Reducing Holiday Stress-O-Rama

December 8th, 2017
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Santa_and_Puppies

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I recently posted some thoughts about December and it’s ups and downs.

More than any time of the year, expectations run high and emotional triggers seem to be lie in wait all around us.  There’s shopping and decorating and socializing and it’s all supposed to go according to schedule and be everything that you want it to be.

You know.  Like the holidays in the magazines and on television.

Except that in real life that doesn’t happen.

And it’s okay.  In fact, it’s more than okay.

It’s just what life is.… Read More

Independent Behavior

July 4th, 2014
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Happy Fourth of July! Today I will be spending the day with friends I have known for decades; really great, tried and true friends.  There will be a cookout along with patriotic music, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, fireworks and best of all, relaxation. This 4th of July party is an annual event and one that I and the rest of my friends look forward to attending every year, rain or shine. ( http://crylaughheal.com/independence-day ) There are only a few times I purposely missed attending this party.  For two summers in a row, after my husband’s death, I… Read More

Davina’s Holiday Help

December 10th, 2013
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Hershey’s chocolate kisses.  Creamy party dips.  Fried finger foods. Temptation seems to be everywhere during the holidays, especially food that is unhealthy yet oh-so- delicious.  And precisely because it’s the holidays, I always start out with good intentions but then end up giving myself permission to eat those sweet, creamy and fatty foods, don’t you?                             Basically, I need all the help I can get to keep my willpower strong while hanging out during the holidays.  Trust me when I tell you that I will find my… Read More

Holiday Party Questions

November 20th, 2013
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Hi there!! It’s me again and I am back today with what I hope is timely information to help you deal with the topsy turvy happenings of the holiday season. You will, and probably already have, received invitations to holiday parties and you may or may not be looking forward to going.  If you have recently lost a loved one I am very sorry that this personal tragedy is happening to you.  Socializing while in the throes of grief can be a bit of a high wire act. I say it’s a delicate balance because you don’t want to isolate… Read More

A Silly Video About Scotch

December 28th, 2012
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This post is kindof random but there are times when I just want to be silly and this is one of those times. I saw this video on Daily Candy and it made me laugh.  I wanted to share it with you because it might make you laugh too. . . or at least smile! Please meet Ricky Crawford (he’s cute & has a great accent) in this short video.  Crawford is a former Glenlivet brand ambassador and in this video he gives a charming lesson on how to order and enjoy single malt Scotch. And yes. . . he… Read More

Staying Young At Heart

November 16th, 2012
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Next week is Thanksgiving!! How did that happen? The calendar says November (I checked it!) but I feel I’m still mentally stuck in the summertime.  I really am having a hard time this year getting used to daylight savings time and the day turning dark so early.  It doesn’t feel great to leave work, walk out of the building and it’s already night time.  It is just not my thing at all.  I love it when it is 7 or 8 o’clock at night and it’s still light outside! It’s the best! Plus this year, Thanksgiving seems early and then… Read More

To Party Or Not

April 10th, 2011
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This year I have had two large parties at my house…and to my surprise, I have enjoyed myself.  One was for a family member who was celebrating a BIG birthday and the other was on New Year’s Day for my son and my best friends.  This may not sound like a big deal — but it is. With the exception of family events that happened after my husband’s death, I haven’t been ready to celebrate anything or plan for a party that would take place just to have fun.  In order to give a party, you have to be ready… Read More

Holidays 101

January 11th, 2011
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This is to all of you who white-knuckled it through the holidays … After eight years of celebrating the holidays without my deceased husband, I know this for sure: you can make the holidays anything you want them to be. Only you know how much you can take of the 24-hour holiday music that follows you wherever you go, the marathon holiday parties and the general holly jolly holiday atmosphere. This may sound simplistic but it’s not. You need to give yourself permission to do what you think you can handle and nothing more. You don’t have to celebrate the… Read More