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Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Archive for October, 2015

Slow Cooked Spaghetti Squash

Last weekend’s Slow Cooked dinner was Spaghetti Squash made with Turkey Meatballs and Pace’s Bourbon & Apple Restaurant Style Salsa.  I took a chance with this recipe as I had only previously baked Spaghetti Squash but had never slow cooked it in a crock pot so I was a bit apprehensive.  However, this Saturday night meal was an easy, breezy tasty treat for me and my men.

Spaghetti Squash

Ingredients:

1 medium Spaghetti Squash

1 Jar Pace Bourbon & Apple Restaurant Style Salsa

1 Package Frozen Turkey Meatballs

Spaghetti Squash
Wal-Mart.com USA, LLC
Instructions:

After rinsing off the outside of the Spaghetti Squash, cut it in half, scoop out the seeds then poke 6 holes around each side.  I used a ice creams scoop to remove the seeds and a metal Kabob skewer to poke the holes.

Spaghetti Squash

Put both halves of squash into Crock Pot, halved sides facing down

Pour in Salsa and add meatballs

Cover and cook on high for 4 hours

Spaghetti Squash

Remove squash halves from Crock Pot and allow them to cool for about 5-10 minutes then use a fork to scrape out some of the strands, top with Salsa add a few meatballs and ENJOY!

Slow Cooked Spaghetti Squash This Crock Pot meal was the perfect “comfort food” for a chilly Autumn evening and you can also serve it with a side salad or Garlic Texas Toast slices.  This would also be a great meal for tomorrow so you can enjoy the Halloween festivities with the little ghouls and goblins!

Did you know that Spaghetti Squash is a fruit and that it is a healthy alternative to pasta?  Spaghetti squash contains many nutrients, including folic acid, potassium, vitamin A, and beta carotene. It is low in calories, averaging only 42 calories per cup.  Spaghetti Squash

Do you have any recipes for Spaghetti Squash?

 


Mini Maxi Haul from Kohl’s

Do you remember my Kohl’s mini haul during the Labor Day weekend? Well I didn’t get a chance to wear the blue sleeveless dress, but I did wear one of the maxi skirts.  I don’t know about you but I love high waist skirts and jeans so this was a perfect skirt to wear to work.

maxi skirt

When I wore this outfit it was still relatively warm, but the weather has changed so it is definitely time for Autumn attire, so the next time you see this skirt it will be most likely be with worn with boots and a sweater.

transitioning from summer to autumn attire

 

What Fall fashions are you most looking forward to wearing?

mini haul from Kohls

The necklaces and bracelet were purchased from Avon and I will be doing another Giveaway soon, so please sign up for my Newsletter so that you can to get a jump on the announcement with a bonus entry.

summer to Autumn attire

The H&M purse was thrifted from Goodwill and the shawl is from Burlington Coat Factory.

maxi skirt from Kohl's

Since I don’t normally shop retail I forgot to go back and use the $10 Kohl’s cash, however, I may pop over before the holidays to pick up a few more maxi skirts to add to my already overcrowded closet!


From the Hooters to the Tooter, Get Checked During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

From the Hooters to the Tooter, Get Them Checked During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is more than a month of falling leaves, trips to the Apple Orchards and Crock Pot meals. For me it also signals the time to put my legs in stirrups and to have my boobies mashed between two metal plates. Yep, it’s time for the annual exams for the hooters and the tooter, which also includes scheduling a colonoscopy.

I am so proud of hubby, as his chemo treatments are kicking colon cancer’s butt, so I need to make sure that my butt stays healthy as well.

2013 MAMMOGRAM

After checking both my work and home calendars I try to schedule my annual Pap Smear and Mammogram appointments on the same day. It’s so easy to get caught up with work and family, not to mention the holiday hoopla then forget to make an appointment.

get an annual breast exam

Oftentimes, I will mix the day of appointments with a day of pampering starting with the dreaded pap smear, followed by lunch, then the mammogram and finally a pedicure ~ works for me!

I don’t care how old I am, how long I’ve been having these procedures done, nor the fact that they are uncomfortable.  All three of these vital exams must be done annually…no if’s, and’s or butt’s about it!

GET YOUR BUTT CHECKED

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month however, if you haven’t scheduled an appointment this month, make it for next month, just make it! 

We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer which is more of a reason to schedule an appointment ~ no excuses.  

CANCER DON’T CARE!  

ihatecancer in memory of Rene

In loving memory of Debra Clarke, Hazel Woods and Rene McCrea


Tips for Pumpkin Carving From State Farm

The combination of slippery pumpkins and sharp knives can be dangerous. Follow these tips to help keep everyone safe when carving your Halloween pumpkin this year.

simple-safety-tips-for-pumpkin-carving

Set an Age Limit

Consumer Reports recommends that children younger than 14 years old should not do the actual pumpkin carving. But younger kids can still get in on the fun:

Have them draw the patterns for their pumpkins.

Allow them to decorate their pumpkins with markers, paint or non-carving decoration kits.

Let them clean out the seeds and pulp from inside the pumpkins.

If you decide to let your teens carve pumpkins, closely supervise in case anything goes wrong.

Use the Right Tools

Big kitchen knives aren’t the best fit for this job. According to Consumer Reports, a pumpkin carving kit is a safer option. The tools in these kits are:

Designed to easily pierce pumpkins

Not as sharp as average kitchen knives

Smaller and easier to control

Follow Proper Technique

Avoid finger and hand injuries:

Work slowly and steadily — don’t rush the project.

Cut away from your body with the carving tool.

Use small, controlled motions when carving.

Keep your free hand out of the way to avoid mishaps.

Happy Halloween

Set Up for Safety

Before you start carving, prepare your pumpkin carving area and tools:

Make sure the carving area is dry, well lit and on a stable surface.

Wash and dry all of your tools before carving.

Keep your hands clean and dry to avoid slipping.

Safe pumpkin carving is just one key to a happy Halloween. Get more safety tips for a worry-free holiday from State Farm®.  

Is Pumpkin Carving a tradition in your home?

See more at: http://bit.ly/1W2TQcI


Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder

There are a lot of things that I love about Autumn including the changing color of the leaves and the cooler temps, however, my most favorite is Crocktober! You all know just how much I love slow cooking my meals as evidenced by these last two recipes; Slow Cooked Mediterranean Chicken and Slow Cooked Breakfast Frittata.  I am always looking to try new Crock Pot recipes and since I started using less beef I have decided to cook more Lamb. 

Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder

Last Sunday I made Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder using a Korean BBQ Simmer Sauce from Safeway, BTW, you don’t have to use a sauce made specifically for Crock Pot cooking.  Taking an interest in the picture on the Simmer Sauce jar, I decided to pair the lamb with MaiFun Noodles topped with steamed spinach.

ingredients for slow cooked lamb

Ingredients (serves 4)

2 – packages of Grass Fed Lamb Shoulders, approximately 6 pieces

1 – Jar Korean BBQ Simmer Sauce

1/4 cup scallions – diced

1 – package MaiFun Noodles

1 – cup frozen spinach – steamed

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (optional)

Cooking Spray

slow cook lamb for 5 hours on low

Instructions

Spray inside of Crock Pot with Cooking Spray or use Crock Pot liner bag

Place Lamb Shoulders into Crock Pot, pour in jar of Simmer Sauce and top with diced scallions.  Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours.

During the last 30 minutes of slow cooking the lamb, soak the MaiFun noodles in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes, drain then boil them in water for 15 minutes.  Also during this time, use a double boiler or steamer to steam spinach for approximately 10-15 minutes.

soak Maifun noodles for 15 mins boil Maifun noodles for 15 mins

Turn off slow cooker, plate a layer of MaiFun noodles, top with a few a few pieces of the lamb and sauce, top with a little spinach then drizzle on a little Extra Virgin Olive Oil and ENJOY!

slow cooked lamb

I also made these awesome Duncan Hines Cranberry Orange bars for breakfast and they were excellent.

Cranberry Orange Bars for brunch

Do you cook Lamb, if so, please share a recipe and I might feature it on my Brunch with Blake YouTube vlog.

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10 Ways to Gear Up Your House for Winter

10 Ways to Gear Up Your House for Winter

The season of goodwill and holiday cheer shall soon be upon us. Winter can be a time for family and friendship, but it also brings about its own bundle of troubles once the snow begins to fall. Here are some ideas to get your house up to code for the colder months, so you can enjoy the holidays in peace and comfort!

1. Clean out your gutters Man cleaning the gutter from autumn leaves

With increased snowfall, your home will soon be covered in a thick layer of frozen water. Your gutters better be up to the task! Cluttered gutters can lead to problems like leaky roofs, or ice buildup around your house. Rolling up your sleeves and cleaning them off now can save you a ton of headache in the long term. Check out this article here for information on how you can keep your gutters from getting clogged in the first place.

2. Sweep the chimney

During winter, nothing makes the inside of your home cozier or more homely than the heat of burning firewood touching your cold hands after a day in the snow. However, if you spent last winter doing this exact thing, it’s safe to say that it might be time to clean your chimney. One of the leading causes of house fires in wintertime is caused by creosote buildup in the chimney over time and use. Having a clean chimney also gives you the most heat, while cutting down the smoke that stays in your house. If you’re not afraid of a little soot, it might be time to make like Santa Claus and head down the chimney!

3. Turn off exterior water

Water buildup inside of hoses and faucets outside will cause damage to these items. In some cases, the frozen water can even build up inside until a pipe bursts on the inside of your, causing tremendous water damage. To save you repair and replacement costs in the future, all you need to do is turn the valves for your outdoor faucets off, and then drain any remaining water. If, for some reason, you still need functional outdoor faucets during winter, it may be wise to purchase insulated covers for them to prevent freezing.

4. Check your heater

Getting the heat in your home in working order is especially important in wintertime, where you will be needing refuge from the colder elements. A proper inspection may be best left to an HVACR professional, but there are some precautions you can take yourself. Before winter begins, change the filter in your furnace, and make sure the furnace isn’t cluttered, but clean and functional. Checking your air ducts for leaks to be repaired can also make your heating system give you the most bang for its buck.

5. Put energy saving bulbs in outdoor lights

During winter, we experience less daylight hours, despite still having plenty of outdoor activities to do! This means that outdoor light sources will be on a lot more than you may be used to. Getting energy efficient bulbs for the outdoors will give you more light for longer, and save you money in energy bills that will already go higher around the holiday season.

6. Ready your roof

roof repair

The winter season can be rough on your house’s roofing. Water damage and buildups of moisture can cause leaks that will rain down inside your home. Prevent this now by getting up there and inspecting it for yourself. Getting a professional opinion may not be such a bad idea, either. Also be sure to sweep off any leaves on your roof, as they may have moisture in them that will freeze and expand once it is covered in a mountain of snow.

7. Fix cracks in concrete

Those tiny cracks in your driveway may look small, now, but after months of being subjected to brutal environmental conditions and a repeating freeze-thaw cycle you may find your concrete in shambles once the flowers blossom for spring. The good news is that most of those smaller cracks can be cheaply and easily repaired right now, but once the winter damage takes hold you may have to start replacing entire chunks of your driveway or sidewalk. Concrete patch tubes are relatively cheap, and can be found at your local department store.

8. Fix leaks in doors and windows

Leaky doors and windows could be costing you hundreds of dollars every year. Updating them will save your gas and electric bill from a little extra pressure. Using a caulking gun around windows and doors is a simple and easy-to-do way to make your home a little more prepared for the holiday season.

9. Store your sprinkler system safely

Discovering that your sprinkling system has been destroyed is a poor way to start off the spring. Stop that from ever happening right now by making sure that your sprinkling system is safe for the winter months. Excess water that expands as it freezes will inevitably burst a pipe, so it is important to drain all water out of the system. Be sure to make sure that you shut it off from the water supply before you do!

10. Clean out garage

One of the greatest discomforts of winter is waiting for a frozen car to defrost, meanwhile you’re sitting, shivering, and wondering if you’ll be to work on time. This is a good reason to make sure that your garage is clean and organized before the first snowflake even falls. Building additional shelving can help clear up space and guarantee that you get a parking spot in your own home.

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Managing Stress

Managing Stress

We are often subject to stress, the chronic and primarily psychological pressures of modern life. Yet we also suffer consequences when the body’s biological mechanisms for handling stress go awry. Fortunately, we have the ability to control our reaction to stressful situations.

life can get crazy

Stress Facts

85 percent of adults know that they may suffer adverse health effects from stress

An estimated 75-90 percent of doctor’s visits are related to symptoms caused by stress

Stress has been linked to leading causes of death – heart disease, cancer lung ailments, accidents and suicide, as well as numerous other disorders.

Unmanaged stress can suppress the immune system

People under constant stress may accumulate fat around their abdomen due to higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

What is Stress?

Stress occurs when there is a mismatch between the demands we experience and the resources we have to deal with those demands. A stressor is a situation, event or demand that causes stress. Stress is not an event, but our reaction to that event. When left unchecked, physical, emotional, and mental resources can become depleted, leading to illness symptoms of chronic stress including:

Fatigue

Chronic muscle tension and headaches

Chest pain and a rapid heart rate

Frequent illnesses or infections such as colds

Intestinal problems or pain

High blood pressure

Changes in appetite

Insomnia and teeth grinding

Overeating

Procrastination

Irritability and lashing out

Increase in smoking, drinking or drug use

Reckless driving

Negativity

In order to overcome and change some of our negative responses to stress, we can use alternate strategies including:

Talking

Laughing

Exercising

Prayer or meditation

Practicing coping and relaxation skills

Improving organizational and time management skills

meditation techniques

Categorize Your Stressors

A helpful exercise is to list all your stressors. Include everything – traffic, workload, disorganization, lack of communication, relationships, illness, housework, etc. You might find that simply creating the list makes you feel a little more in control. Take each item on your list and ask yourself two questions about each one:

1. How important is it?

2. Can I control or change it?

Focus most of your resources on those stressors that are important and controllable. Action is when you do something that actively changes a situation. Examples of actions include learning time management skills, using problem solving skills, practicing assertive communication or implementing money management.

relax to relieve stress

Stress Coping Techniques

Coping skills help offset the negative effects of stress. They do not change the situation, but they give you a positive outlet and help your mind and body rest, rejuvenate and recover. They include: physical activity/exercise, a nutritious diet, adequate sleep, using positive thoughts, finding fun and laughter and effective time management.

Practice Quick Relaxation Exercises

Practice quick relaxation techniques such as:

Deep breathing

Visual imagery

Listening to music

how to manage stress with music

SHARED FROM TOOLBOX TOPIC


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With FREE SHIPPING on every purchase and a wide selection of popular shoe brands and trends, Shoes.com is the best place to find all of the top footwear styles this Fall. Popular brands at Shoes.com include Michael Kors, Clarks, Sketchers, Timberland, Converse and more! Shop online at Shoes.com this Fall and save on the retailer’s already low prices by taking 25% off your purchase of $75 or more with code! Hurry and stock up on Fall footwear today. This promo ends on 11/1.

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Trusted retailer, JC Penny is your family’s source for everything that you need at a great price! In addition to apparel and footwear for the entire family, JC Penny also carries a wide selection of home goods, furniture, cook ware, accessories, jewelry and more! Shop in retail stores or conveniently online at jcpenny.com today to see all the retailer has to offer. Even better, save 15% off your purchase when you shop online. This offer excludes Sephora, gift cards, services, service plans, current orders/prior purchases and combination with other discounts.

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Cooler weather is here, and it is time to stock up on stylish Fall essentials from Wilsons Leather! Shop in the popular leather retailer’s stores across the country, or conveniently online at WilsonsLeather.com to browse a wide selection of Fall outerwear, accessories and apparel. This October, save on your purchase by taking $10 off your order. Even better, receive FREE SHIPPING on your purchase of $100 or more with code! Visit WilsonsLeather.com today to stock up on all of your cool-weather essentials during this promo event.

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Are you expecting a new baby or know a new-mommy-to-be? Find luxurious maternity and baby skin care essentials from popular retailer, Noodle & Boo, on their website at NoodleandBoo.com. Shop online today to explore the luxury retailer’s wide selection of products including body oils, lotions, gentle washes, shampoos and more. When you shop online this Fall at NoodleandBoo.com you will save by taking $10 off your purchase. Shop online today and save! This promo ends 11/15!

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Express Coupons: 10% Off

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Shop luxury makeup, skin care brand and fragrance brand, Elizabeth Arden, and save this October. During the popular cosmetic retailer’s Fall savings event, you will save on all of your Elizabeth Arden essential with 15% off your first purchase at their online store, ElizabethArden.com. Stock up on old standbys, or try new items, like their Prevage anti-aging skincare guide during this amazing promotional event. Hurry and shop at ElizabethArden.com today. This promotional event ends on 10/31.

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Meet The Greek

A few weeks ago I attended a “Meet The Greek” event sponsored by Lisa Bryant and Associates Fidelity Group, LBAFG.com.  This networking event was held at Fusions Taster’s Choice, an Olive Oil & Vinegar Tasting Center in the Talleyville Shopping Center. 

Lisa and I had met previously in 2013, at the The Delaware Today 1st Annual Fashion Awards where we connected instantly, so it was my pleasure to support her in this endeavor.  As you can tell from these pictures, we both represented our individual Sororities well, she Zeta Phi Beta and I, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Meet the Greek The owner of Fusions Taster’s Choice is Dolores Waddell, also a member of Zeta Phi Beta and an Olive Oil connoisseur extraordinaire!  Her shop is beautifully decorated with walls of Ultra Premium Olive Oils, Balsamic Vinegars, Sea Salts, Spices and Jams all with their own distinct flavors.  However, they accentuate the flavors of many foods and beverages as evidenced by the tasty treats prepared by Chef Bryan, including delicious Jerk Chicken Wontons. 

Fusions Taster’s Choice not only sells products, they also host fabulous tastings featuring some of the world’s freshest oils and vinegars including a few new pairings such as Dark Chocolate Balsamic & Blood, Blackberry-Ginger Balsamic & Persian. 

Meet the Greek

Ultra Premium Olive Oils

Jerk Chicken Wontons

Oils 1 Oils 3 Oils 4

You can order any of these items online as well as other natural body lotions, gels and scrubs, so make sure to check out the website www.fusionstasterschoice.com then get an early start on your holiday gift shopping.

Meet the Greek networking oils and vinegars In addition to scrumptious Wontons prepared by Chef Bryan, there was also an awesome assortment of decadent desserts prepared by Chef Dana, owner of Desserts By Dana.

Chef Dana Desserts by Dana 1 Desserts by Dana 2 Desserts by Dana 3 Michael J. Waller, proprietor of UniqueFreak, LLC had set up a large display of Greek Paraphernalia that he designs and custom creates.  The sight of the paddles brought back memories of my college days, some good…some not so good, however, I pushed those thoughts aside then purchased an engraved Sigma Gamma Rho purse .

Greek Paraphernalia

Meet the Greek Networking event

Meet the Greek networking event “Meet the Greek” was a great evening filled with food, fun and friends and I look forward to attending the next networking event sponsored by Lisa hopefully in the near future.

The goal of LBAFG is “To Change a Culture; Empowering a Generation to Change the Culture”.  So if  you or someone you know is a member of a Greek letter organization who wants to learn more about Lisa Bryant and Associates Fidelity Group workshops and seminars, check out her website www.LBAFG.com 

Meet the Greek Meet the Greek Networking Event

networking

Networking in Delaware

How about you, are you a member of a Greek letter organization?  If so, let me know which one and what are some of your fondest pledging memories?

Meet the Greek 31

Meet the Greek Networking Event


Tips on How to Reduce the Stress of Caring for an Elder

Tips on How to Reduce the Stress of Caring for an Elder

I was the sole care giver for my grandmother for many years and although it was sometimes stressful, the rewards far out weighted them all!

(pic)

Caring for an elder can be rewarding and personally enriching, but it is also stressful. Using the tips in the following list can help you relieve your stress and improve quality of life for both you and your elder.

How to Reduce the Stress of Caring for an Elder

Accept limitations — your own and your elder’s.

Don’t dwell on small annoyances.

Search for opportunities to laugh, such as watching TV sitcoms.

Eat nutritious meals and exercise every day.

Look for ways to save time and energy, such as shopping from catalogs.

Find out about your elder’s medical conditions so that you know what to expect.

Use relaxation techniques like visualization, meditation, and listening to music.

Discover a new hobby or re-establish an old one.

Ask family and friends to relieve you of some of your time-consuming tasks.

Take advantage of professional respite care.

Join a support group.

Seek professional help if the stress seems overwhelming.

sketch of elderly woman

How to Get Your Elder to Accept Help

Getting an elderly person to accept that they need help when the abilities they’ve relied on throughout a long life are diminishing can be difficult for you and the elder you’re caring for. The tips in the following list provide guidelines for easing your elder into acceptance of a new role:

Approach gently and be understanding, but express your concerns firmly.

Don’t tell your elder there’s a problem; ask whether he thinks there may be a problem.

Before suggesting outside help, familiarize yourself with community services.

Offer help, but don’t take over.

Back off when you meet resistance and try again another day.

Have a respected doctor, clergy, trusted friend, or relative suggest help.

Explain how assistance increases independence.

Never introduce a professional caregiver as someone who “will take care of you.”

Ask your elder’s opinion about how best to handle the situation.

Make sure that your elder is well rested and well fed before presenting plans for help.

When your elder’s perceptions of his or abilities don’t match your perceptions, resist the urge to contradict.

Offer assistance in an off-handed, humorous, and casual manner.

man meditating in the park

How to Help an Elder Get the Most out of Doctor Appointments

Often, part of caring for an elder includes accompanying them to medical appointments. To make the most of these healthcare sessions, encourage your elder to use the following tips to promote a healthcare partnership with his or her doctors:

Take along a notepad or tape recorder to capture the doctor’s comments and instructions.

Remember to wear your hearing aid and eyeglasses.

Don’t be shy about asking the doctor to slow down or speak up.

Take someone with you to serve as an extra set of ears, take notes, and advocate for your well-being.

Put your prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal remedies in a bag and bring them with you (or take a written list).

Take along a one-page concise list of questions and concerns, organized in order of importance (with a copy for the doctor).

Talk openly about your diet, alcohol consumption, and smoking habits, as well as major life changes (such as moving in with children or losing a loved one).

Ask the doctor to explain anything you don’t understand in plain English.

woman with dementia

Ground Rules for a Family Meeting about Eldercare

If your family is faced with getting or continuing care for an elderly loved one, a family meeting can be productive in airing issues and concerns and brainstorming solutions. Tips on running a fruitful family conference include those in the following list:

Don’t speak for others by saying “we think” or “my family thinks.”

Take responsibility for your own opinion or viewpoint by saying, “I think,” “I believe,” “I understand,” and so on.

Don’t interrupt anyone.

Encourage everyone (from the youngest to the oldest, from the shyest to the boldest) to express his or her opinion.

Choose a facilitator (for example, the oldest, most respected person).

Encourage family members to share their feelings by accepting all sentiments.

Don’t allow blaming and criticizing.

Stop verbal attacks dead in their tracks.

 

Have you or are you now caring for an elderly relative?

Shared from: From Eldercare For Dummies by Rachelle Zukerman