Five Things
I cannot believe I have just concluded week 9 of quarantine here in Michigan. It\’s absolutely crazy to think that 63 we have been under a stay-at-home order.
I will be honest with you, as someone who could probably be considered \”needy\” and usually has a jam-packed schedule filled with events and activities – I actually feel like I am thriving during this quarantine. Of course, I am not thrilled with the fact that I cannot travel and that shows and sports are canceled. I hate that restaurants are curbside only and that I am unable to interact with people. I especially hate that I lost my job, but despite all of this I am in the best mental state that I have been in a really long time.
I figured out the key to my happiness and why I am thriving – it\’s hiking. Yes, I know that I go on hikes constantly and travel to hike, but I never wake up every single morning and go hiking. Jack and I are still on the same schedule we were on when I was working. However, instead of me beginning to work after I take Jack for his morning walk we now head out into the woods for a hike and it is everything I need.
So while tomorrow is unknown, and everything is canceled for the year, instead of me feeling sad and depressed I am filled with all the positive vibes and really feel like I am thriving. With that being said this week\’s five things are filled with everything that has given me all the feel-good vibes this week. Which includes, an amazing package from my friend Megan, views from this week\’s hikes, a super cute BarkBox featuring SCOOB! goodies, a super cute adult swaddle blanket that I cannot wait to use for car camping and campfires and a picture from the amazing Blue Angels flyover that gave me all the feels.
Here is to another amazing week, and don\’t forget to keep up with what Jack and I are doing by following us on Instagram. Trust me, you\’re not going to want to miss the details on how we are watching SCOOB! tonight!
New SCOOB! Movie: Barkbox Edition
What came in the SCOOB! BarkBox?
Scooby-Doo of course! Obviously, the coolest dog of them all (besides Jack of course), had to be included! The Scoob stuffy is packed with plenty of fluff, a disc squeaker, and crinkle. This Scoob stuffy is perfect for playing fetch with your pup – after all Scooby-Doo is used to being chased.
Jinkies! You can\’t forget about the Mystery Machine! Packed with all your dog\’s favorites: fluff, crinkle, and of course a disc squeaker.
Jeepers! You can\’t forget about the most important part… Scooby Snacks! Jack\’s BarkBox had two packages of Scooby Snacks one was duck and the other was trout. There was also a Scooby Snack salmon chew, that Jack was completely stoked about. This was Jack\’s first time having a salmon treat, and I think it just might be his new favorite – clearly, he takes after his mama because I definitely love salmon. I only give Jack treats that are made in the USA so I loved that these were made in the USA.
Grab your favorite snack and don\’t forget, you can watch SCOOB! at home this Friday, May 15th!
SCOOB Movie Night
Have you heard the news! The gang will be ready to visit your living room this Friday, May 15! As an added bonus you can join in on the SCOOB! Movie Night Premiere Event and Twitter Watch Party featuring a dedicated red carpet pre-show with talent appearances, exclusive content and more. Once the watch party begins you can engage on Twitter using #SCOOBMovieNight, and don\’t forget to purchase SCOOB!.
I\’ll be joining in and watching SCOOB! thanks to the WB to find out how lifelong friends Scooby-Doo and Shaggy first met and joined Fred, Velma and Daphne to form the famous Mystery Inc. Rumor has it the gang will be facing their biggest and most challenging ever, and Jack and I cannot wait to watch!
The Best Baked Cod Fish Tacos
I must admit, this is my FIRST time cooking fish on my own. Typically someone else (like my grandma) would cook it and I would enjoy it. With that being said, you can imagine that I did not figure out how to properly cook my cod for fish tacos until the third try, but hey, third time is always the charm.
This baked fish recipe is flavorful and easy to make. Seriously, I am no Alton Brown, but I think I have cooking and seasoning cod down to a science now.
What to ask your butcher
If you are buying fish from a grocery store butcher, chances are the fish has been frozen and is thawing while sitting in the case – unless otherwise noted. Be sure to ask the butcher how long the fish has been sitting out before you buy it. You definitely do not want to end up with bad fish when you get home. Of course, you can also buy frozen packages of fish (Kroger and Meijer typically offer good deals on it), just make sure that it is wild-caught.
Lets taco \’bout toppings
Fish tacos are all about the toppings! You can go simple or prepare a slaw for the top. The choice is yours.
My favorite fish taco toppings include:
Pineapple salsa
Mango + peach salsa
Coleslaw
Fresh lime juice
Pico de gallo
Guacamole
How long do you need to bake fish?
Bake time for fish varies depending on a few different things:
The type of fish
The weight of the fish
What you are baking the fish in
The oven temperature
The larger the filet of fish, the longer it will take to bake. For instance, I cooked 1 pound of fish at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and it took about 15 minutes.
What type of tortillas is best for fish tacos?
This is all about your preference. I personally prefer flour tortillas street taco size, but corn tortillas will work great as well.
Baked Cod Fish Tacos Details
1. Preheat oven to 400ºF
2. Cover a baking dish or cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil
3. Remove fish from the refrigerator and use a paper towel to blot the fish and remove excess moisture
4. Place the fish into the baking dish or onto the cookie sheet
5. Sprinkle both sides of the fish with cajun seasoning
6. Bake cod at 400ºF for 12-16 minutes – the bake time will vary based on the thickness of the fish
7. When fish is done, remove it from the oven. Fish is done when it flakes apart easily with a fork
8. Use two forks to carefully break the fish up into larger chunks
9. Assemble your tacos to your liking
10. Enjoy!
Updated 2020-2021 Broadway in Detroit Season
originally scheduled for June 9-21, 2020 will now appear at the Fisher Theatre, January 12-24, 2021.
originally scheduled for July 29 – August 9, 2020 will now appear at the Detroit Opera House, January 27 – February 7, 2021.
originally scheduled for May 5-17, 2020 will now appear at the Fisher Theatre, May 4-9, 2021.
11 Benefits of Sandalwood Bead and Gemstone Bracelets
From Southwest styles and festival favorites to diffuser bracelets Boho jewelry has become one of the hottest trends. From tribal statement necklaces and sandalwood and gemstone bracelets to dangly earrings, the boho style encompasses a free-spirited and romantic style.
What is sandalwood?
Indigenous to India and Asia, the aroma of sandalwood helps the mind unwind as well as increases spiritual energy.
11 benefits of sandalwood beads
1. Brings good luck
2. Diminishes negative energies
3. Allows the mind to unwind
4. Promotes energy and enthusiasm to increase self-esteem
5. Aids in relaxation
6. Helps relieve stress
7. Invokes a sense of tranquility
8. Controls aggressiveness and irritability
9. Helps promote peaceful sleep
10. Increases the power of your wishes
11. Stimulates a sense of awareness
Pro tip: During regular meditation using a sandalwood mala bead necklace or bracelet will help you gain perspective, surround you with positive energy as well as help you create just the right balance.
What are gemstones?
A gemstone is a piece of mineral crystal. Each gemstone is said to have unique healing properties.
5 popular gemstones and their healing properties
1. Howlite encourages you to “live and let live”
2. Obsidian clears the aura of negative energy
3. Rose Quartz helps dissolve old hurts and open the heart to trust in love
4. Sunstone supports confidence, creativity, power, and leadership
5. Tigers Eye supports power, courage, and understanding
Pro tip: Amplify the healing properties of your sandalwood bead and gemstone bracelets when you add essential oils. Whether you’re looking to deal with stress, trying to sleep, or just need to be calmed down, simply add the essential oil to the lava beads on your gemstone bracelet.
What are lava beads?
Lava beads are literally made from cooled down molten rock. Lava stone is a grounding stone that is said to strengthen one’s connection with Mother Earth. Lava beads are great for giving us strength and courage as well as providing stability through times of change.
Benefits of essential oils
Essential oils can be used to help alleviate stress, get sleep, ease a stomach ache, soothe tired muscles, keep away mosquitoes, and more.
One of the most popular and well-loved essential oils is lavender. Lavender is known for it’s calming properties and can help soothe you to sleep. While peppermint is wonderful for easing stomach aches and headaches.
Citrus oils (lemon, orange, grapefruit, and lime) are said to be instant mood boosters. They’re also perfect for freshening up any room of your home.
Methods for use and applying oils
1. You can sniff them straight from the bottle
2. Use a diffuser to diffuse them in your home
3. Add oil to lava beads to take oils on-the-go with you
4. Dilute with a carrier oil (coconut or grapeseed oil) in roller bottles to apply to your body
If you’re looking for boho arm candy with a purpose Aspyn Jewelry is your one-stop Etsy shop. Aspyn Jewelry features gorgeous boho-style bracelets that are individually curated by Karah who is based in Colorado with her family (including her ADORABLE twins that I cannot get enough of). Karah creates stunning stacks, her explanations and work prove that she puts thought and effort into each individual bracelet.
Aspyn stacks are much more than sandalwood and gemstone. Karah researches stones handpicks them and puts together combinations with meaning and purpose. Each stack order comes with a handwritten card so you know what stones are in the stack along with their healing properties. If you don’t see what you’re looking for in the Aspyn Jewelry Etsy Shop simply reach out to Karah and she will be more than happy to help you create the perfect sandalwood bead and gemstone bracelets. Don’t see what you are looking for, reach out to me. I make several custom stack orders too!
My current favorite stack in the Aspyn Jewelry shop was The Adventurer (which I recently fell in love with, but it sold out quickly), encourages independence and originality. Dissipates fearfulness alleviates stress and increases vitality. The Adventurer also enhances confidence, willpower, and integrity. I don’t know about you, but The Adventurer seems to be jampacked with all the vibes I could use in my life right now.
Whether you’re getting a custom stack made, buying a ready-made stack, or a single boho bracelet, you’re sure to receive a bracelet packed with healing properties that has been curated with love.
Fashion meets Food 