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Progress and Self-Care

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Hello Friends from a chilly Kansas!

What a switcheroo from last week’s warm weather. Today we are sunny and 60 outside- an amazing fall day!

Yesterday Kristin and I volunteered at a Barn Sale (a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s association). We had a lot of crafty fun creating items for the sale over the last couple of weeks, and yesterday the fun continued as we played the handpan and socialized with friends, the residents and their family members. 

It’s fun to step out of the normal routine now and then, right?   

Possibly due to all the extra creativity, but we had an AMAZING brainstorming session on Friday which resulted in  a few brand new ideas and clarity on some projects that we are noodling on. Success all around we say! 

Meanwhile, like a herd of turtles, we are both working on our current manuscripts and staying cozy. 

Delaina’s poetry book series is really taking shape. We are thrilled with the directions that this book is heading in. If you are a poetry lover, or book lover, or friend or supporter and you want first dibs on publication, click HERE to get on our waitlist for this title. 

Have a wonderful self-care week.

In love, light, and self-care,
Delaina and Kristin

Music is Magic–Amplify Joy

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Hiya;

One of the common discussions we had with fellow caregivers during The Heartland Caregiving Conference by Sandwiched KC,  was the magical effect music has on our loved ones. We were mostly referencing how engaging sing-alongs are, and how songs help, especially with dementia, bridge the mind’s time gap to happier and fulfilling memories and moments. 

As vibrational beings we have the power to amplify joy and our health with simple sounds. The gentle tide of breath, the unassuming hum, and the practice of laughter, have all been scientifically proven to help our bodies reduce depression, stress, anxiety, and even boost our immune systems.

Our caregiver journey began, like many, suddenly. Communication was the biggest challenge we faced helping our loved one. So we did what we do, we researched solutions. Kristin found stroke recovery activities and started creating activity sheets.  Delaina began online sound therapy classes and now creates handpan music.

We both love how music calms and connects our loved ones. And how it helps us tune-in to our wellbeing and joy. Some of our daily favorites can be found here: Centerpoint’s Holosync, Hello Caregiving’s sing-a-longs and more, and Delaina’s various musical offerings. 

Thank you for being in our lives and letting us be in yours. We hope we have helped you in some way find your vibe. Also sharing is caring so please share your go to music hubs with us.

In love and gratitude,
Delaina and Kristin

Fresh Offerings for Caregivers and Halloween Treats

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Hiya;
Happy Halloween & Blessed Samhain. Kristin and I could not think of a better treat than to announce our sweet new offerings for Caregivers.

First up, The Handyman Special: An Activity book for People Who Love To Fix Things, is a new activity book for the fixer in your life that loves a good puzzle and would enjoy those puzzles even more in large print and simplified so they can feel the success of achievement. This book is the first in our Smart Brain Series and features logic puzzles such as: Sudoku, Word Search, Number, Finds, Spot the Difference, and Mazes. These are similar games we did with our loved one to help him stay engaged and feel purpose when he could no longer do what he used to do. This 108 page book is available on Amazon and soon other retailers as well.

Next up are two new Caregiver Quick Guides. Our “Busy Box Basics” is a six page guide to help the family caregiver create moments of nostalgia and connection with their loved one using an assortment of items that mean something and/or relative to their loved ones interests. “Doll Therapy 101” is a five page guide to using dolls as a way to help calm and restore a sense of purpose for a loved one with dementia. We used both of these methods to help keep our loved one engaged and focused. Both are available on Etsy to download today.

As long as you are checking out our Etsy shop, grab some Halloween Activity Sheets and Coloring Pages for some family entertainment. And grab one of our Halloween Countdown Sheets (the playlist is the same for both styles). Yes, today is the day but the QR code will take you to a playlist of vintage songs that will get your goblins dancing and singing, setting a perfect atmosphere for completing your Halloween themed party.

Please let us know how the activity book, Quick Guides, and Activities work for you and your loved one.

With love and gratitude,
Delaina and Kristin

A Poetry Reading by Delaina J. Miller

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