Good evening! Long time…no new post. Let’s say the first part of #stayathome #workfromhome was great…and then it got #boringandtough. Trying to go back on a refresh by getting back into daily exercise, meditating, journaling, eating more greens and feeding the mind, body, and soul. You know….all the stuff you are supposed to do but sometimes we think we can get away with not doing and take shortcuts and then we feel old and tired and blah. I wanted to do a fun post today as I sit in our cleaned adirondack (yes I had to google how to spell that correctly) chairs from World Market. A slight humid breeze passing through our patio (with the sound of our neighbors from another block vacuuming their car….who the #$&! vacuums their car at 8 pm when it is raining/about to rain!).

My pool essentials (obviously a swimsuit is an essential but that is assumed and not discussed here).

Sunglasses– I love love love my Goodr polarized running glasses because they are multipurpose, they are cheap (I don’t believe in designer glasses that require a special case or cost the equivalent of an ER or hospital visit), they require minimal maintenance (wash in warm water with mild soap and rinse…maybe clean with microfiber cloth), and they don’t slip!

Hat-not pictured…but usually wide brimmed and easy to dry…think beach vibes so it covers your face well if you are lounging.

Goggles-Because I am a wimp and can not deal with the sting of chlorine or really any water actually in my eyes. It is already hard enough for me to attempt to swim without water in my eyes. I am barely getting used to having water in my ears (before that I used to have special swim ear plugs). I am moving up in experience! I buy 1-2 pairs every year and only wear them when trying to do “real” swimming (aka face in water).

Swimsuit cover up-make sure it is breathable and dries quickly. I like simple, poncho like, with sleeves, cute, a bit see through is ok but not too see through (this is more casual wear than sexy instagram model vibes). Something that is not too short. The way I shop for a cover up is if the answer to this next question is ‘for the most part, yes’. If I was driving and wearing only my swimsuit and this coverup and got pulled over by a cop and had to step out of the car…would I feel comfortable stepping out of the car for strangers to see me in it and flip flops? Like I don’t want to be confused for a different type of lady….you get my drift!

Flip-flops-Not pictured. Get yourself some rubber flip flops to wear when out of the pool…self-explanatory.

Lastly, is SUNSCREEN. If you don’t believe in sunscreen just google ‘twins with and without sunscreen’ and then decide how you want to look 10+ years down the line. Also, google ‘skin cancer’. Also, it is cheaper to use sunscreen than to pay for biopsies and surgery and constant follow-up with a dermatologist. AND who wants to have gross skin…not cute! Don’t be that dummy, use sunscreen. Thanks to my fabulous co-resident/maid of honor/sister from another mister \(and mother too) I learned about UVB and UVA rays and chemical vs physical (also referred to as mineral) sunscreens. Luckily, you don’t have to do all the research that she did…you just have to trust me and know that usually SPF 30 (used appropriately) will guard you agains 97% of UVB rays…those are the main ones known to cause the most harm. If you want to go for more…that is great…but if you don’t have the $$$, that is ok. I use two types (one for face and one for body). I prefer the lotion one for face to get even coverage and get all the nooks and crannies in the ears. The Neutrogena one seen below I feel gives good coverage but be warned it is NOT sheer (even though the package says otherwise). I have recently found another sunscreen which I will talk about later in my new sunscreen reviews. The second sunscreen is an Australian Gold spray on (I can’t confirm or deny if it is popular or even used by people on Australia) for all the other parts that aren’t covered by your bathing/swim suit (yes this includes your feet/toes and hands) because it is convenient and easy to use–don’t inhale the spray. My MIL first found this brand a few years ago and I recently found it in spray form…it smells good (maybe a bit fruity) and doesn’t leave as bad of a gross slimy residue as other sunscreens. I am a fan. Oh and my PSA….yes you need to apply sunscreen at least 15 mins before going out into the sun/pool…it works better. Don’t apply and just head out…give it time! Be SMART. On another note…always apply sunscreen on the daily in your normal facial moisturizer…especially if you live in NM!

What time is it?! New sunscreen trial review time!

At the beginning of #stayathome I had a lot of time and learned about some powdered sunscreens which I thought was great for times when I don’t want to be sweaty and add yet another “sheer” sunscreen product but in really it is greasy feeling. Here are the three sunscreens (two of them being powdered) I tried in the order I tried them.

1. Tarteguard Mineral Powder Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30/ $28 for one tube/ Likes: Applicator brush is very soft and gentle. The bristles spread a lot to hopefully get product all over your face. You could use it on neck, chest, arms. Powder has a color. Has a button to press to dispense the powder. You could apply to scalp/hair part. /Dislikes: Vanilla fragranced which unless it is in baked goods is not pleasing. Powder has a color so potentially it could change up how your face looks or clash with your makeup if you use foundation. Couldn’t tell how much powder was being dispensed and if enough powder was covering my face to provide the sunscreen benefits.
2. BRUSH ON BLOCK Translucent Mineral Powder Sunscreen (SPF 30)/ $32 for one tube/Likes: It really is translucent and you can use it as a makeup setting powder. You can tell when the powder is dispensed. When you are finished with the first tube the bottom part can be replaced so you can re-use the bristle applicator part, which in the long run makes it less expensive. No fragrance to it…at least that I could smell. You can apply to scalp/hair part. It is sweat and water-resistant for up to 80 mins./Dislikes: The bristles aren’t as soft and do not spread out as nice or as out as the Tarte sunscreen ones.
3. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40/ $34-44 depending on the size for one tube (P.S. I got a free sample from Sephora by ordering other hair products…and I loved it so much I actually just bought the real size bottle of sunscreen). /Likes: It seems like a very little goes a long way. The texture is silky smooth..and the sunscreen comes out literally clear from the bottle. Does not leave hands feeling sticky. Does not add shine. Acts almost like a primer so you could easily put foundation on (so I hear). No smell!/ Dislikes: Price. Because of the texture I feel like I have to apply super quick…because I don’t know when it disappears in to my skin. Directions state it is good for 40 mins only…and to reapply after.

So for now I think Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen will be my go-to for everyday and for face/neck before hiking/running/swimming. The brush on block will be my go to when I want to have a setting powder on top of my make up or when I am on the run or might not have the most clean hands to apply my sunscreen…it is easy to throw in my purse and apply. As for the TARTE powder…meh…if someone wants it they can have it ( I promise I only used it over my cleaned face first) as I can not stomach the vanilla scent.

Parting words for tonight: USE SUNSCREEN, don’t be a dummy!

May the 4th be with you. #andalsowithyou Did anyone grow up Catholic? I grew up Catholic but have leaned away. However, there are some things that memories of bring back comfort. Particularly there are two parts of Mass I liked, one is where everyone joins hands to pray Our Father and the other is when everyone extends the sign of peace to each other. Strange to think that now no one is touching hands whatsoever in any public spaces (may there come a time when strangers or non-family can choose to join in congregation and hold hands if they so choose without fear of contributing to the pandemic and spreading disease). For now, I strongly continue to recommend strength in physical separation.

Ok..sorry about that side tangent.

NOW BACK TO REGULAR PROGRAMMING.

With it being a special day today we decided to watch a prequel to Star Wars. Fact: The older Star Wars movies are much better than the newer ones because there is fun plot and action but there is also meaningful discourse between the characters. The older movies take the time to build the story. Isn’t that what a movie is all about? I’d say, yes!

Also, new favorite cooling drink made in this order: ice cubes in a glass, juice of half a lemon ( I  had some leftover lemon juice from this roasted broccoli recipe–go here if you want a really tasty and easy semi healthy roasted broccoli recipe), pour in half club soda, add a pinch of salt, pour in the rest of a club soda and another pinch of salt. Absolutely refreshing and tasty.

Photos of more food/drinks:

1. Chocolate-Cashew Chia Pudding Recipe from Bon Appetit=Dates+Cashew Milk+Cashews+dates+Cocoa powder+yogurt+maple syrup+chia seeds+cinnamon+vanilla extract+salt+blender= YUM! Also, I think this is supposed to be a desert but we had it for breakfast. I made half the recipe and we still have leftovers…so I would say this is enough to feed at least 3 people.
   

   Mise en place

   

   The white is maple flavored full fat yogurt. The dark is the chia pudding.
2. Clean lager that tastes like refined Coors or Miller High Life. My new favorite easy to drink beer. Highly recommend. Crisp finish and low carb!
   

   

    

3. Deli meat and cheese from one of our favorite brunch places, The Grove. And of course the current status of our cheese drawer in our fridge. The cheese drawer is happy! New descriptor of Havarti, creamy like gouda but flavor similar to mild cheddar mixed with swiss. Does anyone agree or disagree?
   

   

   NOW TIME FOR NON-FOOD STUFF

Flowers on our weekend walks. Not in our neighborhood because the landscaping is much too nice. 

Repotted my Valentine’s Day Plant. Hopefully it will do better now!

Hello people of JoyPerks! I tried Cadbury Eggs after watching a Bon Appetit Gourmet Makes video on YouTube (maybe I had had them prior but certainly did not remember trying them or what they tased like) . #thehubs went on a Target run (don’t worry it was not a a careless outing, other essentials were needed and this was a planned grocery/necessities outing) and brought me an original Cadbury creme egg and also a caramel egg. I asked him to take photos of me tasting it (kind of like an “unboxing” in my mind) but it turns out I am NOT photogenic! My wedding photographers were amazing and those are basically the only good photos I have. Literally, my husband will agree that I look much much better in person than in photos (it is my natural talent to be BAD looking in photos).

My final assessment/opinion on the eggs:

• Did not like the chocolate. Too thick and too sweet without enough flavor.
• Filling was extremely sweet but I enjoyed it more than the chocolate.
• The caramel filling was not great.
• I will not be purchasing or eating these again. Not worth the calories, and even if they were calorie free, not great mouthfeel or taste. Stick to peeps for Easter time candy!

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Happy Hump Day! I would just like to start off saying that Wednesdays are the worst, they are there to trip you up during the week. Wednesdays are like the annoying sibling, the crack in the sidewalk that causes you to trip, the popcorn kernel that gets stuck in your teeth and gums. Now that I’ve fully set my rage I can make a list of random thoughts and shenanigans for hump day.

• Working out is more fun when you do it with people you like. Actually, anything is more fun when you do it with people you like. Same can be translated to work.
• Why are mustard greens called mustard greens? According to google they are the same plant that produces mustard seeds.
• Speaking of mustard…I used to kinda hate it. Still not a fan, but starting to slowly like it more as in I can tolerate small amounts on burgers and in potato salad and may actually choose to use fancy whole grain mustard as a condiment.
• I don’t know that I can tell the difference between cubed up/steamed/mashed butternut squash and sweet potatoes…I know the squash is brighter in color but basically they taste the same to me.
• Allergies suck and the pollen count on the East side is the worst, yet I’d rather still live on the East side than have to cross the river (unless we win the lottery and I get to build a compound in the NorthValley).
• How does anyone work from home without the following: tissues within reach, one cold drink (ice water), one hot drink (coffee/tea), work hoodie, an electric blanket wrapped around your mid to lower half on high heat ?
• If I cut #thehubs hair does that mean I can put “personal barber” on my resume? I was terrified and after this #stayathome order is over I will try my best to not complain about how my husband spends at least 3x the amount I do on haircuts (he goes to this place where he slips into a silky robe and they offer booze as part of their refreshments) every 3 to 4 weeks. Before and after pics for your pleasing–this was the one condition I had in order to complete this task. #didntlearnthisinpharmschool
  

I’ve come to the conclusion that I am a child/toddler. Reasons below:

• I get cranky in the afternoon and am sure I would fair better if my employer allowed not only a lunch but also a mid-morning and early afternoon nap.
• All things sugary are of high appeal to me, and vegetables are tastier when masked in good tasting food. Want me to eat broccoli? Put it in mac n cheese.
• I need to pee at the most inconvenient times (usually during a zoom call!).
• Snacks are my favorite…I am always in the mood for snacks. There is no age when you are too old for ants on a log! Please enjoy this pic of my snack that I prepped for tomorrow. It is fancy because I used honey roasted fresh ground peanut butter from Whole Foods. 

Last week was rough! Lets just say even in the administrative pharmacy world stuff was busy (12 hour days what?!) and everything was urgent and projects were at an all time high and I am super glad I was able to rest some on the weekend. Hence why I didn’t have time to post.

Some thoughts for you:

1. I really love kale. Kale pesto, kale chips, kale in stews, crispy kale, sautéed kale. Why did God/someone invent spinach when there is something far superior called kale?! And my favorite kale is not the curly kind, I like the flat leaf kind better (it also doesn’t get trapped in my braces as much). Please enjoy some pics of kale as a side that #thehubs has been making weekly.
   

   
2. Since we are on the subject of food. I am getting better at just throwing food together. Had some habanero lime ramen noodle (the square ramen that comes with one seasoning packet). Added some left over chopped green onion, leftover chopped Roma tomato, cilantro, ripe avocado and look at how gourmet it looks on my lap and couch! Yes, #thehubs has become more lenient and I am allowed to eat on the couch a substantial amount. I am going to ride this wave and take advantage until things go back to “normal”. 
3. While we continue on the subject of food…Whole Foods/Amazon knows our life. They know exactly what we will buy on the regular and I am not mad.

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4. It sucks having allergy symptoms during this pandemic. Anytime I feel something I always wonder if it could be…the ‘rona. Also feeling really cold every morning. I started drinking hot tea throughout the day and wearing an electric blanket on me while working. Temperature at home is in the 70s. I don’t know what is wrong with me (apart from a moderate hypochondriac tendency). Don’t worry no fevers, coughs, or shortness of breath!  Speaking of PANDEMIC…we played the game for the second time over the past 3-4 years! It had total different meaning as the stakes were high because of the current situation. We won, again! If only the US Government could maybe follow the rules of the game we might have been better off.
5. Does anyone else feel like we are stuck in the HP ORDER OF THE PHOENIX and everything is somehow managed by Dolores Umbridge? Educational Decrees (I had to google the numbers and thanks to this HP fan site ) No. 23, No. 25, No. 26, No. 29, No. 31, No. 36, No. 49, No. 75. 
6. Feeling really run-down at work. The WFH glamour and glitz has gone away…now it is same-old, same-old. I did finally wash my work hoodie and do my make up. I also wore earrings. Which just shows that when you look better, you feel better! Thanks Coach Shay for the tip of going through your usual routine to empower you throughout the day! #fakeittillyoumakeit Please enjoy this selfie of me in my newly washed work hoodie or use it for a meme. Whatever!
7. Since one of my besties works at a retail pharmacy and there is NO way I am going to maybe get exposed we did a virtual yoga together. We both paid for the same YogaZo yoga class (https://www.yogazoabq.com/practice-at-home) over Venmo and then were emailed a youtube link and then started the class at exactly the same time. Then we sent photos of us to each other right before it started!
   

   
8. Also got another foam roller ball and it is amazing! I can’t believe I didn’t start foam rolling until we started training for our half-marathon (which is canceled BTW). It makes a huge difference!
9. Baking always makes me a bit happy. Nothing fancy here, just a boxed cake mix and store frosting with food coloring…and my half-ass attempt to make a Pikachu cake all inspired by Pinterest which I kept looking at for reference. For education purposes–black food coloring is red, green and blue mixed together (the internet said to do equal amounts…but in reality it is more of the blue and red). Also, now that Pokemon is big again I am totally wishing I would have kept all of those holographic card some cool high school kid gave me because those cards weren’t cool anymore, from 15+ years ago.
   

   If you change the frosting color this might be easily turned into an EASTER BUNNY CAKE! I used 1 cake box +ingredients, two 9 or 8-inch circle cake pans, parchment paper, 3 tubs of frosting and about 2 hours. AND some mixing bowls, speed mixer, spatula, offset spatula…

10. I leave you with our pretty tree in our front yard. It is still flowering, possibly aware of the times ahead but being it’s beautiful self nonetheless.
    

    

Happy Friday! This is a super quick post because I have to go to bed soon!

Stuff I have discovered:

1. Friday’s aren’t as Friday-like when you are WFH.
2. Everyday I dress like I am going to the gym (but a regular bra instead of a workout one and no shoes or headband) but it turns out I am just going to WFH. Don’t worry, still did my run workout.
3. New shoes came in! Guess which ones are mine.
4. Made Egg-in-a-hole or Egg-in-a-basket for breakfast. I love cultured salted butter. Enjoy this runny yolk. Should I be charging for this food porn?
5. Every FRIDAY an analyst friend from work would come over to our cubicles in the afternoon and shows us (the other pharmacist and I) photos and videos of cats…we call it FELINE FRIDAY. It is a thing! Well, now that we are working from home, he is continuing the tradition by email. We received a lovely email of cute kittens today. Which just shows that there is always a way to keep traditions alive–we just need to use our resources and get creative.
6. This work hoodie is now filthy and I need to wash it.

Hope everyone can have a semi-normal weekend. Because the world is upside down, let’s try to keep our hearts right-side up.

P.S. I’m strongly considering getting Tik Tok…this is what my life has come to.

Hello beautiful people! Quick update on my new life:

1. Been eating way more snacks (Joyperks pico de gallo with chips mainly)  because the fridge is only yards away from my home office. Comment if you think I should continue or stop this new habit.
2. Have been hydrating more.
3. Vacuumed my living room during my lunch hour. Oh…and I have taken a “lunch” TWO DAYS IN A ROW! This almost NEVER USED TO HAPPEN in the OFFICE!
4. #thehubs set off our smoke alarms while cooking fajitas (but they were totally worth it!).
5. Now have a favorite hoodie to wear (because it is chilly in the morning).
6. Also have a new work attire (leggings/yoga pants and random OTF or sports team t-shirt, and socks (because it is chilly). Laundry will be much easier now! No more skirts, dresses, pantyhose/tights (yes, because I don’t like to shave my legs every day), blouses, collared shirts or cardigans to wash and dry.
7. Checked on my radishes into pickle juice (they picked up a nice pickle flavor and the texture softened). I ate them. Then I sliced, into thicker slices, the rest of the radishes, and added them to the pickle juice. Then placed those back into the fridge.
   

   First batch of radishes! The pickle juice turned pink!

8. I discovered I love this salsa. I opted for this salsa when I was looking for green Cholula at the grocery store(s) but couldn’t find it. Highly recommend 10/10, not spicy, great tang from the tomatillos and only 5 calories per TABLEspoon (15 mLs).
9. #thehubs thinks my spirit was meant to WFH. Let’s see how the rest of the week goes.

SEE YOU ALL LATER!

Love, Joyperks

Hello people! Now that COVID-19 and #socialdistancing is trending we are trying to make only one shopping trip per week and keeping the fridge stocked well so that we can be responsible adults.

If you know me, you know that I cringe at the sight of a poorly organized fridge (I am thinking of you #Todd! and my #Mamá!). Now that I have my own home and can control the fridge (thanks #thehubs for putting up with my OCD tendencies for some things), I will!

First we focus on what is inside the fridge:

Drink essentials:

• Filtered water (though I am starting to like the taste of tap water with ice)
• #thehubs coke cherry zero (or is it cherry Coke Zero?) and mini-cans of ginger ale for me (in case I am feeling sick to my stomach)
• A few cans of coconut water (refreshing and a nice pick me up with lots of ice during a day when I need a drink with body)
• Sparkling water (If it is flavored then I prefer lime or grapefruit, my absolute favorite non-flavored sparkling water is The Mountain Valley that comes in a big green glass bottle) for when you are tired of plain water and of course to make my cocktails
• Random drinks that we bought at specialty stores. Currently there are some mango drinks, Gatorade (because #thehubs was convinced he needed more electrolytes for his shoulder pain/spasms), a canned English tea
• Milk: Usually 8 oz packages of almond milk for me(because it mixed with protein shakes and is also less calories and lighter for overnight oats and cereal). Because of COVID-19 we also got regular milk and #thehubs got Strawberry milk (as a special dessert snack).
• An assortment of alcoholic beverages (1. We don’t drink like we used to 2. They stay in the fridge just in case).

Produce (Welcome to my Joytalk which is basically like a TEDtalk but not as cool: The grocery stores still have fresh produce…so buy it! you know it is better and healthier for you. Don’t start eating like crap just because there is a pandemic…get the good stuff now…because there may come a day when you can’t get it!)

• Green onions (I slice them immediately and place in a plastic container with a paper towel on the bottom, keeps them fresh for at least a week)
• Limes!!! As I was growing up I don’t even remember my mother ever using a lemon or buying a lemon…not sure if it is a thing as a Mexican-American…but we don’t usually use lemon (unless the recipe calls for it). Also limes for my cocktails.
• Sometimes parsley or cilantro
• Bell peppers (usually red and orange)
• Two or three different types of fruit (whatever I feel like). This week it was all about mangos and sumo oranges. Could be plums/peaches/apricots or apples or strawberries/blueberries. Usually something that is in season.
• Green stuff (asparagus, salad spring mix, broccoli, or green beans)
• Avocados from Mexico! (they just happen to be from Mexico, also did anyone sing out that jingle from the commercials when you read that?!)
• Mushrooms (not this week as we had some last week).
• Today, artichokes were on sale, so I got one.  I will have to google search to figure out what to do with it. 🙂

Condiment essentials:

• Sriracha (this pairs very well with ketchup and mayo to make a chicken nugget dipping sauce)
• Cholula
• Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
• Soy sauce
• Liquid Amino acids (from when I was doing an extreme nutrition plan that made me miserable and didn’t work for me)
• Ketchup
• tabasco
• Green hot sauce
• Whole grain dijon mustard ( I used to hate mustard but really like whole grain mustard now)
• BBQ sauce (varied)
• Pizza sauce
• crappy grated parmesan cheese in a bottle
• prepared horseradish
• Dion’s ranch (because I refuse to buy any other ranch #sorrynotsorry)
• pickles
• real mayo (If you like Miracle Whip, we probably aren’t friends)
• Kewpie mayo (bought this for a very specific egg sandwich recipe and never made the recipe but use this Japanese popular mayo all the time and love it)
• syrup (#thehubs picks this out)
• Various jams/spreads

Dairy:

• Always EGGS! They are a great source of protein and can be made a dozen ways and are easy to make and last a long while. I LOVE EGGS!
• An assortment of cheese: string cheese (because it is a great snack!), little Tillamook cheddar blocks (because Costco had them and I could not resist and also they are a great snack), shredded cheese (ok I know they have anti caking agent but also I am lazy), sliced cheese (currently white cheddar and also American), small block of muenster, small block of an aged gouda (I ALSO LOVE CHEESE), a small leftover piece of parmesan (for grating over dishes and especially for pasta), individual cottage cheese cups (#thehubs likes these as a snack, they go well with pepper and potato chips)
• All the BUTTER! Unsalted butter, Salted butter, cultured salted butter, Ghee (because I am trying out some Indian food recipes), butter from different brands    I love butter: 1) it is great for eggs 2)I need it for baking 3) I love it on toast. There is nothing worse than running out of butter in the middle of baking/cooking!
• At least one of the following: creme fraiche/sour cream/yogurt/mexican crema

Miscellaneous Snacks

• peanut butter (specifically the grind your own honey roasted PB from Whole Foods)
• hummus
• random refrigerated snack item from the store

Meat

• Usually we have mostly chicken (but we can’t seem to get to the store before they run out of chicken)
• Currently it is all beef. Skirt steak (for tacos/fajitas), stew meat (guess for what! A stew), steak.
• Don’t worry, we have frozen pork and other meat in our freezer…saving that for a sadder tomorrow.

There you have it. Now you know what we will be eating this week (don’t worry, we also have bread and stuff but normally don’t keep that in the fridge). 

NEXT: How I organize it.

It all depends on what layout of fridge you have. We have the top split door fridge with freezer door on the bottom. Here is what I decided to keep in the fridge:

Top shelf: drinks and eggs

Next two shelves down (front and center, the most obvious that you need to eat): some drinks, dairy, leftovers/lunches; peanut butter, foods I need to use up before they go bad **the shelve on the middle right can be moved so we made space for our water pitcher and milk/tall drinks there

Bottom: One drawer for fruits/citrus, one drawer for the more serious vegetables

Most bottom drawer: divided into cheese and meat section

Left door, top: BUTTER

Left door, middle: Condiments

Left door, bottom: More condiments (we are crazy about condiments!)

Right door, top: mini-liquor bottles and maraschino cherries and chocolate bars

Right door, middle: almond milks, random drinks, some condiments

Right door, bottom: very tall drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), where cilantro lives

I would like to hear from you! What do you always have in your fridge? What do you dislike from my fridge? How many drinks do two people really need? Type in the comments below 🙂