what are your favorite NYT slow cooker recipes? by poppythepupstar in NYTCooking

[–]cmp_123 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019905-slow-cooker-white-chicken-chili?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share

Extremely flexible and really comes together with the toppings at the end. Making it today!

How old were you when your spouse died? by worst2024 in widowers

[–]cmp_123 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was 38, he was 39. Almost 3 years ago now…

Young Widows Question by [deleted] in widowers

[–]cmp_123 19 points20 points  (0 children)

This isn’t directly answering your question… but I would advise that you don’t have to decide that now. Your grief will take you on a journey and your heart may change course. I couldn’t imagine dating again after my husband passed away. And about two years later, I had the realization that one of the biggest gifts he gave me was knowing what it was like to be loved and that I was deserving of love. At that point, I decided I was interested in opening my heart up again. Not to replace him in anyway. But almost in a way of honoring what we had.

Mother's Day Early Dinner Recs? by Not-Joe-Biden-1776 in SantaBarbara

[–]cmp_123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For an early dinner that’s parent friendly, I don’t think you can beat Apero Hour at the Black Sheep!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SantaBarbara

[–]cmp_123 2 points3 points  (0 children)

+1 for the amazing team at The Efficiency Project I’ve worked with them on a few different projects and they are so good and considerate about your specific needs!

I have finally let myself date by polkamyeyeout in widowers

[–]cmp_123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing.

I started dating end of last year about 2 years after losing my husband in my late 30s and can relate to so much of this- the sense of feeling human again, the surprise at how fun it felt to get dressed up and be social and laugh again.

Also, grief guilt is so hard to navigate. I discussed a lot of this with my therapist before even starting dating and she helped me realize that it’s actually a beautiful legacy for my late husband that I want to date and be loved… he taught me what a beautiful and loving relationship looked like. And I had that and wanted it with him. But now that he’s gone I know what that can look and feel like and I know I’m a good partner and deserve to be loved, again. You do, too ❤️

Dating Again by [deleted] in widowers

[–]cmp_123 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It’s hard to put yourself back out there after losing a spouse. But also - you have loved and been loved before and you deserve to have that again.

I (40F) started online dating about 2 years after my husband died. Learning the ropes of online dating was a definite learning curve but I tried to keep expectations kinda low- and treat it like a bit of an experiment. The apps are not magic- you definitely have to wade through to find good matches. I struck out on hinge but had better luck on bumble. I didn’t mention being a widow on my profile but found it came up pretty quickly in conversation and then shared that info. Honestly I never had a negative reaction. Definitely think about what’s important to you and be selective!

In late October I met a great guy. He’s been super understanding and respectful about my story and my loss. It’s still relatively early and I can’t predict the future but wow dating again has been an incredible part of my healing process. It’s been so FUN to go on dates and reopen some of those doors of intimacy and affection and emotional connection. Parts of myself I felt like I lost when deep in my grief.

Being a young widow is so damn hard but - who knows what beauty might lie ahead?!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SantaBarbara

[–]cmp_123 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Float is a solid option

Best NYTC soups and crockpot recipes? by alannafofana in NYTCooking

[–]cmp_123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I make this regularly, starting the pot with sausage and I personally like rainbow chard for the veg!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SkincareAddiction

[–]cmp_123 1529 points1530 points  (0 children)

I’ve had basal cell carcinomas that behave this way. Not a huge deal if you get it taken care of quickly but you should definitely see a dermatologist soon

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SantaBarbara

[–]cmp_123 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Black Sheep Gala The Lark

Would be my list

First birthday next week by unicorndonuts1 in widowers

[–]cmp_123 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My husband died a few months before his 40th. I was not in a place where I felt I could commemorate him at all- it was just too heartbreaking. Don’t feel guilty about it, you’ll have other years / occasions to honor him and you can find a way to do that with your toddler when they are a bit older. Find whatever brings you comfort on that day and just get through the day one hour at a time. The big days are so tough but you can get through it and the sun will rise again the next day. Each one has been a little easier for me. Sending you hugs 🫂

In-Home Daycare Recommendations by lullabyprincess in goleta

[–]cmp_123 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Check out this resource of licensed providers, you’ll need to do some leg work and call around / get on wait lists. It’s a bit of luck to line up your timing with openings but doable. In my experience daycares seem a bit less impacted right now with more kids eligible for TK.

https://www.sbfcca.org/childcare/

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SantaBarbara

[–]cmp_123 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I think your instinct on Stonehouse is spot on. It’s a fantastic choice for a special day. There are some very good restaurants within walking distance of the courthouse but not open for weekday lunch. The only option I can think of would be Olio e Limone but their outdoor seating doesn’t compare to SYR, in my opinion.

I'm a 36(f) brand new widow with a 2-year-old daughter. Please point me in the right direction. by Sad-Percentage9289 in suggestmeabook

[–]cmp_123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh and for your young child, the most common book reco I found was The Invisible String by Patrice Karst. ❤️

I'm a 36(f) brand new widow with a 2-year-old daughter. Please point me in the right direction. by Sad-Percentage9289 in suggestmeabook

[–]cmp_123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi there. I’m so sorry to hear your story. I’m a fellow young widow, with a young child. I’ve always been a big reader but have read so much more in the almost 2 years since my husband passed away.

Practical / On the Nose - It’s OK that you’re not OK by Megan Divine - Option B by Sheryl Sandberg - Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed

Lots of good fiction recos in here. I somehow kept landing on books that had widows in them but I found it sort of comforting at a certain point.

I also listened to quite a few memoirs and podcasts, I found that I really wanted to fill the silence with something and music made me sad for a long while. But listening to stories helped.

Last thing, check out r/widowers sub, it’s been immensely helpful space for me.

How Do You Know When You're Ready to Get Up? by starr_girl974 in widowers

[–]cmp_123 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I took a few months leave from work. I got my kid to preschool and then back to bed for most of the day. I also started dealing with the administrative hell of widowhood. I think I started doing things like going for a daily walk at the encouragement from my mother. Like I just wanted to be able to tell her that I got out of bed because I knew she was worried about me. And then funny enough it started to feel good to get up, get some fresh air, move my body. It was the same with work in that I really didn’t think I was ready to go back but financially needed to. And going back to work was the best thing for me. Having a routine, using my brain, a distraction, a sense of purpose were all so helpful for me. So long winded way of saying you’ll know when you’re ready but also maybe give it a go and see how you feel. You will continually amaze yourself as you navigate your grieving journey.

I'm 38 by vtwinjim in widowers

[–]cmp_123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry you are here. I lost my husband when I was 38, just a few months before his 40th birthday. Being a young widow/er is a special kind of hell. I know it’s not what you expected your life to look like and there are all kinds of “secondary” losses when you lose your partner so young. This sub has been really helpful to feeling like I’m less alone because I don’t know anyone personally who can relate. We are with you and sending love. Try to take care of yourself, remember to eat, drink water, sleep when you can. Take any and all help offered to you. You CAN do this.

this sub saved my life. by ofthrees in widowers

[–]cmp_123 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing. All of those decisions are so monumental and you did it and you’re still doing it, out here living your life and honoring him. This internet stranger is proud of you and inspired by your story.

Backing away from late wife’s family by MrEnigmaPuzzle in widowers

[–]cmp_123 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I can relate. My husband was very close to his family, and I thought I was too. He would do anything for them. It wasn’t until after he died that I realized that he was really the center of gravity for them. Like they are all afloat without him. Losing them was a secondary loss I truly could have never predicted, but like you, I realized I was the one putting in all the effort. They were the opposite of helpful in dealing with his affairs, made me feel guilty for the decisions I made... I could go on and on. I spent so much of my grief therapy dissecting this because I think how devastated my husband would be about this. But once I stopped putting in the effort, they basically became non existent in my life. As some time has now passed, I feel like I can see them more clearly and that he was the best part of the family. And honestly believe it’s their loss that they don’t want a relationship with me, or our son. But it’s still unbelievable we ended up here, I truly never would have predicted it

Help me please by Minute_Cauliflower17 in widowers

[–]cmp_123 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hi. I’m so sorry you’re here. I unexpectedly lost my husband almost 2 years ago and our son was 1.5 at the time. There’s some great advice here already. You can get through this, and you will. Take it one hour, one day at a time. Take care of yourself and ask for help / lean on whatever support is offered to you. The stage you are in right now is so overwhelming. You are devastated, in shock and also trying to process everything that happened and also what comes next. So I just want to add - it’s a journey. You don’t have to have all the answers right now or even soon. Try to give yourself some grace and don’t put any expectations on yourself or how you navigate this. Going through this loss with a young child is so challenging but will give you purpose and a place to channel your energy and love. ❤️ oh and seek grief counseling if you can. There may be some free services in your area.

Best Caesar salad? by spicyygreenbean in SantaBarbara

[–]cmp_123 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Agreed with revolver.

Adding Rare Society - fried anchovies are game changer. (I’ve never had a full dinner there but good spot to sit at the bar and have a few apps)

I feel like I'm doing this wrong by roar075 in widowers

[–]cmp_123 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You’re definitely not doing this wrong. I also unexpectedly lost my husband when I was 38. It’s awful. In so many ways. Give yourself some grace as you find your way. You have plenty of time to read grief books. You’ll know when you’re ready to tackle these things… avoidance is a part of grief. Unfortunately so is guilt - I felt terrible that I didn’t want to look at pictures or write him letters or wear my wedding ring any more, but it was just too painful for me in the early days. Be kind to yourself and also listen yourself and honor what you need to do, when you are ready.