When I first heard of the Coronavirus, I never thought things would get this far. I never thought it would spread worldwide or that cities would go into lockdown. I also never thought that it would be difficult to buy things like toilet paper and hand sanitizer. However, the best thing that we can do right now is to stay positive, stay healthy and be kind.
As a chef and business owner, I love problem solving. So when we ran out of hand sanitizer, I knew that it was time to make our own. I'm going to share a simple recipe for hand sanitizer that only includes two ingredients.
To make hand sanitizer, you'll need aloe vera gel and rubbing alcohol that's at least 60% proof. I love this PURA D'OR Aloe Vera Gel because it's organic and infused with lavender oils. You'll want to mix 2 parts rubbing alcohol with 1 part aloe vera gel. So if you want to make 1 cup of hand sanitizer, you'll mix 2/3 cup alcohol with 1/3 cup gel. You can store the mixture in a jar or spray bottle. If you want to see how I made this recipe, check out this short video I made on Instagram.
As you know, it's crucial that we all do our part to #flattenthecurve. Here's some tips on how to stay healthy and get through the next few weeks.
Tip #1: Wash Your Hands
The CDC urges everyone to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds. Set a timer or sing the chorus to your favorite song. Just make sure that you lather and scrub your hands with soap and water. This will prevent the spread of germs that carry the virus.
Tip #2: Stay Home
One of the easiest ways to #flattenthecurve is to stay home and avoid infecting others. Most people that have the virus show little to no symptoms. However, you can still pass it on to others. This could have fatal effects for someone with a compromised immune system. So let's try to keep our friends, neighbors and community out of the hospital by just staying home.
Tip #3: Don't Panic
Watching the news and talking to friends is crucial during these times. However, it can also increase your anxiety. Just remember to stay calm and take it one day at a time.
When you're calm, you're able to think outside of the box when confronting roadblocks. For examples, stores are selling out of paper towels like hotcakes. Instead of getting frustrated, why not use cleaning cloths like these Reusable Unpaper Towels. They're just as efficient as cleaning up messes and the best part is that you can throw them in the washing machine.
Tip #4: Take Care Of Each Other
I understand the need to make sure your home is stocked with certain goods. Please keep in mind that hoarding certain items like pasta, canned foods, toilet paper and hand sanitizer means that several others will not have access to it. Shop with others in mind. If your neighbors are in need of items that you have, please share with them. In order to get through this, we have to take care of one another.
Tip #5: Make The Most Of It
If you live with your family or have roommates, make the most of the time you're spending with them at home. Have movie nights, play board games or get a cookbook and try new recipes. I have several of my cookbooks, including Cooking From The Hip, on my website. I'm also a fan of Pascale Beales' new book, Salade II.
If you live alone, use this time to practice some self care, get back to your favorite hobby or start a new one. Pick up a journal, like the one pictured above, and try to commit to a daily writing session.
With a great attitude and a commitment to #flattenthecurve, we'll hopefully stay healthy and get back to our normal lives as soon as possible.
Over the past week on CORA-ntine Cuisine, I got to reunite with several friends that Nicole and I have made over the years. Our incredible guests included Maria Shriver, Sheila E, Debi Mazar, Chef Gabriele Corcos, Chef Karen Akunowicz and the Shirley Temple King! Many of the guests spoke of the importance of taking care of your health and eating foods that boost your immune system.
Hey y'all! This past week was one for the books. Not only did we celebrate Greek Easter, but it was also my son Caje's birthday! I got to chat with some incredible special guests including Cameron Mathis, David Burtka, Scott Evans, Chef Andrew Zimmern and superstar film director Tate Taylor! I'm going to share a few of my favorite recipes from last week and fill you in on some of the topics we discussed.
I've had so much fun on CORA-ntine Cuisine this past week. I got to chat with several special guests including Chef Ingrid Hofffman, Chef Dominique Crenn, Cake Wars host Jonathan Bennet and my partners at the Little Kitchen Academy, Felicity and Brian Curin. There's been one common theme in all of my chats so far and that theme is positivity.
