D’Andra Simmons Navigates RHOD Hiatus: A Deep Dive into Quarantine Creativity, Business Growth, and a Budding Cookbook

The cameras for The Real Housewives Of Dallas may be temporarily on hold, mirroring the global pause in production across many successful Bravo franchises. As the world embraced social distancing during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, life in front of the lens transformed into life at home for its stars. However, for Dallas socialite and entrepreneur D’Andra Simmons, 40, this period has been far from a standstill. Instead, the forced isolation has served as a catalyst for renewed focus on her thriving businesses, a deep dive into culinary experimentation, and even the germination of an exciting new project: a potential cookbook. D’Andra exclusively shared with HollywoodLife from her Texas home on April 3, offering a glimpse into how she’s turning a global crisis into a period of immense personal and professional productivity.

D’Andra, a familiar face known for her sharp wit and dedication to her family legacy, has leveraged this unexpected downtime to channel her energy into multiple facets of her life. The owner of Ultimate Living International, a wellness company founded by her mother, Dee Simmons, after her personal triumph over breast cancer and the loss of her own mother to pancreatic cancer, has found herself in the kitchen more than ever before. This culinary exploration has sparked an idea to compile her diverse range of recipes—from rich Indian curries to artisanal Italian breads—into a collection that could soon grace bookshelves. Her husband, Jeremy, has undoubtedly been the fortunate beneficiary of these delicious trials, sampling everything from intricate French tartes to hearty homemade pasta sauces.

Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits and newfound passion for recipe development, D’Andra has also shared insights into her personal coping mechanisms during quarantine, including her entertainment choices, fitness routine, and essential home comforts. Her candid reflections reveal a woman who approaches every challenge with resilience and a pragmatic yet humorous outlook.

Quarantine Entertainment: From Big Cats to Beloved Sitcoms

When asked about her binge-watching habits, D’Andra’s answer resonated with millions globally. “I just finished, well of course, what everybody’s watching — Tiger King!!! Seriously, who’s not watching that show?” The Netflix docuseries became a cultural phenomenon, offering a bizarre and captivating escape from the grim realities of the pandemic. Its sensational narrative and unforgettable characters provided a much-needed distraction, sparking conversations and memes across social media. Following her foray into the world of exotic animal park owners, D’Andra planned to dive into another widely acclaimed series. “Next I’m going to look at Schitt’s Creek,” she revealed, signaling a shift from wild true crime to heartwarming comedy. This Emmy-winning show, celebrated for its witty writing and character development, promised a different kind of escapism, focusing on family, redemption, and laughter.

Staying Fit and Active: Navigating Home Workouts in Highland Park

Maintaining a fitness routine during quarantine posed unique challenges for many, and D’Andra was no exception. With gyms closed and home workout equipment often in high demand, adapting became key. “I’m doing two to three videos a day on Amazon Prime because every time I’ve tried to mirror my phone and pair it with my TV with my Peloton or my Beachbody app, it crashes, so it’s the only thing I can get to work most of the time,” she explained. This common technological hurdle highlighted the shared struggles of adapting to a new normal. Despite the frustrations, D’Andra remained committed to her health. “I guess everybody in Highland Park [where we live] is doing the same thing. Sometimes I can only get my Amazon Prime videos to run part of the time, but it’s better than nothing and I’m doing the best I can under the circumstances.” She found that timing her workouts strategically improved her chances of completion: “So, if I workout in the morning, I usually have a better chance of getting through the whole video than in the afternoon.” This dedication underscores the importance of physical activity not only for bodily health but also for mental well-being during stressful times.

Quarantine Essentials: A Culinary Deep Dive and Stocked Pantries

When it came to her at-home quarantine essentials, D’Andra’s answer revolved predominantly around food and cooking. “My Lord, I am cooking as if I am competing like I’m going to be doing my final exam for the CIA,” she exclaimed, conveying the intensity of her kitchen endeavors. “We’re eating everything. I took this time to test out some recipes, like French tarte recipes and Italian breads, things that I don’t usually have the time to make.” The extended periods at home provided a unique opportunity to explore complex culinary techniques and indulge in more time-consuming preparations, fostering a deeper connection with the art of cooking. She also drew inspiration from her network of chef friends, borrowing cookbooks from talents like Katherine Clapner in Dallas, further enriching her gastronomic journey.

Preparation was crucial before the shelter-in-place orders took full effect. “Before the shelter in place was issued in Dallas we went to the Central Market and stocked up on ingredients,” D’Andra recalled. Central Market, known for its high-quality produce, meats, and specialty items, became their go-to source for provisions. “We love to shop there because they have all the quality meat, fish and vegetables that we need.” Their cooking routine often involves a division of labor: “My husband likes to cook on the Big Green Egg and I normally cook the vegetables, so we have been going to the market about once a week.” To supplement their fresh hauls and ensure a consistent intake of nutrients, D’Andra also relies on modern conveniences. “I also have Daily Harvest delivered because I like that service, and it ensures we are getting more vegetables and antioxidants into our diets. I like their smoothies in the morning and I like their soups for lunch. They are healthy, and the calories and portions are controlled.” Despite these efforts towards balanced nutrition, D’Andra admits to a common quarantine indulgence: “However, during quarantine I am eating things that I should not eat! I am eating bread and pasta, normally a “no, no” in our house! Not sure what has gotten into me, but I made some great homemade pasta sauce!” This relatable confession highlights the balance between healthy habits and the comforting allure of familiar foods during uncertain times.

The Soundtrack to Quarantine: From Opera to Karaoke Nights

Music played a vital role in D’Andra’s daily rhythm during quarantine, even if she didn’t have a specific “quarantine playlist.” Her musical tastes are as diverse as her culinary explorations. “I actually don’t have a specific quarantine playlist, however when I’m cooking, I always listen to opera, or classical music,” she revealed, suggesting a preference for sophisticated sounds to accompany her culinary artistry. For moments requiring a different energy, she turns to pop icons: “If I am feeling like pop I listen to Lady Gaga, Lizzo, Rihanna, Beyonce or Halsey.” And for a touch of country, one artist stands out: “If I listen to country it is Tim McGraw almost always!”

However, the true highlight of their musical activities at home involved a more interactive approach. “The funny thing is, what my husband and I really like to do is karaoke,” D’Andra shared with enthusiasm. “We have an at home karaoke machine which has been put to use more than ever!” This beloved pastime became an even more significant source of joy and bonding during isolation. Their song choices reflect their individual personalities: “I like to sing Amy Winehouse and my husband likes to sing Metallica and Motley Crue!” It’s clear that these impromptu concerts brought laughter and lightheartedness to their home. For fans eager to catch a glimpse of their musical prowess, D’Andra offered an invitation: “Check out my Instagram stories as sometimes we will post our at home “quarantine” karaoke concerts!”

Beyond the Kitchen: D’Andra’s Enduring Entrepreneurial Vision

While the potential cookbook is an exciting new venture, D’Andra’s commitment to her established businesses remained unwavering during this period. She takes immense pride in the meticulously formulated nutritional products offered by Ultimate Living. Her company’s flagship product, Green Miracle, recently underwent a relaunch, now boasting an enhanced formula. This improved version incorporates high-powered antioxidant ingredients and phytonutrients specifically chosen to bolster the immune system, providing crucial support in safeguarding the body against a barrage of environmental toxins, pathogens, viruses, and free radicals. In a world acutely aware of health and immunity, Ultimate Living’s mission became more relevant than ever.

Furthermore, D’Andra also continued to champion her Hard Night Good Morning skincare line. Recognizing that stress and changes in routine can take a toll on one’s complexion, D’Andra’s naturally derived, botanically based, aloe vera-infused, and cruelty-free skincare solutions offered a comforting ritual. Providing a nice refresher during extended periods at home, the line encourages self-care and helps maintain a healthy glow, proving that even during a global crisis, a moment for pampering can make a significant difference to one’s well-being.

In conclusion, D’Andra Simmons has epitomized resilience and adaptability throughout the COVID-19 quarantine. Far from simply enduring the hiatus of The Real Housewives of Dallas, she has embraced the opportunity for personal growth and business expansion. From experimenting with ambitious recipes that could fill the pages of a future cookbook to diligently managing her wellness and skincare companies, and finding joy in home workouts and karaoke nights, D’Andra demonstrates a multifaceted approach to navigating challenging times. Her journey underscores the power of creativity, dedication, and a positive outlook, proving that even amidst uncertainty, one can continue to thrive and inspire.