Gretchen Rossi & Slade Smiley Navigate Quarantine: A Journey of Health, Family, and Finding Joy with Baby Skylar
Gretchen Rossi and Slade Smiley are making their health and baby girl, Skylar, their main focus while in quarantine amid the COVID-19 outbreak. They shared with HollywoodLife what they’re binge watching, listening to, and how they’re staying fit!
Amidst the unprecedented global challenge of the coronavirus pandemic, many families have been compelled to redefine their daily routines and priorities. For reality television personality Gretchen Rossi and her fiancé, Slade Smiley, this period of quarantine has become a focused journey on health, well-being, and showering their adorable daughter, Skylar, with boundless love and engaging activities. The formerReal Housewives of Orange Countystar, 41, and her beloved family have diligently adhered to California’s mandated stay-at-home orders since their implementation. However, this shift has not deterred them; instead, it has empowered them to establish a consistent schedule and discover a harmonious new normal within the confines of their home, ensuring both their physical and mental health remain paramount.
Managing life with an active eight-month-old infant, as Gretchen and Slade, 46, can attest, often presents a delightful whirlwind of activity. Yet, they’ve skillfully navigated these bustling times by leveraging their well-equipped at-home gym, incorporating beneficial mobile applications, and indulging in fresh entertainment — including the surprisingly captivating Love Is Blind. These resources have been instrumental in keeping them thoroughly engaged, spirited, and flourishing during these uniquely uncertain times. In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, Gretchen and Slade generously opened up, sharing intricate details about their day-to-day experiences and how they are making the most of their time at home.
What are you binge-watching during the quarantine? When it comes to unwinding and escaping into compelling narratives, Gretchen and Slade have embraced the world of binge-watching with open arms. “We admittedly gave in and started watching Love Is Blind, and it was absolutely impossible to stop!” Gretchen confessed, detailing how the intriguing social experiment captivated them. “Once we were hooked, we found ourselves staying up until 4 AM, completely immersed. The next morning was certainly a challenge, trying to keep up with an infant after such a late night, but the show genuinely pulls you in so deeply that you just have to see what happens next.”
Beyond the addictive reality dating series, their watch list extends to more intense and thought-provoking genres. They are also avid fans of Altered Carbon, a visually stunning science fiction series that explores themes of identity and immortality. Additionally, Netflix documentaries have become a staple in their viewing habits, offering both entertainment and intellectual stimulation. “We’ve watched several documentaries,” Slade added, “like The Pharmacist, which is incredibly well-done and sheds light on crucial societal issues. Another excellent one is I Am Killer. What makes it so fascinating and unsettling is how skillfully it portrays these individuals, often making you question your own empathy. You find yourself thinking, ‘How am I possibly feeling any shred of sympathy for someone who has committed such a heinous act?’ It’s a truly powerful and psychologically challenging series.” These selections highlight their diverse tastes, from lighthearted reality to gripping true crime, providing much-needed mental breaks during their quarantine.
One essential part of their routine is incorporating their CBD lean from BioReigns, a product they utilize to help maintain their metabolic rate. “This helps keep our systems burning calories,” Slade explained, highlighting the importance of metabolic support. Interested readers can find more information at gretchen.bioreigns.com. Complementing their supplement regimen, the couple relies heavily on a specialized food delivery service called Fuel Bar. “We use Fuel Bar, which you can find at www.fuelbarhealth.com,” Gretchen elaborated. “This service delivers organic, grass-fed, and wholesome meals directly to our front door.” The convenience and health benefits of this service are multifaceted. It significantly reduces their need to visit crowded grocery stores, thereby minimizing their potential exposure to the virus. Furthermore, it eliminates the stress of sourcing quality, healthy ingredients, preventing any feelings of needing to hoard or overbuy food items. “It’s honestly one of the best things we have implemented for ourselves during this period,” Slade emphasized, underscoring its impact on their overall well-being and peace of mind.
Beyond nutrition and supplements, regular exercise is non-negotiable for the couple. “Thankfully, we are fortunate to have a well-equipped home gym,” Gretchen stated. This allows them to engage in a variety of workouts without having to leave their residence. They incorporate weight training, utilize their treadmill for cardio, and get on the elliptical for a full-body workout. Gretchen often integrates resistance leg bands into her routine for targeted muscle work, while Slade makes extensive use of his smith machine. For outdoor activity, Slade also enjoys riding his road bike, embracing the open air while staying active. Moreover, prioritizing family time and mental well-being, the entire family makes an effort to step out of the house once a day. “We make sure to go on a family walk around the neighborhood, with our two dogs joining us,” Gretchen shared. “This allows us to get some much-needed fresh air and sunshine, and importantly, it’s a dedicated time for us to talk and share what we are grateful for, reinforcing our bond and positive outlook during these challenging times.”
What are your at-home quarantine essentials/what did you stock up on before? When it came to stocking up, Gretchen and Slade approached the situation with a mindful and responsible strategy, consciously avoiding the pitfalls of over-hoarding. “As we mentioned, we didn’t over-hoard,” Slade affirmed. “Our focus was on ensuring we had a practical supply of true necessities.” For a family with an infant, baby essentials topped their list. “We made sure to get a good supply of diapers and wipes,” Gretchen explained, acknowledging the constant demand for these items. Beyond baby care, they secured shelf-stable provisions like canned food and ensured their beloved pets were also catered for by freezing a sufficient amount of dog food. Practical household items, often the first to disappear from shelves, were also on their radar: “We stocked up on enough toilet paper and paper towels to comfortably last us through at least the initial 15-day quarantine period,” Slade added, highlighting their pragmatic approach.
Their proactive health regimen extends significantly to dietary supplements, reflecting their family’s strong belief in preventative wellness. Gretchen made a dedicated trip to Mother’s Market, a health food store, to gather a comprehensive selection of immune-boosting supplements. “I specifically sought out supplements like Silver Hydrosol, which is known for immune support,” Gretchen shared. “We also prioritize super echinacea, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin B.” These vitamins and herbs are widely recognized for their roles in strengthening the body’s natural defenses. An interesting practice they employ involves Emergen-C: “We also dissolve Emergen-C in hot water and drink it,” Slade mentioned. “There’s a belief that consuming hot liquids can help push any potential viral particles down into the stomach, where digestive acids can neutralize them.” Furthermore, BioReigns, the same company behind their CBD lean product, developed a specialized immune support item. “BioReigns also created a product called Bio Defense, which we are diligently taking as well,” Gretchen revealed. “So, you could say we have quite an arsenal of goodies here, focusing on maintaining our robust health. We are certainly a big supplement family!” This holistic approach underscores their commitment to safeguarding their health from multiple angles during the pandemic.
Beyond the enchanting world of Disney, their audio consumption extends to stimulating podcasts and uplifting music. “We’re really loving podcasts,” Slade added, pointing to the intellectual engagement they offer. “For instance, we listen to Knot Too Taboo, which provides engaging discussions, and anything from the motivational speaker and life strategist Tony Robbins. His content is incredibly empowering and helps keep our mindset strong and focused on personal development, even during these challenging times.”
Music also plays a crucial role in maintaining their emotional and spiritual equilibrium. “We are big fans of soothing music, which helps to create a calm and peaceful environment,” Gretchen explained, referencing artists like the group Haven. Additionally, their faith is a significant source of comfort and strength, reflected in their choice of worship music. “We listen to a lot of worship music from groups like Hillsong and Elevation,” Slade shared. “That spiritual connection and the uplifting messages are really helping to keep our spirits lifted during this time.” Further reinforcing their spiritual well-being, they also make it a point to listen to their Pastor, Rick Warren, online, maintaining a sense of community and guidance even while physically isolated. Their carefully curated audio selections demonstrate a holistic approach to mental and emotional wellness, proving that sound can be a powerful tool for resilience.
The story of Gretchen, Slade, and Skylar serves as a heartwarming testament to the power of adaptability, family unity, and a proactive approach to well-being during extraordinary times. Their journey through quarantine, prioritizing health, emotional balance, and dedicated family engagement, mirrors the efforts of countless individuals and families worldwide who are navigating these same challenges. Just like this inspiring family, numerous other celebrities are also safely embracing their home environments and finding creative ways to stay connected and thriving. We hope their experiences provide not just a glimpse into their lives, but also encouragement and practical ideas for our readers. To discover more about how other stars are managing their time at home, be sure to explore our ongoing coverage.