Got kids at home? Do they know it's National Crayon Day?Keep them entertained (and learning at the same time!) with some free sample coloring pages from Amazing Alabama and Amazing Georgia, the first installments in Laura Murray's "Amazing States" coloring book series. These books are published by New South Books, and the third, Amazing South Carolina, releases in May. All three books offer … Continue reading National Crayon Day & ‘Amazing’ Coloring Pages
Month: March 2020
Fresh Air
I know we're all pretty much staying home, and that's what we're supposed to be doing. But exercise is allowed and encourage and vital to both our physical and mental health. Besides, "the mountain is calling." I'm talking about Ruffner Mountain, which has more than enough trails that you can practice social distancing while enjoying … Continue reading Fresh Air
Curbside Service has Become the New Normal
Social distancing has changed our food-centric state in ways we never imagined. Curbside service has become the new normal for many eateries. Others are relying heavily upon delivery services. Still others are altering their business models in more significant ways. While lives depend upon safe interactions, livelihoods depend upon businesses remaining in business. I wrote … Continue reading Curbside Service has Become the New Normal
Virtual Storytime
Bedtime. Is there anything sweeter when your children are little? Brush teeth, storytime, one song, prayers and a goodnight kiss. Bedtime. Is there anything harder when your children are little and you’re just flat worn out? And they want “just one more” story, song, kiss. I must have read this one a million times. Love … Continue reading Virtual Storytime
Drive-Thru Farmers Market at Pepper Place
The Market at Pepper Place has, for decades, promoted a “know thy farmer” way of doing business full of meaningful human interaction and conversations that make buying fresh produce and enjoyable and entertaining. In light of the COVID-19 crisis, the market is taking a different approach these days with a Drive-Thru Farmers Market and a … Continue reading Drive-Thru Farmers Market at Pepper Place
Give Blood
While most of us are being advised to stay home, my deepest appreciation goes out to those who are essential to our society--the first responders, doctors, nurses, grocery store workers, pharmacists, gas station attendants, restaurant workers (who still are able to work) and so many more who are out there keeping things working and moving … Continue reading Give Blood
Baking Bread
Here's something you can bake that will be very satisfying (on so many levels) ... even if you are not a baker. It's No-Knead Bread. It requires very special equipment, few ingredients, no kneading and not much baking experience. Really, time is the only big factor here. It takes 24 hours to make this bread, but … Continue reading Baking Bread
My Favorite (Game-Changing) Hair Tool
My older daughter told me about the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Hot Air Brush when I was recovering from shoulder surgery recently. Blowouts at Blo Blow Dry Bar in Homewood were awesome (love that head massage!) but I couldn't do that every week. But even with very limited range of motion (happy to … Continue reading My Favorite (Game-Changing) Hair Tool
Virtual Dance Party
I miss my friends (and the energy!) of The Bike Room at Ignite Cycle at Pepper Place. Often I was the oldest rider in the room, but that never mattered. We all become equal on those bikes, riding for ourselves and, recently, for each other. Also, I loved, loved, loved going to class there with … Continue reading Virtual Dance Party
Find a Happy Place
The beach is my happy place, but now I'm finding joy outside my windows here at home. I saw a red-headed woodpecker yesterday--the first one I've seen in a few years-- and it made my heart leap. But I only saw it because I was looking. Take time to look for joy during these stressful … Continue reading Find a Happy Place