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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.

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It was a surprise to me!

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

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Seeing Joy in Others

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

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Thought for today: Attitude is Everything

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

Life really does put us through some rough, terrible things every now again. Admittedly some things are our own doing from choices we make and others are events that happen to us. For example in the case of situations i cause, my knee problem is from my choice to not take better care of my health. An example of something happening to you would be getting hit by a car or losing your job from a downsizing out of your control.

The thing is with all of these examples there is a key factor that will determine if you grow or if you play the victim. The only thing that we have absolute control over is our attitude. It’s been said thousands of times and it’s has been proven thousands of times. I’m not bringing you a new radical idea. I wish I was that insightful! But I was reminded of this today during a conversation with my brother in law.

I can’t share the things that he is going thru. I can say that the circumstances are completely out of his control and he has to work within someone else’s rules. But talking with him today he said I can either go down to a dark place that will just make things worse or I can focus on the things I am grateful to have come out of this and the things I can still do. He pointed out that though his options are limited he still has better options than most. And that these circumstances are temporary.

That’s just it. Anything you are going thru right now will be over before you know it. While you are in the thick of things it is hard to see the light, to think about the positive outcomes or changes it will have on your future. I don’t want to spout off too many cliche sayings but the only way you get stronger is to go thru the tough things, even if life sucks at the moment.

I have been lucky to only have my choices affect my path. Looking back, were there better choices to make? ABSOLUTELY! Did I struggle and want to give up on the daily? 1000%. But on the other side of those things now I am building a business, working with new projects, creating and looking forward to new obstacles.

Don’t let the short hard times rob you of an amazing future. See the lessons, enjoy the growth and keep pushing. Positive thinking is a tough choice. But what’s tougher? Coming back from a downward spiral or putting on a fake smile to trick your brain into believing it will get better? Take charge and think about what can be learned and how you are growing. Find someone to help you see the positive!!

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New Adventures

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

So a little while ago I wrote a post about taking on new business partners. I have recently taken on another one and am adding to my business offerings. With my painters I get to collaborate and help customers create color palettes for their homes. Now I have two other business relationships that I am collaborating with to build an Etsy shop and continue to grow a Shopify business.

I am a person that gets very bored fast if the tasks or jobs are the same day in and day out. I am also a very creative person and I work the best when I am creating or building something new. I do not fit the traditional 9 to 5 work life. Literally in the name of this blog “Distracted” fits me well.

My days now consist of merchandizing, creating listings, doing color renderings and going out into the greater area of Las Vegas to do my main business- color consultations. To everyone else I know, its sounds completely chaotic but I really do thrive on switching up tasks.

New adventures often include changes in course though and I have had to do some course corrections. I was spending a few hours a week with a realtor attempting to learn and get licensed. After a few months though, hindsight really hit and the time spent wasnt equal to the pay out or experience. It wasnt going to get me to where I thought I wanted to be.

What I realized is that my hard work and effort needs to be directed only to my tasks, my business. It was a pretty powerful moment of self reflection. I took the side work to essentially build confidence that was already inside of me. I may still pursue the license but since my businesses are growing already I may not need to focus on that to get me income for my next steps.

Every experience has had a take away that has helped me grow or given me time to pause and find my next move forward. Tomorrow I will be fulfilling orders and creating new items to post on Etsy. Ive given some business growing ideas to my painters that I will follow up on and some new things that we can offer to make us stand out above the rest. My new adventures will only be possible if I keep my eyes open and work with others to sharpen my skills. One month in to 2025 and the momentum is growing fast!

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How to Incorporate Mocha 2025’s Color of the Year Into Your Home

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

2025 is all about warmth and comfort, and the Color of the Year perfectly captures that inviting energy. Whether it’s a soft, earthy tone or a bold, grounding shade, this year’s pick is all about creating a home that feels both stylish and soothing. Not sure how to weave this trend into your space? We’ve got you covered with easy, stylish ways to make 2025’s Color of the Year a seamless part of your home.

Refresh Your Bedroom with the Color of the Year

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary, and 2025’s Color of the Year can help set the perfect mood. A soft, warm shade can make your space feel cozy and cocooning, while a deeper, richer hue can add a touch of sophistication.

  • Walls & Accent Walls: Go all-in with a full-room color drench, or create a striking accent wall behind your bed. If painting the entire room feels like too much, consider a color-blocking technique with a complementary neutral.
  • Textiles & Decor: Swap out bedding, pillows, and throws for versions in the Color of the Year. A subtle patterned duvet or curtains in this shade can refresh the room without overwhelming it.
  • Furniture & Accessories: A bedside table or upholstered headboard in the year’s signature hue adds a stylish focal point without the commitment of painting.

Elevate Your Living Room with Accents and Layers

The living room is the heart of the home, making it the perfect place to experiment with the Color of the Year. Whether you love a minimalist look or a bold, layered aesthetic, this shade can work beautifully in different ways.

  • Statement Furniture: A sofa or armchair in the Color of the Year can instantly refresh your space. If a new piece isn’t in the budget, consider slipcovers or reupholstering an existing piece.
  • Wall Treatments: Paint an accent wall, add color through framed artwork, or even opt for wallpaper in a subtle version of the hue. Textured finishes like grasscloth or linen wallpapers can add even more dimension.
  • Decor & Accessories: Think vases, rugs, and coffee table books in this shade. Layering in small doses keeps the look cohesive without feeling overdone.

Incorporate the Color of the Year in Your Kitchen & Dining Area

Even the kitchen can benefit from a dose of the Color of the Year, especially in ways that feel fresh and inviting.

  • Cabinetry & Backsplashes: For those ready to take the plunge, painting lower cabinets or a kitchen island in the Color of the Year adds instant charm. If you prefer a low-commitment approach, a tile backsplash or open shelving with colorful dishware works just as well.
  • Dining Chairs & Table Decor: Bring in the shade through upholstered chairs, table runners, or even placemats and dishware. These small changes make a big impact without requiring a full remodel.
  • Lighting & Fixtures: Pendant lights or small appliances in the Color of the Year can add just the right pop of color while keeping things functional.

Make a Statement with a Bold Front Door or Entryway

First impressions matter, and using the Color of the Year at your entryway sets the tone for the rest of your home.

  • Front Door Refresh: A fresh coat of paint on your front door in this trendy hue adds instant curb appeal and warmth.
  • Entryway Walls & Decor: A console table, mirror frame, or even a bold patterned wallpaper in the Color of the Year can create a welcoming focal point.
  • Plants & Accessories: Complement the shade with natural elements like wooden benches, woven baskets, and greenery to balance out the look.

Whole-Home Harmony: Pairing the Color of the Year with Other Tones

To create a cohesive look, mix 2025’s Color of the Year with other trending shades. Warm neutrals like taupe and soft terracotta create a cozy and seamless flow, while cool blues and greens add a refreshing contrast.

  • Layering Warm & Cool Tones: Pairing the Color of the Year with soft blues or greens keeps your home feeling dynamic yet harmonious.
  • Metallic & Natural Accents: Brass, copper, and natural wood tones enhance the warmth of the hue, making it feel rich and inviting.
  • Textures & Patterns: Play with different textures—woven fabrics, textured wallpapers, and natural materials like stone and clay can elevate the space while keeping it grounded.

Final Thoughts: Making 2025’s Color of the Year Work for You

Whether you go all in with color-drenched walls or opt for subtle accents, 2025’s Color of the Year offers endless possibilities to refresh your space. The key is to integrate it in ways that reflect your personal style, creating a home that feels both stylish and uniquely yours. So grab a paintbrush, swap out some decor, and let this year’s must-have hue bring new life to your home!

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Dinner for Friends

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

Ok so maybe it isnt a dish but it is my favorite kind of meal. Just yesterday we had our friend Katey over for dinner and a movie. Most Thursday nights we get together and just hang out and talk about our weeks, what we are reading, what new date she went on, what new clients I have. The fun part about it is we get completely random about what’s for dinner.

Our favorite rabbit hole for recipes is Instagram. There are so many accounts that have quick meals, healthy meals and whats trending. We have made our own versions of Sushi caserole, spinach and tomato pasta, cranberry and Bree spread. That app can make you hungry with just a five minute board scroll.

Last night, I really didnt feel like going to the store for the 3rd time in a week to come up with something new. So instead of something new and complicated, we went with a tried and true easy dinner. Taco salad. You just cant go wrong here. Our healthy leafy base was kale and a baby spring mix. we loaded it up with onions, peppers, jalapenos, cheese, cilantro and for a crunch spicy dorito crumbs. Add some salsa and sour cream and boom! Yum!

We spent two hours chatting and eating. Just a simple night and a simple meal. No need to go big with expensive steak and wine all the time though those things are just as delicious. We dont have a dinner menu for next week yet, so who knows what new recipe we will come across. But hopefully it will be a good time and less dishes then I am about to finish up from last night lol

Daily writing prompt
What’s your favorite thing to cook?
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