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What did you do for your aging dog?

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

Our Ozzie-dog is almost 16 years old. He is a Chihuahua Pincher mix and he has really started to show his age. Normally jumping on and off the sofas and barking at anything that moves, he barely notices anything anymore. He is napping now most of the day and constantly has to be next to one of us.

We live in a second story apartment. Taking him out has always been pretty simple up until recently. The millisecond we got even close to the stairs he would be down them at the door. Now he hesitates. About a year ago, we noticed a lump on his stomach and we had it checked. The vet didnt seem concerned. In the last two months it has tripled in size. The blood work hasnt given us a definitive answer yet and its even more expensive to get the biopsy.

He has been a good boy and we can see just how much slower, blinder and more deaf he has gotten. We think that he might make it thru the end of the year but he needs full time watching now. He used to love his crate but now if he is in it he howls and cries. Since he really cant see much he is bumping into walls and falling off the bed. Don’t worry its a low bed and he always sleeps with one of us but he is restless.

So I am curious what any of you have done when your dog got to this point. This is our first dog to have to let go of. We love him, he isn’t suffering, doesn’t seem to be in pain just that functions are starting to fail. We can install a baby gate so he cant fall down the stairs. We have switched to soft food for him but practically have to hand feed it to him. We also cant always be home with him.

Its not easy to think about him going but we do want to love him as long as we can. When did you decide if it was time to take your dog in? Or did you make them comfortable? What did you get for them for food or for comfort? Ive seen others take them out for their favorite snack or to their favorite park for the last time.

Maybe I’m overthinking this or maybe I’m just a bit sad today. But if you guys have any ideas or can share any experiences, especially if you have kids that were attached to your pet please share. My nephew has said that he doesn’t want Ozzie to go. I hope we have my nephew when the dog goes but he is part time with his dad.

Anyways, please share your story or your dog pictures. They are here for a short time but give us all the love.

Posted in Uncategorized

It was a surprise to me!

Posted on by Distracted Damsel
Daily writing prompt
What food would you say is your specialty?
View all responses

I would not consider myself a top chef. My skills are maybe above average but way below a Michelin star. The boyfriend likes my food so at least I have that going for me. I have always just added flavors as I cooked, or pulled a recipe that sounded delicious from Pinterest. Sometimes I get inspired by other things though.

Recently, our weekend date night has been to watch a Netflix show and cook together. The inspiration for the cooking has came from the show itself. We have been watching Bon Appetit, Your Majesty- a Korean drama show. The leading character who is a chef, travels back in time and ends up being the chef for a Tyrant king in the Josean era Korea. I wont say much more but she creates good dishes for the king and runs into political and heart trouble.

My take away here, is that I have been making similar dishes to the ones that she creates for the King. Seeing all the food cooked and then characters over the top reactions to the flavor got me wanting to try some. I have been to plenty of Korean restaurants, but have never really cooked any Korean food. So I looked up popular Korean dishes. This article had some good ones in it.

https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/g40065835/korean-recipes/?utm_source=social&utm_medium=copy&utm_campaign=action_bar

The picture above is my latest. I followed a recipe (loosely) for this Tteokbokki-Style Gnocchi. I added chicken for protein, chili powder for more of a kick and cashews for a bit of crunch. I have found that I really like Gochujang, which is Korean Chili Paste. I also made a really delicious Gochujang soup with tofu and diakon radishes. The broth was so good and I had just the right mix of ingredients. To my big surprise, the BF said that the soup was the best thing that I have made for him in 3 years. He also said that my Gnocchi was on point!

I dont want to toot my own horn. I couldnt get enough of the dishes and the flavor. Boyfriend only had compliments, the biggest of which was finishing of the whole pot. I did not know that I was a Korean Chef in a previous life 🙂 Surprising but I will take the win!!

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I struggle with lazy days…

Posted on by Distracted Damsel
Daily writing prompt
Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?
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Lazy days are 1000% a struggle for me. Sounds silly that being lazy would be a struggle but for someone who is constantly on the go with one thing or another, its hard to just be still. The thing I have to tell myself is there’s a difference between lazy and rest.

When I hear lazy, at least what I picture is me in worn pajamas, in a messy bed, some kind of fast food in hand and laundry piled up. May or may not have showered that day lol. Lazy to me means everything has stopped and the house is a mess, with no intention to clean or do anything. This type of lazy, unless I am sick, I just cant wrap my head around. I always feel guilty if Im not doing at least something. For sure I feel unproductive.

Now rest is different from lazy. This is what I try to do. Rest is needed for physical and mental health and we are all in short supply of those things lately. On my rest days, I dont try to do nothing but instead I try do do things that are relaxing and things that help me get recentered or refocused for the day or week. For example, I make it a point to read. It relaxes my mind and it can be a fictional journey or a self help motivation type book. If its in the budget Pedicures go a long way for relaxing too.

Then there are the things that I do to help me get rest for the week. I enjoy getting my laundry folded and put away. Its a simple chore that doesnt take much time or focus. I also cook with my family. Dual purpose because I of course need to eat but with family or friends some times I can enjoy company while I leave the regular stress of the wekk behind. If there is time, there is always a warm bubble bath calling my name to rest for the night.

Typing the words, I still have to tell myself that resting is ok and that some days are not going to be “productive”. But from experience I know that If I do not take a lazy day here or there I will burn out and be unproductive for sure. So I opt for little breaks, sometimes an hour outdoors to clear my mind, others its a full day of binge watching and organizing. Call it what you will but do your best not to feel that guilt that whispers to you when there are “more productive things you could be doing”. Whats important is that you recognize the need for a break and are giving yourself that time. And if you cant remember I hope you have someone like my boyfriend who always tells me I need time for myself. 🙂

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Self-care Reflections: What are yours??

Posted on by Distracted Damsel
Daily writing prompt
What details of your life could you pay more attention to?
View all responses

If you are anything like me, life seems to go non stop. From working three jobs, helping aging parents, helping with a nephew and trying to have some down time on vacations, there is never really a quiet moment. Schedules area always packed and things come up and we know we cant forget about cooking and eating dinner.

I have noticed lately that I have not been giving myself the same self care that I have had in the past. It sounds superficial but I have not been going for my haircuts or my pedicures. On a more physical level I have also not made it a priority to get my gym time in. Some days I hate the gym but I still feel accomplished when I drag myself there. lol

Being tired means alot of the little things just dont get done. The motivation or energy just isnt there. I have realized the list of things to do in a day isnt going to get smaller so instead I am just going to add a few more to this month to see if I can regain a bit of sanity. Laugh if you want but I dare you to make your own self care list. Here are my 5 things and reasons that I am making them priority.

  1. Lipstick and Mascara every day. – I am going to pick a few different colors that make me feel pretty and boss like. I dont have time in the mornings with getting ready for school to do a full routine. These two take less that 3 minutes and I will feel more ready for the day in my professional world.
  2. New Sheets. – Silly to buy something I already have but even your bed routine can get tired. We are coming into fall and I want to feel snuggly and comfy when I hit the pillow.
  3. One mid month Spa day.- yes one day can be spared to do a little self maintenance. Hair cut, facial, mani/pedi. Its a day to relax and you feel brand new to face the challenges.
  4. Two dinners with friends- With how busy I am lately, I only have had time with my nephew and close family. Not that there is anything wrong with that. But I dont get to just be me, to hear about life outside of my world, to laugh with others. It could be work friends, business minded friends or just my girl friends that I dont get hang with as we have crazy schedules.
  5. Flavored water- ok so maybe not a must have. I had some testing done recently and 2 of the issues with my bloodwork were b12 deficiency and dehydration. So I have been trying to water myself 🙂 I only like water with ice and it does nothing to quench the soda craving. So I am going to “splurge” on flavor packets. They can be refreshing.

I would love to hear what small things you would do through out the month to treat yourself better. not always just a splurge but something small that makes you happy or feel better. Leave your comments and thoughts here and maybe someone else will do something similar. Pay attention to the daily details that support you 🙂

Posted in Uncategorized

Seeing Joy in Others

Posted on by Distracted Damsel
Daily writing prompt
In what ways does hard work make you feel fulfilled?
View all responses

That may sound a bit weird but I believe that hard work is not only for ourselves to feel proud but also to aid and bring comfort to others. I have had my fair share of moments of accomplishment. When I have felt like queen of the mountain for completing a goal or doing something in business that I have never done before.

But I have also been with friends and family or customers that have been struggling personally or professionally and I have been able to work with them and achieve much more. I work hard for myself because I am driven and I want to be successful. However, I have always found more joy when I have eased the stress or answered a need for another.

For example, I am in the field everyday. I find clients and customers that struggle with selecting colors, flooring, finishing up projects that never seem to end. It can be overwhelming for them not knowing where to start or what the “right thing” is to do. I get the opportunity to work thru the process for them, shining light on the choices that matter first and work out the little details that they cant focus on.

Recently, two ladies came into the flooring store I work at part time. They said they had been in so many stores, talked to so many people but they still hadnt made any decisions. When I hear that, I have to help. It took us about 2 hours but I lead them through the process, pulling samples, talking trends and tips, talking colors and making final selections. They were so happy by the time we were done talking that I even got a hug because according to her “i had solved all of their headaches”.

Coming full circle today the ladies came back in the store for the next project. They were so excited to tell me about how the install was coming and that they were starting the next project. They said they would only work with me because I had done such a “fantastic job the first time”. Sounds like I am tooting my own horn a little bit. And in a way I kind of am. But seeing those ladies smile and getting another hug, and more words of praise is fulfillment to me.

I worked hard to give them my knowledge and my expertise which I have gained over the years. I worked hard to pull the selections and explain why they were the best materials and colors for their dream bathroom. I take pride in knowing that I did my best but the best part is knowing how happy my efforts made others. I am fulfilled if I am fulling 🙂

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Prepping for my biggest month!!

Posted on by Distracted Damsel
Daily writing prompt
What’s your #1 priority tomorrow?
View all responses

Tomorrow is the end of the week and close to the end of the month. We are going into the last 3 months of the year which are full of events and opportunities. Hosts of every kind will be opening up their homes and businesses to families and work acquaintances. What better motivation to do a few upgrades before the doors open. Clients turn their focus to the interiors of the house and make changes and I am ready to assist each and every one I can to have the biggest month of the year.

I am here to lead the fourth quarter charge when it comes to those renovation projects we wait til the last minute to finish before someone visits. My business is to help clients choose the paint colors that will set the mood for the home or space. From the refreshed interiors to the perfect dining room color for big family meals. My priority for tomorrow is to create marketing materials to reach as many of the last minute project doers I can.

Marketing has always been something that I struggle with. So in most cases I put it off. But tomorrow I would like to break down my social media, google ads and website and really work to highlight the benefits of using my color expertise to get ready for the season with welcoming new colors. I am going to crack open my Canva account and get creative. If you know anyone who is changing it up to impress the relatives, send them my way!!!

Posted in Design Elements, Lifestyle, Tips & Tricks

One Project at a Time..

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

The Power of Breaking It Down

Let’s be honest—transforming a home can feel a lot. Between Pinterest boards, paint swatches, and all the “what ifs,” it’s easy to end up overwhelmed before you even begin.

But here’s the truth: you don’t have to do it all at once.

In fact, taking it one step at a time is not only okay—it’s smart. Whether you’re working with a full-house refresh or just trying to make a few rooms feel more “you,” breaking things down into manageable steps can save your sanity (and your budget).

Start with What Matters Most

Instead of tackling the entire house in one go, focus on the areas that will make the biggest difference right away—think the entryway, living room, or kitchen. These are the spaces guests see first, but more importantly, they’re the ones you walk through every single day.

A fresh coat of paint in the entry or some updated lighting in the kitchen can make your whole home feel different—without touching every single room.

Room by Room, Floor by Floor

There’s no rule that says everything has to be done at once or even all in the same week (or month, or year!).

You might choose to move floor by floor—starting downstairs where the most traffic happens and working your way up when the time, budget, or energy allows. Even if you’re planning to use the same paint color throughout the house, it’s okay to spread it out.

Or maybe it makes more sense to go room by room. Especially if you’re still figuring out how each space will be used. Is that spare room going to be a guest room? A home office? A playroom? Taking your time gives you room to decide.

Make It Personal (and Functional)

The best transformations aren’t just pretty—they work for the people who live there. Before you commit to any big changes, think about the purpose of each room.

Who uses the space? What do you need it to do? What vibe are you going for?

Taking a beat to figure those things out will help you make choices you won’t regret later. Rushing into a design without a clear vision is often what leads to “I wish I had done it differently.”

Progress Is Still Progress

Remember: Rome wasn’t built in a day.

There’s absolutely no shame in doing things slowly. In fact, it often leads to better, more thoughtful results. Taking your time means you can make decisions with confidence, spread out expenses, and enjoy each win as it comes.

So if your home doesn’t feel “done” yet, that’s okay. It’s a work in progress—just like all the best things are.

Want help figuring out where to start? Let’s break it down together.
Sometimes all you need is a plan—and a little color guidance. 🎨

Posted in Lifestyle

Well I gave it a good try…

Posted on by Distracted Damsel
Daily writing prompt
What foods would you like to make?
View all responses

So that image above isnt exactly the way my last experiment with puff pastry turned out. To be fair, it was just that. It was an experiment on a whim with random ingredients. I had mandarin oranges that I didnt want going to waste and when I went to the store, I saw delicious looking plums. The combo sounded good to me and I wanted something sweet.

So I grabbed some puff pastry and chopped up my fruit. the plums were juicy and sweet and the tart of the oranges I thought paired really well. I added a bit of honey instead of sugar thinking that it would be enough to make it nice and sweet. The roll out was just right to make four pop tart sized pockets. I brushed them with egg wash and here is how they looked.

I like how they came out, I should have drizzled them with something or added some powdered sugar. My boyfriend, the champ tried them while I watched and waited for his reaction. He gets brownie points for telling me it wasnt bad and a good first attempt.

I did taste it. The dough and the oranges were to tart to really appreciate the the flavor of the plums. I know know that puff pastry is just a dough, not sweet. And that if questioning always add sugar. I need sugar!! Hopefully I will try these again and get just the right sweetness. Hopefully with the BF’s seal of approval 🙂

Posted in Lifestyle

Whos Cooking for the 4th??

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

if you are anything like me, you step outside and you fry right away. But thats not the cooking we are talking about. I am talking about that age old tradition of BBQ or grilling on the fourth. Grill season is my favorite food season. No mess inside and delicious char on meats.

My man has few skills when it comes to cooking. Not that I am bashing that, more to call out that one thing he enjoys is grilling. He is a steak and potatoes kind of guy. I am expanding his grilling experience since I have enjoyed all kinds as my dad would grill anything that sounded good at the time. And yes that includes watermelon, fish, corn on the cob with husks, pizza and desserts.

I have been craving red meat but specifically marinated flank steak cut crisscross and grilled just long enough to sear each side. My favorite marinade has cilantro, lemon, chili powder, chili flakes, olive oil, a little bit of soy sauce and a few other spices. I am planning to get the ingredients and have it marinating in the fridge for 24 hours to bring out all the juices.

I havent decided if I want to go with traditional bbq sides like beans and potato salad or if I want to go for more of a fajita/mexican style side dish. I really love sweet corn grilled. It reminds me of summers on the farm or river with my grandparents. Cooking that up and making it into a spicy corn salad sound good too.

We just got back from a week of drinking on our Alaska cruise. I dont really want to go hard on the alcohol but I would love to make a fruity sangria. I love mixing a pink wine and berries or pineapple with a sprig of mint or basil. Refreshing and simple to cool you down on a hots summers day.

And last but not least, you have to have a yummy dessert. My man doesnt read this blog so spoiler alert for everyone else. I am going to make a pie for him that I have never tried to make. I will either make a rhubarb pie or a strawberry rhubarb pie. Not your traditional 4th pie but rhubarb is a summer veggie and if I can rack up some girlfriend brownie points I am going to take the opportunity.

What do you guys do for your family and friends? Have any recipes that you are known for that all the family requests? I hope that everyone is going to enjoy the day off at the least and enjoy the family and food and fireworks at the most!! Stay safe and eat til your hearts content!

Posted in Lifestyle

Swimming Lessons for everyone

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

Is it really even summer if you havent been in the pool yet?

We had a long day today from work/summer camp and water leaks to shopping and Costco pizza for dinner. But I just couldn’t deny the nephew a quick hour trip to the pool. We made the bargain that if he was good while we shopped, we could go to the pool for a bit after dinner.

By the time we got there at 6, the sun was behind the apartments and it was pretty breezy. The determination of kids is mind boggling to me. Chattering teeth and all, the kid was bobbing up and down, splashing and throwing fill-able water balloons at me. He had to stay in the shallow end since we are still working on the full swimming thing.

I remember in summer camp that we all had to take swim lessons. Using the little paddle boards to get our feet kicking, and using floaties and life jackets to float and practice arms first then legs. It seems simple to float but learning to let go and just breath is tricky.

Its amazing to me to think about something that seems so simple as an adult. I dont think twice about swimming since I have been swimming for 30+ and I really enjoy it. Booger loves water and is just getting excited about swimming. As I was splashing with him and giving him instructions on how to paddle I realized how much each step is a metaphor for more.

At first, he hesitated, not wanting to go any deeper than where he could reach. We hesitate in life when we feel like something is out of our reach or we aren’t good enough, or smart enough. Once he realized that I was in the pool in case he needed me he got bolder. When we have a team or a support person that we can lean on, it is easier to test the waters.

I was holding him while letting him practice relaxing and letting go just to float. It takes practice to calm your nerves and relax, taking time to think and reflect. He wanted to squirm and kick but I reminded him that I had him, let him breathe and calm before we added in the arms and legs.

One reach and kick at a time, he started to get a groove. Arms like superman and kick kick kick. He didnt want me to hold him for very long. He told me “I’m going to swim to the wall and I’m gonna try it again.” The first attempt at anything in life isnt going to go the way you planned, you wont do it right or you might even fail. Just like he did you have to keep giving it a try.

By the end of the swim, which mind you was only about 45 minutes since its chilly, Booger was so proud of himself. I was watching him and he did have a good 5 ft stretch of good swimming. He turned around and said “Auntie, did you see how good I did?” And of course I did and I gave him a big smile, a hi-five and a “Great job buddy!”

Everyday we have to jump into new things and test the waters. Yes its scary at first. You dont know if you have what it takes to learn a new skill or start a new career, or try to sell crafts on etsy. Whatever it is, it will take practice, attempt after attempt until you get to a place where you can confidently do it like its second nature. Every stroke will make you a stronger swimmer. 😉

Ok so ill leave it there with the swimming metaphors. For those of you with younger kids in summer camp and swim lessons, any suggestions? We are going to practice as much as we can. He doesnt love getting water in his ears so we might have to get some ear plugs. We need new floaties but hopefully this will be the last summer for those 🙂 let me know if you have any tips!!