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.
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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, I am so sorry to hear your mom has passed away. Regardless of our age, we always need our moms. I lost my mom 22 years ago and I can tell you that time does help heal. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of her but it no longer hurts to do so. I can laugh with my siblings as we share funny stories about her.
I’m so sorry this past year made it so difficult to visit her. Words just never seem to be enough when someone so important passes on. She sounds like such an amazing person, mom and grandmother. To have a mom who supports and encourages your interests and passions is so wonderful. My prayers are with you and your family. My sincere condolences. Tracy
All losses are difficult whether sudden or long goodbyes such as with your mother. I cared for my mother-in-law and was with her when she passed away 5 years ago. This dear woman was like a mother to me after my own mother died of cancer when I was 22. So here are some tips to help with your grief: make a calendar of photos with her, pick a favorite photo and have it made into a jigsaw puzzle, create birthday cards for the grandkids from Nana letting them know she is still with them in spirit & maybe reminisce about a special memory, journal about your long goodbye & after thoughts. A book to help with loss is “I Wasn’t Ready To Say Goodbye” by Brook Noel. And for fun, I suggest, “Giddy Up, Eunice” by Sophie Hudson.
Please accept my condolences on the death of your mother. She sounds like an amazing person and you were so lucky to have someone like her to support and encourage you.
Leslie, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. Our moms are our stability, mentor, first love in our lives. I lost my mom 50 years ago. And, even having spent most of my life without my mom I will say she was the person who influenced me the most in my life. I do know that the pain eases with time but the loss never goes away. You are so lucky to have so many years of joy and great memories. Those will hold you and your family together always. Having known you “online” these last 12-13 years I can tell that you are as good a mom to your boys as your mom was to you. xxPam
Sorry for the loss of your mom. I can’t even imagine your pain. We always need our mothers no matter our age. Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease. My mom lost her mother, my grandmother at he age of 97 to this disease as well just 2 years ago. May you find peace and comfort in all the things you do that remind you of your mom. Prayers for you and all your family.
Oh Leslie, I have to say that I almost felt that something was terribly wrong when you did not post one of those mornings! Although this is heartbreaking, I shed happy tears as I read your post because I was so happy to read of all the great memories that you have of your mom and family! She taught you so much and you can tell that she loved being a mom! I lost my mom when I was 9 years old and I struggled through the years for role models and I have to say that I was able to find a couple, my aunt and my mother-in-law! It’s hard finding role models that freely want to give. Being a mom is the best job in the world. Hugs!
– Becky @alottabitofhome
I am so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. What a blessing to have such a precious Mom who will live on forever through the hearts she’s touched. Sending you much love & prayers!
Please share any of the information you’ve learned on proactively helping to avoid Alzheimer’s.💞
💔sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Our moms will always be our BFFs
So sorry to hear about the loss of your wonderful Mother. I am sure she will be missed dearly but the memories will always be I. Your heart. 💕
So very sorry for your loss. My mom passed away twenty years ago and I still miss her. Cherish your beautiful memories . I am enjoying your posts very much, you have such wonderful ideas.
I’m so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Losing your mama is something you never quite get over no matter how old you are. You and your family will be in my prayers.
So sad to hear of your Mom’s journey these last few years and of her passing. Your Mom’s journey sounds almost identical to my Mom’s. My Mom passed in July, 2020, in the nursing home. Prior to quarantine, I was with her every day. After quarantine, I could only call to talk with her, which had to be accomplished with the help of staff since she could no longer use the phone on her own. The quarantine hastened the progression of dementia/Alzheimers. She died within a week of being diagnosed with several infections. Thankfully she did not have Covid, nor did she have to go to the hospital. I got to be with her 3 hours before she died. The best books I found to read to my mom were: “A Loving Voice: A Caregivers Book of Read-Aloud Stories for the Elderly” and “Loving Voice II: A Caregivers book of More Read-Aloud Stories for the Elderly both by C Banks and J Rizzo. Both are out of print but can be purchase at Amazon. She responded to these stories and that’s why I liked them. Some of the sources I used to help me, help her: Second Forgetting by Dr. Benhjamin Mast; teepasnow.com videos; Dr. Leslie Kernisan articles;The Alzheimer’s Association; the Alzheimer’s Society, A Place for Mom. I hope this information may help someone in a similar situation.
So sorry for your loss. I just lost my Mom on December 18th too. It has been a struggle at times, but the memory of our time together has been precious. My Mom was in an assisted living center and visits had restrictions. Since Mothers Day 2020 we were able to visit outside but social distance. My Mom suffered a stroke that effected her short term memory, but her Mom (my Grandmother) had Alzheimer’s. I would be very interested in hearing your journey to avoid this terrible disease. My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your Mom.
Dear Leslie, I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, My mom suffered from the same thing. It is so hard to watch someone you love so much slip away. May God give you courage and strength now and in the days ahead with your wonderful memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Heidi
Sending you and your family all my sympathy on the passing of your wonderful mother, and I wish you Peace as you celebrate her life, her loving spirit, and the many happy memories you will always hold dear to your heart…..may they comfort you throughout the days ahead.
I’m very sorry for the loss of your mother.❤️ May you hold your memories close to your heart.
We are the same age. I have 3 adult children also. I changed my diet and began working out 5-6 days a week about 10 years ago. Best decision of my life! Look at dr li’s new book, eating to beat disease. I’m learning so much.
We live in Ventura county, I’m stealing so many of your ideas for our new farmhouse that will be done this spring. We are building it. Looking forward to your beach house re-do. Hopefully you get a great inspector like we have.
To a great year, Amy
Hi Leslie –
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She sounds like she was a wonderful woman and will be missed. I hope your happy memories of her give you comfort as you continue your life without her.
Do you still have and use her Singer sewing machine? I have my husband’s grandmother’s Singer. It works like a charm and I have never needed another to do my projects.
It sounds like you are being smart about keeping the disease from your life. My husband and I are doing the same and like you mentioned, eating right is easy when you are doing it to stay healthy. 🙂
I love the pink stems you have in a photo in your post, but the link to your Pink Flowers is not working.
My best – Diane
I am very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I understand this sorrow. My momma passed away December 21,2020. She had a stroke and passed very quickly. By God’s goodness we her children (5 of us) and a few grandchildren were able to be by her side as she joined our Dad in heaven. During Covid restrictions this was a huge blessing for us. You are one of the first bloggers I started to follow 2 and a half years ago. I have done a few sewing projects with my mom on our Momma Mondays. ❤️ Thank you for sharing such great ideas and your life with us.
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh Leslie, I am so heartbroken for you! I know that pain — and, sad to admit, the relief that comes when we can embrace the knowledge she is no longer in pain and no longer “a stranger living in her body”.
I send you virtual hugs! It’s okay to grieve — any way that feels right to you!
Sewing and backing and making (of any kind) can be such wonderful therapy — especially when these skills came from your mother.
Bunches of hugs,
Diane