With Valentine’s Day around the corner, these sweet treats will be sure to spread a little love. Great to share with friends, family or even just for you to enjoy. Add them to hot chocolate, coffee, or you can eat them simply on their own.
This time of year is often conveyed as a fresh start – the perfect time to change habits and set new goals to better oneself. Although the new year does bring the opportunity to begin a new chapter, it also tends to create a false sense of what is attainable versus what is realistic. Whether you partake in setting resolutions or not, it can be beneficial to reflect upon one’s habits and think about how they align with the person you want to be in general – not just this year. As I sat down and took some time at the beginning of this year to reflect on the things I want to personally accomplish, I kept a few guidelines in mind:
Continue readingBy Stacie Prada
One thing to remember about New Year’s resolutions: They are not required. If you don’t want to make any, don’t. I like them for the feeling of a fresh start and hope for a better future, but I also know that I need to be ready before I make a change. If I try before I’m ready, it will end with feelings of failure and guilt.
Coming out of the holiday season, I recognize I did a lot, and I don’t feel like I took enough time to rest and recharge. Now it’s January, there are many things to do, and I’m not feeling completely ready. I’ve been too busy getting things done each day to take a step back and look longer term.
Continue reading
There are an endless number of events that can cause a change in holiday traditions. An impending move may mean it’s the last Christmas in a childhood home; circumstances can cause a change in who attends or who hosts the gatherings; or there could be a gradual shift in activities as abilities change. A change in tradition can bring heightened feelings of panic, insecurity, or worry – feelings similar to a huge change of plans, only multiplied by 100 because they were previously solidified by years of stability.
When things change, it is alright to feel those emotions, as humans thrive on routine after all! However, allowing it to affect your holiday and time with loved ones may lead to regret and negative memories of this holiday. The most important thing to remember is WHY you love certain traditions, and how you can continue those feelings when the “perfect situation” is unavailable. Do you love lighting the menorah because of the candles, or because your family is around you and singing in its glow? Do you love Christmas dinner because it takes you 6 hours to prepare, or because your nieces helped you in the kitchen and delicious food tastes better with loved ones?
Continue readingThe most awaited time of the year is here again. This time is magical, and keeping your holiday traditions alive is important as it makes the season feel festive and complete. Try to make the most of the holiday season by spending quality time with your family and friends.
Continue reading
There’s something timeless about the holiday season. It has a way of bringing us back to the simplest, happiest moments of our childhood, where laughter and love were the only things that mattered. For me, one of my favorite holiday traditions has always been decorating the Christmas tree with my family.
Continue readingHappy Holidays!! This no bake recipe is fun to make and delicious. You can make ahead and decorate any way you would like. I found the wreaths to be festive and cheerful. They also are a crowd favorite.
Las fiestas navideñas están llenas de tradiciones que reúnen a familias y amigos para celebrar y crear recuerdos duraderos. Este año, mi familia y yo empezamos una nueva tradición que no solo es divertida, sino también inclusiva y accesible para todo el mundo: las exhibiciones de luces navideñas o festivas desde el automóvil.
Continue reading
The holiday season is filled with traditions that bring families and friends together to celebrate and create lasting memories. This year, my family and I are starting a new tradition—one that’s not only fun but also inclusive and accessible to everyone: drive-thru holiday light displays.
For years, my family has enjoyed driving around town to look at holiday lights. We love visiting our local coffee shop to grab a warm drink and then drive around our neighborhood in search of the best holiday decorations. Last year, we realized we could make the experience even more magical by embracing the new wave of drive-thru light shows. These events are popping up in many cities, offering families a unique and safe way to enjoy festive displays without leaving the comfort of their vehicles.
Continue readingBy Stacie Prada
Bright lights on buildings and cool decorations
Brighten the landscape and cause a sensation
Snail mail and email share tidings and cheer
Wishes for wellness and Happy New Year
Kindness from strangers and heartfelt connection
Show us what matters and trigger reflection
Posts on the social show who they hold dear
Wishes for wellness and Happy New Year
Visit with loved ones and arrive gift bearing
delight in giving while sharing and caring
Joy, peace, and goodwill for those far and near
Wishes for wellness and Happy New Year
When fatigue hits
When the stress rears
When I’m overwhelmed
Focus on what matters, let go of the rest,
and deem the season success!
This was written for fun to be sung to the tune of “My Favorite Things,” by Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rodgers in their musical, “The Sound of Music.” Take good care all!
*Stacie Prada was diagnosed with RRMS in 2008 just shy of 38 years old. Her blog, “Keep Doing What You’re Doing” is a compilation of inspiration, exploration, and practical tips for living with Multiple Sclerosis while living a full, productive, and healthy life with a positive perspective. It includes musings on things that help her adapt, cope and celebrate this adventure on earth. Please visit her at http://stacieprada.blogspot.com/