Tag: year

Leap Year Day! It Only Comes Once Every 4 Years

I just couldn’t let this day that only comes around once every four years, pass by without saying something. So, happy Leap Year day! It is really a fun kind of day–one I have always enjoyed.

Before we get into the actual post, I wanted to share something very fun and EXCITING with you. The blog newsletter, Coffee With Lorelai, is hosting an EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY! The giveaway runs from today (February 29th) through March 8th. You must be a subscriber to enter. So, Sign-Up Today, and place your vote for your chance to win a Starbucks Gift Card.

Leap Year Day

It Only Comes Once Every 4 Years!

 

I have always loved this day. There is just something special and a little mysterious about a day that is not there year-after-year. One fun fact of this day is the Irish tradition that allows a woman to propose to a man. The proposal can only happen on Leap Year Day, February 29th, and that tradition led to a favorite movie of mine and Rory.

 

Have you ever watched Leap Year with Amy Adams and Matthew Goode? If you haven’t seen this movie, put it on your must-see list. You will love it.

Leap Year is witty and charming, hilarious and romantic, and the scenery is stunning. Let your heart laugh and love. Here’s the classic trailer to this wonderful movie…

 

 

Rory and I will definitely watch this movie today! How about you?

Here are some fun vintage images for Leap Year Day:

 

I had to include this image, since Luke builds and restores classic cars and hot rods. LOL

 

 

 

How do you like to celebrate Leap Year Day? Hope it’s happy!

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Sleep Your Way To A Healthy New Year

 

Sleep Your Way To A Healthy New Year

Get the Tips to Solve Your Sleep Troubles

 

We’ve all heard that getting a good night’s sleep is important, and it is true. There is a long list of benefits associated with a proper and restful routine for sleeping. So, why not put Sleep on your New Year’s Resolution List? Sleeping well helps you stay healthy, just take a look.

Benefits to a Proper Night’s Sleep:

  • Better Health and Immunity
  • Decreased Risk of Injury
  • Better Focus and Memory
  • Clearer Thinking
  • Increased Energy
  • Better Sex Life
  • Better Metabolism and Weight Control
  • Be Happier and in a better Mood

So, when Alyse, from Casper, wanted to share this awesome Infographic on how to get the sleep you’ve always dreamed of, I was thrilled to accept. Below, you will find some common reasons you may not be getting the rest you need, and solutions to solve the problems. I hope you will find these tips helpful.

 

I know that I sometimes have trouble turning off my brain at night. Making sure I have things organized and under control helps keep stress away so my brain can get some rest. Doing a little reading before bed is always a help.

Tossing and turning is something else that plagues me at night. Magnesium–who knew? A handful of almonds may become my new best friend before bed.

Thank you, Alyse, for sharing the tips and solutions for getting a healthy night’s rest.

 

Get a #Healthy start to 2016, and find the #Sleep you’ve always dreamed of.

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Do you have troubles sleeping?

Have any suggestions to share?

 

Wishing you good sleep, sweet dreams, and a healthy New Year!

 

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Top 10 Posts of 2015

Top 10 Posts of 2015

The Year in Review

 

Before I unveil the Top 10 List of posts written during 2015, I want to give you just a brief update to close out the year. 2015 brought a lot of changes not only to my life, but to the blog as well. Surviving the struggles has made Rory and I even stronger and happier. In these difficult times, we found courage, tenacity, and a new family that embraced us with open hearts and arms. Luke is a rock and a Godsend, and we are enjoying building our new life together as a family.

As for the blog, Life With Lorelai grew by leaps and bounds. Here are a few of the highlights:

  • LWL is now earning money. I have thoroughly enjoyed taking on sponsored posts, and working with different brands and networks to bring you fabulous recipes, DIY projects, and more. I look forward to continuing those relationships in the New Year, and engaging new alliances along the way.
  • We’ve connected with other bloggers in the form of Regular Contributors and Guest Posters. This has been especially fun to share with you.
  • The Home Matters Linky Party is thriving! The weekly link-up grew from a high of 82 links to a record high of 699 links. If you haven’t had the chance to stop by and check it out, please do–the Door Opens every Friday. You will find a wide variety of fun and inspiration concerning all things Home Matters. Will we break the illusive 700 link mark in 2016?
Did your favorite post make the Top 10 List? #Blogging #Top10

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And, now, onto the Top 10 Posts of 2015

Counting down to the post that takes the top spot…

Kitchen Cabinets – DIY Upscale

 

12 Tips On Choosing The Right Paint Colors

 

January 2015 – Gratitude, Promise & Memories

 

Watermelon, Blueberry & Feta Salad Recipe

 

Sidewalk Chalk Tutorial

 

Caramel Creme Pie Recipe

 

Sports Button Display – DIY

 

Banana Pudding – An Easy Old-Fashioned Recipe

 

Haunted Mirror – A Halloween DIY

 

Drum Roll, please… the Top Spot

Italian Stuffed Chicken Recipe

 

Be sure to visit these Top Posts of 2015. Is your favorite in the Top 10?

I wish everyone happiness, health, and a multitude of blessings. Cheers!

Happy New Year 2016!!!

 

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Healthy Start To A New Year

 Healthy Ideas for a Healthy New Year

Join in the fun with Audio-Walkers

Ok, I have a confession to make. I was a Salt-aholic! I love salt. You know those people who salt things before they even taste them? Well, that was me. Not healthy.

After I turned… ach-’em… 50, I decided it was past time to cut down on my salt intake. Although I knew it was the right and healthy choice, it was going to be hard. So, I set my goal to a No-Salt September.

What exactly is a No-Salt September? Since it was my own invention, I made my own rules. I cut way back on the salt I added to any of my cooking, and I added zero salt to anything I ate–at home, at restaurants, or with friends. That meant no salt on my salads, salsa, veggies, or sandwiches–not even on my beloved steak or prime rib.  I was determined to add no extra salt at all.

Get healthy in the New Year with #AudioWalkers . Find out about my No-Salt September?

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And I am super proud to say that one year and four months later, I am still not adding salt to anything! The only exception is my occasional soft boiled or poached eggs, where I very lightly dust them with salt. No-Salt September was a success! And, I am healthier for it.

After, I jumped out of the salt pool, I decided to make healthier food choices, and get a little more exercise too. So, I started walking. There is nothing like a fresh morning walking through the park or along the beach, while listening to an audiobook.

Yes my friends, the audiobook is the perfect walking companion! Not only does it keep you from being bored, it motivates you to go on your next walk, and the next, and the next. Some days I find myself walking morning and afternoon just because I don’t want to put down my book! LOL I even do housework, water my plants, and sometimes cook with my audiobooks.

Last August, shortly after I made my return to blogging, I put together a Walking With Audiobooks Challenge. I  have decided to re-vamp this idea for the new year. Instead of doing a month-long challenge, I put together the new…

Audio-Walkers Page

…on my blog, where you can go All Year Long. Find it in the Menu below the blog header.

#AudioWalkers -Read and Move- #Audiobooks, the perfect #Walking companion! Stay motivated. #Health

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The Audio-Walkers Page has two places for you to join in the fun.

The first is the Audiobooks–Audio-Walkers – What We’re Reading. Add the link to the book you are listening to or reading. If you need help finding a summary and cover photo try Goodreads or Shelfari. What a great way to find new books! Leave a review or encouragement in the comments.

If you need an audiobook, check out your local library, or OverDrive, which brings your library right to your computer. You can also purchase them through Audible or Tantor Audio, bookstores, and online.

The second is the Blog List–Blogging Audio-Walkers. If you have a blog, and are participating in Audio-Walkers by listening, reading, or walking, add a link to your Blogs Home Page. We can grow as a community of book loving bloggers, and help our blogs grow along the way.

Share the fun and invite your friends! Let Audio-Walkers help you attain your goal of getting healthy in the New Year. Be sure to use our Registered Hashtag!

Don’t forget to add your links!

You can also join the Audio-Walkers Facebook Group for more friendship, book discussions, motivation, and encouragement.

You can add your links here, or on the Audio-Walkers Page. Please remember this is a family friendly blog.

 

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When do you like to listen to Audiobooks?

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Chinese New Year Cookies or Haystacks

Chinese New Year Cookies

or Haystacks

Chocolatey, Delicious, and Crunchy

A Recipe for
The Ultimate Virtual Cookie & Goodies Party & Giveaway
#UltimateCookieParty

Today, I have another long-time family favorite recipe to share with you, Chinese New Year Cookies. If you thought the Mexican Wedding Cakes was an easy recipe, this one is even quicker and easier.

Before I get to the recipe, I want to share a picture of a special something I received from Luke…

November Roses aren’t they gorgeous? They smell heavenly! It’s a very nice perk of living in Southern California, and Luke having 20 roses bushes. These blooms put a big smile on my face. Luke is amazing, thanks, honey.

Now, onto our recipe for the day…

Chinese New Year Cookies

This recipe has only four ingredients: Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips, Butterscotch Chips, Chinese Noodles, and Peanuts (Spanish or Cocktail).

Melt chips, pour over noodles and peanuts, mix well, then drop by spoonful onto wax paper to set. Chill and store in an airtight container.

5 from 1 reviews
Chinese New Year Cookies or Haystacks
 
Save Print
Cook time
Total time
 
A crunchy chocolatey cookie perfect for the holidays or anytime.
from:
Type: Dessert
Serves: 3 dozen
Ingredients:
  • 6-Ounces - Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
  • 6-Ounces - Butterscotch Chips
  • 3-Ounces - Chinese Noodles (Chow Mein Noodles)
  • 7-1/2 Ounces - Spanish or Cocktail Peanuts
Directions:
  1. Melt Chocolate and Butterscotch Chips together in the top of a double boiler
  2. Place Chinese Noodles and Peanuts into a mixing bowl
  3. Pour melted chocolate over the nuts and noodles
  4. Mix well
  5. Drop by teaspoon onto wax paper, allow to set
  6. Chill
  7. Store in airtight container
Notes
Recipe easily Doubles or Triples.
Freezes well.

This recipe is part of The Ultimate Virtual Cookie & Goodies Party & Giveaway, found at https://lifewithlorelai.com/2014/11/09/ultimate-cookie-party-giveaway/
#UltimateCookieParty

A Life With Lorelai Recipe 2014 https://lifewithlorelai.com/
3.2.2802

 

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Christmas Remnants

Christmas Remnants

We had a wonderful and joyful Christmas, and I hope you did too. It sure was a busy time of year. Along with all of the normal Christmas hectic, we had to go through everything Christopher had stashed around our home and property for him to get it moved out… finally. This was accomplished on the 17th, and it was such a relief.

December 18th brought Rory’s Christmas concert. What fun! Here is a video shot by one of Rory’s friends of her singing solo parts in Silver Bells. Enjoy…

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Silver Bells, solos by Rory

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We hosted Christmas gatherings on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the day after Christmas too. It was one big party around here filled with family and friends. What a blessing this Christmas season has been. Luke was wonderful as usual. My dishwasher went out just before Thanksgiving… guess what I got as an early Christmas present? That’s right, Luke bought me a brand new dishwasher and installed it for me too. It was the most amazing gift ever. It sure was nice to have for Thanksgiving and all of our Christmas celebrations. I decorated it with a giant red bow with a tag To: Lorelai From: Luke. What a sweetie I have. Thanks, honey!

Now it’s time for tearing down Christmas. I sure had a lot of fun decorating my home, but now I have to get everything organized to be put away. If you have any suggestions or tricks you could share, I would greatly appreciate it.

Rory and I actually had a fun time taking down the tree. She plopped herself on the floor where the tree had been, and I just couldn’t help myself… This was the result…

Oh, I’m the happiest Christmas Tree, Ho Ho Ho, Hee Hee Hee…

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Well, here’s to a new year filled with blessings and happiness! I hope we have lots of fun together blogging in this New Year 2014.

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