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!
My condolences on the loss of your momma, blessings 🙏
Touching hands, touching you and touching me. I understand fully your pain, the pain that Alzheimer’s gives to patient and love ones. My sister has the disease. My close friend has read the book you read, has seen a specialist and is on the same diet. I plan to do the same. The beauty in and from your mom, was passed to you and future generations. She showed her motherly love by giving you strength, courage, confidence, talent and above all else NEVER ENDING love. She gave you the gift of memories that will keep you smiling for the rest of your life. Some of us never had that. Tears here and hugs to you.
I just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear of the loss of your mother. You are very lucky to have such a special mom. Her light carries through to you. Light never disappears, it is absorbed. We are blessed to have your light radiated on us. I hope your find comfort at this difficult time. You have a beautiful family.
I grieve for you and your family. I, too, lost my father to this horrible disease. It feels like we lose them twice…..once when their memories leave them and they no longer know us and again when God takes them home. May you be blessed with peace and comfort during this difficult. 💕
Hi Leslie: I am so sorry for you. I too lost my mom to Alzheimers a year and 1/2 ago. We were lucky enough to keep her home to the end. This is an unbelievably hard disease to live with both for the person and the care givers. We were very close too. Breathe and know that you contribute so much to this blogging community. Our arms are around you.
You obviously had a wonderful roll model.
Leslie, nothing breaks our heart more than the loss of our Moms.
May Gods angels hold her and your Dad in their eternal arms.
Also I do hope you go more in-depth about your lifestyle change.
I would love to hear more.
Blessings.
So sorry to hear about your mom; it is such a hard loss to bear.
Here are my 5-star reads from 2020:
Where The Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens – it lives up to the hype
Becoming, by Michelle Obama – even better than I expected
An Accidental Death, by Peter Grainger – first in a mystery series, Kindle only
American Wife, by Curtis Sittenfeld – fiction inspired by the life of Laura Bush
Her Last Flight, by Beatriz Williams – historical fiction. I’ve enjoyed all her books and this is the best so far.
Rules For Being A Girl, by Candace Bushnell and Katie Cotugno – actually a YA novel but very good for adult women too
I Was Told It Would Get Easier, by Abbi Waxman
The Other Bennet Sister, by Janice Hadlow – story of Mary Bennet, the middle sister in Pride and Prejudice. There is a cottage industry in Jane Austen sequels but this is really a good one.
The Searcher, by Tana French – like a Western except set in modern Ireland
Everything Beautiful In Its Time, by Jenna Bush Hager – series of family anecdotes, I found parts very moving.
The Book of Lost and Found, by Lucy Foley – historical fiction
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, by V. E. Schwab – mix of fantasy and historical fiction
Thinking of you, Leslie and wishing you peace and fond memories in the loss of your Mom. She sounds like she was a very special lady. It looks like she received a lifetime of love! What a beautiful photo!
Leslie,
I’m so sorry about the loss of your precious Mom. My Mom also had Alzheimer’s. I know exactly what you went through. My prayers go out to your family during this time. Thank you for posting information on the book that you read and the reasons why you decided to change your lifestyle. I will be purchasing this book.
Hi Leslie – I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. She sounded like a incredible person. I know how losing a special person in your life can be devastating but a parent is all the more difficult. I send sincere condolences.
My mom had Alzheimer’s as well. I would love to hear about your preventative measures to prevent getting this disease. I will get the book as well. Thanks for sharing.
May the many wonderful memories you have of your mother help you through this difficult time. Sincerely, Linda
My sincere heart felt love for you at this time Please know how much I love your website and it makes my day and heart happy to be part of this group ❤️
My condolences to you and your family. May God continue to bless you and keep you strong. Your mother sounded like a wonderful woman and you have seemed to follow her footsteps. Before I even read about your wedding dress I seen the picture and said I thought it was beautiful. So great job Leslie!
Leslie,
This was indeed a tragic week on many levels.
My sincere condolences on the loss of your Mother. I am a Hospice volunteer at a facility for Alzheimer patients and can only imagine these last years and months for you. ‘Beautiful photos of your family.
I am grateful to have found you on Instagram during the pandemic. I think it was a reference by Loi Thai that led me to you.
Although I am not crafty, I do love to cook and love the photos of your old house.
I am also fascinated by the references to changing your diet to prevent Alzheimer’s.
I look forward to learning more.
Thanks for the inspiration and take care,
Betsy
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. It is incredibly hard to lose a parent.
So very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. May you and your family may be comforted by your wonderful memories of happier times. Blessings and prayers as you begin this new journey with out your Mom.
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing parents is so incredibly difficult because they are so precious to us and who we have turned out to be because of them. You will stay in my prayers.
I, too, am sorry for your loss. I lost my father to Alzheimer’s after years of a steady decline, not something you would wish on anyone. You mentioned in your blog that you would share your journey and I would be very appreciative as I am now inspired to take the same steps you did in your diet and sleep habits. Also, thank you for the scones recipe. I have a 3 year old granddaughter who is allergic to just about everything and she and I will enjoy making these heart scones together.
So sorry Leslie. What a wonderful mother she was. Our parents are our first loves. Losing my dad was extremely difficult. My memories will always be my comfort.
Your blog is a blessing and you shared that today. Bless you.
My dear Leslie,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. I lost my mom to breast cancer 20 years ago and I know how hard it is. Right now, my dad has Alzheimer’s and is in a memory care facility in Reno Nevada. You were so lucky you had her close to you. The part that you wrote about when you and your siblings all got to see your mom and hug her and hold her hand brought tears to my eyes. But like you said, she is now with your dad, the love of her life. Cherish the memories you had with her and the time you were able to spend together. I’m here if you need a friend.
Love, Allison
So sorry for your loss….
My mother in law passed away from Alzheimer’s 6 years ago. My dad is 91 and has Alzheimer’s.
Terrible terrible disease!
Please share all the things you’ve learned on your new health journey. I am thinking seriously about changing some things. Always concerned about the connection between how we live and eat and our brain.
Prayers for you and your family on the loss of your mother. Many of us know the pain of that loss…