Sunday Morning Coffee 2
Volume 2
Today I am pleased to share with you Sunday Morning Coffee. This is a place to share, learn, explain, dream, and have fun.
Thanks for joining me for Sunday morning coffee. Today I am sharing my weekly thoughts about entertaining, decor, crafts, and recipes and how we can use these ideas to make simple changes at home and in our lives.
A Little Bit About Me
Things didn’t quite go this week as I had planned.
In fact, this week was one of the hardest weeks of my life.
On Tuesday, my mom passed away.
My mom was known as Nana to her 14 grandkids (pictured here) and three great grand children. She was the kindest, most caring and incredible mother. She had the best full-time job in the world and treasured it more than anything … being our mom. She was selfless and always caring and she was always there for my dad and the five of us kids.
We were a military family and moved every two to three years and yet she managed to always make our new homes feel like our forever home.
My mom taught me everything. She taught me how to cook and bought me my first oven … a Suzy Homemaker oven when I was six. She encouraged me to try new recipes and we use to send each other cookbooks whenever we found a “keeper”.
My mom also taught me how to sew and I used her Singer sewing machine for years. She encouraged me when I wanted to sew a new outfit every day for an entire summer. She loved that I wanted to make my own wedding dress. And on my wedding day, she told me that my dress was the most beautiful bridal gown she had ever seen.
The greatest gift I ever received from my mom was that every day she taught me how to be a great mother. I even wondered if I could raise our boys as well as my mom and dad raised us. They always encouraged us to be caring, kind, and to enjoy life. They taught us to always strive to do the best we could. And it worked.
My mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s about four years ago. We knew she had been struggling with her memory and it’s a very cruel disease. When my dad passed away two years ago, she lost her soulmate, and the transition was very hard for my mom. Fortunately, we found her a wonderful place to live and I have been so blessed to visit her often as she lives very close to me.
The past year has been incredibly difficult as in-person visits with my mom have been on hold since February as a precaution to the health and safety of all of the residents. Since then all I have wanted to be able to do, is hug my mom.
A few weeks ago mom was put on hospice and we were finally able to visit her! My siblings and I were in full PPE, but we were finally able to hug her and hold her hand. These past few weeks have been so hard. But I do find peace knowing that she is now with my dad, the love of her life.
I love you mom with all of my heart.
Michael’s expression makes me smile. He’s the one in the front left.
Around Our Home
In the Kitchen
Some of you may know that seven months ago I made a big lifestyle change. I made two big changes … with my diet and sleeping habits.
Our household is now gluten free, dairy free, meat free, dessert free and everything free! Just kidding, Basically we are eating very healthy.
And I love it.
So why did I do this?
Last year I read a book called The End of Alzheimer’s by Dale Bredesen. As the cover of the book says, it is the first program to Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline. It’s a lot of information but there are things you can do now to help prevent Alzheimer’s. Having lived this disease with my mom, I would do anything to prevent this from happening to me.
It has been very easy to change my diet and I have also really tried to focus on getting more sleep. Three nights a week I try to be in bed by 10:00pm. And screen time before bed is not allowed. I have started reading a lot.
The next thing I must do is start an everyday exercise plan.
I should mention I just started seeing a doctor who works with patients to help prevent Alzheimer’s. I have had a lot of tests done (12 vials of blood and a brain scan) and I am learning exactly what I need to do to keep this disease away.
Given what is at stake, it has been a pretty easy lifestyle change. But I have a lot more work to do.
And if you want to hear it, I would be happy to share this journey with you,
A Decor Tip
Faux flowers on Amazon
I love fresh flowers.
But sometimes it is easier to use faux flowers. And I do love that they last forever.
We aren’t doing a lot of fresh flower shopping in Southern California these days so I have been using a lot of my faux flowers.
And for some reason, they are all pink. If you aren’t a fan of pink, most of these flowers come in a lot of different colors.
In the Craft Room
Look at these amazing fun craft ideas that I found this week.
I love this Valentine’s Day garland. It’s made from Pom poms and felt.
Click here to see the DIY.
I love these mini Valentine’s Day rolling pins. They are so easy to make and make such a cute gift.
Click here to see how to make these.
I love these Folded Paper Hearts from Martha Stewart Living. They are easy to make and would look good all throughout your home.
Click here for the DIY and the template.
Reflections on the Week
I only posted a few times on my blog this week. In case you missed any, here are my blog posts from last week.
My Favorite Things
You have no idea how hard it is for me to narrow down all of the things that I love. But I am going to try! Every week I will share a few of the things I have found that I think you might love too.
Last year I had my website redesigned. I hired Gillian Sarah. It was the most incredible experience. Gillian not only designed a beautiful website for me, but she guided me through the process of rebranding and reorganizing my 550+ blog posts. She is amazing!
Apartment Therapy wrote a funny article titled “8 Things From your Grandparents Bedroom That Are Cool Again“. I won’t tell you how many I have (it’s a lot) but this Chenille Bedspread is one of my favorites.
How many of these Cool Items do you have in your home?
If you are thinking about leading a healthier life this year, you might enjoy 11 Healthy Morning Habits Nutritionists Swear By.
Here are Some Instagram Accounts You Might Want to Check Out
- Ellen from Featherglass
- Taylor from The HouseinCanoe
- Lindsey from Reviveanddesign
- Lindsay from Woodsandivory
My tip for this week is to read a good book. I am making this suggestion because I am reading more but also because I need some good book suggestions! Please leave your book suggestions in your comments below. Right now I am looking for happy books to read.
My Favorite Comments on the Blog
Pam says:”I really enjoyed your first Sunday Morning Coffee. I especially enjoyed reading, “don’t put it away just yet.” We live in Indiana and we have at the very least 12 more weeks of gray ahead. I leave my “sparkle“, as I call our Christmas lights, up until the very end of January. Then I begin to get out my Valentine things … This year I think I’ll turn my little 1/2 bath Christmas tree into a little Valentine’s Day tree. It will be a nice little surprise for my family.
Leslie: Pam! I love that you are using some of your holiday decor to cheer up some of those gloomy weeks in Indiana! Your Valentine’s Tree sounds wonderful,
Barbara Mantel & Table: “This was so fun – what a great idea Leslie! I think your pine cone wreath has to be one of my all time favorites – so nice to see it make another appearance! I never got to make it with my mom before she died, but now you’re inspiring me to make one in her memory! Thanks as always for all the wonderful ideas and just plain eye candy! Happy Sunday!”
Leslie: Barb! You are simply the best. I am so happy you are going to make a wreath in honor of your mother. I think I am going to do the same. Thank you for the wonderful idea.
You can sign up to receive my blog updates here. .
Pink Things I Love for Under $30
Good Things from Martha
Yep, each week I am going to feature one of the gazillion Good Things tips that Martha Stewart has shared with all of us over the years. I have met Martha twice, at two of her book signings.
Next week I am going to share a fun story about Martha Stewart. And me.
Martha shared her top Good Things tips and these bottles are one of her readers favorites.
I have had one of these dishwashing bottles next to my sink for over 30 years.
Thanks Martha for this inspiration. Click here to see more.
What’s Ahead
I wasn’t online much this week so I need a bit of catching up to do. I will be sharing some fun decor in our living room and also a new version of my #1 craft project from last year. I can’t wait to post another gluten-free recipe, a craft, and how to update your front porch.
Pin the image below to your Pinterest Boards (just click the Pin button in the top left corner). You can also follow along with me on Pinterest!
Leslie,
My heart goes out to you on the loss of your mother. I am so very sorry to hear. Alzheimer’s is an awful disease. I watched my beloved grandmother suffer from it.
I am lifting you and your family in prayer.
I am so sorry to hear about your moms passing. My dad struggles with the same disease and it is a cruel disease that has been especially hard on him with COVID. Sending positive thoughts your way.
I was so sorry to read about your mom’s passing. My dad has Alzheimer’s and my mom is the major caregiver which is a very difficult job. I do worry about getting Alzheimer’s myself and would be very interested in hearing about your journey since speaking to your doctor. I love all your craft projects and recipes. 🙂
I am so sorry to read of you loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I love the way you spoke if the things your Mom taught you and now look where it has lead. You are a inspiration to MANY!
You will always have the memories and hold her in your heart.
Blessings.
Leslie, I am so very sorry for your loss. It’s so challenging to lose a parent no matter our own age. We watched the PBS show Elizabeth is Missing the other night. It was depressing but highlighted Alzheimer’s and dementia with wonderful acting. I especially would love to hear about what else you’re doing for sure. I already have no gluten and no dairy or sugar. Exercise needs to improve more, but has been challenging this year of restrictions. There are lots of things I’d love to improve on and be as healthy as I can moving forward in whatever years I have left.
Miss Leslie I’m so sorry to hear about your mother i to lost my wonderful mother to this horrible disease my two sisters and i was fortunate enough to get to take care of her at home i miss her more each passing day my prayers are with you.
Leslie, So very sorry for the loss of your mom. Hoping all of your wonderful memories with her give you comfort. I really enjoy your blog, and look forward to more inspiration.
Leslie,
I would be interested in knowing a little more about the blood test you had done for the Alzheimer’s or any hints on diet that I could incorporate into my lifestyle. My dad has suffered from this disease for 8 years and my mom is still his caretaker. I am always looking to make changes for the best while I can. Thanks in advance!!
My deepest condolences Leslie. Losing my mother to Alzheimers fourteen years ago has been the biggest heartbreak of my life. I am praying for you and your family, in time the pain eases but never goes away. The love of a mother is like no other! Pamper yourself friend! XO
Thinking of you at this sad time in your life. Alzheimers and Dementia are incredibly cruel diseases. My dad passed from Dementia 10 years ago; his last few years were heartbreaking.
May the wonderful times and memories you shared with your mom lift you up and give you peace.
My heartfelt condolences on your mom’s passing. Thank you for sharing your love for her with us.
I am so sorry to hear that you lost your beloved Mother. May the beautiful memories of her help you at this time.
I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful mother. I am sure a piece of her will always be a part of you.
On another note, your advice from nutritionists, anyone can call themselves a nutritionist without any qualifications. My daughter is a registered dietitian with a four year degree to make her an RD, registered dietitian. There is a huge difference. I am new to your postings & love them all!!
Sending prayers of love and strength to you and your entire family. ❤️💔💔❤️
Leslie, I am so sorry to hear about your Mama. I lost my Mama to Dementia almost a year ago, and it is still so surreal. Like you, my Dad passed earlier; now I’m orphaned, and it is still very hard some days. I know your heart hurts. Praying you are able to find comfort on most days, and thankful you have such great memories. Your Mother sounds like a wonderful woman!
So sorry for your loss, your mom sounds like an amazing woman. I bet she was so proud of you using all those skills she taught you. Thank you for sharing your story. Would love to hear more about your life style changes you are incorporating to help prevent this horrible disease.
I’m sorry for your loss. Your Mother sounds a lot like mine. A wonderful woman and Mom. She died with alzheimer’s 2 years ago, although we effectively lost her well before that. Such an evil disease.
She lived with me for the last 5+ years and died at age 98+ to be with my wonderful Dad and older brother.
It’s very hard, but they are dancing in the sky with their beloved husbands.
Be blessed and know there are many people who know exactly how you hurt.
Dear Leslie,
I can only imagine how proud your mother was of you and your sweet family. Xoxo
I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother. I would be interested in any tips you can give us. I have only recently found your blog but I love all the ideas you have and I have tried many of them.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. This is such a hard time to lose a loved one. We losted our Dad in August.