Care for the Caregiver
January 10, 2022 • Lifestyle
Hello! For those of you have been around for sometime now, you know that I cherish my Moms memory and miss her everyday.
During the time that I was my Moms caregiver I didn't blog about it at any length, and rarely shared my journey but, I should have.
It was beyond stressful and took a toll on my life, emotions and my overall well being.
Sadly, I say all that to say this. My Dad Pete, is not doing well and I have recently started on my journey of being his caregiver along with some other family members. I know it is our job to care for our parents as they cared for us but, my Dad has been the toughest bad ass my whole life. Now he needs help in ways that are hard for me to understand.
My Dad is an amazing Dad and even though he drove a truck and was on the road all the time, he still made time for me and my two brothers. We had an amazing childhood. Here are just some of the things my Dad taught me. How to play poker, how to read a road map, how to change the oil in my car, how to drive a stick shift, how to ride a motorcycle, how to make pickled eggs, how to cook perfect rice, and how to siphon gas just to name a few. I was raised with boys and it shows, I am not that girly girl that likes nail polish and trips to the mall. Give me the outdoors and an adventure and I am a happy girl.
I am going to try and embrace this very precious time that I have with my Dad, and not lose my own mind.
Knowledge is power, and I need all the help I can get on handling this stage of life with Grace.
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Here are some ways on handling the role of caregiver
* Take care of yourself. Don't neglect doctors visits and tap into support groups. Schedule dinner with your friends it will give you something to look forward to.
* Identify what caregiving resources are available in your area. Meals-on-Wheels, adult day care, and assisted living communities that offer respite care allow caregivers to take a much needed break.
* Have a plan in place. Don't wait until a crisis strikes to have the conversation with your parent. Identify what circumstances might lead to considering long-term care option for your parent and involve them in the process.
* Get out of the house and take in some fresh air. Just the change in scenery is enough to brighten your spirits.
*Be patient in your new role. People are set in their way and change is not easy for them.
*Ask for help at anytime. Get other family members or friends to stop by and offer some support.
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I hope in some small way this information helps you too!
Until next time,
Keep loving each other,
Dana
Setting Goals for a Happier You in 2022
January 1, 2022 • Lifestyle
New Years resolutions are a scam. I know, you start with these lofty plans to diet, excercise, save money, or whatever and then 2 weeks in, you are tired and defeated. This is because it is not really a goal that means something to you. Goals need to have a very direct purpose in your life or it just isn't happening.
What works for others does not work for everyone.
Make your goal yours!
Focus on making your life better, and I promise that will be motivation enough to achieve so many more great things.
I love mornings, I like to get up before everyone else, and just be alone in the silence. I can get kinda cranky, if I miss this step.
But, luckily for people in my life, I rarely mess with my morning routine. It is for everyones safety.
Some options to create a positive mental space in the morning include:
Set Goals- Baby steps to just get through the day. Maybe 3 things you would like to achieve today. These could be something as simple as laundry, dinner or wash your car. These are your goals, own them.
Make a list- If it is not written down it doesn't happen. I love my planner and it is never far from my reach. I have lists for groceries, personal, future, blog, ideas. List keeps my mind at ease,Well, at least a little.
Plan- Having a plan of the weeks/months activities, appointments and personal time gives you structure. Without a plan or any direction you just go through the motions and really have no idea how you got to a place, that you do not like. It is your life, start acting like it. You rub your life, don't let it run you.
- If you thrive from positive energy, make sure whatever you do gives you that burst of psoitivity.
- Someone who needs to have a plan, try planning your day and you will soon feel much happier.
- Someone who needs to exert yourself, go for that morning walk or run.
- Someone who needs to think, find time for reading, and journaling.
It takes 21 days to form a habit. Give this new way of life a test drive and figure out what works for you and what doesn't. You can go from there and you will be in control of your life, your goals and will have a much better year.
What are your goals for the New Year?
Drop a comment and let me know.
My goal is to be more present in the plans that I have for my life.
Cheers to 2022!
Dana
6 Easy Blackstone Recipes
December 29, 2021 • Cooking
Y'all understand how much I love cooking, and I got my Christmas wish, a Blackstone Griddle and I am beyond excited.
Do you have one? Lets talk about all things Blackstone.
I have watched way more than my share of YouTube videos about it.
I am looking forward to cooking all kinds of goodies.
The day after I got my griddle, I made bacon, eggs and biscuits for breakfast and it was easy and delicious. Then I made Quesadillas for lunch and Austin made burgers for dinner.
I think we are going to get great use out of it.
Here are a few things my family is looking forward to enjoying.
Smashed Potatoes(Delicious by the way)
Stayed tuned for all of our cooking adventures!
What is your favorite thing to cook on the Blackstone?
Cheers!
Dana
Final Coffee & Conversations of 2021
• Coffee & conversations
Well, it's almost a New Year!
2022 is fast approaching. I am not one for making resolutions, I am more of a goal setter. But, honestly, I have really been slack about setting goals, you know how life just happens and sometimes you are just along for the ride.
Yeah, that's how I have felt lately. My goal for 2022 is to be more present and not just go through the motion of day to day, month to month. I want to live life with a purpose and have my life serve a bigger purpose.
I know I can do that!
I am not one to go out on New Years Eve, mainly because my chances of staying awake are slim and I just like staying close to home.
We had a fantastic Christmas here and we are Blessed more than we will ever realize. I miss my Momma and Sonny, so very much. But something about Christmas, makes me miss them a little more.
We still and will always put up Sonny's stocking as he will always be with us, and he did love Christmas.
Years ago, our first Christmas together Sonny asked me, what I wanted for Christmas, and I cut out a Bose Wave Radio from the Sears catalog, and gave him the clipping. When Christmas rolled around that year, Sonny gave me an antique metal Christmas box with the clipping of the radio and I keep that box safely in my stocking every year. The radio is in my kitchen. But that little metal box makes me cry every year.
I am loving the way our live tree smells in the living room. I just might keep one up all year long.
We are really enjoying our Christmas break from school too.
It is nice with no alarms, no schedules.
Our household got a Blackstone for Christmas and I can see many a great meal being cooked on it.
The transformation for shed to greenhouse is going well and should be complete soon, if we keep having these gorgeous day.
Check out Part 1
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Here are some links I have been loving-
Ella loves this bento lunchbox and carries it everyday.
It comes with a cute bag and, plasticware stores in the lid.
Now this was one of those impulse buys, it has not let me down yet.
I've used it on sweatshirts, furniture, pants or really any clothe that gets some pilling on it.
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I feel kind of nostalgic with the New Year. I got a new planner and the fresh clean pages are open to possibilities and adventure.
But, as I look back on 2021, it makes me kinda sad.
Here are just a few amazing adventures and celebrations we had.
Ella got her license in February(I might have cried)
In April, we spent the week at the beach with our family, and it was so much fun. We really enjoyed the sunrise service on the beach.
We went tubing on the New River a bunch of times(my fav summer activity)
We celebrated the 4th of July in our tradition of parades, food and fireworks, family
Gary and I celebrated 2 years of dating on July 18th, love ya babe!
I took my first trip to WV mid July, but unfortunately, got very sick and couldn't enjoy the trip.
Sadly, we missed the Dwight Yoakam concert in GA and we were to sick to care
School started back in August, we missed the first several days. But finally got it together and joined the fun.
In Sept. we participated in the Cooper River Bridge Run, and had a perfect weekend in Charleston, SC and can't wait to do it again.
Gary and I made another trip to WV for a Marshall football game, sightseeing and Camden Park. You can see more on my You Tube Channel. Please watch, like and subscribe to help my channel grow.
In Oct, We celebrated my bestie turning 50 years young. Love ya Missy!
Ella and I went to Raleigh for Harry Styles concert on October 12th and stayed a couple of days.
Then on Oct 28th we hit Atlanta for another Harry concert.
We were planning to go to Miami on Dec 30th for another Harry concert, but they cancelled.
During this year we celebrated lots of birthdays and had many blessings.
Our prayer is that you, and your family have a fantastic 2022 and may all the blessings come your way.
Cheers to 2022,
Dana
Visiting Clemson, SC
December 21, 2021 • Travel
My last day of work until January 5th was this past Friday, and I wanted to get away just for a minute and relax. We wanted to go see the Elk in Cataloochee, but the weather did not look good for the area. So, we changed our mind and headed to Clemson, SC. We had never been there, so perfect.
We left around 10 am on Saturday morning.
Clemson is about 3 hours from home.
I know we could have made a day trip out of it, but honestly, we are not day trip people.
We like to stay in hotels.
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| Y'all know we love some murals |
Where We Stayed-
We booked our stay at The Abernathy and it was nothing short of amazing. Close to everything and just steps away from Clemson Campus, where we spent a lot of time exploring the grounds.
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| The Abernathy located steps off of Clemson Campus |
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| Nicely appointed bar area with microwave, refrigerator, sink and keurig coffee machine |
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| Full bar with tapa menu and soft drinks, snacks and grab and go breakfast |
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| Spacious bathroom with plenty of room |
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| I love this cute "cue to the Tigers" token that is your room key |
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| Relaxing living room area with couch and TV |
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| Decorated so pretty and plenty of room |
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| Lobby of The Abernathy |
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| This King size bed was so comfortable |
Where We Ate-
Clemson is about 3 hours from our house and we were starving when we arrived. We knew right were to go, the famous Esso Club. Google says this about it, "Raucous institution with a bar menu located on the lot of a historic service station"and this is probably true on a Clemson home game day, but the day we ate there it was families and couples and pretty quite, you did hear the occasional guy yelling about his team on the TV. The food was delicious and plenty of it. Gary got the cheeseburger and chips and I had the bird dog with chips, and we each had a beer. Our bill was $33.44
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| The Esso Club in Clemson, SC |
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| You must stop by for the food, but also the history |
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We picked up Your Pie- a local pizza place. Sorry I was hungry, no pictures were taken. Just picture a pizza with black olives, mild sausage and mushrooms. It was a perfect night snack/dinner.
For breakfast Sunday morning, we ate at Eggs Up Grill in Clemson before heading to our next stop Abbeville, SC.
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| Eggs Up Grill has an extensive menu |
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| Our Breakfast |
Other places I would like to try if I find myself in Clemson again-
The Pot Belly Deli
Tiger Town Tavern
Loose Change
What We Did-
We started by looking for old churches in the area because with the history of Clemson we knew there had to be a few
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| St Andrew Catholic Church |
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| Old Stone Church We then came onto the campus of Clemson and took a private tour of Fort Hill. The family that started Clemson University has an old home place on the property and it is a National Historic Landmark. You can get more information about Fort Hill here. We were given a private tour of Fort Hill and it was beyond stunning. It is amazing what wealth bought you back in 1803.   |
Clemson University has a beautiful campus with plenty of old buildings. We walked around the campus and just enjoyed the day. We literally never saw another person as everyone had left for Christmas break.
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| Trustee House |
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| Trees by reflection pond on Clemson campus |
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| Reflection Pond on Clemson campus |
We spent most of our time exploring the campus and the area around it. Everything is dripping in Clemson Tiger orange.
Clemson is a small town, but I am sure it can get crazy on home football game day. We hope to visit again soon, maybe in the spring when everything is in full bloom.
Until next time, Cheers!
Dana & Gary
Easy and Fun Cinnamon Ornaments
December 16, 2021 • Lifestyle
I am of the age that I remember making the ornaments for our tree as a kid. My Momma would drag out all the craft supplies and we would spend the day making things like paper chains, fingerprint anything that didn't move and also, these adorable ornaments.
I love these because they give me this nostalgic feeling, and Y'all know, I am knee deep in that phase of my life.
So, gather the kids either young or old and lets get to crafting.
Cinnamon Dough Ornaments
- Mix applesauce, cinnamon, and cloves until smooth and clay like.
- Sprinkle cinnamon on your tabletop and rolling pin, and roll the applesauce/spice mixture to about 1/8th inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters or small knife to cut out your shapes.
- With a small skewer make holes for hanging ribbons and draw details on the shapes
- Place cutouts on a cookie sheet and put in a 120 degree oven for 1 1/2 hours, when time is up, turn the oven off and leave ornaments in oven over night to allow time to dry and set up.
- Decorate with ribbons and hang on the Christmas tree.
- Makes about 20 fragrant ornaments
Happy Crafting & Merry Christmas!
3 Easy Recipes Using a Store Bought Rotisserie Chicken
December 6, 2021 • Cooking
Do you like leftovers? I mean yes, it is a given that you like leftover pizza and spaghetti. I am not one to take leftovers home from a restaurant, but I do like re-heating food that I prepare here at home.
But, this is not really about leftovers so, I don't know what I am going on about.
But, this is not really about leftovers so, I don't know what I am going on about.
I know you have been at your local grocery store, just about the time they pull out those delicious smelling chickens. The smell draws you to the deli. Rotisserie chicken is fresh and affordable, so let me share with you some other options to get a wide range of meals out of a chicken.
Let's start with this soup, easy and delicious.
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Chicken and Cannellini Bean Soup
This soup is going to be perfect on a cold winter day when the weather outside is just nasty and it is time to stay inside.
2 Tablespoons butter
1 cup onions, diced
1/2 cup carrots, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
1 Tablespoon garlic, minced(I cheat and use garlic powder and it works just fine)
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup of celery
Fresh pepper taste
8 cups chicken stock
1 cup cannellini beans(8 oz can undrained)
2 cups Rotisserie Chicken, diced
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery and sauté until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes. Add garlic, bay leaf, and season lightly with pepper. Increase heat to medium high, slowly add chicken stock, cover and bring to a slow boil. Add Cannellini beans and boil uncovered for about 7 minutes. Reduce heat to low, add chicken , and heat through again. Add seasonings to taste and serve and enjoy.
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| Chicken and Cannellini Bean Soup |
Next up, Chicken Salad
By far, this is my favorite sandwich to enjoy here at home, or while out on an adventure.
2 Cups Rotisserie Chicken, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup onions, diced
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Salt and Pepper to taste
I like to add just a squirt of ranch dressing into mine also.
Add it all to a bowl, mix well. Season to taste and enjoy.
Cover and keep refrigerated!
Enjoy on crackers or a sandwich.
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| Rotisserie Chicken Salad |
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And finally, my son's favorite.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
2 cups pulled Rotisserie Chicken, shredded or chopped
1 package 8oz cream cheese, cubed
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
Serve with tortilla chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
In a mixer, add chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, blue cheese crumbles. Mix well.
Spread mixture into the baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes.
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| Buffalo Chicken Dip |
Those are easy enough for any night of the week. I like using a rotisserie chicken because it is moist and nicely seasoned. So, grab chicken on your next trip to the store and discover a new recipe.
Until next time,
Cheers!
Cooking the Tyson Pot Roast with Vegetables from Aldi
November 19, 2021 • Cooking
We are all busy these days, and most of us wish we had a chef on staff at home, I know I do. Well, since that currently is not in my cards, the next closest thing is a crock pot. I love my crock pot. I think I love the fact of putting food in it before I leave for work, and coming home and the house smelling amazing. I cook for a living, so cooking after work is not my idea of a good time. It's easy to use and safe to leave all day.
I have been trying some different foods at Aldi. The prices are way more affordable, and I have found some new favorites.
About a week ago, I was slowly cruising the aisles at my local Aldi and I found this Tyson slow cooker kit featuring pork roast with vegetables. The package says the weight is 2lb 12 oz.
It looked really tasty and I think it was about $8. The kit came
with a small pork roast, onions, potatoes, carrots, celery and a seasoning packet.
I put it in my crock pot in the morning and in about 8 hrs it was perfect. I did cut the onion and potatoes up into bite size pieces.
My house smelled amazing by dinner time.
I added some "love" as I call it, aka seasoning because I wanted some more garlic and onion powder.
So, would I buy it again? Yes, definitely! Because it was affordable but, also delicious. It really isn't enough for many people but, I only fed two on this meal and it was plenty.
I don't think you could buy each of the items in the kit separately for $8, so that is why I think it is a good deal.
Do you shop at Aldi?
Share in the comments some of your favorite Aldi finds.
Cheers!
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