Author: Karen

I am an RN, Author, Coach, and Speaker. I write novels about relationships to help people find insight into their own. I guide people to create comfort, clarity, and connection in their lives. By combining metaphysical tools with over twenty-five years of nursing experience, I infuse the 'art of nursing' into my practice by providing partnership and resources help people compassionately honor their health.

What this woman got: Valentine edition, part 3

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, Holidays, local fun, movies, restaurants, tweens

First order of business: skip the gym. My husband and I had planned to celebrate the day during the child-free hours we had, from 7am until about 3:30pm (the school day). There was a medical appointment (mine) at 10:30am, but that was quick and we didn't let it mess up our day. Which was good, … Continue reading What this woman got: Valentine edition, part 3

Celebrating with the kids: Valentine edition, part 2

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, family, local fun, tweens

My Valentine's Day started off great with a bouquet of flowers, with yellow (my favorite) being the dominant color. from my husband. I received them on Thursday night, since he would be at work for the next several days. I love flowers and was completely surprised (and thrilled!) with my gift. I got to take … Continue reading Celebrating with the kids: Valentine edition, part 2

What do women want? Valentine edition Part 1

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, Holidays, italian, local fun, restaurants

Maybe you've been happily married for many years, and have successfully navigated several Valentine's Day holidays. Maybe you've had some great successes with figuring out what your spouse might like, and then actually being able to deliver it. One thing that you can do for your female significant other that will almost definitely be well … Continue reading What do women want? Valentine edition Part 1

February date night

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, local fun, movies, restaurants

Well, it's been a while since we've been able to have a date night due to college classes resuming for our elder child (who babysits our younger child), but the planets aligned so we got our dinner and a movie. The dinner part was at Ruby's in York. We got the coupons from the SuperCoupons monthly mailer … Continue reading February date night

Blog identity crisis

by Karen, posted in Someone's gotta say it, writing

Lately I've been wondering if my blog needs to narrow its focus or if it should remain a collection of random writings. I've been going back and forth on this question for many weeks now. It occurred to me today that maybe I should ask you, dear readers, what your opinion is, if you have … Continue reading Blog identity crisis

Colds

by Karen, posted in fitness, health

"The first wealth is health," said Ralph Waldo Emerson. You can say that again. After not catching a cold for years and years, I have had two (this is my second) in one month. How did this happen? True, my friends have had colds, and my husband and daughter are just getting over colds, but … Continue reading Colds

Put the ‘OM’ in O(at)Meal

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, health, Life in the cube, restaurants

McDonald's has a new(ish) menu item. Believe it or not, it's oatmeal. I know! I mean, seriously, right? If I'm going to McDonald's, I'm going for a quarter pounder (no cheese!), not  "health" food! But one day I needed a quick breakfast and my nice friend Pauline had given me a coupon for a free … Continue reading Put the ‘OM’ in O(at)Meal

National Homemade Soup Day

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, health, Karen's Kitchen, Pantry Project, tweens

This year, it's this week (yesterday, actually) but hey, soup is forgiving! So....here's some reasons to dive in: Top 5 reasons to make some homemade soup: You've got some leftover turkey (or chicken)  bones from your Thanksgiving (or Christmas or New Year's Day) dinner in your freezer. You are living in New England, it's winter, and you are freezing … Continue reading National Homemade Soup Day

Whoopie!!

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, baking, books, family, quest for the best

Maybe you've heard this news already, but just in case you missed it: The Great State of Maine is considering making the Whoopie Pie its official state dessert. It wasn't already? There are lots of places to get a great wh0opie pie, including your very own kitchen. If you take this route, here are two excellent … Continue reading Whoopie!!

The first harbinger of spring

by Karen, posted in (it's all about the) food, family, local fun, restaurants

I have some  happy news for all of you that live here in southern Maine. Spring is nigh. How do I know this?  Because: THE DAIRY QUEEN IS OPENING TODAY!!!! If your family is anything like mine, you've been counting the days until the DQ reopened...well count no more. Now, after Memorial Day weekend and … Continue reading The first harbinger of spring