We’re just rolling on through the weeks. School is almost “out.” Does anyone else find phase 1 a little scarier than phase 0? We all want to feel normal SO BADLY but we also all want to be cautious and continue to do the minimum. We have a beach trip to Bald Head planned for mid-June. As of today, we’re planning to go.
Phase 1 is also going to be hard because there is going to be a lot of judgement. On social media we are going to see people traveling, sitting outside in a restaurant, or otherwise not staying at home. (I’ve already seen all of these.) Nothing productive is going to come out of shaming people, so I hope everyone will make decisions for their own family and keep their opinions offline.
Practicing wearing masks
Trying out a playground
Lest the judgement begin, we took B to a deserted playground. He had THE BEST time and went down the slide 100 times. (Mazen was bike riding / B was the only child.)
Daily nature walk
Curls were on point!
Look at that hair!!
But when it’s wet….I’m still ready to cut it 
It’s as long as mine!
Two Great Salads
These are actually from a few weeks ago but I forgot to share them!! The first is made up of all of our Mother’s Day brunch foods – cornbread, quinoa salad, some frittata on top and BELINI DRESSING! I literally poured peach simple syrup on as dressing and it was so good!! I’m going to have to make a legit dressing with peach juice soon…..
Salad #2 was more cornbread (made the best “croutons”) plus sweet potato fries, fresh berries, honey roasted almonds, and greens. More bellini dressing!
Taco Obsession
Take a while guess what we’ve been eating for dinner! Haha.
Mama did a little grilling and we had veggies with steaks one night (forgot to snap the pic!)
Enchiladas from Plenty!
A happy little breakfast plate!
Purple Monster Smoothie!
Hope you are all well!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Your posts always make me hungry! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Denise says
If my fellow citizens are following the rules for their area, I have no problem with them (or myself) being out and about. I was going to pick up dinner to go on Saturday night, and the restaurant was open! There was about 10 people max in a large airy space, so I decided to eat in and visit with my favorite bartender and waitress. They ushered me in one door, kept their masks on the whole time while I took mine off during the meal, and then sent me on my way with smiles and waves out the other main door. It was wonderful, and I could truly last another month with that one night out. However, earlier that morning, as I walked on the beach (which is allowed), I passed a family setting up a tent for the day with their two small children – very much not allowed here in San Diego yet. I couldn’t help but be disappointed with them, since people doing that are just going to get our beaches completely shut down again! If we all play fair and by the rules, we can open up slowly, safely, and sanely!
Kath Younger says
Glad you had a good first restaurant experience! I definitely wouldn’t want to break any rules and I’m glad there are clear guidelines.
Suzanne says
I think it is really important to be mindful of good health habits as we are out and about but remember that if you reverse the percentages and look at the glass as half full instead of half empty, in the United States 99.983% of the population has not died of Covid and of those who have died 42% of them were in senior living facilities. I think those odds are really good for the rest of us and I am a senior who was first in line for a fresh haircut yesterday and on my way to the reopened gym for a Pilates class today.
Jamie says
I’m in Florida and we began Phase 1 around May 1st. At first it was strange to “go back to normal” but we have adjusted and are following all the safety protocols. We haven’t seen an increase or spike in cases so it must be working. I also think the heat helps kill the Corona and it is HOT here.
Shelly says
FYI heat does NOT kill Coronavirus. Check your sources. Stay safe!
Apriorij says
May I ask, what all is in the purple monster smoothie? Looks delicious (and lovely!). 🙂
All best wishes.
Kath Younger says
These ingredients! (Or something very similar). It’s usually purple from berries 🙂
Apriori says
Thanks! YUM. 🙂
Christin says
We just moved to the next phase in my county (we are calling is phase 1 and phase 2 though, no 0 phase) and we left the kids with Grandma and went out to eat at a (socially distanced) restaurant. It felt really strange…but also really good! Our main drag in town also closed down to traffic so the restaurants could open up sidewalk and patio only seating. People were walking around. Some had masks, some did not.
It was really nice to see everyone being cautious and kind, while enjoying the new found freedom. it was a beautiful thing to see. I hope other towns experience the new phase same way as they open up. It makes all the difference to have people be kind and thoughtful and respectful toward each other, even if they have a different level of comfort with this new phase than their neighbor might.
Kath Younger says
I think we all will have a new found appreciation for the most simple social outings when this is all (hopefully) over. We haven’t been to a patio restaurant yet (mostly because the carry out food on our porch is just as good) but I do look forward to that day!
Sarah says
I couldn’t agree more about this phase being harder than before. As much as it was a shock, it was easier when there were clear rules about what to do – mainly, don’t do anything or see anyone, and just stay home as much as possible. Now that the lines are becoming more blurry and everyone is navigating the situation differently, it makes it so hard to know what the “right” thing to do is. My parents and family are being very careful and won’t see me, while my partner’s family is gathering and celebrating graduations and planning vacations. I don’t think either is “wrong”, but it’s hard knowing how to behave and feeling stuck in the middle. Thanks for sharing your feelings!
Danielle says
Playgrounds here are still wrapped up in caution tape and neon orange webbing. I’m glad your little ones got to play!
Kath Younger says
Ours are too – this was a private playground. It will be a while before we are playing with other kids
elisa kennemer says
We have a house on BHI and are planning to go back in June as well. The ferry is being very cautious as are the stores, restaurants and market. Have a great time!
Kath Younger says
Maybe we will see you! I’m glad the ferry is requiring masks and we will sit outside as well.
coco says
I’m a bit scared when school is out and not being able to travel during the summer. what am i going to do with two kids at home for 3 months??? oh God!
I think whenever we feel safe to travel domestically we will go to the beach and spend two weeks there just to have a change os scenary. I can’t stand at home anymore after 2.5 months of quarantine.
yummy salads!!!
Cyndi says
First, I love salads made with leftovers and often ‘up-cycle’ my evening meal leftovers into lunch salads. Nice tip to use unusual ingredients for dressing! And, a question…do you have a link to your and Mazen’s masks?
Kath Younger says
My mask is homemade by a friend, and his is actually one of the ski masks he wore all winter. He used to wear it like that well before quarantine to be a ninja so it was easy to get him to wear it.
amy says
Your grilled veggies are so pretty! I would love a post on how to make those grill marks and how you season them! Thank you!
Kath Younger says
Thanks! I season with olive oil, salt and pepper and then to get good marks you have to put them on and just let them sit! The longer they sit the deeper, darker the mark : )
Rina says
Hi Kath! Where is your face mask from? It has a much better shape than the ones I’ve found. Thanks for sharing!
Kath Younger says
It’s a homemade one a friend gave me. I do like that the nose has a wire so it stays on well.
Lindsey says
Those salads look delicious! You always have such great salad combo ideas to mix things up!