That Girl At The Party Magazine | May 2020 | The Stay At Home Issue

That Girl At The Party Magazine

The Stay At Home Issue

Vo l . 6 : M AY 2 0 2 0

A Lifestyle Magazine

by Courtney Henley

For media kit and/or feature and 
 partnership opportunities, contact: courtney@thatgirlattheparty.com


Instagram: @thatgirlattheparty Twitter: @tgatp Facebook: @thatgirlattheparty

Disclaimer: I, Courtney Henley, Editor-in-Chief of That Girl At The Party, am not a medical expert and the recommendations regarding coronavirus in this issue are strictly based on my own personal experience and what worked for me.

Consult with your doctor before trying any of the supplements and/or treatments mentioned in this month’s pages.

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YOUR SAVED

HEALTH

IS

YOUR

WEALTH FOR A PURPOSE

Ed itor ’ s L et ter

CH

Seven weeks ago, I was my normal workaholic self, attending trade shows, working on both the site and the magazine, trying to get investors for my cannabis start-up and working on my charitable endeavors. Then bam! I was sicker then I have ever been and sidelined by a virus, so new, that the doctors had no idea how to treat it or if I would even survive it. Life will never be the same again.

Going through the recovery of a potentially deadly virus completely changes you. For the past 11 years, all I have done is work and dodge haters, racists and frenemies. This virus forced me to reassess my entire life, including my workaholic nature and the people around me. I am now focused on what matters most - God, my family, my Peace and my Joy. I can no longer work all the time and no longer allow toxic people to define how I feel about myself and how much I accomplish.

I watched as the Lord unmasked people and showed me their true natures, which was in a couple cases, cause to cancel my association with them. But most importantly, this break forced me to recognize that I need to live more and work less. My biggest takeaway from this whole experience is that Joy should be a daily thing and that Life is about effortlessly thriving, not ceaselessly striving.

y e n t r u o C xoxo

Stay Safe and Cozy At Home!

I hope you enjoy my May 2020 issue!

Celebrate your Mom with a gift from my Mother’s Day Gift Guide. You’ll find my personal story of how I recovered from the coronavirus with the products I used. There are great home products, a recipe from southern Chef Mee McCormick, my mustread page turning thrillers, spring fashions that keep you stylish at home and when you can go out plus the best shoes for S/S 20, my fav beauty products and a streaming movie guide.

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“To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.�

~ Maya Angelou

Time To Read My favorite pastimes are listening to music, watching films and reading books. I have been dreaming of more time to read for years now. The stay-at-home orders, which have shut down everything, have afforded me that much desired time.

Books To Get You Through The Quarantine

While away the stay-at-home hours with these great page turners (all prices for Amazon Kindles)

Defending Jacob | $9.95

The Secret Place | $12.99

The Woman In The Window | $11.99


 The Missing American | $14.99

The Couple Next Door | $9.99

The Only Child | $11.99

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Unspeakable Things | $1.99

The Holdout | $13.99

The Better Liar | $13.99

The Sun Down Motel | $13.99

Hi Five | $14.95

The Herd | $13.99

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Holmes On The Range 


Kindle Box Set (Books 1-5) $9.99 This series is completely hilarious and rife for a TV series. I read the first two many years ago, so was thrilled to find this Kindle box set of all but the last book for just $9.99! Set in the 1890s Wild West, the mysteries follow Big Red and his brother Little Red, who fancies himself to be a cowboy Sherlock Holmes, through daring adventures. These stories are great fun to read-out loud for the whole family.

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“Life began with waking up and loving my mother's face.” ~ George Eliot

M O T H E R ’ S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Mama 


(noun) Someone who sees the best in her kids even when they drive her crazy; unconditional Love; someone who does the work of twenty, for free! see also: Superwoman

There is no love like a Mom’s love.

This year, it is still uncertain whether people will be able to be with their Moms on Mother’s Day, particularly if they are elderly. And with so many lives lost, this day takes on a special meaning. So make sure to give extra love to your Mama this year and spoil her rotten.

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Mother's Day is the time to celebrate the number one woman in your Life your Mom. If you are lucky like I am, you have a mother, who is loving and affectionate. My mother passed in 2011. But her undying Loving Spirit is still alive, in and around me, every day.

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Home Smile Ceramic Ring Dish Decorative Trinket Plate $17.99

Remind your Mom you love her every day with this adorable dish.

Perfect for Mom to leave in the bathroom or kitchen while she washes her hands, does dishes or prepares a meal. She can also leave it by the sink or nightstand to place her rings, earrings and necklaces in.

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Capsul Ring Custom Medium Classic Ring $170 I love these custom rings from Capsul. You can engrave them with names and important dates for you and your Mom. I am getting one to commemorate the love I have for my late Mom.

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From Uncommon Goods

Personalized Family Member Signpost $125 - $200

From Chris Crooks on Uncommon Goods, I love this idea. Keep the family together by listing all your family members on this warmly weathered sign, featuring their names and distances you live from each other.

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From Uncommon Goods

Birth Month Flower Grow Kit $34

This lovely flower grow kit allows you to gift Mom with flowers in a very special way. Order her birth month and the kit grows and changes every day. Seeds, a glass bottle to grow them in, soil-less growing medium, instructions, and info about what your flower symbolizes are all included.

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From Uncommon Goods

What I Love

About Mom By Me Book $10 Show your mom why she's the greatest with this adorable pocket-sized prompt book.

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“We are born of love; Love is our mother.” ~ Rumi

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Compendium My Grandma $10.95 My Grandma is a wonderful Mother’s Day gift for your Grandmother to fill out and a meaningful way to “interview” and create a family dialogue around each story. This will mean a lot to the whole family in the years to come. Now that they are all gone, I wish that I had had this for both my Mom and grandmothers.

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Buddha Board $17.99 Give the gift of Zen! The Buddha Board mini is great to take on travels, to the office and more.

All you need is water to create a mind soothing masterpiece and then watch as it fades like the retreating tide into the sea! Enjoy the here and now without a worry with Buddha Board!

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Be The Good Duo Charm Necklaces $38 - $53 I have a number of these adorable charm necklaces. The duo charm necklaces, including Mom, Mama, Mom Boss, LOVE, Glamma make perfect gifts for every Mother on your list.

Wrap Your Mama in Love with these bracelets from Touchstone Crystal

Wrap-Star Crystal Aurore Boreale | $74

Tri-Wrap-Star Bracelet, Blush | $69

Pearl Wrap Bracelet | $49

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LovePops Mother’s Day Bouquets $13 Or 5 for $50 I discovered Love Pops at the opening of the Hudson Yards last year and they are now my go-to for lovely greeting cards.

They are the most beautiful cards on the market.

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“Motherhood: All Love begins and ends there.�

~ Robert Browning

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GAIA Herbs Product of The Month

ASTRAGULUS ROOT I have partnered with Gaia Herbs, my favorite herb brand, to bring you a different product each month.

This month I am spotlighting their Astragulus Root, which I took throughout my bout with COVID_19 and am taking every day now.

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Strengthen Your Immune System Astragulus Root Astragalus propinquus (Huang Qi) has been a foundational herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine for hundreds of years. It is included in formulas to support Wei Qi (Chi), or the conceptual “shield” which serves as a primary defense mechanism against pernicious threats to the system. Sweet and nourishing, Astragalus is often included in recipes for soups, which are used for convalescence and general

strengthening of the system. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Astragalus is said to tonify the “spleen” and hence is used for fatigue linked to decreased appetite. Astragalus is part of the Milk Vetch or Fabaceae family.

Astragalus herb is traditionally used in its dried powdered form or as a strong decoction, made from boiling the dried root in water for an extended period.

Stay at Ho me Fashions Just because you are working from home doesn’t mean you have to give up your style. 
 As soon as I was well enough, I began dressing comfy, but stylishly, at home.

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Athleta




Canopy 
 Parachute Dress $158 I was a latecomer to Athleta but I am a huge fan now. The company makes the fashionable leisure wear on the market. I want to add this adorable dress to my S/S 2020 wardrobe asap.

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Athleta


Textured 
 Brooklyn Jogger $98 This must-have pant is perfect for working and lounging at home in style. Pictured in olive, the pants are semi-fitted with a straight leg and loose fit.

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COS


Tied Pocket Cotton Dress $89 COS is another brand that I only discovered last year. But as I buy all new clothes to celebrate my new body, this is one of my go-to brands. I am crazy for the simple elegance of this dress.

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Nobis Outwear Is a Must-Have For S/S 2020 TGATP fav, Nobis has a line of lovely must-have raincoats and light weight jackets for the transition from winter to spring.

10% of the proceeds are going to COVID_19 relief efforts.

Nobis

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Poppy Trench Coat | $595

Leah Shirt Jacket | $495

Harriet Ranger Ladies Shirt Jacket | $450

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“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.� ~Cardinal Mermillod

S/S Shoes

“Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.�

- Marilyn Monroe This Spring/Summer since we will likely still be staying near our homes, I have chosen cute shoes that you can wear round the house and do your errands in your neighborhood. There are also a couple exercise options.

Stay Fashionably Fit With Ryka

Dedication XT Training Shoe | $89

fEmpower Momentum Sneaker | $99

Since the gyms are closed, I have been doing a lot of speed walking and exercise in my house to rebuild my strength post COVID_19 recovery! I am dressing the part by jumping into my Ryka sneakers – an athletic brand founded on the premise of a ‘Made for Woman’ fit. Each shoe is under $100 and designed with a narrower heel, softer heel cushion, with added room for your toes!

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Iguaneye I love this innovation in footwear so much that last spring, I worked with the company on a launch event for editors and influencers. These are the most comfortable shoes you will ever wear. It is like you are totally barefoot. They are perfect for around the house while you are stuck at home and also for quick trips to the supermarket or the laundry near your home. I live in mine.

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Vionic A shoe addict, I once owned over 500 pairs of shoes. However, most of them were not comfortable and I gave a ton away. I now only wear comfy brands like Vionic.

I love this brand and can always find a couple pairs I want every season.

Here are this season’s faves!

(Clockwise from top left)

1. Brooke Wedge Sandal | $150 2. Fiona Pro Slip On | $100 3. Rosie Heeled Sandal | $140 4. Sylvie Kitten Heel | $140

I am in the mood for a Vionic sandal in Power Red to celebrate the first summer of my new life.

(Clockwise from top left)

1. Kelby Toe Post | $80 2. Candace Cherry | $63 3. Pilar Platform | $60 4. Ariel Wedge | $105

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Lifestride Brittany Pumps $69

I can’t wait till this awful lockdown is finally over to put on this adorable cherry red shoe and walk all over the city. They are perfect for work or stylish play!

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Stride Rite There are at least 20 pairs of Stride Rite shoes I want this season! Here are just a few.

(Clockwise from top left) 1. Delaney Wedge Sandal | $69 2. Sanya Pump | $59 3. Katrina 2 Slingback Wedge | $79 4. Tango Wedge Sandal | $79

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Clarks Desert Boots $130

I live in my Clarks Desert Boots year round. I have two pairs one in beeswax and one in chocolate suede. They are so comfortable that after seven weeks of quarantine, I am now literally putting them on in my house just to have them on.

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“Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws.�

~ Barbara Kingsolver

Spring
 Beauty

Eden Body Works Leave-In Condtioner For soft, defined curls on natural hair, there is no other!

I have hundreds of beauty products in my house. But there are only a few that I actually go out and buy when I run out of them.
 The Eden Body Works Leave-In Conditioner is top of my list. It leaves my hair soft and my curls beautifully defined. It is my new go-to.

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May Beauty Find

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Route

The Party Peel $65 The Party Peel, is a golden illuminizing “peel” featuring a master blend of powerful, yet gentle acids enhanced by The Route’s unique oxygen delivery system. The Party Peel, which is also an instant mood booster, bubbles on contact to provide exfoliation without visible peeling and party-ready skin.

And it’s really fun to put — and keep — on for a girl’s night in!

Vegan certified and PETA cruelty-free.

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The Good Stuff Botanicals $29.99




Treat your skin with The Good Stuff Botanicals! Originally created to treat psoriasis, this potent cream is now used in hospitals and recommended by doctors, dermatologists and estheticians for its soothing effects for everything from dry skin and dermatitis to the fine lines of aging and even chemo and radiation irritations. Great for the face and as an all body moisturizer treat too!

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Fable Soap Co

Rose Clay & Goat Milk Mask $24 for 2 oz. $4 for single pack Infused with Rose Kaolin Clay, this miracle mask helps increase circulation and lightly exfoliates tired city skin while the goats milk rejuvenates with fatty acids, trace minerals and omegas. This product is perfect for sensitive or mature skin, helps remove dead skin cells for smoother, younger looking skin and calms unwanted redness without over drying or causing irritation. It also contains high levels of Vitamin A which repairs tissue, reduces lines and wrinkles, controls acne, and provides relief for psoriasis and eczema.

Stay At Home Beauty Turn your home into a beauty oasis.

Nurse Jamie 
 Uplift Massaging Beauty Roller | $69 Remington Smooth & Silky Body & Bikini 5 Piece Groomer Kit | $26

Dr. Dennis Gross
 Pro Facial Steamer | $149

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Homedics Duo Lite Permanent Hair Reduction $139

This wonderful tool from Homedics is an easy-to-use in-home hair removal device.

Advanced Fluorescence Technology (AFT) Freeglide and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) provide flexible treatments. Five treatment levels allow for controlled customization for different parts of the body and skin types, except for individuals with blond, red or gray hair.

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“God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.� ~ Rudyard Kipling

e m o H Since most practical people are staying in the house, as much as possible, while the coronavirus continues to rage, this month’s home products are the things that will make your stay at home more fun and relaxing!

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T3 Source

Showerhead
 $150 The T3 Showerhead provides the most relaxing shower you will every have! I have been having spa worthy water therapy with this amazing product. I particularly love the misty rain like mode.

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Table Topics Best Things Ever $25

While on lockdown and or staying close to home, it’s a great time to get to know your family better. I have been a big fam of Table Topics since their launch.There are a ton of different cards including this awesome deck that helps you get to know your family and friends’ favorite things! Buy a bunch of sets and play it virtually together.

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Sunday Citizen Crystal Weighted Blanket
 $259

I have wanted a weighted blanket forever!

They lower anxiety, provide better sleep and even alleviate some chronic pain. I am crazy for this healing option from Sunday Citizen. While they typically get their density from tiny glass pearls, these weighted blankets are also filled with thousands of pieces of natural quartz and amethyst that harness natural healing energy and make you feel amazing.Â

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Homedics
 3D Shiatsu Massaging Lounger $399

Sit back, relax, and let the HoMedicsÂŽ 3D Shiatsu Massaging Lounger go to work on your tired muscles. The classic design of this lounger blends well with any dĂŠcor while also offering 3 massage zones and soothing heat. Choose from 2 intensity settings, and use the intensity control flap if the massage feels just a bit too deep. Comes with a programmed controller.

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Sweat and

Glow Sauna $197 Experience the rejuvenation of a sauna with this Infrared Sauna Blanket that makes detox convenient at home and on-the-go. Skyrocket your metabolism and burn calories like you’re working out, without the exercise part.

Relax your body and mind and let the home sauna work its magic.

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NeverMeasure
 $34.99 I love this handy tool for hanging pics ‘cause I would never get them straight!
 The NeverMeasure tool is a multipurpose device that includes precise transfer of spacing, leveling, and placement capabilities.

With an auto-centering feature, a locking screw that allows you to precisely transfer between wall and frame, and leveling vials that allow you to easily level your projects, rest assured that NeverMeasure is the all-inone tool for the job.

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“A mother is the one who fills your heart in the first place.� ~ Amy Tan

P O RTA R I C A

tgatp | lifestory

How I Survived The Coronavirus “With over sixty-five thousand Americans now dead from C OV I D _ 1 9 , I f e e l b l e s s e d b y G o d t o h a v e s u r v i v e d .

Here are some of my tips to help you it ever strikes you or y o u r f r i e n d s o r f a m i l y .�

When the coronavirus hit NYC and things began to be shut down, I was facing a conundrum. My doctor had found a growth and scheduled an emergency biopsy surgery. Afraid to be anywhere near a hospital with a deadly virus spreading, a part of me wanted to cancel.

70

But the next available appointment was in five months.

Since I knew I couldn't live with the uncertainty of whether I had cancer or not for five months, I went through with the surgery Afterward, though NYC was not yet on PAUSE, I decided to do my own shelter-inplace. I work from home and all influencer events were being canceled. So there was no need to be out and about. But despite my best efforts, five days later, the

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Luckily the results came on March 21st, just 2 days after I tested.

first symptom occurred. I got a headache that I couldn't shake with any amount of aspirin. Then came a low-grade fever, body aches, chills and a tummy upset. I knew I had the coronavirus right away. Because what would be the likelihood of me getting sick with something else right when this thing had hit the city.
 Fortunately, since it was the first week of NYC reporting cases, getting tested only involved a trip to my clinic. Three days later, the results came back - positive.

Though I already knew, I was very relieved to get a confirmed diagnosis. Because if the all-encompassing sickness I had had not been the coronavirus, it would have meant that I was suffering from something else horrible and could still catch the COVID-19 later.


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I cannot begin to describe the fear and dread that sets in when you have a novel virus that there is no cure for, no treatment protocol and people are dying from.

However, I thank God, that I got it early enough to get a test and while there were still resources available should I have needed to be hospitalized. It has been almost seven weeks now. Though my lungs don't feel completely healed, I do feel like am out of the woods on this beast of sickness.
 Thus, I wanted to do this story to let readers know what to look for, what I did, and what products I used to ease the symptoms and begin the long healing journey. I am still a bit tired and the doctors say it can be up to six more weeks before I am 100%.

But I am so grateful that God decided that it was not my time to leave this plane and to give me another life. Here are the practical things you can do if you get the virus. I am not a medical professional, so these are strictly my personal tips on what helped me.

 Â

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#1: Take This Virus Seriously And Stay Home I am going to start by saying, don't be a covidiot, like Arielle Charnas, the vapid and self-absorbed influencer, who made headlines and destroyed her brand, by posting herself and her family out and about after she allegedly tested positive for COVID_19. To eradicate this viral monster, everyone needs to stay at home till our Governors tell us otherwise and, possibly even after that, if your Governor is an idiot. I, thank God again, that I live in NY, a state with a Governor who is putting our lives over big business’ interests! EVERYONE unless you are an essential worker, STAY HOME. Influencing, while a now vital part of marketing, is not essential work. I may have gotten the virus from a fellow journalist, who I saw on the same day as my surgery. He later claimed he had it and still attended the International Restaurant Show, while feeling sick! With testing still somewhat limited, my doctor said that everyone with flu symptoms should assume they have the virus and shelter-in-place.

And everyone should wear a mask when you have to do your grocery shopping, laundry or other essential errands.

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#2: Focus Solely On Your Healing The coronavirus is a tsunami of sickness for most people. It is a different thing every day and we all seem to be getting different symptoms. For example, I got a rash on my torso and even a scalp rash. The sickness itself coupled with the uncertainty of whether you are going to be one of the people, who need to go on a ventilator and/or die adds to the stress of this thing. So I recommend doing healing meditations - there are tons on Spotify and YouTube - and focusing solely on your healing.

I listened to a lot of positive talks and meditations from Marianne Williamson, Deepak Chopra, August Gold, and other healers and spiritual teachers.

Because hearing about the deaths of other people from COVID_19 and watching the spectacle playing out every day in the WH was upsetting and not conducive to healing, I had to start limiting news reports. Skip the Trump press briefings, which are full of blatant lies, self congratulations, angry rants and attacks on the media that will only piss you off.

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Also, whatever you do, avoid watching YouTube and and other videos about what the virus can do to you. Because what you think about you bring about. Again, just focus on your own healing.

  #3:

Keep The Virus From Getting Into Your Lungs

The most important thing you can do is to keep this virus out of your lungs at all costs!

Do everything to avoid that. The people that are being hospitalized and dying are having their lungs attacked by this horrible thing. So I slept on my tummy to make sure nothing drained into my throat and headed towards my lungs. I also coughed up every teeny bit of phlegm and cleared it from my throat, as soon as I felt it. Blow your nose frequently and rinse it with water. Gargle with saltwater. Another thing I did that helped is regular steaming. Just put a pot of water. on the stove, add some water, orange peels, and peppermint oil and bring to a boil. Put a towel over your head and breathe deeply

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through both your nose and your mouth. This was particularly helpful when I had the severe sore throat that came with the virus. Regularly breathing the minty steam into my throat for a day and a half virtually eliminated my sore throat.

 Â

#4: Supplement with Care

When I first got the virus, it was my natural inclination to start supplementing with everything I could find that boosts the immune system and stops inflammation. This turned out to be wrong-headed. Certain supplements, like Echinacea and Elderberry Syrup, have been found to possibly cause an unwanted immune response. So I advise against over supplementing. The virus is just too new to know what works and it seems some things actually are more harmful than helpful. I may have prolonged my illness by taking too many things early on. So what should you take?

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My favorite holistic doctors, Dr. William Martin and Dr. Andrew Weill recommend Astragulus, garlic and Vitamin C. I use the Gaia Herbs liquid form of Astragalus and am alternating between Ester-C Immune Support and BodyBio Vitamin C Crystals for Vitamin C supplementation. Be careful and only take the recommended doses. Because I got a nasty, unintentional, tummy cleanse from consuming too much Vitamin C! I also took the Zarbee’s Naturals 99% Honey Cough Soothers to soothe my cough and sore throat. Since there is nothing to cure the virus or prescribe for it, doctors are mostly saying to take cold and flu meds and/or Tylenol. Ibuprofen can cause that same immune response that Dr. Weill said to avoid, so stay away from it.

#5: Heat Is Your Best Friend

I was so cold and my chills were so severe, especially at night, that I pumped my heat at 80 to 83 at all times. You do not want to let the virus turn into pneumonia because you you got cold while damp in the night. Hot showers and hot baths, as well as, the

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aforementioned steaming, seem to help. While I disagree with the moron in the White House that once the weather gets hot the virus will totally just disappear, heat does seem to help you feel better when you have it.

 Â

#6: This Is Not The Time For Family or Frenemy Drama Dealing with a potentially deadly disease forces you to take stock on all the aspects of your life. I realized that my main issue has always been the people around me and their negative influence on my life. Times of adversity bring out the best or the worst in people. When I got my diagnosis, I notified all of my family members and friends in the event that I did not make it. It was very interesting to see, who stepped to the plate with support and who saw this as an opportunity to try to kick me when I was down. Few were surprises. The same people, that were are not good people now. I had to block my oldest nephew for a while. There was also the back and forth and abusive female friend,

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who stood me up as my escort from my surgery then tried to claim she had the virus though she didn't have the symptoms and wasn't tested. There was a passive-aggressive friend, who left a nasty comment on my Facebook and IG posts, implying I was out when I should not have been. Then worst of all, there was the hater disguised as a concerned friend, who brought up some past drama, claimed that she on multiple occasions sat around while other influencers lied and talked about me behind my back. She then tried to undermine my self-esteem and plant seeds of doubt in me about my business. Click blocked and canceled! The virus shone a spotlight on all of these shady people. 


This sort of drama is a no-go. You are in a battle for your very life. This virus does so many different things that you need to keep 100% of your attention on fighting it. Stress from family and frenemies could literally kill you. My temperature went up and I felt generally unwell after these incidences. These people are never being allowed back into my life. Nor should you allow people, who are not 100% for you in a time of crisis, back into your Life once the crisis blows over. Even if you do not have the virus, use this stay-at-home time to really look at who you have around you.

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#7: Do What You Can To Keep Your Pets At Bay I am worried about my cats. I kept them away, as much as possible. But Yoko is so attached to me that when I went away for a few days, she became sick. So I didn't want to risk exiling her from my room completely and creating emotional distress. That would have been more likely to make her sick than the virus. I had to force her to sleep at the bottom or extreme side of the bed instead of cuddling with me. She was not thrilled but at least got to be with me, like she has been for her whole life. I washed my hands every time I gave either cat a pet. The verdict is still out on whether our pets can get the virus from us and there are conflicting reports. There have only been about four reported cases of human-to-pet transmission. But there were reports of eight big cats getting COVID_19 from a handler at the Bronx Zoo. So my best advice is to do what you can to at least keep your fur babies out of your face and wash your hands before playing with, grooming or petting them.

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#8: Utilize All Available Resources There are some lifesaving organizations that will help you through these times. The number one service that was instrumental in helping me was Invisible Hands. They usually deliver food and medicine to the elderly in NYC. But they have pivoted to help people with COVID_19. The system is easy and wonderful. You ask for a delivery on their site listing the items and preferred store. A volunteer picks your items up, delivers them to your home and you pay the bill via Venmo, Cash App or Paypal. 
 


The devastation of COVID_19 is not only to our physical health, most of us have taken a substantial financial hit and there is no end in sight. Since my primary business is small business client and event-based and my other business is a cannabis start-up, the spread of this virus and subsequent lockdown shut down everything but my blog and magazine.

Almost completely recovered from the virus itself, I am now dealing with mounting bills.

If you need help, do not be too ashamed to ask for it. Post to your Facebook and Twitter

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with any needs. Some truly kind friends and strangers each separately sent a week's worth of groceries and money to help me out while I was sick. Since so many of us are out of work, Congress passed the CARES ACT, which provided both extended unemployment benefits and SNAP. Both are taking weeks to get through to so, as soon as you are up to it, apply for everything you can. If you are a female business owner in NYC, check out both the SBA and the NYWCC have info on grants and loans to help.

Aftermath

I am now on Day 56 of this crisis and because of the mess that the WH has created, I am still living in uncertainty with a little bit of fear.

COVID_19 is still so new that my doctor said they do not know what the long term effects will be, have a protocol for aftercare, or know if we are immune once we have a have recovered from it. The thought of thousands upon thousands of Americans dying due to the incompetence of the narcissistic moron in our White House, the GOP and his supporters' and enabler’s inability to take this virus seriously, is also weighing heavily on

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on my mind. I cry daily over the deaths of my fellow Americans and worry for our future, as a nation, if we are so fd up that we are ok with thousands of deaths and millions of unemployed, as long as, we get a $1200 stimulus check and some unemployment. The unhinged people calling to re-open their states, further risking the lives of even more Americans, are also disconcerting.

In addition, the whole year seems to be canceled. Since I both attend and host events, everything I love to attend, is cancelled. The beaches are all closed, the festivals gone, all my fave expos and events gone. I was really looking forward to seeing and hanging with The Family Stand and Rage Against the Machine - those tours are now canceled. It’s, as if, we have been stripped of a year of our lives with no clear guarantee that it will only be a year. Finances are tight since I can't coordinate any preview events or move forward with anything else. I am now on hold.
 


But I am hopeful that this darkness will spawn new revolutions. From the increasing awareness of the madness and ineptitude of the Emperor with no clothes in our White House to the clear need for Medicare-For-All to the now exposed need to better prepare for pandemics and compensate front-line workers to the exposure of the rampant racism and the resulting effects it has on our health that has put people of color at a greater risk of dying from the virus to the soaring rent situation in our cities - this pandemic has pulled the carpet back on the many things about our society that need to change. Hopefully, now that they have been brought to light, we will be able to finally make those changes. I am just sorry so many of my fellow Americans had to get sick, die, lose their businesses and/or jobs and face other horrors for the nation to wake up.

These are the products I used during my bout with COVID_19

(Clockwise from top left)

1. Nature’s Way Fortify Probiotic | $19 2. Ester-C Vitamin C 1000mg | $12 3. Nature Made Vitamin D3 | $9.99 4. Zarbee’s Natural 99% Honey Cough Soothers | $6.95

tgatp|health and wellness

BioBody .

Vitamin C Crystals $20

I had just spoken to Dr. William Martin, an extraordinary healer and longtime friend, who prescribed mega doses of Vitamin C to help the coronavirus.

And lucky me, this product arrived in the mail just a couple days later. The tiniest bit provides a mega dose of C, which helps boost your immunity

tgatp|health and wellness

Dr Perricone

Hydrogen Water
 $32.29 for 12 pack My kind friend introduced me to and sent over a case of this amazing water from Dr Perricone, which was a lifesaver through my month of healing.

Though pricey, it’s worth it. I drank four a day while I was healing.

tgatp|health and wellness

Haft

24-Hour CBD Patch $18 These patches were a lifesaver through the aches and pains of the coronavirus. I had a sample pack but I now will keep these in my first-aid kit forever.

tgatp|spirit

“If love is as sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love.”

~Stevie Wonder

“Those who think they have no time for healthy eating…will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” ~Edward Stanley

Good fo

tgatp|food

Food Product Of the Month

Barebells

Launched in Sweden in 2016, Barebells offers a whole range of protein bars that satisfy cravings without compromising flavor. These bars wow your taste buds with no added sugar and 20 grams of protein! I tried and loved the Cookies & Cream. But unfortunately, the bars have milk so I can’t have them. But if you are not dairy-free, like me, you’ll be obsessed!

Healthy Snacks To Help You Avoid The COVID 15

So Delicious No Sugar Added Chocolate Dipped Coconut Milk Bars | $5.99

Whole Foods Honey Roasted Peanuts | $2.99

Lesser Evil Avocado Oil Popcorn | $3.99

Kind Bars Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Nut | $1.99 each / $20 to $24 for 12

Earth Balance Vegan Cheddar Flavored Square | $3.99

Biena Thin Mint Dark Chocolate Covered Chickpeas | $3.49

tgatp|food

Mee McCormick Teaches Us to Eat Gluten-Free To Reduce Inflammation and Make Our Guts Happy (author of “My Pinewood Kitchen : A Southern Culinary Cure”)

With healthy eating now a way of life for me, I am so happy to partner with Mee McCormick, a rising Southern culinary and wellness innovator, restaurateur, author, TV cooking personality, farmer, rancher, wife and mother, to bring you her recipe for the yummiest salad ever made!

tgatp|food

Blueberry Almond Salad Serves 4

Blueberries are a superfood full of antioxidants, low in sugar and calories. They are nutrient dense and an excellent source of several vital nutrients including Vitamins C and K, and Manganese. I live on salads. So I am definitely going to be making the vegan version of this one regularly!

INGRIEDIENTS FOR DRESSING

• 1 1⁄2 cup fresh blueberries • 2 1⁄4 cup rice vinegar • 3 1 teaspoon lemon zest • 4 4 tablespoons lemon juice • 5 3 tablespoons local honey* • 6 3⁄4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Sea salt (to taste) • 7 Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

*If watching sugar, use an equivalent amount of Stevia

INGREDIENTS FOR THE SALAD

• 1 6 cups mixed greens • 2 11⁄2 cups fresh blueberries • 3 1⁄4 cup finely sliced red onions • 4 1⁄2 cup toasted almonds • 5 2 grilled chicken breasts, chopped (optional)** • 6 1⁄2 cup cooked quinoa (optional)

• 7 1⁄4 cup goat cheese or almond cheese, crumbled

Substitutions: **If meat free, replace with sliced avocado.

tgatp|food

I live on healthy salads, like Mee’s amazing creation!

DIRE CTIO NS

• 1.

Place the dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. ) • 2.

In a medium bowl, toss together the greens, blueberries, onions, almonds, chicken (if using), and quinoa (if using). Top with the cheese and drizzle with the dressing. Serve immediately.

tgatp|spirit

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.� ~ Proverbs 31: 25-26

HAPPY STAR WARS DAY 2020!

May The Force Be With You! On May 4th and beyond, watch the entire Skywalker Saga on Disney+

tgatp | films

TGATP Streaming Movie Guide 


Since all the new movies are postponed, this month I am featuring the films I am digging that are currently VOD or streaming or soon to be released on those platforms.

We Summon The Darkness

Fun schlocky horror, this film is bolstered by great performances from all involved. It’s an instant cult classic.

Tiger King

Sheer foolywang and madness in a Florida tiger park. Complete with an attempted hit and a possible long unsolved murder, this series was the talk of quarantine season!

Parasite

Never has an Oscar been more deserved than this one! Parasite is one of my favorite films of the decade! Great acting, amazing cinematography and a genre-bending plot make this a must see.

Extraction Any film that gives us a chance to gaze at hunky Chris Helmsworth is worth spending two hours watching. In this one, Chris is a mercenary hired by India's biggest drug lord to rescue his son who is being held at ransom in Dhaka by Bangladesh's biggest drug lord. Great action and hot Chris! What more could you want?

Portrait of A Lady On Fire

Released in 2019, this Gothic love story between an artist and a bride to be, who she must secretly paint, is now streaming on Hulu. The winner of the Cesar for Best Cinematography, it’s breathtakingly beautiful.

Dangerous Lies

Camila Mendes and Jessie T Usher star in this Netflix thriller that delivers with a twisty plot that keeps you guessing.

Villian

An action packed crime thriller starring Craig Fairbass as Eddie Franks, an ex-con trying to go straight but forced back into his former life of crime to protect his family. On VOD on May 22nd

Dave Chapelle: Mark Twain Award

Dave Chapelle is hilarious. This special celebrates his 28-year comedic career with tributes from Tiffany Haddish, Jon Stewart, Sarah Silverman, Neil Brennan, Common, Mos Def and more.

The True History Of The Kelly Gang

Based on the Booker Prize winning novel by Peter Carey, this film is artfully directed by Justin Kurzel with an all-star cast including George MacKay - who I felt was overlooked for an Oscar nom for “1917” Nicolas Hoult, Russell Crowe and my celebrity crush, Charlie Hunnam,

A Fall From Grace

Not new, but a must-see f you missed it. Though it follows his usual formula of woman wronged by no count black man, it is one of Tyler Perry’s better films due to some fun twists. It’s scandal-ous!

Arkansas

Great to have films from both Hemsworth brothers this month. A star-studded modern noir, Arkansas is a gritty, darkly comedic thriller from Hot Tub Machine director, Clark Duke.

Hollywood

Ryan Murphy reimagines the origin of LaLa Land, with this series about post WW II Hollywood and the lengths aspiring actors and filmmakers went to make their showbiz dreams come true.

tgatp|spirit

“A mother's love endures through all.”

– Washington Irving

That Girl At The Party | On The Scene Missing back in March, when I still have a social life.‌

Kings Hawaiian Pop-Up

Right before the lockdown, Kings Hawaiian hosted an awesome brunch pop-up in Times Square!

The pop-up featured different sandwiches made with Kings Hawaiian bread, coffee and juice plus five photo set-ups! It was awesome!

Kings Hawaiian Always Makes Me Think Of My Late Cousin Kenny

He was a chef, who LOVED their bread and used to always serve their rolls.

The ANHM Nature OF Color Exhibit Opening

Nature Of Color Panel Discussion featured

Designer Brandon Maxwell & Artist Angelica Dass

After I went to hang with the Butterflies

Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over

It became a‌Butterfly!

Online Dating & Beauty Talk

Dr. Konstantin Vasyukevich & Rachel Wright

The International Restaurant Show

Chef Alex cooked up two yummy dishes in a demo and hilarious Q&A. She took no prisoners answering the questions with humor and grit.

6 Brands From Healthy Food Expo @The International Restaurant Show

Weighless Cookies

Brooklyn Crafted

Uncut Vegan Meat

Soul Bee Honey Powder Saufennel Digestifs

Vegan Pecan Pie

YOUR WE SHALL HEALTH IS YOUR

WEALTH

Par t in g N o te

CH

OVERCOME

In the final month of the 2016 campaign season, Hillary Clinton warned us that she was the only thing standing between us and the apocalypse. Eight weeks ago, her prediction came true. Three and a half years of allowing a narcissistic psychopath, with no basic decency and zero empathy, to run roughshod over the Constitution and trample American values, has led to at the time of publishing, 1.5 million COVID_19 stricken Americans and 66,746 dead ones and growing. Our economy is ruined, with 30 million and growing, out of work. Our businesses are severely compromised, if not, destroyed. We are experiencing the greatest threat to or nation’s security in American history - or at least for us, black and/or American Indian, since slavery and the American Indian wars. Because the attack is coming from the man holding the highest office in the nation and a cabal of evil Senators, who are enabling his madness. The real virus on this nation is not a disease. It is the human evil in our White House and halls of Congress, whose disregard allowed it to spread. Yet I know, we will conquer this. We are battered but not broken. Having survived this attempt on my life, I intend to do everything in my power to oust every elected official that allowed the deaths of my fellow Americans.

UNTIL NEXT TIME.

I hope you enjoyed this issue of the magazine version of That Girl At The Party.

Have a blessed Mother’s Day. Stay home, stay safe and stay healthy!