Category: Lifestyle

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!!

Posted in Lifestyle

Cruising to Alaska….

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

So lately I have been cruising thru the motions. Work, weekends, nephew time, boyfriend time, sleep repeat. I dont know about you but I have no idea how we went from Christmas to Summer vacation in the blink of an eye. -points if anyone gets the blink of an eye Mission Impossible reference. Anyways it just seems to have been going at lightning speed.

I am T-minus 17 days til we catch a flight to Seattle and board a ship to Alaska. And guys I can not wait. We have been lucky enough to go on many a cruise but this one isnt to the Mexican Rivera or to the colorful waters of the Bahamas. This time the bathing suits are being traded out for rain jackets and hiking boots. This time we get to see green and trees and ice.

Sometimes living in the desert, I forget that there are trees out there, beautiful lakes and rivers where you feel small in comparison to the growth around you. We will be taking a train through the hills and doing turns in Glacier Bay. We will hopefully see pods of orcas, bald eagles, elk or bears even. Wildlife from a different corner of the globe.

I think that I have got the basics and am prepared for the trip. The average temperature should be in the 60s, but at night it will get down to the 40s. I am not bringing out a parka but I have layers and most importantly a rain jacket, and water resistant hoodies. Got some new hiking boots also water resistant and im debating on gloves. Cant go without an umbrella and binoculars. Goal is to stay dry and warm.

Have any of you been to see the glacier? Or gone hiking up to the glacier? What about taken an Alaska cruise? I would love to hear what excursions you did or what stops you made. Unfortunately it isnt the time of year for the Northern Lights so at some point I will have to go back just for those. Tell me what you did or what other things you brought that would be good to have. Its getting so close!!

Posted in Lifestyle

Anyone have kids???

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

If you are a parent out there I really have a great appreciation for everything you go thru on the daily with your little ones or your teenagers. Dont let anyone tell you that you are anything less than a true hero for keeping a being other than yourself alive and healthy.

I am not a parent and I just don’t see it happening for me. Even taking of care of my fur baby can drive me close to the edge some days. The carefree life just seems easier. But I will say having kids around (in particular my nephew) can be fun and trying at the same time. Here are some of my takeaways from the couple solid weeks I have been more on Auntie duty. He is with us 50% of the week now and getting onto a working schedule is harder than you think.

Night Time is Prep Time– today we missed the bus. By a minute. And it was Auntie’s fault but not for the reason the bold letters lead you to believe. I did over sleep, not quite used to getting up before him and getting both of us ready, and it was me not finding my shoes who had us in the car that one minute late. However, had I not made him get his back pack, outfit and snacks together the night before, we would have been at least ten minutes late in the scramble. Prepping at night saves valuable time in the mornings and fights. We are both packing our bags now.

Walk it like you talk it– so we have been working on the rules. As an adult, I can do, say, or eat anything I want when I want. Its easy for me to decide I want a soda at 8pm with a couple of cookies and stay up for a few more hours. But how can I do that and tell the kid he cant have any more sweets and only water before bedtime? I cant. So we are both learning to eat better, earlier and to get our water in. I’m not a dietician by far but little things like this could make a big difference.

Screen time is getting cut down– Don’t get me wrong. I can live with out my phone or my computer but I do so much on them from lists to work to tv. The kid on the other hand has Disney+ and Netflix. Before you come at me we do monitor what he watches and we do have other things to do like games, puzzles, reading etc. But besides keeping him busy when Auntie is cooking, I want to help him be creative or active. So for at least one hour each day/night that he is here we are turning off our screens to do something fun together. Gives us a chance to make some memories and stops the endless scrolling.

Lots of things to keep busy with– My nephew is in 1st grade. The teachers and staff do their best to keep things hopping over there. Festivals, dress up days, Valentine’s parties. Then on top of that we have sports and jujitsu. And homework. And reading. And…and…and. It keeps going. The best thing that we can do is just roll with it and have fun. Even the last minute Dalmation costume for the 101st day of school. Not to toot my own horn but he did make the cutest puppy in my opinion and was the only kiddo with matching make up.

With everything moving in 75 different directions, I can see how parents need a break. And this for me is only one kid half the week. Having two or having twelve more, my brain just cant comprehend. So my hat is off to you, all you brave parents out there!! Hope you have a team with Aunties, Uncles and grandparents that take a bit of the brunt for you. Now I am off to bed so we dont miss the bus again tomorrow 🙂

Posted in Lifestyle

Back to School: Prep Work for Mom & Dad

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

Getting Ready for Back to School: Organizing Chaos with Style!

Hey there, calling all parents! Can you believe it’s almost that time again? Yep, back-to-school season is upon us, and whether you’re feeling a bit nostalgic or doing the happy dance (no judging here!), one thing’s for sure: it’s time to get the house back into school mode!

Creating Mom’s Command Center

First things first, let’s talk about the heart of your operation: Mom’s (or Dad’s) Command Center. This isn’t just any ol’ space—it’s your lifeline for keeping everything in check. Think of it as your HQ, where you’ll handle schedules, papers, and maybe even steal a moment for yourself (shh, we won’t tell).

  1. Pick Your Spot: Find a central location—kitchen, hallway nook, or even a corner of the living room—where you can set up shop. It should be easily accessible and visible to everyone in the family.
  2. Essentials Checklist: You’ll need:
    • Calendar: A desk or refrigerator calendar works wonders for tracking school events, appointments, and extracurricular activities.
    • Inbox: A designated spot for incoming school papers, forms to sign, and letters from teachers.
    • Supplies Station: Pens, pencils, sticky notes, and maybe even some motivational stickers (because we all need a little pep talk sometimes).
  3. Personal Touches: Add a bit of flair with inspirational quotes, family photos, or a cute plant to keep things fresh.

Organizing for Different Ages

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of organizing for different ages. From preschoolers to high schoolers, each age group comes with its own set of challenges (and joys!).

  • Preschool to Elementary: Keep things simple and visual. Hooks at kid-height for backpacks and coats, labeled bins for shoes and lunch boxes, and a bulletin board for displaying artwork or important reminders (like “Don’t forget your permission slip!”).
  • Middle School to High School: Here’s where things get a bit more sophisticated. Consider a filing system for each child to manage their schedules, assignments, and papers. A whiteboard or digital calendar synced with their devices can help them stay on top of due dates and activities.

Shoe, Bag, and Lunch Drop Zone

Let’s not forget the daily rush out the door! Create a designated drop zone near the door—hooks for backpacks, cubbies or shelves for shoes, and a basket or bin for lunch boxes. Encourage kids to pack their bags the night before to minimize morning chaos (and ensure that favorite hoodie isn’t left behind).

Wrapping It All Up

As you gear up for the back-to-school hustle, remember that organization is your best friend. Take some time to involve the kids in setting up these spaces—they’ll feel more invested and might even be inspired to keep things tidy (a parent can dream, right?).

So, here’s to a smooth transition from lazy summer days to structured school routines. With a bit of planning and a whole lot of love, you’ve got this! Here’s wishing you a fantastic school year ahead filled with learning, laughter, and maybe just a few less lost shoes. Cheers to being the MVPs of the school prep game—let’s do this! 🎒📚

Posted in Lifestyle

Momentum is building…

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

Sometimes I just have to get my thoughts out of my head and on to paper so to speak. So much is changing fast with me and in a very positive way. The pros say that you shouldn’t share your plans with the people around you, you should just get to work. And for the most part, that is what I do. I put my head down and get to work but things are going very well and I wanted to share for those who may be just getting started or are going thru the “is this going to work?” phase.

I really started to work on myself as a person, a worker, a leader last spring when I had hopes that I would be going into management for Sherwin Williams. I took a long hard look at where I wanted to be, what was standing in my way and what I needed to do/achieve to get there. As it turns out, hoping to go into management pushed me into an entirely different path.

As part of self discovery, I realized while still attempting to advance with Sherwin, that it had run its course and was holding me back from what and where I need to be. There was no position with the company that would make me complete or make my dreams happen. I figured out that I have more to offer and value myself higher than the hourly position I was working. Once I came to terms with it not being my life’s calling everything has shifted.

Over the past 10 months, I have taken on management courses, have started a color consultation business, passed my course and my exams for my real estate license, and have changed my daily work and diet. Each step has opened another door for me and has built my confidence up more and more. There are days that are hectic beyond belief but I still feel a sense of accomplishment knowing that I did the work and no one can influence or demand something from me that I do not want to give.

I wont tell you all my wins but I will quickly say this. For every work out that I fight to get through, I have noticed my body craving the activity or the stretches or the good food. For every consult I go to, I add another example or creative idea to my reviews or library. Last week, a referral lead to a new painter who needs exactly what I do and I have multiple jobs lined up with that company. If I find two more companies like that I will be booked solid. I am also connecting homeowners with painters and getting referral fees. Passing my tests has connected me to four brokerages that I can talk to about working for.

Change and growth isnt something obvious all the time. Metaphorically speaking, the seed has to breakdown, grow its roots, start its stem and break through the soil. As it keeps growing, no fruit is guaranteed for the first or even 5th season around. But when it blooms, watch out for abundance.

I finally feel like the hard work I have been putting in over the last 2 years is beginning to pay off. I have a solid foundation and I can keep building off of my hard work. Its been slow, its been little pay off, its been maddening at times. But I can see the growth now. I can see the next steps in front of me and keep working on what is growing now.

For any of you who are out there and starting a new path, whatever that may be, if its a health journey, a new career, growing your family, I hope that you will continue to push forward because it will get bigger, better, stronger. You have to keep moving and gaining ground even if it is one color consult at a time. I will keep telling you how this journey of mine goes. I want to know how you are doing. If you struggle I am here for you. If you need encouragement I am here for you. Post your journey, I will follow you too!!

Posted in Lifestyle

Gadgets and Gizmos a plenty…

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

Hands down The Little Mermaid was my favorite Disney movie as a child. Ariel had the collection. All her thing-ama-bobs and Dinglehoppers. I cant say that I have a collection like she did but I do have a few things that I collect to remind me of events, trips, and just the fun things in life.

I’m really not much of a collector of expensive things or big things. I like to keep it simple. So for me I collect post cards of the places I have been and I display them on a clothes line in my office. Not only does it remind me where I have gone but it inspires me to continue to dream and go places. This isn’t my wall but it does look something like this.

I also collect shot glasses. Small and easy to store if you get a trinket cabinet. I have glasses from 21st birthday, college graduation, friend’s weddings, career changes. I will be going out to buy one here soon now that I have passed the exams required for my Real Estate License. So excited to move forward. I will by another one when I sell my first house and when I buy my first investment property.

When I do have time I have a collection of scrapbooks. I love piecing together the people in my life I make memories with. Maybe its a theme but I just want to look back at the moments, a good concert, a family Christmas, a cruise to Hawaii. We are so quick to move on to the next that we forget to be thankful for the past experiences. I want to combine them, so I collect the images as I go. Maybe after I get my license and a few houses I will have sometime to create another.

That’s all I’ve got. Nothing crazy. Oh yeah and a stack of books that one day I might be able to read thru but does that really count??

Daily writing prompt
Do you have any collections?
View all responses
Posted in Lifestyle

Creating a Memorable Mother’s Day Brunch Set Up

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate and honor the incredible moms in our lives. One way to make this day extra special is by hosting a delightful brunch. Here are some ideas to help you create a memorable Mother’s Day brunch set up:

Showcasing Mom and Her Kids

Make the centerpiece of your brunch all about mom by incorporating pictures of her and the kids. This personal touch will not only make her feel loved and appreciated, but it will also add a sentimental element to the table. Place framed photos or create a collage as the focal point of the table.

Incorporating Mom’s Favorite Color

Make the table set up extra special by incorporating mom’s favorite color. Choose tablecloths, place mats, dishes, and napkins in her preferred hue. This attention to detail will show her that you’ve put thought and effort into creating a brunch that is truly tailored to her tastes.

Flowers, the Perfect Touch

Almost all women love flowers, and Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to showcase beautiful blooms. Consider using flowers in your centerpiece, arranging little bouquets in mason jars, or even using them to decorate individual plates. Choose mom’s favorite flowers or opt for a mix of vibrant colors to add a touch of elegance and freshness to the table.

Indulge with Fanciful Drinks

For those moms who enjoy adult beverages, plan a fanciful drink to celebrate her. Consider creating shaped or flavored ice cubes to add a fun twist to her favorite cocktail. If she enjoys champagne, have a bottle chilling to toast and celebrate her on this special day.

A Basket of Her Favorite Things

Make mom’s spot at the table extra special by creating a basket filled with her favorite things. Include small items that she loves, such as her favorite chocolates, a scented candle, or a book she’s been wanting to read. This thoughtful gesture will make her feel pampered and appreciated.

Relaxation Time for Mom

After brunch, make sure to pull up a chair for mom and provide her with slippers and a cozy robe. Encourage her to relax and unwind while the rest of the family takes care of the cleanup. This is her day, and giving her some well-deserved relaxation time will make her feel cherished and loved.

Remember, Mother’s Day is all about celebrating the amazing moms in our lives. By incorporating personal touches, favorite colors, beautiful flowers, indulgent drinks, and thoughtful gestures, you can create a Mother’s Day brunch set up that will make mom feel truly special and loved.