Ok I’ve been doing these posts for quite a while now and it’s seems silly to call them Quarantine Q&As now that life is very much returning to “normal” and nobody is really quarantining. That said, the pandemic has forever changed the way I participate in activities and consume content so I think I’ll keep these posts going…with a more appropriate name. For more, check out: Part 13, Part 12, Part 11, Part 10, Part 9, Part 8, Part 7, Part 6, Part 5, Part 4, Part 3, Part 2, and Part 1.
Activities
- Cooking/Recipes:
- Grilled Pizza – Now that our grill is back in action, I want to grill allll the things. One thing I wanted to try last summer (but never got around to it) was grilled pizza. This might have to be the year.
- Molly Yeh’s Guacamole Salad – I watched her make this on her show and think it may need to appear in an upcoming Taco Tuesday spread.
- BLT – I could go for a really good BLT. With good lettuce, crispy bacon, heirloom tomato, and some mayo. Maybe I’ll throw some herbs in the mayo, but otherwise I like to keep it very simple. It’s such a great summer sandwich.
- Other Activities:
- Luca Movie Night – I love a themed movie night and this is a great one for the kids. Plan a coastal Italian menu (pasta and gelato is a must) and watch this cute new Pixar movie. Bonus points if you round it out with a bike ride and/or pool relay race to recreate the triathlon moment from the movie.
- Jazz Festival/Outdoor Movies – This delta variant is getting scary and indoor gatherings feel less and less comfortable. Outdoor events still seem ok as long as it’s not overly crowded so I’m looking to take advantage of Jazz festivals and outdoor movie screenings (planning to see You’ve Got Mail tomorrow) that pop up all summer long.
Content
- Books:
- To Have and to Hoax – This one’s the first of a series and it’s cheesy fun. It’s a very light read, but if that’s what you’re looking for and you’re a Bridgerton fan, this is definitely for you. I picked up the ebook on super sale and thought it was a nice beach read. Thinking I may have to read the next two in the series as well.
- Life Moves Pretty Fast: The Lessons We Learned from Eighties Movies (and Why We Don’t Learn Them from Movies Anymore) – My beau just finished this book that lets you geek out about 80s movies and enjoyed. I’m running behind on my non-fiction reading goal for the year, so I think I’m going to have to pick this one up.
- Movies:
- In The Heights – Loved the Broadway show; loved the movie. I thought it was a fabulous adaptation. They only changed a few things; but overall, the changes made it more appropriate for the current times (a full decade after the Broadway run). The Broadway version is one of my absolute favorites and my birthday wish was for Albert to watch the movie with me and allow me to sing along out loud. Bless him.
- Audible – I haven’t watched it yet, but this documentary about a high school football player and his Maryland School for the Deaf attempting to maintain a winning streak while struggling with the loss of a friend. (Netflix)
- Come From Away – I absolutely loved this Broadway show (it’s prob in my top 5) so I can’t wait for the filmed version to premiere next month. (Apple TV+)
- TV:
- Gossip Girl 2.0 – I was a superfan of the OG GG so there was zero question about me tuning into this reboot/continuation. While I find half of the teachers annoying, I think they’ve generally done a great job with the show. And just like the original, the city and the fashion have achieved character status. (HBO Max)
- High on the Hog – This 4-part docuseries, led by chef and writer Stephen Satterfield, traces American food to its African roots. It’s so interesting knowing the history behind the foods we love, which are steeped in serious culture. (Netflix)
- Fresh Fried and Crispy – A deep dive into fried food that makes a stop in my hometown? Sign me up. (Netflix)
- Never Have I Ever – Loved Season 1; loved Season 2, which just dropped. (Netflix)
- Hacks – I haven’t watched this one but Jean Smart is having a MOMENT and everyone is saying this show is great so it’s on the list. (HBO Max)
- Shmigadoon – Two people get trapped in a musical…it sounds like it was made for me. Can’t wait to start this one. (Apple TV+)
- Podcasts:
- Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books – Another book podcast with short episodes and great author guests.
- I Love A Lifetime Movie – Whether you actually enjoy Lifetime movies or enjoy laughing at the absurdity of them, you’ll like this recap pod. Even when I haven’t seen the movie they’re talking about, I love listening to the co-hosts discuss it. Also, I just think Naomi Ekperigan is fab so I’ll tune into Couples therapy (which she also co-hosts) .
- Fruitloops – This is a true crime podcast that focuses on criminals/victims who don’t get a ton of media coverage, particularly serial killers of color.
- The Sandwich Universe – 10 episodes (2 have been released so far), each focusing on a different iconic sandwich. It’s co-hosted by Molly Baz, who has a truly amazing cookbook out right now.
Peaches to Apples 