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Dine and Dish

Food blog with family recipes

February 20, 2012

Tell Them – Thanks for Pulling Me Through

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As many of you know, my brother passed away this past August from a brief battle with cancer. I’ve said a few times on my blog how surprised I was that his passing hit me so hard. What I didn’t tell you is that for a few months, I believe I was quite depressed.

I’ve suffered postpartum depression before, but in the months following my brothers passing I experienced a range of emotions I had never felt so deeply in my life. I was in a fog, crying on a whim, blowing up at situations that normally wouldn’t bother me, isolating people around me, not responding to deadlines, ignoring important emails, letting bills pile up, not answering the phone and pretty much expecting my kids to fend for themselves on mornings before school. At one point I was alone in my car after an extremely tough day and the temptation to just drive and keep driving away from everything hit me so hard, I had to pull over and get a grip.

Outwardly, I tried to put on a happy face… talking myself into believing I was alright, that I could put on a front and people wouldn’t know anything was wrong. I hid behind a facade of contentment… or at least I thought I did.

So many of you sent me cards, emails, tweets, facebook messages, phone calls, etc during that time. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated each and every hand of kindness that was extended to me. There was one card though, sent to me exactly two months after my brother died, that woke me up and essentially pulled me through what was a very dark time in my life.

The card was from a reader named Dana. Among other things, Dana wrote:

“I am writing to you because in many of your recent posts I can hear the pain and grief that you are going through right now. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that I am praying for you. Your blog really inspired me during a rough patch that I went through and I have always wanted to thank you for that.”

In addition, there was a quote:

Dana’s card, thoughtfully sent to me with words that truly hit home, is one of the things that helped me get through a dark time in my life. The timing of it arriving in my mailbox was such a gift… it was exactly what I needed to hear at the exact time I needed to hear it.

I sat down this weekend to finally write Dana back and to tell her how much her kindness, her words and her thoughts impacted my life. Because of her, I soon realized I wasn’t fooling anyone and was then able to come to terms with my thoughts and emotions head on instead of trying to suffer behind them.

I’m happy to say I’m fine now… there are times every day where my heart hurts and tears sting my eyes, but I can say that I am honestly able to see the light now instead of the darkness.

If there is someone on your mind…someone you have been thinking about and meaning to reach out to, I urge you to do so. Tell them what is on your mind through a card. You never know how life changing it can be.

I’m honored to be partnering with Hallmark in 2012 as part of their “Life Is a Special Occasion” campaign. As always, all opinions are my own.



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Filed Under: Previous Tagged With: cancer, cards, death, depression, hallmark, life, living, photography, special occassion, sympathy

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. naomi says

    February 20, 2012 at 1:47 am

    Beautiful.

    Dana is a treasure. I hope her friends know that!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      February 21, 2012 at 12:39 pm

      She certainly is!

      Reply
  2. Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says

    February 20, 2012 at 2:07 am

    Kristen I am so sorry to know that you were suffering so deeply but proud that you took action and have the courage to talk about this…and bless Dana’s heart, and everyone’s, who reaches out to another in a time of need.

    xo

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      February 21, 2012 at 12:40 pm

      Her actions and the actions of so many others have taught me the importance of reaching out… how many times do I think I should and then don’t? Now, I just do it!

      Reply
  3. Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says

    February 20, 2012 at 3:43 am

    A thoughtful gesture from a stranger is truly a beautiful thing and can remind of us of all the good in life we forget when we are suffering. We all need to remember that when we see others suffering because we will need the kindness of strangers at some point in our own lives.

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      February 21, 2012 at 12:41 pm

      Absoultely… you never know what kind of impact your actions can have on someone else!

      Reply
  4. Lilly says

    February 20, 2012 at 5:51 am

    I’ve followed your blog for a very long time and just wanted to thank you for sharing this beautiful post. It’s often easy to *think* that we’re fooling our friends and family by acting ok, but others’ intuition always prevails 🙂 Wishing you a beautiful new week! xoxox

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      February 21, 2012 at 12:45 pm

      Thank you so much, Lilly!

      Reply
  5. Kate says

    February 20, 2012 at 7:06 am

    Kristin, this was such an incredibly moving post, and I know it is going to help and inspire so many people who are struggling with hard things in their lives. Thank you for this, and my heart and my prayers are with you.

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      February 21, 2012 at 12:46 pm

      I appreciate it so much, Kate. Thank you!

      Reply
  6. Barbara says

    February 20, 2012 at 7:20 am

    Kristen, this post was wonderful in so many ways. Dana’s letter came exactly when you needed it…and I am so pleased to read you are back on track and feeling so much better.
    Thank you for sharing this with us….no doubt it will help others who need to be encouraged right now.

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      February 21, 2012 at 12:47 pm

      The timing of her card was such a gift. Thanks for your kind thoughts and words, Barbara!

      Reply
  7. Amanda says

    February 20, 2012 at 7:37 am

    Oh Kristen, this post brought a tear to my eye. I lost my mother 20 years ago and still cry now and then, so I understand your pain. But even more recently I went through a similar depression (details I told you about privately) that I was afraid I wouldn’t get out of. But things have improved greatly and I am so happy to hear that Dana’s letter was what did it for you. Sometimes it’s just the small things, but God has a way of pointing them out when they are most needed. Hugs to you my friend.

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      February 21, 2012 at 12:48 pm

      Oh Amanda, I know you know what kind of darkness this is. I’m so glad that things are on the upswing for you as well. I appreciate you!

      Reply
  8. Aimee @ Simple Bites says

    February 20, 2012 at 7:42 am

    So well said, Kristen. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  9. Natalie @ Cooking for My Kids says

    February 20, 2012 at 8:15 am

    Just beautiful, Kristen. I love your honesty, and I know that your words will help so many others who are struggling with similar thoughts and emotions. When we talked on the phone the other day, and you shared your grief with me, it was so hard to hear that my dear, sweet friend had been silently hurting. You are an inspiration to moms everywhere, Kristen. Thank you for being you! Love and hugs are being sent your way today…and every day.

    Reply
  10. Amanda says

    February 20, 2012 at 8:17 am

    So thankful for people like Dana, who reach out offer a word or a prayer when its most needed. And thank you for the reminded of just how important it is to do that… I think I will try and BE a blessing today instead of seeking to be blessed!

    Reply
  11. Debbie Jean says

    February 20, 2012 at 8:21 am

    We all handle grief differently and almost everyone has had a tough experience dealing with death, be it a family member, a friend, a co worker, a neighbor, a beloved pet, or the death of a solider one doesn’t even know. The strength to go on and continue comes from a deep religious belief, whatever your belief or religion is. I often tell people who have never experienced grief or complain about the weather, a job or just life in general, to go visit a cancer ward in any children’s hospital and trust me, it will change your attitude (well at least I hope it would). Life is precious, life is short and one never knows when he/she or a close loved one will be gone. So just do the very best you can each day and don’t try to figure it all out. I’m a Christian and I know I can’t handle all of my worries and concerns and fears so I share them with him and ask him to help point me in the right direction and as always, he does. Just trust your faith, he’ll know what to do.

    Reply
    • Judith - Texas says

      February 20, 2012 at 9:11 am

      Debbie Jean – my heart felt thanks for sharing your thoughts – truly beautiful and truthful. I have a Wall of Widsom where I print out inspirational thoughts to post – today, yours was printed out and posted.
      Your comment will be my daily reminder.

      Reply
  12. Les in NE says

    February 20, 2012 at 8:30 am

    Beautiful post and so spot-on. After our loss, we received so many loving cards, emails, phone calls, meals and visits, but it was the unexpected notes and gestures, months after R’s death that touched us more deeply than others. Grief is never linear and it’s in those later weeks and months (and years!) that we still need the comfort of friends and family. I’m glad you’re doing better.

    Be well and be gentle with yourself.

    Les

    Reply
  13. Myra @ My Blessed Life says

    February 20, 2012 at 8:34 am

    Absolutely beautiful post, Kristen. Thank you for sharing your heart! xo

    Reply
  14. Lynne Laino says

    February 20, 2012 at 8:37 am

    If it’s the Dana that I know, and the fact that she reached out tells me it is, she is truly a gift from God. A very special woman that you are lucky to have in your life.
    Your post is a great reminder to all of us to act on that litttle voice that tells you to reach out to that person you’re thinking about. Don’t wait, do it.
    I keep thinking about someone I haven’t seen in years and I am going to send her a card today.
    Sadly, we all experience grief in our lives and have to go through the process that comes with it. Blessings to you and your family Kristen.

    Reply
  15. Kelsey says

    February 20, 2012 at 8:41 am

    What a wonderful verse. I’ve heard it before but I always seem to forget when I most need to remember it. I think I’ll write it on a slip of paper and put it in my wallet today. I’ll never be without the reminder from now on.

    Bless you for sharing your story. You will undoubtedly help many many people.

    Reply
  16. Pat Wogan says

    February 20, 2012 at 8:49 am

    I read this with tears in my eyes. I, too, have been struggling with Larry’s death. I told Dad the other day that I didn’t think I was over it yet. He said who says you have to be. You can’t turn grief on and off. Now I am wishing I had the right words to help my family, but I don’t. I know where he is, I know our bodies are just homes for our spirits and I know God is watching over us, but I don’t want anyone else in my family to die before me.

    Reply
    • Whitney Schmale says

      February 20, 2012 at 8:33 pm

      Love to you both…It’s been almost 9 years since I lost my brother. It never gets better but it DOES get DIFFERENT. Most days that’s enough.

      Reply
  17. Bev Weidner says

    February 20, 2012 at 8:54 am

    Oh I love this!

    Reply
  18. Katie says

    February 20, 2012 at 8:57 am

    Kristen thank you so much for sharing this. I’m so grateful for the Dana’s in the world. Just knowing that someone is thinking about you and knows that you’re not ok when you’re pretending that you are is such a beautiful thing.

    One of my goals this year is to be more aware of others and act on my instincts to do small acts of service that might lift their burden. I know there have been many times where I was screaming inside while smiling outside and in need of someone to notice, listen, ask how I was REALLY doing or offer an act of service and I didn’t receive. I know how much that hurts to just blend into the background and I don’t want other to feel that way because I’m so wrapped up in my own life.

    So glad you had the support and love from Dana and I’m glad to hear that you’re feeling better. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

    Reply
  19. Cookbook Queen says

    February 20, 2012 at 9:18 am

    Kristen, I am so sorry to hear about your suffering. I know how hard it can be when you’re sad and having to be the glue that holds the family together, gets the kids to school, gets the food made and the homework done…it’s a lot to handle.

    I’m so grateful that you have such kind and loving readers to help you. Obviously they see what I already know–that you are an amazing woman!!

    xoxo

    Reply
  20. Jennifer, Playgroups are no place for children says

    February 20, 2012 at 9:33 am

    What a gift you received from Dana. I’m so sorry you have felt such suffering, but thank you for sharing your experience-I bet you will help others.

    Reply
  21. Liz says

    February 20, 2012 at 9:33 am

    I am so sorry for your loss, Kristen (my twin brother lost a kidney to cancer) thank you so much for sharing your story and, well, for continuing to inspire your readers including your newest fan (me!)

    Reply
  22. patsy says

    February 20, 2012 at 9:33 am

    Just hearing or reading words someone else has shared can often open our eyes. You share so much of yourself here, and I know I do appreciate your openness and honesty. As a mom, we all feel that we can’t ‘fall apart’ because everyone depends on us… but we also have to take care of ourselves and our emotions. I’m thinking of you!

    Reply
  23. Judith - Texas says

    February 20, 2012 at 9:37 am

    Kristen, when my Momma passed away over 10 years ago, I went through the “dark” period also and it was a struggle. However, leaning on my Faith, the support of my husband, I survived. Yes, there are still times when thoughts of her make me sad and teary eyed, but I know she raised me right and taught me by her actions how to be strong; so I honor her by living in the Light and not the darkness. You will learn that Time will be one your best friends and eventually everything will seem brighter again.

    Reply
  24. Rene says

    February 20, 2012 at 10:13 am

    Oh, so beautiful. I love when you talk about the timing of it appearing in your mailbox. There really are no coincidences, are there?

    Hugs..

    Reply
  25. Katrina says

    February 20, 2012 at 10:23 am

    Well written, thank you! Having lost two sisters a few years ago, I know that the pain will always be there, but agree that people and things can heal and help us carry on. God bless!

    Reply
  26. theurbanbaker says

    February 20, 2012 at 10:23 am

    I too, have had loss in the past few years. It’s unexpected how the grief overwhelms you and takes over. I am so glad to hear that you are lifting yourself out of this dark place, Kristen. I does come and go, but there is nothing more powerful than the initial grief – after the shock. Thanks for sharing this, being vulnerable, and for your honesty! xx

    Reply
  27. Crystal @ Crystal's Cozy Kitchen says

    February 20, 2012 at 10:49 am

    I’m sorry you have been struggling. I know that losing a loved one can be very difficult. It has been over 10 years since my brother died and there is still sometimes pain, but the first year was the worst.
    I am glad that you received what you needed to help bring you out of the fog. I pray that you will continue to receive strength when you need it!

    Reply
  28. Lisa says

    February 20, 2012 at 10:59 am

    Kristen…..my heart goes out to you, and I’m inspired by the strength you had to share. Wonderful how the right words arrived at the right time.

    Reply
  29. Windy Phillips says

    February 20, 2012 at 11:01 am

    Thank you for sharing the less than picture-perfect parts of your life with us. So few are willing to do that. It shows what courage and depth of character you have and why your readers love you. The kindness of strangers (or almost strangers) has always amazed me. Sometimes they can break through where your loved ones just aren’t able to. I’m so glad that Dana’s message found you when you needed it.

    Reply
  30. Megan says

    February 20, 2012 at 11:15 am

    People should never under estimate the power of a hand written letter or card. If someone is even slightly doubting sending a short note to someone, just do it! It makes such a difference! Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  31. Lynda says

    February 20, 2012 at 11:18 am

    Grief is such a hard thing to go through. Thankfully you had people that encouraged you. Dana sounds like a treasure.
    It just takes time to go through the grief process. My Mother passed 5 years ago and it has been a sruggle, with the first year being by far one of the worst years of my life. But friends and God were there with me. You will make it too.

    Reply
  32. Melisa says

    February 20, 2012 at 11:35 am

    This is a beautiful post and I appreciate how difficult it must have been to put it all out there. I’m really sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  33. Cookin' Canuck says

    February 20, 2012 at 11:51 am

    What a lovely thank you to someone that provided such kind words at a time when you needed them the most. You are adored by so many, Kristen and I’m so happy to hear that your heart is healing. xo

    Reply
  34. Aimee @ ShugarySweets says

    February 20, 2012 at 12:54 pm

    Kristen, what a wonderful heartfelt post. So often in our lives we need a “Dana” to help us see the other side! I pray that we all be a Dana to someone at some time! Love and peace,
    Aimee

    Reply
  35. gardenbre says

    February 20, 2012 at 1:29 pm

    … my brother died of cancer in Sept 09 and your post is one of the first I’ve read that speaks to the power of grief of losing a sibling (my other brother said we didn’t lose him – he will always be with us BUT that idea doesn’t always jive with how I’m feeling although I know he was just trying to make us all feel better. Additionally, in losing my brother, I also lost the rest of my family as they were before he died – we are all different now). I hope writing this has made as much of an impact on you as it made on me and is making on others. Thanks.

    Reply
  36. Julie @ Table for Two says

    February 20, 2012 at 2:10 pm

    beautiful entry and a more beautiful heart and person you are. i’m so sorry for your loss but i’m glad you’re doing better now. you’re such a sweetheart <3

    Reply
  37. Rachel - A Southern Fairytale says

    February 20, 2012 at 2:38 pm

    Oh friend <3 <3

    We talked briefly about this in NOLA <3

    You move people, you touch them, your heart is so big and others see that and are drawn to you and will respond to you in kind.

    <3 <3 <3

    Reply
  38. Stacy says

    February 20, 2012 at 3:03 pm

    Just when I thought I could not be any more proud of you..you do it again and again I adore you!

    Reply
  39. Melissa says

    February 20, 2012 at 3:51 pm

    What a wonderful, honest and inspiring post. Months ago I came across a young woman purchasing gads of notecards from my work. She looked at me sheepishly and said, “It may seem old fashioned, but I write a letter to my grandmother every week.”

    It sparked something and I found myself buying notecards and writing both my grandmothers every month since. I had just lost both grandfathers within the year and thought it was a great idea. To cope maybe.

    So thank you for urging people to correspond through written word-it is so touching, caring and kind.

    Reply
  40. Lisa says

    February 20, 2012 at 4:49 pm

    Speechless; this really touches the heart…. Love you loads!

    Reply
  41. camille says

    February 20, 2012 at 5:24 pm

    That’s really sweet and kind of her – I can only hope (as can we all) that when I’m in a bad way, there will be a “Dana” to come along with the right words at the right time.

    I know I don’t tell people often enough that they’re important to me, or that they’re just fantastic people in various regards. This is a reminder to start.

    Reply
  42. TidyMom says

    February 20, 2012 at 6:16 pm

    I always love your raw honesty and what a gift Dana and her note was for you.

    Again, just one more unexpected pleasure of blogging………strangers lifting strangers!!

    HUGS to you my sweet friend! xoxoxo

    Reply
  43. Jessie says

    February 20, 2012 at 6:59 pm

    I’m so proud of you for speaking out about this. So many people don’t. I’m also happy you’re doing better. God bless your brother. Let him know if he ever wants some great sugar cookies he needs to visit my grandma, except, pick out the raisins. 😉

    Reply
  44. Lori @ RecipeGirl says

    February 20, 2012 at 7:02 pm

    Phew. That’s tough to write a post like that. I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve been suffering. I always think of you as such a strong and inspiring woman who has it all. I guess you never realize what’s going on behind the scenes. I’m so glad to hear that you’re on the mend. It’s not easy to lose people we love. Thank God for supportive friends (and readers!) XO

    Reply
  45. Julie @ Willow Bird Baking says

    February 20, 2012 at 7:04 pm

    BIG HUGS to you , Kristen <3 I agree that this is one of the most special things about this community — how we can support one another.

    Reply
  46. MikeVFMK says

    February 20, 2012 at 7:31 pm

    I’m so glad to hear you’re doing better now! I can’t imagine how difficult it was. Is. This is a beautiful, raw post.

    Reply
  47. Living The Sweet Life says

    February 20, 2012 at 8:11 pm

    Kristen, I’m so sorry to hear about your difficult time… the good news is, you have the support of the world to get you through it. Count on the people that mean most to you – – including each any everyone that you have met though blogging.

    You ARE an inspiration to us all, keep in mind each of your good times xox

    Reply
  48. Whitney Schmale says

    February 20, 2012 at 8:36 pm

    The most wonderful card I got after my brother Ian passed away, was from David’s parents’ best friends. They had met Ian exactly one time, at our wedding. Darlene wrote an entire card of her memories of Ian that wonderfully fun night, how fun he was to watch dance, how he swept every single girl on to the dance floor, how much fun it was to watch him with his family. I saved that card. It meant and still means so much to me that someone who barely knew him saw all the things I loved in him in one evening.

    Reply
  49. Jen at The Three Little Piglets says

    February 20, 2012 at 8:50 pm

    I have yet to understand why it’s not okay to just admit when we’re really sad or overwhelmed. I think we have all felt overwhelmed and depressed at some point in out lives and yet we so often feel like we have to tough it out on our own. We are all so much stronger when we have each other.

    Reply
  50. Kendall says

    February 20, 2012 at 9:07 pm

    Very well said, and so true. What a sweet card from Dana. I lost my brother 8 years ago in a car accident, and I’m so thankful for all those around me that lifted me up when I couldn’t lift myself up. Where would we be without the love of others? I will pray for you, as I remember how hard the first few years are!

    Reply
  51. Kelly says

    February 20, 2012 at 9:45 pm

    So glad you shared this with all of us. I, too, am thankful for the Dana’s in the world. Sending you good thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  52. Maria says

    February 20, 2012 at 9:45 pm

    I love your posts. I always leave feeling inspired. Thank you for always sharing. I know you’ve had a few bumps in the road, but you always come out on top. I look up to you-you are truly amazing. I am off to write a few thank you cards now.

    Reply
  53. Belinda Basson says

    February 20, 2012 at 11:43 pm

    The hardest part is wanting to pick up the phone to tell your brother something and realizing he is not here cos it always feels like they are just somewhere else or around the corner for so long after they are gone. I am a letter or card writer, they mean so much more than an sms or email. Thanks for what you do to inspire.

    Reply
  54. GelliAnnh says

    February 21, 2012 at 5:16 am

    I lvoe your post …But I am sorry to hear about your brother…Thanks for sharing your post to us here…Great job!

    Reply
  55. naomi says

    February 21, 2012 at 11:46 am

    Kristen, as always I leave here being so inspired by you. I so admire your honesty and strength.

    Reply
  56. Pat Wogan says

    February 21, 2012 at 12:26 pm

    Kristen, what wonderful friends you have! I am reading the responses to your post with tears in my eyes..what a wonderful community the blogging world is! I have gained strength just from reading these. I know you have, too.

    Reply
  57. LisaK says

    February 21, 2012 at 2:11 pm

    Hugs! Just in case you need them.

    Reply
  58. Amy says

    February 22, 2012 at 7:10 am

    You’re a strong woman, but sometimes we do need encouragement from others. I’ve been so encouraged at times and often forget to pass it on to others. Thanks for sharing, as always! xoxoxo

    Reply
  59. Daria says

    February 23, 2012 at 4:24 am

    It was pleasure to discover this blog. Maybe you’d like to place a banner on my blogroll? How can I contact you on private?

    Reply
  60. Arline says

    February 23, 2012 at 12:17 pm

    aww Kristen ((hugs))

    Reply
  61. Clara M says

    April 20, 2012 at 7:47 am

    You got very nice blog graphic – is it custom made, or maybe some public template? Where can I download it from (if it’s possible)?

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Hallmark Life is a Special Occasion Tell Them Thank a Teacher | Dine and Dish says:
    December 15, 2012 at 10:59 am

    […] This is my final post for the Hallmark 2012 Life is a Special Occasion Campaign. It has been such an honor to work with such an incredible company. Even more so, it has been such a gift for me to explore personal topics and share them with you in a way I might not have before. With all the wonderful things I had the chance to write about in the past year, one very special thing has stuck with me… Tell Them. […]

    Reply
  2. Chocolate Sheet Cake with Fluffy Chocolate Frosting - Dine and Dish says:
    April 17, 2020 at 9:06 am

    […] is actually grief, it made a lot more sense. I’ve talked a lot on Dine & Dish about the grief of losing my brother and now I can totally recognize this time as being very […]

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Book Lovers Giveaway (read to the end)!!! ⬇️ ⬇️ 

Supporting my local independent bookstore @rainydaybooks looks a lot different than it used to these days. Temporarily gone are the days of lingering in store, browsing the shelves, walking out with an armful of books I didn’t expect to buy. The pandemic has made independent bookstores pivot in ways they’ve never had to before, but I’m so happy to say they are CRUSHING IT! And as we virtually celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on 4/24, I wanted to share a way you too can help keep Independent bookstores afloat now (and in the future).

You know I’m a huge fan of @librofm , the absolute best audiobook alternative that gives money back to the independent bookstore of your choice with your audiobook purchases. Well, to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on 4/24, they are giving YOU a free audiobook! Here’s what you need to do…

Spend $15 or more at your bookstore between April 24th and 26th. Submit your receipt at libro.fm/ibd and Libro.fm will email you a link to your free audiobook by April 28th! Easy peasy, right?

Wait! There’s more! 🌟 I’d love to give one Dine & Dish follower the chance to win a 3 month @Librofm audiobook membership. To enter, simply tag your favorite independent bookstore here and tell me what you love the most about it! That’s it! Winner will be chosen at random on April 27th. Yay, books!

#indiebookstoreday #indiebookstore #bookstoreshoutout 
#booksbooksandmorebooks #bookgiveaway #audiobook #librofm #independentbookstore @indiebookstoreday
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Can’t believe we’re doing the college tour thing already with my second baby! 

So question for any of you who sent your kids to out of state schools or went to out of state schools...how did you do it? She wants to get the heck out of Kansas (I’d like to go with her!). We have money saved, she’ll most likely get a scholarship or two, she’s paying and has money saved as well...but even with that out of state tuition is a beast of an amount. So, did you just assume that student loans were going to be part of that life? And is that worth it to give your kids a shot at a new life outside of your home state? I wish I would have left Kansas for university, and have been here since I was born 😩. I want different for her if that’s what she wants but also just don’t have any experience with how people do out of state college! Any tips?

#collegetour #bestlifenow #outofstate #studentloans #junioryear #kansasstate #adviceneeded
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J is for...jam!
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My friend @wakschmale makes the best strawberry jam...and I completely forgot about a jar she gave me last year until this morning. Which then inspired me to make my favorite buttermilk biscuits. So so good. Are you a jam, honey, just butter or plain biscuit fan? I love biscuits allll the ways, except with gravy. I have super bad memories of biscuits and gravy growing up. 🤢
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I’m still slowly making my way through the alphabet for @kimklassen_innercircle a-z photo challenge. I’m bound and determined to finish. It may just take me a little longer than I originally anticipated 🤗.
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#homemadejam #eatcaptureshare #biscuitsandjam #homemadebiscuits #sundaybaking #easylikesundaymorning #foodphotograph #foodpics #slowsunday #breakfastathome #kimklassen_innercircle
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It took me 2 months to get this Crispy Chickpea Pantry Pasta recipe up on the blog. 🤦‍♀️But it’s there now! You can find the link in my Instagram profile.
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Also, just noticed Instagram took away the like count on posts. I kind of like that...what do you think?
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#pastarecipe #chickpeapasta #dinnerideas #dinnerrecipes #vegetarianrecipe #eatcaptureshare #slowblogging  #totallifechanges
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I is for Inspiration!
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The “long haul” effects of having Covid back in December are really presenting themselves lately. The continuous persistent headaches are taking a toll and the connection between the brain fog and word retrieval function of my brain has been extra challenging. I had no idea a couple months out, the cognitive effects would still be hanging around.
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With that said, when I get a burst of inspiration I’m grabbing on for dear life. I made our favorite chocolate chip cookies recipe yesterday and felt the desire to update the blog post photos from 2007! We make these cookies all the time, so I’m not sure why it’s taken me so many years to give that poor post some new photos.
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If you’re interested in the recipe you can find the link currently in my profile. Enjoy!!
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@kimklassen_innercircle #kimklassen_innercircle #chocolatechipcookie #cookiestagram #foodphotography #feedfeedbaking #plateofcookies #cookiephotography #eatcaptureshare #recipeoftheweek
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H is for...high!
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It was so strange being on a plane again. I’m so thankful I have the antibodies because the flights were full, which seemed wrong, but everyone around me did seem to keep their masks on, so that was good.
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I can’t wait until travel becomes a regular part of life again. I’ve missed it so much!
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 @kimklassen_innercircle @southwestair @windowswap #cloudphotography #cloudsofinstagram #flightview #iflyswa #imisstravelling #skylove #planepics #myviewtoday #beautifulviews
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G is for...oh so grateful!

I flew to South Texas yesterday to visit my parents whom I haven’t seen in 2 years. They live around 17 hours away from us. We typical get to see each other a few times a year but with the pandemic and other health issues it just wasn’t able to happen and I’ve missed them soooo much.

Grateful to have had COVID last month. Although it was not at all fun, it gave me the antibodies to make this trip possible. My dad is having surgery tomorrow so I’m helping with my mom so my dad can recover without having to worry about her.

Kansas is enjoying frigid temperatures and snow. I picked a great week to head south.
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#palmtrees🌴 #palmtreesfordays #blueskiesandsunshine #wintersun #texasskies #kimklassen_innercircle @kimklassen_innercircle #silverlining
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F is for...food photography.
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This time of year especially, food photography (and I guess all photography actually) is a tug of war with time and light. I had planned on making and photographing a delicious pasta recipe, but my grocery delivery ran a couple of hours late because of snowstorm. So, at the eleventh hour I decided to make a cake...that took over an hour to bake and I had about 90 minutes of natural light left...leaving me with about 30 minutes of ok light to work with.
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Anyway, this wouldn't work for a client shoot because the cake, although delicious, didn't turn out looking so great. But it will work great for today's F photo for the @kimklassen_innercircle A-Z photo project:) Lemon Citrus Yogurt Cake from this weeks @cabotcheese newsletter. So good!
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#eatcake #eatcaptureshare #eatcakebehappy #lemoncake #cakecakecakecake #foodiegram #yahoofood #dessertsofinstagram #sweettooth #kimklassen_innercircle #fisforfood
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