Hey there, Reader! We’ve been on a bit of a hiatus recently. In October, Larissa and I helped move my mom into an independent living retirement community. It was a ton of work, but well worth it. She’s now settled in her new place and is absolutely LOVING IT! As we helped her shop around, we visited quite a few communities, and I’ve got to say that I fell in love with the idea of living in a retirement community when I’m older. I know it’s not for everyone (and honestly, I’d never considered...
9 months ago • 2 min read
Hey there, Reader! The other day, my dad shared a story that made me smile. It was a simple memory that opened a little window into my family history. Here’s the story, in my dad’s words: It was a hot summer day in the ‘50s on Leal St, where I grew up. No air conditioning, so everyone had their windows open. My grandmother, Mamá María, was visiting. She was in the kitchen cooking. I opened a closet to look for something and saw a small case that looked like it might hold a tiny guitar. I...
10 months ago • 2 min read
Hey there, Reader! Vickie here. This morning, while scrolling through social media, I came across a quote from author and philosopher Alain de Botton that really stuck with me: People only get really interesting when they start to rattle the bars of their cages. It reminded me of something I don’t often admit; I used to think retirement would instantly free me from all the repetition and routines I had during my 9-to-5 life. And in the beginning, it did. But after a while, I noticed I was...
11 months ago • 2 min read
Hey there, Reader! Have you ever felt a spark of excitement about doing something new…but then it just sort of fizzles out? You think, “I’ll get to that later,” but later never turns into now. That’s the thing about sparks. They’re full of potential—but without a place to land, they disappear before they catch fire. We tend to think freedom is what we need most in retirement. And yes, having open space in your day can feel amazing—at first. But sometimes, too much open space makes it hard to...
11 months ago • 2 min read
Hey there, Reader! Who here is just as excited about fall being around the corner as we are? There’s something magical about fall…the vibrant colors, the cozy sweaters, the scent of cinnamon in the air. It’s also the perfect time to pull out your crafting supplies and get creative. We recently published a new blog post filled with cozy, creative fall craft ideas made especially with seniors in mind. No fancy materials needed. No pressure to be “Pinterest perfect.” Just easy, joyful projects...
11 months ago • 1 min read
Hey there, Reader! Ever notice that some days in retirement feel light and full of possibility 😃 while other days can feel kind of…blah 🙁? That’s normal—and it doesn’t mean anything is “wrong.” It just means your brain could use a little reset. That’s where a dopamine menu can help. What’s a dopamine menu? Glad you asked! We only recently learned about it while doing a little research into why some days can feel just a bit “off,” even when nothing around you has changed. A dopamine menu is...
12 months ago • 1 min read
Hey there, Reader! If you walked into our house, you'd find a whole closet shelf full of games. Some old, some new, some we meant to play but somehow forgot about. Lately, though, Larissa and I have been pulling out the classics. The kind we used to play at the kitchen table growing up—like Speed and Gin Rummy. Remember those? They still hold up awesomely! We even treated ourselves to a couple of fun accessories to make game nights feel a little more special. Check out our new card shuffler...
12 months ago • 1 min read
Hey there, Reader! I love to sing in the shower. Today’s song of choice? Alone by Heart. You know the one—Ann Wilson hits that window-shattering high note like nobody else. As a lifelong Heart fan, I’ll admit I don’t actually know all the lyrics to that particular song…and I definitely can’t hit those high notes. The result is my own improvised, lower-key version—let’s call it Alto Alone. Probably not what the Wilson sisters had in mind, but hey—I'm making it my own. And if you think about...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hey there, Reader! Vickie here. This morning, while watering my flowers and herbs (a hobby I’ve picked up since being home for a few years), a little thought bloomed. 🌷 Keep watering what’s green. Not what’s dead. Not what’s struggling to hang on. Let those things go. Focus on what’s growing now and let it bloom. Now that I’m in my 50s, I’ve noticed how tempting it is to pour energy into the parts of life that just aren’t growing anymore—old routines, outdated goals, even friendships that...
about 1 year ago • 2 min read