Parenting magic happens after dark, and it can change everything.
The teen years are a hard time for kids and parents, and we really thought a lot of the fights and friction with our teens was just them being teens and trying to carve out their own independence. 
It’s a cliché for a reason. In the grand scheme of things, you have about half a second to raise your babies to be good humans. Between life, work, and schedules it can be hard to find time to have those conversations or teachable moments, and harder still to find time when they are open to real communication. You know what I’m talking about. Getting more than just a “Ya, “insert grunting noise,” “fine,” a head bob as they walk away, or the one I hate most “I know.” 
When we lost everything, we finally realized we were parenting on our schedule and we needed to start parenting AFTER DARK.
After seven teenagers, here are the four things we did that changed everything.

Chocolate covered pretzels are the best sweet and salty snack, and perfect for late night chats. They usually require a lot of time and effort, but not anymore! I'm sharing my accessible Easy Peasy Pretzel recipe in this episode. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Don't miss the next episode: I'm a Mom, Not an Adjective

The Cook Who Can't Eat podcast is brought to you by Holly at Well Blended Life.  Find us at www.wellblendedlife.com or on your favorite social site.
 
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From November of 2019 to February of 2020, I lost about 60 pounds. By mid-February when they finally admitted me to the hospital, I weighed at best, around 90 pounds. I could no longer hold down water, I hadn't been able to hold down food for several weeks, and I could actually feel parts of my body shutting down. It was scary.
My doctors agreed that the best option to keep me alive was a feeding tube. A feeding tube is a medical device to deliver nutrients and medication directly to the stomach or small intestines. It's primarily used when a person is unable to eat or drink enough to meet their nutritional needs for short or long periods of time. We knew this was my best option, but when we started discussing what type of tube to use, I had no idea there were so many options.
While feeding tubes are meant to save or preserve your life with nutrition and hydration, many patients experience a decreased quality of life due to the limitations on daily activities, travel restrictions, social isolations, and sometimes even a dependency for a caregiver. They are also not a guarantee of survival. In fact, studies suggest that the use of feeding tubes in some patients can actually increase their risk of mortality.
Patients with feeding tubes face difficulties finding appropriate care, adequate support, but need to be monitored very closely by healthcare providers to ensure that not only are their nutritional needs being met, but they're not experiencing any issues like infection. In fact, my entire tube education was watching what a couple of the nurses did while I was inpatient, and a couple of handouts they included in my discharge instructions. That was it. In subsequent hospitalizations, I actually had to provide all my own feeding tube supplies and teach the staff how to work with my tube. Twice hospital staff has actually broken my tube because they didn't know how to use it correctly, and that ended up requiring me to have additional tube exchange procedures.
Most people have only seen or experienced feeding tubes through television or movies. There's no real effective way to explain it and you can't get it, unless you get it, and we don't want you to get it.
If there is someone in your life dealing with this, it is important to recognize and talk with them about their situation, what accommodations they may need, and how you can support them in this hard season. However, the best thing you can do is to educate yourself and others about their condition and the ways that this challenging process can benefit them and their family.
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE Chronic Illness & Disability 101: RESOURCE GUIDE
Links and information to help you or a loved one navigate this journey. Find financial support, patient advocates, medical billing assistance, legal assistance, and more!

The Cook Who Can't Eat podcast is brought to you by Holly at Well Blended Life.  Find us at www.wellblendedlife.com or on your favorite social site.
 
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“You can walk, so why are you using a wheelchair?” 
In most cases, this question should NEVER be asked, and it definitely shouldn't be asked by a medical professional that is supposed to help you. However, I was asked this question 3 times within 10 minutes of meeting the tech performing a necessary test.
This is not the first time something like this has happened. In fact, it isn’t even the first time it has happened at that hospital. The stereotypes and negative attitudes towards mobility aid users can make it difficult for people to use them, even when they are necessary. Feeling embarrassed or self-conscious is common for people with disabilities. While many see using a mobility aid as a sign of weakness, but it's really a sign of strength.
What many people don’t understand is everything that using a mobility aid can give someone. They are simply tools used by people with disabilities or chronic illnesses, not unlike the tools of a cobbler, a plumber, or a carpenter. These tools can improve the quality of life for a user, give them a sense of empowerment, and even allow them to participate in activities that would otherwise be impossible.
Mobility matters. 

The Cook Who Can't Eat podcast is brought to you by Holly at Well Blended Life.  Find us at www.wellblendedlife.com or on your favorite social site.
 
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I really thought accessible cooking would be this huge shift I had to make in everything I did in the kitchen. How I cook, where I cook, when I cook. Instead it was using appliances or other tools to help with chopping and cutting and other labor intensive activities. It's simplifying recipes and making sure that I have clear and easy to understand and follow instructions. Sometimes it's using ingredients that are pre-sliced or even pre-cooked. 

Food has a special ability to bring people together, and for me, cooking has never really been a chore, it's how I show love. I've always loved to cook and bake, and while I now have time, I don't have the energy and I can't eat. Something had to change, and I found a solution with accessible cooking. 

Accessible cooking is the practice of ensuring that everyone, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, can cook and prepare meals for themselves and their family.  

Learn more about what accessible cooking is, how easy it is to do, where you can find accessible recipes, and get one of my BEST accessible cooking secrets.

#chronicillness #spoonielife #accessiblecooking #accessiblerecipes #recipes 

The Cook Who Can't Eat podcast is brought to you by Holly at Well Blended Life.  Find us at www.wellblendedlife.com or on your favorite social site.
 
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Accessibility Matters:
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This episode's going to be a little different. You may have heard of the controversy happening between Candace Owens and the disabled community. While this happened a couple weeks ago, and some may say that this conversation is too late, I disagree. I think this type of conversation, education needs to continue.

Chronic illness and disabilities have long been treated like something shameful or that should be hidden away. It's usually not until a celebrity comes forward with a diagnosis that we can finally discuss that condition.

 Christopher Reeves brought our attention to spinal cord injuries, paralyzation, and even access for wheelchair users. It was rare to hear about Parkinson's before Michael J. Fox came forward with his battle.

This unfortunate pattern has continued with Lady Gaga and fibromyalgia, Selena Gomez and Lupus, Lil Wayne and epilepsy. Bella Hadid and Lyme disease. Gigi Hadid and Hashimoto's disease, Lena Dunham with endometriosis, and MS came into focus with Selma Blair and Christina Applegate. 

In fact, it wasn't until Christina Applegate participated in the backlash against Candace Owens that she and her team stopped, really looked at the ad, and realized what it was actually for. 

Although these individuals are using their notoriety and celebrity status for good and bringing attention to the realities of these diseases and the battle, no one should have to wait for a celebrity to be diagnosed with their condition before we can talk about it and learn about it. If for no other reason, we wouldn't wish our battle and our struggle on anyone. 

I ask that you listen to today's episode, share it with your people, and continue these conversations so we can help others understand the unique challenges that this community faces every day. 

This is more than just an open letter to Candace Owens and all able-bodied media

The Cook Who Can't Eat podcast is brought to you by Holly at Well Blended Life.  Find us at www.wellblendedlife.com or on your favorite social site.
 
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Accessibility Matters:
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Video with CC available on YouTube and our Website

Chronic illness and disability have their own lingo, their own jargon. While you don't need to know everything or get a medical degree, knowing the basic terms will help you navigate this complex and confusing system, and can even mean the difference between life and death. 

Chronic Illness & Disability 101 - Chapter 1 - "Talk the Talk" was recorded to help you learn to "talk the talk" in case you ever have to walk this walk. 

We don't want a big vocabulary lesson, so we are doing a give-a-way. Listen to the episode for the details! Will you be the lucky winner?

The Cook Who Can't Eat podcast is brought to you by Holly at Well Blended Life.  Find us at www.wellblendedlife.com or on your favorite social site.
 
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Accessibility Matters:
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You hear the stories, but no matter how prepared you think you are, when your kid starts soiling the nest...it is hard. The behavior and unrest is hard enough, but it's the reality that your baby is about to leave the nest that really gets you. 
There are so many emotions involved, that it's easy to miss what your kid really needs; safe ways to figure out who they are and want to be. As they push away, your instinct is to hold on tighter, but that is how things break. 
After several soil the nest seasons, here are 5 ways to help your family & your kid make it through this season, without it becoming a shit show. 

This Episode's Recipe:
These are big feelings to deal with, so comfort food sounds perfect. This Chicken Cacciatore recipe is healthy comfort food, and it is a lot easier than you would think. Grab the recipe and see how it's made on the podcast YouTube video or the website.
I have also included how to make this recipe more accessible. 

For more accessible recipes, parenting conversations, and ways to make life easier join me on social media or the blog.

The Cook Who Can't Eat podcast is brought to you by Holly at Well Blended Life.  Find us at www.wellblendedlife.com or on your favorite social site.
 
Get Social: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest

Accessibility Matters:
Audio available on all podcast platforms
Video with CC available on YouTube and our Website

More than 50% of all working adults will experience a disability or debilitating event that lasts longer than 90 days at some point in their career. Yet 65% of us, are not at all or are under prepared, for disability or a debilitating event that could last longer than 90 days. 
Why?
It's simple. 
Most people don't know the real definition of disability, how to prepare for it, or even how to protect themselves and their family if this does happen. 
You don't need a huge education on disability or chronic illness, but knowing a few basics can actually make the difference between life and death.
I'm excited to announce a Chronic Illness and Disability 101 series. This will be in addition to my normal podcast episodes, and are designed to be bite size pieces of information that will empower you if or when you have to navigate this treacherous path.
Knowledge is power, and power is how you can protect yourself and your family. 

We will have some fun with these chapters, and for a special treat grab a freshly baked cookie. Hear how I make my favorite "Anytime" Chocolate Chip Cookies. Grab the recipe from the YouTube video, or in the episode notes. 

Anytime Chocolate Chip Cookies:
4 tsp corn starch
3 c all purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt (sea salt recommended)
1 1/2 c unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 c granulated sugar
1 1/2 c brown sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
2 Tbsp vanilla extract
2-3 c chocolate chips

Sift together dry ingredients and set aside. In mixing bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing between each. Slowly add in dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips. Bake at 350 ℉ for 8-10 minutes. *To Freeze: Cover sheet pan in parchment paper, separate dough into individual balls, cover, freeze for 24 hours, transfer into resealable bag. When time to cook. Allow dough to sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes before baking. 

The Cook Who Can't Eat podcast is brought to you by Holly at Well Blended Life.  Find us at www.wellblendedlife.com or on your favorite social site.
 
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Accessibility Matters:
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Why do we all love that curly fry, waffle fry, or even onion ring that sneaks into our take-out bag? Simple...it's unexpected, delicious, and simple!

72% of all households eat fast food at least twice a week, but almost every single time they are ordering all wrong! 

When you know the right way to order your food, that bonus won't be a fry, it will be a MEAL. It's actually really easy and will save you time, energy, and money!

 I'm also sharing one of my family's favorite "Bonus Fry" meals.

NOTE: If you want to see how the meal is made or the example details, the video is available on YouTube.

The Cook Who Can't Eat podcast is brought to you by Holly at Well Blended Life.  Find us at www.wellblendedlife.com or on your favorite social site.
 
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Accessibility Matters:
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Impossible to look away, it’s like watching a train wreck. I Survived a Serial Killer . True crime series. Medical Dramas. 9/11. Mass shootings. Unexpected Hollywood death. Rubbernecking at a car accident. Damar Hamlin. 

Each one of these triggered our morbid curiosity, but they also involved medical PTSD. It wasn’t until the early 1980’s that PTSD was acknowledged, and it took until the early 2000’s for people to realized that PTSD can also be the result of medical trauma.

A large portion of the entertainment we consume goes towards satisfying our morbid curiosity. When that happens through harmless actions like historical information or willing accounts from victims, no harm no foul. However, when our curiosity causes harm to someone or triggers their PTSD, that is no longer entertainment that is hurting someone who is already hurting.

The difference can be a very fine line, but where is that line?

Full podcast episode with CC available on YouTube!

The Cook Who Can't Eat podcast is brought to you by Holly at Well Blended Life.  Find us at www.wellblendedlife.com or on your favorite social site.
 
Get Social: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest

Accessibility Matters:
Audio available on all podcast platforms
Video with CC available on YouTube and our Website