Sunday Inspiration; Magic of the Holidays

 

Thankful Thursday: December

 

I Am Thankful For:

Waking up when it's still dark

Sunrise

Spending the day with my daughter and oldest grandson's

Reading in front of the fireplace

The light of the Christmas tree

Beans on toast

Panthers beat the Rams 

Ordering new glasses 

Pulled pork

An idea for the perfect gift

Christmas cards

No icy conditions

Texting with my sister

The Grinch

Texting with my niece

Homemade soups

Sunday Inspiration: Giving

 

Happy Thanksgiving

 

I Am Thankful For:

Family

Friends

33 years of marriage

Christmas trees

Christmas lights

Spending the afternoon with my husband

My home

Rainy days at the library

Sun shining through the morning fog

Memories

A mug of hot tea

Winter birds

Sunday Inspiration: Start Each Day

Thankful Thursday: November 20, 2025

 

I Am Thankful For:

Sleep

Treating myself to a coffee 

An "all clear" pathology report

Sunshine

A pot of gumbo

Morning sun lighting the mountain tops

Getting a quick appointment

Antibiotics

Leftovers 

A lazy day

Taco soup 

Feeling better

A day with my grandson

Coloring

Watching my husband make our grandson laugh

Sunday Inspiration: What You Have Now

Thankful Thursday: November 13, 2025

 

I Am Thankful For:

Catching up with family

A delicious BBQ lunch

The fireplace is completed

A red sky morning 

Feeling useful

Comfort foods

Feeling creative

A warm day before the cold moves in

Breakfast with a dear friend

A beautiful sunset

A warm home

When my daughter and grandson stop by

The first snowfall of the season

When the procedure is done

A sushi lunch with my husband

A restful afternoon

Veterans Day

 

My grandfather, my father, and my husband each answered the call with courage and conviction.

Today, I pause to honor them and all who’ve served.

Holidays With Your Adult Children

The holiday season, once filled with the excitement of childhood traditions, takes on a new rhythm as children grow into adults. Work schedules, relationships, and new traditions begin to shape how and where we celebrate. These changes can lead to stress, hurt feelings, and resentment. But they don't have to!  Navigating the holiday season with adult children requires a blend of flexibility, grace, and a fresh perspective on what togetherness looks like. 

Be flexible with your expectations.

For many of us, the holidays have been a time when the whole family gathers under one roof. But as adult children begin to build their own families or share holidays with their partner’s relatives, we may find ourselves needing to adjust our expectations. This may look like sharing time, or having to take turns with which holidays we spend with our grown children. Flexibility is key to keeping the spirit of the season alive. By letting go of rigid expectations and embracing new rhythms, we open the door to holidays that may look different, but still carry the warmth and connection we cherish.

Celebrate from afar through phone or video calls.

When adult children live far away, holiday traditions often need a little creative reimagining. While you may not be able to gather around the same table, technology offers meaningful ways to stay connected and celebrate together. Set aside time for a dedicated holiday video call. Or coordinate your meal times and sit down to share a virtual feast together.

Celebrate at a different time.

Instead of focusing on the exact date or the traditional schedule, try focusing on quality time spent together. A family dinner in early December or a New Year’s brunch can be just as special as Christmas morning. The goal is connection, not perfection. We now share a big family celebration on Christmas eve.  This gives our children time to spend Christmas morning opening gifts with their own children or their in-laws. 

Encourage your grown children to create their own traditions.

Letting go of "how we've always done things" can be difficult. Especially during the holidays, when traditions can be deeply personal. But giving our adult children the space and freedom to create their own traditions is part of being a parent.  This might mean they host their own gatherings, blend traditions with a partner’s family, or start something entirely new. And who knows - some of their new traditions might become cherished parts of our own celebrations too.

By approaching this season with open hearts, flexible expectations, and a spirit of encouragement, we can create space for deeper connection and lasting joy. The holidays may look different than they did years ago, but they still offer us the chance to celebrate love, family, and the beautiful journey of watching our children become who they’re meant to be.

Sunday Inspiration: The Test

Thankful Thursday: November 6, 2025

 

I Am Thankful For:

Halloween slippers

Pumpkin pecan praline coffee

Trick or treaters

Homemade soup

A cozy blanket

Spending my birthday with family

Birthday wishes from far away

Another year ahead of me

An extra hour of sleep

A little self care

Panthers beat the Packers

Earlier sunrises

An unexpected invitation

A new mug for my morning tea

Birthday cards

Sunday Inspiration: Birthdays

 

Happy Halloween

 

Thankful Thursday: October 30, 2025

I Am Thankful For:

Dog costumes

A delicious cup of coffee

Brisk Autumn days

An afternoon watching my grandson play tennis

My husband bringing home donuts

Unexpected finds

A pot of homemade chili

Rainy Autumn days

A cup of hot tea

The quiet before dawn

Sunrise

Catching it early

Time to read

Early birthday presents

Trick or Treat

 

Thankful Thursday: October 23, 2025

 

I Am Thankful For;

My grandson winning his tennis match

Donuts

A change in the weather

Friday

Decisions made

Comfort foods

Rainy evenings

Community

Lazy dinners 

Monthly book club

Packing for a short getaway

A burger and a beer

Art museums

Seeing Stevie Nicks in concert

A safe trip home

Being greeted by my dogs

Be Careful

 

Thankful Thursday: October 16, 2025

 

I Am Thankful For:

Blue Autumn skies

Prepping the fireplace for winter

Chilly Fall mornings

Birthday cake

Watching a spooky movie

Family

Spectacular sunsets

Cozy pajamas

Slow mornings

Homemade soup

Panthers beating the Cowboys

The librarians at my local branch

Sunshine

Good skincare

A cooling Autumn breeze

Doggy zoomies

Having people who understand me

Iced coffee

Sunday Inspiration: Our Purpose

 

Thankful Thursday: October 9, 2025

 

I Am Thankful For:

Finally getting a skin check

Iced coffee

New rugs for the kitchen

Lunch with my husband

Beautiful weather

Starting a book I have wanted to read for a while

Picking out trim for the kitchen

My husband making breakfast for me

A heating pad

Pulled pork

A chat with a neighbor

My sister making me laugh

Talking on the phone with my grandson

My husband's birthday

October

 

Thankful Thursday: October 2, 2025

I Am Thankful For:

Finally feeling better

A decent night's sleep 

Planning a new creative project

Changing leaves

Lunch with my dad

Family movie night

A simmering pot of chili

Finishing a good book

Getting back to my usual routine

Rainy fall days

The beginning of October

So Long, September

As September comes to an end, I always feel a subtle shift—not just in the weather, but in my mindset. I find myself lingering in the quiet moments a little longer. This time of year always seems to me as if the world is gently encouraging me to slow down for a moment before the rush of the holidays begins.

It's too close to call as to which post on the blog was your favorite this month - Cozy September or Shopping My Closet: Transitional Fall Style. I also shared what I love about Fall in Welcoming Autumn. 

September was a month of long awaited accomplishment. Our countertops were installed. We were thrilled at how quickly this happened.  We had originally been told it could take 6 to 8 weeks. As it turned out - once we approved the slabs, the installation took place 10 days later! They are so beautiful.  There's still work to be done. For example: tiling the back splash, putting up all the trim, and figuring out window treatments.  But we once again have a functioning kitchen and I love how it is coming together!

Our new deck passed final inspection. And we have been enjoying as much time out there as possible! We bought a giant cantilever umbrella to provide shade even when the sun is past the trees and beats down on that side of the house. And we've already hosted a small family get together on it.

No one seems to be happier about the deck than the family dogs.  Ziggy would spend every waking second out there if I let him!  Although he has tried to squeeze through the gate and make an escape once already. We need to figure a way to prevent that from happening!

Mid-month I was sick for over a week with what must have been a nasty cold.  The day it started, I thought it was just some fall allergies. But by the next morning I felt terrible and there was no doubt that I was really and truly sick.  I felt bad enough to test for Covid and the flu. Fortunately, all results were negative. And by the end of the week I was starting to feel a little better. Although, I still haven't completely gotten rid of the cough.

This month I read "Lightning Strike" by William Kent Krueger for book club.  I also read "A Resistance of Witches" by Morgan Ryan and "The Reformatory" by Tananarive Due. I am currently reading "Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil" by V. E. Schwab. The man of the house and I finished reading "Equal Rites" by Terry Pratchett.  Any suggestions for what we should read next?

Some of my favorite things from September included: mornings and evenings out on the new deck, iced coffee, the subtle changes in the weather, and the man of the house grilling every weekend.

How was your September? 

Into Fall

 

Thankful Thursday: September 25, 2025

 

I Am Thankful For:

A little treat

Negative Covid and Flu tests

An afternoon of rest

Cold medicine

Starting feel a little better

No damage from the hail storm

The new moon

Panthers win!

Pretzel bites

The first day of Autumn

Watching the sunset from our deck

Shepherd's pie

Fall nail polish colors

Watching the falling leaves

Getting my yearly fall vaccines

Houseplants

A morning with my youngest grandson

A rainy afternoon

Welcoming Autumn

There’s something almost magical about the arrival of autumn. The air turns crisp, the days grow shorter, and the world begins to shift into a palette of warm, golden hues. For me, autumn is a season of both change and comfort.

There is something special about the sky on a clear fall day. It’s as if the blue deepens, becoming richer and more vibrant. That brighter shade of blue feels like nature’s way of saying, “Slow down. Take it in.”

Fall also brings football season. I love cheering for my favorite team and gathering with family on game day. It's an extra special experience when the man of the house and I can visit a stadium and catch a game in person.

Crisp fall mornings are another favorite. There’s something refreshing about stepping outside and feeling that cool air on your face. It’s the perfect excuse to pull out cozy sweaters, sip something warm, and savor the slower pace of the season

Of course, the changing leaves are the stars of the season. Watching the trees transform into reds, oranges, and yellows never gets old. It’s a reminder that change can be beautiful, and that nature always knows how to put on a show.

And let’s not forget the unofficial mascot of autumn: pumpkin everything. From lattes and pies to candles and decor, pumpkins are everywhere, and I'm here for all of it! They are cute, comforting, festive, and delicious—what more could you ask for?

So here’s to autumn—the season of vibrant skies, football cheers, colorful leaves, brisk mornings, and all things pumpkin. May it bring you joy, peace, and plenty of moments to savor.

Welcome back, fall. You’ve been missed!🍂

Letting Go

 

Thankful Thursday: September 18, 2025

 

I Am Thankful For:

No bad news at the Orthopedist

A bright blue fall sky

Comfort foods

A colorful sunset 

Our beautiful new deck

Trip to the warehouse club with my husband

A small family cookout

The funny things my grandson says

Grilled rice ribeyes 

A lazy Sunday

Fall nail polish colors

Buffalo wings

When my hold at the library is finally available

Hot tea with honey

Cough drops

Sleeping the morning away

Shopping My Closet: Transitional Fall Style

As soon as the temperatures start to dip and the first signs of fall appear, I find myself craving a wardrobe refresh. I’m dreaming of cozy sweaters and stylish boots—but the weather here isn’t quite ready for all that yet. So in the meantime, I’m shopping my closet for outfits that work for this in-between season.

Look One: Casual Comfort in Overalls

These overalls have been a staple in my wardrobe since last fall. They’re incredibly comfortable—like wearing pajamas—but they look much more polished. And let’s be honest, the compliments I get when I wear them don’t hurt either! For warm early fall days, I’m pairing them with a cheerful yellow scoop-neck tee and layering on beaded necklaces, including a faux pearl pendant for a touch of elegance.

Look Two: Light Layers with a Pop of Turquoise

I love the classic combo of jeans, a tee, and a cardigan for fall. But since it’s still warm out, I’m adapting the look with straight-leg jeans, a turquoise tank, and a short-sleeved knit cardigan. I kept the jewelry simple with my favorite bee pendant necklace featuring a toggle clasp—just enough detail without feeling heavy.

Look Three: Summer Dresses, Reimagined

Don’t pack away those summer dresses just yet! A sundress layered with a denim jacket is perfect for days that start warm and end with a chill. I finish the look with a cute crossbody bag and a turquoise beaded necklace. It’s my go-to outfit for weekend outings when the weather can’t quite make up its mind.

You may have noticed that I paired each of these looks with my Tieks in Sunset Stripe. The colorful stripes are perfect for both summer and fall, and they go with just about everything. Tieks’ flexible design, cushioned back and insole, and thick non-skid sole keep my midlife knees and feet happy—no matter where the day takes me.

Tieks in Sunset Stripe

As we ease into fall, I’m finding joy in rediscovering pieces I already own and styling them in fresh, transitional ways. Each of these outfits blends comfort with personality—and my Tieks in Sunset Stripe are the perfect finishing touch. Their vibrant colors complement both summer and fall palettes, and the comfort they offer keeps me moving with ease and confidence. Whether I’m running errands or heading out for a weekend adventure, Tieks help me step into the season in style.

What's your favorite summer-to-fall transitional look?

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary pair of Tieks by Gavrieli in exchange for this post. https://tieks.com/reviews

Sunday Inspiration: Success

Thankful Thursday: September 11, 2025

 

I Am Thankful For:

New countertops are installed

The start of football season

Planning a family dinner

Fridays

Trips to the home improvement store

Butterflies

Football Sundays

Lasagna soup

The full moon

Good book club discussions

Chilly mornings

Book recommendations

The new deck passed final inspection

Early morning phone calls from my daughter and grandson

Huge new deck umbrella

Dinner outside

Slowly getting things back together

Sunday Inspiration: Choose

Thankful Thursday: September 4, 2025

 

I Am Thankful For:

Frozen cherry Coke

An amazing sunset

Moving items into the new pantry

Dinner outside

Long weekends

Candy corn

A gorgeous day

Meeting the new neighbors

Family

Time with my grandsons

Seeing the first physical copy of my daughter's next book

Deck ready for inspection

Colors selected

Neat and organized shelves

My husband picking up my Rx for me

Cozy September

There’s something undeniably comforting about the arrival of September.

September wraps the world in a gentle kind of coziness that’s hard to resist. The mornings greet us with a crispness that invites sweaters and warm mugs. It’s the season of soft blankets, simmering soups, and the comforting scent of pumpkin spice and apple cider drifting through the air. 

The pace slows just enough to let us savor the small pleasures—reading by the window, baking something sweet, or simply watching the leaves begin their quiet transformation.

What's your favorite thing about September? 

Sunday Inspiration: Use What You Have

Goodbye, August

Was August even real? It feels like we blinked and suddenly landed at Labor Day weekend, wondering where the month went. One minute it was Friday, August 1st, full of summer plans and sunshine, and now we’re staring down September with a pumpkin spice latte in one hand and a fall to-do list in the other. This August might just go down as the quickest month in the history of months—proof that time flies when you're in midlife.

The most read post on the blog this month was Mix, Match, and Imagine where we talked about how the fashion plates toy sparked my childhood creativity. This month we also explored why so many of us find ourselves itching and scratching through perimenopause. And, as usual, I shared bits of my gratitude journal every Thursday and a little quote each Sunday to hopefully inspire you for the week ahead.

One of the reasons August seemed to zoom past was that it was a whirlwind of remodeling, renovations, and rebuilds.

We finished installing the new cabinets in the kitchen. And by "we", I mean my husband with a teeny bit of help from me. He also put up the new over-the-range microwave. The kitchen was measured for the new countertops last week.  This week we went to see and approve the slabs of granite, and they are scheduled to be installed next week.

As I write this, our deck is still under construction.  And I'm hoping with every fiber of hope I can muster that it will finally - Finally - be done before the end of this week.  They told us this would take about 2 weeks. It has been over 2 months now.  I'm ready for it to be done so I can use this beautiful new space!

In August I finished reading: "The Sugar Queen" by Sarah Addison Allen. I also read "All the Colors of the Dark" by Chris Whitaker and "Legends and Lattes" by Travis Baldree. I have started reading "A Resistance of Witches" by Morgan Ryan. My husband and I are reading "Equal Rites" by Terry Pratchett. And I am listening to "Lightning Strike" by Kenneth Kent Krueger for September book club.

August had me going for my annual mammogram.  My first appointment had to be rescheduled because of a power outage at the hospital. Fortunately, they were able to reschedule quickly and the images showed no changes this year. Yay!

Some of my favorite things from August include the new rocking chair set we ordered for the deck, my new glasses (I went for the progressive lenses this time - what a difference!), and the cooler temperatures we've been enjoying over the past week. 

How was your August? 

Thankful Thursday: August 28, 2025

 

I Am Thankful For:

New rocking chairs for the porch

Blemish patches

My stomach feeling better

Treating myself to a coffee

Planning a creative project

A quiet evening

A morning breeze

Sunshine

Butterflies in the yard

Being loved

My husband picking up breakfast

Cheesecake

New deck furniture

A beautiful fall-like day

A short road trip

Countertop install is scheduled

Sunday Inspiration: Believe

 

Thankful Thursday: August 21, 2025

I Am Thankful For:

Finally falling asleep

Mammogram done

Comfy pants

Perogi

My husband home from his work trip

Getting a lot accomplished

Weekends

A good check-up for one of my little dogs

Bear sightings

Relaxing mornings

Mammogram showed no changes

Replacement cabinets arrived

Libraries

Foggy mornings

Countertop measurements done

The dogwood leaves are beginning to change color

What No One Told Me About Menopause: It's Itchy

This post is meant to share what I have learned about menopause based on my own experience. It is in no way intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. Never disregard medical advice or delay seeking help because of something you read on this website.

No one warned most of us that perimenopause could make our skin feel like it’s crawling. Just when we thought we had a handle on the hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep struggles, along comes the relentless itch. It’s not just dry skin—it’s that maddening, can’t-sit-still kind of itch that shows up on your arms, legs, scalp, or even in places you’d never expect. If you’ve been scratching your head (literally) wondering what’s going on, you’re definitely not alone.

Estrogen plays an important role in the production of natural oils and collagen. Dropping estrogen during perimenopause causes a reduction in collagen and oils causing thinner and drier skin.

Be gentle with your skin during this season of life.  Limit the time you spend in baths or the shower and keep the water as cool as your comfort level allows. Use gentle, fragrance-free soap or cleansers. Moisturize your skin with nourishing lotions or creams with ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides.  Stay well hydrated. Avoid excessive alcohol use. If the itching is severe or persistent- talk to your doctor about finding relief.

For some women, it's not just a simple itch. It's a tingling sensation - as if bugs are crawling on your skin.  And yes, it is just as creepy feeling as it sounds.  This sensation is a common occurrence during perimenopause, but it can be a symptom of other things - from a side effect of some medications to anxiety. So, if you are experiencing this buggy feeling, it's best to discuss it with your medical professional.

The scalp can be particularly sensitive to these changes due to the large number of oil glands in the area which become less active during perimenopause.   This can cause not only an itchy scalp, but dry and brittle hair. Using a moisturizer shampoo and conditioner, avoiding sulfates and other irritating ingredients, using leave-in scalp treatments, and staying well hydrated may help to lessen these symptoms. 

For many women, one of the most surprising symptoms that occurs during perimenopause is itchy ears.  Declining estrogen affects the moisture levels in mucus membranes and can lead to itching in both the inner and outer ear.  The skin of the ear canal is especially sensitive and all these changes can make it more prone to dryness and itching.  You can try a gentle moisturizer on the outer ear area, but take care not to get it inside the ear canal. If the itching is intense or painful, talk with your doctor about lubricating ear drops, topical treatments, or other options for relief. 

The persistent itchiness of perimenopause and menopause, while frustrating, is a common and manageable symptom. Listening to your body and seeking guidance when needed is key.  

Have you experienced itching during perimenopause or menopause? 

Sunday Inspiration: Change

Thankful Thursday: August 14, 2025

 

I Am Thankful For:

 The scent of fresh basil

Quickly finishing my errands

Everyday is a step closer to completing projects

Texts from my grandson 

Little lizards in the driveway

My husband bringing home dinner

The full moon

My daughter stopping by with my grandsons

My little dog sitting in the sun

A relaxing morning

My dad celebrating another birthday

Making a decision 

A cute outfit

Library days

Talking to my grandson on the phone

Countertops are ordered 

Picked out the new faucet

Mix, Match, and Imagine

If you grew up in the '70s and '80s, like me, you know the joy of toys that didn’t need Wi-Fi or a touchscreen to be fun. The ones that kept us entertained for hours, sparked our creativity and inspired childhood adventures - even if they were only in our mind. 

One of my favorite toys growing up were my Fashion Plates.  They were the ultimate creative outlet for budding designers and fashionistas in the late '70s and '80s. With a set of interchangeable plastic plates featuring tops, bottoms, and accessories, kids could mix and match to create endless outfit combinations. Once the plates were arranged in the frame, a sheet of paper was placed over them, and rubbing a crayon or colored pencil across the paper revealed the design like magic. It was part fashion designing, part puzzle, and completely satisfying. 

I would spend hours (no exaggeration) designing outfit after outfit, carefully coloring each one with as much detail as I could. As I created, I imagined elaborate stories about the girl wearing them: where she was going, what she was doing, and how each outfit fit perfectly into her day. For me, Fashion Plates weren't just fashion - they were the catalyst for entire stories.

Looking back, it’s amazing how something as simple as a set of plastic plates and a few crayons could spark so much creativity and joy. Fashion Plates weren’t just my toy—they were a doorway into imagination, storytelling, and self-expression.

What was your favorite childhood toy?

Sunday Inspiration: Growth

Thankful Thursday: August 7, 2025

 

I Am Thankful For:

Getting compliments

Taking a chance

The smell of fresh rosemary

End of the month

The cabinets are going up

Laughing

Foggy mornings

August beginning

The deck railing is installed

A new microwave

A burger topped with lettuce and tomato from my garden

Cooler temperatures

A rainy Sunday

Family

Pie

My new glasses are ready

Rest

Receiving a book I have been wanting to read

Lunch with my husband

Sushi

A break from the rain

Sunday Inspiration: Getting Ahead