? Eating well! My favorite trick has been a frozen kale green smoothie (recipe below)! Hey, it’s quarantine… so what is your guilty please (PG-rated, of course ;D )? Oh that’s easy, Double Stuff Oreos 🇺🇸  Sarah's Nourishing Morning Green Smoothie Recipe:
Sign up below for my newsletter to learn more about these heroic women from around the world as part of a rockstar community of dream builders who desire to live a healthy life! Sending you lots of love and joy, Marie Women Who Quarantine - A project inspired by the amazing women warriors from around the world doing their part to fight this deadly pandemic.  Welcome to our first interview for "Women Who Quarantine" with Elizabeth Lawrence, better known as Lizzy to me! : ) Lizzy grew up in NH, though later met her husband and moved to Lucca, Italy. When I began hearing how badly the coronavirus was affecting her region I reached out to see how she was doing. It was her story, amongst several others, that really tugged at my heart to create this project. I hope these stories you are about to hear will bless you as much as they have for me and my family. <3 Elizabeth’s Story Location: Lucca, Italy Profession: Photographer and Mother @_lizzzzzy_ How is your heart truly doing during this uncharted time? Better! Now that we are somewhat in a rhythm and seeing numbers drop because of our country’s collective efforts in quarantine, everything seems to feel a little bit lighter. During the first few weeks (even now at times) it was hard not to focus on the numbers and the unknown. Learning that people seriously infected with Covid-19 are passing away alone, without family members and no proper funerals, is a very hard reality to digest. What has been most challenging about being home? For me the most challenging thing thus far was during the first few weeks leading up to lockdown. It was uncharted territory. We had limited information about what went on in China, while being the first European country to have experienced an epicenter of contagion. It was still a big joke to other European countries as well as America, though our numbers here in Italy were doubling everyday. Lockdown also happened very abruptly (everything was closed within four days) and with no real end in sight. After the first couple of days it was like the twilight zone getting on social media as I watched family and friends go on with their normal life in the states. They had no idea what was coming; and worse, it felt like they didn’t believe what was going on here as well. Those were the hardest days for me. I found it so difficult to be positive, as fearing the unknown was just inevitable. What good have you seen come out of this pandemic? While growing up in America I felt patriotism was always important. Italy, however, is different in this way, which I remember noticing when I first moved here. That said, this whole experience has really brought everyone together, even though we’re all separated. Social media of course has played a big role in that, as well as everyone trying to remain positive and support the medical staff through encouragement. It has all been really amazing to see. Is there any advise you would give to other women, which you found helpful or wish you knew before entering quarantine? This will probably seem superfluous, but while you can, stock up on crafts to keep in the house! Last week the decree was made that stores could only sell items for absolute necessity (including amazon prime). So at the grocery store they closed off the little aisle filled with toys and craft items. I wish I would’ve stocked up on some of those things because with a two year old, some of those reinforcements would have been awesome for the short attention span I’m dealing with! Is there something special you are doing to take care of yourself during this time? My husband is away for work a good part of the year; so in a way, this feels like a mini vacation for us at home. We’re so thankful for our health, as we enjoy this unexpected time together working on our old home, which is currently under reconstruction. Elizabeth’s Italian Boiled- Salmon Recipe: This is a staple for us as it is quick and easy to put together! Ingredients: 2-4 Salmon filets - depending on your family, even salmon filets right from the freezer if you’re in a rush! 1-2 Celery stocks 1-2 Carrots 1 Onion Serving: Lemon juice Olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Directions:
(This traditional Italian meal is often served with a side of Lemon Rice and a glass of Prosecco!) Sign up below for my newsletter to learn more about these heroic women from around the world as part of a rockstar community of dream builders who desire to live a healthy life! Sending you lots of love and joy, Marie |
Author"There comes a point in your life when you need to stop reading other people's books and write your own." Albert Einstein Archives
May 2020
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