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A Fun Virtual Game Night with Grandkids

A Fun Virtual Game Night with Grandkids

My husband and I have been missing our grandchildren and children (as I am sure all of you are too!). We decided to try and get creative with a few games to add into our weekly Zoom calls. It’s getting hard to entertain the older children on the call, so I wanted to share a fun idea I saw with you. I can’t take credit for it, but thought you may be interested in learning about a fun website.

A Fun Virtual Game Night with Grandkids
A Fun Virtual Game Night with Grandkids
A Fun Virtual Game Night with Grandkids
A Fun Virtual Game Night with Grandkids
Virtual Game Night With Grandchildren
Virtual Game Night With Grandchildren
Virtual Game Night With Grandchildren
Virtual Game Night With Grandchildren
Virtual Game Night With Grandchildren
Virtual Game Night With Grandchildren

Zoom Pictionary

Zoom Pictionary is relatively simple and easily translates on a group Zoom call. If you all don’t have a copy of Pictionary at home, thats ok! This easy game works too.

+ Coordinate a Zoom call with your family via a computer
+ Make sure you have your cell phones handy
+ Each home should have paper and pen, marker, crayons (any drawing utensil) If the kids have an easel, chalkboard, dry erase board that works too. If not, thats ok! This is just designed as a fun activity for the kids to draw and hold up their drawing for you to see.
+ Each home should have a timer (again cell phones or even a watch works just fine!)
+ Have one person in each house open a link to of Category Generator (find the site here)
+ Set a points goal, for example, the first to 10 points.
+ To begin, pick a team to select a category and level – all will depend on the ages of your kids, or grandchildren.
+ Start by having the first team draw their pic. They can hold up their drawing when finished for you to guess.
+ From there, have fun. Proceed as a typical pictionary game would.

Have fun with it! The random word generator site also works for games of charades too.

/ Style

Sun Protection for Your Style

Sun Protective Clothing for your Style. Stylish Summer Dresses that offer Sun Protection. #fashionover50,#fashionover60, #agelessblogs #styleover50, #styleover60, #ontrend50,#ontrend60    
Sun Protective Clothing for your Style. Stylish Summer Dresses that offer Sun Protection. #fashionover50,#fashionover60, #agelessblogs #styleover50, #styleover60, #ontrend50,#ontrend60    
Sun Protective Clothing for your Style. Stylish Summer Dresses that offer Sun Protection. #fashionover50,#fashionover60, #agelessblogs #styleover50, #styleover60, #ontrend50,#ontrend60    
Sun Protective Clothing for your Style. Stylish Summer Dresses that offer Sun Protection. #fashionover50,#fashionover60, #agelessblogs #styleover50, #styleover60, #ontrend50,#ontrend60    
Cabana Life Off Shoulder Dress Sizes XS-XL
Can be worn alone or as a cover-up

Skincare is an important part of my morning routine. However, I have recently learned that wearing a moisturizer with sunscreen is just not enough to protect my skin if I am out in the sun. Especially now that I live in Florida, I need to incorporate a variety of ways to practice sun safety.

Did you know that today, Monday, May 4th, is Melanoma Monday? It is the official kick off to May and Melanoma Awareness Month. With that, I am excited to partner with Cabana Life and share some of my favorite stylish sun protection clothing.

With everything going on right now, we are all looking for brighter days ahead. First, I cannot wait to see my family back home in Chicago. After our family visits, I look forward to the return of going out with my family, friends and girlfriends. Typically, in lieu of dinners, my husband and I enjoy heading out to early happy hours. I have curated a list of our favorite restaurants in Naples here. I imagine wearing this cute Cabana Life Smocked Dress out to D’Amico’s The Continental. It’s a fun stylish print. And, I like the idea that you can wear this dress as a cover up or for cocktail hour. But, importantly it has UPF 50 protection too.

Sun Protection for Your Style

Recently, I was introduced to Cabana Life and love how dedicated they are to spreading the message of sun protection and raising awareness for skin cancer. It is critical to take sun protection seriously. Applying sunscreen is not enough when you spend long hours in the sun. Having clothing with UPF 50 protection is a benefit because you can enjoy being outdoors while staying protected.

The founders of Cabana Life are two women, Melissa and Alyssa, that lived in Manhattan and worked together in the magazine industry.  At the age of 26, Melissa was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. Her mission was to create fashionable sun protection that women would enjoy wearing. 

Their website has many stylish protective options for you to choose from. They feel that we should not have to sacrifice style for sun safety. The fabric on both of the dresses that I am wearing is lightweight, breathable, and wrinkle resistant not to mention it is also available in a variety of patterns & prints.

While screenings are currently on hold, you may want to consider getting a skin check by a board-certified dermatologist after the stay at home orders are lifted across the country. You can find a certified dermatologist here.

Sun Protective Clothing for your Style. Stylish Summer Dresses that offer Sun Protection. #fashionover50,#fashionover60, #agelessblogs #styleover50, #styleover60, #ontrend50,#ontrend60    
Sun Protective Clothing for your Style. Stylish Summer Dresses that offer Sun Protection. #fashionover50,#fashionover60, #agelessblogs #styleover50, #styleover60, #ontrend50,#ontrend60    
Sun Protective Clothing for your Style. Stylish Summer Dresses that offer Sun Protection. #fashionover50,#fashionover60, #agelessblogs #styleover50, #styleover60, #ontrend50,#ontrend60    
Citrus Cabana Shift Dress Sizes XS-XL

Special Discount Code for May

Lastly, I feel the need to mention that Cabana Life also makes protective clothing in men’s, and kids sizes too! 

And, right now, Cabana Life has provided me with a special discount code to offer you. They are offering $20 off every purchase of $100 with the code a.two.drink.minimum Cheers!

I’d like to introduce you to two friends I have met through Instagram who are joining styling with Cabana Life on their blogs today. Robin Lamonte from “Hello I’m 50ish” also wearing the Cabana Life Aqua Citrus Shift Dress

And Hayley Constantino of San Francisco Bay Style wearing the Coral Geo Off the Shoulder Dress

/ Food

Turkey & Chickpea Greek Style Pitas With Dill Yogurt Sauce

Turkey & Chickpea Greek Style Pitas With Dill Yogurt Sauce

Staying home has forced me to search out new recipes. Back in January, I posted about a set of cookbooks I came across from Danielle Kartes. I feel a connection with her because she uses food to bring together those she loves. That’s what I like to do too! This time I was looking for something healthy and fresh tasting. I love using fresh herbs to cook and the fresh dill and yogurt sauce is the perfect accompaniment to go with these turkey burgers. It’s important to make the dill sauce ahead of time as it needs to set in the refrigerator awhile. You’ll find that you will have extra dill sauce which can later accompany grilled salmon for another meal.

Ingredients

  • 1lb gound ground turkey
  • 1 cup of rinsed & drained canned chickpeas coarsely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Serve with Pita Bread

Topping suggestions: lettuce, tomato slices, kalamata olives, sliced red onion, sliced cucumbers, & crumbled feta cheese

Directions

Combine all ingredients except the toppings in a mixing bowl. Mix with a fork and form into eight medium size patties. Cook over medium heat in an oiled skillet until golden brown on both sides.

Serve with the pita bread and top with your favorite toppings and dill sauce.

Turkey & Chickpea Greek Style Pitas With Dill Yogurt Sauce

Dill Sauce

  • 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Mix all ingredients and let set in refrigerator for at least an hour

I found this to be a light supper, even with using all the toppings. It will not leave you feeling guilty because all the ingredients are so fresh!

/ Beauty

Organic Clean Beauty Products

Caudalie SOS Hydration/ Drunk Elephant Babyfacial // Isle of Paradise Tan Drops
Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask// Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye// Highlighter
ILIA Tinted Serum/Foundation / Caudalie Facial Mist// Tatcha Water Cream

In honor of Earth Day today, I wanted to highlight some Organic and Clean Beauty Products that my daughter Brittany and I have tried. I’ve written in a previous post, Are Organic Beauty Products Really Better for you? I did a little research into whether or not they are worth the price. I try to incorporate a few organic products into my beauty routine, however as with cooking, it’s hard to commit 100% of the time.

Organic Clean Beauty Products

Caudalie- A clean beauty brand offering a variety of clean and cruelty free products. Their elixir is soothing and refreshing. I received a large sample awhile ago and a little goes a long way. Their SOS Hydration Cream has terrific reviews as well.

Drunk Elephant– The baby facial is one of my daughter Brittany’s favorite products. It’s an at home facial peel that leaves you with glowing skin.

Isle of Paradise Tan Drops– In a previous post, I reviewed the Isle of Paradise drops (you can read the full post here) They are simple to use, and a little goes a long way. They provide you with a nice color boost

RMS Beauty – The coconut face wipes smell good and clean your skin without any harmful ingredients. Their highlighter is also a favorite to provide you with a little natural glow. Their products are non-gmo, soy free, and cruelty free.

Tata Harper   – This line was created after her father-in-law was diagnosed with skin cancer and urged to start using non-toxic and chemical-free products. The Resurfacing Mask works beautifully

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye– A Vitamin C infused brightening eye cream that provides great moisture and a little sheen to your under eye area. Another product that Brittany had recommended to me

ILIA – Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation– I have not yet tried this product, but it is on my wish list. I’ve heard great reviews about it from a few friends on Instagram.

 Tatcha Water Cream–

/ Let's Have a Drink

6 Ways to Recover After Hip Replacement Surgery

Five years ago, I had hip replacement surgery on both of my hips. Today, I am sharing 6 ways to recover after hip surgery #fashionover50,#fashionover60, #agelessblogs #styleover50, #styleover60, #ontrend50,#ontrend60     #aginggracefully 

Five years ago, I had hip surgery on both of my hips. I remember the doctor putting my x-rays on the viewer and jumping back with surprise. He told me that I didn’t look like the photos he was seeing. My bones appeared much older. Unfortunately, I have degenerative arthritis. This is a genetic condition that I inherited. The news didn’t surprise me. I was well aware that I had put off having my hips replaced longer than I should have. The doctor did not recommend having both hips replaced at the same time, as the recovery would have been very difficult. I scheduled each hip surgery 6 months apart.

There are many decisions to be made before having hip surgery. First, and most importantly, you need to find the right doctor. Next, you will have to clear your schedule and take all of the pre-op tests. Because we are preoccupied with preparing for surgery, we often neglect what to expect afterward.

You will not need much for your hospital stay. It is easier to stay in your gown until you are discharged. A few necessary toiletries and minimal makeup are enough. Below you will find what I found helpful after hip surgery.

6 Ways To Recover After Hip Surgery

Buy Loose-Fitting Pants and Slip-on Shoes

After your hip surgery, you can expect some swelling. Loose-fitting clothing is not only comfortable, it is also functional. Most likely you will have visits from a home care nurse and physical therapist. I recommend something like this. Slip-on shoes are useful because you cannot bend to tie your shoelaces. I like this brand for comfort. You will also want to have a pair of non-skid slippers to prevent yourself from slipping while recuperating at home.

Physical Therapy will be Tough but Keep Going!

I recommend that you keep up going to physical therapy for as long as your insurance allows. Your physical therapist will assist you in getting back your range of motion. Think about the time you spent choosing the right doctor. Take the time to find a trusted physical therapist as you will be spending a good amount of time with them.

Use your Equipment and Aids

Do not be shy about using walking aids as you cannot risk falling. You will need to limit your bending. I found the handy claw device useful. I used the claw to pull up my clothing while getting dressed. Many toilet seats are low. I also recommend using a raised toilet seat. It is not only suggested as a safe alternative, it is also more comfortable. Purchase panty liners and flushable wipes ahead of time as they will come in handy.

Continue to Eat Healthy

Stock up on groceries before your surgery. Take advantage of home delivery services like Instacart. You may not be doing the cooking, but it’s very important that you eat well. Allow others to prepare meals or order healthy take out. Healthy eating is an instrumental part of your recovery.

Limit Visitors

Visits from friends and family can be tiring. Space out your visits. Use apps like FaceTime to see your friends and family. When you do have any visitors, make sure they are healthy.

Be Patient

You may find yourself overly cautious about getting back into your routine after hip surgery. You are not just healing physically, as it also takes a little time to gain confidence in moving about. Before my hip replacement surgery, I limited certain activities to prevent discomfort. After surgery, my mind was afraid to accept that I could now go about these activities without pain. Learning to trust yourself that you are okay takes a little time. Overall, having hip surgery was the best decision I’ve made to regain my active lifestyle!

/ Style

How to Layer Your Necklaces

jewelry will upgrade any outfit you wear.  I’m going to offer a few basic tips on how to get you started on how to layer your necklaces.#fashionover50,#fashionover60, #agelessblogs #styleover50, #styleover60, #ontrend50,#ontrend60     #aginggracefully 
jewelry will upgrade any outfit you wear.  I’m going to offer a few basic tips on how to get you started on how to layer your necklaces.#fashionover50,#fashionover60, #agelessblogs #styleover50, #styleover60, #ontrend50,#ontrend60     #aginggracefully 
jewelry will upgrade any outfit you wear.  I’m going to offer a few basic tips on how to get you started on how to layer your necklaces.#fashionover50,#fashionover60, #agelessblogs #styleover50, #styleover60, #ontrend50,#ontrend60     #aginggracefully 

The Flair to Layering Your Necklaces

Let’s face it, with a little extra time on my hands, I’ve recently taken the time to reorganize my closet. Including taking a closer look at my jewelry cabinet. I have a few longer necklaces that I want to try and wear more often. I plan to wear a few of them at at time. If you haven’t already tried the layering necklace trend don’t be intimidated about giving it a try. In general, jewelry will upgrade any outfit you wear.  

I’m going to offer a few basic tips on how to get you started on how to layer your necklaces.  First, the jewelry you wear is an expression of your personal style. Next, you need to compliment the neckline of your outfit. Higher necklines give you more room to work with. Plus, they also provide a long cascading effect. Scoop necklines are best if you start with rounded choker styles.

Find Your Style

Think about artwork, what genre inspires you most? Do you prefer abstract and contemporary art? If so, look for pieces that are modern and artsy, drawing the eye to a larger chunky statement piece at the bottom of your cascade. If you prefer a more Classic style, then look for thin chokers with small charms such as an alphabet charm, like this one from Anthopologie.

Keep the look daintier with multiple strands. You can mix metals and textures just as long as they are staggered. It’s a little tricky to keep your chains from tangling but rotating between thicker strands and thinner strands may help. Play around with the details and the pattern. It may take a few try-ons before you find something that appeals to you.

Balance the Look

Less isn’t always more, just remember to choose quality over quantity. Also, keep in mind your other accessories. Since you are making a statement with your neckline try to keep everything else simple. Statement pieces will take your look from plain to noteworthy, but you’ll want to avoid the “hey look at what I’m wearing”  persona.

Quick Homemade Jewelry Cleaner

I found this simple recipe for homemade jewelry cleaner, on Pinterest. Clean and sparkly jewelry always looks better.

  • Mix a couple of drops of dish soap with a household multi-purpose cleaner like Windex. You can even use a diluted mix of 3/4 water with 1/4 White Vinegar.
  • Place into a micro-wave safe bowl or glass and mix until diluted
  • Microwave the liquid for 1 minute.
  • Gently place your jewelry into the solution.
  • After your jewelry has soaked for several minutes, remove.
  • Next, gently scrub around your diamond with an inexpensive clean toothbrush.
  • Rinse well with warm water and dry with a soft cloth

*always check with a professional before using any cleaning products on your jewelry as some chemicals may cause damage to certain stones.

There really is no set form of artistry to layering necklaces just go with what you feel expresses your mood. Get creative and change up your outfits with what you have in your jewelry box. I’d love to see a few photos of your layered jewelry. Please email or tag me on Instagram @a.two.drink.minimum