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A.L.L. Corner

  • Noby Takaki
  • Apr 7, 2020
  • 10 min read

Updated: Apr 14, 2020

Special shout out to Andrea, Larisa and Leslie for putting together some ideas on staying well while in quarantine!

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Post 3 – April 14, 2020


Hey gang!


Thanks for checking out post number 3 of the CA Wellness blog. If it’s not obvious, this is my first time doing something like this. It’s a work in progress, so I appreciate you taking a gander! This seems to be a common theme for many of us during this extended stay at home. We’re experiencing a lot of firsts, so why not try something we’ve always been too afraid or too busy to do! In addition to this blog, I am trying to take advantage of some free online classes while also making time to binge watch The Great British Baking Show…it’s all about balance, right?


With the help of my esteemed colleagues, Andrea Lewin and Larisa Marmo, we’ve scoured the internet and our Instagram feeds to bring you a few new workouts, recipes and activities for your families and yourselves to enjoy each week. Check it out below and feel free to leave suggestions and feedback.

Stay home. Stay well,

Leslie


Workouts –


Crosstown Fitness

High intensity and strength focused are what you’ll find during a normal session at Crosstown Fitness. This week however, CTF is offering a special mash-up class on April 18th at 10am with Chicago Sky WNBA players, Allie Quigley and Courtney VanderSloot. Tune in on their Instagram @ctfchicago

Lululemon Fitness

Known mostly for their ridiculously luxurious, yet expensive athleisure apparel, Lululemon has also opened fitness studios within several of their retail spaces offering shoppers the opportunity to test out the quality of their apparel without leaving the store. They have also teamed up with some of the top fitness professionals in our community to give followers free, live daily classes ranging from yoga to HIIT to dance. Follow along on Instagram at @lululemonchi


Studio Lagree

The Lagree method is one of the most popular, most difficult workouts that has gained popularity among Hollywood’s hottest celebrities. Normally performed on a Megaformer, this workout takes a page from Pilates but kicks it up a notch providing students from novice to expert with a humbling workout experience. They are currently offering classes on Instagram live with no equipment necessary or with giving options to utilize chairs or dish towels to mimic equipment at home. Check them out on Instagram at @studiolagreechicago


Recipes –


Poached Eggs

I have always been too lazy to attempt making my own poached eggs, only treating myself them by ordering an overpriced avocado toast when I’d go out for the occasional brunch. Not that poaching eggs is cumbersome or involves a lot of ingredients, it just requires finesse. If you’ve tried your hand at them, you know what I’m talking about. I found this link very helpful for mastering my poached eggs and have slowly perfected them in quarantine. Then just plop the egg on a quality piece of sourdough bread with some avocado or guac, sprinkle with Everything bagel seasoning or douse in hot sauce and you’ve got yourself a restaurant quality breakfast!

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Caprese Salad

For those that are used to picking up lunch on the go this can be a challenging time navigating how to make a quick and easy lunch in the kitchen. One of my personal favorite recipes that is guaranteed to be delicious is a classic caprese salad. You only need a few ingredients for a fresh lunch perfect for those warmer days ahead.


Stuffed Peppers

The great thing about stuffed peppers is that you can get creative with your fillings and the outcome is still healthy! This recipe is Keto friendly and includes ground chicken and riced cauliflower in place of ground beef and rice but like I said, start with a basic bell pepper and you can use any number of things you have in your fridge and pantry to make a delicious, filling dinner.


Activities –


Book Club

Raise your hand if you’ve proclaimed that you’re going to read more during quarantine! What a better way to stay accountable than a bi-weekly or monthly virtual book club. If you don’t have a group of friends as enthused about books as you, there are several online clubs to help get you started. A few notable ones are linked below.


Baking

With all this free time, I’ve had the chance to reconnect with my love of baking. Living alone, I’ve fortunately and unfortunately had the joy of reaping ALL of the benefits of my rekindled hobby. In an effort to try out new recipes, I’ve turned to Sally’s Baking Addiction for inspiration. I’ve been using her blog as a baking resource for years and haven’t been disappointed yet.


For Parents + Kids –


Write a letter, send a smile

Remember when getting mail was fun? Now all that comes in the mail is usually bills or junk. Make someone’s day by writing letters to loved one with your kids! If your kids are young, have them draw a picture along with your note. It is said that doing so not only boosts the mood of the person receiving the letter, but also the sender! Additionally, it improves your creative thinking and writing skills. Why not send some snail mail to put a smile on your face and the recipient’s.


Dance the night away!

They say that listening to music reduces stress and that dancing helps boost your mood. Why not have an at home dance party? It’s fun and entertaining for all ages and all you need is some music. If you want to learn some new moves and maybe show them off, download the popular TikTok app. If you start now, your dance moves will be ready to debut at the next CA Holiday party!


Post 2 – April 6, 2020


Workouts –


If you are looking to blow off some steam, Title Boxing is streaming at home workouts. They offer a variety of workouts including boxing, strength and recovery. If you haven’t tried boxing this is a great time to check it out at the link or via their Instagram @tbcwickerpark.

YouTube

YouTube offers thousands of accredited workout channels that keep any workout routine interesting. A few favorites include:

  • Popsugar Fitness is just one of the many channels that include Kickboxing, Pilates, Yoga, Meditation and much more.

  • SELF offers HIIT style fitness videos that are cardio based and have options to include Kettlebells and weighted workouts as well as just using your body weight.

  • Brett Larkin Yoga If you don’t see yourself doing much exercise during quarantine, then maybe morning yoga in bed, chair yoga or stretching is for you? Brett Larkin Yoga offers Yoga for beginners that anyone can master.

Pilates ProWorks

Pilates exercises are not only good for toning, lengthening and strengthening your whole body but because they provide results while being low impact on joints and muscles, they are something you can benefit from at any age. Pilates ProWorks is offering mat Pilates and body weight bootcamp classes daily via the Mindbody app or linked here.


Recipes –


Hungry for pancakes? Here is a fool proof way to make a super yummy breakfast that’s packed with protein and only requires 2 ingredients: Eggs and bananas! If you are feeling a little creative or want to use up some fruit or extras in your kitchen, you can add some things like berries, nuts or chocolate chips to the batter or as a topping. Enjoy!

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

This lunch is as fresh light and colorful as it is delicious! Check out this easy recipe below!

  • Organic white quinoa- cooked

  • Red pepper

  • Red onion

  • Cucumber

  • Feta cheese

  • Chickpeas- drained and rinsed

  • Greek olives

Spicy Tomato & Turkey Soup with Ditalini

I love this soup recipe because it’s quick, hearty, has a little kick and the ditalini noodles make it feel like you’re eating adult SpaghettiOs! Follow the link for the full recipe!


Activities–


Podcasts/Audiobooks

If you are having trouble focusing on a book during this time that is completely understandable. If you normally don’t listen to podcasts this is a great time so search for podcasts of your favorite topics. You may even come across that some of your favorite entertainers that are doing weekly podcasts. It is also a great time to listen to an audiobook from your favorite author or a book that you have had your eye on. Here are a few recommendations to get you started:

Podcasts

  • How I Built This

  • Future of Storytelling

  • The Morning Toast

Audiobooks

  • Where the Crawdads Sing

  • Educated

  • The Giver of Stars


Homemade Face Masks

According to the CDC, COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person in respiratory droplets from someone who is infected but the issue is many people do not exhibit symptoms and are possibly spreading the virus blindly. Since this information has come to light, wearing a mask has become the new norm when out in public. Finding masks have become quite the challenge so many people have produced masks at home from items you already have lying around.

Beginner Mask (No Sewing Required):

  • T Shirt or Bandana

  • Coffee Filter

  • 2 Rubber Bands or Hair Ties

  • Scissors

  • Follow link for full directions

Foster a Pet

Animals are proven to reduce anxiety and provide emotional support during trying times. If you didn’t have time to care for a pet before, what’s your excuse now? There is nothing better than a non-judgmental cuddle buddy and there are hundreds of animals being rescued daily that need a loving place to stay while looking for their forever home. PAWS, Alive Rescue, One Tail at a Time, Anti-Cruelty Society


For Parents + Kids


Friday Fun

At the end of a long week of homeschooling it is always fun to reward your kids and yourself with a Friday treat. Make it a tradition during this time to do an interactive Friday night activity with your kids. Some ideas are making your own pizzas, cupcake decorating, ice cream sundae party or make your own mocktail! Your kids will thank you and you will be the coolest quarantine parent around!

This is something that I know parents will enjoy just as much as the kids! J.K. Rowling, in partnership with her publishers and Audible have created a magical and educational way to assist parents and teachers by bringing the Wizarding World of Harry Potter into everyone’s home. The books are all available via audiobook (the first book is free!), there’s a Harry Potter Hub where activities and kits are available and more!


Post 1 – March 24, 2020


Workouts –


Studio Three

If you are looking for an effective workout by some of Chicago’s best instructors, checkout the @studiothree Instagram page. They post three different live workout classes each day with different teachers and class formats. There workouts are great for all levels and the best part is, you don’t need any workout equipment to participate.


Chill Meditation

With anxiety and stress at an all-time high, we could all benefit from few minutes of meditation and mindfulness. Meditation is proven to reduce stress and anxiety, promote emotional health and enhance self-awareness. Chill Meditation Studio is currently offering FREE livestreams of guided meditation M-F at 9am and Noon. You can follow them on Instagram at @chill_out_chi


MV Fitness

Staying active during the quarantine doesn’t have to mean intense workouts with heavy weights. I’ve been using dance, not only to get in some good cardio exercise, but it’s also a very freeing outlet when you’re crammed in a 500 sq. ft. apartment for days on end! MV Fitness Chicago offers high energy, easy to follow dance routines streamed daily to their Instagram account. No prior dance experience needed. The owner/instructor, Bobby O’Brien keeps it fun and sassy. You’ll finish the class with a killer sweat and endorphins flowing! Follow @MVFitnessChi on Instragram or their on-demand classes here for daily dance parties.


Recipes –


Peanut Butter & Banana Smoothie

Smoothies are an easy way to ensure you’re getting your daily dose of the good stuff. This one is not only healthy and packed with protein but is so easy to make with items you already have at home. This banana & peanut butter breakfast smoothie will keep you full all morning and is extremely tasty!

Ingredients:

  • 1 Banana

  • 1 scoop of peanut butter

  • 1 scoop of ice

  • Splash of milk (I typically use almond)

  • Scoop of protein powder (optional)

Garlic Steak and Potato Foil Packs

Want to give Uber Eats a break tonight? You don’t have to be a Michelin Star chef to make this meal. It’s so quick and easy, literally anyone can do it. All you need is 30 minutes and a few ingredients.

What you will need:

  • Foil

  • Top Sirloin Steak

  • Baby Yellow Potatoes

  • Olive Oil

  • Salt & Pepper

  • Minced Garlic

  • Onion Powder

  • *Dried Oregano

  • *Dried Parsley

  • *Dried Thyme

  • Italian Seasoning (*if you don’t have all the suggested dried herbs)

The full recipe can be found here.


Tacos

Doesn’t get much easier than tacos! Everyone knows what it takes to make a great taco but if you don’t, here’s list of ingredients to get you started:

  • Tortillas!

  • Meat – ground beef, ground turkey, fish, sautéed veggies, plant-based soy alternative, sweet potatoes…whatever you fancy!

  • Veggies – lettuce, tomato, onion, cilantro· Fixin’s – salsa, sour cream, cheese, spicy aioli, hot sauce, get crazy with it!



Activities–


Coloring Books

If you are looking for a creative activity to distract you during this crazy time, check out Amazon for adult coloring books and colored pencils. It’s a great activity while listening to a podcast or chatting on the phone. For a list of coloring books from Amazon click here.


Cleaning/organization

“When your environment is organized and free from clutter, you feel lighter of being and more able to focus on more meaningful activities and goals.”


Those of us that live in the city know that storage and closet space can be limited. Taking advantage of every square inch of precious space is key and a great way to help with that is to stay organized!


Make a to-do list – be practical and assign a timeline to each task. Ideas to start with: kitchen cabinets, bedroom closets, junk drawers. Sort belongings into two piles: items you use often and items you haven’t used in over a year.


If you don’t have it in you to do a complete re-organization, start with these small tasks:

  • Put away items that are in plain sight

  • Make your bed

  • Put away dishes – load/unload dishwasher

  • Hang up jackets/clothes

  • Sort mail and toss unimportant documents

If you try and do these things daily, then you will have more time to focus on the important things like answering all those CAV emails.


Puzzles

The most satisfying activity I’ve discovered to date during this quarantine the age-old art of puzzling. There is nothing better than putting that last piece in a 1000-piece puzzle! It’s a welcome distraction and helps minimize anxiety better than hours of scrolling your phone. You can find hundreds of options on Amazon or see if you have a trusted COVID-free friend who will lend you one!

For Parents + Kids-


Keep your children engaged while they practice yoga, mindfulness and relaxation. Each session is interactive and teaches your child strength, balance and confidence. Subscribe for free on YouTube.


PBS is now sending daily newsletter with tips and activities for parents to keep their children busy while learning and playing.


STEM videos, books and creative activities. Now offering a FREE daily livestream of supplementary programming for K-5 grade. Signup for newsletter!

 
 
 

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