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## Posts

- [Blog](https://nanahood.com/blog)
- [What's So Important about Prostrate Health?](https://nanahood.com/whats-so-important-about-prostrate-health) - This is an article written by my high school friend, Mr. Paul Parks. I have multiple friends and family members who have been dealing with elevated numbers from their PSA test so I asked Paul if I could share this article with you. He said, "That's why I wrote it. To see if I could
- [7 Things Moms Should Remember On Mother's Day](https://nanahood.com/7-things-moms-should-remember-on-mothers-day) - There are so many things a mom needs to know but here are just a few for you to remember on Mom's big day, Mother's Day.
- [The Golden Girls Swim Team is Breaking Records](https://nanahood.com/the-golden-girls-swim-team-is-breaking-records) - There are things that happen in life that are burned in your memory like a tattoo inside your brain (which is the only place this nana will ever have a tattoo.) Before I begin telling you about my adventures let me preface it by saying the story I'm about to tell is the truth, the
- [Sunshine Makes Me Happy, How about you?](https://nanahood.com/sunshine-makes-me-happy-how-about-you) - Sunshine made John Denver happy and it does me, too. After several months of gray and an ice storm that lasted way too long for my liking, I'm ready for spring. Sometimes the best days aren't planned. They just happen. Saturday the sun was shining and we invited all the grandchildren to the farm. It
- [Losing People We Love Creates Holes in Our Hearts](https://nanahood.com/losing-people-we-love-creates-holes-in-our-hearts) - Losing People We Love In a world full of billions of people, I am so thankful for the relatively small number of awesome people God has allowed me to walk this earth with. Yesterday I attended the celebration of life service for one of the people I am most thankful for, my Aunt Kate. See
- [How to Deal with Winter Time Blues](https://nanahood.com/how-to-deal-with-winter-time-blues) - What to do when you have nothing to do and it's gray and raining outside. Read on for some suggestions to chase away the winter time blues! Got the blues? it could be a seasonal disorder called S.A.D. Read on for some suggestions on how to beat the winter time blues.
- [Quotes from Christmas Movies that Make You Think](https://nanahood.com/quotes-from-christmas-movies-that-make-you-think) - Quotes from Christmas Movies When we watch the same movies year after year, the quotes stick in our brains. I have a sign with the words "Wash your hands you filthy animal" posted over the toilet. It makes me laugh and is a good reminder for the grandchildren to wash up before leaving the bathroom. When we watch the same Christmas movies year after year the quotes stick in our minds like the bone did in Snot's throat beneath the table. ( You get bonus points if you know if you know who Snot is and the quote that goes with the scene). Quotes from Christmas Movies When we watch the same movies year after year, the quotes stick in our brains. I have a sign with the words "Wash your hands you filthy animal" posted over the toilet. It makes me laugh and is a good reminder for the grandchildren to wash up before leaving the bathroom.
- [Three Amazing Books Your Grandchildren Will Love](https://nanahood.com/three-amazing-books-your-grandchildren-will-love) - #Do you know someone who loves to read? Check out these three amazing books! They are the perfect holiday or birthday gift and they are more than just a book. They are interactive! Do you know someone who loves to read? Check out these three amazing books! They are the perfect holiday or birthday gift and they are more than just a book.
- [When You Are In The 4th Quarter of Life](https://nanahood.com/when-you-are-in-the-4th-quarter-of-life) - Thinking about the 4th Quarter of Life.... It's late fall and when the sun shines on the remaining yellow and red leaves on the trees and there is a soft breeze to move them, it's one of the most beautiful shimmering sights you can imagine. I find myself getting lost in sunsets, clouds and the
- [How to Plan Your Very Best Day Ever](https://nanahood.com/how-to-plan-your-very-best-day-ever) - teresak Two of my grand-sweeties at dinner. Do you love spending time with your grandchildren? Find something they love and share it with them! #theverybestdayever
- [And I Think to Myself What a Messed Up World](https://nanahood.com/and-i-think-to-myself-what-a-messed-up-world) - Messed Up World Louis Armstrong would be sad that I changed the words to his beautiful song, "What a Wonderful World". I'm sorry, Louis, but things right now are totally messed up and it looks like no one knows how to fix it. I went to the dentist today and before he worked on my
- [Oh, Daddy How I Wish You Could See...](https://nanahood.com/oh-daddy-how-i-wish-you-could-see) - Written in honor of my father, John Fulton Bell, for Father's Day-2025 Oh, Daddy how I wish you could see the men that our little boys grew up to be. You would be so proud, Of the way they live, Of the love they give, And the dad's they have become. Oh, Daddy how I
- [4 Reasons to Love a Mother on Mother's Day](https://nanahood.com/4-reasons-to-love-a-mother-on-mothers-day) - 4 Reasons to Love a Mother on Mother's Day By now you know that Mother's Day is around the corner. There are advertisements on the radio, television and even the podcasts I listen to. You can't escape it. There is a huge chunk of my heart that aches when I hear these commercials. My mother
- [Invisible Women and How to Be Visible](https://nanahood.com/invisible-women) - Invisible Women If you haven't watched the new Matlock show with Kathy Bates you are missing out. We streamed all the ones we missed and really enjoy it. The other night when we were watching it she said something that really resonated with me. It had to do with invisible women. Bates has been interviewed
- [Little Kids and Bikes Go Together Like Meatballs and Spaghetti](https://nanahood.com/little-kids-and-bikes-go-together-like-meatballs-and-spaghetti) - Easy to balance means an easy to ride bike!
- [New Year's Promises instead of Resolutions](https://nanahood.com/new-years-promises-instead-of-resolutions) - New Year's Promises Some people think that promises were made to be broken. I couldn't disagree more. A man or woman's word should be as good as a signed contract. If I promise you something I am going to do my best to make it happen. Resolutions, on the other hand, I don't take as
- [Faith Like a Mustard Seed for Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/faith-like-a-mustard-seed-for-grandchildren) - Faith The last day of a year is the perfect time to do some reflection. Are there relationships in your life you would like to repair? Are you stuck in a job that just seems like a dead end street? Have you made mistakes that have proved costly? Whatever your situation there is hope. No,
- [Being a winner isn't as important as giving it your best shot.](https://nanahood.com/being-a-winner-isnt-as-important-as-giving-it-your-best-shot) - Being a winner doesn't mean you have to come in 1st place. It means giving it your best shot and that's what this post is about. Have you ever jumped into a situation with both feet only to learn you should have tested your toe in the water first? That's what happened to me when
- [When Grandparents Have Your Back](https://nanahood.com/when-grandparents-have-your-back) - When Grandparents Have Your Back Yesterday I spent the day with our two year old grandson. He loves his cowboy boots and insists on wearing them with shorts, sweatpants or even just his diaper. Like most two year olds he is constantly on the move. "Nana, up a stairs," he says. And so I follow
- [Ageism and Convincing Ourselves to Think Positive](https://nanahood.com/ageism-and-convincing-ourselves-to-think-positive) - Ageism Let's face it, getting older presents challenges. My husband and I have a calendar full of doctor's appointments. For the most part we are doing well, although my husband is recovering from Shingles. If you haven't had the shots run (don't walk) to the nearest drug store and get vaccinated. There are blessings that
- [A World Full of Heartache and Hope](https://nanahood.com/a-world-full-of-heartache-and-hope) - World Full of Heartache and Hope Dear Grandchildren, It's been awhile since I have written. I never stop thinking about you but sometimes life gets in the way of my writing. I can not believe it is October. When you get as old as Nana and Poppa it feels like time flies by faster than
- [Mom's Italian Spaghetti-It's Delicious and Easy to Make](https://nanahood.com/moms-italian-spaghetti-is-delicious-and-easy-to-make) - Mom's Italian Spaghetti When my brother and I were young my mom enrolled in college. She met an Italian lady in one of her classes and asked her for some recipes. The lady said sure, but because she was a busy mom/college student too, she said she was going to give my mom the easy
- [Your  Extraordinary Life Makes a Difference](https://nanahood.com/your-extraordinary-life-makes-a-difference) - Your Extraordinary Life Three things happened this week that spoke to me in a way that I knew I had to share some thoughts with you, dear reader. The first thing that happened was I finished a book, not just any book, but one of those books that sticks in your mind and heart long
- [There is something special about watching things grow](https://nanahood.com/there-is-something-special-about-watching-things-grow) - Something Special About Watching Things Grow I have confessed to friends and family before that I do not have a green thumb like my mother. Possibly the most obvious proof of this was when I killed a Bonsai tree my son gifted me in 2009. I still feel guilty about that. My mother loved gardening
- [Bye Bye Bonsai](https://nanahood.com/bye-bye-bonsai) - My grandmother was raised on a farm and she could grow anything. Her gardens were full of vegetables and her porches were always filled with pots full of petunias and begonias. My mother was born and raised on a farm too. She loved to work out in the yard on her flowers or to grub
- [Women's Basketball Has An Important Message For Our Granddaughters](https://nanahood.com/womens-basketball-has-an-important-message-for-our-granddaughters) - Women's Basketball I have loved basketball since I was a child. I was not athletic and never played the sport, but I watched it with my dad. He loved the University of Kentucky basketball team and my brother and I watched the games with him. When I was a teen my high school didn't even
- [The Positive Impact of Time Travel with Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/the-positive-impact-of-time-travel-with-grandchildren) - Time Travel Something happened the other day that I want to share with you. Often I get caught up in the day to day business of cleaning, cooking, etc. that I forget how important it is to to time travel with my grandchildren. I'm guessing that maybe you do, too. It all started with a
- [To the Nurturing, Strong Mom at the Laundromat](https://nanahood.com/to-the-nurturing-strong-mom-at-the-laundromat) - Mom at the Laundromat I have a rug in my den that it very light colored, not exactly white but close. With 8 grandchildren and more canines than I can count, it doesn't stay clean long but that's okay because it's washable. I always wanted white carpet but knew better, so this is as close
- [Plantar fasciitis, Poison Ivy, and Soul Sisters](https://nanahood.com/plantar-fasciitis) - Plantar fasciitis, Poison Ivy and Soul Sisters Remember John Denver's song that said in part, "Some days are diamonds, some days are stonesSometimes the hard times won't leave me aloneSometimes a cold wind blows a chill in my bonesSome days are diamonds, some days are stones." This past week I got a bag full of
- [Graduation Advice and Encouragement To Go Change The World](https://nanahood.com/graduation-advice-and-encouragement-to-go-change-the-world) - Graduation Advice and Encouragement There will be a million graduation speeches given this month and next, but most of them will not be given by a grandparent. When you have lived through as many decades as we have it's easy to understand the phrase "hindsight is 20/20." There are so many things I wish I
- [Little Spooks Making Memories of a not too Spooky Halloween](https://nanahood.com/little-spooks-making-memories-of-a-not-too-spooky-halloween) - Disclaimer- I am an Amazon affiliate and this post contains some Amazon products Spooky or Not Spooky, That is the question. Over the years I've seen and heard every argument for and against Halloween. Truthfully, I see validity in both sides. I tend to lean toward "let them be little" and have fun dressing up
- [Covid-4 Reasons Why Many People Should Still Be Concerned](https://nanahood.com/covid-4-reasons-why-many-people-should-still-be-concerned) - If you think Covid is nothing more than a cold, think again. (Reason 1) Did you know that in the first 5 months of this year there were 37,000 deaths from Covid? (Reason 2) Scientists estimate approximately 100,000 people will die every year from Covid. (Reason 3) The disease keeps finding new ways to evolve
- [Why I Cried Buckets Full at the Post Office](https://nanahood.com/why-i-cried-buckets-full-at-the-post-office) - Today I went to the local post office....and cried. It wasn't because it was time to pay my taxes. It wasn't because I had a big bill to pay. The reason I cried is because the postmaster I knew and loved passed away from a heart attack. When I say I loved him, I loved
- [Expert Advice from the CDC about Drug Safety](https://nanahood.com/expert-advice-from-the-cdc-about-drug-safety) - Drug Safety Tips There is no doubt that special bonds exist between grandparents and their grandchildren. No grandparent ever wants to put their grandchildren in danger, but easy access to medications (prescriptions and over the counter) is extremely dangerous. And before you say, "I keep my pills where my child or grandchild can't get them."
- [Young Love Between a Soldier and His Bride](https://nanahood.com/young-love-between-a-soldier-and-his-bride) - Young love By Blenda Blevins Chapman Daddy was born in Huntington, West Virginia in 1922. A few years after he was born his family moved just over the river to Kentucky. The last year mom was able to talk to me coherently, she would share pieces of her past life with me. She had experienced
- [Our Small Town Drugstore and The Good Old Days](https://nanahood.com/our-small-town-drugstore-and-the-good-old-days) - Small Town Drug Store Our little community is so small that we know a large number of the residents. Because I was a teacher a lot of the time I know their parents and grandparents, too. Today I went to the drugstore on the square. It was almost closing time and the store was nearly
- [High School Memories and Once a Hornet Always a Hornet](https://nanahood.com/high-school-memories-and-once-a-hornet-always-a-hornet) - If you attended Metcalfe County High School when Mr. Chambers was there then you know how great a coach, cheerleader and all around person he was. He embodied school spirit and when he attended pep ralleys and asked/told everyone to spell Metcalfe, we obeyed. And if we didn't do it loud enough to suit him,
- [What You May Not Know About Rudolph and Reindeers](https://nanahood.com/what-you-may-not-know-about-rudolph-and-reindeers) - I thought I knew about Rudolph. I mean after all, I've been singing Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer every year since before kindergarten! Today I learned a few things Rudolph and about reindeer I didn't know and just maybe you don't know either! Racing Reindeer I'm from Kentucky, home of the Kentucky Derby. I've watched horses
- [Wading in the Creek with my  Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/wading-in-the-creek-with-my-grandchildren) - Wading In The Creek When I was a little girl my Grandpa Bell would load all of his grandchildren in his jeep and we would go salt the cattle. For city people that means we would put out salt blocks out in various areas of the farm for his cows. It was always hot when
- [A WEIRD TALE OF TEABAGS AND TENNIS SHOES](https://nanahood.com/a-weird-tale-of-teabags-and-tennis-shoes) - A Weird Tale (Yes, it is true) I remember hearing my daughter talk about pregnancy brain and how there were days she operated in a fog. Recently I decided I have “nana brain” and every day looks like the final scene in Gone With the Wind where Rhett is leaving Scarlett amidst a thick fog.
- [When your oldest grandchild graduates from high school](https://nanahood.com/when-your-oldest-grandchild-graduates-from-high-school) - When your oldest grandchild graduates I was the first grandchild on both sides of the family. My granddaughter, Abby, was also the first on both sides. She is the reason I started NanaHood over a decade ago. Next week she graduates from high school and I have an old, familiar feeling in the pit of
- [When You Love Your Community and The Kindness Of Neighbors](https://nanahood.com/when-you-love-your-community-and-the-kindness-of-neighbors) - When you love your community it contributes to your happiness and well-being. You knew that, right? The opposite is true, too. If you don't like where you reside then it can weigh on you heavily. I've been in both situations but when we moved to this farm and this tiny community, I felt as if
- [When You Don't Know What To Do-Bay Alarm Medical](https://nanahood.com/when-you-dont-know-what-to-do-bay-alarm-medical) - This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bay Alarm Medical. All opinions are 100% mine. When You Don't Know What To Do I love to walk my dog. It's great exercise for us both. But one day a huge piece of farm equipment came barrelling down the road at us and
- [5 Reasons Why Friendship Matters for Nanas and for Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/5-reasons-why-friendship-matters-for-nanas-and-for-grandchildren) - 5 Reasons Why Friendship Matters Very soon I will be traveling south to be with some friends that mean the world to me. All but one of us attended the same high school and the other, we met in college. We have been friends for decades. Yesterday after church many of us were gathered on
- [The Horrifying Truth About School Shootings](https://nanahood.com/the-horrifying-truth-about-school-shootings) - Truth About School Shootings To say I am terrified of school shootings would be an understatement. I'm a former teacher and now a substitute teacher, but that's not what worries me. It's my grandchildren. How Bad Is it? According to Education Week.... "There were 51 school shootings in 2022 that resulted in injuries or deaths,
- [It's Hard For Me To Understand Today's America](https://nanahood.com/its-hard-for-me-to-understand-todays-america) - Today's America Warning: This post is not appropriate for children! There are days when I scratch my head and wonder if I have been transported to another galaxy. Why? Because I just don't understand the way things are going. I know that this post is going to offend some people and that is not my
- [The Last Time He Holds Your Hand](https://nanahood.com/the-last-time-he-holds-your-hand) - The Last Time He Holds Your Hand Some memories you remember so vividly that it's almost like savoring a piece of your mother's homemade Italian Creme Cake, you can almost taste the sweetness on your tongue. I have those memories about each of my 5 children, but the memory that floated back to me today
- [We Should Take Cell Phones Out of The Classroom](https://nanahood.com/why-we-should-take-cell-phones-out-of-the-classroom) - Take Cell Phones out of the Classroom The majority of this post is based on an article by Educator Doug Lemov. Mr. Lemov is a managing director of Uncommon Schools and leads its Teach Like a Champion team, designing and implementing teacher training based on the study of high-performing teachers. He is the author of Teach We should take cell phones out of the classroom if we want our children and grandchildren to get a quality education.
- [5 Important Tornado Preparedness Tips To Share With Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/5-important-tornado-preparedness-tips-to-share-with-grandchildren) - Tornado Preparedness Tips for Grandchildren I got an email from our local Chamber of Commerce (which does a great job, by the way) and the message heading was Tornado Safe Rooms. Where we live in southern Kentucky, we have had some devastating storms in the past. When I was in second grade a tornado warning
- [Small Town Girl in an Uptown World](https://nanahood.com/small-town-girl-in-an-uptown-world) - Small Town Girl Okay, so maybe I'm stretching the truth a bit when I call myself a small town "girl", but small town nana just doesn't sound like a Billy Joel song. And I am from a small town. How small is my town? About as small as a town can get and still be
- [Chico's Fall Collection](https://nanahood.com/chicos-fall-collection) - This is a sponsored post. I was given one Chico's outfit in return for writing this review. All thoughts and opinions are strictly my own! A few months ago I was lucky enough to Go Shopping at Chico's. I was allowed to choose one outfit and I loved the experience. The store nearest me is
- [6 Ways To Be Closer To Your Teenage Grandchild](https://nanahood.com/6-ways-to-be-closer-to-your-teenage-grandchild) - 6 Ways to be closer to your teenage grandchild Last week a lady messaged me and told me she had read an article of mine about being estranged from your grandchild. She went on to say that while her situation was different she would like my help with something. I messaged her back and told
- [Heart Health Awareness is for Grandparents](https://nanahood.com/heart-health-awareness-is-for-grandparents) - Heart attacks are not just for men as a dear friend of mine just learned. Know the symptoms
- [Rudolph and Friends Better Wear Insulated Underwear Christmas Eve](https://nanahood.com/rudolph-and-friends-better-wear-insulated-underwear-christmas-eve) - Teresa Kindred, Rudolph and friends better wear long underwear this Christmas Eve! Baby it's cold outside
- [Our Grandchildren's America: What This Nana Worries About](https://nanahood.com/our-grandchildrens-america-what-this-nana-worries-about) - Our Grandchildren's America I am not a fortune teller and the only crystal balls I have are the broken ones that critters and grandchildren have knocked off the Christmas tree. But for what it's worth (and there will be varying opinions on that) here is what I see as the good, bad and ugly of Teresa Kindred-Our Grandchildren's America. What this nana worries about the most. What do you worry about? Ple
- [Thanksgiving Blessings Along With Cold and Flu Season](https://nanahood.com/thanksgiving-blessings-along-with-cold-and-flu-season) - Thanksgiving Blessings As I type this I am 99 percent sure I'm coming down with a cold. Yesterday my eyes burned all day and today my sinuses are on fire. Several of my grandchildren have been sick with the flu but are finally on the mend. All in all, we are doing okay. The State
- [Tips to Recharge Your Mental Wellness This Winter](https://nanahood.com/tips-to-recharge-your-mental-wellness-this-winter) - Tips to Recharge Your Mental Wellness This Winter In today’s society, we are constantly at someone’s beck and call, always quick to pick up the phone, and sometimes forget to take care of ourselves. It’s not uncommon for us to put our health on the back burner. Although it can sometimes feel like we are
- [A True Adoption Story That Will Give You Goosebumps](https://nanahood.com/a-true-adoption-story-that-will-give-you-goosebumps) - True Adoption story By Teresa Branstetter Kimbel She had come to Phil's office ( my husband) to place her baby for adoption, but on the day the baby was born she changed her mind. Phil had left the door open with the struggling momma, telling her that if she ever found herself unable to care
- [The Colors of Autumn and Kentucky Bright Blue Skies](https://nanahood.com/the-colors-of-autumn-and-kentucky-bright-blue-skies) - The Colors of Autumn For all my friends who don't get to see the beautiful fall foliage I just have to share with you. I love riding through the country and taking in the scenery and the bright blue skies. I don't have to leave home to see the beauty of fall, it surrounds me
- [Lemon Butter Chicken](https://nanahood.com/lemon-butter-chicken) - If you're in the mood for a juicy chicken pasta recipe this week, this Lemon Butter Chicken dish is a must try! It's a flavorful pasta dish with tender chicken your family will love. In under 30 minutes, you'll have a delicious chicken pasta ready to serve and enjoy. Here's What You'll Need: Ingredients for
- [Halloween Mini Bundt Cakes](https://nanahood.com/halloween-mini-bundt-cakes) - I can't believe how quickly Halloween is approaching! Since this is typically the time of the month I'm whipping up Halloween treats for the kids, I thought I'd pull out the orange and black sprinkles for some decorative toppings. Here's a quick and easy Halloween Mini Bundt Cake recipe you can bake and decorate in
- [CopyCat Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits](https://nanahood.com/copycat-red-lobster-cheddar-biscuits) - I haven't been to Red Lobster in YEARS. But those delicious cheddar biscuits are always on my mind. Years ago, I experimented with recipes until I came up with one my taste buds couldn't get enough of. If you've been searching for the ideal biscuit to complement your meals, this CopyCat Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuit
- [The Good News About Breast Cancer and Mammogram Encouragement](https://nanahood.com/the-good-news-about-breast-cancer-and-mammogram-encouragement) - Good News About Breast Cancer When is the word "good" ever associated with cancer? When there are advances in research that help with treatment! Chances are good you know someone who has had breast cancer. My first experience with breast cancer was with my cousin and BFF Martha. Over the years I have written many
- [Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies](https://nanahood.com/oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookies) - Do you ever get a craving for fresh-out-of-the-oven oatmeal cookies? The kind that are so moist and tasty that there's rarely any leftovers by the end of the day? But then you try whipping up a batch and they always seem to be a bit on the dry side? Well you're about to try a
- [Butterscotch Pecan Buttermilk Cookies](https://nanahood.com/butterscotch-pecan-buttermilk-cookies) - Butterscotch pecan buttermilk cookies by Lisa Mason Drake Baba (my mother-in-law) came by with dozens of different buttermilk cookies for us to deliver to the kids' dad this week. And no, I'm not exaggerating. She whipped up more cookies than we've ever seen! One of my favorites were gone pretty quickly, and while I wasn't
- [Broccoli 'n Bacon Garlic Noodles](https://nanahood.com/broccoli-n-bacon-garlic-noodles) - Sometimes you just need a go-to pasta recipe that's big on flavor without the heavy sauce. While I love a good creamy pasta sauce, there's something just as satisfying with a light sautéed garlic sauce that hits the spot and lets the ingredients steal the show! This week, we enjoyed broccoli 'n bacon garlic noodles
- [Strawberry Pound Cake Mason Jar Dessert](https://nanahood.com/strawberry-pound-cake-mason-jar-dessert) - If you're in the mood for a delicious and fun to make dessert this week, you'll want to try this Strawberry Pound Cake Mason Jar Dessert. After our Chocolate Peanut Butter Mason Jar Tower, experimenting with various flavors and toppings was just too much fun to pass up. This east-to-make treat is perfect for an
- [An Orthodontist Appointment after a Visit to Folsom Prison](https://nanahood.com/orthodontist-appointment-and-folsom-prison) - Orthodontist appointment This morning I knew I was supposed to take one of my sweet granddaughters to her orthodontist appointment, but what I didn't know is how complicated it would be. My day always starts with drinking coffee and watching my puppies run around. I knew what time I was supposed to take my granddaughter
- [Mini Spice Bundt Cakes](https://nanahood.com/mini-spice-bundt-cakes) - It's time for fall recipes and pumpkin, cinnamon, and spice goodness! I'm always ready for a delicious mini spice bundt cake but baking them this time of year ust seems to make them taste better! So, grab a cup of coffee and whip up this delicious cinnamon spice recipe for breakfast, snack, and dessert today!
- [Creamy Broccoli Parmesan Pasta Recipe](https://nanahood.com/creamy-broccoli-parmesan-pasta-recipe) - With fall approaching, my cravings for soups and pastas are increasing. I love experimenting with new sauces for our pasta dishes while tossing in various meats and veggies along the way. This week, I kept it simple while creating a delicious, creamy sauce that can be paired with so many items I'd like to add
- [End of Summer Fun Photos With Joy-filled Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/end-of-summer-fun-photos-with-joy-filled-grandchildren) - End of Summer Fun I do not understand how it could be Labor Day weekend so soon. Didn't we just have Christmas? All our grands are back in school now and our oldest granddaughter is a senior in high school this year. I could swear I was just changing her diapers yesterday! We managed to
- [Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispies Treats](https://nanahood.com/chocolate-dipped-rice-krispies-treats) - I remember coming home from school when I was little and always smelling something that had been baking. Whether it was chocolate chip cookies or apple pie, there always seemed to be a freshly baked dessert waiting for us at least once a week. One of our favorite go-to's always seemed to be Rice Krispies
- [Back to School Prayers for my Grandchildren and Yours](https://nanahood.com/back-to-school-prayers-for-my-grandchildren-and-yours) - Back to School Prayers As my grandchildren ready themselves for back to school I remember how complicated (and expensive) it was to take 5 children shopping. Most years I divided them up and took the 3 oldest children and left the twins with my grandmother. Then I'd take the twins and leave the others at
- [Quick and Easy Mini Sprinkle Donuts](https://nanahood.com/quick-and-easy-mini-sprinkle-donuts) - I couldn't resist trying a mini donut maker that may or may not have popped up on my screen the other day. We are definitely a donut-loving family so making my own sounded fun and creative! While you can also bake these quick and easy mini sprinkle donuts in the oven with a mini donut
- [Chocolate Peanut Butter Mason Jar Tower](https://nanahood.com/chocolate-peanut-butter-mason-jar-tower) - With school starting up, we decided to have a last celebratory summer weekend of sweets. Ok, so sweets don't really need a special occasion at our house, but I did want to try something fun and special before they headed back to school! While we admittedly tried out a ton of flavors, today's Chocolate Peanut
- [Glass Noodle Soup with Shrimp](https://nanahood.com/glass-noodle-soup-with-shrimp) - As school grows closer, my mind is on fall and SOUP! And even though it's still scorching hot here, it got me craving a bowl of glass noodle soup with shrimp. Shrimp is my favorite, but this glass noodle soup is so tasty with chicken too! And if you prefer to keep it vegetarian, this
- [Lemon Pound Cake Recipe](https://nanahood.com/lemon-pound-cake-recipe) - I love a hot cup of coffee and a sweet slice of lemon pound cake in the morning! While it's just as tasty as a snack or after dinner dessert, I still enjoy it most for breakfast. There's something about that little zing of lemon mixed with the sweet, buttery flavors in a pound cake
- [Lovepop Wedding Cards Will Impress Your Special Bride and Groom](https://nanahood.com/lovepop-wedding-cards-will-impress-your-special-bride-and-groom) - Lovepop Wedding Cards will impress.....anyone actually. They aren't just your average card. In fact, they are so far above average I would say they are the most unique cards I've ever seen. I love them and I think you will too. Lovepop wedding cards are so beautiful the bride and groom will keep them as
- [Spicy Ground Beef Enchiladas](https://nanahood.com/spicy-ground-beef-enchiladas) - I often make shredded chicken enchiladas but decided we needed a change this week. A spicy ground beef enchilada plate with tons of melted cheese just sounded like the perfect dinner choice. They're easy to make and taste great with your preference of red or green enchilada sauce and a side of sour cream! Here's
- [Buttermilk Cinnamon Muffins](https://nanahood.com/buttermilk-cinnamon-muffins) - My sweet tooth seems to be hooked on cinnamon lately. I had a craving for buttermilk cinnamon muffins the other day, and while this heat keeps me away from the oven most days, my sweet tooth won this round! So, I pulled out an easy buttermilk cinnamon muffin recipe and whipped up a batch for
- [No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip](https://nanahood.com/no-bake-chocolate-chip-cookie-dough-dip) - If you're looking for a tasty treat this week that requires little preparation and no baking, then this no-bake chocolate chip cookie dough dip recipe is perfect for you! With the soaring temperatures, I was in no mood to have the oven on, but we were still craving a chocolatey sweet treat. In under ten
- [Homemade Meatloaf Recipe](https://nanahood.com/homemade-meatloaf-recipe) - I was in the mood for a tasty classic with a little twist for dinner this week. It's been a while since I've whipped up a homemade meatloaf recipe. It's rather simple to throw together and pop in the oven, especially on those busy days when you need to get dinner made with minimal effort.
- [Grandparent Alienation; Who Does It Hurt The Most?](https://nanahood.com/grandparent-alienation-who-does-it-hurt-the-most) - Grandparent Alienation If you don't know what grandparent alienation is, count yourself lucky. According to the New York Times it can be defined as the following, "At heart, estrangement from grandchildren reflects estrangement from adult children, the gatekeeper middle generation that can promote or deny access." Every so often I receive an email from a
- [4-Ingredient Shortbread Cookies](https://nanahood.com/4-ingredient-shortbread-cookies) - I was craving a tasty, buttery shortbread cookie with my afternoon cup of coffee the other day. I was thinking back to when my sister and I would come home from school and mom would have warm cookies right out of the oven waiting for us when the school bus dropped us off. So, of
- [What Great Books Are You Reading This Summer?](https://nanahood.com/what-great-books-are-you-reading-this-summer) - What great books are you reading? I love to read and I love to listen to audio books. I recently finished The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. It was an instant New York Times hit and was on the Best Seller list for 48 weeks. This thriller kept me engaged. It was
- [Precious Pawn Shop Stories about Special Engagement Rings!](https://nanahood.com/precious-pawn-shop-stories-about-special-engagement-rings) - Pawn Shop Stories By Lisa Moore Waddell I guess my favorite job at the shop was helping young men find the perfect ring to give to their future wife. We have helped young men at church, relatives, friends that our kids sent from college, plus all the strangers who walked in off the street. I’ve
- [Cinnamon Toast Sugar Cookie Recipe](https://nanahood.com/cinnamon-toast-sugar-cookie-recipe) - With the kids home for the summer, it can be easy for them to get bored at any age. I’ve found that baking with them has always been a fun activity at any age and stage, no matter how messy it gets or how bad it may turn out! So, when we decided to take
- [4 Top Reasons Why You Should Visit Leipers Fork](https://nanahood.com/4-top-reasons-why-you-should-visit-leipers-fork) - Leipers Fork, Tennessee I had never heard of Leipers Fork until a friend mentioned it as a great place for a girlfriend getaway. She was right! Here's why! 1. The town is so quaint. I call it a town but really it's more like a village; a small collection of shops, restaurants and art galleries.
- [Homemade Egg Drop Soup](https://nanahood.com/homemade-egg-drop-soup) - Sometimes a warm bowl of soup is just what you need. Yep, even in the midst of a Texas summer, a bowl of homemade egg drop soup just hits the spot. It's the perfect soup recipe to throw together with little ingredients needed. In fact, you may already have everything you need to make this
- [Smells Can Trigger the Most Powerful Memories](https://nanahood.com/smells-can-trigger-the-most-powerful-memories) - Smells Can Trigger the Most Powerful Memories Years ago I was sitting outside a restaurant and I smelled someone smoking a pipe. Instantly I got cold chills and remembered the smell clearly. My great-grandfather (whom I referred to as Papa Bear) smoked a pipe. I've never forgotten how strong that memory was or how hard
- [Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies](https://nanahood.com/strawberry-thumbprint-cookies) - We've been taking advantage of summer vacation with lots of baking at our house. It's always fun to spend time in the kitchen with the kids. If you're looking for a quick and easy recipe to try, this strawberry thumbprint cookie recipe is fun and delicious! The kids and grandkids will love squishing their little
- [Baby Shark Blasting in Church Yesterday Was an Unexpected Shock](https://nanahood.com/baby-shark-blasting-in-church-yesterday-was-an-unexpected-shock) - Baby Shark Every mother and grandmother knows what the Baby Shark song is, but for those of you who live without little kids in the house, it's a really annoying song that for some reason kids love. It's not annoying the first ten times or so, but trust me after 100 times you want to
- [The Pawn Shop Life and Memories Through the Decades.](https://nanahood.com/the-pawn-shop-life-and-memories-through-the-decades) - The Pawn Shop Life by Lisa Moore Waddell This past week in Huntsville, Alabama, Lisa and her husband closed the doors on their Pawn Shop and retired. Her memories of all that happened in that shop have fascinated me and I think they will you too. I asked Lisa if I could share and she
- [Buffalo Chicken Rollups](https://nanahood.com/buffalo-chicken-rollups) - The kids are on summer break and it's the perfect time for fun finger foods and cooking with the kids and grandkids! Rollups are quick and easy for kids of all ages to make. With pre-made dough and their favorite toppings to layer inside, it's just like a pizza loaf! We were in the mood
- [More Life Lessons From Shells on the Beach](https://nanahood.com/more-life-lessons-from-shells-on-the-beach) - More Life Lessons From Shells on the Beach Another walk on the beach brought more thoughts and life lessons from shells. The sun was shining brightly and illuminated the shells. One shell looked particularly white, bright white like snow. I picked it up and brought it home only to find that when I placed it
- [A Walk on the Beach in Search of the Perfect Shell](https://nanahood.com/a-walk-on-the-beach-in-search-of-the-perfect-shell) - A walk on the beach I have always always loved the ocean. From the first time I saw it there was something about it that spoke to me. Unfortunately, we live in Kentucky so a big lake is easy to come by, but not an ocean. In order to get to the ocean we have
- [The Truth About Laundry, Lizards, Snakes and Bras](https://nanahood.com/the-truth-about-laundry-lizards-snakes-and-bras) - The Truth About Laundry, Lizards, Snakes and Bras I hate snakes. They are just creepy. They stick their tongues out at you and slink around like they want to bite you or something. I know most snakes are harmless but they still terrify me. Fast Forward: Bill and I haven't been out of town for
- [Chocolate Dipped Wafer Treats](https://nanahood.com/chocolate-dipped-wafer-treats) - It's the end of the school year and there's no better time to get all your kid-friendly treats and activities rounded up for summer vacation! If the grandkids are coming to visit soon, you'll want to have the ingredients for these chocolate dipped wafer treats ready. They'll have so much fun making them! It's the
- [Open-Faced Italian Sausage Sandwich Melt](https://nanahood.com/open-faced-italian-sausage-sandwich-melt) - When you're in the mood for toasty sandwich with a spicy kick, I highly recommend trying this delicious open-faced Italian sausage sandwich melt recipe. Between the spicy sausage and sauteed veggies, it has the perfect amount of flavor, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. What's not to love? Here's What You'll Need: Ingredients for Open-Faced
- [A Sweet Birthday Party and a Beautiful Granddaughter's Prom](https://nanahood.com/a-sweet-birthday-party-and-a-beautiful-granddaughters-prom) - A Sweet birthday party and a beautiful granddaughter's prom There are weekends when I feel like life has almost returned to normal and this last weekend was one of them. Of course normal for us is just a day without a catastrophe. I just love a good old boring day! This busy weekend wasn't boring
- [The Motherhood Years and Letting Go of Them](https://nanahood.com/the-motherhood-years-and-letting-go-of-them) - The Motherhood Years Today I was cleaning out some drawers and I found something that stopped me in my tracks. I had to sit down, hold it, and think about the motherhood years. Years ago my husband surprised me with this shirt as a Mother's Day gift. Our 5 kids were still young and I
- [Easy Lemon Bar Recipe](https://nanahood.com/easy-lemon-bar-recipe) - With the weather heating up, lemonade has been our go-to beverage lately. We're just a little bit addicted to Sonic strawberry lemonade. So, when we were deciding on a dessert for the week, it only seemed fitting to make lemon bars. They're perfectly sweet and sour and so easy to make! It's also a great
- [Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownie Bars](https://nanahood.com/chocolate-chip-cookie-brownie-bars) - When you just can't decide between two favorite desserts in the house, why not make both? The kids and I had a hard time choosing whether or not to make chocolate chip cookies or brownies, so I suggested a recipe we hadn't made in a while. Chocolate chip cookie brownie bars are the best of
- [The Gift of Prayer for My Grandchild's Path in Life](https://nanahood.com/the-gift-of-prayer-for-my-grandchilds-path-in-life) - The Gift of Prayer If you are like most Americans you've been picking out Mother's Day cards, flowers or gifts for the mothers in your life this week. According to Hallmark, Mother's Day is the third-largest card-sending holiday in the United States, with 113 million cards exchanged annually. That's a lot of cards! I wish my
- [Chicken Veggie Pasta with Bacon Recipe](https://nanahood.com/chicken-veggie-pasta-with-bacon-recipe) - If you popped by last week, you may have seen the recipe for oven baked bacon-wrapped asparagus. It makes an incredible side dish as well as an appetizer and i have to say, it entices the kids and grandkids to try asparagus! So, as promised, I'm sharing the chicken veggie pasta with bacon I served
- [Oven-Baked Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus](https://nanahood.com/oven-baked-bacon-wrapped-asparagus) - Bacon has been a big love in our household lately. You may have caught last week's bacon-wrapped pork chops that were tender and flavorful with a hint of spice, and there will be a sneak peek of next week's in today's recipe! Honestly, we love bacon with everything and basically every meal! One of my
- [The Blessings of Being a Nana](https://nanahood.com/the-blessings-of-being-a-nana) - The Blessings of Being a Nana By My Friend, Teresa Branstetter Kimbel Yesterday, I had the privilege of picking up my grandson, Brody, from school. Having seventeen hours to wait in the pick-up line (I had been warned), I had plenty of time to ponder how my relationship with Brody parallels God’s relationship with us.
- [Savory Bacon-Wrapped Pork Chops](https://nanahood.com/savory-bacon-wrapped-pork-chops) - If you're in the mood for something a bit sweet, with a hint of spice, you've got to cook up these tender, savory bacon-wrapped pork chops! They are incredibly easy to prepare and are cooked in under 15 minutes! Whether you're a pork chop fan or not, who can say no to anything wrapped in
- [At What Age Are Grandchildren the Most Fun?](https://nanahood.com/at-what-age-are-grandchildren-the-most-fun) - At what age are grandchildren the most fun? I have a granddaughter who is 16 and I am about to get a new grandson in September. That will make 8 grands in all for us and if I had to pick one single age that was the most fun, I know which age I'd pick.
- [Spicy Shredded BBQ Chicken Sandwich - Instant Pot Recipe](https://nanahood.com/spicy-shredded-bbq-chicken-sandwich-instant-pot-recipe) - Living in Texas, it's hard to avoid BBQ. In fact, it's hard to compete with BBQ restaurants but that doesn't stop me from trying! I'm always amazed at how tender and juicy chicken is when I cook it in the instant pot, so naturally, whipping up a few bbq recipes now and then has a
- [Life Lessons from Honey Bees](https://nanahood.com/life-lessons-from-honey-bees) - Life Lessons from Honey Bees If you have never been around honey bees, you are missing out. My friend's husband has had hives for years and for a short time my husband did as well. They are fascinating. There are lots of places you can read about them. Here's just a couple of places. My
- [Buttery Cinnamon Roll Cake](https://nanahood.com/buttery-cinnamon-roll-cake) - We are lovers of cinnamon rolls in this house! Breakfast, after-school snack, dessert....cinnamon rolls are welcome here at any time of the day. In an effort to mix things up just a bit, I started playing around with a few cinnamon roll styled recipes. I've tried mimicking the delicious IHOP pancakes and trying my hand
- [Nana's Advice for Will Smith and Chris Rock](https://nanahood.com/nanas-advice-for-will-smith-and-chris-rock) - Nana's Advice for Will Smith and Chris Rock With the exception of the CMAs I don't watch award shows. I stopped when it stopped being about the award and became about politics or what the women in attendance were wearing (or not wearing). The thrill of Hollywood lost its luster for me years ago. I
- [When You Can't Be the Grandmother You Want To Be](https://nanahood.com/when-you-cant-be-the-grandmother-you-want-to-be) - The Grandmother You Want To Be I have a dear friend who isn't allowed to see her grandchildren. Every holiday, birthday and special occasion she spends with one of her children and grandchildren, but not her other. My heart aches for her because her family is divided. (For more about grandchild estrangement click here) Another
- [Spicy Shredded Chicken Tower Appetizer](https://nanahood.com/spicy-shredded-chicken-tower-appetizer) - I'm a huge fan of sushi towers, whether as a meal or an appetizer. There's just something so appealing about the layer of colors and the whole presentation. While I'm a huge seafood fan, I realize not everyone shares that love. So, when I found out last minute the guest I had dropping by did
- [Even When You Can't See the Road Ahead, God Can](https://nanahood.com/even-when-you-cant-see-the-road-ahead-god-can) - The Road Ahead The older I get the easier it is to look behind me and see that my journey is like a neglected back road, littered with the trash of my mistakes. Things I should have done and did not. Things I did do (or say) that I should not have done or said.
- [Sheet Pan Poached Egg Breakfast Sandwiches](https://nanahood.com/sheet-pan-poached-egg-breakfast-sandwiches) - I threw together a quick and easy sheet pan poached egg and bacon breakfast sandwich this weekend. It's one of my favorite go-to recipes when I have hungry mouths to feed but a bit pressed for time. What didn't occur to me was how this tasty, time-saving breakfast may be just what others were looking
- [Spicy Italian Sausage and Shrimp Pasta](https://nanahood.com/spicy-italian-sausage-and-shrimp-pasta) - Are you in the mood for a spicy pasta dish? This spicy Italian sausage and shrimp pasta is a delicious recipe packed with flavor. It can be easily customized with all your favorite sautéed vegetables. If you're searching for a dish with a light sauce base and a zesty kick, you'll love this easy to
- [An Outdoor Spring Tradition That's Fun for the Grands!](https://nanahood.com/an-outdoor-spring-tradition-thats-fun-for-the-grands) - Outdoor Spring Tradition Every spring we take the grandchildren to pick the daffodils that grow on the hillside of our farm. It's fun , it's outside and hands on and they are just so stinking cute! Ode to Spring By Andrew Elliot Oh glory be to things that grow!That burgeon, blossom, bud and blowIn Springtime’s
- [How My Grandmother's Love Lives On In Me and Her Other Grands](https://nanahood.com/how-my-grandmothers-love-lives-on-in-me-and-her-other-grands) - My Grandmother's Love One day this week I was cleaning up what was left of supper and there was about two tablespoons of corn and two tablespoons of macaroni and cheese. Instead of throwing it away I put each in a small plastic container and stuck them in the refrigerator. Suddenly I saw Grandma Layne
- [Birthday Mug Cakes](https://nanahood.com/birthday-mug-cakes) - The kids and I celebrated my birthday yesterday, and while I refuse to get older, I still enjoy birthday cakes! Since it's just the three of us, having a huge cake on my birthday isn't necessary, so I thought celebrating with birthday mug cakes was perfect. Plus, they are quick, easy, and fun to make
- [Short Shorts, Mini Skirts, & Halter Tops. Styles That Scare The Crap Out Of Me Now](https://nanahood.com/short-shorts-mini-skirts-halter-tops-styles-that-scare-the-crap-out-of-me-now) - I walked into a closet tonight where my daughter-in-law had stored some clothes. Hanging on a hanger were the shortest pair of shorts I've ever seen. Well, since the 1970's anyway. That's when I was a teenager and our shorts were so short they threatened to show our underwear. I have to admit I stood
- [Nutella Croissant Bombers](https://nanahood.com/nutella-croissant-bombers) - If you're looking for a quick chocolatey treat to whip up for breakfast or a snack, Nutella Croissant bombers really hit the spot. They are fun and easy to make. In fact, they make a fun baking recipe to try with the kids and grandkids! They'll love rolling and tucking the Nutella "candies" and they
- [Creamy Shrimp and Crawfish Pasta](https://nanahood.com/creamy-shrimp-and-crawfish-pasta) - We've been taking advantage of the chilly weather and creating quite a few creamy pasta sauce dishes. You may know my obsession with seafood, so it shouldn't surprise you that today's recipe share is a creamy shrimp and crawfish pasta. I also have a little added recipe for a seafood dip at the end for
- [White Chocolate Blueberry Scone Recipe](https://nanahood.com/white-chocolate-blueberry-scone-recipe) - When a friend introduced me to scones (yes...I was very late to the party), I became a little obsessed. Not only was I beginning to live in the Starbucks drive-thru, but there were limitations to satisfying my new cravings. First, if you aren't at our Starbucks by a decent time, you may not be getting
- [Creamy Spinach and Tomato Sauce](https://nanahood.com/creamy-spinach-and-tomato-sauce) - The chilly nights have sparked many cravings for creamy soups and sauces in our house. There's just something so comforting about a rich, creamy blend that makes everything taste so much better in the winter. This week I used one of our new favorite creamy spinach and tomato sauces on top of a bed of
- [A Friend Faces The Biggest Fight Of Her Life-ALS](https://nanahood.com/a-friend-faces-the-biggest-fight-of-her-life-als) - ALS is a thief Dear NanaHood Friends, My friend Joan, who is a grandmother and church sister has been fighting ALS with the support of her beloved husband, Eddie and the rest of her family and church family, but as you know #ALS is a tough opponent. Joan has always been a doer, giver and
- [Always Moist Coffee Cake Recipe](https://nanahood.com/always-moist-coffee-cake-recipe) - I love a good coffee cake. I have a sweet tooth (or ten) so anything sweet is enticing. But, there's something addicting about a sweet, buttery coffee cake that is always moist. You know, the kind that you can pop in the microwave the next day with a cup of coffee and it still tastes
- [Why I Have A Deep Appreciation for Kind People](https://nanahood.com/why-i-have-a-deep-appreciation-for-kind-people) - Kind People My mother told me many times that ”kindness doesn't cost anything” but doesn't it feel like sometimes on our daily walk through life that kindness isn't at the top of everyone's priority list? We live in a day and time when we have a zillion distractions. Like a bowling ball rolling down a
- [Homemade Mixed Berry Biscuit Recipe](https://nanahood.com/homemade-mixed-berry-biscuit-recipe) - Warm, tasty biscuits make the perfect breakfast on a drizzling day, don't they? I wasn't expecting to wake up to overcast skies this week, but when I did, I just knew the day was calling for a hot cup of coffee and homemade mixed berry biscuits. They are easy to whip up and are delicious
- [Martin Luther King Jr. and Grandparents Have Important Dreams](https://nanahood.com/martin-luther-king-jr-and-grandparents-have-important-dreams) - Dreams I'm not trying to steal Martin Luther King Jr.'s thunder. I couldn't even if I wanted to. As a former history teacher I loved telling my students about him, especially his "I have a dream speech." He was such a powerful speaker and a great motivator to those involved in the Civil Rights movement.
- [Winter Time and Intriguing Books Are Calling](https://nanahood.com/winter-time-and-intriguing-books-are-calling) - Intriguing Books I have always loved to read and I'm always on the lookout for a great book. I go through reading phases. Sometimes I'm reading one right after another and other times, I just can't find the time. You know how that goes. But when I find one I love, one that keeps me
- [Quick and Easy Garlic Lemon Alfredo Sauce](https://nanahood.com/quick-and-easy-garlic-lemon-alfredo-sauce) - When you're short on time and the family is hungry, it's so easy to grab a jar of alfredo sauce fro the pantry. But, what if you had a go-to alfredo sauce recipe that was not only rich, creamy, and delicious, but simple enough to whip together in minutes? Even if the rest of your
- [Homemade Pizza Recipe](https://nanahood.com/homemade-pizza-recipe) - You would think that making a homemade pizza would be one of the first recipes the kids and I have tried. Strangely, we attempted our first homemade pizzas last week, and I can't believe we didn't explore them years ago! It must have been then unexpected burst of cold weather we got after Christmas that
- [When Bandaids and Kisses No Longer Fix the Boo-Boos](https://nanahood.com/when-bandaids-and-kisses-no-longer-fix-the-boo-boos) - Bandaids and Kisses I have been with my youngest grandchild the last two days. She's only two and when she bumped her back on a piece of furniture earlier today she wanted a bandaid and kisses to fix her boo-boo. I was happy to oblige. My husband and I are blessed with 7 grandchildren and
- [Tablescaping for the flower challenged](https://nanahood.com/tablescaping-for-the-flower-challenged) - Oat cake toffee lemon drops gummies candy canes toffee sugar plum chupa chups. Oat cake lemon drops tart jelly-o biscuit. Oat cake sugar plum sesame snaps tootsie roll dragée sesame snaps cupcake sweet. Soufflé icing candy liquorice bonbon. Caramels icing halvah toffee cotton candy danish. Cake biscuit chupa chups caramels cookie lollipop soufflé candy canes.
- [The perfect Thanksgiving menu your guests will love](https://nanahood.com/the-perfect-thanksgiving-menu) - Oat cake toffee lemon drops gummies candy canes toffee sugar plum chupa chups. Oat cake lemon drops tart jelly-o biscuit. Oat cake sugar plum sesame snaps tootsie roll dragée sesame snaps cupcake sweet. Soufflé icing candy liquorice bonbon. Caramels icing halvah toffee cotton candy danish. Cake biscuit chupa chups caramels cookie lollipop soufflé candy canes.
- [Planning a gathering with your besties](https://nanahood.com/planning-a-gathering-with-your-besties) - Oat cake toffee lemon drops gummies candy canes toffee sugar plum chupa chups. Oat cake lemon drops tart jelly-o biscuit. Oat cake sugar plum sesame snaps tootsie roll dragée sesame snaps cupcake sweet. Soufflé icing candy liquorice bonbon. Caramels icing halvah toffee cotton candy danish. Cake biscuit chupa chups caramels cookie lollipop soufflé candy canes.
- [What You Shouldn't Do On New Year's Eve If You're a Sentimental Sap](https://nanahood.com/what-you-shouldnt-do-on-new-years-eve-if-youre-a-sentimental-sap) - What You Shouldn't Do on New Year's Eve I knew better. I really did, but I did it anyway. I was determined to clean out some cabinets and dressers that I wanted my daughters-in-law to have. So this afternoon I grabbed some garbage bags and decided to work on "out with the old, in with
- [Warm & Gooey Monkey Bread Recipe](https://nanahood.com/warm-gooey-monkey-bread-recipe) - With the holidays comes everything warm, sweet, and gooey, right? The crisp air (well, what we had for a couple days anyway) called for hot chocolate and something warm and gooey for breakfast. If I'm going to be honest, though, it was breakfast, snack, and dessert! No matter what time of day we nibbled on
- [Marinated Korean Beef and Veggie Sandwich](https://nanahood.com/marinated-korean-beef-and-veggie-sandwich) - Recently, I've been playing around with various Asian cuisine in an attempt to replicate the mouthwatering flavors in some of our favorite dishes. Honestly, I don't know how my mom use to do it and I'm a bit bummed she was a cook by memory kind of chef. There are definitely days I wish I
- [Devastating Kentucky Tornadoes Ilustrate What Really Matters](https://nanahood.com/devastating-kentucky-tornadoes-ilustrate-what-really-matters-and-what-doesnt) - Devastating Kentucky Tornadoes Most of you know I am from Kentucky. I lived in Georgia for awhile but most of my life has been spent here in the Bluegrass state. The night of December 10th and into the morning of the 11th nearly 60 tornadoes ripped across several states including Kentucky. When we look at pictures
- [Better Than Restaurant Mac 'n Cheese Recipe](https://nanahood.com/better-than-restaurant-mac-n-cheese-recipe) - Yes, you read that right! My daughter and I have perfected mac 'n cheese. She's a bit of an addict and always wanting to experiment with the recipe and reinvent the wheel to her liking. I must say, we created a mouth-watering, MUST-try, better-than-restaurant mac 'n cheese dish. And I'm usually not even a huge
- [If My Daughter Was Beth Dutton This Is The Mom Advice I Would Give Her](https://nanahood.com/if-my-daughter-was-beth-dutton-this-is-the-mom-advice-i-would-give-her) - If My Daughter Was Beth Dutton First of all let me make it clear that I have a daughter and she is NOTHING like Beth Dutton, except for the fact that they are both beautiful. Secondly, if you don't know who Beth Dutton is (an actress in Yellowstone) think Cruella DeVille on steroids. Neither Beth
- [The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Year- 2021](https://nanahood.com/the-terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad-year-2021) - The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Year The end of last year and the first half of this year was so rotten it was putrid. Thankfully, Bill can't remember it but I still have flashbacks that bring me to tears. Now it's December again and while most people are trying to figure out a
- [Delicious Cranberry Sugar Cookie Recipe Your Kids Will Love](https://nanahood.com/cranberry-sugar-cookie-recipe) - Cranberry Sugar Cookie There's something about white chocolate, marshmallows, and sugar cookies that make me think of winter. Do you ever experience that? Kind of the way certain soups make me feel like it's fall. Or maybe it's just the excuse to crave more sugar because I can hide it under my layers of winter
- [The Perfect Gift Requires Really Listening and Knowing the Recipient](https://nanahood.com/the-perfect-gift-requires-really-listening-and-knowing-the-recipient) - Giving the Perfect Gift-Listening and knowing the gift recipient Once upon a time (I just love stories that start this way, don't you?) There was a young woman who loved shopping. She shopped for her children and later for her grandchildren. She gifted them with things they loved and they all appreciated her thoughtfulness. What
- [Builders of Hope Annual Giving Campaign](https://nanahood.com/builders-of-hope-annual-giving-campaign) - (This post is sponsored by Safy but all thoughts and opinions are my own!) Builders of Hope Add title Each year, the Builders of Hope Annual Giving Campaign helps Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth (SAFY) raises much needed funds and awareness for struggling families and children in our communities. You can read my previous
- [Easy Everything Hummus](https://nanahood.com/easy-everything-hummus) - One of the things I enjoy about the kids being on school holiday breaks is the chance to create more snacks and mini meals. When school is out, we all tend to be on different schedules for sleep, work, and eating. We enjoy having several snacks, appetizers, and small meals readily available so we can
- [The Empty Chairs At Our Table Aren't Really Empty](https://nanahood.com/the-empty-chairs-at-our-table-arent-really-empty) - The empty chairs Every holiday I have at least one melt down. I know I shouldn't, but I do. I try to do it in private so no one knows but there's no way to hide it from my husband. I lock myself in the bathroom for an hour and come out with red eyes
- [Sticky Korean Chicken Air Fryer Recipe](https://nanahood.com/sticky-korean-chicken-air-fryer-recipe) - We tend to use a lot of Hawaiian marinades in our house. We love the sweet pop of pineapple for chicken and shrimp dishes. I grew up with it so it's only natural I continue the recipes with my own kiddos! More recently, my daughter has developed a taste for Korean flavorings and I have
- [A Plea For Help from a Mom Whose Son has a Rare Disease](https://nanahood.com/a-plea-for-help-from-a-mom-whose-son-has-a-rare-disease) - A Plea for Help This is a letter I received this week. My heart aches for them! If you can help them, please do! Hello, My name is Alina, my family and I live in Austin, and I have a personal story that I’m hoping you will be interested in covering. Your coverage would be
- [Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup](https://nanahood.com/instant-pot-chicken-pot-pie-soup) - We finally had a few chilly days here in Texas and it was amazing. I took full advantage and broke out the soup recipes while I had the chance. On one particularly cold, drizzly day, it just felt right to make a piping hot creamy chicken pot pie soup. It’s one of those recipes that
- [Abundant Blessings Now and In the Past](https://nanahood.com/abundant-blessings-now-and-in-the-past) - Abundant Blessings Dear Grandchildren, Soon it will be Thanksgiving, when families gather to offer thanks for their many blessings. What a year this has been for our family. What a year this has been for every family. So far over 10,000 Kentuckians have died as a result of Covid. In the U.S. over 763k. Those
- [Santa's Scout is Back Just In Time for the Holidays](https://nanahood.com/santas-scout-is-back-just-in-time-for-the-holidays) - (This is a sponsored post but all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own) Santa's Scout is Back If you aren't familiar with Santa's Scout please allow me to tell you about him! Children love the magic of Christmas and waiting for Santa to come. Santa's Scout enhances the magic. How do I know? Because
- [Garlic Shrimp & Veggie Pasta](https://nanahood.com/garlic-shrimp-veggie-pasta) - If you're in the mood for some garlicy goodness, you'll love this tasty shrimp and veggie pasta recipe. It's full of flavor without the heavy cream base. Toss in your favorite sautéed vegetables, and you've got a delicious, easy to make shrimp pasta dinner for the family! Here's What You'll Need: Shrimp & Veggie Pasta
- [Nana's New Adventure on the Farm](https://nanahood.com/nanas-new-adventure-on-the-farm) - Nana's New Adventure Whoosh! That's the sound of time flying by! It's November and one of the things I'm giving thanks for is that we finally got our agri-tourism business open. Between the Pandemic and Bill's Covid experience, life has been....complicated. It's taken 3 years of blood, sweat and tears, but we are OPEN! Nana's
- [The Importance of Being Intentionally Thankful](https://nanahood.com/the-importance-of-being-intentionally-thankful) - Intentionally Thankful This time of year I start thinking about Thanksgiving. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Thanksgiving is not treated with the respect it deserves. (To read more about putting Thanksgiving in the corner click here.) When I was young being truly thankful for something meant saying "thank you" when you
- [Easy Apple Pie Biscuit Bites](https://nanahood.com/easy-apple-pie-biscuit-bites) - If you're looking for a quick dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, or a tasty morning pastry, get ready to fall in love with this recipe! These easy apple pie apple bites are delicious and so simple to throw together in a moment's notice! And if you're not a cinnamon apple fan, you can substitute
- [Advice My Grandmother Gave Me That I Never Forgot](https://nanahood.com/advice-my-grandmother-gave-me-that-i-never-forgot) - Advice My Grandmother Gave Me My grandmother was a wise woman. She was a thoughtful person and chose her words carefully. She was also chock full of wisdom and said things that had been passed down from one generation to the next. Occasionally she would say something that would make me ask, "What does that
- [Rolled Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos](https://nanahood.com/rolled-cilantro-lime-chicken-tacos) - I've been addicted to preparing my chicken in the Instant Pot for quite some time. The tenderness is unbelievable and I love the free time it provides as it does it's thing! With our week off to a busy start, chicken was the go-to to get us through the last couple dinners. Now, if you
- [Red Velvet Bundt Cake That Will Have Your Guests Begging For More!](https://nanahood.com/red-velvet-bundt-cake-with-cinnamon-vanilla-glaze) - Red Velvet Bundt Cake I'm a sucker for anything red velvet. Years ago, I had a slight fetish with red velvet cupcakes. The great thing that came of my expensive little indulgence was learning to make the perfectly moist red velvet bundt cakes at home. I can't tell you how much money that saved, but
- [How Do Grandparents Decide What They Want To Be Called?](https://nanahood.com/how-do-grandparents-decide-what-they-want-to-be-called) - Grandparents Decide What They Want To Be Called So you are going to be a grandparent....Congratulations! Maybe you've already been to a gender reveal party and bought the first (of many gifts) for your grandchild. Now it's time to think about what your little grand-love is going to call you, that is if you get
- [Another Emotional Anniversary Without Michael and A New Mixer](https://nanahood.com/another-emotional-anniversary-without-michael-and-a-new-mixer) - Wedding Anniversary by Melinda Campbell-Reflections from the Kitchen Sink (Melinda's husband Michael was killed by a drunk driver in 2015) I think today is a good day to share the story of my new-to-me mixer. A few weeks ago, I spotted a snazzy one at Sam’s and posted a request for folks to keep their
- [Creamy Salmon Vegetable Medley](https://nanahood.com/creamy-salmon-vegetable-medley) - I'm a huge fan of grilling salmon filets, but when Texas weather has you cooped up indoors, it's nice to have a backup recipe! If you're looking for a delicious new recipe for your next salmon dinner, I have one you'll love! It's a light, flavorful cream sauce full of my favorite vegetables, poured over
- [Shrimp Bowtie in Vodka Sauce](https://nanahood.com/shrimp-bowtie-in-vodka-sauce) - We tend to have our favorite go-to recipes when it comes to shrimp pasta at our house. However, I'd recently been experimenting with a delicious vodka sauce and thought we should give it a taste with seafood. If the fact that there were no leftovers tells you anything, then you'll definitely want to try this
- [Secrets That Happen at Nana's House-Stay at Nana's House](https://nanahood.com/secrets-that-happen-at-nanas-house-stay-at-nanas-house) - Secrets that happen at Nana's house It's fall break and the grandchildren are out of school. I was at their house by 8 this morning and two out of the three that are my daughter's and son-in-laws, were mine for the day. And what a day it was! So much fun and yes, we have
- [Blueberry Lemon Cupcakes](https://nanahood.com/blueberry-lemon-cupcakes) - Get ready to taste the best blueberry lemon cupcakes you've ever had! Not only are they full of tangy flavor, they're incredibly moist and blueberries have great health benefits (because I know you're worried about all this sugar)! This tasty cupcake recipe is easy to make and you can choose to make the buttercream frosting
- [Suddenly Summer Is Over and Fall Is Here](https://nanahood.com/suddenly-summer-is-over-and-fall-is-here) - As I write this I'm sitting on the back porch listening to the birds. A gentle breeze of cool air touches my cheeks and I notice the leaves on the burning bushes outside my porch windows are turning red. Not everyone lives in a place where they experience the change of seasons and I'm sure
- [Chicken Veggie Feta  Dish](https://nanahood.com/chicken-veggie-feta-dish) - Normally I'm a feta-on-salad- kind of gal, but I'd been hearing friends talk about how delicious it is when it's baked. I couldn't quite envision it, so of course I had to do my own experiment! Afterall, I love anything with cheese, so regardless of the outcome, it was sure to get eaten. With a
- [Shrimp Linguini in a Light Cream Sauce](https://nanahood.com/shrimp-linguini-in-a-light-cream-sauce) - We've been craving a lot of Italian food in our home lately. I'm not sure what it is, but we can't seem to get enough of it! While Chicken Parmesan is usually our go-to, I was in the mood to play around with shrimp recipes this week. While it's still quite hot here in Texas,
- [Three Reasons To Love BZEES Great Shoes!](https://nanahood.com/three-reasons-to-love-bzees-great-shoes) - Disclaimer-I was gifted a pair of shoes in exchange for this post but all thoughts and comments are my own! There are so many reasons to love BZEES but I'm just going to tell you my top 3 reasons today. If you have never heard of the BZEES brand then read my first post about
- [Fantastic Back To School Gifts To Spark Your Grandchild's Enthusiasm](https://nanahood.com/fantastic-back-to-school-gifts-to-spark-your-grandchilds-enthusiasm) - Back to School Gifts (Disclaimer- I'm an Amazon Affiliate and I do receive a very small commission if you purchase any of the items on my list) Even if you don't live close to your grandchildren you know that when it's time to go back to school there is excitement in the air! Those little
- [Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup](https://nanahood.com/creamy-tomato-tortellini-soup) - While we are still near triple digit temps in my area, my stomach is screaming for fall soup recipes! I love whipping up new soup recipes on drizzly days. There's just something about the dark clouds, cool wind, and piping hot broth that makes it more enjoyable. So, in honor of the looming clouds, light
- [White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies](https://nanahood.com/white-chocolate-macadamia-nut-cookies) - With summer approaching and frantically trying to pull together a tropical vacation in my spare time (enter audience laughter here), images of Hawaii have stirred my cravings for macadamia nuts. I remember eating them all the time as a kid. My mom would fly home to visit family and bring back cans of macadamia nuts.
- [Read Any Good Books Lately? Here's a great one for you!](https://nanahood.com/read-any-good-books-lately-heres-a-great-one-for-you) - "The Things We Cannot Say" by Kelly Rimmer-A Book Review I love discovering new books and authors I have never read before. If I find a book I love have been known to read all the books that author has written before I take on a different one. When I was a child I loved
- [Omelette Cups for Everyone's Taste Buds!](https://nanahood.com/omelette-cups) - Omelette cups are a great way to serve lots of snacks and meals. From 2-ingredient mini chicken pot pies to breakfast quiche cups, the possibilities are endless. Baking snacks and small meals with pie crust adds a light, buttery flavor and a fun way to present your dish. When you have a few kiddos with
- [Easy Egg & Biscuit Bake Recipe](https://nanahood.com/easy-egg-biscuit-bake-recipe) - With the kids and grandkids back in school, I know all of you have your hands full in the morning. This delicious and easy to make egg bake will make breakfast simple for you. It's completely customizable to your kiddos' preferences, you can toss it in the oven while you continue to multi-task, or it
- [Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin](https://nanahood.com/bacon-wrapped-pork-tenderloin) - In this household, bacon and cheese make everything better! That includes a tender pork tenderloin made in an air fryer for no-fuss cooking. If you're craving a juicy pork meal this week, you'll love this bacon wrapped pork tenderloin recipe stuffed with cheese and herbs. Here's What You'll Need: Ingredients: 1 pork tenderloin1 tbsp garlic,
- [Exciting Soap Operas and Game Shows Entertained My Grandmother](https://nanahood.com/grandma-soap-operas-and-game-shows) - Soap Operas and Game Shows My grandmother loved her soap operas (stories is what she called them) and game shows. The Young and Restless. The Guiding Light. As the World Turns. The Edge of Night. Wheel of Fortune. Those are the ones I remember her watching the most. For those of you who are too
- [Crawfish Dynamite Sushi Recipe](https://nanahood.com/crawfish-dynamite-sushi-recipe) - If you're in the mood for a tasty recipe with a spicy kick, I have a fun one for you to try this week! You don't have to be a sushi chef to make your own rolls at home. A little patience and a sense of humor will do! The best part is, you can
- [10 Important Things Grandparents Want Parents to Know](https://nanahood.com/10-important-things-grandparents-want-parents-to-know) - 10 Important Things Grandparents want parents to know I've been "Nana" now for 16 years. Because of NanaHood and all the research I've done for books with other grandparents, I wanted to share 10 things grandparents want parents to know. I could share 100 but 10 is probably a much more reasonable number. I got
- [You Can Be Strong When That's Your Only Choice](https://nanahood.com/you-can-be-strong-when-thats-your-only-choice) - You Can be Strong A good friend of mine just lost her mother. I lost mine 31 years ago and my dad 26 years ago. It's hard. If you were as close to your parents as I was to mine then when they are gone you feel like an orphan no matter how old you
- [Be Organized this School Year with Great Organizational Tools](https://nanahood.com/be-organized-this-school-year-with-great-organizational-tools) - Be organized this school year Who else wishes they were more organized? I can do a lot of things but being organized is not in my top ten (maybe not top 50) attributes. Maybe that's why when my daughter (who is organized) bought a piece of unassembled furniture and put it together herself (something else
- [Cheese Stuffed Garlic Biscuits That Will Melt  In Your Mouth](https://nanahood.com/cheese-stuffed-garlic-biscuits) - Cheese Stuffed Garlic Biscuits If you're a bread lover of any kind, you'll love this cheese stuffed garlic biscuit recipe. While different biscuit choices will rise to various degrees, you'll still get an incredible result no matter which dough you choose. The gooey cheese and warm buttery flavors pair well with any meal. Or, if
- [Easy Funnel Cake Recipe](https://nanahood.com/easy-funnel-cake-recipe) - I've been dying to share a quick and easy funnel cake recipe, but quite honestly, there are never any left ifor photos! The moment I start the process, the house fills with the sweet aromas of funnel cake ingredients and the kids know what's coming. They are gobbled up so quickly! With an endless choice
- [Need a Great Thriller to Read-"Falling" by T J Newman](https://nanahood.com/need-a-great-thriller-to-read-falling-by-t-j-newman) - A Great Thriller What makes a great thriller? Readers need to identify with the characters. There needs to be lots of action and plot twists. I also like it when I don't know what's going to happen next. I've read so many mysteries and thrillers that many times I can figure out what's going to
- [Frugal Fashion Finds for Your Family](https://nanahood.com/frugal-fashion-finds-for-your-family) - Frugal Fashion Finds By Melinda Campbell of Sink Talk This week, I thought I would take a little different tilt and talk about back to school shopping. I know a lot of parents who stress over the financial side of prepping their growing children for the start of school. If anyone understands growing children, it’s
- [Grandmothers Then and Now](https://nanahood.com/grandmothers-then-and-now) - Grandmothers Then and Now For years my grandmother cooked on a wood stove....year round Now I complain it's too hot too cook and pick up carry out pizza My grandmother raised a garden, hoed it, fertilized it, picked the vegetables and dug the potatoes....then she canned for the winter months and stored the food in
- [Instant Pot Kahlua Pork Recipe](https://nanahood.com/instant-pot-kahlua-pork-recipe) - One of my favorite Hawaiian dishes growing up was mom's Kahlua Pork. The smoky flavors of tender shredded pork over steamed rice was always popular in our house. Fast forward years later, and my sister and I are still cooking the dish for our own families. With a little tweaking, we've come up with a
- [Try This Scrumptious Bacon Wrapped Chicken for Supper](https://nanahood.com/tender-air-fryer-bacon-wrapped-chicken) - Bacon Wrapped Chicken Whether you're searching for a great appetizer, a filling after school snack, or a quick and easy dinner, you'll love how simple this chicken recipe is! With little preparation needed, you'll be feasting on flavorful bacon wrapped chicken with little clean up to deal with! Here's What You'll Need: Ingredients: 1 lb
- [Delicious and Easy To Whip Up Taco Dip Recipe](https://nanahood.com/warm-taco-dip) - Taco Dip Recipe I'm a big fan of 7-layer bean dips or any variation of a taco dip. But I LOVE any dip that loads me up on warm, gooey cheese! If you're like me, or just need a tasty dip to whip up as a snack or appetizer, you'll love this warm taco dip
- [Why Grandparents Are Extremely Important People in Their Grandchild's Life](https://nanahood.com/why-grandparents-are-extremely-important-people-in-their-grandchilds-life) - Grandparents are Extremely Important People Research from the University of Oxford proves what many of us already knew. The study said, "A high level of grandparental involvement in creases the well-being of children. A study of more than 1,500 children showed that those with a high level of grandparental involvement had fewer emotional and behavioral
- [Grandparents Are Examples for Grandchildren-Be A Great One](https://nanahood.com/grandparents-are-examples-to-their-grandchildren-aspire-to-be-a-good-one) - Grandparents Are Examples I remember a time when I didn't know what it was like to not have your parents watching out for you. A time when all my friends were young and healthy and our biggest problem was what we were going to wear Saturday night, or who we would see while we were
- [Delicious Italian Sausage Tortellini to Spice Up Meal Time](https://nanahood.com/italian-sausage-tortellini-medley) - Italian Sausage Tortellini We all have our favorite go-to dishes, whether it's cooking at home or ordering at a restaurant. And if you have kiddos and grand kiddos, you know what I mean when I say the same meal can get a little boring after a while. While one of my son's favorite is the
- [Choose The Best People You Know To Be Your Best Friends](https://nanahood.com/choose-the-best-people-you-know-to-be-your-best-friends) - The Best People You Know Dear Grandchildren, It's been awhile since I have written to you. Time has a way of slipping through your fingers like sand. Poppa is home now and working hard to get his strength back. I spend a lot of time driving him to rehab and doctor's appointments. Then the blueberries
- [Fresh Green Beans Cooked in a Cast Iron Skillet](https://nanahood.com/fresh-green-beans-cooked-in-a-cast-iron-skillet) - Fresh Green Beans This story starts with fresh green beans from our local farmers market and my grandmother's cast iron skillet. My mom and grandma were great cooks and they cooked a lot of green beans in their life time but always in a pressure cooker. I loved them and ate my fair share but
- [The Amazing Woman Who Built Me](https://nanahood.com/the-amazing-woman-who-built-me-a-mothers-day-tribute) - The Amazing Woman Who Built Me Shirley Layne DeMumbrum I wish I could have known my mother as a young girl. I'm pretty sure we would have been friends. She was the middle child, sandwiched in between two brothers. Her father was a farmer and her mother was a homemaker and caregiver for her mother-in-law.
- [Getting the Covid Vaccination and Scary Monsters](https://nanahood.com/getting-the-covid-vaccination-and-scary-monsters) - Covid Vaccination When I was young my biggest worries were things I now see were foolish like "Who would I go with to Prom" (ours was called Junior/Senior banquet) or "Would I get to go to the Boogie (old folks name for a dance) on Saturday night?" When you are 16 life looks a whole
- [Tasty Hawaiian Macaroni Salad Recipe](https://nanahood.com/tasty-hawaiian-macaroni-salad-recipe) - We celebrated a 1st birthday this week with a luau theme, complete with Hawaiian family recipes! The favorite by far was the Hawaiian Macaroni Salad.... or perhaps it was just the heat that drew everyone to it! Either way, side dishes are always a great way to compliment the meal you're making. Sometimes I get
- [Pandemic Pounds and How to Disguise Them](https://nanahood.com/pandemic-weight-gain-and-what-to-do-about-it) - Pandemic Pounds and How to Disguise them Today I went to an outdoor event. I wore black pants with a white top, a scarf and a black sweater. What's the big deal about that? Nothing if it were December... but It's July. It's 100 degrees outside. I think I melted like the bad witch in
- [Ellijay and Blue Ridge Are Great Getaways for Families](https://nanahood.com/ellijay-and-blue-ridge-are-great-getaways-for-families) - Ellijay and Blue Ridge Georgia A few weekends ago we had our annual girls trip and we went to Ellijay, Georgia. Why did we choose Ellijay? Because my friend has a cabin there and she had redecorated and wanted to show it to us. Her cabin was adorable and we had a wonderful time. We
- [A Trip To Kentucky Down Under With The Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/a-trip-to-kentucky-down-under-with-the-grandchildren) - A trip to Kentucky Down Under Maybe it wasn't the best day for an outside adventure weather wise (high 90's with high humidity) but we went to Kentucky Down Under anyway. There were 7 of us. My son and his three girls (Abby's 15 so she was such a big help) and then we took
- [No-Fuss Sweet Roll Breakfast Scramble Minis](https://nanahood.com/no-fuss-sweet-roll-breakfast-scramble-minis) - Sometimes you just get a little tired of whipping up the same breakfast almost every morning. While the kids and grandkids may seem to prefer it, there's no harm in tossing in a little variation now and then, right? Now, if yours are picky eaters, slow, subtle changes may be in order, but how many
- [Four Fantastic Atlanta Destinations to Visit With Your Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/four-fantastic-atlanta-destinations) - Four Fantastic Atlanta Destinations to Visit With Your Grandchildren If you had just 4 days to spend in Atlanta with your grandchildren or children what would you do? We recently took our granddaughter and even though I lived there many years ago, I wasn't sure what she would enjoy doing. I still have friends who
- [When You Can Feel the Love of a Community](https://nanahood.com/when-you-can-feel-the-love-of-a-community) - The Love of a Community If you know me then you know that I can cry at the drop of a hat. I get goosebumps and tear up when someone sings the National Anthem (providing they sing on key) or Amazing Grace. I once sobbed so loud during a movie that my daughter got up
- [Daddy's Little Girls Grow Up to be Daddy's Biggest Fan](https://nanahood.com/daddys-little-girls-grow-up-to-be-daddys-biggest-fan) - Daddy's Little Girls We were blessed with four sons and one daughter. Our sons all have great relationships with their dad but just for now I want to focus on the importance of a father/daughter relationship. I've always known that our daughter, Rachel, was close to her dad but it wasn't until Bill got Covid
- [Easy and Delicious Marinade for Grilling Summer Vegetables](https://nanahood.com/easy-and-delicious-marinade) - Easy and Delicious Marinade My Aunt Kate is cool. She's fun to hang out with for many reasons. She got all the Martha Stewart genes that I didn't. She and I took a road trip to visit a family member who isn't feeling well and Kate has been a blur of activity. She cooks. She
- [Tres Leches Cake Recipe](https://nanahood.com/tres-leches-cake-recipe) - Our sweet tooth has returned now that summer vacation is in full swing here. This week, my daughter wanted to try a tres leches cake. While the kids have had it before, they were pretty young and couldn't remember the delicious sweet flavors a tres leches cake offers. While I am the first to admit
- [Reflections From the Kitchen Sink: Sometimes I just Want to Be Mom](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-sometimes-i-just-want-to-be-mom) - I remember the first time I was told that I was now Mom and Dad to my kids and how that knocked the wind out of me. I’m not Mom and Dad, I thought. I’m just Mom. I can’t and don’t want to try to be two people. It was truly an innocent statement the
- [Baked Garlic Chicken Thighs & Veggies](https://nanahood.com/baked-garlic-chicken-thighs-veggies) - In an effort to eat healthier, I've been adding a lot more vegetables to our meals lately. It's not too surprising they don't get as many cheers as I'd hoped. Bt it's an effort and a process, right? With this tasty garlic baked chicken thigh recipe, I loaded up on the veggie seasoning for extra
- [No More Nightly News for Me](https://nanahood.com/nightly-news) - Nightly News I majored in history and I believe it's important for our children and grandchildren to know about their country, their state and their communities. But....the last six months or so I haven't been able to make myself watch the news. Children being killed or molested. Manhunts in Savannah, Chicago, Austin after weekend shooting
- [Bacon Wrapped Steak Bites](https://nanahood.com/bacon-wrapped-steak-bites) - Just the mention of bacon or steak makes my mouth water. Putting them together for delicious bacon wrapped steak bites is even better! Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a light meal, these bacon wrapped steak bites are perfect for any occasion. They are so tender and flavorful so don't be surprised when
- [Always Remember Mom is here for you](https://nanahood.com/always-remember-mom-is-here-for-you) - Always remember mom is here... By Melinda Campbell...Kitchen Sink Columnist and single mom of 2. This is one of my efforts to remind the boys I’m in their corners. There’s one of me and two of them, so I use whatever means possible. Lately, I have felt like my parenting feet were in cement. I
- [Bellview Family Farm Animals and a Bell](https://nanahood.com/bellview-family-farm-animals-and-a-bell) - Bellview Family Farm Circumstances beyond our control have prevented us from opening to the public...yet. Since we are now back home and able to pursue our dream again, I thought I would give you an update. What we want the farm to be... A place for family reunions, kids birthday parties, weddings, VBS events and
- [What Do You See From Your Perspective?](https://nanahood.com/what-do-you-see-from-your-perspective) - Your Perspective Today I was cleaning out my car. The grand littles had been in it and there was an assortment of cups, glasses, socks, shoes, and toys. I was carrying one of the glasses along with an arm load of toys and the glass slid out of my hand and shattered. I went inside
- [The Great Blessings of Growing Up In Rural Kentucky](https://nanahood.com/the-great-blessings-of-growing-up-in-rural-kentucky) - Great Blessings I don't know this young man but I read his post on Facebook and I just had to share it with you. By Cory Lee It’s no secret I grew up in rural Kentucky. I grew up playing sports, shooting guns, and driving four-wheelers. Every Sunday, I attended a Southern Baptist church. Kentucky
- [Fun Blue Shoes and a Bright Blue Dress](https://nanahood.com/fun-blue-shoes-and-a-bright-blue-dress) - It has been a day and a half already, but I remembered it was Frugal Fashion Friday when I pulled out these fun ruffled slides to add some zip to this simple sundress for a dinner I’m attending in a bit. I usually don’t have a lot of luck ordering online, but from time to
- [Big Mistakes and Powerful Mercy from Above](https://nanahood.com/big-mistakes-and-powerful-mercy-from-above) - Big Mistakes It would be hard to guess how many doctors, interns and fellows I met while Bill was in the hospital. There were so many that most of the time I didn't even try to remember their names. Just when I thought I had memorized their faces a new one would pop in, so
- [5 Tips for Bonding With Your Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/5-tips-for-bonding-with-your-grandchildren) - Disclaimer-This is a sponsored post but all thoughts and opinions are my own. 5 Tips for Bonding With Your Grandchildren As a grandparent, your most important duties include hugging, loving, and supporting your grandkids. Besides providing these fundamental needs, there are many more ways you can encourage your grandchildren’s healthy development. For one, you’re a
- [5 Activities to Do With Your Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/5-activities-to-do-with-your-grandchildren) - (Disclaimer-This is a sponsored post but all thoughts and opinions are my own.) 5 Activities to Do With Your Grandchildren Whether it’s safety, education, or good manners, moms and dads always have a lot on their minds. As a proud grandma or grandpa, however, your outlook is a little different. A grandparent’s chief job is
- [The Best Subscription Box for Your Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/the-best-subscription-box-for-your-grandchildren) - Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post but all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. The Best Subscription Box! Literati Kids is not just another subscription box. Inside each and every box your child or grandchild receives 5 expertly curated age appropriate books, personalized book-cessories, and original art! Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? Just wait until
- [Kitty Adventures - A New Family Member](https://nanahood.com/kitty-adventures-a-new-family-member) - So, I hear we have a lot of cat lovers at NanaHood! We've always been tiny dog lovers, but a rescue kitten has moved in. It has been a challenging 6 days but full of fun and adorable moments as well. While it is more than we expected, we are doing our best to figure
- [13 Amazing Things My Grandmother's Life Taught Me](https://nanahood.com/13-amazing-things-my-grandmothers-life-taught-me) - My Grandmother's Life I come from a family of teachers but my grandmother wasn't one of them. At least not if you mean college educated, classroom teacher. But she was a master teacher of life lessons and she taught with such humility. My Grandmother's life taught me.... Humility is a good thing. There are so
- [The Importance of Staying In Touch](https://nanahood.com/the-importance-of-staying-in-touch) - This is a sponsored post but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Covid has changed our lives dramatically over the last year. Whether you lost a job, struggled with quarantine, or caught covid yourself, the pandemic has touched everyone’s life in many ways. The pandemic has also brought everyone perspective about the things that
- [When Baby Birds Spread Their Tiny Wings and Fly](https://nanahood.com/when-baby-birds-spread-their-tiny-wings-and-fly) - When baby birds spread their tiny wings and fly It was the end of March. We had a pleasant day, and I got to scurrying around a bit trying to tidy my outdoor living space. If you follow me around for long, you will find I have a few peaceful spots here, and depending on
- [Spring Fashion Finds You Will Love](https://nanahood.com/frugal-friday-fashion-finds) - by Melinda Campbell-Reflections from the Kitchen Sink Frugal Friday Fashion Finds So if you saw my prom blast of pics last weekend, you saw this outfit. Some peeps commented and asked about it, so we will loop it through as this week’s Frugal Fashion Friday! ...and buckle up...it’s a good one! I’m not sure what
- [5 Valuable Things Your Mother Doesn't Want You to Forget](https://nanahood.com/5-valuable-things-your-mother-doesnt-want-you-to-forget) - 5 Valuable Things Your Mother Doesn't Want You to Forget I was rummaging around in an old trunk and found a photo of my mother. It was one she had given to her aunt so she had signed it. I stood there staring at the old photo and her familiar handwriting with tears streaming down
- [Stuffed Pasta Shell Recipe](https://nanahood.com/stuffed-pasta-shell-recipe) - Stuffed pasta shells make a great meal option, especially if you're trying to satisfy different taste buds. They are so easy to throw together and your meal can be ready in under thirty minutes! This week, I made a combination of ground beef shells and cheese shells but highly recommend trying stuffed veggie shells too!
- [How It Feels When One Child Is Absent](https://nanahood.com/how-it-feels-when-one-child-is-absent) - How it Feels When One Child is Absent-A Reminder From My Friend A few weeks ago I was at an event when I ran into a good friend. I used to see her often but they bought a second home and she's there most of the time. I miss her. I watched her children grow
- [What I Learned About Life in the Last 60 Years](https://nanahood.com/what-i-learned-about-life-in-the-last-60-years) - What I learned about life in the last 60 years Today I was driving my husband to rehab and it was raining. The road we were on is a typical country road; curvy and narrow. I was going about 55 mph, which is the speed limit. Just as I got to a curve a red
- [Teriyaki Chicken Bowl](https://nanahood.com/teriyaki-chicken-bowl) - If you're looking for a delicious, easy to make chicken recipe, there's nothing tastier than a teriyaki chicken bowl. While you can certainly simplify this recipe by using your favorite teriyaki sauce, I highly recommend trying this simple blend. If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, the teriyaki marinade is almost better the second day!
- [When Your Grandchildren Are Far Away](https://nanahood.com/when-your-grandchildren-are-far-away) - When Your Grandchildren Are Far Away I have always known that I was blessed to have all my grandchildren living close to me. I know grandmothers whose grandchildren are spread out all across the United States and a few who have grands in other countries. I've talked to them enough to know that it easy
- [Shrimp Pad See Ew (A Thai Noodle Dish)](https://nanahood.com/shrimp-pad-see-ew-a-thai-noodle-dish) - The other day, I realized I still had some prawns in the freezer that hadn't been devoured yet. The kids weren't in the mood for ur usual go-to seafood dinners, so I decided to indulge in a dish just for myself. I've always loved Pad See Ew, a Thai noodle dish, but rarely make it
- [When Nana Misses being "The Mom"](https://nanahood.com/when-nana-misses-being-the-mom) - The Mom My mother died way too young, she was only 51. She didn't get to be a grandmother very long and she only got to meet the first three grandchildren. I often think about how much she would have loved my twins and my brother's 3 handsome sons. Colon cancer kept her from spoiling
- [The Year Christmas Didn't Come](https://nanahood.com/the-year-christmas-didnt-come) - The Year Christmas Didn't Come was a hard one. All through Bill's sickness and 3 month hospital stay I envisioned us coming home and having Christmas together. I left the tree up, still decorated and the presents beneath it. Of course, I had no way of knowing it would be April before we came home.
- [Ways You Can Save Money While Decorating](https://nanahood.com/ways-you-can-save-money-while-decorating) - Ways You Can Save Money While Decorating By Melinda Campbell-Reflections from the Kitchen Sink I literally am always on the lookout for money-saving moments. As a solo mom on a fixed budget, I have to, but it has always been my nature to penny-pinch...that’s good stewardship and a good quality, I think. When we bought
- [Instant Pot Chicken Wings](https://nanahood.com/instant-pot-chicken-wings) - Who doesn't love a plate of wings? They are the perfect go-to appetizer or snack for any occasion. My favorite way to make chicken wings is in my instant pot because of the ease and quick cook time it provides. Not to mention, I can also air fry them for a few minutes and they
- [2-Ingredient Mini Chicken Pot Pies](https://nanahood.com/2-ingredient-mini-chicken-pot-pies) - Yes, you read that right! Two ingredients are all you need for a great snack or appetizer, especially when you're pressed for time. While I do love to make the full recipe, we can all use a few quick and easy recipes to fall back on! These tasty little guys are easy to prepare and
- [Autism Awareness Takes More Than “Awareness”](https://nanahood.com/autism-awareness-takes-more-than-awareness) - Autism. It's the undeniable - though oftentimes invisible - issue a lot of folks are programmed with. It isn't something that manifests itself like chicken pox in full breakout or a broken leg casted from ankle to hip. Some people struggle with that. It’s pretty cliche, but if I had a nickel for every time
- [Fluffy Colored Cloud Egg Recipe](https://nanahood.com/fluffy-colored-cloud-egg-recipe) - Cloud eggs are so fun and easy to make. It's a great way to get the little ones to eat a healthy breakfast too. With Easter a few days away, I thought it'd be fun to add a little splash of color this time! If you plan to dye Easter eggs this weekend, whip up
- [SAFY (SPECIALIZED ALTERNATIVES FOR FAMILIES & YOUTH)](https://nanahood.com/safy-specialized-alternatives-for-families-youth) - (Disclaimer: This post is brought to you by SAFY but as always opinions are my own.) Specialized Alternatives for Families & Youth (SAFY) Imagine you are a child and in the middle of the night and someone wakes you and tells you that you have to leave. A person referred to as a social worker
- [Sweet Italian Sausage & Kale Pasta](https://nanahood.com/sweet-italian-sausage-kale-pasta) - I was browsing through soup recipes the other day when Texas was having another "is it spring or is it winter" spell. Soup sounded so good and I came across a sweet Italian sausage recipe that intrigued me. Fast forward a couple days and it's warm and sunny again. That's Texas for you! So instead,
- [My Sink Time Morning Routine: How I Find Some Balance](https://nanahood.com/my-spot-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - This is my view (give or take the tea cup) in the morning. It has been for 2,268 days or so, but who’s counting? Melinda Campbell – All Reflections from the Kitchen Sink posts are written by Melinda Campbell. Melinda is a retired educator who currently focuses her efforts on raising her two teenaged boys,
- [When People Pray...God Answers](https://nanahood.com/when-people-pray-god-answers) - When People Pray and God Answers As parents and grandparents we know that we can't say "yes" to our children and grandchildren every time they ask for something. It's the same way with God. He always answers and sometimes He says "yes," sometimes "no," and sometimes "not yet." The love and support we have had
- [Frugal Fashion Finds:](https://nanahood.com/frugal-fashion-finds-2) - It’s Frugal Fashion Friday! Fashion certainly isn’t dictated by name brands, but quality typically comes with higher price tags—well, at least retail price tags. You know me, I will drop that dime if needed, but if I can swoop up a bargain, that’s more my speed. My favorite part of this ensemble is the shoes
- [Buttery Bread Rolls](https://nanahood.com/buttery-bread-rolls) - If you even begin to mention bread in our household the answer is always yes! I think my kids inherited the belief that bread is not only its own food group, but a breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack all on its own. I wish I were joking, but we are serious bread lovers. I try
- [Call Me When You Get There](https://nanahood.com/call-me-when-you-get-there) - Call me when you get there When I was a teenager and young adult we didn’t have cell phones. I loved going places with my friends. During college we took spring break trips to Florida and then later after I married Bill, we traveled with our young children. I never, ever went anywhere that my
- [Cliché or Not, Spring Brings Renewal - Reflections From the Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/cliche-or-not-spring-brings-renewal-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - I should have taken a before pic. Here in Kentucky, we’ve had a little break from the cold winter, and on this day three of 70ish temps, I felt the urge to clean out my flower pots. Much to my surprise, one of the pots had multiple sprouts popping up, and, you know me, my
- [Blueberry Banana Bread Muffins](https://nanahood.com/blueberry-banana-bread-muffins) - It seems our household is on a blueberry kick this month! We're tossing them into everything we make after the last blueberry pancake pastry pan was devoured. As long as they kids are enjoying them, they don't really need to know just how healthy these little guys are, right? So, if you're looking for a
- [Five Fun Activities for Seniors and Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/five-fun-activities-for-seniors-and-grandchildren) - Five Fun Activities Few things in life are as joyous as spending time with your grandchildren. You love being able to hold them when they are only infants and watching them grow up. Now they’re at the age where you can spend quality time with them and begin to build a relationship that will carry
- [Cryo Offers Effective Nonsurgical Face & Body “Lift” Options](https://nanahood.com/cryo-offers-effective-nonsurgical-face-body-lift) - Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post, but all the opinions and thoughts are strictly my own. By Melinda Campbell (of Reflections From the Kitchen Sink) You read about my first Cryo visit. Here’s the rest of the story. I guess it was just that time. Gravity was taking its toll. I saw it and wasn’t happy. For
- [#PrayBillHome Update](https://nanahood.com/praybillhome-update) - An Update From Teresa Bill continues to make progress. Still isn’t allowed to eat food or drink water, but can have ice chips and popsicles smushed into small amounts. Friends, I wish you could have witnessed his first taste of a popsicle. You would have thought he was having prime rib. Sometimes I forget the
- [Blueberry Pancake Pastry Recipe](https://nanahood.com/blueberry-pancake-pastry-recipe) - I know how much we all love blueberries here at NanaHood, so as I started to make this tasty pancake pastry recipe with my usual strawberry filling, I decided to switch it up a bit. This is a great recipe for breakfast, brunch, or snack. It's light, fluffy, sweet, and fast! Here's What You'll Need:
- [Frugal Fashion Finds: Style & Co. Jacket - Reflections From the Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/frugal-fashion-finds-style-co-jacket-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - This week’s focus product for Frugal Fashion Friday is this jazzy Style&Co. jacket. Jacket Details This jacket’s flair is so much fun! (Check out the zoomed pic to the side.) It has a satiny feel to add some perk to the lush animal like print design. There’s a leather belt at the waist and concealed
- [Reflections From the Kitchen Sink: A Reminder to Sit Down](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-a-reminder-to-sit-down) - Sometimes you need to just sit. Sit and process stuff. Some stuff is good. Some stuff is the opposite. Life doesn’t deal a good ratio of the good to not good quite often, and the scales can shift quickly. What might look like little stuff to some can be really big stuff to others. It’s
- [Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe](https://nanahood.com/sweet-sour-chicken-recipe) - This week we decided it'd be a great idea to re-introduce a recipe from Nanahood that has been loved by many for years! Teresa made the dish from a friend's recipe and shared it here back in 2018. While I made a few minor tweaks in my version, you can find the original Easy Sweet
- [Where Has Our Respect for Others Gone? - Reflections From the Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/where-has-our-respect-for-others-gone-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - Early in my career, I was offered a university assistant coaching job, and during the contract negotiations, the head coach came down to meet with me. There was a high school summer camp going on at the time, so Coach and I went to watch a couple prospective recruits. Since we were on my turf,
- [#PrayBillhome](https://nanahood.com/praybillhome) - #prayBillhome I've been staying with my husband at the hospital while he recovers from COVID. It's been a long hard fight but he is finally making progress. When Bill first became ill and was placed on a ventilator I asked friends, family and everyone I knew to help me #prayBillhome. The longer we were in
- [Frugal Fashion Finds: Dressy Casual- Reflections From the Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/frugal-fashion-finds-dressy-casual-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - It’s Frugal Fashion Friday time! It isn’t often these days I have a chance to wear something dressy casual, so it was pretty exciting to head to a church singing last weekend. A simple skirt and sweater fit the bill just fine. The separates have different styling flairs, but you know I don’t mind throwing
- [No-Fuss Pot Roast Recipe](https://nanahood.com/no-fuss-pot-roast-recipe) - This week seems to be flying by quicker than usual and I find myself missing my usual dinner preparation window. A lot! Thankfully, my instant pot saves me tons of time and fuss when it comes to meals. Last night, we were in the mood for something hearty and piping hot, so I pulled out
- [Frugal Fashion Finds - Reflections From the Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/frugal-fashion-finds-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-2) - It’s Frugal Fashion Friday!! Shirts with a Great Message Sometimes you just need a comfy, great message shirt. One of my favorite faces from back in my teaching days has started a company with her super cool hubby, so this shirt has some extra meaning for me as it can be my walk down memory
- [Red Velvet Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe](https://nanahood.com/red-velvet-double-chocolate-chip-cookie-recipe) - Can you believe Valentine's Day is just around the corner? February snuck up on me without notice. It's the month I love to bake with colors of Valentine's, no matter how grown up my kids get. One of my favorite recipes is red velvet cookies with white and milk chocolate chips. It's a delicious combination
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink: A Look Inside Fibromyalgia](https://nanahood.com/fibromyalgia-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - They say pictures can be deceiving, and in the land of invisible illnesses that is indeed the case. Fibromyalgia is one of those maladies. I hate to admit it, but many days, fibro controls my activities. I was diagnosed in 1996, so I’ve been running this race for a while now. This pic is my
- [If You're Happy and You Know It](https://nanahood.com/if-youre-happy-and-you-know-it) - I haven't been writing regularly here at NanaHood, there is a very good reason. On December 9th my husband was diagnosed with Covid. I had it, too, but my symptoms were mild. His were not. I took him to the hospital on December 21 and didn't see him again for 22 days. On December 26th
- [FRUGAL FASHION FINDS (Habitat Jacket and More)-REFLECTIONS FROM THE KITCHEN SINK](https://nanahood.com/frugal-fashion-finds-habitat-jacket-and-more-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - It’s Frugal Fashion Friday! I’ve got to tell you, I was freezing when I took the photo yesterday afternoon. It looks like I needed to go to the bathroom, but I promise I was just cold Stylish Habitat Jacket & More! This week, I’ve mixed and mingled fabrics and styles and come up with this
- [Spinach and Tomato Mac and Cheese Recipe](https://nanahood.com/spinach-and-tomato-mac-and-cheese-recipe) - Sometimes making mac and cheese for the kids over and over can get a little boring. Can you relate? We've recently switched to trying white mac and cheese recipes and loving the change. While the kids still prefer their mac and cheese plain, I started tossing in different ingredients into leftovers as a snack for
- [Frugal Fashion Finds - Reflections From the Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/frugal-fashion-finds-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - It’s the return of Frugal Fashion Friday!! This week’s focus piece is this Mackage asymmetric belted trench coat with leather trim on the pockets and sleeves. I love every detail of this coat, but I was thrilled when I tried it on and the sleeves were long enough! Another great feature is how lightweight the
- [Zesty Tomato Penne Pasta Recipe](https://nanahood.com/zesty-tomato-penne-pasta-recipe) - Chilly days always spark a craving for creamy pasta recipes in our house. I love this particular recipe because it is so simple to make and takes very little time. It's a fantastic pasta to make for kids and picky eaters too! Add or leave out ingredients and you still have a delicious creamy pasta
- [Shrimp and Vegetable Fettuccini Recipe](https://nanahood.com/shrimp-and-vegetable-fettuccini-recipe) - If you're looking for a delicious and easy to make pasta recipe for lunch or dinner, you're in luck. This shrimp and vegetable fettuccini recipe is incredibly flavorful and easy to customize to your liking. Sauté your favorite veggies, toss in your shrimp and pasta and your taste buds will be in heaven! Here's What
- [A Drunk Driver Killed My Husband in 2015](https://nanahood.com/a-drunk-driver-killed-my-husband-in-2015) - A Drunk Driver Killed My Husband By Melinda Campbell (Reflections from the Kitchen Sink) The trial date of the woman who murdered Michael was January 8, 2016, almost a year to the date the car she was driving while drunk hit his car head on. I purposely scroll quickly past some memories on Facebook a
- [Osteoporosis and Your Health....It Matters](https://nanahood.com/osteoporosis-and-your-health-it-matters) - Osteoporosis and Your Health....Why it matters If 2020 taught us anything, it's about the importance of prioritizing our health and safety. An amazing woman I met at a conference that I attended a couple of years ago told me about her mother. Her mother was a strong, vital woman.....until she fell and broke her hip.
- [Baked Potato Dippers](https://nanahood.com/baked-potato-dippers) - Over the summer, my daughter and I had a bit of an obsession with baked potatoes. We played around with various toppings so we never got bored eating the same baked potato. We decided to try our hand with the traditional potato wedge appetizer you see at many restaurants. I have to say, they are
- [A Smile...A Real Smile - Reflections from the Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/a-smile-a-real-smile-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - A Real Smile We had gone out to dinner with part of our bubble for Cam’s birthday, and I asked my friends to send me the pictures they took. The last photo I received from one of those folks was actually from a different night, but it quickly caught my attention. Obviously unstaged—I mean look
- [Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe](https://nanahood.com/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe) - With the kids on holiday break, I have a little extra "help" with recipe ideas. Lots of coaxing from my daughter to try yummy new foods she's finding online. Recently, she came across an adorable strawberry cake posted here on Tik Tok. I had been toying around trying to perfect a buttercream frosting so this
- [When Life goes Sideways-A letter to my Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/letter-to-my-grandchildren-about-when-life-goes-sideways) - When Life Goes Sideways Dearest Grand-littles, I was rolling along doing my pre-christmas jobs when life went sideways. One day I was working on my NanaHood Facebook page and it was acting kind of weird but by the next day, I had no control over it. 50,000 likes and followers and I couldn't message them
- [Christmas at Our House](https://nanahood.com/christmas-at-our-house) - My sister and I are only two and a half years apart and yet we now find ourselves in very different stages in our lives. Don't get me wrong, we laugh about it. But, as Christmas has grown closer, I've realized there may be things I may or may not have changed about Christmas at
- [Chocolate Cheesecake Thumbprint Recipe](https://nanahood.com/chocolate-cheesecake-thumbprint-recipe) - If you're looking for a a delicious cookie recipe with little hassle, this one may become your favorite. It's a simple twist on the classic thumbprint cookie which adds a bit more flavor and extra chewy goodness. With only a handful of ingredients needed, you can whip this recipe up with the kids nad grandkids
- [5 Ways to Comfort Someone Who Has Lost a Spouse](https://nanahood.com/5-ways-to-comfort-someone-who-has-lost-a-spouse) - by Melinda Campbell People die. The people left here move on in some form of that dreadful little phrase. The vast majority of those people do it in spite of losing another 75ish percent of the people who used to be in their life bubbles. (Yes, there’s research that calculated that.) If you add to
- [No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Mini Cheesecake Recipe](https://nanahood.com/no-bake-pumpkin-spice-mini-cheesecake-recipe) - With all the desserts I've been making lately, you knew there was going to be a pumpkin spice cheesecake, right? I added an extra step to include extra pumpkin spice for those of you who love it as much as I do. The best part is, it's a no-bake recipe so it's easy enough for
- [Want to Look Younger? Consider Cryotherapy](https://nanahood.com/want-to-look-younger-consider-cryotherapy) - Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post but all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. By Melinda Campbell (Reflections from the Kitchen Sink) Want to look younger? Not long ago, I posted a selfie when I was in grumpy mode one day, and when I saw what I will call “my saggy old lady face”
- [Grandma and Me in the Kitchen Having Fun!](https://nanahood.com/grandma-and-me-in-the-kitchen-having-fun) - Disclaimer-This post is sponsored but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Grandma and Me My grandmother spent a lot of time in the kitchen and she was a great cook. She was also the most patient person in the world and if any of the grandchildren wanted to help her, she let us. I
- [The Holy Land Delivered To Your Home (In a Box)](https://nanahood.com/the-holy-land-delivered-to-your-home-in-a-box) - Disclaimer-I was gifted this box to review but all thoughts and opinions are my own. The Holy Land Delivered by Artza Years ago my aunt went to Israel. I still remember her coming home with tons of photos and bubbling over with information. Her trip was the closest I've gotten to Israel until Artza What
- [Pro-Spin Sports Is So Much Fun!](https://nanahood.com/pro-spin-sports-is-so-much-fun) - #Disclaimer-I was compensated for this review but all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own! I know I just wrote about the Pro-Spin Ping Pong table but honestly friends, it's a blast! My adult children and grandchildren have been wearing it out and it still looks great! Pro-Spin Sports is providing next level table tennis
- [No-Bake Mini Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Recipe](https://nanahood.com/no-bake-mini-chocolate-chip-cheesecake-recipe) - It was mini cheesecake time again, and this time a prepared a couple variations of my mini chocolate chip cheesecake recipe to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth. Don't worry, the flavor variations were simple to do, so you'll have several options to choose from! Here's What You'll Need: Oreo Pie Crust: 20 Oreos, finely crushed4 Tbsps
- [Portable Ping Pong Set Giveaway-Your Family Would Love It!](https://nanahood.com/portable-ping-pong-set-giveaway-your-family-would-it) - Disclaimer: I received compensation for this post but all thoughts and opinions are my own! Portable Ping Pong Set Giveaway Let's face it, this year we've all spent a lot of time cooped up in the house. I know there are days when I've sat around feeling a tad bit sorry for myself. 2020 has
- [Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup](https://nanahood.com/italian-sausage-and-pasta-soup) - While it's scorching hot here in Texas, I just can't seem to get my mind off of soup. Here's a simple yet oh-so-savory Italian soup you can make in your instant pot or stove top. Here's What You'll Need: 1/2 lbs ground Italian sausage2 cups of pasta - I use campanelle for its unique look1-2
- [Emotionally Spent-Reflections From The Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/emotionally-spent-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - I was just emotionally spent I had attended a funeral visitation for a friend and mentor. Earlier in the day, I had cried more in one sitting than I had for a while. I had a thousand and two things running in my mind: the never-ending list of to do’s, what time the dog was taken out
- [Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites Recipe](https://nanahood.com/cinnamon-sugar-pretzel-bites-recipe) - Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites I spent some time watching videos with my daughter over the holiday break and a couple hilarious cooking videos inspired us to try pretzel bites. Watching he Try Guys - four men who will dare do ANYTHING, including baking bagels - made us think hey, we can do something like this!
- [Nothing Better Than Grandchildren Giggles](https://nanahood.com/nothing-better-than-grandchildren-giggles) - Grandchildren Giggles Disclaimer: I received compensation for this review but all thoughts and opinions are my own. What if I told you that you could give your grandchildren a box full of giggles this Christmas? My grand-littles love telling jokes and I love listening to them giggle. Every so often they call me with the
- [Open-Faced Chicken Enchilada Recipe](https://nanahood.com/open-faced-chicken-enchilada-recipe) - If you're searching for an easy and tasty chicken dish for dinner, you'll love this open-faced chicken enchilada recipe. With lots of zest, spiciness you can adjust to your liking, and piping hot cheese, don't be surprised if you don't have any leftovers! Here's What You'll Need: Ingredients: 2-3 cups of shredded chicken breast or
- [Mini Pumpkin Pies](https://nanahood.com/mini-pumpkin-pies) - Before October even came to a close, I was craving pumpkin pie. While not every one in the house shared my early cravings, I thought mini pumpkin pies would be perfect for satisfying my little cravings. So, if you're in the mood for pumpkin pie but not quite ready to make a whole pie that
- [Frugal Fashion Finds (Jeans)-Reflections from the Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/frugal-fashion-finds-jeans-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - Frugal Fashion Finds Let’s talk jeans this week. We all need that go-to pair, and this pair is mine. They fit when I’m not fluffy and when I am not—*cough, cough* COVID carbs! These came from Old Navy where I nabbed them on sale for less than $30. I don’t have lots of luck shopping
- [Soccer Games Weekend](https://nanahood.com/soccer-games-weekend) - Soccer Games Weekend What could be better than a beautiful sunny day and a grandchild's soccer game? Two grandchildren's soccer games, of course! Two of my grandchildren (siblings) played at the same time on fields that were side by side. Poppa and Nana took lawn chairs and wore face masks. This picture was not during
- [Pumpkin Spice Crepe Recipe: Perfect For Fall and Winter](https://nanahood.com/pumpkin-spice-crepe-recipe-perfect-for-fall-and-winter) - The crisp fall mornings tend to make me crave pumpkin spice EVERYTHING, and I'm willing to bet it's not just me. While I'm pretty sure I can't just sit around baking and snacking on pumpkin pies every day, I needed to create additional goodies to get my pumpkin spice fix. And just like that, my
- [What's In Your Attic? Reflections From The Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/whats-in-your-attic-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - What's in your attic? An attic can be a scary place...especially when kids are in charge of its organization. I’ve had four surgeries in the last five years. Going to the attic wasn’t on my to do list. Some of my favorite Christmas items were missing though, so I was determined to find them. Holy
- [Sam's Club Flu Shots...Easy and Convenient!](https://nanahood.com/sams-club-flu-shots-easy-and-convenient) - This shop has been compensated by Inmar Intelligence and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FluShotAtSamsClub? Sam's Club Offers Flu Shots http://cbi.as/a3t2g My husband and I are members of Sam's Club and we have shopped there for years. Buying groceries and supplies there helps us save money and in this day and time, who
- [Keeping Up With The Grandchildren...Wizard Watch](https://nanahood.com/keeping-up-with-the-grandchildren-wizard-watch) - Wizard Watch Disclaimer-I was compensated for this review but all thoughts and opinions are my own! When it comes to keeping up with the grandchildren sometimes a little help is required. Today there is technology available that can help protect and communicate with the grandchildren you adore. It's called a Wizard Watch and it's a
- [Frugal Fashion Finds](https://nanahood.com/frugal-fashion-finds) - By Melinda Campbell Way back before Covid, Teresa and I talked about some ideas that would be fun to add to our mix here on Nanahood.com. Both of us love bargains and love shopping local, so blending those ideas seemed fun. We really have gobs of cool concepts that we will continue to work on, but
- [Honoring Adoption - A Friend's Story](https://nanahood.com/honoring-adoption-a-friends-story) - By Teresa Branstetter Kimbel HONORING ADOPTION Momma went back to work in 1955 when I was one week old. With Daddy opening Bob’s Auto Supply that same year, both the business and I needed constant attention. So, momma chose wisely when she left me with the lady and her husband two doors up the street,
- [Drawing God-Children's Book Review](https://nanahood.com/drawing-god-childrens-book-review) - Drawing God Disclaimer-This is a sponsored post but all thoughts and opinions are my own. When it comes to gift giving and grandchildren there's nothing I like to give them more than a good book. It's one of those gifts that just keeps on giving. When my grandchildren like a book they will ask me
- [Shredded Chicken Soft Tacos](https://nanahood.com/shredded-chicken-soft-tacos) - Whether you enjoy your Mexican food with a spicy kick or a mild flavoring, I have the most amazing shredded chicken taco recipe for you! They're quick, easy, juicy, and addicting. And if you're lucky enough to have leftovers, they're just as delicious after a night soaking in the juices. Here's What You'll Need: Ingredients:
- [This Farmer's Daughter Misses Her Dad](https://nanahood.com/this-farmers-daughter-misses-her-dad) - The Farmer's Daughter My dad was a farmer and so were both my grandfathers. I was born and raised in a community full of folks who work hard to help feed America. Two of our sons are grain farmers and another helps his dad with our blueberry farm and future agri-tourism business. They are keeping
- [Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken](https://nanahood.com/creamy-lemon-herb-chicken) - Finding ways to keep chicken dishes new and interesting in our house can be a bit of a challenge sometimes. I remember dish upon dish of plain 'ole chicken breaks for a period when I was growing up. So, when the kids complain with "that again???" I completely understand where they're coming from. But, with
- [Santa's Scout...A New Family Holiday Tradition](https://nanahood.com/santas-scout-a-new-family-holiday-tradition) - Santa's Scout Disclaimer: I have been compensated for this review but all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. Are you looking for affordable ways to provide entertainment while sharing meaningful experiences with your grandchildren? Then I have the perfect gift for your grands! It's not only a gift....it's an experience! Santa’s Scout is a
- [Chicken Parmesan](https://nanahood.com/chicken-parmesan) - When it comes to Italian food, chicken parmesan is high on our list of favorites. The tender chicken breast and piping hot mozzarella are delicious with a side of spaghetti and garlic bread. The only thing that comes close to chicken parm from our favorite restaurant is the perfect air fryer parm from home! Here's
- [Relationship Status: Reflections from the Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/facebook-relationship-status-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - Relationship Status Most people, I’m guessing, don’t think about how a status change can be so heavy for a widow. Some people change their Facebook relationship status every other day, it seems. I know the first time I was designated as “single” by someone, I argued the point. The young man politely replied that it
- [Smoked Sausage and Shrimp Bowtie](https://nanahood.com/smoked-sausage-and-shrimp-bowtie) - Smoked sausage is great in so many recipes and I love whipping up a spicy smoked sausage and shrimp sauté when I'm craving something with extra flavor. You can toss in your favorite veggies or add in chicken for extra protein. It's delicious no matter what you blend with it! Here's What You'll Need: Ingredients:
- [Veggie Tortellini Soup](https://nanahood.com/veggie-tortellini-soup) - As the fall breeze kicked back up again this week, my veggie tortellini soup recipe was calling my name. I fill it with a ton of my favorite vegetables and switch it up a bit when my taste buds crave a little something different. It's an incredibly easy recipe to throw together, so grabbing whatever
- [Speeding Tickets for Life...Mommas, Slow Down](https://nanahood.com/speeding-tickets-mommas-slow-down) - Speeding Tickets and Traffic School Once upon a time there was a mom who was like the old woman in the shoe who had so many children she didn't know what to do. She loved each of her children dearly but there was only one of her and there were 5 kids. She was way
- [Pumpkin Drop Cookies](https://nanahood.com/pumpkin-drop-cookies) - Fall isn't complete without the blends of cinnamon, sugar, spice, and pumpkin. The aroma alone makes your mouth water. But when the temperature begins to drop, that's my cue to pull out the pumpkin recipes. Pumpkin Drop Cookies are easy to make and full of delicious flavors. Here's What You'l Need: Ingredients: 2 cups butter,
- [A Box Your Grandchildren Will Get Excited About!](https://nanahood.com/a-box-your-grandchildren-will-get-excited-about) - Disclaimer: I received this product in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own! Some of my grand-littles were over last weekend and I shared a box with them that your grandchildren will love too! Watch this short video (under one minute) to see what I mean. Gramma In A Box was
- [Educational Placemats All Grandparents Will Love](https://nanahood.com/educational-placements-all-grandparents-will-love) - Educational Placemats Disclaimer: I received this product in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am contacted frequently (at least 3 or 4 times a week) by folks who want me to review their products. Obviously I can't review them all but when I saw these placemats I fell in
- [Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Muffins](https://nanahood.com/pumpkin-spice-cream-cheese-muffins) - For many of us, pumpkin spice ANYTHING screams fall. As the temperature drops and the outdoors begin to fill with more color, it's time to whip out those pumpkin recipes. One easy to make breakfast, snack, and dessert recipe I love is for a flavorful pumpkin spice muffin. Depending on your sweet tooth, you can
- [Banana Cream Pie Cookies](https://nanahood.com/banana-cream-pie-cookies) - Ever since I was little, banana cream pie has been my favorite. I think that's why I've been so determined to create the perfect batch of banana cream pie cookies - creamy, rich, and full of flavor. By the rate these little treats flew out of the kitchen this week, I'd say I hit my
- [Chocolate Strawberry Muffins](https://nanahood.com/chocolate-strawberry-muffins) - There really aren't many things better than sweet, warm muffins just out of the oven. So, as our finicky weather blessed us with a couple random mornings of cold weather, I thought chocolate strawberry muffins were in order. It's a delicious recipe that allows for many variations, depening on what your taste buds love with
- [Random NanaHood Photos](https://nanahood.com/random-nanahood-photos) - NanaHood Photos Happy Monday friends! Hope your weekend was great. We had a visit from our friend Peggy this weekend. She dropped off some blueberry banana bread and some flowers. The bread was delicious and the flowers so cheery. Aren't friends the best? Two of my granddaughters and one grandson spent the night Friday night
- [Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken](https://nanahood.com/hawaiian-huli-huli-chicken) - Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken is a flavorful dish you'll never get tired of making. The marinade is easy to whip up and the cooking options are plentiful to suit your needs. Cooking Options While grilling is one of my favorites, the crazy Texas weather can change on a dime and doesn't always allow for my
- [Mini Cherry Cheesecakes](https://nanahood.com/mini-cherry-cheesecakes) - My sweet tooth has been a bit out of control lately. Luckily, I have a simple, no-fuss, no-bake cherry cheesecake recipe that I can throw together and enjoy in under an hour. And if you're not a cherry fan, you can easily top these little guys with your favorite fruit or candy toppings instead! Here's
- [Suicide Awareness Month...Reflections From The Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/suicide-awareness-month) - Melinda Campbell I started this piece many times. The topic is one that’s important to me for a lot of reasons, but there’s no comfortable way to address suicide. As we close September and Suicide Awareness Month, it is important for us to look at its significance. I feel sometimes people get trendy with their
- [Monday Cuteness Overload](https://nanahood.com/monday-cuteness-overload) - Cuteness Overload Our Cocker Spaniel puppies are growing! (Kindred Cockers on Facebook) And they are starting to move about more so I decided to take them outside. They weren't impressed. They howled so pitifully I brought them back in and they immediately settled in and took a nap! In case you don't get enough of
- [Keep Your Grandchildren Safe with Cart Safe](https://nanahood.com/keep-your-grandchildren-safe-with-cart-safe) - Disclaimer: I have been compensated to review this product but all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. Cart Safe My grandchildren know that germs are bad for you and they have been told more times than I can count to NOT put their fingers in their mouth. Does that stop them? Of course not.
- [Skin Repair Lotion You Will Love!](https://nanahood.com/skin-repair-lotion-you-will-love) - Skin Repair Lotion You Will Love!This is a sponsored post but all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. There are lots of lotions out there but none like Skin Repair Lotion by Aligon pharmaceuticals. What makes it so different? For one thing it was developed by a team of doctors, dermatologists and cosmetic chemists
- [Mini Oreo Pie Bites](https://nanahood.com/mini-oreo-pie-bites) - The holidays are just around the corner and there's nothing for fun than whipping out the Christmas treat recipes! From holiday cookies and pies to delicious hot chocolate mixes, it's the time of year to start having a little more fun with your baking. Oreo pie is already easy to throw together, so why not
- [Single Mom Worries...Reflections From The Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/single-mom-worries-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - Single Mom Worries It dawned on me one day that my boys maybe would never remember my working a public job. They’ve got some memories of their dad being gone almost every day from before they got up until almost bedtime, but they’ve no solid recollection of my working. They were 8 and 12 when
- [Easy Ninja Loaded Nachos](https://nanahood.com/easy-ninja-loaded-nachos) - Sometimes you don't think about the simplest solutions, like tossing everything in the instant pot for a quick and delicious loaded nacho dish. My sister and brother-in-law have been bragging about their shredded chicken Ninja instant pot / air fryer nachos for a while now, so when a quick-fix dinner was needed, I gave it
- [The America I Miss... Reflections From The Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/the-america-i-miss-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - The America I Miss It is hardly an original thought, but I miss the America I knew when I was a kid. I miss the USA Olympic Hockey Team America. I miss the 9/12 America from a few years ago. I miss the Whitney Houston National Anthem goosebumps, and tears during the fireworks finales on
- [Letter To My Grand-loves About September 11th](https://nanahood.com/letter-to-my-grand-loves) - Letter to my Grand-loves, Today is September 11th and while you are too young to remember what happened (except for Abby, because she's the oldest), one day you will learn about it in school or your parents will talk to you about it. There are certain days in my lifetime that I remember exactly where
- [Creme de Menthe Brownie Bites](https://nanahood.com/creme-de-menthe-brownie-bites) - I can't tell you how excited I am for the holidays! 2020 has been a year, hasn't it? A bit of holiday joy is greatly anticipated in my house, so whipping up holiday recipes will be in full swing soon. And what better way to begin than with a creme de menthe brownie recipe? Here's
- [Coconut Lime Curry Soup](https://nanahood.com/coconut-lime-curry-soup) - Two years ago I started playing with various curry recipes and found that I loved it in any color, shape, or form! From chickpea curry and rice to shrimp curry soup, I was hooked. And as we continue to sweat here in the south, I still can't get over my soup cravings. So coconut lime
- [Cocker Spaniel Puppies](https://nanahood.com/cocker-spaniel-puppies) - Cocker Spaniel Puppies at our house! It's no secret we love our pets. September 3rd our Cocker Spaniel had puppies. 4 boys and 3 girls. The first puppy was born about 4 in the morning. I stayed by her side until all of them were here. This is Bailey and Tucker. Bailey is a great
- [Rainbow Sugar Cookies Ice Cream Sandwiches](https://nanahood.com/rainbow-sugar-cookie-ice-cream-sandwiches) - Rainbow Sugar Cookies Ice Cream Sandwiches for kids (and adults!) There's no better time for ice cream than summer, right? So, why not have some fun in the kitchen with your kids or grandkids and get a little creative? Making colorful sugar cookies is always fun for the kiddos, but pairing them with ice cream
- [Quick Shrimp Ceviche Appetizer](https://nanahood.com/quick-shrimp-ceviche-appetizer) - Shrimp Ceviche Appetizer I love just about anything with shrimp, so we often have it on hand to satisfy cravings. In fact, many of the items in this shrimp ceviche are likely in your kitchen or pantry right now too. Ready to whip up a tasty little dip? Much like a great pico, there are
- [Tangy Chicken Enchiladas](https://nanahood.com/chicken-enchiladas) - Chicken Enchiladas-Yum! I lived in New Mexico for a handful of years, and the only thing I loved more than their sunsets was the food. As a central Cali girl, Mexican food was a trip to the local Taco Bell. Seriously. So, when I was introduced to REAL Mexican food smothered in green chile, I
- [Oreo Sugar Cookie Sandwiches](https://nanahood.com/oreo-sugar-cookie-sandwiches) - With remote learning in full swing, I figured a sweet treat was in order to help lift some spirits in our home. Instead of our usual sugar cookie go-to, I added a little something to make it more fun. Since Oreos are a huge hit here, I got started crushing those cookies to add into
- [Tender Skirt Steak Saute](https://nanahood.com/tender-skirt-steak-saute) - The next best thing to grilling a delicious skirt steak in the yard on bbq grill is a set-it-and-forget-it instant pot recipe that will leave your steak juicy, tender, and flavorful. When rain in Texas spoils your cookout plans, it's the next best thing! Plus, it gives you the extra time to prepare your veggies
- [Dental Health and Your Teeth](https://nanahood.com/dental-health-and-your-teeth) - Dental Health Do you take good care of your teeth? It's been my experience that some people don't mind going to the dentist, while others dread it and postpone going as long as they can. I'm not the best about keeping dental appointments, but I'm not the worst in my family either. A few weeks
- [Smothered Breakfast Taquitos](https://nanahood.com/smothered-breakfast-taquitos) - Breakfast can be a bit of a challenge if your household is anything like mine; someone always wants something different, or we're running behind schedule. Smothered breakfast taquitos are easy to throw together and pop in the air fryer and can even be made the night before or kept in the freezer until ready. The
- [5 Things about Motherhood Every Mom Needs to Know](https://nanahood.com/5-things-about-motherhood-every-mom-needs-to-know) - 5 Things about Motherhood every mom needs to know Motherhood in 2020 ain't for wimps. Between work, virtual school, and juggling all the duties that come with parenting it's just a really hard time to be a Mom. I had some hard years as a mom, too. The worst was 1989 when my mother was
- [Savory Chicken Drumsticks](https://nanahood.com/savory-chicken-drumsticks) - Are you ready to make drumsticks that are so tender they practically fall off the bone? I use to hear all the talk about how moist meals are with an instant pot, and once I gave in, I couldn't stop cooking everything in it! Now, if you don't have one, don't worry - this recipe
- [A Long Letter to my Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/a-long-letter-to-my-grandchildren) - A Long Letter to my grandchildren Dear Grandchildren, Where do I begin? 2020 will go down in my personal history book as one of the toughest years ever, and I know I'm not alone. Many people are struggling for lots of different reasons. And it's August....so it's not over yet. Many years ago when my
- [Delicious Dumplings](https://nanahood.com/delicious-dumplings) - One thing I miss about living in California is the abundance of amazing Asian cuisine. Texas, you have a lot to learn! That being said, I promised you homemade dumplings in the Pancit recipe post, so here they are! And don't worry - making your own dumplings is a lot easier than you think. Dumpling
- [Kitchen Chaos-Reflections from the Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/kitchen-chaos-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - Kitchen Chaos I know I’m sometimes repetitive, but it took me many runs through the same type scenarios to understand this: some stuff I thought mattered really doesn’t. This revelation came mid-kitchen chaos this morning. One of my bonus kids wanted a Melinda breakfast before he headed back to school tomorrow, so, of course, he
- [Letter to My Grands](https://nanahood.com/letter-to-my-grands) - Letter to my grands Dear Grandchildren, The weeks are flying by and so it's time for another letter to my grands. Summer is coming to an end and it's almost time for back to school but because of the pandemic, school looks very different this year. Some schools are starting only virtually, some parents are
- [Stuffed Avocado Scramble](https://nanahood.com/stuffed-avocado-scramble) - Yes, it tastes just as good as it sounds! Baked avocado scrambles make a delicious breakfast or snack and ready in minutes. The toppings, like any scramble, are endless, so get creative and try all your favorites! Here's What You'll Need: 1 avocado, cut in half2 eggs1 slice of bacon2 tbsps shredded cheesesalt and pepper
- [Quick and Zesty Instant Pot Taco Soup](https://nanahood.com/quick-and-zesty-instant-pot-taco-soup) - Instant Pot Taco Soup Is it fall yet? I've been craving soups lately and couldn't wait any longer to make a quick bowl of taco soup, which is usually my fall go-to. So, if you're in the mood for a flavorful pot, I have an easy recipe that takes no time at all! Here's What
- [Creamy Veggie Raviolis](https://nanahood.com/creamy-veggie-raviolis) - One of our go-to dinners is a ravioli dish with creamy alfredo, loaded with veggies. While I like to switch it up a bit now and then, mushrooms, tomatoes, and a few green chiles are definitely the big winner around here. There are several pasta and vegetable combinations I've made, so try a few and
- [Loss of a Loved One-Reflections From The Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/loss-of-a-loved-one-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - Loss of a Loved One As hard as it is to say, death is a part of life. It is certainly not something we want to talk about or plan for, and for those of us who have it strike without warning, there is a rattling in our hearts every time we have to explain
- [Mini Calzones](https://nanahood.com/mini-calzones) - If you're looking for the perfect snack, appetizer, lunch, or kid's meal, mini calzones have you covered! They are easy to make, quick to bake, and a huge hit, no matter what you choose to stuff them with. Here's What You'll Need: Ingredients: 12 frozen dinner roll dough balls1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese1/2 cup
- [NanaHood's 4 Ingredients Cheesecake](https://nanahood.com/nanahoods-4-ingredients-cheesecake) - 4 Ingredients Cheesecake One of my favorite restaurants is the Cheesecake Factory because I LOVE cheesecake! My sister-in-law makes a great cheesecake but her's is pretty labor intensive. What if I told you that I knew a cheesecake recipe that is super easy to make, takes 4 ingredients plus a graham cracker crust and it's
- [Dear Grandchildren-A Few Things I Want You to Know](https://nanahood.com/dear-grandchildren) - Dear Grandchildren Now that there are seven of you (and hopefully more to come in future years) I wanted to tell you a few things about the family you have been blessed with (or cursed with) depending on how you look at things. Most of you are still young, ages 7 and under, but our
- [Before We Were Yours-Book Review](https://nanahood.com/before-we-were-yours-book-review) - Before We Were Yours-book review. Book by Lisa Wingate. If someone asks me what genre is my favorite I would say mysteries or action thrillers but I'll read anything except science fiction. Yes, I am that one weird person who doesn't like Star Wars. Now that I have more time on my hands than usual
- [Instant Pot French Dip](https://nanahood.com/instant-pot-french-dip) - Instant Pot French Dip Sandwich for Any Meal One of my favorite go-to recipes is a mouth-watering french dip sandwich ..... with a bonus. With the kiddos at home full time as we shelter in place, finding meals to satisfy all three of us ALL the time can be a bit of a challenge. That's
- [Polish Pastries for Your Sweet Tooth](https://nanahood.com/polish-pastries) - Polish Pastries With all the changes over the last few months, not eating out was one of those new realities we had to get used to in our family. Our occasional weekend trips to the donut shop was one of those. So to satisfy our sweet tooth cravings, I pulled out a Polish donut recipe
- [Instant Pot Chickpea Curry and Rice](https://nanahood.com/instant-pot-chickpea-curry-and-rice) - Instant Pot Chickpea Curry and Rice When I'm in the mood for something spicy, curry dishes are my favorite to make. I love creating new curry dishes with various ingredients. While shrimp may be one of my favorites in curry, chickpeas and veggies are often what I make the most. It's easy and delicious! Here's
- [No-Bake Cheesecake Jars](https://nanahood.com/no-bake-cheesecake-jars) - No-Bake Cheesecake Whether you're looking for a fun dessert to celebrate a birthday, or just in the mood to whip up some colorful creations with the kids and grandkids, no-bake cheesecake jars are the perfect treats! No-Bake Fun No-bake recipes are ideal when you've got little ones in the kitchen with you. Wrap them in
- [Easy Candied Cake Balls](https://nanahood.com/easy-candied-cake-balls) - Candied Cake Balls I think all this sheltering at home has really messed with my sweet tooth. I can't seem to curb my cravings, and today it was back to chocolate! Candied Chocolate Cake Balls to be exact. So, whether you're wanting to make these delicious little guys as a cake pop (you know, like
- [S'mores Dessert Dip](https://nanahood.com/smores-dessert-dip) - S'mores Dessert Dip-Your grands will love it! Who doesn't love s'mores? Even when you're not camping under the stars, s'mores is always a fun, tasty treat for all ages. The best part about this s'mores dessert dip is how easy it is for even your youngest kids and grandkids to help make. In fact, the
- [Spicy Shrimp Sushi Tower](https://nanahood.com/spicy-shrimp-sushi-tower) - Shrimp Sushi Tower Let's talk sushi. Since my kids were itty bitty, Japanese food has always been a family favorite. We started them off young with a warm bowl of miso soup and steamed rice, while we enjoyed our sushi. As they grew up, they were as hooked as we were. And with months of
- [Pancit: Filipino Noodle Dish](https://nanahood.com/pancit-filipino-noodle-dish) - Filipino Noodle Dish While I never learned how to cook many of the ethnic dishes my mom made us growing up, Pancit noodles are a dish I did pay attention to over the last several visits she's made. My kids have come to love my mom's cooking, so trying to pick up some of her
- [Staying Healthy at Home](https://nanahood.com/staying-healthy-at-home) - Staying Healthy at Home Depending on where you live, or the precautions your family is taking, some of us have been experiencing sheltering at home for quite some time. Health isn't always our first priority though, is it? If we're honest, there just seem to be a never-ending list of things that come first, and
- [Girlfriends Getaway](https://nanahood.com/girlfriend-getaway-fun) - Girlfriends Getaway-Nothing like it! Dear Girlfriends, Yesterday someone asked me how my sisters were and I was puzzled. "I don't have any sisters," I replied. The person I was speaking to me scratched his head and said, "I saw some pictures of you on Facebook with your sisters, didn't I?" Then it hit me. He
- [Marriage-Reflections From The Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/marriage) - Marriage Thoughts Been awake since 5:30 but the old body struggled to get up...literally. Had a nice text chat with my pal Cindy then did my best seal on ice impression and made my way off the bed. Now, I’m in my spot leaning against the cold granite edging of my kitchen sink, you know,
- [Chocolate Dipped Banana Pops](https://nanahood.com/chocolate-dipped-banana-pops) - Chocolate Dipped Banana Pops If you're looking for an easy, no-bake snack to make with the kids or grandkids, chocolate dipped banana pops are a fun and tasty treat! Bananas pair so well with everything, so grab your favorite toppings and get creative. Here's What You'll Need: Ingredients: 6 bananas, cut in half1 cup of
- [Letter to my Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/letter-to-my-grandchildren) - Letter to my grandchildren Dear Grandchildren, What a year 2020 is turning out to be! I could say it's been a really bad, horrible, terrible year and that would be true. On the other hand, there are good things, too. If we focus only on the bad and forget to thank God for our blessings
- [Chocolate Chip Banana Bread](https://nanahood.com/chocolate-chip-banana-bread) - Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Several months ago, my daughter came to me, asking if we had ingredients to make banana bread. Who knew that a school project would also become our household's favorite breakfast, snack, and dessert? Let's just say you won't find a slice left if you aren't quick. I'm not exaggerating when I
- [Quickie Chickie Buffalo Cheese Dip](https://nanahood.com/quickie-chickie-buffalo-cheese-dip) - Buffalo Cheese Dip Are you looking for a tasty appetizer that will hit the spot for any occasion? I have a flavorful dip you're going to want to try. The best part is, you can whip it up in just 10 minutes. A Quick Chip 'n Dip Recipe Whether you're looking for a quick snack,
- [Omelette Muffins](https://nanahood.com/omelette-muffins) - I'm not a big breakfast eater in the morning, but love making it. I know, I'm strange like that. But I also love having leftovers of certain breakfast items I whip up. One of those are my omelette muffins. They are delicious out of the oven and just as tasty re-heated later. They stay fresh
- [Cinnamon Sugar Mug Cakes](https://nanahood.com/cinnamon-sugar-mug-cakes) - Cinnamon Sugar Mug Cakes Make a Great Dessert! Last night, the kids and I had a craving for something sweet after dinner. As I scoured the pantry for a quick snack, I came up empty-handed. While there wasn't a sweet treat I could simply grab off the shelf, I did have the handful of ingredients
- [Celebrating with a Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake](https://nanahood.com/chocolate-chip-cookie-cake-recipe) - Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake I can't wrap my head around my oldest turning seventeen. If I'm being completely honest, I feel this way every year, at each of their birthdays. They really do grow up too fast. And somewhere along way, both of my kids developed a preference for something other than the tradition birthday
- [Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta](https://nanahood.com/creamy-tomato-beef-pasta) - Pasta is a huge win in our home. Any meal, any sauce, and any blend of meat, seafood, or veggies. I have to say, this rendition of lasagna-meets-shell-pasta is always a great choice. And popping it all in the Instant Pot makes it that much easier! Here's what you'll need: Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil1/2
- [Delicious Crepes Recipe](https://nanahood.com/delicious-crepe-recipe) - Crepes Recipe Your Family Will Love! If you're in the mood for a tasty breakfast that allows room for lots of creativity, crepes is my recommendation! I love how light and sweet crepes are. And the ability to be creative with toppings make them a fun and delicious breakfast option. I usually set out a
- [Zesty Mediterranean Dip](https://nanahood.com/mediterranean-dip) - Mediterranean Dip is Delish! If I haven't already mentioned it, I love anything with cheese. I mean ANYTHING! Feta is one of my favorites, so when a craving kicked in yesterday, I threw together this of flavorful Mediterranean dip for a night of relaxing binge-watching. Here's What You'll Need: Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese at
- [Frozen Yogurt Bark](https://nanahood.com/frozen-yogurt-bark) - Frozen yogurt bark is so much fun to make with the kids! It's quick, easy, and offers so much creativity in the kitchen! While toppings can range from healthy to sweet tooth pleasing, it's a great little snack to create with your kids and grandkids. Here's What You'll Need: Ingredients: 3 cups vanilla yogurt (or
- [Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl](https://nanahood.com/dragon-fruit-smoothie-bowl) - You just can't beat a refreshing fruit smoothie on a hot summer day. It's also a great way to get the young ones excited about eating healthier foods too. With an array of toppings, colors, and fun ways to serve a smoothie, you'll have the whole family enjoying them for breakfast, snack, and dessert! Health
- [Social Media Creepers: Reflections From The Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/social-media-creepers-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - Social Media Creepers Okay, ladies, we’ve got to talk. (And, yes, I know you men are out there. This problem exists for men, too, but there seems to be a higher occurrence with us girls. You boys just switch some pronouns for me and carry on, okay? Thanks!) Girls, there are several of you out
- [River Walk in Chattanooga](https://nanahood.com/river-walk-in-chattanooga) - River walk This past weekend I met three of my friends in Chattanooga. Normally there are six of us, so we missed the two who could not attend. We stayed at a place called The Bode. As far as hotels go it was inexpensive, attractive and in a great location. That's the good news. The
- [Emotions: Reflections From The Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/emotions-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - by Melinda Campbell Sometimes I worry I’m getting socially numb. It’s not that I don’t get emotional about some things. I can fall apart over a few words in a comedic sitcom episode, so it’s not that I don’t feel. It’s just that the feelings feel different to me since I’ve become a widow. (And
- [940 Saturdays](https://nanahood.com/940-saturdays) - There is never enough time for ________. You fill in the blank. If you are like me there are lots of things you could put in that space. I don't know if you have ever seen this meme before but it always stops me dead in my tracks. Probably because the older we get the
- [Dear Momma-A Letter on the 30th Anniversary of your Death](https://nanahood.com/dear-momma) - Dear Momma, It's been 30 years this month that you left us. How can that be possible? How could I have lived that many years without you in my life? How did the world keep turning without you here? There's so much you and Daddy didn't get to see because you left this world too
- [Dreams and Reflections From the Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/dreams-and-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - I don’t know why, but lately I’ve been having some rather vivid dreams. Most of the time, I still don’t get into a deep enough sleep for that to occur; however, there have been a few times I have, and the results have been both good and bad. Last night’s mental movie playhouse wasn’t the
- [10 Ways to Keep Grandchildren Busy this Summer!](https://nanahood.com/10-ways-to-keep-grandchildren-busy) - Here are 10 ways to keep grandchildren busy at your house this summer! These are solutions to the "I'm bored, Nana" statement we all hear sooner or later. I'd love for you to add some of your favorite ways of keeping your grands busy below in the comment section! 10. Hot weather and water go
- [4th of July Shenanigans](https://nanahood.com/4th-of-july-shenanigans) - 4th of July Shenanigans Last week was the wedding and this week was supposed to be recovery but things rarely ever slow down around here. What few blueberries we have on the farm (due to late frost) decided to ripen and need to be picked this week. Between that and grandchildren it ended up being
- [Wedding Bells in Kentucky!](https://nanahood.com/wedding-bells-in-kentucky) - Wedding Bells My son married the girl of his dreams this weekend and it was such a happy occasion. We love our new daughter-in-law and feel blessed to welcome her to the family! I should warn you that I made literally hundreds of pictures. Don't worry I won't share them all with you but I
- [The Power of a Voice](https://nanahood.com/the-power-of-a-voice) - The power of a voice I don't know about you but the last few weeks have upset me to the point I can't watch the news anymore. I do my best to live a good life, to follow the teachings of the Bible and to be respectful of all people. I don't understand NOT treating
- [Train Ride On The Farm](https://nanahood.com/train-ride-on-the-farm) - Train Ride There's a lot going on at Bellview Family Farm. We are still hoping to open soon but who knows what tomorrow brings? Another pandemic? The same one just the second round? There are just a lot of "ifs" but all we can do is keep working and keep hoping things will get better.
- [Father's Day 2020-Reflections from the Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/fathers-day-2020-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - Father's Day 2020 I was doing my morning scroll on Facebook—yes, coffee cup in hand—when I had a somewhat pessimistic switch in my mind was flipped. It’s Father’s Day, and an overwhelming number of people won’t see their dads today. Fathers who’ve passed away, fathers in COVID restricted areas, fathers in the military or other
- [Reflections from the Kitchen Sink on the Police](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-the-police) - Police About 11:30 last night, I had a full PTSD moment. I was actually in a deep sleep when one of the boys opened the door to take Lola out, and the alarm system notification of a door opening woke me. There was no emergency, but the wave of anxiety rattled me. There’s more to
- [Monkeys on the Bed](https://nanahood.com/monkeys-on-the-bed) - Monkeys on the Bed I am so blessed to have all my grands close by. This weekend I had a house full of them. Several spent the night and it was so much fun. We had a birthday party at the farm for two of the littles who missed parties due to the virus. Brutus,
- [Best Restaurants in Nashville-You Don't Want to Miss](https://nanahood.com/nashville-restaurants-you-dont-want-to-miss) - Best Restaurants in Nashville When you go to Nashville there are plenty of places to eat but there are some restaurants you don't want to miss. These restaurants were chosen by friends and family who love good food and I know if we love them, you will too! We tried to choose everything from casual
- [Whirl of a Weekend!](https://nanahood.com/whirl-of-a-weekend) - Whirl of a Weekend All weekends fly by but it seems this one went really fast. Saturday was my future daughter-in-law's shower, given by my sister-in-law and church friends. It was wonderful and I enjoyed watching them open gifts. The one on the left is Courtney, who is marrying my son. The one on the
- [Granddaughter's New Shoes](https://nanahood.com/granddaughters-new-shoes) - New Shoes Every gal loves a new pair of shoes, right? Today's post is a short 20 second video of my youngest granddaughter wearing her new shoes. Her Mimi got them for her and she was obviously fascinated by them! How long did they stay on? Well, not too long but she will get used
- [Think Before You Speak-Reflections From The Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/think-before-you-speak-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - Think before you speak I’m going to say it: I am over the COVID mess. I’m over the tension. I’m over the arrogance. I’m over the shaming. I’m just over it. There is a not-so-pleasant comparison of opinions to buttholes. I know, it’s a bit tacky, but sadly it is pretty accurate. With all the
- [Bellview Family Farm Fun](https://nanahood.com/bellview-family-farm-fun) - Bellview Family Farm Fun We are getting closer to opening Bellview Family Farm (an agri-tourism farm in southern Kentucky) and we are so excited! Yesterday we celebrated our daughter's birthday with her family at the farm and today I'm sharing pictures from our adventure. This is my daughter's oldest daughter. She fell in love with
- [Dog Thief - The Mystery of the Missing Happy Meal](https://nanahood.com/dog-thief-they-mystery-of-the-missing-happy-meal) - Dog Thief My eight year old granddaughter is quiet the sleuth. This video is only 20 seconds but it's so cute! And then later in the day, Charlie, the dog thief, had a visitor. Not sure of the puppy's name but those eyes.... A friend brought him over to play and socialize with Charlie. Not
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on Coffee](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-coffee) - Coffee So this comparison may be a stretch, but this morning while fixing coffee, I had a microcosmic few of our world at the coffee pot. You see, while things have slowed down to the cliched snail’s pace, I’ve been distracted enough to take a few shortcuts. One has been my coffee making. I still
- [The Best Things About Being a Nana](https://nanahood.com/the-best-things-about-being-a-nana) - The best things about being a nana If you are about to be a grandmother for the first time you may be wondering what being a grandparent is like. It's different for everyone but if you want to hear from someone who thinks being called "Nana" is one of the best things to every happen
- [Just a Taste....Please!](https://nanahood.com/just-a-taste-please) - Just a Taste When my children went through the crawling phase I remember how vigilant I had to be to keep them from eating whatever they found on the floor. One time my son had something in his mouth and I ran to him, stuck my finger in his mouth and pulled out a dead
- [Happy Mother's Day 2020](https://nanahood.com/happy-mothers-day-2020) - Happy Mother's Day 2020
- [I'm Always Right (Not Really)](https://nanahood.com/im-always-right-not-really) - I'm always right It was exceptionally cold and windy this week and I went outside for a walk. I put on a jacket and wrapped a scarf around my head. My husband happened to pull up about that time and he said, "Oh, you are wearing my scarf." "No," I said. "I'm wearing my scarf."
- [New Shoes that will make Your Feet Happy](https://nanahood.com/new-shoes-that-will-make-your-feet-happy) - Disclaimer: This post is sponsored. I received a pair of shoes in exchange for this review but all thoughts and opinions are my own. New Shoes that will make your feet happy! How do I know? Because my feet are hard to make happy. I have huge bunions and lots of shoes just hurt. Not
- [Nana's Mother's Day Wish List](https://nanahood.com/nanas-mothers-day-wish-list) - Disclaimer: NanaHood is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com Nana's Mother's Day Wish List Nanas are moms too, which qualifies us for Mother's Day gifts. Just in case you want to
- [Wish List for Mother's Day-Reflections from the Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/wish-list-for-mothers-day-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - Wish List for Mother's Day Mother’s Day. I have to admit I’ve always had an odd take on it. I’m not a stuff person, so I’m not one who looks for flowers, candy, or other gifts. I mean, I like those things, but I don’t have to have “things” to feel appreciated. This year, I
- [Health Benefits of Walking](https://nanahood.com/health-benefits-of-walking) - Health Benefits of Walking I'm a big Forrest Gump fan. I don't know how many times I've seen the movie but I never get tired of it. There are so many memorable quotes that came from this movie. I admire people who run. My Aunt Kate was an amazing runner back in the day (you
- [Class of 2020 Graduation During Quarantine](https://nanahood.com/graduation-2020-during-quarantine) - It goes without saying that 2020 is turning out to be quite a year, and for those of us who have High School or College graduates, the months of May and June are not going to look like we have planned or hoped. My oldest son was set to graduate from High School on May
- [Teacher Appreciation-Teaching During a Pandemic](https://nanahood.com/teacher-appreciation-teaching-during-a-pandemic) - Disclaimer: I'm an Amazon affiliate and any purchase made via my Amazon page results in a small payment. Teacher Appreciation There's a lot of well-deserved appreciation for those in the health care system and first responders and there should be! I have several family members who work in health care and I know they are
- [For My Daughter on Mother's Day](https://nanahood.com/for-my-daughter-on-mothers-day) - For My Daughter Mother's Day is right around the corner and truthfully, I always get a little sad on Mother's Day because I miss my own mom so much. But this year as I was mentally preparing myself for Mother's Day I realized there was someone who deserved a huge "shout out" as a mom.....my
- [Fighting the Quarantine 19-Reflections from the Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/fighting-the-quarantine-19-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - Fighting the Quarantine 19 Near the start of this COVID home bound time, I joked that the 19 in COVID-19 represented the number of pounds one would gain during the time at home. Folks had scurried to the stores and purchased items akin to a big snowstorm’s grocery run—lots of carbs and snacks. As time
- [Dear Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/dear-grandchildren-5) - My Dear Grandchildren We are still quarantined at home as I write this. I have no idea when this will be over and it's possible there could be another round of it this fall. By far the hardest part of this is being away from you and your parents. It's also hard being away from
- [Ham and Hash Brown Casserole](https://nanahood.com/ham-and-hash-brown-casserole) - Ham and Hash Brown Casserole A classic favorite of any holiday is a baked ham. One ham can feed a lot of people and this nana has a lot of hungry folks to feed! But what do you do if you have ham leftover? That's usually not what happens at my house, but it did
- [eBook "Maria and all the Grannies of the World"](https://nanahood.com/e-book-maria-and-all-the-grannies-of-the-world) - Free e-book Hi NanaHood friends, I received a lovely e-book from an artist who lives in London but is from Italy (his mother told him he should share the e-book with me). His name is Luca and rather than explain the story of his digital art and how he came to write this book (which
- [Dear Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/dear-grandchildren-4) - Dear Grandchildren, This is the strangest period in my lifetime and I hope soon that Covid-19 will be a bleak period in world history that never occurs again. The fact that we are quarantined in our homes, wearing facemarks and plastic gloves when we have to go out is just weird. Really, really weird. The
- [Meltdown-Reflections from the Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/meltdown-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - Meltdown I wrote this piece at the start of the COVID crazy...it wrapped full circle yesterday, so I decided maybe it was time to share. Not going to lie...late last night I was in a frenzy. Not a COVID frenzy. Just a life frenzy. The kids and I had a pretty chill day. I decided
- [American Dirt-A Book Review](https://nanahood.com/american-dirt-a-book-review) - American Dirt Yes, I've been on a book reading binge. American Dirt was published in January of 2020 and chosen as one of Oprah's Book Club picks. You may or may not know (I didn't) that this book has caused quiet a stir. But more about that later. For now, let me just tell you
- [The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek-A Book Review](https://nanahood.com/the-book-woman-of-troublesome-creek-a-book-review) - The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek Did you know there were blue people? I'm not talking about the Smurfs or Avatars. There really were blue people. When I started reading this book I stopped the minute I got to the description of the main character, Cussy Carter, who had blue skin. Wait a minutes, I
- [Grandchildren and Germs](https://nanahood.com/grandchildren-and-germs) - Grandchildren and Germs One of the many things I had forgotten about being around kids (until I had grandchildren) was how frequently they get sick. And it's no wonder they get sick. No matter how many times you tell a child, "Don't put your fingers in your mouth," they do. I know. I've seen them
- [Nana's Hamburger Casserole](https://nanahood.com/nanas-hamburger-casserole) - Hamburger Casserole I love recipes that are quick, easy and delicious. This casserole checks all those boxes. Like many of you, I'm tired of staying home and cooking...and cooking...and cooking some more. Last week I couldn't think of anything I wanted so I went to the freezer, grabbed a 2 pound package of ground sirloin
- [Grilling with Melinda-Reflections From The Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/grilling-with-melinda-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - Grilling With Melinda So you know those times when your head is just really busy? Like 90-11 things buzzing through like a bunch of kindergarteners when they first hit the playground after a busy academic morning busy? Yeah, that pretty much describes my brain the other night. I had a list of to do tasks
- [From a Distance](https://nanahood.com/from-a-distance) - From a Distance By now you have probably seen a version of the following floating around on Facebook for the last few weeks. I don't know who wrote it but it did make me think. Traffic is gone, gas is affordable. Bills are extended. Kids are home with their families. Parents are home taking care
- [Believe](https://nanahood.com/believe) - Believe I don't know how man can ask the question, "Is there is a God?" There is simply no way a Big Bang could design a magical sunset and the beauty of an ever-changing sky. As our minister says, "How can there be a design without a designer?" Yesterday was my husband's birthday and we
- [Autism Awareness Reflections From The Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/autism-awareness-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - By Melinda Campbell April is Autism Awareness month. For families on the inside, we jokingly say we are very aware of autism every month, but we truly appreciate the big blue light focus on this challenging issue. The increase in the number of autism cases the last several decades is a bit mind-boggling; however, more
- [Mom's Recipe Box- Butterscotch Pie](https://nanahood.com/moms-recipe-box-butterscotch-pie) - Mom's Recipe Box My mother has been gone since 1991 but there are lots of ways I stay close to her. Sometimes I drive to the cemetery where she and my father are buried. I get out and walk to their grave stone and just sit and contemplate their lives. Other times I look at
- [Five Thoughts About Small Pleasures While Quarantined](https://nanahood.com/five-thoughts-about-small-pleasures-while-quarantined) - Five thoughts about small pleasures while quarantined Like most of you I'm spending a lot of time at home. In fact, I'm staying home more than I think I ever have in my whole entire lifetime with one exception; when I was pregnant with the twins my doctor put me on complete bed rest in
- [Down on the Farm](https://nanahood.com/down-on-the-farm-2) - Down on the Farm Because we are all home waiting for COVID-19 to go away I've been spending more time with the animals. They are lovable and aren't the least bit worried about anything. Our Babydoll sheep are loving the spring weather and sunshine.....but this one is loving the hay! The goats are always the
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on Social Distancing](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-social-distancing) - Social Distancing By Melinda Campbell It’s pretty simple. Things went from questions and basic safety suggestions to super vigilance in a hurry. It was the same for everyone. A glance at our couple weeks shows the transition like many people have made. We skipped a rare chance to travel to see someone due to the
- [Sam the Sheep](https://nanahood.com/sam-the-sheep) - Sam the Sheep Just when we needed something "happy" a baby lamb was born on our farm. These sheep are a breed called Babydoll sheep and they live up to the name in cuteness! This particular breed of sheep are officially known as babydoll Southdown sheep. They are the diminutive version of the Southdown breed
- [30 Things You Can Do To Keep From Going Crazy](https://nanahood.com/30-things-you-can-do-to-keep-from-going-crazy) - 30 Things You Can Do! If you are doing what we are all supposed to be doing (which is staying home) then you may develop "Cabin Fever." That was my mother's term for when you've been inside so long you just HAVE to get out. In light of COVID-19 and social distancing, going out is
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on Panic](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-panic) - Panic I’m a detail driven kind of girl. I’m also not a froo-froo make-believey sort though I can get caught up in a good daydream from time to time and think unicorns are pretty cute. Add my cut-and-dry leanings to the fact I have dabbled in journalism a bit during my time breathing, and you’ve
- [Reflections From the Kitchen Sink on Widowhood](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-widowhood) - Widowhood I’ve been interviewed about widowed life a few times in the last couple years. My take on things has been included in a couple books and an article or two. Most recently, I was asked to participate in an academic study of the psychology of widowhood in the daily grind. When I agreed, I
- [Love is a Verb](https://nanahood.com/love-is-a-verb) - Love is a verb-Don't just "tell" someone you love them. Show them! This weekend our church cooked and served over 90 meals to members in our community who were either sick, unable to get out much, or just lonely. As always I felt more blessed by giving than receiving. It was so rewarding to visit
- [Dear Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/dear-grandchildren-3) - Dear Grandchildren Since I wrote to you a few weeks ago it feels as if the world has gone crazy. Perhaps one day you will read in your history books about COVID-19 and how this virus began in China and came all around the world. The people it hits the hardest are the elderly who
- [Faith Clothing for the Whole Family](https://nanahood.com/faith-clothing-for-the-whole-family) - Disclaimer: I'm an affiliate for Christian Strong and receive a commission from any sales made from these links. #affiliate Faith Clothing I'm so excited to show you something that I think you are going to love! What Nana doesn't love dressing her grands in cute onesies, tees or dresses. I know I do! And what
- [Weekend Adventures With the Littles](https://nanahood.com/weekend-adventures-with-the-littles) - Weekend Adventures Friday night 4 of our littles spent the night with us. We loved the time with them! Missed the ones who could not be here. Today we picked flowers. I'll let the pictures tell the story of our weekend adventures. How was your weekend and what did you do? This is a Blog
- [Frugal Finds at NanaHood](https://nanahood.com/frugal-finds-at-nanahood) - Disclaimer: I'm an affiliate of Dresswel and receive a small commission from purchases from my links. Frugal Finds I was one of those teenage girls who didn't care very much about clothes. Give me a pair of jeans, a tee-shirt and tennis shoes and I was ready to go. Clothes are more fun now that
- [New Crockpot Chicken Meal](https://nanahood.com/new-crockpot-chicken-meal) - New Crockpot Chicken Meal I'm always in a hurry. I thought by this time in my life I would slow down, but not so. If anything I'm packing more and more into my days. When I am on the run the one thing I like to do is use my crockpot. This meal is so
- [Approach Matters...Reflections From The Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/approach-matters-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - Approach Matters Approach matters...especially with advice. Even right after we had our first child, we had all kinds of parenting suggestions thrown at us. Initially, it was almost funny because many of the pointers contradicted each other. “Have him sleep on his stomach.” “Have him sleep on his back.” “Pick him up if he cries.”
- [Granny's Peanut Butter Chocolate No Bake Cookies](https://nanahood.com/grannys-peanut-butter-chocolate-no-bake-cookies) - By Alison Wright Granny's Peanut Butter Chocolate No Bake Cookies I love being in the kitchen making no bake cookies because it’s a recipe from my grandmother and when I make them I feel like she is still with me. Because of her I know how to make casseroles with "Cream of Anything" soup that I
- [Dear Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/dear-grandchildren-2) - Dear Grandchildren, I know that you are too young to understand aging, sickness and death and that's okay, but when you get to be my age there is no way NOT to think about it. I'm going to write this with the hope that your parents will read it to you one day a long,
- [Busy Weekend in Kentucky](https://nanahood.com/busy-weekend-in-kentucky) - Busy Weekend It started with a Saturday morning basketball game where grandson number 2 got a medal. He was so proud. Can you tell? Then when we went home and two of my granddaughter's came over and helped make blueberry muffins. Remember we have a blueberry farm, so we can cook with blueberries every month
- [Heart Health Month: Reflections From The Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/heart-health-month-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - By Melinda Campbell **This is a reflection of my personal health story and in no way is to be considered professional medical advice. Refer all questions about your health to your personal healthcare providers. February is Heart Health Month It is the month of multiple reminders about best practices concerning cardiac health and prevention of heart disease. It was a
- [Cell Phones and Teenagers: What You May Not Know](https://nanahood.com/cell-phones-and-teenagers-what-you-may-not-know) - Cell Phones and Teenagers I am not an expert on teenagers and cell phones but I can tell you this, as a teacher who works at a middle school and high school and the grandmother of a 14 year old girl with an I-Phone, I'm scared for today's teens. In between classes kids walk with
- [Valentine's Facts You May Not Know](https://nanahood.com/valentines-facts-you-may-not-know) - Disclaimer: I love Capsul jewelry so much I am an affiliate and get a small percentage of sales if you purchase anything. Valentine's Facts Grandchildren these days are hard to impress but if you know some cool facts about Valentine's Day that they don't, you might score some points. For example they probably don't know
- [Letters To My Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/letters-to-my-grandchildren) - Letters to my grandchildren-Letter TwoDear Grandchildren Dear Grandchildren, In case I am not around to see your teen years (I hope to be, but we never know) there are some things I want to tell you about the importance of family, family values and the influence of technology. My grandparents lived on a farm and
- [Melting Snowmen, Sharks, and Other Critters](https://nanahood.com/melting-snowmen-sharks-and-other-critters) - Disclaimer: I'm an Amazon Affiliate and some of these melting critters are linked through NanaHood so I get a very small piece of change if you purchase one. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I wouldn't recommend them if I didn't like them! Winter in Minnesota This is what winter feels like at this
- [Phone Troubles-Reflections From the Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/phone-troubles-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - I received a text from a mystery number. The sender said he was my son Cameron, and that he had broken his phone. It was right before the close of the school day, and he had practice immediately following. We had a quick exchange that ended with my saying we’d talk about it later. He’d
- ["The Guardians" by John Grisham- A Book Review](https://nanahood.com/the-guardians-by-john-grisham-a-book-review) - The Guardians-A Book Review The first book I read by John Grisham was A Time To Kill. Published in June of 1989, it was his first book. From that time on I have been mesmerized by Grisham's writing. I can't honestly say that I have loved all 40 of his books (yes, I've read them)
- [Your Bone Health- Reflections from the Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/your-bone-health-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - Your Bone Health Disclaimer: While we were not paid for this event Amgen did cover our trip expenses. A few months ago, I had an awesome opportunity come my way: I was asked to join eleven other social media influencers from across the United States for a health care summit in Los Angeles, California. The
- [Dental Care and Your Health](https://nanahood.com/dental-care-and-your-health) - Dental Care and Your Health I hate going to the dentist. I am tense the whole time and I always come home exhausted. But I go because I know it's important. Until recently I didn't know that there is a direct connection from your dental health to your overall health. Just what is the connection
- [Old Friends](https://nanahood.com/old-friends) - This is a story about friendship. About two young girls who met, became friends, and then went their separate ways for decades. If you have ever lost touch with a friend I hope this story will encourage you to keep try and reconnect. Way back in 1974 I graduated from high school and started college
- [Science Kits for Kids](https://nanahood.com/science-kits-for-kids) - Disclaimer: I'm an Amazon Affiliate and receive a small amount of compensation from purchases made using these links. What if I told you that you could give your grandchild a gift they would love that would also engage and teach them at the same time? Not only are science kits fun for children, they encourage
- [10 Things I love about the Florida Keys](https://nanahood.com/10-things-i-love-about-the-florida-keys) - 10 Things I Love about the Florida Keys I could tell you all the things I love about the Keys, but I'd rather show you. 10. Unexpected fun. 9. Cats with 6 Toes. 8. Sea Turtle hospital. 7. Sunshine Key 6. The 7 Mile Grill 5. Ships 4. Burdines 3. Margaritaville Hotel 2. Roosters Sunsets
- [It might have been](https://nanahood.com/it-might-have-been) - It Might Have Been Years and years ago I read this quote and it stuck in my mind like a fish bone occasionally does in your throat. Every time I felt like I'd missed an opportunity or something didn't go the way I thought it would...I thought about those words. It comes from the following
- [Dining Alone-Reflections from the Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/dining-alone-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - Dining Alone I used to regularly take notice of people dining alone. I’m a bit of a people watcher, and I often run scenarios in my mind wondering what people’s stories are. I have dined alone often, but for some reason, today’s repast had a different feel to it. As I sat looking out the
- [Reflections from the Kitchen Sink on The First Christmas with out Michael](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-the-first-christmas-with-out-michael) - by Melinda Campbell (Melinda's husband, Michael, was killed by a drunk driver in 2015.) The First Christmas Without My Husband Our first Christmas without Michael was tense. We were invited to join family in Colorado and ventured out there. It was nice, but awkward. We obviously enjoyed being with them, but it was hard to
- [Advice from a Nana Friend](https://nanahood.com/advice-from-a-nana-friend) - Advice - Written by Teresa Branstetter Kimbel Comments by Me (Teresa Kindred) The nana who wrote this is a friend of mine. When she posted this on Facebook I asked her if I could share because we nanas love to give advice, right? Do others always heed our advice? Of course not, but we give
- [2020 is almost here. What changes (if any) are you making?](https://nanahood.com/2020-is-almost-here-what-changes-if-any-are-you-making) - 2020 is almost here Every year about this time we look in the mirror and think, I've gained weight. This year I'm going to diet and exercise more. Or, this year I want a new job, a new house, a new car. Or maybe you just order pizza and watch a football game on television.
- [Missing Someone at Christmas](https://nanahood.com/missing-someone-at-christmas) - There are so many people I know who have recently lost loved ones. That first Christmas, first birthday, first Thanksgiving after their passing is so very hard. When you lose someone you love you realize that the rest of your life will be different, but until you have experienced the empty chair at the table
- [NanaHood's own Christmas Story](https://nanahood.com/nanahoods-own-gory-christmas-story) - Remember the movie "A Christmas Story?" Ralphie wants a BB gun and everyone keeps telling him "You'll shoot your eye out, kid." Well, this is NanaHood's Gory Christmas Story..... I've watched it a gazillion times but after last night I feel differently about laughing at the pain of hurting your eye. I rarely sleep well.
- [Books! A Great Gift for All Ages](https://nanahood.com/books-a-great-gift-for-all-ages) - Disclaimer-I'm an Amazon affiliate and receive a small fee from sales purchased from these links. I fell in love with books as a child and reading is still one of my favorite things to do. Since it's so close to Christmas I wanted to share some of my all time favorites with you just in
- [NanaHood and Philips Cares](https://nanahood.com/nanahood-and-philips-cares) - Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post but all thoughts and opinions are my own. With the vital role that family caregivers play, I think it's important to share information about any and all products that may help them out. With that in mind, I’d like to share a new digital tool that was just
- [Marietta Book Signing With Friends](https://nanahood.com/marietta-book-signing-with-friends) - Marietta Book Signing I love going to book signings and meeting new people. This weekend my husband and I traveled to Atlanta where I signed copies of The Faith-Filled Grandmother at a gift shop called The Magnolia Room. It was so much fun and such a cute shop. Supper Club But before I get to
- [FitScore to Compare Insurance Plans](https://nanahood.com/fitscore-to-compare-insurance-plans) - Disclaimer: I've been compensated for this post but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Put on some warm socks, grab a cup of cocoa and take just a few minutes of your time to read about FitScore It's that time of year when we have to think about insurance plans. FitScore is a fast,
- [Be The Good Day, December 4th, 2019](https://nanahood.com/be-the-good-day-december-4th-2019) - Be the Good Day What is Be the Good Day? The following explanation was written by the daughters of Martha Temple Todd. In 2010, our mom, Martha Temple Todd, received her 3rd breast cancer diagnosis. As a wife, mother of 3 girls, and 8 grandchildren she had so much to fight for. She fought with
- [Denise The Domestic Goddess](https://nanahood.com/denise-the-domestic-goddess) - By Melinda Campbell Domestic Goddess and a Pumpkin Roll Denise and I are closing in hard and fast on four decades of friendship. I didn’t have many friends in school. My family moved around a bit, and I’m a tad socially awkward. Making friends just wasn’t easy, but Denise and I seemed to be a
- [Cyber Monday Shopping](https://nanahood.com/cyber-monday-shopping) - Cyber Monday Disclaimer: I'm an Amazon affiliate and receive a small compensation from each item purchased but thoughts and opinions are all my own. I love shopping online and the Amazon delivery person is a regular guest at my house! Today I'm sharing some things with you that are Cyber Monday specials but they are
- [Are You An Online Shopper or Do You Enjoy The Mall?](https://nanahood.com/are-you-an-online-shopper-or-do-you-enjoy-the-mall) - Disclaimer: I'm an Amazon affiliate and receive compensation from purchases I share. I had much rather shop online than fight traffic and holiday shoppers in search of a deal. Why fight the crowds when there are just as many bargains online? Sharing a few of my favorite Deal of the Day links from Amazon in
- [Ten Things I'm Thankful For](https://nanahood.com/ten-things-im-thankful-for) - Ten Things I'm Thankful For This Thanksgiving Faith and the freedom to worship. I can't imagine what it's like to have to hide to worship and know that if you are caught you will be imprisoned or worse but I know there are countries where that happens. I love our little church and my brothers
- [Under Construction Work Retreat](https://nanahood.com/under-construction-work-retreat) - Under Construction When the school where I work invited me to a work retreat I had no idea what was in store for me! We were divided into teams and we did team building activities. Our fearless (and funny looking) leaders explained what we were to do. Some of us took our Under Construction assignments
- [Find Your Wings for Tweens!](https://nanahood.com/find-your-wings-for-tweens) - Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post but all thoughts and opinions are my own. What if I told you that you could give a gift to your granddaughter every month that would spark creativity and inspire them to "find your wings" with each and every product? This gift creates excitement and anticipation each month
- [A Small Town Girl](https://nanahood.com/a-small-town-girl) - Small Town Girl (all the photos in this post were made by me near where I live) Except for a year in Atlanta and another year in Lexington, Kentucky, I've always lived in the same small town. Our little community got a McDonald's and a stop light about the same time, and as far as I can tell we haven't grown any in the last 30 years. When I
- [Let's Be Friends-Book Review](https://nanahood.com/lets-be-friends-book-review) - Let's Be Friends-Book Review I love going to Barnes and Nobles but there's a reason I don't go more often....I come out with arm loads of books. This weekend I was one of 150 authors at the Kentucky Book Fair. As the author of a new book I was invited to come and sit at
- [Salmon Cakes at Nana's House](https://nanahood.com/salmon-cakes-at-nanas-house) - Salmon Cakes My Dad called them salmon paddies and I remember mom making them for him a few times but none of us would touch them. I didn't like the smell of salmon, and for me, that was all I needed to turn my nose up and avoid them. A few weeks ago when we
- [Costco, Caregivers and You](https://nanahood.com/costco-caregivers-and-you) - Disclaimer: I have been compensated for this post but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Did you know that November is National Caregivers month? And Costco has everything you need as a caregiver and all your personal needs items? Being a caregiver is hard. I know because I helped care for my mother when
- [Easy Peasy Loaded Potato Soup](https://nanahood.com/easy-peasy-loaded-potato-soup) - Loaded Potato Soup This time of year can be crazy busy with activities. If you’re like us, you may fall into the trap of drive-thru dining just for the convenience of it all. I feel so much better, though, when I can prepare a home-cooked meal for my boys, and this loaded potato soup recipe
- [Who Does Your New Grandchild Look Like?](https://nanahood.com/who-does-your-new-grandchild-look-like) - New Grandchild Grandparents spend a lot of time gazing at their new grandchild and analyzing their looks. "I think she looks like you, dear," the fraternal grandmother will say. "She looks just like your baby photos," the maternal grandmother whispers to the new mother. The last few days I've been able to spend several hours
- [My Brother's Birthday](https://nanahood.com/my-brothers-birthday) - Disclaimer; There are two Amazon affiliate links in this post that I get a small commission from but these opinions are my own. I only have one sibling so I couldn't miss my brother's birthday! And what a birthday it was! His wife, Kelly, cooked enough food to feed the University of Kentucky Wildcats after
- [Pictures of Your Grandchild](https://nanahood.com/pictures-of-your-grandchild) - Pictures of Your Grandchild If you are a grandparent then one of your favorite gifts to receive is probably pictures of your grandchild. We have them all over our house and I love it! There are some great, fun and creative ways to display and have fun with those cute faces. Some of these ideas
- [DXA Scan and Why It's Important](https://nanahood.com/dxa-scan-and-why-its-important) - Disclaimer: Amgen paid for my travel and hotel, buy my views are my own. I hadn’t thought of it until Dr. Mary Oates said it, but there are many maintenance checkups that capture more of our attention because of the annual snail-mail reminders. Mammograms and paps are two obvious ones. We even get reminders from
- [A Grandma’s First Steps](https://nanahood.com/a-grandmas-first-steps) - A Grandma’s First Steps This handsome, smart, first Grandbaby is less than two weeks old. He is tracking, listening to her talk about each page, patting the book, learning her voice. "He liked the buttons best, looking intensely at them. The keys also held his attention - I told him he would soon find keys
- [Aging Differently---Bone Health](https://nanahood.com/aging-differently-bone-health) - Disclaimer: Amgen paid for my travel and hotel, buy my views are my own. What do you think of when you think of osteoporosis? Many people picture a very old woman with stooped shoulders. You might be as surprised as Melinda and I were to learn that people with osteoporosis look just like we do.
- [Gardens of the World](https://nanahood.com/gardens-of-the-world) - Gardens of the World and Fun Memories A friend and I went to California for a conference and while we were there I was able to visit my son and his girlfriend. It was a great getaway. All this week I will be sharing things about the conference I attended but this post is just
- [Osteoporosis and Bone Health](https://nanahood.com/osteoporosis-and-bone-health) - Osteoporosis and Your Bone Health Disclaimer: Amgen paid for my travel and hotel, but my views are my own. I just returned from a conference called Aging Differently and I learned so much about osteoporosis and bone health. I want to share with you what I learned. What do you know about your bone health
- [Reflections from the Kitchen Sink on Life Changes](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-life-changes) - Life Changes I went to Michael’s grave a couple days ago. It had been a few weeks since I’d gone. It was a beautiful fall day here in Kentucky. Not too warm. Not too cold. A good day to just go linger. I did my usual maintenance effort: brushing off some dust and turning the
- [October Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Remembering](https://nanahood.com/october-breast-cancer-awareness-month-and-remembering) - Every October for several years I blogged about breast cancer awareness. And then Martha died. It's October again but I can't make myself blog about it the whole month. It's simply too painful. Martha has been gone 4 years this month and not a day goes by that I don't think of her. This morning
- [Pet Costumes for Halloween](https://nanahood.com/pet-costumes-for-halloween) - Disclaimer: I am an affiliate of Chewy.com and will receive a small commission from any sales received from this site but all thoughts and opinions are definitely my own!P Pet Costumes I love animals and I love the happiness they bring. I know there are some folks who think it's crazy to have Halloween Pet
- [Outdoor Wedding Photos](https://nanahood.com/outdoor-wedding-photos) - Outdoor Wedding My cousin's daughter got married this past weekend and my sister-in-law and I took a road trip to Alabama. It was a gorgeous wedding. The bride was beautiful and the groom was handsome. Thought I'd share some photos with you. This was the view of the countryside next to where we parked our
- [Amazing Nanas in the News](https://nanahood.com/amazing-nanas-in-the-news) - Amazing Nanas I love reading stories about grandmothers who either do exceptional things, or have unusual things happen to them. Here are a few recent news stories I thought you might enjoy. Cindy Singley saw an ad advertising martial arts lessons. Three of her grandchildren signed up and so did she! This 62 year old
- [Essentials Unlimited 55 and T-Mobile; What You Need to Know](https://nanahood.com/essentials-unlimited-55-and-t-mobile-what-you-need-to-know) - Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post but all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own! It's been going on for years. The wireless industry has overlooked the very people who invented wireless - boomers and beyond. We were the mobile pioneers and yet most wireless carriers seem to think that when we hit age 55
- [Monday Photos and a Blog Hop](https://nanahood.com/monday-photos-and-a-blog-hop) - Monday Photos I didn't share any photos last week and I missed connecting with my blogger friends. I'm back this week and ready to share what I have been up to and hope you will share and link up! When I say "up" I mean way up high! That's not me on top though, it's
- [Foggy Morning Thoughts](https://nanahood.com/foggy-morning-thoughts) - Foggy Morning One morning I was driving to work and the fog was so thick I could hardly see where I was going. Because my vision was limited I drove slowly and focused on safety. The sun was trying it's best to shine through the dense fog and it occurred to me that God is
- [Heroes Are Often People We Know](https://nanahood.com/heroes-are-often-people-we-know) - Heroes by Melinda Campbell The story went viral basically overnight. A little girl with spina bifida being carried on an all-day field trip where here wheelchair wouldn’t have gone. A little girl excited to see the grandness in nature. A mom elated her daughter wasn’t left out of the adventure. A teacher humbly stating his
- [Children's Book Review](https://nanahood.com/childrens-book-review) - Book Review Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post but all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. I have mentioned before that my mother was a 6th grade reading teacher. She loved her students and encouraging them to read was her gift to them. Even though she has been gone for many years, I
- [Teens and Tweens Who Worry](https://nanahood.com/teens-and-tweens-what-to-do-about-worry) - Do you have a teen or tween who worries? Some kids are worriers…and some worry a lot more than others. Do you have a worrier in your family (you too might be a worrier)? We all have moments of worry, however when worries begin to get in your tween/teen’s way, it’s time to do something
- [Reflections from the Kitchen Sink on Impasse](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-impasse) - Disclaimer: Melinda offers this shirt for sale but all thoughts and opinions are hers! FYI-I concur with her sentiment! Anyone who’s a parent has been there: the near impasse...you know, the time during which your glare has to outlast that of your child. There your child sits like a disgruntled worker on strike minus the picket sign. Mediation isn’t an
- [Save on Depend with Amazon Subscribe and Save](https://nanahood.com/save-on-depend-with-amazon-subscribe-and-save) - Disclaimer: This post was made in partnership with Depend® brand. All opinions are my own. When my five children were young, there were lots of days when I was so busy I hardly had time to brush my hair, put on makeup or go to the bathroom. Our first house actually had three doors to
- [Talking to Your Grandkids About Cancer & Supporting Those in Need](https://nanahood.com/talking-to-your-grandkids-about-cancer-supporting-those-in-need) - Disclaimer: I have been compensated to share this post but all words and thoughts expressed here belong to me. Aging is inevitable, but with it comes grandchildren, memories, longevity, and sometimes—sickness. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and with 15,270 children diagnosed with cancer each year, it’s time we speak to our grandchildren about cancer
- [Easter in September](https://nanahood.com/easter-in-september) - Easter in September This past weekend three of my grandchildren hunted Easter eggs....sort of. They each colored an egg and then they hid them outside. It isn't even close to Easter but they didn't care. All that mattered to them was that they were having fun! Here they are with their egg and the dog
- [Missing Martha](https://nanahood.com/missing-martha) - Missing Martha I am no stranger to loss. My parents and grandparents have been gone for years and there are days when I long for the touch of my mother's hand or just one more hug from my dad. I miss my parents and grandparents terribly but my grief for my cousin and one of
- [Reflections From the Kitchen Sink on Being Kind](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-being-kind) - Being Kind I was recently in an online discussion with some fellow widows, and it dawned on me that the whole world could function like our hodge podge group does. The group is mostly comprised of women who were 40ish when their husbands passed away. No one is new to the widowed life, as I’m
- [Lost in Space with the Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/lost-in-space-with-the-grandchildren) - Lost in Space Karen Ritz A recent survey by Lego revealed more of today’s kids would rather be Youtubers than an astronaut! This summer was the anniversary of the first moon landing and we were kids then, probably watching on a black and white TV! Let’s share that magic of space with the newest generation.
- [Christmas in September? Bah Humbug!](https://nanahood.com/christmas-in-september-bah-humbug) - Christmas in September Today I went to town and I had to pick up a few things at the store. I was looking around trying to find what I needed and when I turned the corner I saw this. It's September people! It's not even close to Christmas and there are a few more holidays
- [The Absence of Pain](https://nanahood.com/the-absence-of-pain) - Have you ever thought about the absence of pain? Last week my tooth began hurting. Of course as luck would have it, it was the beginning of a 3 day weekend. By Monday all I could think about was getting to the dentist. I went to see him and as I suspected the tooth was
- [It Is Well With My Soul](https://nanahood.com/it-is-well-with-my-soul) - It is well with my soul...... A few weeks ago I was given this coffee mug by someone very dear to me. This morning as I sat drinking my second cup of "Get Up And Go" java I thought about the words on the mug. I know the story behind the well known church hymn,
- [Dear Summer, I Love You but I'm Ready for Fall](https://nanahood.com/dear-summer-i-love-you-but-im-ready-for-falll) - Dear Summer, When I was a teenager the one thing I could do better than my friends was tan. I remember spraying down with iodine mixed with baby oil. I squirted Sun-In on my hair and later, in college, some kind of suntan oil that smelled like coconuts (it was sort of sticky and sweat
- [Women in History-Eleanor Roosevelt](https://nanahood.com/women-in-history-eleanor-roosevelt) - Eleanor Roosevelt Has anyone ever asked you the following question, "If you could meet any famous person (dead or alive) who would you choose?" I would pick Eleanor Roosevelt because I have always found her fascinating. Just in case you don't know who she was.....First lady Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962), wife of Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945),
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink On Sharing Your Opinion](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-sharing-your-opinion) - Sharing Your Opinion The right to be outspoken has created an unhealthy environment of criticism and no real conversation. People hide behind the shields of Twitter and other social media and sense an obligation to voice often uneducated opinions. Even worse is that the blind masses—be it a party of one or a party of
- [NanaHood's Pork Chops](https://nanahood.com/nanahoods-pork-chops) - Pork Chops Do you ever get tired of your own cooking? I do! I also get tired of asking my husband what he wants for supper and his usual response, "I don't care." Occasionally he will ask for spaghetti, that's always been one of his favorites but you can only eat spaghetti every so often.
- [New Grandchild Announcement from NanaHood](https://nanahood.com/new-grandchild-announcement-from-nanahood) - Several months ago I told you that grandchild number 7 was on the way. I even wrote a post about it that you can read here. I am excited to announce that she has finally arrived! I say "finally" because she was a tad bit late. I jokingly told her mom that she was going
- [10 Tips for Public Speaking-How to keep from Freaking!](https://nanahood.com/10-tips-for-public-speaking-how-to-keep-from-freaking) - Public speaking Our twins are 6 ft. 8 inches and lift weights every day. They look like they wouldn't be scared of anything, but they are.....public speaking. And they aren't alone. 3 out of every 4 people have glossophobia, or fear of public speaking. Of all the phobias out there (and there are 100s) getting
- [Freeze Tomatoes for Fall and Winter](https://nanahood.com/freeze-tomatoes-for-fall-and-winter) - Freeze tomatoes I'm really mad that no one ever told me you could freeze tomatoes. I know, I know. I should have asked someone, or researched it myself. For some reason it never occurred to me that they could be frozen for soups, stews and cooking. I thought the only way to preserve tomatoes was
- [30 Outdoor Adventures for Children](https://nanahood.com/30-outdoor-adventtures-for-children) - Outdoor Adventures "I could never in a hundred summers get tired of this." - Susan Branch It’s August! Time to treasure every minute outside, anywhere! We have SO MANY ways to get the kids outside that you will enjoy as well. My Grands are young, 3 and 5, and they remember the garden spider from
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on Jumping Ship](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-jumping-ship) - Jumping Ship Last night, I had a mopey moment. It was partially spawned from a few direct questions about my current relationship status. I still struggle with thinking of myself as single, but it is what it is. On top of inquiries about that, I often get little stabs in the dark about other life
- [Choosing Joy When "But" Gets in the Way](https://nanahood.com/choosing-joy-even-when-but-gets-in-the-way) - Choosing Joy Last night I was talking with some good friends who are having a very hard time right now. I knew about their struggles so when I asked them how they were it didn't surprise me when they said, "Everything is okay but....." I know what they mean. Too often everything is okay with
- [Vacation Bible School Photos](https://nanahood.com/vacation-bible-school-photos) - Vacation Bible School Photos If you have never been to a vacation Bible school and seen the excitement and enthusiasm in children's faces you have missed a something special. If you don't know what a VBS is then here is a definition for you! "VBS is a nationwide program many churches offer. The purpose is to incorporate
- [5 Ways to Keep Kids Cool](https://nanahood.com/5-ways-to-keep-kids-cool) - 5 Ways to Keep Kids Cool We can’t complain about warm weather here in Minnesota, can we? We have to cherish every minute as the calendar turns to August. And we have the country’s largest State Fair to look forward to at the end of the month, though it appears we are still arguing with
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on Appreciation](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-appreciation) - Appreciation for the small things This morning, I’m drinking coffee from a styrofoam cup while sitting on a plastic-covered loveseat in a hospital room. My son is in the hospital for routine tests. As I have watched him sleep the last hour or so, I’ve had a flooding of thoughts I thought I’d share. 1.) The whole “don’t blink”
- [Three Seams Pillowcase With a Secret Message](https://nanahood.com/three-seams-pillowcase-with-secret-message) - Three seams pillowcase We sat at her kitchen table that summer morning, drawing her pink geraniums. She let me use her pastels, so much more magical than crayons, and we worked on real charcoal drawing paper from the art supply store. My grandma had cancer by then. Long enough ago, when the treatments were experimental,
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink...13 Things All New Widows Need To Know](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-13-things-all-new-widows-need-to-know) - All New Widows Need to Know When Nana Teresa asked me to consider sharing a “things you should know” list for new widows, my head went a million miles an hour because there is so much I didn’t know. She asked for maybe my top ten; I sent her a baker’s dozen. I could expound
- [The Day My Mother Died](https://nanahood.com/the-day-my-mother-died) - My mother died July 26th, 1990. A lot of years have gone by since then and a lot has happened to me and in the world, but no matter how much time passes I still think of her on the day of her death and as long as I have the capacity to remember... I
- [Dear Daughter, Advice from Nana on Baby #3](https://nanahood.com/dear-daughter-how-baby-3-will-rock-your-world) - Dear Daughter, I'm writing to you because our lives are so busy it's hard to find even an hour to talk. You have a husband, seven year old, five year old, and a full time job that require most of your waking hours. Even when we are together, the children make it hard to carry
- [I'm in Love with Chester! (luggage)](https://nanahood.com/im-in-love-with-chester-luggage) - Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post but all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. Chester is not my husband. My husband's name is Bill, but the Chester I'm talking about is not a person....it's luggage. It's really a carry-on that's so lightweight Tucker could have carried it inside (if he had hands instead
- [Attack of the Giant Tomato](https://nanahood.com/attack-of-the-giant-tomato) - Giant Tomato We have gone straight from blueberries to tomatoes. There are a few berries lingering around, just enough for a cobbler. It didn't last long enough for me to make a photo of the whole pie! Most of you know how to make cobblers the easy way, but just in case there is anyone
- [NanaHood's Summertime Punch](https://nanahood.com/nanahoods-summertime-punch) - Summertime punch There are somethings you never forget. One of them is the way your parent's handwriting looked. My mom has been gone since 1980 but the sight of her handwriting never fails to make me miss her. I keep her box of recipes in my kitchen and some of them are typed, or torn
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on A Picture](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-a-picture) - This is a horrible photo. My doc had me on anti-inflammatories that puffed me up—ironic, right? I have no idea why it looks like I’m biting my bottom lip off. The photo wasn’t framed great by the kid who took it, so you see lovely signage in the back. I had no makeup on and
- [Down on the Farm](https://nanahood.com/down-on-the-farm) - Hope you had a great weekend! It's Monday again which means another Blog Hop! Please link up and leave a comment about what you have been up to! Farm Animals Don't you love the little photo bomber sheep? He wanted in the picture too! I like the way all the animals ears look in the
- [And the Survey Says...](https://nanahood.com/and-the-survey-says) - Disclaimer: I'm compensated when I blog for Seniorly. This post is strictly my personal opinion. If you've ever watched Family Feud then you know that it's based on survey results. But what if the survey wasn't done for a television show. What if a nana (me) asked 3 of her grandchildren 5 questions and then
- [Child Identity Theft; The Fastest Growing Crime](https://nanahood.com/child-identity-theft-the-fastest-growing-crime) - Disclaimer: This post is sponsored. I was compensated for sharing it but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Child identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the US High school graduation. How quickly time flies by for our children and grandchildren. Time to head off to college. College Applications as well as student
- [The Nana-Creature From The Black Lagoon](https://nanahood.com/the-nana-creature-from-the-black-lagoon) - Creature from the Black Lagoon I do a lot of dumb things and I don't mind telling on myself when I do. Like I tell my grandchildren, there are very few things about getting old that I don't mind but one of the best things is that I'm finally comfortable in my own skin. Things that
- [Depression, Panic Attacks and Why We Didn't Talk About Them](https://nanahood.com/depression-panic-attacks-and-why-we-didnt-talk-about-them) - Panic Attacks: The Beginning I am 62 years old and I have never talked about this before to anyone except my family and even they don't know everything about what I am about to tell you. When I was a little girl, about 10 years old, I had my first panic attack. It would be
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink On Encouraging Others](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-encouraging-others) - Encouraging others I had gone in the day before to try on some dresses. Shopping isn’t fun for me, especially now that I don’t feel I have my man to impress. I’ve been in quite a funk the last little bit. I have sparky moments, but the depression has me pretty bound up. I’m not
- [Nana's Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole](https://nanahood.com/nanas-cheesy-hash-brown-casserole) - Nana's Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole We were having company for supper and I needed to feed a lot of people. I didn't want to spend all day in the kitchen and didn't want a vast amount of clean up. After giving it some thought I decided to serve barbecue pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, squash
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on Doing the Right Thing](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-doing-the-right-thing) - Doing the Right Thing I found myself divulging personal information to a man I really didn't know in my driveway. He had come to try to repair something I had already paid someone else to repair, and as he was leaving, he struck up a conversation about my mower that was sitting beside the driveway.
- [Time Flies at Lightening Speed After 50](https://nanahood.com/time-flies-at-lightening-speed-after-50) - Time flies. I've heard it said a million times but I think after I hit 50 it goes even faster. How can it be June? The days, the weeks, the years just keep going faster and faster. Last week we went to an event where there were animals. This pretty young lady holding the baby
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on "I'm Sorry"](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-im-sorry) - “I’m sorry.” Two little words that shouldn’t be hard to say but seem to choke us sometimes. I was rummaging through some more papers the other day—no, I’m still not finished with the purge and reorganization—and found a couple of cards from flowers Michael sent me. One was a note of encouragement from a tough
- [Upside Down Monday at NanaHood](https://nanahood.com/upside-down-monday-at-nanahood) - Upside Down Have you ever read the poem Reflection by Shel Silverstein? I thought it went great with this photo. Hope you had a great weekend and that this week is a good week for you. This is a Blog Hop so please link up and leave a comment before you go. Reflection Each time
- [TrueCare24.com-Find A Pre-screened Caregiver](https://nanahood.com/truecare24-com-family-medical-help-fast) - TrueCare24.com Disclaimer: I have been compensated for this post but all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. Did you know that there is technology to help you find the best caregiver available for your loved ones? That's exactly what TrueCare does! If you are like me and you are so busy your head spins,
- [I Almost Died Today](https://nanahood.com/i-almost-died-today) - Yes, you read that right. I almost died today. I did something stupid on the spur of the moment and it almost resulted in my death. I still haven't stopped shaking. I was driving into town when I saw something I was sure had blown off my husband's truck, one of his scarecrow balloons he
- [Making Memories Monday at NanaHood](https://nanahood.com/making-memories-monday-at-nanahood-2) - Making Memories Around here we work hard at keeping children safe and happy. We do our best at making memories at Nana's and Poppa's house. These three had been playing in the pool, notice the floatation device on curly locks. They all decided to ride the same little car but as you can tell they
- [Aladdin Movie Review - Why You Should Go!](https://nanahood.com/aladdin-movie-review-why-you-should-take-your-grandchildren) - Aladdin If you want to know about the movie Aladdin who should you ask? A child, of course! Last night my daughter and son-in-law took their children and two of their cousins to see the latest version of the movie and while I find it hard to believe that Will Smith could be as good
- [The Gift of Now](https://nanahood.com/the-gift-of-now) - The Gift of Now I think of my grandmother often but today something occurred to me that I had never realized before. Grandma Layne was better at enjoying the "gift of now" than anyone I have ever known. This profound bit of wisdom entered my mind while I was floating on a float in a
- [Drinking and Driving and Holiday Weekends](https://nanahood.com/drinking-and-driving-and-holiday-weekends) - Drinking and Driving I’ve read one too many drunken highlights from a concert last night in BG and party plans for what should be a more sacred holiday weekend than it appears it will be for some. Add to this the jests of finding a good lawyer and remembering the judges are off until Tuesday, and
- [Lookout Mountain and the Kentucky/Georgia Girls](https://nanahood.com/lookout-mountain-and-the-kentucky-georgia-girls) - Lookout Mountain When we get together we have so much catching up to do that we usually unpack and then sit and talk, eat, talk more and never leave the place we are staying. We may not be 16 years old but when we are together we ACT like we are 16 again. When we
- [The Faith-Filled Grandmother Book - Why I Wrote It](https://nanahood.com/the-faith-filled-grandmother-book-how-and-why-i-wrote-it) - The Faith-Filled Grandmother While I was visiting with friends they ask me about the process of writing my latest book and they found it interesting so I thought I would share it with you too. It's a good reminder to "never say never." After I wrote the book Mom PhD in 2004 I thought I
- [The Beginners Bible; First One 100 Bible Words](https://nanahood.com/the-beginners-bible-first-one-100-bible-words) - Disclaimer: Zonderkidz is partnering with me for a giveaway all thoughts and opinions are my own. About the Book The Beginner’s Bible; First 100 Bible Words is the perfect way to introduce children to their first words from the Bible! This bright board book with beautiful colors and child-friendly illustrations offers young or beginning readers an
- [Reflections From the Kitchen Sink on Slowing Down](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-stream-of-consciousness) - It dawned on me this morning that one reason I’m drawn to my sink time each day is the quiet nature of my time here. Yes, it’s the place of that big talk with my late husband, and, yes, it is my starting place for my prayer time a lot; however, it is also the
- [Club Eimmie: A Great Grandparent Tool](https://nanahood.com/club-eimmie-a-great-grandparent-tool) - Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post in partnership with Club Eimmie. All content provided by sponser, The day you became a grandparent was a special day . It was a time to welcome a new life into the world and marked the passing of your values to a new generation. Being a grandparent is amazing but
- [How to Navigate Anxiety and Social Skills For a Child With Autism](https://nanahood.com/how-to-navigate-anxiety-and-social-skills-for-a-child-with-autism) - Autism Stress is a natural part of raising a family. When you’re raising a child or grandchild with autism, the challenges and stresses are unique and complex in a whole different manner. Because it generally appears earlier in childhood, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is considered a pervasive developmental disorder. This impairment can make the most
- [The Unconditional Baba](https://nanahood.com/the-unconditional-baba) - I never expected to be a single mom of two little ones....especially as a stay-at-home mom who had just relocated, AGAIN. My immediate family was spread out across several states and quite honestly, my state of mind and emotions were not winning me any points for Mother of the Year around that time. If it
- [The Powers of Pinterest](https://nanahood.com/the-powers-of-pinterest) - Powers of Pinterest Pinterest. It's so much more than beautiful images and fabulous recipes. Don't get me wrong....I'm on Pinterest for those reasons too - but did you know there are over 250 million viewers exploring Pinterest each month? Understanding that Pinterest is a visual search engine rather than another social platform may help you
- [Reflections From the Kitchen Sink On Alzheimer's](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-alzheimers) - Alzheimers In my Facebook memories today, I saw that six years ago I was spending the night at the hospital with my parents. My mom had been admitted. There was little I could do that night but keep my dad company. Sometimes we just feel helpless with things. Mom wasn’t admitted due to her Alzheimer’s,
- [What's Hot in Hot Springs, Arkansas](https://nanahood.com/whats-hot-in-hot-springs-arkansas) - What's so hot about Hot Springs, Arkansas? A few weeks ago I couldn't have told you, but now I can. We stayed at at the historic Arlington Hotel which is right next to the park. One thing I noticed about Hot Springs is that it is very dog friendly. The Arlington Hotel allows pets and
- [Reflections From the Kitchen Sink On What Would Mom -or Martha - Do](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-what-would-mom-or-martha-do) - I hung the towel from my hair over the shower rack and noticed the tattered edges as the towel rocked into place. For a moment, I envisioned the probable glare I would have received from my mom if she had seen the condition of what she would surely call a “rag.” Most likely, there would’ve
- [Looie Mattioli: Nana Is Chairman of the Board](https://nanahood.com/looie-mattioli-nana-is-chairman-of-the-board) - Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post but all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. Life has a way of surprising us. After many twist and turns, Looie Mattioli is the Chairman of the Board of Pocono Raceway. As she looks back on her life she finds herself asking “How the heck did I
- [The Grandchildren Go Fishing at the Pond](https://nanahood.com/the-grandchildren-go-fishing-at-the-pond) - Go Fishing My Grandpa Layne loved to go fishing. I don't have many pictures of him but when I remember him he was always wearing a hat, a worn, frayed Fedora. He had wire rimmed glasses and chain smoked one cigarette after another. My mother described him as a "very nervous person." I didn't know
- [NanaHood's Favorite Things for Mother's Day](https://nanahood.com/nanahoods-favorite-things-for-mothers-day) - Favorite Things Disclaimer - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Back when Oprah's television show was on my favorite event was when she shared her favorite things and gave everyone in the audience one of whatever she was talking about. I know I'm not Oprah and I sure can't afford to give
- [5 Things Nana's Can Do With Grandchildren On Rainy Days](https://nanahood.com/5-things-nanas-can-do-with-grandchildren-on-rainy-days) - Rainy Days Now more than ever it's important to share engaging activities with your grandchildren. Why do I say that? Because According to Common Sense Media, teens spend an average of 9 hours a day online, compared to about six hours for those aged eight to 12 and 50 minutes for kids between 0 and eight. No
- [The Pinnacles at Berea, Kentucky](https://nanahood.com/the-pinnacles-at-berea-kentucky) - The Pinnacles A few weeks ago we went to Berea and on the way home we stopped at the Pinnacles. We weren't prepared to go hiking but it was a pretty day and we didn't know when we would ever get back there so we picked the shortest trail and set off. I won't go
- [Photo Questions and Looking for Answers](https://nanahood.com/photo-questions-and-looking-for-answers) - Photo I have been blogging for ten years and there is still so much I don't know! People blog for different reasons and everyone has different skill sets. I came to blogging because I love to write but it was obvious to me from the beginning that I also needed to be able to make
- [Nana's Chicken Casserole - Try it!](https://nanahood.com/nanas-chicken-casserole-try-it) - Nana's Chicken Casserole I don't know if your men are like mine but often when I ask them what they want for supper they answer, "Whatever you want to fix." "I don't know what to fix," I respond. "I'm tired of my own cooking." Yesterday when my husband and I were having this same conversation
- [The 7th Grandchild-Why It's Not About the Numbers](https://nanahood.com/the-7th-grandchild-why-its-not-about-the-numbers) - The 7th Grandchild A lady asked me the other day if I thought I would love my 7th grandchild as much as I did the first one. I almost dropped my cup of coffee. What a weird question, I thought, but didn't say out loud. I laughed and assured her that I would. Later that
- [Two Egg Hunts In One Day](https://nanahood.com/two-egg-hunts-in-one-day) - Two Egg Hunts This weekend was a busy one. Our church egg hunt was Saturday morning and then Saturday afternoon the hospital my daughter works for hosted one. There's nothing better to create excitement in little children than an egg hunt with eggs filled with candy! Most children will never experience egg coloring the old
- [A Pink Comforter; Reflections From The Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/a-pink-comforter-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - I bought a comforter the other day. It is pink. A bit frilly. It coordinates well with the pale pink paint that now adorns my bedroom walls. I’m struggling to get the bedding out of the bag though. My husband wouldn’t have liked it. Well, not for our room. Nothing I have bought for the
- [Stylish Flats for Every Occasion](https://nanahood.com/stylish-flats-for-every-occasion) - Stylish Flats Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post and I was compensated with product but all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. I love comfortable shoes. There was a time (many years ago) when I envied women who wore stilettos. I still think they are pretty but I have no desire to wear them,
- [Traveling with the Granddaughter to Washington D. C.](https://nanahood.com/traveling-with-the-granddaughter) - Traveling with our granddaughter over her spring break was so much fun and hopefully we made some memories she won't soon forget. The ride to Washington D. C. was long, but she was able to sleep through most of it so it wasn't too painful for her. We timed out trip just right and all
- [Miniature Donkeys on the Farm](https://nanahood.com/miniature-donkeys-on-the-farm) - Miniature Donkeys Until this week I didn't know much about miniature donkeys. I'm still not an expert by any means of the imagination, but I do know more now that I once did. I'll get back to the donkeys in a minute, but first I need to give you some background information Bellview Family Farm If you
- [Online Shopping: Reflections From The Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/online-shopping-reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - Online Shopping vs. Store Shopping With yet another chain store closing its physical doors (Lifeway, if you haven’t heard), I have such mixed emotions. You folks know me now, so you know I’m not a tech queen. I do my share of online shopping though. I live in a rural area. My kids and I
- [Chip and Joanna Gaines - Decorating Made Fun!](https://nanahood.com/chip-and-joanna-gaines-decorating-made-fun) - Chip and Joanna Gaines are my imaginary friends. I've been fans of theirs since my daughter got me hooked on HGTV a few years ago. I've watched their show, Fixer Upper, and seen them decorate hundreds of houses. They just make decorating look fun! When they announced they were having another baby I felt like
- [The Faith-Filled Grandmother - A Giveaway](https://nanahood.com/the-faith-filled-grandmother-a-giveaway) - The Faith-Filled Grandmother They say writing a book is like having a baby. I'm not sure I totally agree, but I know why they say that. The process is tedious and lonely at times. You feel like it will never be finished, even though you know it eventually will. And then when it finally arrives
- [Pinto Beans and Cornbread](https://nanahood.com/pinto-beans-and-cornbread) - Pinto Beans and Cornbread Memories My mom and grandmother were wonderful cooks and they loved cooking. I learned everything I know from being with them in the kitchen. One of their favorite go-to meals consisted of pinto beans and cornbread. To me they go together like peanut butter and jelly or cake and ice cream.
- [Jambu - Comfortable Sandals for Women](https://nanahood.com/jambu-comfortable-sandals-for-women) - Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Comfortable Sandals for Women Today is the first day of spring! Woo Hoo! Are you as excited as I am to see daffodils blooming and the leaves on the trees starting to bud? There is a field near my house
- [Prom Then and Now](https://nanahood.com/prom-then-and-now) - Prom Way back when I was in high school we didn't have prom, but we did have something similar. It was called the Junior/Senior Banquet. Every Junior or Senior could take one guest and it was a big deal to get invited when you were a freshman or sophomore. I went to a very small
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink On Spring](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-spring) - I don’t know about you, but I love the sounds of spring and get truly excited when winter is on its last leg. My late husband reminded me often I was jumping the gun on converting our home from winter to spring. I would want to plant flowers the minute I heard the first bird
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on The Twilight Zone](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-the-twilight-zone) - Have you ever ventured back to a place from an earlier stage in life and had a Twilight Zone feeling overtake you? That has happened a few times to me lately. The most recent was at a basketball arena where my boys and I went to support a local team at the regional tournament. Walking
- [4 Great Books You Should Read](https://nanahood.com/4-great-books-you-should-read) - 4 Great Books I love to read but lately I've really been on a binge. I've read 4 books in a couple of weeks. I'm a fast reader; to the point where my family thinks I'm really not reading every word. I assure you that I look at good books like I do a good
- [Everything You Want to Know About CBD](https://nanahood.com/everything-you-want-to-know-about-cbd) - Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post in partnership with cbdMD and GRAND Network By now, you’ve most likely heard some talk about CBD. As one of the hottest products in the market, the terminology associated with CBD can be quite confusing. So, the question remains: what exactly is CBD? CBD is a viable health option. CBD
- [How to Prevent a Stroke](https://nanahood.com/how-to-prevent-a-stroke) - Prevent a Stroke You have probably heard about actor Luke Perry having a stroke. He is not alone. According to the CDC... Someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds. Every 4 minutes, someone dies of stroke.2Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. About 610,000 of these are first or
- [5 Great Restaurants in Bowling Green, KY](https://nanahood.com/5-great-restaurants-in-bowling-green-ky) - Great Restaurants My favorite part of a vacation is trying out new restaurants. I love good food, excellent service and a pleasant atmosphere. There are lots of restaurants who have one of those things, but few restaurants have all three. Fortunately, I don't have to go far from home to find some really awesome restaurants.
- [They Don't Stay Little Long](https://nanahood.com/they-dont-stay-little-long) - Children don't stay little long. When I was a little girl my cousin and I became best friends. We stayed best friends until she passed away 3 years ago. It's hard to believe how many years ago this photo was made. It's also hard to believe how much I miss her. We didn't stay little
- [Caregiving is Challenging but There is Help.](https://nanahood.com/caregiving-is-challenging-but-there-is-help) - This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Depend. The opinions and text are all mine. Caregiving is Challenging but There is Help This is sponsored content written by me in partnership with Depend® brand. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Lookout for a special offer from Depend at the
- [Dry Needling and Sinus Problems](https://nanahood.com/dry-needling-and-sinus-problems) - Dry Needling Spring is wonderful but allergy season is not. In fact, it always frustrates me that the most beautiful time of the year is when I feel the worst. This year I didn't even wait until spring before I started having trouble. If you have grandchildren and you are with them a lot you
- [The Public Library and the Love of Reading](https://nanahood.com/the-public-library-and-the-love-of-reading) - Public Library We have had an extremely wet winter and this week we are expecting 5-7 more inches. Rainy days make me think of reading and reading makes me think of the public library. When children are little is the perfect time to instill in them a love of reading and what better place to
- [Grandparent News From Around the World](https://nanahood.com/grandparent-news-from-around-the-world) - Grandparent News In Minnesota and across the United States there is a growing awareness of a very big issue facing grandparents; addiction of their adult children. A story in the MinnPost called Role shifts: What happens when addiction results in grandparents parenting, tells the all too familiar tale of grandparents who unexpectedly found themselves raising 3 grandchildren. Across the United States 2.7 million grandparents are raising
- [NanaHood Big Announcement](https://nanahood.com/nanahood-big-announcement) - Or should I say a little announcement? Probably by now you have guessed. After all, this is NanaHood where we celebrate being grandparents. My daughter and my son-in-law are going to have a baby! This is Big sister and Big brother. Big Sister has her face painted. They were both excited when they were told
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink On Little Things](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-little-things) - I was in quite a hurry rushing around doing last minute Valentine shopping. That isn’t an easy task anyway since my guy has passed away, but I still have a few folks to consider. I ran into town to finish things up when I had a few little surprises that just made my day. You
- [My Grandson's Pineapple Cake](https://nanahood.com/my-grandsons-pineapple-cake) - Pineapple Cake When my daughter said she was making a pineapple cake I wasn't sure I'd like it. I love fresh pineapple but growing up the elementary school I attended served a pineapple upside down cake. I never learned to love the taste of cooked pineapple and always gave my serving away to a friend.
- [The Gift of Sharing with Others](https://nanahood.com/the-gift-of-sharing-with-others) - The gift of sharing with others is a blessing we sometimes take for granted. Sharing is love in action and here some photos of adults sharing with children who in turn shared with those they helped deliver meals to. The children at our church peeled potatoes and chopped pickles for potatoe salad. They chopped onions
- [The History of The Bell Family Bell](https://nanahood.com/the-history-of-the-bell-family-dinner-bell) - This is the story of a dinner bell, but first I need to give you just a bit of background. My mother's name was Shirley DeMumbrum and my father was John Bell. My grandfather was Robert Bell (also my brother's name) and his parents were Josh and Kate Bell. Josh and Kate married in 1890
- [Happy Monday](https://nanahood.com/happy-monday) - Yesterday was the Super Bowl and for football fans that's a very big deal. I am not a football fan and to me the only super bowl I care about is the one I pour my cereal in at night when I get up and roam around because I can't sleep. Eating a bowl of
- [Reflections from the Kitchen Sink on Parenting](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-parenting) - So some of you might think I am crazy strict and a bit out of the loop with contemporary parenting techniques, but I’m going to share two of my most recent verbal exchanges with my older son anyway, examples of teen drama from Campbell-land. (Hold your applause or boos until the end of the story,
- [Pet Safety Tips for Cold Temperatures](https://nanahood.com/pet-safety-tips-for-cold-temperatures) - Pet Safety Winter weather is no fun for people or for animals. Dangerously cold temperatures mean you need to take some precautions to make sure your pets stay warm and healthy. If you know someone who lets their pets stay outside please warn them that pets get hypothermia too!Signs of Hypothermia in Pets:Violent shivering, followed
- [Reflections from the Kitchen Sink on Repair](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-repair) - It was a simple repair. Put a button on the pair of khakis for my younger son, Cameron. Isn’t it strange how a simple task can send you on a little train ride just like Mr. Rogers did back in the day? My train ride had a couple of bigger stops. Both were worth the
- [Tips for Teaching Our Grandchildren to Appreciate Nature](https://nanahood.com/tips-for-teaching-our-grandchildren-to-appreciate-nature) - This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Nature Conservancy for IZEA Worldwide. All opinions are 100% mine. When I was a little girl my grandfather would sit on the porch with me and we would listen to the birds chirping. He could identify every bird we heard. He could also
- [Road Scholar Trips for Grandparents and Grandkids](https://nanahood.com/road-scholar-trips-for-grandparents-and-grandkids) - Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post but all thoughts and opinions are specifically my own. Road Scholar Trips The new year is in full swing, and the excitement of playing with all of the wonderful toys and electronic gadgets gifted to millions of children and grandchildren across the country has begun to wane. While cell
- [Queen of Clutter Meets Marie Kondo](https://nanahood.com/queen-of-clutter-meets-marie-kondo) - I am the Queen of Clutter and let me make it perfectly clear at the beginning of this post, I did not meet Marie Kondo in person. In fact, I just learned of her existence about a week ago when a friend suggested I watch her show on Netflix. Now that I've watched I know
- [Rainy Weekend with the Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/rainy-weekend-with-the-grandchildren) - Rainy Weekend It has rained so much in Kentucky that the creeks and rivers are out of their banks. Our boys raise several hundreds of acres of soybeans and it was next to impossible to get them out of the field because it has been so wet. They actually didn't finish the harvest until December
- [Locals Guide To South Florida: Insider Tips](https://nanahood.com/locals-guide-to-south-florida-insider-tips) - Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post but all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. Locals Guide To South Florida: Insider Tips South Florida is a thriving area with world-renowned architecture and vivid visual arts scene. You cannot forget about Miami's unique cuisine either. There are plenty of tourist spots to visit on vacation. If
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on Holiday Weight Gain](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-holiday-weight-gain) - Weight Gain I said it wouldn’t happen this year. I would not gain the holiday five. I was not going to eat beyond my appetite. I was not going to fall victim to the carb drive of holiday sweets. I was not going to let the rush of ball season travel to holiday tournaments lull
- [Five Reasons I Hate Cancer](https://nanahood.com/five-reasons-i-hate-cancer) - I Hate Cancer. I have hated it since it took my mother at the age of 51 in 1990. Over the years I've watched it hurt people I love and care about. It took my beloved friend and cousin, Martha. Last year it took my friend Peggy's daughter and now it's attacking Peggy. 5 reasons
- [Doctor's Office Entertainment - How to Make Waiting Easier](https://nanahood.com/doctors-office-entertainment-how-to-make-waiting-less-painful) - Doctor's Office When you get to be my age you spend a lot of time visiting various physicians. I go to doctors for my eyes, my feet and every part in between. It's not that I'm sick all the time, thankfully I'm not. It's just the maintenance of getting older keeps me running from one
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on Jerry's Strawberry Pie](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-jerrys-strawberry-pie) - Jerry's Strawberry Pie If you’ve seen the movie CARS and are from my generation or the next one up, you will understand my heart on this. The world swirls so fast that there is no time for those cool nostalgic moments that captivated my childhood and early adult years. Take, for instance, strawberry pie at
- [How Much Plastic Surgery Is Too Much?](https://nanahood.com/how-much-plastic-surgery-is-too-much) - Plastic Surgery First. let me begin by saying I am NOT against plastic surgery. If someone wants to do something to make themselves feel better about the way they look, that's okay with me. What I don't think is a good idea is having multiple surgeries in order to look like someone else. For example,
- [Cataract Surgery-What You Need to Know](https://nanahood.com/cataract-surgery-what-you-need-to-know) - Cataract Surgery Every year since I was about 30 years old I have had an annual eye exam, and every year my vision has gotten worse. I wore glasses every day, all day and if I took them off my vision was limited. I joked about not being able to read the shampoo or conditioner
- [Your Life-What Do You Wish You Had Done Differently?](https://nanahood.com/your-life-what-do-you-wish-you-had-done-differently) - What do you wish you had done differently? The other day I was in the grocery store. The cashier was ringing up my purchases and while I was waiting on her I listened in on two gentlemen who were nearby. They were dressed in overalls and probably farmers sitting waiting for their wives. I couldn't
- [Pneumococcal Pneumonia-Why You Must Be Vaccinated](https://nanahood.com/pneumococcal-pneumonia-why-you-must-be-vaccinated) - Disclaimer-I was compensated by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases through an unrestricted educational grant from Merck & Co., Inc. to write about pneumococcal disease but all opinions are my own. Pneumococcal Pneumonia My husband went for his annual physical (which I encourage everyone to do) and our doctor checked him out thoroughly. Our doctor was
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on Positive Peggy](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-positive-peggy) - Positive Peggy I struggled to write for others to read my thoughts this week. As much as I try to push through and be Positive Peggy, this time of year is hard for lots of reasons. I am an immensely blessed person. I do not ever want my low moments to make folks think I don’t
- [Christmas Finger Food Meal](https://nanahood.com/christmas-finger-food-meal) - Finger Food Meal My husband looked at me strangely when I told him I wasn't cooking Christmas dinner this year. I cooked a huge meal for Thanksgiving and decided to lessen my stress I was going to just serve finger foods. At first he wasn't crazy about the idea but after he saw the spread,
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on a Huge Monkey](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-a-huge-monkey) - A Huge Monkey I just bought a 6’6” stuffed monkey. Yep, 78” of a Curious George-like toy for one of my teenagers. I know, it seems a bit crazy, but here’s the scoop: I wanted to find some Christmas gifts that were useful and/or fun that didn’t require electricity or batteries. George is fun and
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on Cherish the Good](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-my-kitchen-sink-on-cherish-the-good) - I’m sure this will sound kind of weird to some people, but I have found myself lately missing some pretty obtuse things. This morning, for instance, I miss the way my mom sliced the bananas for my cereal when I was a kid. (Told you it was weird.) Since my husband passed, my mind does
- [Legally Blonde Weekend](https://nanahood.com/legally-blonde-weekend) - Legally Blonde We have a local theater where community members perform plays. It's called Barn Lot Theater and they do a fantastic job of keeping us entertained. This past weekend the gals of our family went to see Legally Blonde and the lead role was played by a family friend, Miss Laura Brown, who did
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on Potluck Dinners](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-potluck-dinners) - Potluck Dinners Potluck after potluck. Big game gatherings. We all know it is finger food season, and if you’re like me, while you love the traditional standbys, you’re always looking for something new to take or for a new twist to an old favorite. I have my usual go to’s of the Crockpot cheese dip
- [A Doll Your Granddaughter Will Adore-Club Eimmie](https://nanahood.com/doll-your-granddaughter-will-adore) - Disclaimer: I received compensation in exchange for a review of this product. All thoughts and opinions are my own. A Doll Called Eimmie If you have never heard of Club Eimmie and you have granddaughters then I have great news for you... this is a doll they are sure to love and enjoy throughout the
- [Apple Bite Bombs](https://nanahood.com/apple-bite-bombs) - Apple Bite Bombs These are little bites of apple pie filling wrapped in pie dough, deep-fried, then brushed with butter and rolled in brown sugar. Sound good? It's like a little fruity explosion in your mouth---thus the name, Apple Bite Bombs. This is my grandson (and future chef) enjoying working in the kitchen with his
- [Give Your Dog A Bath Without Getting Stressed](https://nanahood.com/tips-for-giving-your-dog-a-bath) - You really can give your dog a bath without getting stressed. It doesn't have to be a wet wrestling match between you and your pooch! I love dogs and our three pretty much have it made in the shade but lately one of them has been driving me dog gone crazy! The Golden Doodle belongs
- [Children's Books My Grandchildren Love (and one I just ordered)](https://nanahood.com/childrens-books-my-grandchildren-love) - Here are some books my grandchildren love and I think you will too!
- [Nana's Nice List - A Gift Guide for Online Shopping](https://nanahood.com/nanas-nice-list-a-gift-guide-for-online-shopping) - Nana's Nice List I'm just not into crowds or shopping at the mall. I'll leave that to those who enjoy the hustle and bustle (and jostling) of large groups of people. The last few years I've shopped online and it's so convenient. I can drink coffee and shop while sitting in my recliner and wearing
- [NanaHood's Christmas Gift Guide](https://nanahood.com/nanahoods-christmas-gift-guide) - Christmas Gift Guide I used to love watching Oprah give away her favorite things on her show. I mean, how cool would it be to be able to give so many people great gifts? I'm not Oprah and I can't give you gifts, but I can help you with your holiday shopping by sharing NanaHood's
- [Be the Good Day](https://nanahood.com/be-the-good-day) - December 4th is Be the Good Day. Please read about it and join us in Being the Good in someone’s day!
- [Ho Ho Ho Weekend](https://nanahood.com/ho-ho-ho-weekend) - This weekend was "Cookies with Santa" and a Christmas Parade. We were Ho Ho Ho-ing all weekend long! Come see what we were up to!
- [Newseum in Washington D. C. is a Must Visit!](https://nanahood.com/newseum-in-washington-d-c-is-a-must-visit) - If you have never been to the Newseum in Washington D. C. you will want to add it to your bucket list. It's a great way to spend a morning or afternoon. If you have children or grandchildren with you it's a history lesson they will never forget!
- [Chicken, Bacon, Ranch Dish](https://nanahood.com/chicken-bacon-ranch-dish) - Chicken, Bacon, Ranch Dish My 13 year old granddaughter loves to cook. When she was younger we would cook together (and we still do sometimes) but now that she is older she likes to cook solo. This week she did a chicken dish that was so easy I bet your grands could bake it, too.
- [Day Trip to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia and Yorktown](https://nanahood.com/day-trip-to-colonial-williamsburg-virginia-and-yorktown) - Colonial Williamsburg The day we visited Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia was exceptionally warm and sunny for October. We met some friends (who happen to live in the area) and walked the streets with them and with our son and his girlfriend. My husband, Bill, and I are on the right and Wallace and Susan Williamson
- [Grief and Gratitude](https://nanahood.com/grief-and-gratitude) - Grief and Gratitude There are certain times of the year that are much harder for families who have lost loved ones and experienced tragedies; this year has been full of both of those. Wildfires Mudslides Hurricanes Cancer Floods They never stop coming and they never will. Why am I bringing this up today? Thanksgiving Day
- [Reflections From the Kitchen Sink on Thanksgiving](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-thanksgiving) - I get it. I really do. “Thanksgiving.” We focus on the things we are thankful for. I have to admit though the whole concept of the forced, though purposeful, gratitude wears me out. It is a bit hypocritical because so many folks smear over the day anyway. Think I may be a little turkey Scrooge?
- [Grandma's Stuffing Recipe](https://nanahood.com/grandmas-stuffing-recipe) - The Best Stuffing Recipe Ever! Gratitude is something we can never have enough of and my kids feel the same way about my stuffing, or as we call it, Grandma Layne's dressing balls. November always makes me think about those two things: gratitude and stuffing. I'm so thankful and blessed to have had a grandmother
- [Thanksgiving Dinner Served by Church Children](https://nanahood.com/thanksgiving-dinner-served-by-church-children) - Thanksgiving Dinner Our church children serve the adults a Thanksgiving Meal (with a lot of help). It's always fun, the food is always delicious and the children are always precious. I had a piece of the pecan pie and it was delicious! What's your favorite, pecan or pumpkin? Or maybe you have another type of
- [The Grinch-Why Your Littles May Like This Version Better](https://nanahood.com/the-grinch-why-your-littles-may-like-this-version-better) - The Grinch Last weekend we took 3 of the littles and our oldest granddaughter to the movies. One of the littles was visiting his aunt and one has the wiggles and isn't old enough to go. I've read the Grinch book a million times so it's a story we all knew well. The main difference
- [The Battle of Fredericksburg - A Visit to the Battlefield](https://nanahood.com/the-battle-of-fredericksburg-a-visit-to-the-battlefield) - The Battle of Fredericksburg On December 13th, 1862, Union Troops poured out of Fredericksburg to attack the Confederates behind the city limits. For 8 hours Union Troops charged at the Confederates only to be slaughtered. The Confederate riflemen had a distinct advantage, they were occupying a sunken road at the base of the hill that
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink On Excess](https://nanahood.com/reflections-kitchen-sink-excess) - Excess I’ve been grounded the last several days due to a knee surgery. When you’re forced to sit still, you notice a lot of things. I think my biggest observation so far is that we are a society of excess. Yes, even with my semi-successful purging efforts from last month, I still have to admit
- [Shopping With Nana](https://nanahood.com/shopping-with-nana) - Shopping I don't go shopping for clothes often. I don't enjoy crowds and today was rainy and cold, but I had made my mind up to go and I invited a friend to come along. The friend actually ended up driving due to a problem with my car. I had forgotten I was keeping one
- [The Opioid Crisis and How it Effects Grandparents and Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/the-opioid-crisis-and-how-it-effects-grandparents-and-grandchildren) - The Opioid Crisis As many of you know I have a book coming out early next year specifically for grandmothers. This post isn't a promotional piece about my book (although you can read about and pre-order it by clicking here). This post is about what I learned while working on the book concerning opioid crisis. One of
- [Nana's More Casserole-Because They Always Want More](https://nanahood.com/nanas-more-casserole-because-they-always-want-more) - Nana's More Casserole The weather is cool in Kentucky and the leaves are falling. There are certain foods I like better in the fall and winter. Chili, soups, and Nana's More Casserole. Because I feed so many people (with big appetites) I doubled this recipe. I'm going to show you what goes in it--- but
- [Hamburger Casserole at Nana's House](https://nanahood.com/hamburger-casserole) - Nana's hamburger Casserole Years ago we went to church with a lady who made a delicious dish she called "More." She said she called it that because when people ate it they always wanted more. It's easy and filling. I served it with rolls and some brocolli. Pecan/chocolate pie for dessert. Yummy! By the way, you
- [Gratitude -The Month of November](https://nanahood.com/gratitude-the-month-of-november) - Gratitude When you think of November what comes to mind? For me it's Thanksgiving and how important it is to be grateful. A few years ago I wrote a post called "Thanksgiving in the Corner" and I still feel the same way about things now as I did back then. If anything, the way we
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on My To Do List](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-my-to-do-list) - My To Do List I arrived home in an off-white dressy dress and rather snazzy high heels with lots of adornment. I put my bags down and headed to the bathroom. It had been a long trip...details are unnecessary. I started out of the bathroom when it dawned on me the commode was still running.
- [Dr. Hugh Mercer-Doctor and Apothecary](https://nanahood.com/dr-hugh-mercer-doctor-apothecary) - Dr. Hugh Mercer He was born in Scotland but came to America and spent his life as a doctor and soldier. He joined the colonists in the French and Indian War and then again in the Revolutionary War. When he wasn't fighting, Mercer practiced medicine on the western frontier and later in Fredericksburg, Virginia. While
- [Fredericksburg, Virginia - A Fun Place to Visit](https://nanahood.com/fredericksburg-virginia-a-fun-place-to-visit) - Fredericksburg, Virginia This was my second visit to Fredericksburg, Virginia and I think I enjoyed this trip even more than the first time I visited! You can read about the first visit here and here. For one thing the weather was absolutely gorgeous this time (October) and the last time I was there (February) it
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink On Common Sense](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-common-sense) - Common Sense So I have been a purging machine the last few weeks. You remember the photo of the first dumpster. I’m working on dumpster number two. Today, I won’t bother beating the “Live Simply” drum again though that concept can never be emphasized too often. Today’s reflection is on common sense. Well, maybe my
- [Customer Service - 5 Things Disney Does Best](https://nanahood.com/customer-service-5-things-disney-does-best) - Customer Service Yesterday I ran in the grocery store and grabbed a few items. The check out line was long and I was in a hurry. The young girl operating the cash register barely glanced at me. While she waited for me to get my money she grabbed her cell phone and texted I think
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on Why We Don't Need a Dog](https://nanahood.com/reflections-kitchen-sink-dont-need-dog) - We don't need a dog “We don’t need a dog. We can’t manage the responsibility.” What happened yesterday? My words from the last three years became trash, and we adopted a dog. I know, I really worked those stern mom moments. She’s pretty cute though. Her name is Lola, and, I think, she is now
- [Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies- 4 Versions for You to Choose From](https://nanahood.com/pumpkin-oatmeal-cookies-4-versions-choose) - Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Fall is here and there's nothing like some delicious Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies to share with your grands. They will love the cookies and so will you! And an added bonus is the delicious smell that will come out of the oven while they are baking. Here's what you are going to need
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on Google](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-google) - Google “You know you can just Google that.” I have heard that so much the start of the g-word is starting to nauseated me. I hear “guh,” and I’m reaching for a barf bag. Some of my best memories over the years are directly correlated to my inquisitiveness. “Mom, why does...?” “Dad, how in the
- [New Jambus Woo-Hoo!](https://nanahood.com/new-jambus-woo-hoo) - Jambu shoes are stylish and fun! I love them for lots of reasons and I bet you will too. Check them out and use the discount code to buy a cool pair of Jambus!
- [The Annual Pumpkin Festival](https://nanahood.com/the-annual-pumpkin-festival) - Every year our little community hosts a Pumpkin Festival. I took my children and now I'm taking my grandchildren. My oldest granddaughter who is 13 thinks she has out grown it but this year I took three of my littles. One was visiting his aunt and the youngest stayed home with her mother. The day
- [Why I Don't Need A Pink Ribbon To Remind Me To Get A Mammogram](https://nanahood.com/why-i-dont-need-a-pink-ribbon-to-remind-me-to-get-a-mammogram) - This post is dedicated in memory of Martha Temple Todd and Joyce Tilton and Alicia Korosec. If someone you love has died you never forget the month and the season of their death. I remember being in a college class while I was working on my master's degree and the professor started talking about how
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink On Preparing For The Unexpected](https://nanahood.com/reflections-kitchen-on-be-prepared) - Be Prepared For The Unexpected You might remember my being called a “bada@$” recently by a young man who came to repair something here at the house. He was back yesterday, and I found myself having a mom moment with him. Partner that with a statement I made to one of my dearest friends, and
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on Changes](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink-on-changes) - Changes These two photos are oddly related. I have made reference in a couple of blogs and in the preface of my book to a light switch moment. I didn’t realize it had taken place at the time—it took me a few days—but the evidence is seen in the first photo. The woman in the
- [What is a Blog Hop?](https://nanahood.com/what-is-a-blog-hop) - Blog Hop It occurred to me that many of my NanaHood friends are not bloggers (well, most of them are not) and so I thought I should explain why once a week I have a post where I say, "This is a blog hop. Please link up and leave a comment." Almost every week for
- [Reflections From the Kitchen Sink on Language](https://nanahood.com/reflections-kitchen-sink-language) - Language abbreviations. Hieroglyphic-style communication with emojis. Labels for behaviors that are less than attractive. Sometimes being old-school isn’t a bad thing, but staying semi-current is almost mandatory in the world in which we live.As usual, I’m a little behind the times. Outside of “LOL” and an occasional “TTYS,” I have not moved into the land
- [Reflections from the Kitchen Sink on What Comes Next](https://nanahood.com/reflections-kitchen-sink-comes-next) - What Comes Next When your life changes instantly like mine did almost four years ago, you’re afraid to let moments pass. You force things occasionally because you don’t want any “what ifs.” That can scare the poo-poo out of you and even the people who are part of your new life. I realize that now.
- [Reflections From the Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-my-kitchen-sink) - Reflections from my Kitchen Sink by Melinda Campbell My kids weren’t home, so I wasn’t setting a bad example. My mama is in Heaven and couldn’t reprimand me though I could almost hear a chiding with her thick Scottish brogue. My house, my rules, I thought as I broke into total rebellion and took a
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on Pickle Juice](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-my-kitchen-sink-on-pickle-juice) - By Melinda Campbell 3:13 a.m. I jolted awake for the fourth time in four hours with leg cramps. I had already tried the ballerina stretches. I’d already jumped out of bed and moved around like someone trying to get a rabid squirrel out her pajama pants leg. Nothing. Then it hit me—pickle juice. I scurried
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on Finding Your Passion](https://nanahood.com/reflections-kitchen-sink-finding-passion) - Passion by Melinda Campbell “I want you to find your passion,” I said to my son as he prepared for his high school graduation. “Well, your passion as long as it can pay your bills and support your future family,” I added. “Well, passion that allows you to support your home with your priorities straight—you
- [Reflections from The Kitchen Sink on One Bad Mom](https://nanahood.com/reflections-kitchen-sink-one-bad-mom) - Bad Mom “You are one bad*!% mom,” the young man said to me. It was his fourth trip to my home to repair something in the last couple months. He’s a young guy. Maybe late 20’s, I’m guessing. I’m assuming he could tell his comment caught was surprising to me because he chose to elaborate
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on a Cinnamon Roll](https://nanahood.com/reflections-kitchen-sink-cinnamon-roll) - Cinnamon Roll Thoughts “Et tu, Brute?” I asked. Who cares I was talking to a cinnamon roll? It let me down. The one thing on this earth I thought I could count on, and look! Okay, so that’s a little over the top with the drama, but I think we all have gone down that
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on My Hero](https://nanahood.com/reflections-kitchen-sink-hero) - My Hero By: Melinda Campbell “My sister, I need you to do something for me,” Shelly texted me. Shelly is a friend of mine who lives in Oklahoma. We text regularly. We’ve only actually seen each other a few times, but she and I clicked and have a “thing” now. We pick on each other
- [Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on Sleep](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-my-kitchen-sink-on-sleep) - Sleep Everyone who knows me a little bit knows I struggle with sleep. The last few nights have been no different except for the fact I’m having more vivid dreams and/or nightmares. Last night was no exception. If you’re not from the country, you may struggle to sense the desperation of this. I’ve been trying
- [Nana's Blueberry Smoothie](https://nanahood.com/nanas-blueberry-smoothie-2) - Disclaimer: I received compensation from Bayer Consumer Health, makers of MiraLAX® to write this post. MiraLAX® is a laxative used to treat occasional constipation. All opinions are entirely my own. #ReliefMadeEasy #CollectiveBias Nana's Blueberry Smoothie If you are like me and love being with your grandchildren and playing with them, then you know the importance
- [The Prolaris Campaign and a Contest You Don't Want to Miss](https://nanahood.com/prolaris-campaign-contest-dont-want-miss) - Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Prolaris, but all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. Prolaris Campaign When the opportunity came across my desk to create a sponsored post for Prolaris, I didn’t even have to think twice about it. This isn’t your typical review of a product: this
- [Snug Hollow Bed and Breakfast - The Perfect Place to Get Away From It All](https://nanahood.com/snug-hollow-bed-and-breakfast) - Snug Hollow A long time ago I ran across a place called Snug Hollow Bed and Breakfast on the Internet and I've been intrigued with it ever since. Located near Berea, Kentucky we only had to travel a couple of hours to get there. When Bill and I celebrated our 38th wedding anniversary I called
- [New Jambu Shoes that Rock!](https://nanahood.com/new-jambu-shoes-that-rock) - Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post but all thoughts and opinions are my own! I'm a tall woman, about 6 feet tall, and I've always been more comfortable in flats. There was a time (when I was in high school) that I didn't like being tall but I love it now. I simply like
- [The Red Dress Story](https://nanahood.com/the-red-dress-story) - Every woman knows there are dresses, and then there are dresses with stories. This is the story of a red dress from 1955, the people whose lives it touched and how it found it's way back to me after being tucked inside a box in my aunt's attic for many, many decades. To understand the
- [Labor Day Weekend](https://nanahood.com/labor-day-weekend) - Labor Day marks the end of summer. For most of us it's just a 3 day weekend and a last chance to eat some hamburgers off the grill. The real meaning of Labor Day goes much deeper than barbeque. The first Monday of September was made a holiday to celebrate the American worker and his
- [Tips for Rookie Grandparents](https://nanahood.com/tips-for-rookie-grandparents) - Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Tips for “Rookie” Grandparents There are so many grandmothers who live far away from their grandchildren and aren't able to see them very often. My heart goes out to them because even though I live near mine and see them
- [Spaghetti with Beef and Italian Sausage](https://nanahood.com/spaghetti-with-beef-and-italian-sausage) - Spaghetti with Beef and Italian Sausage This is not my mom's recipe. I have a really quick and easy recipe that was hers that I shared with you a few years ago. You can find it here. This recipe came from my friend Peggy, who loves to cook and for some strange reason, loves to
- [Reflections from the Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/reflections-from-the-kitchen-sink) - Dear NanaHood friends, Please join me in giving a warm welcome to our new columnist and my friend, Melinda Campbell. She is a wonderful writer with so much to say. I've been reading her posts on FaceBook for years and I'm so very honored that she agreed to be a part of our community! Please
- [Cleo the Calf](https://nanahood.com/cleo-the-calf) - Cleo the Calf I took 3 of the grandchildren to an all day event at a friend's house. She and her husband hosted a wagon ride, game day, cook out, swim party for the children at our church. The event was such a success my granddaughter asked if we could go back the next day.
- [I Wish You Knew](https://nanahood.com/i-wish-you-knew) - I wish you knew, written by my friend, Teresa Branstetter Kimbel I said to someone recently that whenever someone comes to me with a problem (and don't think that I'm being arrogant here. Don't think that I'm belittling him for not knowing what to do; I'm not) I want to say to him, "I wish
- [Broken Shells-Life Lesson from a Child.](https://nanahood.com/broken-shells-life-lesson-from-a-child) - Broken Shells... This post is written by my daughter, Rachel Forrester, (of whom I am very proud) about her daughter, Kennedy. I loved it and asked her if I could share it. I think you'll love it too! Cocoa beach was the destination of our family vacation this year. It is one of the best places
- [Mom's Mississippi Mud Cake](https://nanahood.com/moms-mississippi-mud-cake) - Mom's Mississippi Mud Cake always smelled so delicious baking it practically made me drool while it was still in the oven. I hadn't had this particular dessert in years and one day my friend Peggy was looking at my recipe box and asked if she could copy it. Of course I said yes and the next
- [Birthday Blessings! It's Her Birthday, It's My Birthday, It's NanaHood's Birthday](https://nanahood.com/birthday-blessings-its-her-birthday-its-my-birthday-its-nanahoods-birthday) - Birthday Blessings All birthdays are special but today is my oldest granddaughter's 13th birthday! I remember getting a card from my grandfather on my 13th birthday and on the envelope he had written "Happy Birthday Teenager." He normally didn't give me a birthday present so that was a big deal. This is our granddaughter and
- [Seaside and Loving It](https://nanahood.com/seaside-and-loving-it) - Seaside There's nothing like a trip to the beach to soothe your soul and rejuvenate your energy level. Of course if you are 6 and 4 years old you don't have any trouble with your energy level. These two can go from sun up until sun down and still have energy left to spare! It's
- [What do you want read or said at your funeral?](https://nanahood.com/what-do-you-want-read-or-said-at-your-funeral) - Funeral Thoughts This is a post I wrote in 2013, but it's one of my favorites so I'm sharing again! This week I read an article that was extremely thought provoking. The article was called, “Are you living your eulogy or your resume?” and it was written by Arianna Huffington. The article made some excellent
- [Your Job-It's How You Do It That Matters](https://nanahood.com/your-job-its-how-you-do-it-that-matters) - Your Job Think for a minute about the people you know who excel at what they do. Whether they are a dog walker, janitor, teacher, farmer, blogger or executive, the people who stand out are the ones who have a true passion for their job and who treat others with respect. They aren't the ones
- [Beautiful Hands](https://nanahood.com/beautiful-hands) - Beautiful Hands This is a true story about something that happened many decades ago. In 1989 my mother was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer. My brother (my only sibling) and I made many trips back and forth to various hospitals. One day I was driving and he told me a story about beautiful hands, one
- [Two Dog Books for Dog Lovers](https://nanahood.com/two-books-for-dog-lovers) - Disclaimer: I was gifted product in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Two dog books that you aren't going to want to miss! A week or so ago a package arrived at my house that I wasn't expecting. I turned it over and this is what I saw on the
- [How to Can Tomatoes](https://nanahood.com/how-to-can-tomatoes) - Tomatoes Remember the song by George Gershwin Let's Call the Whole Thing Off ? "You like potato and I like potahto You like tomato and I like tomahto Potato, potahto, tomato, tomahto" The song was in the movie Shall We Dance? with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The movie came out in 1937 so there's a good
- [Gary Poppins Popcorn is a Popcorn Lovers Dream!](https://nanahood.com/gary-poppins-popcorn-is-a-popcorn-lovers-dream) - Disclaimer: I was compensated for reviewing this product but all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. I've been eating popcorn and loving it since I was a little girl. You might say I'm a popcorn connoisseur. It's been my go-to snack for as long as I can remember. Here are some of the first
- [Aunt Ruth's Macaroni Casserole](https://nanahood.com/aunt-ruths-macaroni-casserole) - Macaroni Casserole I've made this casserole so many times I could put it together with a blindfold on and one hand tied behind my back. My grandmother's sister, my great-aunt Ruth, was the first one in our family to make it and it quickly became a family favorite. When I'm invited to potlucks I'm often
- [Faith Seeds and Strawberry Cake](https://nanahood.com/faith-seeds-and-strawberry-cake) - Faith Seeds Today is Sunday. Ever since I was a little girl Sunday was a day for church and family. Momma's favorite meal to cook on Sundays was roast, potatoes and carrots, with whatever vegetables she might have fresh from the garden. She also made homemade biscuits almost every single meal. Sometimes we had jellies
- [How Do You Feel About Disciplining Your Grandchildren?](https://nanahood.com/how-do-you-feel-about-disciplining-your-grandchildren) - Disciplining Your Grandchildren…Where do we Stand? a special feature presented exclusively by my friends Leslie and Kay at www.Grandparentslink.com* There is a certain feeling of comfort for all of us when we know exactly what is expected of us. This is even truer of young children. There is a very fine line between unconditional love
- [Decorating Cookies with the Grands](https://nanahood.com/decorating-cookies-with-the-grands) - Disclaimer-I was gifted some product in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Decorating Cookies This weekend we did another Gramma In a Box. If you don't know what that is you can read about it here. This one was red, white and blue and the kids love doing it! Can you
- [Giving Away 3 Activity Books Children Will Love!](https://nanahood.com/giving-away-3-activity-books-children-will-love) - Disclaimer: I was gifted 3 activity books to review but all thoughts and opinions are my own. 3 Activity Books Children Will Love! A few weeks ago I gave you a list of 10 activities you could do with your grands this summer. Now I have something else to add to that list. I Can
- [Southern Kentucky Travels - NanaHood's Top 5 List](https://nanahood.com/southern-kentucky-travels) - I love my state and I've lived here a very long time. There are fun things to do from one end of the state to the other and it's hard to limit it to just 5, but here is my "Must See" if you come to my corner of southern Kentucky. Metcalfe County. I know,
- [Best Baby Products? Check out Baby Mantra](https://nanahood.com/best-baby-products-check-baby-mantra) - Disclaimer: I was gifted some Baby Mantra products in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. When my children were babies there weren't nearly as many choices of baby products as there are today. Everyone used the big name brands and thought nothing of it. I doubt I ever read the
- [How To Support Your Grandchild's Learning](https://nanahood.com/support-grandchilds-learning) - How to Support Your Grandchild's Learning a special feature presented exclusively by my friends Kay and Leslie at www.Grandparentslink.com* This article is a must read for all grandparents. Here are five excellent tips on how to strengthen your relationship with your grown children and your grandchildren… How you can connect with your grandchild through learning. If
- [4th of July Celebration and a Flag Cake](https://nanahood.com/4th-july-celebration-flag-cake) - 4th of July Celebrations don't have to be on the 4h. Our community actually celebrated last night. I'll share some photos from the celebration but first I wanted to tell you about my daughter's Flag Cake or Fluff, as some people call it. Whatever you call it, it is a cool and refreshing dessert. My daughter
- [Fish Pond Visit](https://nanahood.com/fish-pond-visit) - Fish Pond Visit When I was a young girl a lady at our church had a gold fish pond in her yard and I remember going to visit her. I was fascinated with the fish. Evidently I wasn't the only one because one of my cousin's fell in the pond. I have a friend who
- [Kids Say Crazy Things and What You Can Do About It](https://nanahood.com/kids-say-crazy-things-and-what-you-can-do-about-it) - Kids say crazy things and sometimes you don't know how to react. Here is some great advice from my friends at Grandparentslink.com a special feature presented exclusively by friends Leslie and Kay at www.Grandparentslink.com So, the other day we are having some cookies and milk and sharing it with a couple of our grandchildren, when our
- [Mental Illness-We Still Have A Long Way To Go](https://nanahood.com/mental-illness-why-we-still-have-a-long-way-to-go) - Mental Illness Years ago I had a great aunt who committed suicide by crawling inside a refrigerator and closing the door. Even as a child I knew that the adults talked about it in hushed tones because it wasn't normal. That was my first encounter with mental illness, but it wouldn't be my last. Recently there
- [5 Gifts You Receive When You Travel With Girlfriends](https://nanahood.com/5gifts-you-receive-when-you-travel-with-girlfriends) - When You Travel With Girlfriends I asked the following question on NanaHood's Facebook page, "When was the last time you went with your girlfriends on a trip?" Of the 8 people who answered 2 had seen their friends recently, but 6 answered not for years or never. When was the last time you traveled with
- [Child Safety-Keeping Your Grandchildren Safe](https://nanahood.com/child-safety-keeping-your-grandchildren-safe) - Child safety is one of the most important topics when it comes to children. Accidents can happen anytime but summertime can be especially dangerous. Kids are out of school and have more time to roam and find things to get into. And speaking of things to "get into" remember that children don't realize the danger of
- [Ten Free Summer Activities for Children](https://nanahood.com/ten-free-summer-activities) - Ten Free Summer Activities for you to do with your child or grandchild! It's the first official day of summer and I can't believe how quickly time passes! Sweet, Sweet Summertime The grands are visiting your house for the weekend. How long before you hear those dreaded words...."I'm bored!" This summer you don't have to
- [Blueberry Banana Bread-A Delicious Treat](https://nanahood.com/blueberry-banana-bread-a-delicious-treat) - Blueberry Banana Bread goes great with a cup of coffee in the morning, or a glass of milk before bed. You can also eat it in the middle of the day as a snack. Because we own a blueberry farm I cook with blueberries as much as possible. This loaf of bread was made by
- [Father's Day Crafts](https://nanahood.com/fathers-day-crafts) - These Father's Day crafts are something you can do with your children or grandchildren on any given weekend! You don't have to wait for Father's Day to make any of these crafts. They would be great birthday gifts or Grandparent's Day gifts. The first part of the craft event was bird house painting. The houses
- [Drawn Together a Book Review and Giveaway](https://nanahood.com/drawn-together-a-book-review-and-giveaway) - Drawn Together-A book Review and Giveaway Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post and Disney Hyperion sent me a copy to check out and is partnering with me for a giveaway! All thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. This moving picture book shows how a grandson and grandfather learn to connect. Their bond is the
- [Mom's Strawberry Pie -Easy to Make](https://nanahood.com/moms-strawberry-pie) - Mom's strawberry pie brings back lots of good memories. My mother was a great cook and just like me she had a love of sweets. There were always homemade desserts on her table. There were only a few desserts she made that I wouldn't eat. I don't like lemon, so I was never tempted by
- [Pinterest is the Visual Information Center](https://nanahood.com/pinterest-is-the-visual-information-center) - Pinterest is the best visual information center. No matter what it is you are looking for you can find it there. Just in case you still don't understand the site is a visual bookmarking site. You can find hundreds of different categories. The fun thing about Pinterest is you get to "see" what you are
- [Kentucky Blueberries - A Super Good Super Food](https://nanahood.com/kentucky-blueberries-a-super-good-super-food) - Kentucky blueberries are a little bit later this year due to cooler than normal weather this spring. Once blueberry season starts I hardly have time to think! There are good things and bad things about farm life, but the good out weighs the bad as far as I'm concerned. It's wonderful being able to work
- [My Daughter's Wedding and Being Mother of the Bride](https://nanahood.com/daughters-wedding-mother-bride) - My Daughter's Wedding and what I learned as mother of the bride! If you are about to be the Mother of the Bride here are some things I learned that may help you! This is a guest post by May Patterson. Her daughter recently got married. Please give her a warm NanaHood welcome! If your
- [A Dog's Life](https://nanahood.com/a-dogs-life) - A Dog's Life It has been said that money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail. Around here there is a lot of tail wagging. This is Bella. Queen of Sheeba. Apple of Poppa's eye. Mom's shadow. Playmate of all the grandchildren. She has her own
- [The Story of a Mother's Love and Her Daughter's Determination](https://nanahood.com/the-story-of-a-mothers-love-and-her-daughters-determination) - This is the story of a mother's love and her daughter's determination. I think their story will touch your heart and inspire you. I know it did me! In 1976, Cindy was a freshman at Ohio State University. Unable to swim she was determined to learn how. She went to the pool and attempted the
- [Memorial Day Weekend - A Time to Remember](https://nanahood.com/memorial-day-weekend-a-time-to-remember) - Memorial Day Weekend While scrolling through Twitter I noticed that many people have Memorial Day and Veterans Day confused. Memorial Day honors people who died in our nation's wars; Veterans Day honors all veterans who have ever served in our armed forces. I've been to Washington D.C. twice now. The first time we were there
- [10 Things Disney Does Best](https://nanahood.com/10-things-disney-does-best) - Disclaimer-I was given a discount to travel to #DisneySMMC but all thoughts, opinions and memories are strictly my own! 10 Things Disney Does Best I was lucky enough to be invited Disney Social Media Moms Celebration and we visited Disney World and took a cruise on the Disney Dream. What follows are my observations on
- [Incredibles 2 is Coming June 15th!](https://nanahood.com/incredibles-2-is-coming-june-15th) - Incredibles 2 is coming to movie soon and I couldn't be more excited! My grandson and I just watched the film trailer together and we both wish we could see it today! When we visited Disney in February we were able to get our picture made with them and it was so much fun. Especially
- [How To Stay Married](https://nanahood.com/how-to-stay-married) - How to Stay Married Tomorrow is my friend Teresa Branstetter Kimbel and her husband, Phil's forty-third wedding anniversary. Someone asked her what was their secret. This is her reply. 1. We’ve worshiped the same God TOGETHER. We met at the watermelon cutting, the first activity for the Hilltoppers for Christ, in 1973, while attending Park
- [Are You A Long Distance Grandmother? You will love this!](https://nanahood.com/long-distance-grandmother) - If you are a long distance grandmother you will love this. Even if you are not a long distance grandmother, you will still love it. I did! Disclaimer-I was gifted the product for this review. Thoughts and opinions are my own. When I first heard of "Gramma in a Box," I was a little leery.
- [Mother's Day Project with Kids](https://nanahood.com/mothers-day-project-kids) - A Mother's Day Project with Kids There are two ladies at my church who are very crafty and love making things with kids. I'm not crafty but I love being their assistant and working with children. Yesterday they brought bags they purchased from a craft store and some paint. As you can see the children
- [Mother's Day Giveaway-Grandparent Journals](https://nanahood.com/mothers-day-giveaway-grandparent-journals) - Grandparent Journals Disclaimer-Bluestreak Books sent me these great books AND is providing a prize pack for one of my lucky readers! All thoughts and opinions are my own! What would be the perfect gift for your grandparents for Mother’s and Father’s Day? What about a beautiful set of journals so they can record their memories
- [Internet Safety-What You Don't Know Can Hurt Your Child or Grandchild](https://nanahood.com/internet-safety-what-you-dont-know-can-hurt-your-child-or-grandchild) - Internet Safety Should Be At The Top of Every Parent and Grandparent's List of Concerns (Disclaimer-This is a sponsored post but all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. I only review products I believe in and this one is at the top of my list of recommendations for parents and grandparents.) I want to start
- [Alpaca Shearing Time - Watch How it's Done](https://nanahood.com/alpaca-shearing-time-watch-how-its-done) - Alpaca Shearing Time The fur on an alpaca is so thick that when it's sheared it comes off in what looks like a blanket (and that's what the sheared fur is called). I am not an authority on alpacas by any means but I wanted to see what the shearing event was like so I
- [New Grandchild On the Way? How to fit in!](https://nanahood.com/new-grandchild-on-the-way-how-to-fit-in) - So You Have A New Grandchild on the way? Here's how to fit in! (Originally published on Grandycamp) Written and shared by Karen Ritz Just as we had many milestone experiences when we were younger, our children move on in their own lives; college, adult relationships, marriage and now, expecting a child of their own. It
- [Taco Soup for Supper at Nana's House](https://nanahood.com/taco-soup-supper-nanas-house) - Taco Soup for Supper.... Especially when it is cool and rainy outside sounds like a winner to me. The strange thing is, I don't like tacos. Now why in the world would I like taco soup? I convinced myself that I wouldn't but then I tried it. And now it's a regular at my house.
- [5 Reasons Reading to a Child is so Important](https://nanahood.com/5-reasons-reading-to-a-child-is-so-important) - 5 Reasons Reading to a Child is so Important. My mother was a reading teacher who loved books and she read to me and my brother every chance she got. When my five children were young I read to them every night. Many nights I feel asleep in the middle of a story but they
- [The Importance of a Lullaby - Why Singing to a Baby is Important](https://nanahood.com/the-importance-of-a-lullabye) - Is there a song or songs you remember your grandparent or parent singing to you as a child? Perhaps they rocked you to sleep while singing it. Here are some new lullabies you don't want to miss.
- [Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken Dish](https://nanahood.com/easy-sweet-and-sour-chicken-dish) - Here's an easy sweet and sour chicken dish that a friend of mine (Thanks Teresa Branstetter Kimble!) made and shared with some modifications. I ask her if I could share it with you and she said yes, so with no further adieu..... Ingredients 3 tablespoons All Purpose Flour 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon salt
- [What Your Grandkids Don't Want You To Post On Facebook](https://nanahood.com/grandkids-dont-want-post-facebook) - Do you know what your grandkids don't want you to post on Facebook? As a grandparent I think every picture and every thing that comes out of my grandchild's mouth is adorable (except when my grandson spits out his chewed up food). But I know that not everyone on Facebook has a burning desire to
- [Planning a Summer Trip to the Beach with Kids](https://nanahood.com/planning-a-summer-trip-to-the-beach-with-kids) - Planning a Summer Trip to the Beach with Kids We love to travel and it's even more fun when we can take all or some of our grandchildren. One of our favorite places to go is to the beach. They like it so much that they ask me every week or so if we are
- [Alpaca Farm Visit](https://nanahood.com/alpaca-farm-visit) - Alpaca Farm Visit Alpacas are not llamas. They are related, but they are very different. Llamas are bigger, about twice the size of an alpaca, with an average weight of about 250 to 450 pounds. Llamas are good for guarding herds of sheep or alpacas, but alpacas are primarily raised for their soft and fluffy
- [Heart Disease and Your Health](https://nanahood.com/20754-2) - Heart Disease and Your Health Yesterday I went and placed flowers on my parent's graves; a hard thing to do no matter how many years it's been. Like millions of others I lost one parent to cancer and one to heart disease and I lost them both way too soon. One day my dad was
- [Gone With The Wind and Pitty Pat's Porch](https://nanahood.com/gone-with-the-wind-and-pitty-pats-porch) - Gone With The Wind was published in 1936 and then made into a movie in 1940. I don't know how many times I have watched it but I do know that in my opinion it's one of the Top Ten Movies ever made It received five regular Academy Awards and two special Oscars. For years I have
- [Nana's Recipe for Crockpot Chicken](https://nanahood.com/nanas-recipe-for-crockpot-chicken) - Crockpot Chicken I'm always searching for new (and easy recipes) and I found one that I really loved. It couldn't be more simple and it was a hit with everyone. I fixed some baked beans, mashed potatoes and corn for sides. The crockpot is my best friend when it comes to mealtime. How about you?
- [6 Important Facts About Women's Health That Every Woman Should Know](https://nanahood.com/important-facts-about-womens-health-that-every-woman-should-know) - Women's Health Women are frequently the care takers of the family. Sometimes they spend so much time taking care of others that they don't take good care of themselves. Take a few minutes and read this post to find out how well you are taking care of your health. 1. Know Your Family History -
- [Coconut Layer Cake and An Egg Hunt](https://nanahood.com/coconut-layer-cake-and-an-egg-hunt) - Coconut Layer Cake and a very fun egg hunt! Yesterday I took three of my five grandchildren to a friend's egg hunt and we had so much fun! These are the super-duper egg hunters who participated. Aren't they cute? Before they hunted eggs they were fed at little tables just their size. Everything was decorated
- [7 Lessons Grandchildren Can Teach Us](https://nanahood.com/lessons-grandchildren-can-teach-us) - Usually we think about teachers as being adults who are teaching students. But every day our grandchildren (no matter how young or old they are) have many things they can teach us. Slow Down Children are smaller than adults so their legs aren't as long. If they are holding our hands and we are walking
- [A Letter to My 18 Year Old Self-Things I Wish I had Known](https://nanahood.com/a-letter-to-my-18-year-old-self) - My friend found a batch of letters I wrote to her in 1974 when I was 18. I decided I needed to write that girl and give her a few pointers. What advice would you give yourself at that age? Read my thoughts on NanaHood.com
- [Picking Daffodils With Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/picking-daffodils-with-grandchildren) - Picking flowers with our grandchildren is a great way to connect them with nature and have fun together! Daffodils are easy to pick if you can get them to pick down near the ground and not pull the blooms off!
- [Tips for Visiting Harambe Wildlife Reserve at Disney World](https://nanahood.com/tips-for-visiting-harambe-wildlife-reserve-disney-world) - Harambe Wildlife Reserve Disclaimer-My trip to Disney Social Media Moms Celebration was discounted in exchange for reviews but all thoughts and opinions are very much my own! Disney's Animal Kingdom is one of my favorite parks for so many reasons. There are so many fun things to do and see that kids of all ages
- [Nigerian Dwarf Goats Love Animal Crackers](https://nanahood.com/nigerian-dwarf-goats-animal-crackers) - We purchased 8 Nigerian Dwarf Goats from a couple who have over 200 of them. They have raised them for many years and when it comes to this particular breed of goat, they are very knowledgeable. So when Dave (The Goat Whisperer) mentioned in passing that the goats liked animal crackers as a snack, I
- [Christopher Robin - Why You Should Go and Take the Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/christopher-robin) - Christopher Robin and Pooh When my brother was a little boy he had a stuffed dog he named Arf-Arf. He and Arf-Arf went everywhere together. In fact, because they spent so much time together Arf-Arf lost most of his fur and his ability to squeak. My brother and his stuffed animal had a childhood friendship
- [How to Entertain and Engage Your Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/entertain-engage-grandchildren) - How To Safely Entertain And Engage Your Grandchildren Spending time with your grandkids is important, not only because they grow so fast, but because it can help you form lasting bonds that will help them in future relationships. It can also help you reduce stress and boost your mental health, so it’s a good idea
- [Minnie Vans At Disney](https://nanahood.com/minnie-vans-at-disney) - Mini Vans or Minnie Vans? There is a BIG difference! Disclaimer: My trip to Disney Social Media Moms Celebration was discounted but thoughts and opionions are totally my own. There are mini-vans and then there are Minnie Vans. These new Minnie Vans are sooo cool! I adored our driver (they are all Disney Cast members)
- [Jambu Shoes - Stylish and Comfortable Flats](https://nanahood.com/jambu-shoes-stylish-comfortable-flats) - Disclaimer- I was gifted 2 pairs of Jambu shoes in exchange for a review. My thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. Jambu shoes are stylish and comfortable flats for women. If you have never heard of them I encourage you to check them out. I've written about them before here. I've always loved flats
- [The Disney Countdown Begins](https://nanahood.com/the-disney-count-down-begins) - The Disney Countdown Begins and I'm so excited! We are going to Disney World in 10 days! After waiting for months....the time is almost here! Disney Social Media Moms Celebration 2018 (DSMMC) is a land and sea event. We’ll have three days at Walt Disney World and then a three-day cruise on the Disney Dream.
- [Disney's Coronado Springs Resort](https://nanahood.com/disneys-coronado-springs-resort) - Disney's Coronado Springs Resort Disclaimer: I was compensated in part for attending the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. All thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. Before I begin telling you about the Disney Social Media Mom Celebration I want to show you where we stayed and how beautiful Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is. If
- [Why I Love Chico's](https://nanahood.com/why-i-love-chicos) - Why I love Chico's Disclaimer-I was gifted this outfit in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions about products I review are strictly my own. There are many reasons why I love Chico's. I can always count on a wide selection of clothes that are in style and fashionable. I don't have to wonder
- [Disney Social Media Moms Celebration Photos](https://nanahood.com/disney-social-media-moms-celebration-photos) - Disclaimer: I was able to attend this event because of a discount from Disney in exchange for sharing about my trip. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Disney Social Media Moms Celebration Photos I have so much to share with you about my great experience at the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration (#disneysmmc) but
- [Comic-Con, Vid-Con, Toy-Con... what?](https://nanahood.com/comic-con-vid-con-toy-con) - Have you heard of Comic-Con, Vid-Con, or Toy-Con? A few years ago, I hadn't either! I don't know much about the history of these conventions, but I am guessing that Comic-con (shortened for Comic Convention) has been around the longest. And it seems every year another "con" (convention) crops up within the entertainment industry. At
- [The Greatest Showman - A Movie Review](https://nanahood.com/greatest-showman-movie-review) - One of the best movies for the end of 2017 and beginning of 2018 is most definitely "The Greatest Showman", starring Hugh Jackman and Michelle Williams. I'm not ashamed to say I've been to see it THREE times already with Martha. One of my greatest pleasures in life is forcing watching my children enjoy musicals like
- [Do You Have an Instant Pot? Macaroni Beef Pasta Is What's For Dinner](https://nanahood.com/do-you-have-an-instant-pot-macaroni-beef-dinner) - When I was a child, my mom regularly used a pressure cooker for canning and other cooking (although I'm not exactly sure what). I was always a little afraid of it, and stayed away from the kitchen if possible. 30(ish) years later, my husband surprised me with an Instant Pot pressure cooker for Christmas! I
- [Motherhood Mistakes](https://nanahood.com/motherhood-mistakes) - Motherhood Mistakes (This post was written by a friend of mine, Teresa Branstetter Kimble. It is a great read for all parents and grandparents. I hope you will agree and share it with others who might benefit from reading her words.) I made lots of mistakes as a young mom like disciplined in anger, made
- [Rising Sun Tavern and The Holocaust Museum](https://nanahood.com/rising-sun-tavern-holocaust-museum) - Rising Sun Tavern and The Holocaust Museum This is Part Three of a series on traveling in the Washington D.C. area and Fredericksburg, Virginia. You can read Part One and Part Two as well. After we visited Chatham Manor we traveled across the Rappahannock River and went into Fredericksburg to the Rising Sun Tavern. We had
- [Fredericksburg Virginia's Chatham Manor](https://nanahood.com/fredericksburg-virginias-chatham-manor) - Chatham Manor This is Part Two of a Three Part Series about travel in the Washington, D. C. area. Today's post is about Fredericksburg, Virginia. #travel Fredericksburg is rich in history and I wanted to take advantage of it during my recent visit. If you have never been to Chatham Manor and you are a
- [George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate](https://nanahood.com/george-washingtons-mount-vernon-estate) - If you have ever been to Washington D. C. you know there are so many things to do that it's hard to choose what to do first. A few years ago we visited there and had a great time but we were only there three days; that just wasn't enough time. When I had the
- [Social Media for Boomers and Beyond](https://nanahood.com/social-media-for-boomers-and-beyond) - Social Media for Boomers and Beyond a special feature from Grandparentslink.com Hey, this technology thing is here to stay--plain and simple. Whether you are in the over fifty (and nifty) crowd, a baby boomer, a millennial, or even a youngster…. everyone is communicating and receiving information faster than the speed of light- literally! But, as
- [Doggie Love At Our House](https://nanahood.com/doggie-love-at-our-house) - Doggie Love At Our House It's no secret that we love dogs. I thought it would be fun to share with you some of my most recent dog photos. This is my husband and our son's girlfriend's dog. Kash is a miniature Golden Doodle and we baby-sit frequently. He loves snuggling and is one of
- [How to Keep Your Grandkids Busy This Winter](https://nanahood.com/how-to-keep-your-grandkids-busy-this-winter) - How to Keep Your Grandkids Busy This Winter It's easy to sit back during winter, put on the television or the computer, and stay on the couch. This is especially true for children, when supervision is strained from the millions of things parents and grandparents must do each day. Whether your grandkids are on vacation
- [Nana's Blueberry Smoothie](https://nanahood.com/nanas-blueberry-smoothie) - Nana's Blueberry Smoothie I'm sure you know the health benefits of blueberries but just in case you don't... Blueberries have been proven to help bone strength, heart health, skin health, blood pressure, diabetes management, cancer prevention, and mental health. One cup of blueberries provides 24 percent of a person recommended daily allowance of vitamin C.
- [National Chocolate Day - Triple Decker Brownies](https://nanahood.com/national-chocolate-day-triple-decker-brownies) - Did you know it's National Chocolate Day?? I think that means any chocolate consumed today is FREE of calories! (Ok, maybe not, but I'm going to pretend anyway). It's really a holiday I can get excited about, how about you? We actually planned to share this recipe today, and the National Chocolate Day holiday sealed
- [Tips For Caring For Sick Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/tips-for-caring-for-sick-grandchildren) - Tips for caring for sick grandchildren Being a mother is the hardest job you will ever love. Being a grandmother is easier....most of the time. When grandchildren are sick and you live close of course you want to help! This past week my youngest granddaughter became very ill with RSV and it went into pneumonia.
- [Baking with Martha - Lemon Pound Cake](https://nanahood.com/baking-with-martha-lemon-pound-cake) - Martha is back! We've been having serious technical issues with making and editing videos lately (mom's iphone is almost out of storage), so today's post will be full of photos instead! One of Martha's most favorite things to do, other than making videos, is to BAKE. Or COOK. Or do ANYTHING in the kitchen. Recently,
- [Dinner Served By A Drone](https://nanahood.com/dinner-served-drone) - It’s a plane? It’s a bird? It’s a ……. An exclusive feature from Granparentslink.com I personally love the old adage, “You’ve either got to live it, or live with it.” Despite my being kicked and dragged into the 21st century, I have come to realize that not all things new are bad or confusing. There
- [Top 5 Reasons I Can't Wait to Go Back To Disney World](https://nanahood.com/top-5-reasons-i-cant-wait-to-go-back-to-disney) - Disney World Rocks! I'm having Disney travel dreams during cold weather and so happy that it's only 33 days until we go to Disney World! With the temperature bottoming out at -2 degrees last night is it any wonder I'm excited to go south? Warmer weather is only one of the reasons; there are at
- [Cute Things Grandchildren Say](https://nanahood.com/cute-things-grandchildren-say) - Cute Things Grandchildren Say My three year old grandson calls blueberries "Bwewberries." I can't make myself correct him because it sounds so sweet. When our twins were very young they referred to golf clubs as "golf plugs" and when they wanted a tissue for their nose they asked for a "tennis shoe." This stage doesn't
- [5 Tips For A Healthier You in 2018](https://nanahood.com/5-tips-for-a-healthier-you) - 5 Tips For A Healthier You It's a new year and time to think about your health. There are certain things you should be doing to take care of yourself. If you aren't, then it's time to start! Drinking Water Helps Maintain the Balance of Body Fluids. Your body is composed of about 60% water. If
- [Sugar Cookies With Blueberries Added](https://nanahood.com/sugar-cookies-blueberries-added) - Who doesn't love sugar cookies? Warning: If you are on a diet and avoiding sweets you might want to save this recipe. Then later when you go off your diet (probably by March or April) you will be able to indulge in this delicious treat. My friend Peggy made these and added blueberries and
- [Book Reviews on NanaHood](https://nanahood.com/book-reviews-nanahood) - Book Reviews I love to read but it's hard finding the time. Because my husband had shoulder surgery I have been home and had more time to read. This week I read two books that I've had on my reading table. One has been there a couple of months (sorry Carol) and the other I
- [Fire Hazards in Your Home and in Your Grandchild's Home](https://nanahood.com/fire-hazards-home-grandchilds-home) - Fire Hazards and Facts About Fires Did you know that according to the National Fire Protection Association--In 2015, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 365,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 2,560 deaths, 11,075 civilian injuries, and $7 billion in direct damage. On average, seven people die in U.S. home fires per day. Half of home
- [Goodbye 2017 - Reflections on the Year](https://nanahood.com/goodbye-2017-reflections-year) - Goodbye 2017 and Hello 2018 The end of the year is always a good time for reflection. What did I get right? What could I have done a better job of? How can I improve? Reflections on 2017 I am always amazed by how swiftly time passes and this year has been no different. Our
- ["Dog Gone It" and Other Weird Things I Say](https://nanahood.com/dog-gone-weird-things-say) - Today I said, "Dog Gone It," and then I wondered where that expression came from. It sounds innocent enough. Like someone got mad because the dog was gone, but it really doesn't make sense. So I decided to ask Google and boy, oh boy, was I surprised to learn that it's slang for an awful
- [When Your Child or Grandchild is Bullied](https://nanahood.com/child-grandchild-bullied) - Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post but all thoughts, comments and opinions are my own. During the years I was a teacher I saw many examples of bullying. I remember a young girl who was bullied because she had head lice and a young boy who was smaller than the other students being stuffed
- [6 Things I Would Change About Christmas (If I could)](https://nanahood.com/things-i-would-change-about-christmas-if-i-could) - There are several things I would change about Christmas. Not Christmas now, but in the past when my children were young. I hope by sharing this that young parents will learn from my mistakes. This Morning This was one of the quietest Christmas's we've had in years. Our kids are grown and gone. The kids
- [Mom of the Year](https://nanahood.com/mom-of-the-year) - Mom of the Year Today, if my mother had lived, she would be 78. She hated having a birthday so close to Christmas and I know that if she had been alive when our twins were born on December 26th of 1991, she would have asked me if I couldn't have waited another week or
- [Improving Relationships With Adult Children](https://nanahood.com/improving-relationships-adult-children) - Improving Relationships With Adult Children Life is complicated. You knew that, right. Today I went into a store to pay a bill and for some reason the lady started telling me about her dad and how she couldn't decide whether or not to travel to another state to go see him this Christmas. It seemed
- [Basic Invite Stationery for Unlimited Color Options](https://nanahood.com/basic-invite-stationery-unlimited-color-options) - Disclaimer: I have been compensated for this post but the thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. When I say that Basic Invite has more color choices than I have ever seen on a website...I mean it! They have over 180 different color options for you to choose from. That's more choices than almost any
- [Kid's Campout and Tent in Nana's Basement](https://nanahood.com/kids-campout-tent-nanas-basement) - Fun Kid's Campout at Nana's house It's close to Christmas and I wanted to create something fun for my grandchildren to do that wouldn't cost a fortune. After looking on Pinterest I decided to have a campout and build the littles a tent. You can follow me on Pinterest at NanaHoodRocks There were tons of
- [Nana Approved Hanes Stocking Stuffers](https://nanahood.com/nana-approved-hanes-stocking-stuffers) - Disclaimer: I have been gifted some product in exchange for this post but all thoughts and opinions are my always my own! Because I am a blogger and I love online shopping I get regular visits from delivery trucks bringing me goodies. Recently I got a package from Hanes that I was super excited about.
- [GoGo squeeZ Beneath My Tree!](https://nanahood.com/gogo-squeez-beneath-tree) - Disclaimer: I was given free product in exchange for this post. All thoughts, opinions and squeals of delight from my grandchildren are strictly my own. From Halloween in October until Christmas in December, children are bombarded with sweets. While I enjoy desserts and candy, too, I realize that it's important to not over-indulge. That's what
- [Vacation Nightmare: Don't Let It Happen To You](https://nanahood.com/vacation-nightmare-dont-let-it-happen-to-you) - This is a sponsored post but all thoughts, opinions and events in this story are mine and are the truth and nothing but the truth! Vacation Nightmare Winter is the time of year we often start dreaming of warm weather and a trip to the beach. For the last 30 years I have been my
- [Holiday Decorations from Near and Far](https://nanahood.com/holiday-decorations) - I've shared some of my holiday decorations on Instagram and Facebook but in case you missed them here are a few of my favorites! If you don't already follow me there, I hope you will! Many of my NanaHood Facebook friends sent pictures of their decorations and I'm going to share a few of them
- [Sweet’N Low® Spread Sweet Holiday Cheer Sweepstakes](https://nanahood.com/sweetn-low-spread-sweet-holiday-cheer-sweepstakes) - “The information and a gift card have been provided by the makers of Sweet’N Low® so that I could share my thoughts and information about the Sweet’N Low® Spread Sweet Holiday Cheer Sweepstakes. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and do not reflect the opinions of the makers of Sweet’N Low®.” I
- [Preventing Shingles So You Don't Have to Suffer](https://nanahood.com/preventing-shingles-dont-suffer) - This post is sponsored by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases through an unrestricted educational grant from Merck & Co., Inc. All thoughts and opinions are my own. The first time I heard of someone having shingles was years ago and I remember thinking that I couldn't get it because I was too young. Now I'm
- [Help for the Homeless](https://nanahood.com/help-for-the-homeless) - I can't imagine what it would be like to be homeless. Perhaps you can't either. This year approximately 3.5 million men, women and children will experience homelessness. Their stories might surprise you. I know they did me. Over the last eight years, Hanes has donated more than 2.2 million pairs of socks to help provide
- [Christmas Cookies on a Sunday Afternoon](https://nanahood.com/christmas-cookies-sunday-afternoon) - Christmas Cookies on a Sunday Afternoon and a few other things.... Saturday I took two of the grandchildren to see Santa and two of them were already there. This granddaughter really had a good time and enjoyed herself. However, her BFF and cousin who is a year younger, did not have a good time. She
- [Motherhood Isn't Easy!](https://nanahood.com/motherhood-isnt-easy) - Motherhood isn't easy and here are some simple tips to help you discover what really matters. a guest post feature from Bonnie Compton* Recently I overheard a conversation between a young mother and her mom. “You used to make mothering look so easy…it’s anything but easy! What am I doing wrong?” Her mother replied, “You’re
- [Breast Cancer and the Environment](https://nanahood.com/breast-cancer-and-the-environment) - Breast Cancer and the Environment *This is a sponsored post in partnership with Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program. Every October I write posts about breast cancer because it's a very important topic and one especially critical to many members of my family, as well as lots of my friends. My best friend and
- [Kindness and Being the Good in Someone's Day](https://nanahood.com/kindness-and-being-the-good) - This is a sponsored post. I was given a free sample but all thoughts and comments are my own. I bet you didn't know that there is a Christmas tree ornament that encourages kindness. There is and his name is Oliver. Oliver the Ornament is a heartwarming tale of one family’s cherished Christmas ornaments. The story
- [Top 5 Sounds This Nana and Poppa Don't Want To Hear](https://nanahood.com/top-5-sounds-nana-poppa-dont-want-hear) - Sounds When our grandchildren are playing and having fun we love the sounds they make....most of them. We love hearing them talk to each other. Their conversations are so funny. Like the time we took them to a corn maze and my 5 year old granddaughter runs inside then turns around and yells at the
- [Remembering Summer When It's Almost December](https://nanahood.com/remembering-summer-almost-december) - I don't know if everyone's phone takes their pictures and makes movies for them but I just discovered that mine does. This is a one minute video of fun times this summer. Now that winter is around the corner it sure was fun looking back at sunshine and the beach. Here's What Apple Says
- [Best Leftover Turkey Recipes](https://nanahood.com/best-leftover-turkey-recipes) - Leftover Turkey Recipes and The Day After Thanksgiving As usual I cooked too much, ate too much and the day after Thanksgiving I feel like a truck has run over me. The first thing I reached for this morning was coffee....I don't even want to see food for several hours, maybe longer...because the picture above
- [Thanksgiving Wishes for You](https://nanahood.com/thanksgiving-wishes-for-you) - Thanksgiving Wishes for you and some recipes! Dressing Balls and Italian Cream Cake It's that time of year when our thoughts turn to food! Without a doubt my families favorite Thanksgiving food is Grandma Layne's Dressing balls. Yesterday I was watching a television show and the chef shared what he called "Thanksgiving short cuts." One of
- [Thanksgiving Scarecrow Craft and Time to Celebrate](https://nanahood.com/thanksgiving-scarecrow) - Thanksgiving scarecrow and pumpkin crafts are fun to make this time of year. I'll tell you about them in a minute, but first I have to ask....why can't there be three days in a weekend? I crammed so much into two days that I'm really wishing for a third day to the weekend!We took the
- [Wishing You a Peaceful Easy Feeling- RIP Glenn Frey](https://nanahood.com/glenn-frey) - A few years ago my husband and I were able to go to an Eagles concert. We splurged on tee-shirts and snacks, made lots of pictures and had a great time. You can read about our Eagles adventure here. I'm so glad we did because today on the way home from town I heard that
- [Christmas Coloring Pages for Kids and Adults!](https://nanahood.com/christmas-coloring-pages) - Coloring pages for those of us who love to color....kids and adults! I wrote about Adult Coloring Books in October, but was thinking just last night that I needed to look for some Christmas Coloring Pages. For me! I mean, my kids can color these too, if they want, but I am in serious need of
- [Marilu Henner Talks About Bladder Cancer with Medical Oncologist Dr. Galsky](https://nanahood.com/marilu-henner-bladder-cancer) - Marilu Henner talks about Bladder Cancer May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month and actress Marilu Henner teamed up with Genetech and the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) to help raise awareness and start conversations about bladder cancer. To say I was excited about speaking with five-time Golden-Globe nominated actress Marilu Henner would be an understatement.
- [Nana and Me Journals](https://nanahood.com/nana-and-me-journals) - Every once in awhile I discover a fun idea that works great for homeschooling, and then I think.. wait, wouldn't NON-homeschoolers like this too? And then I thought about my Nanahood friends, and thought, yep..they need to hear about this idea. In our house they are called, "Mama and Me" journals, but for our crowd
- [Overactive Bladder Doesn't have to Control Your Life](https://nanahood.com/overactive-bladder-doesnt-control-life) - I am being compensated by Astellas Pharma US, Inc. for this post; however, the opinions expressed here are my own. Lots of women are planners. They make lists of things they need to do throughout the day and then check off the items as they complete them. One thing some women have to plan their
- [Storytelling - A Family Tradition](https://nanahood.com/storytelling-a-family-tradition) - This post has been sponsored by the J.M. Smucker Company. I received product and compensation, but all opinions are my own. Both my grandfathers were storytellers. The stories I heard them tell have stayed in my heart long after both of them have gone. Both Grandpas (Grandpa Bell and Grandpa Layne) were farmers and hunters
- [Pumpkin Roll Recipe](https://nanahood.com/pumpkin-roll-recipe) - Pumpkin Roll Recipe The weather is cooler and the leaves are falling. Pumpkin spice season is in full swing and the smell of cinnamon is wafting through the air. It's in lattes, muffins, donuts, and even my Cheerios. No longer is that wonderful taste reserved for the pie at the Thanksgiving table. My family, however,
- [Wedding Shower for Newlyweds](https://nanahood.com/wedding-shower-newlyweds) - A Wedding Shower for our son and his bride is the subject of this weeks blog hop. One of our twins recently married and I wrote about it on a post called Our Son's Wedding. In case you don't remember how beautiful it was you can either go to the previous post or I'll remind
- [Thanksgiving Fun With Your Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/thanksgiving-fun-grandchildren) - The kids don't know it yet, but they're going to superstar in a post-dinner Thanksgiving play at grandma's this year. Considering their love of theatrics, I'm confident they'll gobble up this opportunity right along with savory sweet potatoes served on the rapidly approaching family day of thankful feasting. A Cast of Cousins Age level consideration
- [The Story of Your Name - A Book Review](https://nanahood.com/story-name-book-review) - This is a sponsored post but the thoughts and comments are strictly my own! Sooner or later every child asks, "Where did my name come from?" Sometimes the answer is they were named after a special relative. Sometimes they might be named for someone famous their parents admired. Or, perhaps, their name was chosen just
- [From Self-Employment to Retirement –  Making the Move After Working for Yourself](https://nanahood.com/self-employment-retirement-making-move-working) - This is a sponsored post for which I have been compensated. All content and graphics provided by VSP Vision Services. Did you know, the older you are, the more likely you are to be self-employed? One-fourth of those 65+ call themselves ‘boss’. But where does that leave you when it comes to retirement? For the
- [Nanahood T-shirts, Sweatshirts, Mugs, and MORE!](https://nanahood.com/nanahood-t-shirts-sweatshirts-mugs) - Did you know that NanaHood has an online store? We have been slowly expanding our products over the last several weeks, and I wanted to point you in two directions so you can see what we are offering! First, we are so excited to have a few t-shirts for sale on AMAZON.COM! We have several
- [Halloween Baking and Decorating](https://nanahood.com/halloween-baking-decorating) - Happy Halloween! Hopefully today is a fun day with your kids and grandkids, costumes and parties and candy, oh my! We are doing some last minute Halloween baking and decorating (and pumpkin carving too). Homeschooling means we can adapt our normal schedule and bake ALL DAY LONG! This makes Martha a happy camper.. or Happy Bacon
- [Kentucky's Fall Colors Shine Brightly](https://nanahood.com/kentuckys-fall-colors) - Kentucky's fall colors are gorgeous right now. Yesterday I was coming home from an errand and the sky was dark gray but every once in a while the clouds would break and the sunlight would hit the trees and it was breathtaking! I would drive a little bit and then pull over and make some
- [What Do Elvis and I Have in Common? Blue Suede Shoes](https://nanahood.com/my-blue-suede-shoes) - This post is sponsored by Jambu shoes, but all thoughts and opinions are my own and I'm telling you, these shoes will make your feet happy and I love happy feet! I was a huge Elvis fan. When I was a senior in high school I went to see him in concert. Yes, he was
- [Pumpkin Carving with the Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/pumpkin-carving-grandchildren) - Have you carved your Halloween pumpkin yet? We are a last-minute pumpkin carving family, because pumpkins tend to "wilt" quickly in the warm Las Vegas weather. Every year about three days before Halloween, we get in gear and start brainstorming. In case you are like us, I've got some great ideas and templates for you
- [Halloween Fun Made Easy](https://nanahood.com/halloween-fun-made-easy) - Halloween Fun Made Easy. This post is by my talented friend Joyce! Joyce, my blogging buddy, calls these "Halloween-ies" defined: quick, easy-to-make decorative bursts of the spooky season! Everybody's looking for these this time of year because there's not a moment to spare. Why waste seconds that could be spent eating Halloween candy purchased in July because it
- [Fall Day Trip With the Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/fall-day-trip-with-the-grandchildren) - Fall Day Trip With the Grandchildren We took a day trip with the grandchildren to a local farm and produce market. It was close enough that we didn't have to spend hours in the car and that's a plus when you have little grandchildren that love to wiggle! I loved looking at all the items
- [10 Characteristics I Didn't Appreciate About My Grandmother](https://nanahood.com/10-characteristics-i-didnt-appreciate-enough-about-my-grandmother) - 10 Characteristics I didn't appreciate enough about my Grandmother...until I was a grandparent myself. I've written about my grandmother many times but it occurred to me that there were some things I didn't (and couldn't) appreciate fully about her until I was a grandmother myself. As I get older I realize that a lot of
- [Easy No Bake Cookies](https://nanahood.com/easy-no-bake-cookies) - No Bake Cookies Ordinary makes me happy. Yes, ordinary. For example, the other day I received a card in the mail and it excited me. It didn't sing or light up, it was just an ordinary card. It wasn't only about the words in the card. You see, this card was handwritten. I couldn't remember
- [Easy Dinner Ideas for when the Grandkids Visit](https://nanahood.com/easy-dinner-ideas-for-when-the-grandkids-visit) - I'm always looking for easy dinner ideas so that when the grandchildren come over I can have something ready that they like to eat that doesn't require me being in the kitchen all day. One of my favorites is my mother's lasagna, which is a quick and easy recipe that can serve a bunch of
- [Woodstock Georgia Weekend Wedding](https://nanahood.com/woodstock-georgia-weekend-wedding) - We went to Woodstock, Georgia this weekend for a wedding. I had ever even heard of Woodstock, except the rock festival in the 60s. It was a beautiful weekend filled with friends, food and laughter. I won't share all 10,000 of my photos with you but I have to share a few! Adventure in Woodstock
- [Grandkids Special Diet? Organic? Vegetarian? What's a Nana To Do?](https://nanahood.com/grandkids-special-diet-organic-vegetarian-whats-nana) - Grandkids special diet? Relax, here's what one grandmother thinks! This is a guest post from Grandparentslink.com by Jane Steiner, grandmother extraordinaire* The feeding of our grandchildren has become an industry unto itself. How many of us fed our children quinoa and tofu? I think it's safe to say...none of us! Not that these are dangerous
- [Homemade Peach Cobbler That's So Easy!](https://nanahood.com/homemade-peach-cobbler-thats-easy) - Homemade peach cobbler is one of my favorites, so when my friend Susan Williams shared her recipe on her blog, I asked her if I could share it with you. Susan and her husband are friends of ours and the last two years have visited us during blueberry picking season. When we go to Nashville
- [Dolly Parton "I Believe In You"](https://nanahood.com/dolly-parton-believe) - I have been a Dolly Parton fan for almost as many years as I've been alive. It's not just her music that I love, it's her heart. I've watched Barbara Walters interview Dolly and like Elvis said in his song, you just can't help falling in love with her. I adored her movie "9 to
- [Pumpkin Festival Fun With Grands-A Great Way To Spend A Day](https://nanahood.com/pumpkin-festival-fun-grands-great-way-spend-day) - Pumpkin Festival Fun! This past weekend was the annual Pumpkin Festival and it was a great day to spend with the grands having fun! There was a costume contest for the children and two of my younger granddaughters were Elsa and Ana. Elsa's little brother was Olaf. Unfortunately, Momma was in such a rush that
- [Breast Cancer Awareness and Remembering](https://nanahood.com/breast-cancer-and-remembering) - October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Ironically it was in October that my cousin and BFF, Martha, lost her decades long battle with breast cancer. This column is dedicated to her. Martha and I were not only best friends we were also first cousins. Her family lived in Florida and mine in Kentucky but we
- [GoGo squeeZ and Grandkids Go Together Like Peanut Butter and Jelly](https://nanahood.com/gogo-squeez-grandkids-go-together-like-peanut-butter-jelly) - Disclaimer: I have been compensated for this review with product samples of various flavors. If your grandkids haven't tried GoGo squeeZ yet then you need to get some for them because they are going to love it and so will you. Here's why.... No Spoon and No Mess They simply twist off the tops (which
- [5 Must-Have Resources For the Self-Employed](https://nanahood.com/5-must-resources-self-employed) - The results* are in: baby boomers are rethinking retirement in favor of ‘Encore Careers’ working for themselves. Are you one of them? If so, you may be wondering where to start, and how to make it work with the life you already live. Here are just five of the many must-have resources available for your
- [Easy Sausage Cornbread Casserole](https://nanahood.com/easy-sausage-cornbread-casserole) - Easy sausage cornbread casserole is a hit at our house every time. It doesn't take a ton of ingredients and you can put it together in no time flat. I found this recipe years ago and made it frequently. Then I forgot about it and hadn't made it in years. The other night I remembered
- [Riding a Train in Durango, Colorado](https://nanahood.com/riding-a-train-in-durango-colorado) - Yesterday Martha shared how the family visited the Grand Canyon. On the same road-trip, we also went to Durango, Colorado and spent the day on a TRAIN! We rode from Durango to Silverton, which was a four hour train trip. We stopped for a lunch break, and then rode the train back to Durango. I'd
- [Road Trip to the Grand Canyon](https://nanahood.com/road-trip-grand-canyon) - Martha is back again with a new video for us, about her recent road trip. Today's video covers the GRAND CANYON. It was a surprise visit, and she was OVERCOME with excitement since visiting the Grand Canyon has "always been on my bucket list" (quote, unquote). Dangers in the Grand Canyon My husband and I
- [How to Save Money Without Really Trying](https://nanahood.com/save-money-without-really-trying) - Save Money With Very Little Effort I don't know anyone who doesn't want to save money and by accident I discovered an easy way to keep some extra cash in your pocket. It's so easy I'm very mad at myself for not thinking of it before now. Automatic Deductions Because I am so busy (and
- [When Your Grandchildren Have Food Allergies](https://nanahood.com/grandchildren-food-allergies-2) - When Your Grandchildren Have Food Allergies This is a guest post by my friend Juliet from AskGranny.com Dedicating this post in memory of Jacob MacDonald from Minnesota who died September 22, 2017. On the
- [Kentucky is the Bluegrass State but Is the Grass Really Blue?](https://nanahood.com/kentucky-is-the-bluegrass-state) - Kentucky is the Bluegrass State Kentucky is known as the Bluegrass State but the grass isn't blue, it's green. Furthermore, it isn't even native to Kentucky. So why is it called Bluegrass? The grass is native to Europe, Asia and Northern Africa. Most likely European settlers brought it with them when they settled in North
- [Folgers Simply Gourmet Coffee: So Many Flavors!](https://nanahood.com/folgers-simply-gourmet-coffee-many-flavors) - Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post and I have received sample products and compensation. However, all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own! It's almost time for the annual Pumpkin Festival. Our little town is very small and the festival is always held in the courthouse yard in the center of the community. When our
- [Blueberry Cake - So Easy To Make!](https://nanahood.com/blueberry-cake-easy-make) - Here's a blueberry cake that is so easy to make you will love this recipe! My friend Peggy loves to make desserts and she loves to share them with us. Secretly I think she brings them over here so she doesn't eat them all herself, but I'm not complaining and neither is anyone else! We
- [September Dining Days: Celebrate With AARP](https://nanahood.com/september-dining-days-celebrate-aarp) - I am participating in a September Dining Days campaign for AARP Services, Inc. I am receiving a fee for posting; however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I am in no way affiliated with AARP Services Inc. and do not earn a commission or percent of sales. AARP Members Advantage and September
- [How to Be a Responsible & Kind Dog Owner: Important Tips You Need To Know](https://nanahood.com/responsible-kind-dog-owner-important-tips-need-know) - How to Be a Responsible & Kind Dog Owner: Important Tips You Need To Know Dogs are not born bad yet some end up that way. Just like people, much of a problem pet’s negative behavior can be traced to how it was raised and how it is treated at home. Fortunately, becoming a responsible
- [Grandparents are Grand](https://nanahood.com/grandparents-are-grand) - Grandparents are grand for a lot of reasons. Here are 12 Reasons to be You! a special feature by Leslie & Kay, founders of grandparentslink.com Okay, so we all agree… we take pride in our role, as a grandparent, but it's also equally rewarding and valuable to be grand friends, grand associates, grand advocates; you
- [6 Ways to Celebrate Grandparents Day (or any special day)](https://nanahood.com/6-ways-celebrate-grandparents-day-special-day) - 6 Ways to Celebrate Grandparents Day with your grandchildren no matter where you live! Some of us live close to our grandchildren and some of us have hundreds of miles between us, but near or far you can still celebrate with your grandchildren. Kids love to Facetime. If you live far from your grandchildren arrange
- [Our Son's Wedding and His Beautiful Bride](https://nanahood.com/our-sons-wedding) - Our Son's wedding was Saturday. He married his high school sweetheart...actually they met in 6th grade. They have loved each other since then. Hurricane Harvey remnants were in Kentucky and we had several inches of rain on Friday (nothing like what they did in Texas) but enough to make the ground very soggy. It was
- [Back to School - How Grandparents Can Help](https://nanahood.com/back-to-school-how-grandparents-can-help) - It's back to school time for our grandchildren and grandparents can be a positive influence when it comes to education. Even if we don't live close enough to help them with their homework, with all the technology available today we can be more involved than ever before! Perhaps you are surprised by the number of
- [Easy, Inexpensive Crafts for Children](https://nanahood.com/easy-inexpensive-crafts-children) - Inexpensive crafts can keep your grandchildren busy on a rainy day so before we took our annual family vacation to the beach my daughter went to the local Dollar Tree and purchased some crafts we could do with the kids. Each craft was $1.00 plus tax. You just can't get much cheaper than that! We
- [Birthday Celebration Winners!](https://nanahood.com/birthday-celebration-winners) - We are officially closing the Birthday Giveaway, and announcing THREE winners... So our three winners are.... Tammie D, Wendy A, and Ruth. We'll be in touch with you three (using the email address from your comments), and you can let us know which one of the three prizes you'd like to receive. And thanks to
- [The Most Important Thing About Parenting](https://nanahood.com/important-thing-parenting) - What is the most important thing about parenting and being a grandparent? Read on to find out! This is a guest post by Grandma Becky This week’s inspiration comes from one of my own – my darling granddaughter Blakely Faye who turned two years old this week! I hope her smile prompted one from you.
- [Nashville - A City of Many Names](https://nanahood.com/nashville-a-city-of-many-names) - Nashville, Nashvegas, Music City, Smashville: whatever you call it, it is a fun place to visit! What's in a name? A whole lot of you are the city of Nashville and you are referred to by many different monikers! So what is the story of Nashville and it's many names? The city of Nashville was founded
- [Remember when Martha Filmed Crafting With Her Mema?](https://nanahood.com/remember-filmed-martha-crafting-mema) - Those of you who are newer to NanaHood have no idea that our Martha has been on YouTube for over SEVEN years! A long, LONG time ago she (and her brothers) did several "Crafting with Mema" videos for Nanahood. Today I got nostalgic (thinking about NanaHood's birthday), and went to watch them again. It's pretty
- [Time to Celebrate Nanahood's Birthday!](https://nanahood.com/time-celebrate-nanahoods-birthday) - It's time to celebrate NanaHood's Birthday and we are so glad you stopped by! We are so excited to be celebrating Nanahood's Birthday! It's been 8 years of blogging and building this community, and we're so thankful for each and every one of you who visit, share, post on facebook, and stay connected. To
- [Cruising Through Summer With Cars 3 and Alamo](https://nanahood.com/cruising-through-summer-with-cars-3-and-alamo) - Cruising through summer with Cars 3 and Alamo Not so long ago I attended the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration at Disney World (or #DSMMC) To say it was a blast would be an understatement. One of the things we got to do was attend a delicious breakfast where there were tons of great photo
- [August Birthdays Keep Coming](https://nanahood.com/august-birthdays-keep-coming) - August Birthdays Keep Coming! Wednesday we celebrated our sweet granddaughter's birthday. Our oldest granddaughter, Abby, just turned 12. She keeps reminding me that next year she will be 13, as if I could forget. This is our family rendition of the Birthday Song. Please be forgiving if you listen to it. I couldn't sing because
- [Delicious Blueberry Muffins with Frozen Berries From Our Farm](https://nanahood.com/delicious-blueberry-muffins-frozen-berries-from-our-farm) - Delicious Blueberry Muffins This year our blueberry bushes produced way more berries than they have in the past so I was able to freeze a lot of them. Not only are blueberries easy to freeze ( I put them on cookie sheets, freeze them, then bag) they are just as tasty frozen as they are
- [Why Nanas Need Rules](https://nanahood.com/nanas-need-rules) - Why Nanas Need Rules According to my friends Leslie and Kay, founders at grandparentslink.com, there are definite rules. Here’s a little secret we’ll let you in on… we’ve been grandparents for quite a while now, and definitely the role is ever evolving as the children grow. This holds true for the parents of your grandchildren;
- [Cobalt Restaurant: Great Food and a Wonderful Atmosphere](https://nanahood.com/cobalt-restaurant-great-food-wonderful-atmosphere) - Cobalt Restaurant in Orange Beach, Alabama, is a great place to dine with family and friends. We ate there recently and I highly recommend it. There were 14 of us and they told us it would be about a 45 minute wait. We were on vacation and celebrating the engagement of Grant and Christie. We
- [Visit to the Lincoln Children's Zoo in Nebraska](https://nanahood.com/visit-lincoln-childrens-zoo-nebraska) - Our family had a LOT of fun on this summer, and one of our day trips was to the Lincoln Children's Zoo, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Martha made a quick video of some of the animals we saw at the zoo, just for the Nanahood readers: Nebraska Zoos? Usually when you think of Nebraska and zoo,
- [Multigenerational Travel-Taking The Grands to the Beach](https://nanahood.com/multigenerational-travel-taking-grands-beach) - Multi-generational travel isn't for everyone, but we love it! There are ways to make traveling with a large group easier and I plan on posting about that later - today is strictly photos. These two enjoyed some rare quiet time while sitting on the porch. You aren't really cool unless you have some pink flamingo
- [More Nebraska Road Trip News](https://nanahood.com/nebraska-road-trip-news) - I promised you more videos and road trip fun from Martha in July, but we were SO busy with all the having fun and playing with cousins and swimming at the York Aquatic center every day...and we ran into technical difficulties with our videos...so I wasn't able to deliver! I feel awful that you, dear
- [Grandchildren and The Road Less Traveled](https://nanahood.com/grandchildren-road-less-traveled) - A grandfather talks about his grandchildren and the road less traveled. This is a guest post by Craig Waddell. He blogs at DairyDevo.com One of the great blessings of being a parent of adult children is their making you a grandparent. Another great blessing is being privileged to play a major role in the grandchildren’s
- [It's NanaHood's Birthday (Almost) and We Are Ready to Celebrate!](https://nanahood.com/nanahoods-birthday-almost-ready-celebrate) - It's NanaHood's Birthday....in August! Time flies when you are having fun or birthdays and NanaHood will have one next month. This blog started in 2009 so we still aren't in double digits but we are getting there. It's hard to believe I've been blogging for 8 years and of those 8 years NanaHood has been
- [Mom's Recipe Box](https://nanahood.com/moms-recipe-box) - Mom's Recipe Box Up in my kitchen cabinet, in the very back corner at the top is a little plastic box filled with 3 x 5 index cards. Each card has a hand written recipe written on it by my mother. Mom died in July of 1990 and every so often I get out the
- [Have You Ever Eaten A Runza Sandwich?](https://nanahood.com/ever-eaten-runza) - We're back with Martha today, but unfortunately no video. Being on the road brings a lot of technical challenges. We spend 4 weeks each summer in York, Nebraska - and because of Martha's food allergies, we always drive. It's a two day drive from Las Vegas to York, and literally the FIRST thing our family
- [Meet Miss Kentucky, Molly Matney: Hometown Girl](https://nanahood.com/meet-miss-kentucky-molly-matney-hometown-girl) - Meet Miss Kentucky, Molly Matney Those of us who have watched Molly grow up and who know her parents and grandparents, couldn't be more thrilled to say we know Miss Kentucky! Molly lives in the same small community I do (Metcalfe County) and before I go any further I just have to tell you that
- [Team Players - VBS](https://nanahood.com/team-players) - Team Players Saturday was VBS at our church and it was so much fun. This year the theme was God's Team and we talked a lot about teamwork and whose team (God) we wanted to be on. I helped with the pre-school class and enjoyed it immensely. (I also had to go home afterwards and
- [Simple Life or Simply My Life](https://nanahood.com/simple-life-or-simply-my-life) - Simple Life or Simply My Life I am no authority when it comes to living a simple life. In fact, there are many days when I ask myself how in the world I just keep getting busier when I should be at a point in my life when I am slowing down-or at least that's
- [Pixar Animation Studios "Lou" - Why I Love it!](https://nanahood.com/pixar-animation-studios-lou-why-i-love-it) - Pixar Animation Studios "Lou" Bullying is not cool. It isn't now and it wasn't when I was young. I remember what it felt like and I bet you do too. That's one reason why I fell in love with "Lou." Lou (the main character in a new short film) finds a way to turn a
- [Dance Photography](https://nanahood.com/dance-photography) - Dance photography is something I didn't know anything about until I saw these pictures and started asking questions. I love to watch dancers. They fascinate me with their energy and grace. I love watching everything from Hula dancing to ballet. Dancing With the Stars was once one of my favorite shows but I'm a little
- [Considering Going Solo In The Workforce? You Should! (Sponsored)](https://nanahood.com/considering-going-solo-workforce-sponsored) - Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post but all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. This article sponsored by If you’re like most Americans over 50, you plan to work after retirement in some capacity. You may even be considering changing the way you work and going into business for yourself. Where once that
- [To Squash or Not To Squash the Squash-That is the Question](https://nanahood.com/to-squash-or-not-to-squash-the-squash) - Squash When you cook it, do you fry it or mash it? I'm guessing it depends on how your Momma cooked it. Am I right? Varieties The most common varieties (according to The University of Kentucky Agriculture Department) are yellow squash (crooked or straight neck) and zucchini. I don't know why but we never raised zucchini
- [Paradise Point Revisited](https://nanahood.com/paradise-point-revisited) - Paradise Point Revisited I liked the outside of Paradise Point so much that I went back to investigate the store and this time it was open. The inside of the store was even more fun than outside. If you didn't see my last post about it then check it out before you go further. Even
- [Tween Talk - Pie Face Game And Video](https://nanahood.com/tween-talk-pie-face-game-video) - Martha's back this week for her Tween Talk video, along with her cousin Clara, and they are playing a new game together. It's called Pie Face. Have you heard of it? It's pretty much what it sounds like - pie in your face! A game of chance.. you might get a face full of whipped
- [Kentucky's Paradise Point - A Fun Place to Visit](https://nanahood.com/kentuckys-paradise-point) - Kentucky's Paradise Point is a fun place to visit....even when they are closed! Every once in awhile I see something while I'm driving that catches my eye and I have to stop and make pictures. I couldn't pass up taking a few pictures of Paradise Point which is near Barren River State Park, about an
- [Henry Winkler On Being a Grandparent - One of His Favorite Roles](https://nanahood.com/henry-winkler-grandparenting-one-favorite-roles) - Henry Winkler On Being a Grandparent This is a post from my friends at Grandparent's Link Henry Franklin Winkler is an American actor, director, comedian, producer, and author. Winkler is best known for his role as Arthur Fonzarelli in the 1970s American sitcom Happy Days. I watched the series and loved his character, The Fonz.
- [Road Trip 2017!](https://nanahood.com/road-trip-2017) - We are a back with a video from Martha, and this week we made a road trip from Las Vegas, NV to York, Nebraska. We passed through four states on our way, and Martha took some video footage and photos over the TWO day trip. Road trips with Martha and her brothers are generally very
- [Paw Patrol Birthday Party](https://nanahood.com/paw-patrol-birthday-party) - Paw Patrol Birthday Party The "in" thing with little boys right now is Paw Patrol. I don't claim to understand it all, but I know my grandson loves it! His 3rd birthday was all Paw Patrol at the pool. He had been to so many of his cousin's birthdays that every gift he opened he
- [Erma Bombeck and The Art of Saying Nothing](https://nanahood.com/erma-bombeck-and-the-art-of-saying-nothing) - Erma Bombeck was My Mom's Favorite Author I have always been a fan of Erma Bombeck. My mother loved her writing and so growing up Erma was a part of my family. She wasn't physically present in my house, but she was there. Momma would clip Erma's "At Wit's End" articles and leave them on
- [Baccalaureate](https://nanahood.com/baccalaureate) - Baccalaureate Service I can't spell it and I have trouble pronouncing it, but I know what it is. Just in case you don't know it's a religious service held at an educational institution, usually on Sunday before commencement day. Our twins graduate from high school Friday night and last night was their baccalaureate. There were
- [When You Need A Lawyer](https://nanahood.com/when-you-need-a-lawyer) - Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post and I was compensated. All thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. #ad When You Need A Lawyer A friend dropped by recently to visit and mentioned his dad was in terrible pain from a work related injury that happened over a year ago. I asked what happened and
- [Trip to Las Vegas Strip, Day 2 - Shark Reef](https://nanahood.com/trip-las-vegas-strip-day-2-shark-reef) - We're back with the second video of Martha's trip to the Las Vegas Strip. Today's video was taken at the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. You can see the first video/post HERE where Martha shared about the Luxor, the Bellagio Conservatory, and the Wax Museum. Visiting the Shark Reef and Mandalay Bay - If you are
- [Visit to The Las Vegas Strip, Day 1](https://nanahood.com/visit-las-vegas-strip-day-1) - Martha has put together TWO "tween talk" videos this week, after staying for 24 hours on the Las Vegas strip. If you might be planning a trip to Las Vegas, you can get a quick preview of a few family friendly, fun things to see... and if you won't be coming anytime soon, you can
- [Hanes Father's Day Giveaway](https://nanahood.com/hanes-fathers-day-giveaway) - Disclaimer: I was sent some tee-shirts to review in exchange for this giveaway. The opinions expressed here are my own! #happyinhanes Hanes Father's Day Giveaway It's almost time for Father's Day and Hanes and NanaHood have a giveaway for you! I love all Hanes products! The other day I was in Walmart and walked down
- [Friends Who Pick Blueberries With You](https://nanahood.com/friends-who-pick-blueberries) - Friends Who Pick Blueberries My friend Susan is a food blogger and her husband is a musician. They visited last year and picked blueberries with me and this year when they came they brought their dog, Gus. Gus is a beautiful German Shepherd and when my husband was a little boy they raised German Shepherds.
- [Fashion Friday - One Piece Hooded Pajamas](https://nanahood.com/fashion-friday-one-piece-pajamas) - Martha and her brother are dancing in their end-of-the-year recital this week...enduring long hours at rehearsals...so we weren't able to do a Fashion Friday video like we hoped. But do not despair! Martha wanted to share a very important Fashion Friday trend - one piece hooded pajama sets (basically "onesies" for kids and adults?)! I
- [Picking Blueberries and Thinking About Life](https://nanahood.com/picking-blueberries) - Picking Blueberries Sometimes when I'm picking blueberries I turn the radio up and open up the car doors and rock out but sometimes I just enjoy the silence. It's good thinking time. I like the sounds of nature. I have to admit though that birds are not my friends when it comes to our blueberries.
- [Coffee Beans Smell Divine](https://nanahood.com/coffee-beans) - My mother was an elementary school teacher and every morning she would drink one or two cups of coffee. My dad thought coffee was some sort of evil concoction that should be avoided at all costs. He never understood why anyone would want to drink it. I grew up mystified by the black stuff in
- [Hair Jewelry Adds Beauty to Your Style](https://nanahood.com/hair-jewelry) - Hair Jewelry This is a review of Lilla Rose hair jewelry. I was not paid for this review but I did receive a hair clip and I am giving one away to one lucky reader! The thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own. Remember the song, Hair? In case you aren't familiar with
- [The Peanut Pickle - Peanut Allergy Video Book Review](https://nanahood.com/peanut-allergy-video-book-review) - For today's Tween Talk video and post, Martha wanted to share with you a book that is very special to her. It's called "The Peanut Pickle" and it's about a child who has a severe peanut allergy. This is a topic near and dear to Martha's heart, as she was diagnosed with a peanut allergy
- [Celebrity Chef Elizabeth Falkner on Atopic Dermatitis](https://nanahood.com/celebrity-chef-elizabeth-falkner-atopic-dermatitis) - Celebrity Chef Elizabeth Falkner has Atopic Dermatitis (eczema) but she hasn't let it keep her from following her dreams. She is one of the most recognizable chefs in the culinary world and currently she is executive chef and owner of Orson Restaurant and Bar. You also might find her at Elizabeth Falkner’s Citizen Cake Ice
- [Kentucky Sunsets - A Feast For The Eyes](https://nanahood.com/kentucky-sunsets) - Kentucky Sunsets I don't know where you live but I hope you appreciate each and every sunset you are blessed to see. They are so beautiful. Every night I look out my front door to see how God has painted the sky. The beauty and the uniqueness of each sunset never ceases to amaze me.
- [DIY Choker Necklaces - Fashion Friday, Episode 2](https://nanahood.com/diy-choker-necklaces-fashion-friday) - For today's Fashion Friday, Martha is showing us how to make Choker Necklaces! Chokers are all the rage in fashion these days, and while you can purchase them at places like Claires for a few dollars, it's so much MORE fun to make them yourself! Martha will show us how in her tutorial video, and
- [Tween Talk, Episode 2 - How to Make Fluffy Homemade Slime](https://nanahood.com/make-fluffy-homemade-slime) - Making homemade slime is one of the craziest trends happening right now, and Martha is here with another Tween Talk to show us all how to make it! Her "recipe" is for making FLUFFY slime, and believe me when I tell you, your kids and grandkids will love it! Here's the video: Slime Recipe You
- [Blueberry Season on the Farm](https://nanahood.com/blueberry-season-farm) - It's finally blueberry season on our farm in Kentucky! We own a blueberry farm in southern Kentucky and the berries are getting ripe. Pretty soon I'll be up to my eye balls in berries! When you go to the store and see a box of blueberries please remember the vast amount of work it takes
- [Purpose, Value, and The Importance of Storytelling](https://nanahood.com/purpose-value-and-the-importance-of-storytelling) - Purpose, Value, and The Importance of Storytelling! Guest Post by Nancy Murdoch Purpose My grandson is growing up in a world where the arts have been removed from schools, handwriting isn’t taught anymore, and cell phones have become part of a child’s anatomy. He has no idea what it was like for me growing up
- [Fashion Friday, Episode 1 - Press on Nails](https://nanahood.com/fashion-friday-episode-1-press-on-nails) - Martha is back with a new series that we'll plan to share most every Friday... called Fashion Friday! She LOVES everything Fashion, and she can't wait to share with you the most happening, fun, fashion trends for tweens and young teens. This week's chat focuses on press-on nails (with a little glimpse of two of her
- [Mother's Day Craft for Kids at Church](https://nanahood.com/mothers-day-craft) - Mother's Day Craft for Kids at Church Yesterday was Mother's Day and the kids at church made a very special gift for their moms. They love projects and making something, so craft days are fun days. Of course they had a little (okay a lot) of help. There were several adult helpers who worked very
- [Cell Phone Etiquette: What Would "Dear Abby" Say?](https://nanahood.com/cell-phone-etiquette-dear-abby-say) - Does cell phone etiquette exist? Because I don't want to assume what Dear Abby would say about my question I'm going to write a letter to Dear Crabby instead. Dear Crabby, Yesterday my husband and I attended a college graduation. These graduates were receiving their Master's and Doctoral degrees. I was shocked by what I
- [A Mother's Day Tribute Video, Recipes and Craft](https://nanahood.com/mothers-day-tribute-video-recipes-craft) - We have another video and post from Martha, our ten year old vlogger. She talked about her Grandma, Mema and Mom in today's Mother's Day Tribute video. Check it out below: Recipes Martha mentioned she loves to make Banana Bread and Monkey Bread with her Mema. Below are the recipes to make those with YOUR
- [Mother's Day Poem for Those Who Have Lost Their Mothers](https://nanahood.com/mothers-day-poem) - Mother's Day Poem for those of us who have lost our moms. Every Mother's Day is bittersweet when your mom is no longer with you. My mom died at the age of 51 from colon cancer. She went to heaven in 1990 and even as I type this I shake my head in amazement that
- [Mother's Day Without Your Mother](https://nanahood.com/mothers-day-without-your-mother) - Mother's Day without your mother is hard. May is a month of remembering for me. My dad died on May 1, 1995. Then there is Mother's Day and Memorial Day. While I love being a mother and nana, I will never stop missing my mother, and that makes Mother's Day difficult. Over the years I
- [All About Squishies - Tween Talk Episode 1](https://nanahood.com/squishies-tween-talk-episode-1) - Have you heard of Squishies? If you have a child or grandchild between the ages of 6 and 12, it's likely that you have! We are introducing a new series of fun posts featuring 10 year old Martha from PickleSnickelfritz.com. Martha uploads videos to YouTube and her website, and she likes to talk about toys,
- [A Son Remembers His Mother](https://nanahood.com/a-son-remembers-his-mother) - This post is written by Allan Huskins and dedicated to his mother, Faye Huskins, who lost her battle with breast cancer earlier this year. Allan's wife, Char, is a big part of the NanaHood family, and when I read his story about his mom I asked Char to ask him if I could share it
- [Dr. Margaret Rutherford's Book: Marriage Is Not For Chickens](https://nanahood.com/dr-margaret-rutherfords-book) - Dr. Margaret Rutherford's book, Marriage Is Not For Chickens is a short, easy read with lovely photographs. When I say short, I mean really short, it can easily be read in 5 minutes and would make a great wedding or anniversary gift. I reviewed it because the author is a friend of mine and I
- [Win 20 Book Library for your Grandkids](https://nanahood.com/win-20-book-library-grandkids) - Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Dover Publications We are excited to announce the Dover Publications GRAND Giveaway where you have a chance to win an amazing 20 book library ($135 value) for your grandkids! These books open the world of hobbies and activities to do with your grandkids! Crafting – Coloring – Drawing – Writing – Reading
- [Lost Baby Teeth: Are They Trash or Treasure](https://nanahood.com/lost-baby-teeth-are-they-trash-or-treasure) - What do you do with lost baby teeth? Are they trash or treasure? My older granddaughter loves my cell phone. She's only 7 so she's too young for one of her own, but boy does she love to play with mine. She visited this weekend and when I picked up my phone I discovered she'd
- [Mother Teresa Quotes](https://nanahood.com/mother-teresa-quotes) - I love quotes and Mother Teresa Quotes are some of the best! If I were asked to compile a list of influential women who made a difference in this world, one of my top five would be Mother Teresa. Her kindness and concern for others was amazing. Her humility and willingness to serve others was
- [There Are Good Reasons Why Men Don't Have Babies](https://nanahood.com/why-men-dont-have-babies) - Why men don't have babies, by Steven Ziplow (Guest Post) Hear ye all grandparents, parents or whoever you may be. You think we men are getting off easy by not being the gender designated to have babies…well, you’re right - and I figured it out! So, here’s my take: my wife and I are sitting
- [Kelly's Barbecue Cornbread](https://nanahood.com/kellys-barbecue-cornbread) - Kelly's Barbecue Cornbread: Slightly Spicy and Very Moist My sister-in-law invited us down to her house for supper. Her name is Kelly and she is a fantastic cook. Of all the delicious food she served that night my favorite was the cornbread. That's unusual because I am not a big cornbread fan. My mom and
- [Five Things Women Need to Know About Their Health](https://nanahood.com/five-things-women-need-to-know-about-their-health) - Five things Women Need to Know About Their Health (And it isn't a secret) Occasionally I am invited to speak to women's groups. Most of the time whoever is hosting the event chooses the topic but there are a couple of things I always find a way to mention. 1, Take Care of Yourself -
- [Weekend Golf Cart Ride With a Friend](https://nanahood.com/weekend-golf-cart-ride) - There's nothing like a weekend golf cart ride with a friend to revive your spirits and make you feel like a teenager again. I visited my friend at her house this weekend and just as I got there the sun was going down. It winked at me in between the trees and I couldn't resist
- [How Legal Insurance Works](https://nanahood.com/legal-insurance-works) - How Legal Insurance Works When Compared to How Health Insurance Works Disclaimer: I was paid to write this post but all thoughts and opinions are my own. #ad If you are like me and you have never heard of legal insurance (I just learned this year) then you may not understand exactly what it does.
- [Mother's Day Giveaway and Mother's Day Poems](https://nanahood.com/mothers-day-giveaway-and-mothers-day-poems) - Mother's Day Giveaway and Mother's Day Poems for you to share! #sweepstakes If I had to choose just one thing about my mother that I miss the most it would be the way she loved my children. It was so much fun watching her be a grandparent and knowing that she loved my children as
- [Disney Playdate at Nana's House](https://nanahood.com/disney-playdate-at-nanas) - Hosting a Disney Playdate at Nana's House will make you the coolest grandmother on the block! Disney Playdate at Nana's House Disclaimer:This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walt Disney World Resort. I received a box of party supplies in exchange to showcase the #DisneyKids play date I organized, however no
- [Life Changing New Technology for Seniors](https://nanahood.com/life-changing-new-technology) - Disclaimer: I was compensated by Handicare for this review but all thoughts and opinions about the products are strictly my own! Life Changing New Technology for Seniors that will have you amazed at what's being done! Afraid of new technology? Still calling objects gadgets, gizmos and thing-a-ma-jigs There's no reason to be afraid! In fact
- [Diary of a Wimpy Kid Review and Medicine Man Review](https://nanahood.com/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-review) - Diary of a Wimpy Kid Review and Medicine Man Review I don't claim to be a professional movie reviewer, but I am a Nana who likes decent movies (as opposed to indecent) and so when I run across something that other moms and nanas might like to watch I want to share it with you.
- [There is help for Crohn's, Colitis, and IBD](https://nanahood.com/there-is-help-for-crohns-colitis-and-ibd) - There is help for Crohn's, Colitis and IBD After you read this post please visit another post I wrote about your digestive system because if your gut isn't happy, nothing on your body is happy! I found a way to make my gut happy and I want your's to be happy too! Turn on the
- [Lung Cancer and Asbestos Exposure](https://nanahood.com/lung-cancer-and-asbestos-exposure) - Lung Cancer and Asbestos Exposure: What You Need to Know Hello, NanaHood readers! This is Faith Franz from The Mesothelioma Center. Last year, Teresa let us share with you some information about mesothelioma and why the disease is relevant to women in the later stages of their lives. Today, she’s welcoming us back to pass
- [Dating When You're a Grandparent](https://nanahood.com/dating-when-youre-a-grandparent) - How it feels to be dating when you're a grandparent. Love is an amazing thing. From the young to the young at heart, anyone can fall head over heels in love. However, as we get older the idea of dating can seem a daunting prospect. The passion we felt in our youth doesn’t fade but
- [Letter To My Daughter On Her 29th Birthday](https://nanahood.com/letter-to-my-daughter-on-her-29th-birthday) - This is a letter to my daughter on her 29th birthday. She is now 30 something and the years just keep flying by! Dearest Rachel, Today is your 29th birthday. While I am sure you are thinking, "One more year until 30! Oh my!" I'm thinking, "Where did 29 years go?" It seems like yesterday
- [Health Myths about Coffee, Eggs and Seeds](https://nanahood.com/health-myths-about-coffee-eggs-and-seeds) - Health Myths about Coffee, Eggs and Seeds Today's important guest post about your health and food is written by Paula Spencer Scott, Caring.com Senior Editor. If you have a health condition you've probably heard "eat this, don't eat that." Some advice about food and health is so deeply ingrained that even doctors believe it to
- [Pacifier Straps You Can Make!](https://nanahood.com/pacifier-straps-you-can-make) - Cute and Colorful Pacifier Straps You Can Make! By, Tiffany Secula I love to craft! Nothing I do is all that glamorous or difficult, but it is fun. Today I wanted to share with you all an item that is super easy to make. It is a pacifier strap. If you are a mom
- [Reader's Digest Book-Foods that Harm or Heal](https://nanahood.com/readers-digest-book-foods-that-harm-or-heal) - Harmful Foods Healing Foods Occasionally a book comes along that I want all my family and friends to know about; Foods that Harm-Foods that Heal by Reader's Digest is such a book. It's a great reference book and full of information about all the ways foods harm and heal. This book was first printed in
- [The Importance of Brain Stimulation and Exercise](https://nanahood.com/brain-stimulation-and-exercise) - The Good, The Bad, and The Importance of Brain Stimulation and Exercise The bad news is that more than half of us will suffer some form of dementia after age 85. The good news is that brain decline is not necessarily an inevitable part getting older. Many of us live into our 90s and even
- [The New You and Improved Diet by Keri Glassman](https://nanahood.com/the-new-you-and-improved-diet-by-keri-glassman) - New You and Improved Diet This week I had the privilege of interviewing Keri Glassman, the author of The New You And Improved Diet; 8 simple rules to lose weight. Kerri is a nationally recognized nutrition expert and the founder and president of Keri Glassman, Nutritious Life, which is a nutrition practice based in New
- [Boston Marathon Bombing](https://nanahood.com/boston-marathon-bombing) - Today is Thursday and I would love for you to link up with me and let me know what you are thinking. Today I'm thinking about Boston and the victims of the bombing and their families. And I know I am not the only one thinking about them. I know there are thousands of us
- [This Mommy Blogs in Australia](https://nanahood.com/this-mommy-blogs-in-australia) - NanaHood invites mommy and nana bloggers from other countries to take part in our "Bloggers From Around The World" series. Please welcome Bree from Australia! My name is Bree and I am the author of the blog Twinkle in the Eye. I blog from Australia about life, motherhood and the passions that make life worthwhile.
- [This Mommy Blogs in Singapore](https://nanahood.com/this-mommy-blogs-in-singapore) - Please give a warm welcome to our second guest blogger from overseas, Dominique from Singapore! If you live in a country other than the United States I would love to feature you in NanaHood's Bloggers from Around the World Series. Contact me here at NanaHood! Bloggers from Around the World Hi everyone, I'm Dominique, an
- [Erma Bombeck and Mother's Day](https://nanahood.com/erma-bombeck-and-mothers-day) - I have often said that Erma Bombeck was my second mother, even though she and I never met. I say that because my mom loved her and often quoted her or shared something with me that Erma had written. Most everything Erma wrote was funny but the few things she shared that were serious have
- [Hong Kong Blog: Hong Kong Chic](https://nanahood.com/hong-kong-blog-hong-kong-chic) - Meet Mandy, from Hong Kong! Her blog is Hong Kong Chic Bloggers from Around the World Series Howdy everyone, my name is Mandy and I am the proud author of my sewing blog Hong Kong Chic. I am really honored to be a featured blogger on Nana Hood, although I am not a grandmother (if
- [Easter Bunny Tales](https://nanahood.com/easter-bunny-tales) - The Easter Bunny Tales We had perfect weather for Easter weekend and all the grandchildren enjoyed multiple egg hunts. However, I have to tell you a funny story about the Easter Bunny, but first let me show you the grandkids getting ready to hunt eggs. You will probably notice they don't look really happy here.
- [Cloth Diapers Memories in a Disposable World](https://nanahood.com/cloth-diapers-memories-in-a-a-disposable-world) - Before there were disposable diapers, there were cloth diapers. I was talking to a young mother about diapers the other day when I realized she didn't know about cloth diapers. I think she assumed that there have always been disposable diapers and that just isn't the case. I didn't use cloth diapers for any of
- [Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Treatment](https://nanahood.com/sleep-apnea-symptoms-treatment) - Sleep Apnea Symptoms My husband and I have been married for 37 years this August. For most of those 37 years he has snored. Oddly enough his snoring didn't bother me. I told him it was a reminder to me that he was there beside me and that I actually found it comforting. What I
- [Improve Digestive Health](https://nanahood.com/improve-digestive-health) - Disclaimer: Since writing this post I have become a representative for Juice Plus. All thoughts and opinions are strictly my own! Today I want to tell you about a way to improve digestive health. So far I've told you about Tips from Toddlers and how to help your aching joints, today I want to tell you
- [When You Cause Your Own Health Problems](https://nanahood.com/health-problems) - What Happens When You Abuse Your Own Health Janie is over fifty years old, a diabetic, and at least 100 pounds overweight. In addition to that she has asthma and smokes. Sandra is in her forties. Last year she had a mild heart attack. Her doctor put a stint in one of her arteries. She
- [Why Our Values Matter](https://nanahood.com/values-matter) - Our values matter because they are our legacy. When I'm driving somewhere I don't always listen to the radio. Sometimes I enjoy the sound of silence, but if I do listen to the radio during the day I usually tune into to NPR (National Public Radio for my overseas friends). One day this week they
- [Why You Should Hug Someone Today](https://nanahood.com/hug-someone-today) - Why you should hug someone today There is a young lady who attends our church on Sunday nights with her grandmother. She's 20 years old and was born with a disabling disease and has spent most of her life in a wheel chair. Every Sunday night after service we line up in front of this
- [Remembering The Eagles-My Favorite Band](https://nanahood.com/remembering-the-eagles) - Remembering the Eagles, My Favorite Band My favorite band has always been The Eagles. I was a senior in high school in 1974 and I knew the words to every song they sang. When my husband's secretary asked me if Bill liked the Eagles and would he enjoy two tickets to a concert as a
- [All Kids Crafts!](https://nanahood.com/all-kids-crafts) - All Kids Crafts, a fun site for those who love to craft! Do you need something fun to do with your grandkids? Maybe it is a rainy day and you need an indoor idea? Well, fall is here and AllKidscrafts.com has lots of fun things to do with your grandkids for this time of year!
- [Internet Doctor Visits](https://nanahood.com/internet-doctor-visits) - Internet Doctor Visits What would you think if I told you that I can visit my doctor without going to his office? You would probably wonder how I did that. Let me explain. My doctor, Dr. William "Chuck" Thornbury, has spent years studying the idea of using electronic doctor visits. Dr. Thornbury According to Dr.
- [Music Eases Cancer Pain](https://nanahood.com/music-eases-cancer-pain) - Music Eases Cancer Pain Study Shows This is a guest post that I couldn't wait to share with you. When my cousin Martha learned that she had to take chemo (again) I racked my brain for something I could do for her, something that would let her know how much I cared and that I
- [GRAMPing lets grandparents camp in comfort](https://nanahood.com/gramping-lets-grandparents-camp-in-comfort) - Wouldn't you love to go camping with your grandchildren if you could camp in comfort? That's what this article is about and it sounds like my kind of camping! This post was sent to me by Amy Weirick of Weirick Communications, Inc. I did not receive compensation for publishing this article. I just thought it sounded like
- [My Granddaughter has Moves Like Jagger](https://nanahood.com/my-granddaughter-has-moves-like-jagger) - Children love music and my granddaughter has moves like Jagger! She loves to dance! Last week we celebrated my granddaughter's 2nd birthday. A good time was had by all, especially the birthday girl! The video is only 12 seconds long and is worth watching. She's got the moves like Jagger! Blog Hop! Please link up
- [Best Friends Can Be Cousins Too](https://nanahood.com/best-friends-can-be-cousins-too) - Best friends can be cousins too. I know because it happened to me and I think it's happening again with my granddaughters. They are such sweet little girls and I just love watching them play together. Are these two not the cutest cousins ever? Best friends and cousins. Reminds me of two other little
- [Mother Teresa Quotes](https://nanahood.com/mother-teresa-quotes-2) - This is a previously published on NanaHood but it seemed like a good time to share it again. The visual images of children in Syria suffering from chemical weapons has stuck in my head and given me nightmares all week. If only we could all have a little more of Mother Teresa inside us, what
- [Wag the Dog Blog](https://nanahood.com/wag-the-dog-blog) - Have you ever read a dog blog? Wag the Dog is a blog written by and for dogs. It's actually written from the dog's point of view by her owner. Pet lovers...Please welcome a U.K. blogger in my Bloggers Around the World Series. The author is Trina but she writes as Maggie the dog. Thank
- [Why We Celebrate The 4th of July](https://nanahood.com/why-we-celebrate-the-4th-of-july) - Have you ever wondered why we celebrate the 4th of July? Last night my 7 year old granddaughter asked me that question. I tried to keep my answer simple, and so I talked about it being the birthday of our country. I mentioned the Declaration of Independence and how many soldiers fought and died for
- [America's Senior Olympics](https://nanahood.com/76-year-old-grandmother-plays-basketball) - I had never heard of America's Senior Olympics until I read about Mavis Albin. This week there was a news story on ABC about a 76 year old grandmother who plays basketball. The story caught my attention and I sat down to watch. Her name is Mavis Albin and she is my new hero. Albin
- [Randy Travis and Cardiomyopathy](https://nanahood.com/randy-travis-and-cardiomyopathy) - You may have heard that country music singer Randy Travis has been diagnosed with a serious heart problem. The doctors say he is suffering from complications from viral cardiomyopathy. Travis is 54 years old. Causes of Cardiomyopathy According to the American Heart Association some people who have cardiomyopathy have no signs or symptoms and need
- [Buried Alive In Sand at the Beach](https://nanahood.com/buried-alive-in-sand-at-the-beach) - Did you know that children can fall into holes and get buried alive at the beach? I had never heard of this happening, but it does. I'm a beach bum. Always have been. Always will be. I love Jimmy Buffett. Love my toes in the sand. Love the ocean. Over the years we've made more
- [Age Discrimination and Retirement Problems for Boomers](https://nanahood.com/age-discrimination-and-retirement-problems-for-boomers) - Age discrimination in the work force What would you do if you weren't ready to stop working and you were terminated because of your age? A man named Archie Hale says he lost his job because of his age. Hale worked in Chattanooga, Tennessee for ABF Freight System, where he was a supervisor. He received good
- [The Rising Cost of School Supplies](https://nanahood.com/the-rising-cost-of-school-supplies) - If you are a parent you have probably noticed the rising cost of school supplies. What, if anything, can be done to help parents who are struggling financially purchase these much needed supplies. Whose fault is it? Recently I overheard a conversation between two mothers who were getting ready to buy school supplies. They were
- [An Interview with Rebecca Forster](https://nanahood.com/an-interview-with-rebecca-forster) - I love to read and although I haven't read all of Rebecca Forster's books, I have enjoyed many of them. If you don't know who Rebecca is please allow me to introduce you. Rebecca is a USA Today best selling author with more than 25 books under her belt. She teaches at UCLA Writers Program and
- [When Nana Takes Care of the Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/when-nana-takes-care-of-the-grandchildren) - The following is an article that was sent to me by Nanny Jobs. All parents and grandparents can benefit from reading this! Thanks, Roxanne, for sending it to NanaHood! For many families, Grandma is the first childcare choice. Parents love the idea of a family member whom they know and trust caring for the kids.
- [Courage In The Face of Cancer](https://nanahood.com/courage-in-the-face-of-cancer) - My cousin, Martha, has courage in the face of cancer. And she has had for years. I write about my cousin Martha frequently. I love her and she inspires me to be a better person. She's a fighter and she's looked breast cancer in the face 3 times now and not backed down. Recently I
- [Which Matters Most,Your Eulogy or Your Resume?](https://nanahood.com/which-matters-mostyour-eulogy-or-your-resume) - This week I read an article that was extremely thought provoking. The article was called, "Are you living your eulogy or your resume?" and it was written by Arianna Huffington. The article made some excellent points. Point number one... "It's easy to let ourselves get consumed by our work. It's easy to use work to
- [When I Learned that My Mom has Cancer](https://nanahood.com/when-i-learned-that-my-mom-has-cancer) - My sister said, "Mom has cancer." When you hear those words your whole world changes in an instant. That's what happened to Amy Hagerup. Guest post by Amy Hagerup My cell phone was going off in my purse, but I ignored it. After five minutes, it went off again. Suddenly I remembered that my mother’s
- [All I Want for Christmas is a Cure for Cancer.](https://nanahood.com/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-a-cure-for-cancer) - All I want for Christmas is a cure for cancer. I know, I know. That's asking for a lot, but really and truly…that's all I want and I know I'm not the only one. The Grand Marshal of our Christmas parade this year is a 9 year old with cancer. I'm betting his mom has
- [Easter Egg Hunt for Dog Bones](https://nanahood.com/easter-egg-hunt-dog-bones) - Have you ever heard of an Easter Egg Hunt for Dog Bones? This weekend Kash (a #goldendoodle) went hunting for dog bones inside plastic Easter eggs. He didn't go alone. His owner (my son's girlfriend, Courtney) took him and they had a blast. The proceeds from the hunt went to BRAWA, which is a local
- [Colonoscopy Motivation](https://nanahood.com/colonoscopy-motivation) - Colonoscopy Motivation There are certain things that it is really hard for me to motivate myself to do. Like…. Taking out the garbage when it's 2 degrees outside. Getting the paperwork in order to pay taxes. Colonoscopies….. There are lots of medical tests that are unpleasant, but I suspect a colonoscopy is at the top
- [Grandpa's Wisdom-Finding Balance](https://nanahood.com/grandpas-wisdom-finding-balance) - Grandpa's Wisdom By Craig Waddell Another second grader and I sat on the door stoop outside the small county school we attended, amongst discarded coats and books. Our classmates, both 2nd and 3rd graders, ran, swung, climbed, and turned flips on the playground in front of us. The young boy and I talked and worked
- [NanaHood's Favorite Chicken/Noodle Casserole](https://nanahood.com/nanahoods-favorite-chicken-noodle-casserole) - My favorite chicken noodle casserole More often than not when I cook, I cook for a lot of people. Casseroles are a great way to cook a meal (or most of a meal) in one dish. I love recipes that are quick, easy and good. Recently I found one that with a few added ingredients,
- [Taking Care of Family Photos](https://nanahood.com/taking-care-of-family-photos) - Disclaimer: I have not been paid or received any compensation to write this article. These thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. Family Photos-taking care of them. If you are like me you have tons of photos in boxes or scrapbooks. I have so many I actually have them in boxes in the attic. I
- [What a Baby's Firsts Can Teach Us](https://nanahood.com/what-a-babys-firsts-can-teach-us) - By Rebecca Faye Smith Galli A Baby's Firsts A year ago my grandbaby, Blakely Faye, was the size of the papaya, still warmly tucked in her mother's womb. Today she had the most unusual breakfast I've ever heard of for an eight-month-old: avocado and black beans. Here’s what she thought of it: I
- [Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding](https://nanahood.com/breastfeeding-or-bottle-feeding) - Don't know whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding is best? Don't have your parent or grandparent handy to ask important questions about parenting? Why not ask the grandparents at NanaHood? NanaHood's Facebook page has over 32,000 grandparents from around the world. Between them they have more parenting knowledge than just about anyone. They are the Google
- [What You Need To Know Before Donating Your Hair](https://nanahood.com/what-you-need-to-know-before-donating-your-hair) - There are several things you need to know before donating your hair. I know because I decided to do this in honor of my cousin and through the process this is what I learned. BALD IS BEAUTIFUL Bald is beautiful and when it comes to hair, like Randy Travis sings in his song Forever and
- [Supporting Friends Fighting Cancer](https://nanahood.com/supporting-friends-fighting-cancer) - Recently I ran across an article that gave 22 great suggestions for supporting friends who have breast cancer. The article had lots of great suggestions. While the article was referring to helping those with breast cancer, the suggestions are great for helping anyone who is fighting any type of cancer, or for that manner...any disease. It
- [10 Year Breast Cancer Survivor](https://nanahood.com/10-year-breast-cancer-survivor) - Kathy Ashby Paige is a 10 year breast cancer survivor. This is her story. It was a normal day early August, 2003 getting my classroom ready for 698 freshmen students. I cleaned my office, decorated two bulletin boards, set up and disinfected all my computers and left school early for my annual pap smear. A
- [10 Suggestions for Dealing With Breast Cancer](https://nanahood.com/10-suggestions-for-dealing-with-breast-cancer) - These 10 suggestions for dealing with breast cancer were written by Martha, my cousin who is a 3 time breast cancer survivor. It offers advice and lessons learned from her experiences. Feel free to print and share it with someone you know who is recently diagnosed. It might help them! 1. Get to the best
- [I Hate Dogs](https://nanahood.com/i-hate-dogs) - By Craig Waddell “I hate dogs.” I’ve told this to myself and others many times over the years. I’ve always admitted to liking puppies, and even today would lie down on the ground to allow a litter to joyfully topple over me, but dogs have always been a different story, especially one dog, a black
- [The Cat I Don't Want](https://nanahood.com/the-cat-i-dont-want) - First, let me make it perfectly clear that I do like cats. When I was young I had many, many cats for pets. This post is not written about a real cat...it's about fake cats. A Strange Sounding Cat I don't know much about phone apps. I do well to learn the basics, but I'm
- [Homemade Ornaments](https://nanahood.com/12589) - I love being a nana and that's the basis for this blog. It's a celebration of NanaHood, the second half of the motherhood journey. But it's also a way to honor my mother and grandmother. Mom died in 1990 and my grandmother in 2003. I think of them every day and I miss them terribly,
- [Chinese Grandmothers](https://nanahood.com/chinese-grandmothers) - Chinese grandmothers are somewhat different from American grandmothers. Read on to find out how! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in China? I have, and I've also wondered what (if any) are the differences in Chinese grandmothers and American grandmothers. I did a little research to find out what Chinese
- [Tilapia Recipe](https://nanahood.com/tilapia-night) - This Tilapia Recipe is so good even my non-fish eating family loved it! January is a good time to try to improve our diet and make smarter food choices. I've been experimenting with fish and chicken recipes and tonight's was so good I wanted to share it with you. Even my picky eaters loved it!
- [The Green Pea Dilemma](https://nanahood.com/the-green-pea-dilemma) - This is an article written by my cousin-in-law, Craig Waddell. If you have ever had a discussion with your spouse similar to the one Craig had with his wife Sarah, I think you will understand his delicate handling of a serious matter (red pepper in his peas). THE GREEN PEA DILEMMA FORWARD This short story
- [New Age Nanas from Austrailia](https://nanahood.com/new-age-nanas-from-austrailia) - This is a guest post written by Susan Moore and Doreen Rosenthal from Austrailia. They wrote a great book called "New Age Nanas:Being a Grandmother in the 21st Century" that describes what it is like to be a nana in Australia. I know you will enjoy reading about it! I sure did! First meet two
- [10 Things That Nanas Know](https://nanahood.com/10-things-nanas-know) - Nanas know a lot of things. Here are just 10 things nanas know that I think most grandmothers can say "Amen" too. 1. Grandchildren reawaken us to the beauty and wonder of life. When we have children we get to rediscover the world through their eyes. To be able to experience that again through grandchildren
- [Overlooked Treasures of Life](https://nanahood.com/overlooked-treasures-of-life) - This is a guest post by my cousin-in-law, Craig Waddell. I'm going to create a category for him called, "Grandpa's Wisdom." Craig and Sarah are the proud grandparents of Emma and Weston. “Show me a camp where the gamblers play solitaire and the women take in washing and I’ll show you a dead village.” (an
- [GRANDmagazine.com](https://nanahood.com/grandmagazine-com) - If you aren't familiar with GRANDMagazine.com let me assure you it is one magazine you don't want to miss. Christine Crosby, Founder and Editorial Director has this to say about the magazine, "Becoming a grandparent has transformed my life beyond measure. So, from the beginning, we at GRAND Magazine have made it our mission to
- [News About Colonoscopies](https://nanahood.com/news-about-colonoscopies) - There is some good news about colonoscopies, are you surprised? I mean no one uses the words "good" and "colonoscopies" in the same sentence, right? Everyone is supposed to get screened for colon cancer starting at age 50, but a whole lot of us don't. Why? Besides the fact that a root canal is more
- [Grandparents Who Aren't Allowed To See Their Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/grandparents-who-arent-allowed-to-see-their-grandchildren) - This is a guest post about grandparents who aren't allowed to see their grandchildren, written by Jane Jackson. Thank you Jane for your article and for what you do to help other grandparents in similar situations. June 8th 2000 was an amazing day, I became a granny! The first time I held my granddaughter in
- [A Doctor's Advice About Insomnia](https://nanahood.com/a-doctors-advice-about-insomnia) - A Doctor's Advice About Insomnia is written by William C. Thornbury, Jr., M.D. Insomnia, difficulty falling or staying asleep, affects an estimated ten percent to fifteen percent of the population. For two decades, millions of Americans have taken Ambien (zolpidem) to help them sleep at night. Sleeping pills have boomed in popularity with the increasingly frantic
- [An Interview With 9 Nanas Who Make A Difference](https://nanahood.com/9-nanas-who-make-a-difference) - If you have never heard of the 9 Nanas from Tennessee who make happiness happen you aren't alone. I live in Kentucky but had never heard of them until I read the following article about 9 Women Who Kept a Secret For More Than 30 Years. I know people who can't keep a secret for a
- [5 Best Things About Grandparents](https://nanahood.com/5-best-things-about-grandparents) - The 5 best things about grandparents from a mom's point of view. This post was written by my new cyber friend and super cool blogger, Monica. Monica is from Hawaii and blogs at www.thegrommom.com. Grandparents are amazing. No one can argue with that. I am beyond grateful for the TWO sets of healthy, wonderful Grandparents that
- [Nashville Road Trip](https://nanahood.com/nashville-road-trip) - We live in southern Kentucky and love a Nashville road trip. Especially since spring has finally arrived here in Kentucky. With warmer weather comes the urge to travel and to shop. It was my husband's birthday so I had the perfect excuse for a short get-a-way. If you have never stayed at an Aloft, they
- [The Big Blue Nation](https://nanahood.com/big-blue-nation) - We are members of The Big Blue Nation! Basketball rules at our house and we are big, big University of Kentucky fans. If you live in a cave or don't like basketball you might not know that our Wildcats just lost to University of Connecticut for the Championship. We don't like second place, but hey,
- [Cooking (and Eating) for One](https://nanahood.com/cooking-eating-one) - This is a guest post by Joan Stommen who is a new friend and fellow grandmother. Joan's grands call her Gramcracker and she blogs at Gramcrackercrumbs.com Please welcome Joan to NanaHood and leave her a comment! Cooking for One During 47 years of marriage, I grew accustomed to my husband food shopping, preparing and serving
- [5 Things Every Blogger Needs to Know](https://nanahood.com/5-things-every-blogger-needs-to-know) - Here are 5 things every blogger needs to know before they start blogging! When I started blogging almost 5 years ago I didn't realize how much I didn't know about what it takes to create and maintain a blog. I had been fortunate enough to publish several books and for 13 years I had a
- [One Dish Chicken Pasta Recipe](https://nanahood.com/one-dish-chicken-pasta-recipe) - Here's a one dish chicken pasta recipe that will have your family asking for more! I am constantly looking for new recipes, things I think my family will enjoy. Last week I tried a new recipe I found online. It appealed to me for several reasons. It was a one dish meal and it contained
- [Mother's Day Poem for a Mom in Heaven](https://nanahood.com/mothers-day-poem-for-a-mom-in-heaven) - This is a Mother's Day Poem written for my mom, Shirley Layne DeMumbrum Bell. For those of you who have lost your mothers you know that Mother's Day is hard. If you are a mom yourself, you celebrate being a mom but doing so without your own mother isn't easy. My mom was only 51
- [Arts and Crafts With Grandma](https://nanahood.com/arts-and-crafts-with-grandma) - This is a guest post about arts and crafts you can make and do with your grandchildren, written by Nana Joyce. She has her own awesome blog at What Happens at Grandma's. Thank you, Joyce, for this great post! Nanas, Omas, grandmas - there's a lot of us running around these days, and we are
- [Graduation Day Speech](https://nanahood.com/graduation-day-speech) - Graduation Day Speech It's that time of year again. All across the country high school students are putting on those hot gowns, tight caps and marching down the aisle. A few years ago I wrote a speech for a high school graduation. I thought I'd share it with you as a way of honoring all
- [Family Weekends Without Technology](https://nanahood.com/family-weekends-without-technology) - Can we go back in time? When there were family weekends without technology? A friend of mine went to a restaurant that doesn't have Wi-Fi. They have a sign that says, "We want you to talk to each other so we do not have the Internet." As I looked around our den this weekend I
- [How To Entertain Large Families](https://nanahood.com/how-to-entertain-large-families) - How To Entertain Large Families I have a house full of company (15 but who is counting!) and I love it! My cousin and her 3 daughters and 8 grandchildren are here. We took all the kids to a game center. For a short time I was in charge of the littles while everyone else
- [Random Acts of Kindness for Caregivers](https://nanahood.com/random-acts-of-kindness-for-caregivers) - "This is a sponsored post on behalf of Element Associates and Midlife Boulevard." November is National Family Caregivers month, and the Random Acts of Kindness initiative aims to recognize and support the 40 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S. Many caregivers are boomer women, often sandwiched between the needs of their parents and their own
- [The Joy of Nanahood: When Your Child Becomes A Parent](https://nanahood.com/the-joy-of-nanahood) - Guest post By Rebecca Faye Smith Galli “The Brittany” It’s the video our family cannot stop watching. My daughter, Brittany—or “The Brittany” as my father playfully named his one-of-a-kind strong-willed granddaughter, was challenged by her own daughter, ten-month-old Blakely Faye. I earned my parenting stripes early with The Brittany. She was known for her masterful
- [Going In Style Movie Review and Contest](https://nanahood.com/going-in-style-movie-review-contest) - Disclaimer: Prizing is provided by Warner Bros. Pictures but all thoughts, opinions and memories are strictly my own! Going in Style (opens April 7th) is a new movie that all generations will enjoy, but especially Boomers. Why do I say that? Because nobody understands us like our peeps (aka friends). If you've got best friends who
- [The Perfect Age To Go To Disney World](https://nanahood.com/the-perfect-age-to-go-to-disney-world) - Is there a perfect age to go to Disney World? I think so and I think I found it. My granddaughters are 3 and 10, just the right ages to really enjoy everything about every park. They were up at the crack of dawn and able to go all day without a nap. Although the
- [5 Ways Grandmothers Can Help With the New Grandbaby](https://nanahood.com/5-ways-grandmothers-can-help-with-the-new-grandbaby) - Most moms love having help when they bring home a new baby, but they don't want someone coming in and taking over. Here are 5 Ways Grandmothers can help with the new baby without being pushy or overstepping their boundaries. Grandbaby On They Way My daughter, Rachel, and her husband are expecting a baby boy
- [How hearing aids can save your pet’s life](https://nanahood.com/how-hearing-aids-can-save-your-pets-life) - The hearing aid provider, hear.com, recently received a heartwarming letter from a woman who purchased hearing aids for the first time and experienced more than just better hearing. After three weeks of wearing her new hearing aids, Lisa, a retired social worker, realized how important it is to be able to hear – especially when you live alone.
- [Personalized Books for Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/personalized-books-for-grandchildren) - Personalized books make great gifts for your grandchildren or children. Just look at the cover of this one sent to me by Marblespark.com books. This personalized book celebrates God's deep love for each of us, colorfully showing children how "God had a plan at the very beginning... He had you in mind, when He set
- [Valentine's Day Fun for You and Your Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/valentines-day-fun-for-you-and-your-grandchildren) - It's time to think about Valentine's Day! The annual day o' love lurks right around the corner and Cupid will soon be sprinkling hearts and flowery fun far and wide. Following are four of my previously published posts to peruse, a collection of sweet and silly sorts of stuff focused on ensuring grandkids feel the
- [Kid's Food Allergies-What You Should Know](https://nanahood.com/kids-food-allergies-what-you-should-know) - Did you know that 1 in 13 children in the United States have food allergies? Guest Post by Char Huskins I am a "Food Allergy Mom", with two of my three children having allergies severe enough to require epi-pens at all times. My daughter had her first severe reaction to peanuts at 14 months old, and
- [How To Avoid a Tax Audit](https://nanahood.com/how-to-avoid-a-tax-audit) - How to Avoid a Tax Audit Essential Information Mention a tax audit and most of us will get a sick feeling in our stomach. Audits can be costly and time consuming. I know because we experienced one years ago. There are certain things you can do to avoid being audited and knowledge is power. What
- [Free Thanksgiving Place Card Printables](https://nanahood.com/free-thanksgiving-place-card-printables) - Thanksgiving Place Card Printables If you're like me, you're scrambling around this week, purchasing food for the big Thanksgiving day, pre-baking pies, thinking about table centerpieces and napkins, cleaning bathrooms and dining rooms and guest rooms and.. and... and realizing you can't get it ALL done! I've got a little help for you, in case you're
- [Unique Easter Baskets Kids Will Love](https://nanahood.com/unique-easter-baskets-kids-will-love) - This Easter my grandkids are getting some unique Easter baskets that I hope they are going to love! They were made by a friend of a friend and she is an unbelievable seamstress. Before I show you the baskets I want to show you Dawn's shop and how talented she is. Just looking at this
- [6 Reasons to see "Born In China" this Earth Day](https://nanahood.com/6-reasons-to-see-born-in-china-this-earth-day) - Film Review of Born in China Recently my family and I were able to preview the movie Born in China. Having never seen a Disney Nature film I didn't know what to expect. I settled in to watch the movie never guessing that by the end of the movie I would be moved to tears and
- [The Perfect Grandparent Gift](https://nanahood.com/the-perfect-grandparent-gift) - If you are in search of the perfect grandparent gift you need look no further! What does any nana or poppa want more than pictures of their children or grandchildren? I can't think of anything, can you? What if I told you that there is a way to send photographs to any family member or
- [Little Mermaid Birthday Party and Little Mermaid Cake Design](https://nanahood.com/little-mermaid-birthday-party-little-mermaid-cake-design) - When my daughter, Rachel, was young I took her to see Little Mermaid and it's always been one of our favorite Disney movies. This weekend Rachel's daughter, Kennedy, turned 5 years old and they celebrated with a Little Mermaid birthday party. Today I'm sharing the highlights with you through pictures. Her birthday was on Friday
- [A New Product to Improve Car Seat Safety and Usability](https://nanahood.com/new-product-improve-car-seat-safety-usability) - Disclaimer: I have been compensated to review this product. All thoughts and opinions are strictly my own. Car seat safety is important to parents and grandparents. Anyone who has watched videos of car crashes knows that if a child isn't in a car seat and buckled properly, bad things can and do happen. I want
- [Top 3 Roller Coasters in Disney World](https://nanahood.com/top-3-roller-coasters-in-disney-world) - Disclaimer: I was sponsored in part by Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. They invited me to Disney World and paid a portion of my expenses. All thoughts, opinions and memories are strictly my own!" What are the top 3 rollercoasters in Disney World? Well, it depends who you ask. We were there last month and
- [Barns, Houses and Scenery](https://nanahood.com/barns-houses-and-scenery) - I love driving through the country and stopping to make pictures of things that interest me. I love barns, old houses and pretty scenery. I'm not so sure the people driving me understand or like me pulling over to snap photos, but they put up with me. The shadows and the trees appealed to me
- [A Million Dollar Pound Cake With Strawberries On Top](https://nanahood.com/a-million-dollar-pound-cake-with-strawberries-on-top) - My friend, Peggy, is a great cook. We love everything she makes but this past week she hit the jackpot with a million dollar pound cake. Her cake pan was in the shape of a heart and it looked beautiful (and smelled even better). We couldn't wait to dive into it so we sliced the
- [How Grandparents Can Help Grandchildren Celebrate Dr. Seuss](https://nanahood.com/how-grandparents-can-help-grandchildren-celebrate-dr-seuss) - Today is Dr. Seuss's birthday and I have some ideas for you on how to help your grandchildren celebrate Dr. Seuss. I'm guessing everyone reading this has heard of him but just in case you are from another country and don't know who he is you can read about him here. My grandmother loved to
- [Heart Problem Symptoms For Women](https://nanahood.com/heart-problem-symptoms-for-women) - Heart problem symptoms for women are different than they are for men-but just as dangerous. Did you know that 1 of every 3 women die of a heart attack? According to The American Heart Association that's 1 woman every minute! February is American Heart Month and I just couldn't let the month escape without a reminder to
- [Best Love Songs for Boomers](https://nanahood.com/best-love-songs-for-boomers) - I don't know many popular songs today but sing me a line of a song that was popular "back in the day" and I bet I can finish the song for you! We each have a sound track to our lives and when I asked my boomer friends to tell me the best love songs,
- [Cool Facts About Valentine's Day Your Grandchildren Won't Know](https://nanahood.com/cool-facts-about-valentines-day-your-grandchildren-wont-know) - Grandchildren these days are hard to impress but if you know some cool facts about Valentine's Day that they don't, you might score some points. For example they probably don't know that a very long time ago (around 270 A.D.) a ruler named Claudius II decided that unmarried men made better soldiers. Another man, Bishop
- [Where Can I Find Happiness in Life?](https://nanahood.com/where-can-i-find-happiness-in-life) - If you are wondering where you can find happiness in life, you are not alone. Sooner or later we all ask ourselves this question. The answer for me came from several different places. One of those places was an essay I stumbled upon called, The Station, and it was written by Robert Hastings. Hastings was
- [5 Things Grandparents and Grandkids Will Love About A Disney Cruise](https://nanahood.com/5-things-grandparents-and-grandkids-will-love-about-a-disney-cruise) - Disclaimer: I was compensated in part by Disney Social Media Moms but all thoughts, opinions and memories are strictly my own! We just got back from a Disney Cruise without our grandkids. It was a wonderful cruise and a great experience, but I admit I went into "grandchild withdrawal." I adopted the children of a
- [Disney Cruise: New Friends, New Experiences, New Foods](https://nanahood.com/disney-cruise-new-friends-new-experiences-new-foods) - Disclaimer: I just returned home a cruise aboard the #DisneyWonder and 2 days at #DisneyWorld for #DisneySMMC. Part of this experience was compensated. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own! Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing some posts about the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration I just attended. I'll spread
- [February 9th is National Pizza Day!](https://nanahood.com/national-pizza-day) - I'm not sure if you know it or not, but today is a very important day! It's NATIONAL PIZZA DAY! (Yes, that's in all caps - just want to make sure you hear me). What's Your Favorite Pizza? In our family, half of us love plain, ole boring cheese pizza. And the other half of

## Pages

- [NanaHood.com](https://nanahood.com/) - "Parents and grandparents are usually the first and most important teachers in a child’s life." -Teresa Bell Kindred The Faith-Filled Grandmother Welcome to NanaHood! I'm Teresa Bell Kindred, the bloggy-est nana in the hood.... the NanaHood that is! New on the blog... See All > The Faith-Filled Grandmother With accompanying scriptures, devotions, and prayers, The Faith-Filled
- [Christmas Printables](https://nanahood.com/christmas-printables) - This season, spend time with the grandkids and kids with festive activities and keeping up family traditions. Find Christmas printables for kids, including mazes and Dear Santa letter templates.
- [About](https://nanahood.com/about) - Teresa Bell Kindred Teresa is the author of several books including The Knot at the End of Your Rope; Ten Ways to Hold on When You are Stressed Out and Mom: PhD-A Simple 6 Step course on Leadership for Moms. She was a major contributor to Humor for a Teacher’s Heart and Cup of Comfort
- [Home](https://nanahood.com/create-home) - crafting and creating a healthy, balanced, and beautiful life See all the latest I want to Cook I want to Craft I want to Decorate I want to Entertain Get the latest in your inbox! Healthy and Easy Recipes for your family Candy canes tart muffin cupcake muffin jujubes carrot cake pudding lemon drops. Marshmallow
- [Home Option 3](https://nanahood.com/home-option-3) - crafting and creating a healthy, balanced, and beautiful life Ice cream brownie biscuit croissant ice cream donut. Macaroon candy tiramisu tiramisu jelly-o sweet roll cupcake topping. Sesame snaps danish caramels oat cake powder chocolate macaroon cake. Biscuit chupa chups candy canes caramels. See the latest Featured Projects I'm Cali! Creator & Maker of all the
- [Resources](https://nanahood.com/resources) - Resources I love Bonbon shortbread gummies jelly-o chocolate cake soufflé jelly. Sweet roll sesame snaps fruitcake brownie cake chocolate. Chocolate bar candy apple pie cupcake caramels chocolate lemon drops croissant. Kitchen Gadgets your embed code here Kitchen Mixer your embed code here Utensils your embed code here Kitchen towels your embed code here Food Storage
- [A Weird Tale of Teabags and Tennis Shoes](https://nanahood.com/a-weird-tale-of-teabags-and-tennis-shoes) - A Weird Tale (Yes, it is true) I remember hearing my daughter talk about pregnancy brain and how there were days she operated in a fog. Recently I decided I have "nana brain" and every day looks like the final scene in Gone With the Wind where Rhett is leaving Scarlett amidst a thick fog.
- [Privacy Policy](https://nanahood.com/privacy-policy) - This privacy template paged saved in your footer navigation is provided as a sample to help you get your new website up and running quickly. The text on this page was generated by WordPress and Restored 316 is not providing legal advice. If you are looking for more information regarding your obligation to keep your
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- [Decorate](https://nanahood.com/decorate) - By Room BathroomKitchenLiving RoomBedroomOutdoor Space By Season SpringFallWinterSummer By Holiday Valentines DayJuly 4thLabor DayHalloweenThanksgivingChristmasNew Years Resources Shop my Amazon finds Ice cream brownie biscuit croissant ice cream donut. Macaroon candy tiramisu tiramisu jelly-o sweet roll cupcake topping. Sesame snaps danish caramels oat cake powder chocolate macaroon cake. Biscuit chupa chups candy canes caramels. Take me
- [Entertain](https://nanahood.com/entertain) - By Event Baby ShowerBridal ShowerKids BirthdayAdult BirthdayGraduation PartyWedding By Season SpringFallWinterSummer By Holiday Valentines DayJuly 4thLabor DayHalloweenThanksgivingChristmasNew Years Free guide Let's plan your next party! Ice cream brownie biscuit croissant ice cream donut. Macaroon candy tiramisu tiramisu jelly-o sweet roll cupcake topping. Sesame snaps danish caramels oat cake powder chocolate macaroon cake. Biscuit chupa chups
- [Craft](https://nanahood.com/craft) - Crafting Index Bonbon shortbread gummies jelly-o chocolate cake soufflé jelly. Sweet roll sesame snaps fruitcake brownie cake chocolate. Chocolate bar candy apple pie cupcake caramels chocolate lemon drops croissant. By Machine Cricut ExploreCricut MakerCricut JoyGlowforge By Material VinylPaperPaintCups/Mugs By Holiday Valentines DayJuly 4thLabor DayHalloweenThanksgivingChristmasNew Years SVG Files Need some fresh inspiration? Download some free SVG
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- [Never Miss a Moment!](https://nanahood.com/never-miss-a-moment) - You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. Your privacy is important to us!
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- [Nana's Recipe Freebies](https://nanahood.com/nanas-recipe-freebies) - Thanks for stopping by NanaHood! Download your free recipes here, then grab a cup of coffee and stay a while!
- [Blog Links](https://nanahood.com/blog-links) - A fun list of "Nana Bloggers" (or "Grandma Bloggers") (or "Mema Bloggers") (or "Bloggers who just happen to be Grandmas"): Finding Direction: The Wind Vane Chronicles Nutmeg Notes The Good, The Bad and the Ugly Going To GooGoo's Mommy Life Barbara Curtis Mommy Teach Me Sherry Says A Shelter From The Storm Grandma's Briefs Helga
- [Advertise On NanaHood](https://nanahood.com/advertise-on-nanahood) - Are you interested in advertising on NanaHood.com? We are a family-friendly website with a mostly female audience. Blog topics are center around children and grandchildren, arts and crafts, family and faith, food and travel and funny life events too! If you would like to sign up to advertise your product or business, please send an
- [Contact](https://nanahood.com/contact) - I'd love to hear from you! Teresa Kindred teresa@nanahood.com
- [Categories](https://nanahood.com/categories) - Crafting With Mema Crafty Nanas Featured Friday Fun Links Giveaways Grandparents who are raising grandchildren (or helping raise them) Gratituesday Nana of the Week Nana’s Recipe Box New Nana Wordless Wednesday
- [Teresa Speaks](https://nanahood.com/teresa-speaks) - Here I am, send me ~ Teresa Bell Kindred ~ www.nanahood.com Isa 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I. Send me!" I have read this verse many, many times but recently when I read it I
- [NanaHood T-Shirts On Amazon](https://nanahood.com/nanahood-t-shirts-amazon) - Check out our fun NanaHood t-shirts, now available on Amazon.com! All the t-shirts come in a variety of colors!
- [4th of July Fireworks Safety for Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/4th-of-july-fireworks) - I love the 4th of July and I love fireworks, but every year there are accidents that hurt and even kill those who are around them. One year someone I knew lost his vision in one eye. Another year someone in my home town was hospitalized and had multiple surgeries when a firework exploded in
- [Contest / Giveaway](https://nanahood.com/contest-giveaway) - a Rafflecopter giveaway
- [Win a Free Trip to Visit Your Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/win-a-free-trip-to-visit-your-grandchildren) - I am so blessed that I live near my grandchildren and I get to see them frequently. I know there are many grandparents who don't. I wanted to tell you about a photo contest that just launched on Grandparents.com, aimed at bringing grandparents together with their grandkids for Thanksgiving (winner announced on Grandparents Day, Sept.
- [Advertising in GRAND Magazine](https://nanahood.com/advertising-on-grand-magazine) - Do you have a product or service that might appeal to the audience of GRAND Magazine? If so, you might be interested in their $99 advertising package. CLICK HERE to get more information about the package, and download the form to send to GRAND Magazine. You can fax the form to the folks at Grand
- [Link to Us](https://nanahood.com/link-to-us) - Are you interested in linking to NanaHood.com on your blog? Well, we want to make it EASY for you to do that! Below are a few graphic buttons/banners you can use to direct folks our way. Just right-click on the button or banner of your choice and save to your hard-drive. Then upload to your
- [Start Your Own Blog](https://nanahood.com/start-your-own-blog) - Did you know you can have your OWN blog? And you can have one for FREE? Yes, it's true - you can. We recently launched a sister site, theNanaBlogs.com, so every Nana and Grandma and Mema can have a voice... a place to share thoughts...and a place to brag about grandkids! Click on over to
- [Send An E-Card](https://nanahood.com/ecards) - Would you like to send someone you know and love an encouraging e-card? Well, now you can, through NanaHood.com! Just click the link below to get started! (And if you are here to PICK UP a card, just enter your code in the box below). Send an E-Card Retrieving an E-Card? Enter Card Pick-up ID
- [Forums](https://nanahood.com/forum)

## Categories

- [Featured](https://nanahood.com/category/featured)
- [Travel](https://nanahood.com/category/travel-2)
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- [Reading](https://nanahood.com/category/reading-2)
- [Grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/category/grandchildren-2)
- [Grandparents](https://nanahood.com/category/grandparents-2)
- [Recipes](https://nanahood.com/category/recipes-2)
- [Misc](https://nanahood.com/category/misc)
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- [vacations](https://nanahood.com/category/travel-2/vacations)
- [Pets and Animals](https://nanahood.com/category/pets-and-animals)
- [Tween Talk](https://nanahood.com/category/tween-talk)
- [Fashion Friday](https://nanahood.com/category/fashion-friday)
- [Crafting](https://nanahood.com/category/crafting)
- [Reflections from My Kitchen Sink](https://nanahood.com/category/grandparents-2/reflections-from-my-kitchen-sink)
- [blogging](https://nanahood.com/category/blogging)
- [Holidays](https://nanahood.com/category/holidays)
- [Sample Category - Entertain](https://nanahood.com/category/sample-category-entertain) - Candy canes tart muffin cupcake muffin jujubes carrot cake pudding lemon drops. Marshmallow dessert cookie sugar plum sweet roll lemon drops. Cotton candy jelly gummi bears cookie sweet roll cupcake.

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- [chicken and dumplings](https://nanahood.com/tag/chicken-and-dumplings)
- [ya ya sisterhood](https://nanahood.com/tag/ya-ya-sisterhood)
- [smoking](https://nanahood.com/tag/smoking)
- [beer](https://nanahood.com/tag/beer)
- [high heels](https://nanahood.com/tag/high-heels)
- [apron](https://nanahood.com/tag/apron)
- [Cloudy with a chance of meatballs](https://nanahood.com/tag/cloudy-with-a-chance-of-meatballs)
- [Little Mermaid](https://nanahood.com/tag/little-mermaid)
- [Peter Pan](https://nanahood.com/tag/peter-pan)
- [movie review](https://nanahood.com/tag/movie-review)
- [nice matters award](https://nanahood.com/tag/nice-matters-award)
- [howdy](https://nanahood.com/tag/howdy)
- [free](https://nanahood.com/tag/free)
- [inexpensive](https://nanahood.com/tag/inexpensive)
- [e-book](https://nanahood.com/tag/e-book)
- [the hood](https://nanahood.com/tag/the-hood)
- [recipes](https://nanahood.com/tag/recipes)
- [store](https://nanahood.com/tag/store)
- [blogging](https://nanahood.com/tag/blogging)
- [universe](https://nanahood.com/tag/universe)
- [options](https://nanahood.com/tag/options)
- [stars](https://nanahood.com/tag/stars)
- [starry nights](https://nanahood.com/tag/starry-nights)
- [breathtaking](https://nanahood.com/tag/breathtaking)
- [lap top](https://nanahood.com/tag/lap-top)
- [cereal](https://nanahood.com/tag/cereal)
- [can't sleep](https://nanahood.com/tag/cant-sleep)
- [insomnia](https://nanahood.com/tag/insomnia)
- [Martha](https://nanahood.com/tag/martha)
- [Madi](https://nanahood.com/tag/madi)
- [finished product](https://nanahood.com/tag/finished-product)
- [cards](https://nanahood.com/tag/cards)
- [rubber stamps](https://nanahood.com/tag/rubber-stamps)
- [hobbies](https://nanahood.com/tag/hobbies)
- [cheesecake](https://nanahood.com/tag/cheesecake)
- [Kaye](https://nanahood.com/tag/kaye)
- [everything under the sun](https://nanahood.com/tag/everything-under-the-sun)
- [consignment](https://nanahood.com/tag/consignment)
- [Tootsie](https://nanahood.com/tag/tootsie)
- [relish](https://nanahood.com/tag/relish)
- [eloped](https://nanahood.com/tag/eloped)
- [high school](https://nanahood.com/tag/high-school)
- [hot peppers](https://nanahood.com/tag/hot-peppers)
- [hog killing](https://nanahood.com/tag/hog-killing)
- [Granzy](https://nanahood.com/tag/granzy)
- [Stephanie.](https://nanahood.com/tag/stephanie)
- [Giveaways](https://nanahood.com/tag/giveaways)
- [military](https://nanahood.com/tag/military)
- [USS Alabama](https://nanahood.com/tag/uss-alabama)
- [POWs](https://nanahood.com/tag/pows)
- [oysters](https://nanahood.com/tag/oysters)
- [shells](https://nanahood.com/tag/shells)
- [listener](https://nanahood.com/tag/listener)
- [God](https://nanahood.com/tag/god)
- [un-plug](https://nanahood.com/tag/un-plug)
- [Moses](https://nanahood.com/tag/moses)
- [towels](https://nanahood.com/tag/towels)
- [Creedence Clearwater Revival](https://nanahood.com/tag/creedence-clearwater-revival)
- [Looking out my back door](https://nanahood.com/tag/looking-out-my-back-door)
- [sunset](https://nanahood.com/tag/sunset)
- [shrimp festival](https://nanahood.com/tag/shrimp-festival)
- [Cajun pistol](https://nanahood.com/tag/cajun-pistol)
- [ferrry](https://nanahood.com/tag/ferrry)
- [tattoos](https://nanahood.com/tag/tattoos)
- [thong](https://nanahood.com/tag/thong)
- [southern girl](https://nanahood.com/tag/southern-girl)
- [beach](https://nanahood.com/tag/beach)
- [pool](https://nanahood.com/tag/pool)
- [modestly](https://nanahood.com/tag/modestly)
- [personal choice](https://nanahood.com/tag/personal-choice)
- [body art](https://nanahood.com/tag/body-art)
- [Pew Research Center](https://nanahood.com/tag/pew-research-center)
- [wrinkles](https://nanahood.com/tag/wrinkles)
- [yes](https://nanahood.com/tag/yes)
- [virginia](https://nanahood.com/tag/virginia)
- [car wash](https://nanahood.com/tag/car-wash)
- [suv](https://nanahood.com/tag/suv)
- [stuck](https://nanahood.com/tag/stuck)
- [sun roof](https://nanahood.com/tag/sun-roof)
- [new](https://nanahood.com/tag/new)
- [nana](https://nanahood.com/tag/nana)
- [fall](https://nanahood.com/tag/fall)
- [decorating](https://nanahood.com/tag/decorating)
- [display](https://nanahood.com/tag/display)
- [pumpkins](https://nanahood.com/tag/pumpkins)
- [batteries](https://nanahood.com/tag/batteries)
- [easter](https://nanahood.com/tag/easter)
- [autumn](https://nanahood.com/tag/autumn)
- [groundhogs](https://nanahood.com/tag/groundhogs)
- [vent](https://nanahood.com/tag/vent)
- [chewed up](https://nanahood.com/tag/chewed-up)
- [breast cancer](https://nanahood.com/tag/breast-cancer)
- [mid-state ballerz](https://nanahood.com/tag/mid-state-ballerz)
- [looking old](https://nanahood.com/tag/looking-old)
- [TGIF](https://nanahood.com/tag/tgif)
- [fuss](https://nanahood.com/tag/fuss)
- [complain](https://nanahood.com/tag/complain)
- [fussing friday](https://nanahood.com/tag/fussing-friday)
- [ESPN syndrome](https://nanahood.com/tag/espn-syndrome)
- [schools](https://nanahood.com/tag/schools)
- [need](https://nanahood.com/tag/need)
- [proficient](https://nanahood.com/tag/proficient)
- [kentucky](https://nanahood.com/tag/kentucky)
- [nuclear power plant](https://nanahood.com/tag/nuclear-power-plant)
- [nanapower](https://nanahood.com/tag/nanapower)
- [mompower](https://nanahood.com/tag/mompower)
- [America](https://nanahood.com/tag/america)
- [saving society](https://nanahood.com/tag/saving-society)
- [saving our schools](https://nanahood.com/tag/saving-our-schools)
- [over worked](https://nanahood.com/tag/over-worked)
- [under paid](https://nanahood.com/tag/under-paid)
- [smores](https://nanahood.com/tag/smores)
- [cooking](https://nanahood.com/tag/cooking)
- [cracked eggs](https://nanahood.com/tag/cracked-eggs)
- [quilts](https://nanahood.com/tag/quilts)
- [stained glass](https://nanahood.com/tag/stained-glass)
- [legacy of love](https://nanahood.com/tag/legacy-of-love)
- [cross stich](https://nanahood.com/tag/cross-stich)
- [blankets](https://nanahood.com/tag/blankets)
- [warm and fuzzy](https://nanahood.com/tag/warm-and-fuzzy)
- [brain](https://nanahood.com/tag/brain)
- [scientific study](https://nanahood.com/tag/scientific-study)
- [UCLA](https://nanahood.com/tag/ucla)
- [browse](https://nanahood.com/tag/browse)
- [Internet](https://nanahood.com/tag/internet)
- [brain cells](https://nanahood.com/tag/brain-cells)
- [MRI](https://nanahood.com/tag/mri)
- [increase brain activity](https://nanahood.com/tag/increase-brain-activity)
- [Grandma Layne](https://nanahood.com/tag/grandma-layne)
- [farm](https://nanahood.com/tag/farm)
- [outhouse](https://nanahood.com/tag/outhouse)
- [brooder](https://nanahood.com/tag/brooder)
- [hen house](https://nanahood.com/tag/hen-house)
- [barn](https://nanahood.com/tag/barn)
- [porches](https://nanahood.com/tag/porches)
- [woolly worms](https://nanahood.com/tag/woolly-worms)
- [Little Bunny Foo Foo](https://nanahood.com/tag/little-bunny-foo-foo)
- [You-tube](https://nanahood.com/tag/you-tube)
- [woolly worm races](https://nanahood.com/tag/woolly-worm-races)
- [weather](https://nanahood.com/tag/weather)
- [field mice](https://nanahood.com/tag/field-mice)
- [good fairy](https://nanahood.com/tag/good-fairy)
- [G rated](https://nanahood.com/tag/g-rated)
- [trick or treat](https://nanahood.com/tag/trick-or-treat)
- [costumes](https://nanahood.com/tag/costumes)
- [wings](https://nanahood.com/tag/wings)
- [chaps](https://nanahood.com/tag/chaps)
- [dog's Halloween costume](https://nanahood.com/tag/dogs-halloween-costume)
- [Halloween](https://nanahood.com/tag/halloween)
- [mamba](https://nanahood.com/tag/mamba)
- [chattanooga](https://nanahood.com/tag/chattanooga)
- [tennessee](https://nanahood.com/tag/tennessee)
- [slide](https://nanahood.com/tag/slide)
- [read a book](https://nanahood.com/tag/read-a-book)
- [living in the moment](https://nanahood.com/tag/living-in-the-moment)
- [Bible](https://nanahood.com/tag/bible)
- [stillness](https://nanahood.com/tag/stillness)
- [quiet](https://nanahood.com/tag/quiet)
- [Elijah](https://nanahood.com/tag/elijah)
- [mountain](https://nanahood.com/tag/mountain)
- [wind](https://nanahood.com/tag/wind)
- [earthquake](https://nanahood.com/tag/earthquake)
- [fire](https://nanahood.com/tag/fire)
- [spinal meningitis](https://nanahood.com/tag/spinal-meningitis)
- [cave](https://nanahood.com/tag/cave)
- [whisper](https://nanahood.com/tag/whisper)
- [prayer](https://nanahood.com/tag/prayer)
- [doggone it](https://nanahood.com/tag/doggone-it)
- [locked](https://nanahood.com/tag/locked)
- [gas](https://nanahood.com/tag/gas)
- [broccoli](https://nanahood.com/tag/broccoli)
- [Barbie](https://nanahood.com/tag/barbie)
- [Barbie clothes](https://nanahood.com/tag/barbie-clothes)
- [wedding dress](https://nanahood.com/tag/wedding-dress)
- [snap](https://nanahood.com/tag/snap)
- [crackle](https://nanahood.com/tag/crackle)
- [pop](https://nanahood.com/tag/pop)
- [chiropracter](https://nanahood.com/tag/chiropracter)
- [Kelly Scatena](https://nanahood.com/tag/kelly-scatena)
- [tension](https://nanahood.com/tag/tension)
- [stress](https://nanahood.com/tag/stress)
- [Behold](https://nanahood.com/tag/behold)
- [beauty](https://nanahood.com/tag/beauty)
- [nature](https://nanahood.com/tag/nature)
- [tree](https://nanahood.com/tag/tree)
- [fall foilage](https://nanahood.com/tag/fall-foilage)
- [singing bear](https://nanahood.com/tag/singing-bear)
- [never ending love](https://nanahood.com/tag/never-ending-love)
- [23rd Psalm](https://nanahood.com/tag/23rd-psalm)
- [Osmonds](https://nanahood.com/tag/osmonds)
- [Ray Charles](https://nanahood.com/tag/ray-charles)
- [Patty loveless](https://nanahood.com/tag/patty-loveless)
- [poo](https://nanahood.com/tag/poo)
- [dinasaur world](https://nanahood.com/tag/dinasaur-world)
- [grandkids](https://nanahood.com/tag/grandkids)
- [dogs](https://nanahood.com/tag/dogs)
- [disapointment](https://nanahood.com/tag/disapointment)
- [barked](https://nanahood.com/tag/barked)
- [pet](https://nanahood.com/tag/pet)
- [wooly worm](https://nanahood.com/tag/wooly-worm)
- [funeral](https://nanahood.com/tag/funeral)
- [eulogy](https://nanahood.com/tag/eulogy)
- [hymn](https://nanahood.com/tag/hymn)
- [Shall we gather at the river](https://nanahood.com/tag/shall-we-gather-at-the-river)
- [Mr. Woolly](https://nanahood.com/tag/mr-woolly)
- [unusual](https://nanahood.com/tag/unusual)
- [girls](https://nanahood.com/tag/girls)
- [old friend](https://nanahood.com/tag/old-friend)
- [Donna Summers](https://nanahood.com/tag/donna-summers)
- [mom](https://nanahood.com/tag/mom)
- [wife](https://nanahood.com/tag/wife)
- [grandmother](https://nanahood.com/tag/grandmother)
- [Kappa Delta](https://nanahood.com/tag/kappa-delta)
- [Life in the fast lane](https://nanahood.com/tag/life-in-the-fast-lane)
- [Eagles](https://nanahood.com/tag/eagles)
- [WKU](https://nanahood.com/tag/wku)
- [Western Kentucky University](https://nanahood.com/tag/western-kentucky-university)
- [graduate](https://nanahood.com/tag/graduate)
- [lost friend](https://nanahood.com/tag/lost-friend)
- [facebook](https://nanahood.com/tag/facebook)
- [giveaway](https://nanahood.com/tag/giveaway)
- [winner](https://nanahood.com/tag/winner)
- [motherhood](https://nanahood.com/tag/motherhood)
- [book](https://nanahood.com/tag/book)
- [Monday morning blues](https://nanahood.com/tag/monday-morning-blues)
- [weekend news](https://nanahood.com/tag/weekend-news)
- [college](https://nanahood.com/tag/college)
- [you've got a friend](https://nanahood.com/tag/youve-got-a-friend)
- [carole king](https://nanahood.com/tag/carole-king)
- [james taylor](https://nanahood.com/tag/james-taylor)
- [ain't no mountain high enough](https://nanahood.com/tag/aint-no-mountain-high-enough)
- [marvin gaye](https://nanahood.com/tag/marvin-gaye)
- [diana ross](https://nanahood.com/tag/diana-ross)
- [supremes](https://nanahood.com/tag/supremes)
- [Grand Canyon](https://nanahood.com/tag/grand-canyon)
- [rainbow](https://nanahood.com/tag/rainbow)
- [ocean](https://nanahood.com/tag/ocean)
- [Veteran's Day](https://nanahood.com/tag/veterans-day)
- [sacrifice](https://nanahood.com/tag/sacrifice)
- [Arlington](https://nanahood.com/tag/arlington)
- [National Anthem](https://nanahood.com/tag/national-anthem)
- [Fort Hood](https://nanahood.com/tag/fort-hood)
- [tragedy](https://nanahood.com/tag/tragedy)
- [romance](https://nanahood.com/tag/romance)
- [romantic](https://nanahood.com/tag/romantic)
- [tennis shoes](https://nanahood.com/tag/tennis-shoes)
- [richard gere](https://nanahood.com/tag/richard-gere)
- [shall we dance](https://nanahood.com/tag/shall-we-dance)
- [cardiovascular](https://nanahood.com/tag/cardiovascular)
- [disease](https://nanahood.com/tag/disease)
- [U.S. News](https://nanahood.com/tag/u-s-news)
- [nanahood](https://nanahood.com/tag/nanahood)
- [the](https://nanahood.com/tag/the)
- [blogs](https://nanahood.com/tag/blogs)
- [nanablogs](https://nanahood.com/tag/nanablogs)
- [bulldozer](https://nanahood.com/tag/bulldozer)
- [baking](https://nanahood.com/tag/baking)
- [basketball](https://nanahood.com/tag/basketball)
- [electricity](https://nanahood.com/tag/electricity)
- [log cabin](https://nanahood.com/tag/log-cabin)
- [pumpkin bread](https://nanahood.com/tag/pumpkin-bread)
- [cookies](https://nanahood.com/tag/cookies)
- [Civil War](https://nanahood.com/tag/civil-war)
- [every other weekend](https://nanahood.com/tag/every-other-weekend)
- [divorce](https://nanahood.com/tag/divorce)
- [heart ache](https://nanahood.com/tag/heart-ache)
- [buried treasure](https://nanahood.com/tag/buried-treasure)
- [samuel](https://nanahood.com/tag/samuel)
- [heart](https://nanahood.com/tag/heart)
- [char](https://nanahood.com/tag/char)
- [thenanablogs](https://nanahood.com/tag/thenanablogs)
- [nanahood neighborhood](https://nanahood.com/tag/nanahood-neighborhood)
- [lasagna](https://nanahood.com/tag/lasagna)
- [spaghetti sauce](https://nanahood.com/tag/spaghetti-sauce)
- [cottage cheese](https://nanahood.com/tag/cottage-cheese)
- [noodles](https://nanahood.com/tag/noodles)
- [freebies](https://nanahood.com/tag/freebies)
- [blog](https://nanahood.com/tag/blog)
- [roar](https://nanahood.com/tag/roar)
- [respect](https://nanahood.com/tag/respect)
- [aretha franklin](https://nanahood.com/tag/aretha-franklin)
- [communication](https://nanahood.com/tag/communication)
- [social networking](https://nanahood.com/tag/social-networking)
- [cousin sarah](https://nanahood.com/tag/cousin-sarah)
- [dressing balls](https://nanahood.com/tag/dressing-balls)
- [grandma's house](https://nanahood.com/tag/grandmas-house)
- [Thanksgiving](https://nanahood.com/tag/thanksgiving)
- [casa](https://nanahood.com/tag/casa)
- [praise](https://nanahood.com/tag/praise)
- [thanks](https://nanahood.com/tag/thanks)
- [thankful](https://nanahood.com/tag/thankful)
- [thankfullness](https://nanahood.com/tag/thankfullness)
- [police officers](https://nanahood.com/tag/police-officers)
- [nurses](https://nanahood.com/tag/nurses)
- [teachers](https://nanahood.com/tag/teachers)
- [missionaries](https://nanahood.com/tag/missionaries)
- [salamander](https://nanahood.com/tag/salamander)
- [turkey](https://nanahood.com/tag/turkey)
- [strawberries](https://nanahood.com/tag/strawberries)
- [maple syrup](https://nanahood.com/tag/maple-syrup)
- [stuffing](https://nanahood.com/tag/stuffing)
- [plump](https://nanahood.com/tag/plump)
- [lump](https://nanahood.com/tag/lump)
- [yam](https://nanahood.com/tag/yam)
- [pies](https://nanahood.com/tag/pies)
- [thighs](https://nanahood.com/tag/thighs)
- [neiman marcus brownies](https://nanahood.com/tag/neiman-marcus-brownies)
- [nuts](https://nanahood.com/tag/nuts)
- [chocolate chips](https://nanahood.com/tag/chocolate-chips)
- [margarine](https://nanahood.com/tag/margarine)
- [butter pecan](https://nanahood.com/tag/butter-pecan)
- [carmel](https://nanahood.com/tag/carmel)
- [mess](https://nanahood.com/tag/mess)
- [blessed](https://nanahood.com/tag/blessed)
- [Christmas](https://nanahood.com/tag/christmas)
- [dessert](https://nanahood.com/tag/dessert)
- [aftermath](https://nanahood.com/tag/aftermath)
- [camo](https://nanahood.com/tag/camo)
- [ponytail](https://nanahood.com/tag/ponytail)
- [bored](https://nanahood.com/tag/bored)
- [idle hands](https://nanahood.com/tag/idle-hands)
- [devil's workshop](https://nanahood.com/tag/devils-workshop)
- [Guatamala](https://nanahood.com/tag/guatamala)
- [Edward Everett hale](https://nanahood.com/tag/edward-everett-hale)
- [shoes](https://nanahood.com/tag/shoes)
- [fabric](https://nanahood.com/tag/fabric)
- [beans](https://nanahood.com/tag/beans)
- [soup](https://nanahood.com/tag/soup)
- [economic recovery](https://nanahood.com/tag/economic-recovery)
- [compassion](https://nanahood.com/tag/compassion)
- [heartlight](https://nanahood.com/tag/heartlight)
- [grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/tag/grandchildren)
- [raising](https://nanahood.com/tag/raising)
- [exhaustion](https://nanahood.com/tag/exhaustion)
- [social life](https://nanahood.com/tag/social-life)
- [AARP](https://nanahood.com/tag/aarp)
- [deals](https://nanahood.com/tag/deals)
- [free stuff](https://nanahood.com/tag/free-stuff)
- [friend](https://nanahood.com/tag/friend)
- [anita renfroe](https://nanahood.com/tag/anita-renfroe)
- [Blind side](https://nanahood.com/tag/blind-side)
- [Sandra Bullock](https://nanahood.com/tag/sandra-bullock)
- [Michael Oher](https://nanahood.com/tag/michael-oher)
- [underdog](https://nanahood.com/tag/underdog)
- [steele magnolia](https://nanahood.com/tag/steele-magnolia)
- [african american](https://nanahood.com/tag/african-american)
- [racism](https://nanahood.com/tag/racism)
- [vegetable soup](https://nanahood.com/tag/vegetable-soup)
- [cold and rainy](https://nanahood.com/tag/cold-and-rainy)
- [health care](https://nanahood.com/tag/health-care)
- [ambulance](https://nanahood.com/tag/ambulance)
- [surgeon](https://nanahood.com/tag/surgeon)
- [surgery](https://nanahood.com/tag/surgery)
- [nanas](https://nanahood.com/tag/nanas)
- [poppas](https://nanahood.com/tag/poppas)
- [online gallery](https://nanahood.com/tag/online-gallery)
- [art work](https://nanahood.com/tag/art-work)
- [brag](https://nanahood.com/tag/brag)
- [gift](https://nanahood.com/tag/gift)
- [sweater](https://nanahood.com/tag/sweater)
- [toy](https://nanahood.com/tag/toy)
- [texting](https://nanahood.com/tag/texting)
- [twittering](https://nanahood.com/tag/twittering)
- [live far away from grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/tag/live-far-away-from-grandchildren)
- [when the wind blows](https://nanahood.com/tag/when-the-wind-blows)
- [Christmas tree](https://nanahood.com/tag/christmas-tree)
- [cocker spaniel](https://nanahood.com/tag/cocker-spaniel)
- [when out on the roof there arose such a clatter](https://nanahood.com/tag/when-out-on-the-roof-there-arose-such-a-clatter)
- [links](https://nanahood.com/tag/links)
- [fun](https://nanahood.com/tag/fun)
- [friday](https://nanahood.com/tag/friday)
- [Naughty or nice](https://nanahood.com/tag/naughty-or-nice)
- [checking it twice](https://nanahood.com/tag/checking-it-twice)
- [Ho Ho Ho](https://nanahood.com/tag/ho-ho-ho)
- [shower](https://nanahood.com/tag/shower)
- [Santa](https://nanahood.com/tag/santa)
- [rock and roll](https://nanahood.com/tag/rock-and-roll)
- [poppa rocks](https://nanahood.com/tag/poppa-rocks)
- [doc](https://nanahood.com/tag/doc)
- [veteranarian](https://nanahood.com/tag/veteranarian)
- [Ontario](https://nanahood.com/tag/ontario)
- [Christmas eve](https://nanahood.com/tag/christmas-eve)
- [quail](https://nanahood.com/tag/quail)
- [Lupin](https://nanahood.com/tag/lupin)
- [wheel chair](https://nanahood.com/tag/wheel-chair)
- [workaholic](https://nanahood.com/tag/workaholic)
- [christmasnorth](https://nanahood.com/tag/christmasnorth)
- [Christmas memories](https://nanahood.com/tag/christmas-memories)
- [underwear](https://nanahood.com/tag/underwear)
- [jock strap](https://nanahood.com/tag/jock-strap)
- [training bra](https://nanahood.com/tag/training-bra)
- [birthday](https://nanahood.com/tag/birthday)
- [twins](https://nanahood.com/tag/twins)
- [celebration](https://nanahood.com/tag/celebration)
- [4th of July](https://nanahood.com/tag/4th-of-july)
- [fireworks display](https://nanahood.com/tag/fireworks-display)
- [Baskin Robbins](https://nanahood.com/tag/baskin-robbins)
- [December](https://nanahood.com/tag/december)
- [good reads](https://nanahood.com/tag/good-reads)
- [weary](https://nanahood.com/tag/weary)
- [commode](https://nanahood.com/tag/commode)
- [reindeer hooves](https://nanahood.com/tag/reindeer-hooves)
- [clone](https://nanahood.com/tag/clone)
- [holiday](https://nanahood.com/tag/holiday)
- [disaster](https://nanahood.com/tag/disaster)
- [grandparents.com](https://nanahood.com/tag/grandparents-com)
- [eat](https://nanahood.com/tag/eat)
- [sandwiches](https://nanahood.com/tag/sandwiches)
- [hot dogs](https://nanahood.com/tag/hot-dogs)
- [McDonalds](https://nanahood.com/tag/mcdonalds)
- [elf](https://nanahood.com/tag/elf)
- [pink tree](https://nanahood.com/tag/pink-tree)
- [sleigh](https://nanahood.com/tag/sleigh)
- [passing gas](https://nanahood.com/tag/passing-gas)
- [comfort](https://nanahood.com/tag/comfort)
- [death](https://nanahood.com/tag/death)
- [Molly](https://nanahood.com/tag/molly)
- [sadness](https://nanahood.com/tag/sadness)
- [reindeer](https://nanahood.com/tag/reindeer)
- [merry christmas](https://nanahood.com/tag/merry-christmas)
- [hamster](https://nanahood.com/tag/hamster)
- [Buddy](https://nanahood.com/tag/buddy)
- [exercise](https://nanahood.com/tag/exercise)
- [jog](https://nanahood.com/tag/jog)
- [Family feud](https://nanahood.com/tag/family-feud)
- [well-being](https://nanahood.com/tag/well-being)
- [Gallup Poll](https://nanahood.com/tag/gallup-poll)
- [occupations](https://nanahood.com/tag/occupations)
- [family fun](https://nanahood.com/tag/family-fun)
- [games](https://nanahood.com/tag/games)
- [dice](https://nanahood.com/tag/dice)
- [tape](https://nanahood.com/tag/tape)
- [gift wrap](https://nanahood.com/tag/gift-wrap)
- [new year](https://nanahood.com/tag/new-year)
- [fun link](https://nanahood.com/tag/fun-link)
- [World Vision](https://nanahood.com/tag/world-vision)
- [third worls country](https://nanahood.com/tag/third-worls-country)
- [AIDS](https://nanahood.com/tag/aids)
- [tough financial times](https://nanahood.com/tag/tough-financial-times)
- [Makungwa](https://nanahood.com/tag/makungwa)
- [bone marrow](https://nanahood.com/tag/bone-marrow)
- [weight](https://nanahood.com/tag/weight)
- [gym](https://nanahood.com/tag/gym)
- [action](https://nanahood.com/tag/action)
- [small things](https://nanahood.com/tag/small-things)
- [adversity](https://nanahood.com/tag/adversity)
- [baby blanket](https://nanahood.com/tag/baby-blanket)
- [demise](https://nanahood.com/tag/demise)
- [premature](https://nanahood.com/tag/premature)
- [less of me](https://nanahood.com/tag/less-of-me)
- [helping](https://nanahood.com/tag/helping)
- [emts](https://nanahood.com/tag/emts)
- [doctors](https://nanahood.com/tag/doctors)
- [cancer](https://nanahood.com/tag/cancer)
- [autism](https://nanahood.com/tag/autism)
- [autistic](https://nanahood.com/tag/autistic)
- [eleclasses](https://nanahood.com/tag/eleclasses)
- [therapeutic horseback riding](https://nanahood.com/tag/therapeutic-horseback-riding)
- [occupational therapy](https://nanahood.com/tag/occupational-therapy)
- [physical therapy](https://nanahood.com/tag/physical-therapy)
- [sensory diet](https://nanahood.com/tag/sensory-diet)
- [parents](https://nanahood.com/tag/parents)
- [Haiti](https://nanahood.com/tag/haiti)
- [help](https://nanahood.com/tag/help)
- [sponsorship](https://nanahood.com/tag/sponsorship)
- [helping others](https://nanahood.com/tag/helping-others)
- [bessie](https://nanahood.com/tag/bessie)
- [volleyball](https://nanahood.com/tag/volleyball)
- [Dollar Store](https://nanahood.com/tag/dollar-store)
- [teacher](https://nanahood.com/tag/teacher)
- [light bulb](https://nanahood.com/tag/light-bulb)
- [Amish](https://nanahood.com/tag/amish)
- [culture](https://nanahood.com/tag/culture)
- [shunned](https://nanahood.com/tag/shunned)
- [mapministry.org](https://nanahood.com/tag/mapministry-org)
- [raising grandchildren](https://nanahood.com/tag/raising-grandchildren)
- [advice](https://nanahood.com/tag/advice)
- [problems](https://nanahood.com/tag/problems)
- [U S Census](https://nanahood.com/tag/u-s-census)
- [relationship](https://nanahood.com/tag/relationship)
- [Bogart](https://nanahood.com/tag/bogart)
- [Bob](https://nanahood.com/tag/bob)
- [one million](https://nanahood.com/tag/one-million)
- [kindness](https://nanahood.com/tag/kindness)
- [random](https://nanahood.com/tag/random)
- [badge](https://nanahood.com/tag/badge)
- [pink lady](https://nanahood.com/tag/pink-lady)
- [process](https://nanahood.com/tag/process)
- [volunteer](https://nanahood.com/tag/volunteer)
- [hospital](https://nanahood.com/tag/hospital)
- [acts](https://nanahood.com/tag/acts)
- [encouragement](https://nanahood.com/tag/encouragement)
- [grand](https://nanahood.com/tag/grand)
- [magazine](https://nanahood.com/tag/magazine)
- [grandparents](https://nanahood.com/tag/grandparents)
- [online](https://nanahood.com/tag/online)
- [Lord God](https://nanahood.com/tag/lord-god)
- [bright and beautiful](https://nanahood.com/tag/bright-and-beautiful)
- [wise and wonderful](https://nanahood.com/tag/wise-and-wonderful)
- [creatures great and small](https://nanahood.com/tag/creatures-great-and-small)
- [animals](https://nanahood.com/tag/animals)
- [humane society](https://nanahood.com/tag/humane-society)
- [handicap](https://nanahood.com/tag/handicap)
- [invalid](https://nanahood.com/tag/invalid)
- [mentally exhuasting](https://nanahood.com/tag/mentally-exhuasting)
- [Corrie Ten Boom](https://nanahood.com/tag/corrie-ten-boom)
- [the hiding place](https://nanahood.com/tag/the-hiding-place)
- [nazi](https://nanahood.com/tag/nazi)
- [auschwitz](https://nanahood.com/tag/auschwitz)
- [Lilly Ebert](https://nanahood.com/tag/lilly-ebert)
- [Holocaust](https://nanahood.com/tag/holocaust)
- [kidney](https://nanahood.com/tag/kidney)
- [transplant](https://nanahood.com/tag/transplant)
- [organ donor](https://nanahood.com/tag/organ-donor)
- [diaylsis](https://nanahood.com/tag/diaylsis)
- [final thoughts](https://nanahood.com/tag/final-thoughts)
- [mission](https://nanahood.com/tag/mission)
- [youth group](https://nanahood.com/tag/youth-group)
- [ghandi](https://nanahood.com/tag/ghandi)
- [intentional](https://nanahood.com/tag/intentional)
- [Christine Crosby](https://nanahood.com/tag/christine-crosby)
- [grandparenting](https://nanahood.com/tag/grandparenting)
- [partnership](https://nanahood.com/tag/partnership)
- [list](https://nanahood.com/tag/list)
- [Patty](https://nanahood.com/tag/patty)
- [books](https://nanahood.com/tag/books)
- [kindle](https://nanahood.com/tag/kindle)
- [camera](https://nanahood.com/tag/camera)
- [digital](https://nanahood.com/tag/digital)
- [puddle](https://nanahood.com/tag/puddle)
- [macorni and cheese](https://nanahood.com/tag/macorni-and-cheese)
- [corn](https://nanahood.com/tag/corn)
- [old folks](https://nanahood.com/tag/old-folks)
- [young](https://nanahood.com/tag/young)
- [myth](https://nanahood.com/tag/myth)
- [brave](https://nanahood.com/tag/brave)
- [lurking](https://nanahood.com/tag/lurking)
- [king tut](https://nanahood.com/tag/king-tut)
- [valentine's](https://nanahood.com/tag/valentines)
- [day](https://nanahood.com/tag/day)
- [crafts](https://nanahood.com/tag/crafts)
- [egypt](https://nanahood.com/tag/egypt)
- [dance camp](https://nanahood.com/tag/dance-camp)
- [ballgame](https://nanahood.com/tag/ballgame)
- [1913](https://nanahood.com/tag/1913)
- [dresses](https://nanahood.com/tag/dresses)
- [post](https://nanahood.com/tag/post)
- [new grandparenting](https://nanahood.com/tag/new-grandparenting)
- [endearment](https://nanahood.com/tag/endearment)
- [dancing nana](https://nanahood.com/tag/dancing-nana)
- [dance](https://nanahood.com/tag/dance)
- [hannah montana](https://nanahood.com/tag/hannah-montana)
- [miley cyrus](https://nanahood.com/tag/miley-cyrus)
- [rockettes](https://nanahood.com/tag/rockettes)
- [nap](https://nanahood.com/tag/nap)
- [ill](https://nanahood.com/tag/ill)
- [courageous kids](https://nanahood.com/tag/courageous-kids)
- [The Center for Courageous Kids](https://nanahood.com/tag/the-center-for-courageous-kids)
- [charity](https://nanahood.com/tag/charity)
- [camp](https://nanahood.com/tag/camp)
- [equestrian](https://nanahood.com/tag/equestrian)
- [bowling alley](https://nanahood.com/tag/bowling-alley)
- [fun center](https://nanahood.com/tag/fun-center)
- [scottsville](https://nanahood.com/tag/scottsville)
- [Ky](https://nanahood.com/tag/ky)
- [helicopter](https://nanahood.com/tag/helicopter)
- [comraderie](https://nanahood.com/tag/comraderie)
- [Wordless Wednesday](https://nanahood.com/tag/wordless-wednesday)
- [wordless](https://nanahood.com/tag/wordless)
- [wednesday](https://nanahood.com/tag/wednesday)
- [abby](https://nanahood.com/tag/abby)
- [body parts](https://nanahood.com/tag/body-parts)
- [diseases](https://nanahood.com/tag/diseases)
- [sports](https://nanahood.com/tag/sports)
- [men](https://nanahood.com/tag/men)
- [causes](https://nanahood.com/tag/causes)
- [hood](https://nanahood.com/tag/hood)
- [etsy](https://nanahood.com/tag/etsy)
- [handmade](https://nanahood.com/tag/handmade)
- [vintage](https://nanahood.com/tag/vintage)
- [crafting](https://nanahood.com/tag/crafting)
- [kids](https://nanahood.com/tag/kids)
- [mema](https://nanahood.com/tag/mema)
- [sock](https://nanahood.com/tag/sock)
- [puppet](https://nanahood.com/tag/puppet)
- [video](https://nanahood.com/tag/video)
- [how to](https://nanahood.com/tag/how-to)
- [power of prayer](https://nanahood.com/tag/power-of-prayer)
- [snow](https://nanahood.com/tag/snow)
- [thermos](https://nanahood.com/tag/thermos)
- [sock puppets](https://nanahood.com/tag/sock-puppets)
- [marshmallows](https://nanahood.com/tag/marshmallows)
- [hot chocolate](https://nanahood.com/tag/hot-chocolate)
- [snow men](https://nanahood.com/tag/snow-men)
- [bonfire](https://nanahood.com/tag/bonfire)
- [stella](https://nanahood.com/tag/stella)
- [judy jolly](https://nanahood.com/tag/judy-jolly)
- [mimi](https://nanahood.com/tag/mimi)
- [mardi gras](https://nanahood.com/tag/mardi-gras)
- [fat tuesday](https://nanahood.com/tag/fat-tuesday)
- [super bowl](https://nanahood.com/tag/super-bowl)
- [beads](https://nanahood.com/tag/beads)
- [ladders](https://nanahood.com/tag/ladders)
- [perfect](https://nanahood.com/tag/perfect)
- [betty white](https://nanahood.com/tag/betty-white)
- [SNL](https://nanahood.com/tag/snl)
- [Saturday Night Live](https://nanahood.com/tag/saturday-night-live)
- [psychology today](https://nanahood.com/tag/psychology-today)
- [Susan Krause Whitbourne](https://nanahood.com/tag/susan-krause-whitbourne)
- [Phd](https://nanahood.com/tag/phd)
- [Timothy](https://nanahood.com/tag/timothy)
- [Paul](https://nanahood.com/tag/paul)
- [Lois](https://nanahood.com/tag/lois)
- [Eunice](https://nanahood.com/tag/eunice)
- [craft](https://nanahood.com/tag/craft)
- [mosaic](https://nanahood.com/tag/mosaic)
- [paper](https://nanahood.com/tag/paper)
- [magnets](https://nanahood.com/tag/magnets)
- [sunshine](https://nanahood.com/tag/sunshine)
- [eyes](https://nanahood.com/tag/eyes)
- [smiles](https://nanahood.com/tag/smiles)
- [geese](https://nanahood.com/tag/geese)
- [golden egg](https://nanahood.com/tag/golden-egg)
- [life lesson](https://nanahood.com/tag/life-lesson)
- [fly away home](https://nanahood.com/tag/fly-away-home)
- [Snowball fight](https://nanahood.com/tag/snowball-fight)
- [snowballs](https://nanahood.com/tag/snowballs)
- [aunt ray ray](https://nanahood.com/tag/aunt-ray-ray)
- [hunting the white cow](https://nanahood.com/tag/hunting-the-white-cow)
- [tres seymour](https://nanahood.com/tag/tres-seymour)
- [ferdinand the bull](https://nanahood.com/tag/ferdinand-the-bull)
- [briar rabbit](https://nanahood.com/tag/briar-rabbit)
- [kiristin hannah](https://nanahood.com/tag/kiristin-hannah)
- [firefly lane](https://nanahood.com/tag/firefly-lane)
- [compassion international](https://nanahood.com/tag/compassion-international)
- [chicken broccoli casserole](https://nanahood.com/tag/chicken-broccoli-casserole)
- [quick](https://nanahood.com/tag/quick)
- [easy](https://nanahood.com/tag/easy)
- [mama](https://nanahood.com/tag/mama)
- [simple](https://nanahood.com/tag/simple)
- [play dough](https://nanahood.com/tag/play-dough)
- [playdough](https://nanahood.com/tag/playdough)
- [homemade](https://nanahood.com/tag/homemade)
- [spring](https://nanahood.com/tag/spring)
- [groundhog](https://nanahood.com/tag/groundhog)
- [willow tree](https://nanahood.com/tag/willow-tree)
- [daffodils](https://nanahood.com/tag/daffodils)
- [togetherness](https://nanahood.com/tag/togetherness)
- [NPR](https://nanahood.com/tag/npr)
- [children](https://nanahood.com/tag/children)
- [instruction manuals](https://nanahood.com/tag/instruction-manuals)
- [summer](https://nanahood.com/tag/summer)
- [winter](https://nanahood.com/tag/winter)
- [maintenance](https://nanahood.com/tag/maintenance)
- [opinionated](https://nanahood.com/tag/opinionated)
- [kristin hannah](https://nanahood.com/tag/kristin-hannah)
- [sean moore](https://nanahood.com/tag/sean-moore)
- [doggy bag](https://nanahood.com/tag/doggy-bag)
- [tully and kate](https://nanahood.com/tag/tully-and-kate)
- [University of Kentucky](https://nanahood.com/tag/university-of-kentucky)
- [small moments of joy](https://nanahood.com/tag/small-moments-of-joy)
- [celebrate](https://nanahood.com/tag/celebrate)
- [fight song](https://nanahood.com/tag/fight-song)
- [puppies](https://nanahood.com/tag/puppies)
- [blanket of memories](https://nanahood.com/tag/blanket-of-memories)
- [joy](https://nanahood.com/tag/joy)
- [wedding day](https://nanahood.com/tag/wedding-day)
- [granny](https://nanahood.com/tag/granny)
- [cave ridge](https://nanahood.com/tag/cave-ridge)
- [edmonton](https://nanahood.com/tag/edmonton)
- [tobacco](https://nanahood.com/tag/tobacco)
- [sewing](https://nanahood.com/tag/sewing)
- [patience](https://nanahood.com/tag/patience)
- [small town heroes](https://nanahood.com/tag/small-town-heroes)
- [donors](https://nanahood.com/tag/donors)
- [red cross](https://nanahood.com/tag/red-cross)
- [fish bowl](https://nanahood.com/tag/fish-bowl)
- [blood drive](https://nanahood.com/tag/blood-drive)
- [logan](https://nanahood.com/tag/logan)
- [bone cancer](https://nanahood.com/tag/bone-cancer)
- [community](https://nanahood.com/tag/community)
- [uk basketball](https://nanahood.com/tag/uk-basketball)
- [wildcats](https://nanahood.com/tag/wildcats)
- [for](https://nanahood.com/tag/for)
- [boys](https://nanahood.com/tag/boys)
- [70 is the new 40](https://nanahood.com/tag/70-is-the-new-40)
- [wenda](https://nanahood.com/tag/wenda)
- [wiggler](https://nanahood.com/tag/wiggler)
- [wiggles](https://nanahood.com/tag/wiggles)
- [music](https://nanahood.com/tag/music)
- [motivator](https://nanahood.com/tag/motivator)
- [red convertible](https://nanahood.com/tag/red-convertible)
- [White House](https://nanahood.com/tag/white-house)
- [Erma Bombeck](https://nanahood.com/tag/erma-bombeck)
- [teen years](https://nanahood.com/tag/teen-years)
- [struggling](https://nanahood.com/tag/struggling)
- [at wits in](https://nanahood.com/tag/at-wits-in)
- [if life is a bowl of cherries](https://nanahood.com/tag/if-life-is-a-bowl-of-cherries)
- [5minutesformom.com](https://nanahood.com/tag/5minutesformom-com)
- [heavenlyhomemaker.com](https://nanahood.com/tag/heavenlyhomemaker-com)
- [conga](https://nanahood.com/tag/conga)
- [guest](https://nanahood.com/tag/guest)
- [grandmothers](https://nanahood.com/tag/grandmothers)
- [blessing](https://nanahood.com/tag/blessing)
- [cathy bryant](https://nanahood.com/tag/cathy-bryant)
- [benjamin brown books](https://nanahood.com/tag/benjamin-brown-books)
- [shwing set](https://nanahood.com/tag/shwing-set)
- [telescope](https://nanahood.com/tag/telescope)
- [No Time for Goodbye](https://nanahood.com/tag/no-time-for-goodbye)
- [Lilly and Lucy's Shadow](https://nanahood.com/tag/lilly-and-lucys-shadow)
- [bubbles](https://nanahood.com/tag/bubbles)
- [justin lee kindred](https://nanahood.com/tag/justin-lee-kindred)
- [middle child](https://nanahood.com/tag/middle-child)
- [making](https://nanahood.com/tag/making)
- [birthdays](https://nanahood.com/tag/birthdays)
- [questionaire](https://nanahood.com/tag/questionaire)
- [survey](https://nanahood.com/tag/survey)
- [census](https://nanahood.com/tag/census)
- [IRS](https://nanahood.com/tag/irs)
- [boomama](https://nanahood.com/tag/boomama)
- [heavenly homemakers](https://nanahood.com/tag/heavenly-homemakers)
- [design](https://nanahood.com/tag/design)
- [5 minutes for mom](https://nanahood.com/tag/5-minutes-for-mom)
- [ultimate](https://nanahood.com/tag/ultimate)
- [party](https://nanahood.com/tag/party)
- [book winner](https://nanahood.com/tag/book-winner)
- [Texas Roads](https://nanahood.com/tag/texas-roads)
- [black snake](https://nanahood.com/tag/black-snake)
- [mennonite](https://nanahood.com/tag/mennonite)
- [faith](https://nanahood.com/tag/faith)
- [I 65](https://nanahood.com/tag/i-65)
- [Esh](https://nanahood.com/tag/esh)
- [cook](https://nanahood.com/tag/cook)
- [monkey bread](https://nanahood.com/tag/monkey-bread)
- [sing and be happy](https://nanahood.com/tag/sing-and-be-happy)
- [song](https://nanahood.com/tag/song)
- [universal language](https://nanahood.com/tag/universal-language)
- [Tempur-Pedic](https://nanahood.com/tag/tempur-pedic)
- [Price](https://nanahood.com/tag/price)
- [because he lives](https://nanahood.com/tag/because-he-lives)
- [baskets](https://nanahood.com/tag/baskets)
- [gift basket ideas](https://nanahood.com/tag/gift-basket-ideas)
- [sleep number](https://nanahood.com/tag/sleep-number)
- [wii](https://nanahood.com/tag/wii)
- [wii fit](https://nanahood.com/tag/wii-fit)
- [amy grant](https://nanahood.com/tag/amy-grant)
- [vlogg](https://nanahood.com/tag/vlogg)
- [vlogging](https://nanahood.com/tag/vlogging)
- [monday mingle](https://nanahood.com/tag/monday-mingle)
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- [feed an army](https://nanahood.com/tag/feed-an-army)
- [five minutes for mom](https://nanahood.com/tag/five-minutes-for-mom)
- [Hallmark](https://nanahood.com/tag/hallmark)
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- [anne of green gables](https://nanahood.com/tag/anne-of-green-gables)
- [Monday Morning Mingle](https://nanahood.com/tag/monday-morning-mingle)
- [80 mph mom](https://nanahood.com/tag/80-mph-mom)
- [driveway](https://nanahood.com/tag/driveway)
- [wildflowers](https://nanahood.com/tag/wildflowers)
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- [poochy](https://nanahood.com/tag/poochy)
- [blue jeans](https://nanahood.com/tag/blue-jeans)
- [stomach muscles](https://nanahood.com/tag/stomach-muscles)
- [hugs](https://nanahood.com/tag/hugs)
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- [giving thanks](https://nanahood.com/tag/giving-thanks)
- [livelihood](https://nanahood.com/tag/livelihood)
- [tourism](https://nanahood.com/tag/tourism)
- [oil spill](https://nanahood.com/tag/oil-spill)
- [destin](https://nanahood.com/tag/destin)
- [florida](https://nanahood.com/tag/florida)
- [Boss](https://nanahood.com/tag/boss)
- [hermit crab](https://nanahood.com/tag/hermit-crab)
- [cement mixer](https://nanahood.com/tag/cement-mixer)
- [photo fun](https://nanahood.com/tag/photo-fun)
- [GED](https://nanahood.com/tag/ged)
- [graduates](https://nanahood.com/tag/graduates)
- [sherbet](https://nanahood.com/tag/sherbet)
- [quiet time](https://nanahood.com/tag/quiet-time)
- [crochet](https://nanahood.com/tag/crochet)
- [Father's Day](https://nanahood.com/tag/fathers-day)
- [goofed](https://nanahood.com/tag/goofed)
- [dad](https://nanahood.com/tag/dad)
- [Daddys hands](https://nanahood.com/tag/daddys-hands)
- [things my father said](https://nanahood.com/tag/things-my-father-said)
- [black stone cherry](https://nanahood.com/tag/black-stone-cherry)
- [dads](https://nanahood.com/tag/dads)
- [father of the bride](https://nanahood.com/tag/father-of-the-bride)
- [father of the grrom](https://nanahood.com/tag/father-of-the-grrom)
- [granddaddy](https://nanahood.com/tag/granddaddy)
- [granddads](https://nanahood.com/tag/granddads)
- [grandfathers](https://nanahood.com/tag/grandfathers)
- [fathers](https://nanahood.com/tag/fathers)
- [honor](https://nanahood.com/tag/honor)
- [Thursday Thoughts](https://nanahood.com/tag/thursday-thoughts)
- [Sonora Dodd](https://nanahood.com/tag/sonora-dodd)