Sunday Reflections
Happy Sunday, friends! Welcome to my weekly lifestyle post called Sunday Reflections.
Sunday Reflections is when I report on what is going on in my world and give you some new information that may be helpful to you.
I am pleased to report that our new baby is growing and eating just as he should be…getting close to nine pounds already.
Here is my son with his little family out for a neighborhood stroll.
Their goldendoodle loves the baby and is already protective of him.
They are so cute and I love that both he and his wife have the 12 weeks off for maternity leave to spend with their son…and they are smitten.
I have several things to share with you today in Sunday Reflections…so let’s relax, breath deep and enjoy the day….
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: IT’S TIME
This is an in-ground trampoline that is in my backyard…and that I much prefer to the alternative for trampolines for kids.
However, this trampoline was a wakeup call for ME this past week.
I went into this year with a structured foot, down a toe, and rapidly went into moving to a new city mode.
My consistent workouts have been on the back burner for me…but now IT’S TIME.
I walked by the trampoline while caring for my three grandsons last week and saw a pair of socks on the leather edge.
I stepped onto the leather edge to pick up the sock…it surprised me by sinking down and I fell into the trampoline!
I admit this whole thing would have made money on Greatest Home Videos…and was probably very funny.
But, I could not stand or even go up on my knees on the trampoline. I had to crawl to the side and into the grass to get up. Sigh!
That motivated me to go to a place I have never been… a pilates studio.
After a meeting with an instructor, I signed up this next week for an introductory class…and I have NEVER done pilates before, but believe it might be what I need the most.
I will report back, and anyone who wants to share personal stories with pilates, please do.
Until further notice, I am avoiding the trampoline area!
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: CHRISTMAS PREP GOES ON
After the boys’ parents returned, I got back out and about in our community.
I was missing Marshall’s in my old neighborhood, but found TJ MAXX in my new neighborhood.
So, Christmas decor shopping and Christmas gift shopping was fun!
I am still refining my cozy Christmas decor (link to last week’s post), and developing a game plan for the day after Thanksgiving.
We are also discussing a family outing to cut down our real trees…I think the grandsons would love this and there is a local tree farm.
One of you said you put out a puzzle for the holidays and leave it out for anyone to work on. I loved the idea so I ordered this one on Amazon.
It is the BBOLDIN RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY SANTA JIGSAW PUZZLE.
I like to mix my decor with the real reason for the season.
Also, DON’T FORGET TO SEND PICTURES OF YOUR HOLIDAY DECOR FROM TREES TO MENORAHS TO FAMILY HERITAGE AND STORIES TO IMAGES FROM YOUR TOWN….we all loved seeing these last year and hearing from you! Just send to over50feeling40@gmail.com after you decorate.
AND, I love for you to send your holiday cooking with pictures as well.
Here is a great holiday gift idea:
All of the accessories at World Finds are on sale for 30% off through today.
I love the work of these female Indian artisans and supporting Fair Trade.
Thanks to Judy for checking them out after my recommendation…..
“I love the World Finds Kantha necklace. I ordered it a few weeks ago when I first saw it in your post. It is even more beautiful than it appears in photos. I ordered two but find I look better with just one. The extra will make a great gift for one of my friends. Thanks for featuring this great find. I love supporting Fair Trade communities.”
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: IN PAMELA’S KITCHEN
I was going to take a picture of this apple pie while it was uncut and cooling…but Mr. B got to it first!
I had four snack apples….the small ones for kid’s lunches…that had been sitting for a long time…I knew I needed to use them some way.
But, they were very small. I also had a boxed pie crust that I was going to use to made hand pies for the boys, but never got to it.
So, I peeled and chopped the little apples.
I cooked them in three teaspoons of butter, a dash of clove, a teaspoon of nutmeg, and a teaspoon of cinnamon, and a teaspoon of vanilla.
I mixed it with a can I had of apple pie filling. Then poured into the pie crust, brushed the top with melted butter and baked at 400 degrees for about 45 minutes.
I am learning that my new oven cooks very fast.
You can see, Mr. B liked the hack!
We love fresh fruits and veggies around here…the grandsons eat mass quantities.
So, it is nice to have clean, washed fruit in the refrigerator for them.
When I was asked to review the LUXEAR FRESH KEEPER REFRIGERATOR FRESH KEEP containers, I said a resounding yes.
I do like these…though they are not dishwasher approved. But, I was several dishes any way.
I was interested for keeping food fresh longer…improving access to washed food…and to eliminate food waste.
They are designed with adjustable air vents to maintain air flow.
I am glad to have these go into my refrigerator with everyone’s favorite fruits and veggies.
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: THANKFUL FOR NEW SURROUNDINGS
This is just a reminder to all of you who have recently moved like me, or planning a move soon.
Remember to appreciate your new surroundings and be thankful.
I post many landscape pictures of my world, because they remind me to thank God for His creations and that His beauty can be found anywhere.
November and December have so much beauty …take a moment to pause, appreciate and be thankful.
I also pause for indoor beauty…I love candle time.
Especially in the early mornings and the early evenings when the dark is likely to be around.
There is just something about candles glow that makes me feel at home.
Speaking of home, the monkeys are still hanging around and new lights patiently waiting for the electrician.
I hope so much to show you the new next week…practicing patience here.
Thanks for joining me for Sunday Reflections…I would love to hear your Sunday Reflections today…and until tomorrow…
STAY STRONG & KEEP SMILING!
By Pamela Lutrell
I was encouraged to explain more about my SHOPPING LINKS page and how to use it.
I am an affiliate for many different brands and when you click on those brands and shop, then I receive a small commission.
This is such an important income for me and my family.
I have tried to include the brands most shopped by this audience, but sometimes I miss one of your favorites.
If you will tell me what you are shopping, then I can tell you if I am affiliate for them and give you that link…if it is not already on the page.
And remember to send your holiday recipes and decorations with pictures to over50feeling40@gmail.com. Send to email and do not try to put in comments! YOU are the best.
I’m sorry about your “wake up fall” but glad you see it as an opportunity to explore Pilates. I love Pilates. When I lived in Michigan I belonged to a gym that a great variety of fitness classes and took a mat Pilates class once week. It was good for strength and toning, especially core. But that was several years ago. A few months ago I decided I need to add something to my walking & yoga routine. I decided to try the local Pilates studio. I had 3 private lessons to learn form, breathing & how to use the reformer and I love it. I started taking a group class once or twice a week in addition to increasing the length of our walks. Fast forward to now. I’ve lost 10 pounds with just a little reduction in portion size. But more amazing is the changes to my body. I am stronger and feel taller. Just this week my yoga instructor commented that my body shape has changed noticeably. I am actually tucking in shirts, something I haven’t felt comfortable doing in ages. I really enjoy the Pilates classes and find that the resistance work is easy on my knees as I’m able to adjust the tension and the position of my feet. I’ve tried both the all level class and the “active aging”. I like both but especially like the active aging and it focuses on the areas I feel I need the most. Bonus is meeting some very nice women who have been taking Pilates for years and are in remarkable shape. I hope this works out for you. Sorry to be so wordy. Thanks for the picture of your precious new grandson. I’m so happy for your family. And I will check out those food containers. Happy Sunday.
Thank you, Kathie! This is very helpful! Will report back.
I take a class called yoga fit, which combines yoga with Pilates. I love it, but I’ve had friends who have injured themselves with Pilates. I mention this because your nature is similar to mine … if one rep is good, 25 must surely be better :). I think you will really love it though. I was watching a favorite Swedish you tuber last night, and she was prepping for a time they call Novent. It’s a celebration of the start of the dark season. The idea is to put out simple, nature inspired decor and light lots of candles and fairy lights. These are then mixed with Christmas decor and left up when the holiday items are put away, and used all winter. I thought it sounded so lovely and cozy to celebrate the shorter days that some people dread.
I’ve been doing Pilates 3 times a week for 10 years. My teacher emphasizes that people of all ages and sizes can do Pilates. I get way more than core work. I also get a lot of resistance training and functional work. I do sit-to-stands from the bench, balancing in a variety of ways, and getting up from the floor without having an object to lean on. Many of her clients come to her after a fall. And, yes, the social aspect is extremely important. I have no family close by. My teacher and her family feel like a daughter and granddaughters to me.
When I was in my sixties and living on the east coast I had a pilates one on one for a number of years once a week. If you have a good certified pilates instructor the results can be amazing. She needs to guide you through the moves to avoid injuries. Fast forward 7 years with a move cross country I took up golf and have access to a gym with a variety of classes including yoga and pilates. I also live in a climate that allows me to walk every day. At 73 I keep active, eat wisely and keep the wine to a minimum but had I fallen on that trampoline I think it would have been a comedic struggle to stand!!
I also have done Pilates three times a week for 15 years. I love it and it really makes you fit. Enjoy getting back in shape!
It might be best to leave that trampoline to the grandchildren! The fact that you are using your fall onto it as a wake-up call is perfect. I have done yoga and chair yoga once my balance got bad but never Pilates. My husband and I do stretching and he does weights but I have not been pain free enough to do weights. Even one pound with three reps causes extreme pain. My doctor says stick to the dog walks. So far I am. I put out LED candles and fairy lights and love the glow as our sun sets behind the western mountains about four now. The sun is closer to the southern mountains now all day. Our backyard gets very little sunlight now as it is on the north side of our house. My Swedish mother would have loved fairy lights! They twinkle so cheery. Your lovely new grandson is adorable and good to hear that he is doing well. It is wonderful to see a young family at the beginning of their journey. It brings back memories of raising my four sons. Thank you for sharing your personal life with us.
I know I celebrate them! Thanks for sharing!
So encouraging! Thanks for sharing, Linlee!
The trampoline was good video missed…thank goodness!!
I have jumped back on the saddle several times and always a thankful I did. Thanks Lisa!
I started taking Pilates after my knee surgery. I love it. Especially the Center and Balance class Some of the others are stressful for me. I hate it when they want you to get on the floor! On amorher matter, have any in this community had success in shrinking sweaters. I have been hanging mine and they are stretched out
Thanks for the pilates support, Darlene…I will let the ladies here see if they can help you with the sweaters…I try mine flat on a towel before hanging.
Lovely to see your newest grandson out in the stroller! I am sorry about your trampoline incident, but the pilates sounds like a good workout. I have always been curious about it, so look forward to hearing how you like it. My Sunday reflection is of happy anticipation: we have tickets for tonight up in Portland to see a duo I found on YouTube awhile back, The Bygones. Their music is so lovely and cheerful, and I am excited to enjoy this little get-away overnight with my husband! 👫
I am going to check them out! Have fun, Connie!
Your fix for the apple pie was great. In fact, I imagine that you may do it again for the extra flavor.
I enjoy my tennis, doubles of course, for the exercise and the friendship. Thanks for sharing your journey at your new home and community, blessings always.
Thanks Audrey!
For Darlene, I have successfully shrunk sweaters that stretched from hanging, as well as an expensive Peruvian Connection sweater dress that went from midi to ankle length. Most of my sweaters have at least some cotton content, because of the mild climate here in north Texas. I wash them on gentle cycle in cold water, and then put in the dryer with a dry bath towel on the lower heat setting. I set a timer to check progress about every five minutes. Sometimes it takes more than one round of this to get the desired results. This also works for shoulder stretch marks most of the time. For more stubborn items, I sometimes try washing in warm (not hot) water and using the dryer on the higher setting if I’m confident that the fabric content can withstand it. The key is to be patient and shrink it in small increments, especially if the sweater contains wool. Hope that helps! We are still waiting on sweater weather here, with the high around 80 degrees again today.
I love seeing your newest grandcutie, and seeing your son go from handsome groom to daddy in just a few years. I can only imagine how much fun the holidays will be for you and Mr. B this year with two new babies on board! Your positive posts and ongoing encouragement for those of us with upcoming moves means so much right now. I am supposed to close on my dream house, (Craftsman bungalow built in the early 1900’s) the first week of December, but I won’t be taking possession immediately. The seller’s next home failed to pass inspection, so they are back to square one in their home search. I’ve offered them up to a 90-day leaseback, as I don’t really want to move right at Christmas anyway. I’m struggling to figure out whether or not to decorate for the holidays this year. It feels like a lot of work when I’m about to have to start packing to move, but I feel sure I will miss it if I don’t do at least a little decorating. I usually switch from “Christmas” to “winter” decor right after New Year’s Day, but that’s when my company from New Zealand is coming. I am thinking of just putting out the winter decor before Christmas. I loved the “Novent” decor idea that Linda LM shared, and it sounds a lot like my post-holiday “winter” decor – lots of candles, twinkle lights woven through icy branches, a forest of mercury glass trees with a family of deer on top of the entertainment center, and pine cones covered in ground glass “frost” that I saved from my daughter’s wedding. I’m hoping others will share their holiday decor here, as I always get so many good ideas here.