Lifestyle Hacks;

Welcome to the spot where I have found a few expert tips and some DIY tips to help navigate life's messy curveballs along the way!

Grapes Grapes Grapes.....

Picture this:

It’s a warm summer evening, you’ve just settled down for a relaxing night, and you reach for that bottle of wine you’ve been saving. But when you pour your first glass, you realize it’s lukewarm. The moment is ruined, and you’re left scrambling for ice cubes, which will dilute your drink.

Instead, try my Frozen Grape Wine Cooler, a quirky yet effective hack that not only keeps your wine chilled but also adds a delightful twist to your sipping experience.

Why Frozen Grapes?!

Using frozen grapes as a wine cooler is an ingenious idea for several reasons:

1. No Dilution: Unlike ice cubes, which melt and water down your drink, frozen grapes maintain the integrity of your wine. They chill the liquid without altering its flavor, allowing you to enjoy the full bouquet of aromas and tastes.

2. Added Flavor: As the grapes thaw slightly, they release subtle notes of sweetness into your drink. This can enhance the overall tasting experience, especially if you’re enjoying a white wine or a fruity red.

3. Versatility: This hack isn’t limited to just wine. You can use frozen grapes in cocktails, sparkling water, or even non-alcoholic beverages. They bring a touch of elegance and creativity to any drink.

4. Aesthetic Appeal: Let’s be honest—frozen grapes look beautiful in a glass! Their vibrant colors add a visual element that makes your drink feel special, perfect for entertaining guests or simply enjoying a moment to yourself.

This is just a little something I proudly figured out on MY hot summer day but no ice cubes - Ouch. It really does do the trick.

Try it, you'll thank me later.

Written by: Jennifer Underwood

Grief.....Is there ways to cope?

Of course there is, and I would like to help you with that;

Let's talk about grief! It's a topic that can be heavy, but we can approach it with a light touch and maybe even a little bit of humor (because sometimes, you just have to laugh, right?).

Think of grief like a glitter bomb exploded in your heart. It's sparkly, it's everywhere, it gets into places you didn't even know existed, and frankly, it's a bit of a mess to clean up. There's no "right" way to do it, and everyone's glitter is different. Some people have chunky iridescent glitter, others have fine, sparkly dust, and sometimes it feels like someone just dumped a whole bucket of industrial-grade craft glitter on you.

So, how do you navigate this glitter-bomb situation? Here are some thoughts, keeping it light-hearted but acknowledging the real feelings:

1. Acknowledge the Glitter:

Don't try to Hoover it all up immediately. Grief isn't something you can just "get over." It's more like learning to live with the glitter. You'll still find it in unexpected places months, even years, later. And that's okay!

Name the feelings: Are you feeling sad? Angry? Confused? Like you want to curl up in a blanket burrito? Give those feelings a shout-out (even if it's just to yourself). Don't stuff them down – glitter doesn't go away when you bury it in the couch cushions.

Let the tears flow. Sometimes, you just need a good cry, a full-on, ugly-cry opera. Don't hold back! It's like letting a particularly stubborn piece of glitter wash away.

2. Find Your Glitter-Removal Crew:

Connect with others. Talk to people who "get it" or who are willing to listen without judgment. Maybe they've dealt with their own glitter bomb, or maybe they're just good at handing out tissues and hugs.

Consider professional sparkle cleaners. A therapist or counselor can provide a safe space to process all the feelings and develop coping strategies. Think of them as the expert glitter-removal team. Lean on your support system. Friends, family, colleagues, your cat – whoever makes you feel supported and loved. Let them help you brush off some of that glitter.

3. Embrace the Messiness:

There's no timeline. Don't let anyone (including yourself) tell you how long you "should" be grieving. Everyone's glitter-cleaning process is different.

Good days and bad days are normal. Some days you might feel like you've got a handle on things, and other days, you might find yourself crying over spilled milk (or maybe a particularly sparkly piece of glitter). That's part of the journey.

Self-care isn't selfish; it's essential. Find little things that bring you joy, even if it's just for a few minutes. A good book, a warm bath, a walk in nature, some delicious food – anything that makes you feel a little lighter.

4. Remember the Sparkle (The Good Times):

Celebrate the life that was. Grief is a testament to love. Don't be afraid to cherish the memories you shared with the person you've lost. Find ways to keep their spirit alive. Maybe that's through a tradition, a favorite song, or simply by sharing their stories. It's like keeping a little bit of their sparkle in your heart.

And now, a few more light-hearted (but serious) tips:

Give yourself permission to laugh. Even in the midst of grief, humor can be a lifeline. It's okay to find moments of joy

Don't be afraid to ask for help. It takes courage to admit you're struggling.

Be kind to yourself. You're going through a lot. Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a dear friend. Grief ief is a wild ride, but you're not alone. Remember, it's okay to feel all the things, even the messy glittery ones. And sometimes, the most beautiful things can come from a little bit of chaos.

So, take a deep breath, put on your metaphorical glitter-removal gloves, and know that you've made it through.

Written by: Jennifer Underwood

Back

Lifestyle Hacks;

Welcome to the spot where I have found a few expert tips and some DIY tips to help navigate life's messy curveballs along the way!

Grapes Grapes Grapes.....

Picture this:

It’s a warm summer evening, you’ve just settled down for a relaxing night, and you reach for that bottle of wine you’ve been saving. But when you pour your first glass, you realize it’s lukewarm. The moment is ruined, and you’re left scrambling for ice cubes, which will dilute your drink.

Instead, try my *Frozen Grape Wine Cooler*, a quirky yet effective hack that not only keeps your wine chilled but also adds a delightful twist to your sipping experience.

Why Frozen Grapes?!

Using frozen grapes as a wine cooler is an ingenious idea for several reasons:

1. No Dilution: Unlike ice cubes, which melt and water down your drink, frozen grapes maintain the integrity of your wine. They chill the liquid without altering its flavor, allowing you to enjoy the full bouquet of aromas and tastes.

2. Added Flavor: As the grapes thaw slightly, they release subtle notes of sweetness into your drink. This can enhance the overall tasting experience, especially if you’re enjoying a white wine or a fruity red.

3. Versatility: This hack isn’t limited to just wine. You can use frozen grapes in cocktails, sparkling water, or even non-alcoholic beverages. They bring a touch of elegance and creativity to any drink.

4. Aesthetic Appeal: Let’s be honest—frozen grapes look beautiful in a glass! Their vibrant colors add a visual element that makes your drink feel special, perfect for entertaining guests or simply enjoying a moment to yourself.

This is just a little something I proudly figured out on MY hot summer day but no ice cubes - Ouch. It really does do the trick.

Try it, you'll thank me later.

Grief.....Is there ways to cope?

Of course there is, and I would like to help you with that;

Let's talk about grief! It's a topic that can be heavy, but we can approach it with a light touch and maybe even a little bit of humor (because sometimes, you just have to laugh, right?).

So, how do you navigate this glitter-bomb situation? Here are some thoughts, keeping it light-hearted but acknowledging the real feelings:

1. Acknowledge the Glitter:

Don't try to Hoover it all up immediately. Grief isn't something you can just "get over." It's more like learning to live with the glitter. You'll still find it in unexpected places months, even years, later. And that's okay!

Name the feelings: Are you feeling sad? Angry? Confused? Like you want to curl up in a blanket burrito? Give those feelings a shout-out (even if it's just to yourself). Don't stuff them down – glitter doesn't go away when you bury it in the couch cushions.

Let the tears flow. Sometimes, you just need a good cry, a full-on, ugly-cry opera. Don't hold back! It's like letting a particularly stubborn piece of glitter wash away.

2. Find Your Glitter-Removal Crew:

Connect with others. Talk to people who "get it" or who are willing to listen without judgment. Maybe they've dealt with their own glitter bomb, or maybe they're just good at handing out tissues and hugs.

3. Embrace the Messiness:

There's no timeline. Don't let anyone (including yourself) tell you how long you "should" be grieving. Everyone's glitter-cleaning process is different.

Good days and bad days are normal. Some days you might feel like you've got a handle on things, and other days, you might find yourself crying over spilled milk (or maybe a particularly sparkly piece of glitter). That's part of the journey.

Self-care isn't selfish; it's essential. Find little things that bring you joy, even if it's just for a few minutes. A good book, a warm bath, a walk in nature, some delicious food – anything that makes you feel a little lighter.

4. Remember the Sparkle (The Good Times):

And now, a few more light-hearted (but serious) tips:

Give yourself permission to laugh. Even in the midst of grief, humor can be a lifeline. It's okay to find moments of joy

Don't be afraid to ask for help. It takes courage to admit you're struggling.

So, take a deep breath, put on your metaphorical glitter-removal gloves, and know that you've made it through.

Instead, try my Frozen Grape Wine Cooler, a quirky yet effective hack that not only keeps your wine chilled but also adds a delightful twist to your sipping experience.