Simply Tasheena

As for many Americans, these last couple of weeks have been super scary, and just unknown. For the last couple of years, I’ve been creating a bucket list. However, due to the current circumstances, I’m not sure exactly that will happen. I compiled a list of things that I’m looking forward to doing once I’m out of quarantine.

5 Things I’m Looking Forward to Doing Once Out of Quarantine

Go Out to Eat

It’s honestly the little things in life, though a lot of our restaurants are still open. We are only allowed to order out. Looking forward to having dinner with my family, at some of our favorite restaurants.

Go to The Movies

So many amazing movies are coming out. Looking forward to seeing those movies in theaters.

Shopping

I miss being able to visit some of my favorite stores, and really take the time out to work around. I only go to the store now for essentials.

Rose Garden

Looking forward to visiting my local Rose Garden. It’s such a nice and relaxing place to visit and just walk around.

Travel

I love to travel, and really immersing myself in the culture of the destination I’m visiting. Though, I was looking forward to our annual trip. I’m happy that it was canceled, and the necessary precautions were taken. Looking forward to actually going on it since it was canceled.

Are you currently quarantined?

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I had no idea how hard it would be to come up with a honey-based cough drop that didn't require refined sugar until I started making it. I wanted to create a cough drop that was simple to make, which also used immunity boosting ingredients. I’m so happy with how this recipe turned out, and I can’t wait to make another batch for my family.

Recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup honey
3 cloves
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger

For coating, drops use:

Ground cinnamon
Powdered sugar, Cornstarch, Arrowroot powder

Instructions

Using a wooden spoon, mix together honey, lemon juice, cloves, and fresh ginger in a medium-sized, deep saucepan with heavy sides and bottom. Heat to boiling over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent burning.
Using a candy thermometer, heat mixture to 300-310F/degrees, until it reaches the hard crack stage
Once the mixture reaches the hard crack stage, remove from heat, and allow to cool for a couple for minutes until thickens slightly.
Drop by teaspoons onto a silicone mat or parchment paper. Allow cooling until drops are hard and firm.
Once drops are fully cooled, dust with your desired coating to prevent your drops from sticking together. Store in a tightly covered container in a cool, dry place.

**Watch the pan closely, as the mixture will foam up the sides of the pan. **

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Happy Monday! I put together some of my favorite spring looks. It's typically on the colder side during the start of the spring months in my state. It's nice to have a variety of looks together.

How was your weekend? 

Black Top & Ripped Jeans

Trumpet Top & Jeans

Shawl & Jeans

Cutout Black Dress

Little Black Dress

Sequence Dress

Polka Dot Top & Highwasted Jeans

Nude Dress

White Tee & Jeans

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It's officially spring, and like most people, these last couple of weeks have been crazy for me. I actually started working on my spring cleaning, and it was actually looking hopeful. I have so many projects that I would like to complete and work on this year. I've already started working on my back hallway, and kitchen, as far as decluttering, and cleaning in those spaces. I would love to redo our guest bedroom, and that has been on the list for a couple of years now, and work on our bathroom counters. Of course, I'll keep you guys updated on what's going on.

Are you working on any spring projects?

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Like many, you are I’m spending a lot of time at home these last couple of weeks. It has allowed me to really fine-tune my at-home rituals. This has also allowed me to really use this time to indulge in self-care and to be selfish with myself and my time. Below I’m sharing some of the at-home rituals that I typically do on a daily basis.

Plan
At the start of the day, I really enjoy using my planner. It’s one of those things that just really allows me to look at my accomplishments look at my routines and see what I actually have going on. It also makes me feel really happy just to be on task with what is going on around my life. Instead of it being tedious, it has really turned into something that I look forward to doing each and every day.

Essential oils
I’m a huge fan of essential oils. If I don’t have my diffuser going I also like to use them in the shower as well as a couple of homemade sprays that I have. Essential oil just really brightens up my day, they add a relaxing component to my everyday routines.

Candles
Candles are another one of my favorites I typically burn them throughout the day and it just really is such a nice and relaxing atmosphere. Whether I’m lying in the bed cooking dinner or just using my planner. Lighting a candle just really does add this amazing ambiance to the mood as well as that moment and day.

Scents
My ritual is really just a little thing in life. From using my favorite scents in the shower like my favorite body washes, and foams to using my favorite perfumes and lotions. It really does add a nice touch to my day and plus I feel amazing after using some of my favorite products.

Do you have any at-home rituals?

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One of my favorite guilt-free desserts to make on a whim is Chocolate Vinegar Cake. It's so easy to make and can be made at any time. I was so excited to make this recipe, however, I had one problem, I ran out of apple sauce, the stores have been super crowded, and I knew running to the store wouldn't be an option. I looked in my cabinets to see what I had on hand, I also had the thought of making homemade apple sauce. While looking in my cabinets, I found a can of pumpkin purée. I was super excited, and I honestly didn't know what to do. Of course, I started baking and made Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Vinegar Cake. I am so impressed with how this recipe turned out. It's super moist, and decadent. I love that this cake is not sweet, however, you can easily drizzle date syrup or your favorite ice cream or sliced fruits.

Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Vinegar Cake

Recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups oats flour
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon Himalayan salt
3 (Heaping) Tablespoons cacao powder (more for dusting-optional)
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup of warm water
1/2 pumpkin puree
1 tsp coconut oil ( to grease the pan with )

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Shift the oats flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cacao powder in a medium bowl and set aside
In a separate small bowl, add maple syrup, vinegar, vanilla, water, and to the dry mix.
Combine the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix everything together.
Grease an 8×8 baking dish and pour batter into baking dish.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Let cool and dust with cacao powder or powdered sugar.

Watch!

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Happy Monday! I can’t believe it’s almost April. I spent most of the weekend working on new recipes for you guys. Looking forward to sharing the recipes, and trying new ones as well... Around this time of the year I typically share my spring bucket list. Due to the current circumstances, I think I will be sharing what I’m looking forward to doing once out of quarantine. Any who,

How was your weekend?