Latest Posts

Tips For Planning an Easy, Intimate Dinner Party 

Published by

With the holiday season fast approaching, many of us start to think about entertaining. Have you ever considered going beyond the basic potluck and throwing an intimate dinner party—something festive, maybe even a little glamorous—only to have feelings of overwhelm and self-doubt immediately quash your momentary excitement? 

Maybe your mind started questioning your cooking ability, those mismatched dishes, your small house, the cost, incompatible friends, and on and on. If so, you are not alone! Very few of us see Martha Stewart when we look in the mirror!

But don’t close the book on hosting yet; there is good news! Creating a winning dinner party can be quite doable with some pre-planning, creativity, and relaxed expectations. As with almost any challenge we tackle in life, it’s all about breaking it down into small tasks. But before we do that, let’s consider the basic components of throwing a dinner party.

Read More

The Art of Successful Co-Parenting: 12 Tips

Published by

My former spouse (FS) and I have been divorced for nearly a decade and have mastered the art of co-parenting. And I say ART because that is exactly what it is. It has taken time, dedication, patience, and a delicate curation of emotions and expectations. The end result? A new friendship and partnership beyond my wildest dreams, and three well-adjusted teenage boys who have never had to witness the tragic, cruel, and selfish reality of most divorces.

Read More

Is It Perimenopause? 13 Surprising Symptoms

Published by

For ages, the menopausal journey has been shrouded in silence and taboo among women, as well as within the medical profession. Female reproductive health has long been stigmatized and dismissed, rooted in sexism, ageism, and a shocking lack of medical research and treatment. 

However, the tide is turning. Menopause is breaking out of the shadows and onto the main stage, complete with its own spotlight and microphone. Thanks to the tireless efforts of a new generation of empowered women tired of sweating in silence, menopause awareness is rapidly gaining momentum. 

Read More

Marriage Off Ramp: Life Beyond Betrayal

Published by

My back hit the bathroom wall. I sank slowly into the corner, feeling the cold, hard tiles through my dark jeans. My ears buzzed as a mixture of wine and disbelief churned in the pit of my stomach. Hot tears stung my contacts and poured down my face. “Oh my God, no,” I kept repeating as if in a trance.

He stared at me with wide eyes and a pale face, contrasting the bright purple bathroom walls. The color was “crocus,” to be exact. It was one of many color choices we had debated when buying our home a few years back, the house we now shared with our three children, tucked away in their bedrooms just feet from the drama that would soon blow their little lives to pieces.

Read More

Managing Childhood Trauma in Midlife

Published by

Childhood trauma occurs when an individual experiences one or more of what are known as adverse childhood experiences. These experiences include physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction in which one might grow up around mental illness, divorce, domestic violence, an incarcerated relative, or substance abuse.

The ACE study determined that those who experience adverse childhood experiences are more likely to present with a higher incidence of negative health and behavioral outcomes as adults. This study helped reveal the lifelong consequences of childhood trauma. We also know that trauma can impact the structure and neurochemistry of the brain, resulting in a more intense fear response.

Read More

Tortellini Pasta Salad

Published by

Looking for a delicious dish to enjoy over the holiday weekend? This tortellini pasta salad from Love & Lemons checks all the boxes: bursting with flavor, refreshingly light, and a breeze to whip up. This perfect summer salad features tender tortellini filled with cheese, crisp seasonal vegetables, and loads of fresh basil in a zesty Italian dressing. Feel free to finish it off with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or crumbled feta for an added savory note, along with a pinch of crushed red pepper for just the right kick!

Natural Remedies for Perimenopause Relief

Published by

There’s no denying that perimenopause brings its share of challenges. Mood swings, heightened anxiety, and periods of depression are common, and nearly half of women in this stage experience disrupted sleep. If these symptoms begin to interfere with your daily routine or overall well-being, it may be time to connect with a counselor and your primary care provider.

If you feel like you need a little extra support and prefer a botanical approach, you may want to consider herbal supplements. Backed by solid scientific research, certain botanicals have been shown to ease common symptoms of perimenopause, including stress, mood fluctuations, anxiety, and sleep issues. Some herbs even offer broader health benefits, so take a closer look to find what might work best for you.

Read More

How to Beat the Bloat in Perimenopause

Published by

Few things can derail your day quite like a bloated belly. For many women navigating the hormonal shifts of perimenopause, digestive discomfort and stubborn weight gain have become all-too-familiar companions. Beyond the physical pressure, bloating can quietly chip away at your confidence, making even your favorite outfits look and feel uncomfortable.

The good news? You are not alone, and there are plenty of lifestyle changes and effective strategies to help beat the bloat and get you back to feeling like yourself again—both inside and out.

Read More

You’re Not Going Crazy, You’re Going Through Perimenopause

Published by

Picture your hormonal cycles during your reproductive years as a kiddie-roller-coaster. You have predictable peaks and valleys, generally in regular intervals. If you track your periods during this time, they are usually the same length of days from the start of one cycle to the next. 

Enter perimenopause. Your adorable kiddie coaster is now one of those heart-stopping, stomach-dropping loop-de-loops. At one time, you could predict that one week out of the month when you had to pack your bags and move to a deserted island with a stockpile of tampons. Now, it’s as random as the wheel of fortune spinner with no polite warning! 

Read More