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Having a list of herbs and spices in your kitchen is a great idea. I tape a handy reference inside a cupboard. It inspires me to try new herbs and spices in dishes. It also helps reduce fat, sugar, and other not-so-good additives to your meals by using herbs to flavor them instead. Beans (dried): cumin, cayenne, chili, parsley, pepper, sage, savory, thyme Beef: basil, bay, chili, cilantro, curry, cumin, garlic, marjoram, mustard, oregano, parsley, pepper, rosemary, sage, savory, tarragon, thyme Chicken: allspice, basil, bay, cinnamon, curry, dill, fennel, garlic, ginger lemongrass, mustard, paprika, rosemary, saffron, sage, savory, tarragon, thyme Eggs: basil, chervil, chili, chives, curry, dill, fennel, ginger, lemon peel, marjoram, oregano, paprika, parsley, pepper, sage, tarragon, thyme Fish: anise, basil, bay, cayenne, celery seed, chives, curry, dill, fennel, garlic, ginger, lemon peel, mustard, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme, saffron, sage, savory, tarragon, marjoram Fruits: allspice, anise, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, ginger, mint Lamb: basil, bay, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, curry, dill, garlic, marjoram, mint, mustard, oregano, parsley, rosemary, savory, tarragon, thyme Potatoes: basil, caraway, celery seed, chervil, chives, coriander, dill, marjoram, oregano, paprika, parsley, poppy seed, rosemary, tarragon, thyme Salad Dressings: basil, celery seed, chives, dill, fennel, garlic, horseradish, marjoram, mustard, oregano, paprika, parsley, pepper, rosemary, saffron, tarragon, thyme Soups: basil, bay, chervil, chili, chives, cumin, dill, fennel, garlic, marjoram, parsley, pepper, rosemary, sage, savory, thyme Time to get out and start a herb garden; fresh herbs make a difference in your meals!

Many people have their go-to beer. Many are also trying new types of beers with craft beer becoming more popular and a bit of a craze. The way a beer is brewed, the age, and the ingredients all come together to set them apart. Here are eight different beer types, their flavor description, and what kinds of foods they are best suited for. Food and beer pairing is becoming more and more important as we start to appreciate beer more. #craftbeer What beer is your favorite? Samples of beer American Lager This beer is a pale lager made in North America. The best known American Lager are Budweiser, Miller, Coors, Molson, and Labatt Blue. Flavor: Delicate and crisp with heavy carbonation Best. for: Poaching chicken; brines; bread #lager Pilsner This beer is a type of pale lager. A blond lager. Flavor: Light and crisp; slightly more bitter than lager. Best for Creamy soups; pizza dough; braising veggies such as cabbage #pilsner Pale Ale This beer is an ale made with predominantly pale malt. Higher proportions of pale malts result in a lighter color. The taste and strength will differ depending on the way it is brewed, and the level of hops added. Flavor: Rich, with a dry, bittersweet finish. Best for Cheese fondues; fish batter; marinades for meat or poultry; stir-fries #paleale India Pale Ale (IPA) This beer is hoppy. It was initially prepared for India. Flavor: Lots of oomph, with lingering bitterness. Best for: Mexican food; marinating game meats such as bison #IPA Amber Ale This beer is brewed with a proportion of amber malt to produce an amber color, generally ranging from light copper to light brown. Flavor: Slightly sweet and woody; between a pale ale and a stout Best for: Steaming shellfish; gravy; French onion soup #amberale Porter This dark beer style developed in London from well-hopped beers made from brown malt. Flavor: Smoky and crisp, with nutty or licorice undertones. Best for Barbecue sauces; beef or pork stews; baked beans #porter Stout This beer is a dark beer made using roasted malt or roasted barley, hops, water, and yeast. There are variations including Baltic porter, milk stout, and imperial stout; the most common variation is dry stout, for example is Guinness. Flavor: Roasted, with chocolate and coffee notes; typically the darkest beer Best for: Chocolate desserts; roasted meats; chili #stout Wheat/Belgian White Ale This is a beer, usually top-fermented, which is brewed with a large proportion of wheat relative to the amount of malted barley. Varieties of wheat beer are "white beer" based on the German tradition of mixing at least 50% wheat to barley malt to make a light colored top-fermenting beer, and "white beer" based on the Belgian tradition of using flavorings such as coriander and orange peel. Belgian white beers are often made with raw unmalted wheat, as opposed to the malted wheat used in other varieties. Flavor: Light and citrusy Best for: Poaching and steaming seafood; pancake batter; salad dressings #whiteale Craft Beer Which one will you be choosing? Beer is becoming an art and an expression of a passion that has been going on forever. #drinks #beer #typesofbeer #roadsidepitstop #Beer #Drink

After many trips to Australia and other plane trips we have this packing thing down. Most below is from the airline restrictions. Also check with the individual airline to see what they allow. Weights can vary. Your Carry On Standard article 23 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm (9 in x 15.5 in x 21.5 in) Wheels and handles included 10 kg (22 lb) Personal article 16 cm x 33 cm x 43 cm maximum weight 10 kg (22 lb) Examples of standard or personal articles (as determined by their size) According to the airline •Carry-on bag, roller bag, backpack, briefcase, •Laptop computer, •Camera bag, •Garment bag (size and weight restrictions apply), •Diplomatic or consular bag, •Musical instrument. •Cat or small dog in its carrier, •Airport shopping and duty-free purchases, •Sport racquet (e.g. tennis, squash, badminton) *Purse Australia Travel Our Suggestions for what to pack to bring on plane. Toothbrush Hair brush Wipes. Easy to clean up and wash on plane or between flights Air planes (special ear plugs for those who have trouble flying) Decongestants Deodorant Passport Wallet and ID Headphones Cell phone Books and magazines Laptop, iPad etc. Pen (custom forms) Change of clothes (especially underwear) Glasses/contacts All medications needed Neck pillow , cannot stress how this makes the flight more comfortable Cash Kleenex Zip lock bags (plastic bags) all liquids in your carry on must be bagged. Air Bourne Panty liners - easier to throw away then change your underwear.

We have seen some strange things. Would you eat meat that you found in a bag in a parking lot? Would you even consider it? Would you stop and gather up road kill? What exactly would you do with that meat? I heard two ladies in the restroom talking about a bag of meat found in the parking lot. We have lots of questions: Who leaves a bag of meat? How do you forget your meat? Why do you even consider keeping a bag of meat you find? We have seen someone stop on the side of the road and pick up a dead turkey. Still, we have questions: What exactly will you do with this turkey? Then there is my brother, that hits a turkey on his way home. So you hit a turkey on your way home. Do you pick it up and take it home to BBQ?

In 2013 my daughter gave me a sock monkey named Stan, she wanted me to have something to travel with so I would feel safe. Since we visit a few bars when we travel, the sock monkey ended up in a few pubs himself. He then became Stan the Drunk Sock Monkey. I was sitting with my husband and Stan, the Drunk Sock Monkey, at a bar in Sydney, Australia, when I noticed a clown on a unicycle. After taking pictures of our monkey on the bar and enjoying a beer, I got up and left the bar. My husband saw me go and remarked about the clown on the unicycle. A few moments later, I returned, grabbed the monkey, and told them I would return. The bartender looked at my husband questioningly, but my husband was unfazed and shrugged, saying it was normal for me. I had made a deal with an anti-fracking clown I saw pass by the bar window. I chased after him and caught up as he was taking a break. I asked him if he would take a picture with my sock monkey, and he agreed, but with a condition, I had to listen to his views about anti-fracking.

Embrace the Hot Mess Midlife can feel like a juggling act performed on a rollercoaster—work stress, family drama, and that inner critic whispering, “You’re not enough.”  But here’s a truth bomb: you don’t have to be perfect . In fact, embracing your messy, fabulous self is the key to thriving. Here’s how to sprinkle a little self-compassion into your daily chaos without turning your life into a meditation retreat. 1. Talk to Yourself Like a Friend Swap the harsh self-talk for encouraging, supportive words. Example:  Instead of thinking, “I burned dinner again” , say, “Hah! At least I tried, next time will be better.” Pro Tip:  Imagine giving advice to your best friend—the hot mess who somehow always looks amazing. 2. Celebrate Tiny Wins Midlife can be overwhelming, but small victories matter. Made the bed? ✅ Win. Got out of bed before noon? ✅ Win. Drank water instead of coffee first thing? ✅ Win. Quick Hack:  Keep a “Hot Mess Wins” jar—drop a slip of paper for every small success. Watch your victories pile up! 3. Set Boundaries Without Guilt We overcommit, people-please, and forget ourselves. Learning to say “no” kindly but firmly  is essential. Fun Twist:  Pretend “No” is your secret superpower—unleash it guilt-free. 4. Give Yourself Permission to Rest Burnout is real, and midlife demands a recharge. Mini-Rest Ideas: Dance like no one’s watching (even if the dog judges). Take a hot shower and pretend it’s a spa ad. Nap unapologetically. 5. Laugh at Your Own Chaos Humor is a superpower. Keep a “messy moments diary”—note your funniest fails or take silly selfies. Share Selectively:  Post your chaotic moments on social media or swap stories with friends to normalize the beautiful mess. 6. Mindful Self-Acceptance Look in the mirror, grin, and say: “Hot mess? Maybe. Fabulous? Absolutely.” Focus on what your body, mind, and spirit can do , not just how they look. The Hot Mess Manifesto Self-compassion isn’t fluff; it’s a midlife lifesaver. Give yourself grace, celebrate wins, laugh at mistakes, and set boundaries like a boss. You are messy, magnificent, and worthy of kindness—exactly as you are. Prompt:  Share a funny or messy moment that made you laugh this week. Tag us with #HotMessLife! Hot Mess Self Compassion Cheat Sheet

Understanding Midlife Glam Anything can throw you off your game—divorce, death, loss of a career, or even something as subtle as menopause, hair loss, unwanted hair, or mood swings. The list goes on, and all of these can derail your self-confidence. Self-confidence influences how you feel, how you look, and what you expect from yourself. Recently, my daughter was dramatically horrified by the return of 90s fashion. Meanwhile, I spent the 90s in maternity clothes or anything that could withstand grubby little hands. As she lamented feeling old at 30, I chuckled and said, "Wait for it. All the eras will come back around at least two or three times in your lifetime. You might as well embrace it—bell bottoms, banana clips, and go-go boots will make their comeback!" So, Midlife Glam—what does that even mean? It’s about looking your age while figuring out how to do that without dressing like your grandmother, even if you are one. You shouldn’t dress like your daughter either, no matter how much she borrows your clothes. Aim to look sexy—like a seasoned madam or a disco dancer! Personal Style and Confidence My personal style is a bit eclectic, but I’ve added a few things just because I can. It matters not what anyone thinks; I see you looking! When it comes to showing cleavage, those girls have been through a lot—they deserve their moment in the spotlight. Tight faux leather pants can express so much. Dresses are comfy, airy, and add an air of mystery—what is she hiding besides her belly? Heels look amazing, even if I feel like a deranged giraffe after a long night of whiskey. Comfy clothes? My comfy clothes are my pajamas! Jumpers look great, or so the saleslady says. I wore one out once and had to have my husband pull the zipper down in the back while I held my hair out of the way. My rings got caught in my necklace, and the other one got stuck in my hair—I finally made it to the bathroom! The Shift in Perspective I used to be self-conscious about my clothes and how I looked to others, rather than how I felt in them. Then this midlife revelation hit me like a freight train full of indifference. Now, I buy for myself and for fun. I love vintage clothing, and yes, dear daughter, the 90s are now considered vintage! It feels great to receive compliments on your clothing choices. I make a point to give compliments about others' outfits, and I only voice the positive ones. Dressing for Yourself So, wear whatever you please in your midlife. You look perfect in anything when you express yourself through your wardrobe. They say to dress in a way that reflects who you want to be. So here’s to those wearing jumpers—you are now a woman who can’t go to the bathroom alone without assistance! Hope that’s what you wanted to be! In this journey of self-discovery, remember that fashion is not just about clothes. It's about confidence, self-expression, and embracing who you are at this stage in life. The Power of Fashion in Midlife Fashion has the power to transform not just how we look, but how we feel. In midlife, it’s essential to embrace styles that resonate with our personality. Whether it’s a bold statement piece or a classic staple, every choice reflects our unique journey. Finding Your Signature Style Finding your signature style can be liberating. It allows you to express your individuality while feeling comfortable in your skin. Experiment with different looks until you find what makes you feel fabulous. The Importance of Comfort Comfort is key. As we age, our bodies change, and so do our needs. Opt for fabrics that feel good against your skin. Choose cuts that flatter your figure. Remember, you can be stylish and comfortable at the same time. Embracing Change Change is a part of life, and it’s essential to embrace it. Fashion trends come and go, but your personal style should evolve with you. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Try new colors, patterns, and silhouettes. Celebrating Your Body Celebrate your body at every stage. Every wrinkle tells a story, and every curve is a testament to your journey. Wear clothes that highlight your best features. Confidence shines through when you feel good in what you wear. The Joy of Accessories Accessories can elevate any outfit. A statement necklace, a chic handbag, or a pair of bold earrings can make a world of difference. Don’t underestimate the power of accessories to transform your look. Building a Versatile Wardrobe Invest in versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. A classic blazer, a little black dress, and well-fitted jeans can be the foundation of your wardrobe. These staples can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Conclusion: Embrace Your Midlife Glam In conclusion, midlife glam is about embracing who you are and expressing it through your style. It’s a celebration of your journey, your experiences, and your individuality. So, step out with confidence, wear what makes you happy, and let your style reflect the fabulous person you are! Listen to episode

Understanding the Depths of Depression I felt like I was in a glass case—able to see out, but certain that no one could see in. My body ached, and my depression had taken me to new lows. The more I tried to hide my pain from myself and others, the worse it became. I knew that people around me sensed something was off. Yet, without acknowledging it, we all pretended everything was fine. At one point, I found myself begging for help. I asked to be hospitalized because the pain was unbearable. Looking into the mirror, I saw no one staring back. Acknowledging my own self felt painful. I was numb, switched off, and desperately searching for peace. Finding the Courage to Speak Finally, I found the courage to talk. I expressed how dire my situation had become and that I needed help. I didn’t want anyone to fix it; I just wanted the chance to communicate and express myself without advice. This shift in perspective helped my brain transition from wanting to die to wanting to try to live. Hearing myself say the tough things made my situation feel real. The tornado swirling in my mind finally found an outlet. It became something I could address—a matter outside of my head that I could seek help for. This marked the beginning of my journey out of the deep loneliness that depression had ensnared me in. The Impact of Sharing I realized that nothing provides a quick fix, but even small steps can make a huge difference. Why is it so difficult to discuss mental health? We often treat asking someone if they are depressed or if they need help like it’s a taboo subject. Once I started sharing how bad things had become, I discovered that some good friends had their own experiences with suicide attempts. I was shocked, yet when they opened up about their stories, there was relief in their voices. They expressed their embarrassment about how low life had brought them. I understood completely how someone could reach that point. Even though I had never physically attempted to die, I did not judge their experiences or ever think, "How did you get there?" Breaking Down Barriers Numerous people began to open up about their depression. Whether they had hit rock bottom or were on the verge of doing so, their stories became a source of empowerment. When you share your story, no matter how difficult, it serves as a beacon for others struggling with shame, confusion, and denial about their own depression. Although our experiences may differ greatly, the underlying essence remains the same. Moreover, talking about mental health creates connections. When I shared my journey, others felt encouraged to do the same. This isn’t just about personal relief; it's about fostering a community. We need to normalize these conversations and make it clear that it's okay to not be okay. Small Steps Make a Difference As I navigated through my healing process, I discovered that small actions could lead to impactful changes. Seeking help can take many forms—from professional therapy to simply connecting with a friend. You might find that sharing a cup of tea or spending time with someone you trust can help. The phrase "I need help" holds immense strength. It is a step toward reclaiming control over your life. Letting others in can lighten the burden you carry. Being vulnerable serves as an invitation for others to join you on your journey, fostering empathy and understanding. Take Action So, talk to someone—anyone. Don't wait for the storm to pass. Be proactive in seeking connection and support. Opening up can be a lifeline. If you're in need of immediate assistance, remember there are resources available: Call 988. Help is available 24/7 and it's free. Text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained Crisis Counselor through Crisis Text Line, a global not-for-profit organization. It's confidential and free, 24/7. Reaching out can be the first step toward healing. You don’t have to walk this path alone. Share your story, listen to others, and create a supportive community together. Listen to episode now and continue the conversation. You are not alone.

As I gaze into the mirror, I can't help but wonder how time has flown by so quickly. Despite my physical appearance indicating that I am no longer in my twenties or thirties, I still feel like a youthful individual deep down. It's common for many individuals in their later years to not feel any different from their past selves. However, there are moments that serve as a reminder that time has indeed passed and we have aged. For instance, when young women express their admiration for your confidence in sitting alone at a bar, it's a realization that you are no longer viewed as the young adult you once were. Similarly, when a doctor recommends vaccines for people over fifty, it's a clear indication that our bodies have aged and require additional care. Despite these reminders, it's important to embrace the journey of aging and cherish the experiences and wisdom that come with it. The hairstyles you found as samples for the hairdresser to cut and style my hair are commented on as old lady styles.

This tasty dish gives a surprisingly healthy energy and is great any time of the day. We have started eating healthier, trying to lose weight, and having a more energy plan this winter. I have put together easy dishes to put into meal prep for the week. This is amazing! –Surprised husband (some of my throw-together do not get too amazing) Cauliflower is high in fiber, can help with weight loss, and improve colon health. Turkey Cauliflower Power Up Casserole Ingredients Diced and mixed 1 cup red onion 1 1/2 Cup Mushrooms 2 cups Cauliflower 2 cups Turkey 1/2 Red Pepper or roasted red pepper Mix in a separate bowl 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 1/2 cup milk (optional) 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella 1/2 cup shredded cheddar 1 tablespoon Mrs. Dash Herb and Garlic 2 tablespoons Savory salt and pepper to taste Directions Preheat to 375°F Mix wet ingredients and toss dry ingredients Add wet to dry and mix. Put in a casserole dish and cook for 50 minutes, covered Serve

In this episode, we delve into how our childhood experiences can shape us into the adults we become. I share my personal stories about the struggles I faced during my childhood, which ultimately helped me become the person I am today. Although I still face challenges, I have learned to accept and understand my past to better deal with my present. listen Your past is the very brick-and-mortar that built you. As we age we continue to build.

Women want to feel pretty, sexy and self confidence. Many things in life can affect our feelings of self worth and deter us from the pleasure of feeling good about ourselves. We search for self help tools to bring back our sparkle and grace. This episode explores the self confidence connection with Boudoir Photography. Interviews with the photographers that have been bringing sexy back to many women's lives. These boudoir photographers have experience in making women look sexy and helping them with their self confidence. Self image can be distorted when we internalize our doubts and expectations about our bodies. Boudoir shows a different view of ones beauty compared to our mirrors. We don't always see what others see but with these beautiful pictures we break our own boundaries and open our minds. These women have what it takes to empower the beauty you own. Sample site : She is in the business