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 sincere condolences on the loss of your mom. She is still with you, in everything she has taught you and passed on to you. Good for you for doing everything that you are doing to prevent getting this cruel disease. May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Hugs to you and your family 💗💗💗
My sympathies for you,praying for you as you as well. Also I am very interested in preventing or slowing down alzheimers, please. I look forward to hear what you are learning.
I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet mama 💔 She sounds like a wonderful woman who raised a very sweet and talented daughter. I’m happy she is at peace, but I know it’s hard for us to watch our parents pass on. Sending you love and prayers ❤️🙏🏻
I am sorry for the loss of your mom. I too lost mine, the same way as yours, this April. It is so hard to watch someone not know who they are or who you are. And like your experience, the Covid did not make matters any better. My mom also taught me to sew and today, I am an Interior Designer and do my own drapery and bedding for my clients. I owe all this and more to my mom. Nothing stopped her from trying something new and she instilled that quality in me as well. I will be praying for you and your whole family.
Very sorry for the loss of your mom , she sounds like a remarkable woman. My sympathy to you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss…may you find strength in your memories.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this great time of sorrow. Please share the information concerning Alzheimer’s and ways to prevent or treat it. Hoping each day brings you comfort and happiness.
So sorry for your loss. Your Mother sounds like a wonderful person. Treasure all the great memories you have. Hugs and prayers of comfort for you and your family.
My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your mom.
Our sympathy and condolences for the loss of your mother but she obviously will live on in you with all your creativity and talents.
Sending you and your family a big virtual hug. It’s not easy loosing a parent. I’m so sorry. When I lost my daddy 7 years ago I also started a new lifestyle. He had heart disease. This past year I definitely stopped being more healthy and your post about your changes definitely helped me realize that I need to start again.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We never want that day to come when the physical presence is gone~ Please know your Mom will always be with you…I hear it in all that you say. Both of my precious parents have gone up beyond the stars and when the deep grief passed… I can see them and even more, feel them. They are in everything and everyone I love.
Be blessed and know that you had the best there is~
Warm hugs, Cynthia
I am so sorry for your loss. You wrote a beautiful tribute to your mom. She sounds like an amazing lady!
I have 4 of the items listed from 8 things from your grandma’s bedroom 🙂
Alzheimer’s runs in our family as well, but I’ve gone a different route using the keto diet after lots of research. I am looking forward to trying your scones this week. I, too, buy lots of cranberries on sale and keep in the freezer for year round.
I love the links you shared and plan to try 3 of the projects. I love anything by Martha Stewart.
My sympathy on the loss of your mom. Having help care for my mom who we took care of at home for 5 years and another 5 yearsin a nursing home I know what a difficult road you have traveled and the fact that we now worry about ourselves and our children/grandchildren. Will eagerly watch for new info and tips from you and am going g to purchase the book..my mom and all 7 siblings passed from Alzheimer’s so I constantly worry….take care
Oh Leslie I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. It’s so hard to lose the first person who ever loved you, and she sounds wonderful. I’ll be thinking of you and sending lots of love your way. Thanks for sharing my comment – I’ll make my wreath for both our mothers! 💗
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. I lost my dad in November from COVID. I’m so so happy you got to go in and physically be with your mom. I too am trying to improve my sleep habit and am weaning myself off technology and falling asleep with the TV on. So I’m reading more also and would like to see the list of “happy “ books. Right now I’m reading a young adult novel called Hattie Big Sky. I would also love to know more about the changes you are making to fight Alzheimer’s. It’s amazing how proper nutrition, exercise and sleep can help and heal our bodies. Thank you for your blog, it’s quickly become one of my favorites.
Dear Leslie,
I am so truly and sincerely for the loss of your mother. May she rest in peace. She sounds amazing. I too had an amazing mom and dad. They’ve both been gone for over 20 years –
and it isn’t easy. You will miss her every day. I pray you find comfort and peace in these difficult days ahead. You and your beautiful family will be in my prayers.
Take care. Loving your post, inspirations, recommendations and wish you luck on your new regimen for good health. ♥
I truly am sorry for the loss of your mom. Sounds like she was a very special lady. Hugs to you and your family.
My sincere condolences regarding the loss of your mother. I lost my Mom a year ago December at the age of 97 with the same illness. I hope you can dwell on all the good things she taught you and all the good times you had with her as I have found helps to slowly move on. Take all the time you need to find comfort and peace. Take care of yourself and your family. You will be in my thoughts each time I read your blog.