Life
Slowly Getting Back to Blogging
It’s been 52 days since my horrible fall and when I subsequently wrote my last post announcing my temporary break from blogging while I healed. At that
Two Surgeries Down, One to Go
It’s been 52 days since my horrible fall and when I subsequently wrote my last post announcing my temporary break from blogging while I healed. At that time, I had no idea what was in store for me.
I’ve had two surgeries since then and tomorrow will have my third (and hopefully final) one.
My first surgery was far worse than we expected. We learned that I didn’t just break my wrist, I shattered it! I ended up with an external fixator rod. I had never heard of such a device and couldn’t believe that my surgeon could actually screw an external rod directly into my arm! It took me weeks before I could look at it without the bandages! I will spare you the graphic photos but trust me, it took “OMG” to a new level!
Yes, those are wine corks covering the pins that stuck out on my rod, thanks to my creative husband.
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way
In between my two surgeries I was blessed to be able to attend my stepdaughter’s wedding. It meant delaying my second surgery for an additional week but I wasn’t going to miss her big day.
Since I had no use of my right hand and a sprained left hand, it took a village to get me ready for both events. I was spoiled with mani-pedis, make up artists, hair dresser, etc. It was a glimpse into the life of the Downton Abby characters with their personal valets and dressing maids.
Off to the Rehearsal Dinner
I had to hire a tailor to alter my dress so that I could get my arm into it. It was a beautiful Kay Unger lace and sequins dress that now has one sleeve on, one off and a shoulder seam with snaps! I glammed up my arm by using my cream silk shawl as my sling.
My mom (recovering from broken ankle), my sis and me
Ice became my sprained hand’s friend. If you sprain something, remember to ice ice ice! It really helped my left hand to heal quicker and I didn’t have to attend the wedding with a splint on each hand.
On the Mend
My second surgery wasn’t as severe as the first, although I ended up with 7 screws, plates and pins on my other bone.
My life has been consumed with going to physical therapy three times a week and doing it daily at home 4 to 5 times a day. I have gone from lifting weights at the gym to bench pressing padded hangers laying on my bed! I needed something to be able to grip that was also light weight and that was the best I could find in my house.
OMG Friends and Family
As bad as this break has been for me without being able to work or blog (and do I miss blogging!), so much good has come out of this! Family, friends and neighbors have been amazing!
I have been blessed with delicious home cooked meals delivered to our home, have been chauffeured to appointments and taken to lunch. My hairdresser has visited on her days off to style my hair, my trainer from the gym has come over to visit and to stretch my neck and shoulders. I’m overwhelmed with emotion and appreciation for the support, love and help I have received.
Anxious to Get Back to Blogging
As I prepare for my final surgery tomorrow, I am elated to get this external fixator removed. I am excited to be able to wear my clothes again. I have been so limited on what I could fit over my arm and had to do some emergency online shopping.
I am so anxious to get back to blogging! It will be quite some time before I can type with two hands but once the rod is removed I am hopeful I can at least sit comfortably at my desk and begin to blog again.
Lastly, thank you for your get well wishes and support. I am looking forward to connecting with you again.
xo
Elaine
Life
Welcome Back Readers
Welcome back Readers! First off, my heartfelt thanks to those of you that have written, sharing your concern during my absence. I’ve missed you and am glad to be back once again sharing OMG Worthy food, fashion, décor and travel inspiration. I wanted to share not only the reason for my absence but also a wonderful life lesson that I have learned. xo Elaine
Welcome back Readers! First off, my heartfelt thanks to those of you that have written, sharing your concern during my absence. I’ve missed you and am glad to be back once again sharing OMG Worthy food, fashion, décor and travel inspiration.
When my dear uncle took ill, I immediately went to Florida to care for him. Although he never had children, he always treated me and my siblings as his own.
In summary, my uncle’s mild dementia had spiraled into full-blown Alzheimer’s Disease. Once the doctors told me he could no longer live alone, I had to scramble for a plan of action. Caring for a loved one living close by is challenging enough; caring for him 1,000 miles away was out of the question.
I moved my uncle to a lovely memory care facility near me. Taking him away from his home, friends and familiar surroundings was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. Getting him settled and the appropriate medical care took months.
We’ve come a long way on this difficult journey. One thing that I learned along the way should be applied to our everyday living. I read the book Creating Moments of Joy. The gist of it is about giving joy, even if it will soon be forgotten. An Alzheimer’s patient may not remember the moment, but what matters is that they enjoyed it. When I can bring joy to my uncle, the smile on his face is priceless.
How else can we create moments of joy in other people’s lives? Sometimes it is the simplest of things that we can do or say.
As I turn the chapter on this difficult year, I am looking forward to resuming my blog.
Happy holidays and may the new year bring you and your loved ones many moments of joy.
xo
Elaine
Life
Family Time
Just a quick note to explain my radio silence. I unexpectedly had to go out of town to care for an ill relative. I have had to put my writing on hold for a few weeks. I look forward to returning to continue sharing OMG Worthy food, fashion, decor and travel inspiration. xo Elaine
Just a quick note to explain my radio silence. I unexpectedly had to go out-of-town to care for an ill relative. I have had to put my writing on hold for a few weeks.
I look forward to returning to continue sharing OMG Worthy food, fashion, decor and travel inspiration.
xo
Elaine
Life
Alternatives to Traditional Christmas Gift Wrap
This post is full of non-traditional Christmas gift wrap inspiration. You can easily turn neutral packaging into a festive gift for the holidays.
This post is full of non-traditional Christmas gift wrap inspiration. You can easily turn neutral packaging into a festive gift for the holidays with these easy ideas.
In fact, if you are short on storage space, just purchase neutral paper that you can accessorize according to the occasion. It can become your signature look.
Non-Traditional Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas
No need to run to the store for some Christmas gift wrap paper. This post will show you how to use what you may already have on hand.
Add a Festive Ornament to Plain Gift Wrap
Plain gift wrap instantly turns festive with an ornament attached to the ribbon.
Pinecones Add a Winter Flair
There is no rule that your Christmas gifts need to be wrapped in red or green. I love this masculine brown paper and stunning bow. The pinecones make it holiday appropriate.
Versatile White Paper
These packages were wrapped in white freezer paper! White is so versatile. Love the faux fruit added to the bows.
DIY Gift Bag for Odd Size Gifts
When you have an odd size gift, you can make a gift bag out of wrapping paper to accomodate the special size. Click on the link for an easy tutorial.
via Designer Trapped in a Lawyer’s Body
Brown Craft Boxes
Craft boxes are great for gifts anytime of the year. The bow and gift tags can make them holiday appropriate.
Non-Traditional Colors
Pink is a nice substitute for red paper. I love the pink and green color combo.
Brown Bags Turned Into Gift Bags
Don’t throw out those brown bags! A simple hole punch and pretty ribbon is all you need to create this attractive gift bag.
Fresh herbs add a pop of color to these brown lunch bags turned gift bags. You can also use cut evergreens.
via Source Unknown
Brown Craft Paper
Brown craft paper would be boring on its own but not when you pair it with these glitter-dipped gift tags. They are so easy to make as you will see in the tutorial found on the link.
For more gift wrap inspiration, visit these posts.
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