Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing

How To Make Your Garden Inviting

Your Garden needs gentle care and attention throughout the year. Of course, in the spring and summer, we clean away the winter debris, ready for outdoor parties and barbecues. Or simply just to relax in your little private space. 

However, when the winter is coming upon us, leaves from a Fall, as well as the severe weather, can cause damage to your garden. It is very important that you take a couple of steps to get your garden looking gorgeous.

Debris

Throughout the autumnal months, there will be many leaves falling, and a lot of rain too. It is very easy for your garden to go from clean and tidy to look a little bit messy, and it eventually will become hard to keep tidy. 

Head out and pick up all of the debris; then set it aside because you can use this for a protective layer of mulch for your seedlings.

Take a pair of shears or some secateurs and strip away any loose or dead branches. 

Furniture

If you have furniture in your garden, it is a great idea now to buy some furniture covers; this can protect your furniture when the weather gets more severe. Bring your furniture over the winter months also makes it much easier to clean when springtime comes around. 

Now is also the perfect time to cover your barbecue or put it in the shed, ready for use next year.

Pond

Depending on what type of pond, you will change how you need to prepare it for the winter months. If you have wildlife in your pond, it is essential that you prepare it correctly for the winter months. Getting a pond maintenance services company out to check over your pond it’s a great idea and can avoid any costly repairs or severe damage over the winter months.

Bottom to top

You must start at the bottom and work your way up. Sweep up as much as possible, and also, it is a great time to scrub your patio or your decking. This will mean there is limited damage or weathering over the fall and winter months.

To clean your decking, you simply need to have a firm, stiff brush your brush and apply pressure or use a pressure washer. The pressure washer, of course, being in the fastest way to clean those stains. 

After that, move to trimming back trees and bushes, wrapping roots in protective layers, and topping up any birdhouses with food. 

Pots

If you have plans that are dead or dying, you might have many planters that can be good and used for springtime planting. Remove all of the dead or dying plants and their roots and put them into your compost if you have one. 

Most often, the soil can be re-used, so put it somewhere safe ready for your big springtime planting session.

Your garden can be perfect all year round with just a few hours of maintenance here and there. 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Mental Health

How Dogs Can Enrich Your Life

Have you ever wondered why people say dogs are a man’s (and woman’s) best friend? Well, if you’ve ever been around one, you probably get the gist. But if not, let’s jump into the glorious, tail-wagging world of how dogs can seriously upgrade your life game!

Cardio Buddy

Who needs an expensive gym membership or a fancy treadmill collecting dust in the basement? Dogs are the ultimate workout buddies. They’re always ready for a walk or run, rain or shine. And let’s face it, when those big ol’ eyes are pleading for a jaunt around the block, who can resist?

Social Butterfly Boost

Have you ever been on a walk with a dog? You’re basically a local celebrity. People stop to chat, other dog owners give you the nod, and before you know it, you’re in a full-blown conversation about breeds, dog parks, and that cute thing your dog did last Tuesday.

Ultimate Stress Reliever

Had a rough day? Dogs have this magical ability to sense it. A snuggle on the couch, a wagging tail, and the sheer joy they show when you walk through the door can melt away the stresses of the day faster than ice cream on a hot summer’s afternoon.

While not all dogs are guard dogs, most have an innate sense of protection when it comes to their human family. Even the smallest Chihuahua can raise the alarm with their mighty bark!

 Boost That Immunity

Dogs are messy, and they’re explorers. While that means occasionally you’ll be questioning what they’re eating off the ground, it also means they’re exposing you to a world of new germs – in a good way! Regular exposure can actually boost your immunity. Who knew Fido was also your personal health guard?

Unconditional Love

Ever tried explaining to a dog that you made a mistake at work or that you forgot to pay a bill? They don’t care. They love you with a kind of purity and loyalty that’s rare in the world. It’s unconditional and unwavering. Talk about a confidence boost!

Laughter Overload

Dogs are downright goofy. From chasing their tails, getting spooked by their reflection, or just the goofy ways they play with toys, they’re a constant source of entertainment and chuckles.

A Purpose and Routine

Dogs thrive on routine, and having one can encourage you to build and maintain a daily rhythm. Morning walks, feeding times, play sessions, and bruising your labradoodle’s hair (did you know labradoodles come in many colors?) – these activities create a structure that can be incredibly beneficial, especially if you’re someone who tends to feel a bit lost without a plan.

Safety First

While not all dogs are guard dogs, most have an innate sense of protection when it comes to their human family. Even the smallest Chihuahua can raise the alarm with their mighty bark!

Learning Patience

While dogs bring joy, they can also test your patience (looking at you, chewed up shoes). But, in these moments, they teach us patience, understanding, and problem-solving. It’s all part of the package and, in the end, makes us better humans.

They Keep You Present

Dogs live in the moment. Whether they’re chasing a ball or just lounging in the sun, they’re all in. And that’s a beautiful lesson for all of us. In a world constantly pulling our attention in a million directions, dogs remind us of the beauty of the here and now.

In short, dogs aren’t just pets; they’re an upgrade to your life. They’re a constant source of fun, joy, and purpose, which is why, if you think you could give one a loving home, you should definitely consider the benefits of having a pampered pooch of your own. 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care

Daily Writing Prompt

Daily writing prompt
How do you practice self-care?

Self-care is critical to my mental health and I take time every day to take care of myself. It can be as simple as closing my computer and enjoying a candle. At night I have a relaxing routine which consist of laying down at least 45 minutes before bedtime to unwind, slather myself in body cream, use a roller ball with essential oils to use on my pulse points and turn on the ultrasonic diffuser with relaxing essential oil. I meditate to clear and head a shake off the stress and I relaxed come bedtime.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Celebrate Life · Cooking · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

5 Anti-inflammatory Summer Foods

The summer is in full swing. We may not be going out as much, but the heat is here and in this blog post I want to share with you 5 Anti-Inflammatory Summer Foods to fight the heat and pain. 

  1. Who doesn’t love a tall glass of iced tea? We found this amazing recipe for Cinnamon Turmeric Iced Tea for you to try. Green Tea or Black Tea would be some great choices, but most teas would do. The recipe calls for a sweetener of your choice, but you may want to stay away from sugar as much as possible. You can go with a few drops of stevia or a little honey. Extra points if you skip the sugar. 
  2. Frozen berries are another tasty way to stay cool this summer. Every supermarket has a frozen fruits section. Berries are full of anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants to help you fight all sorts of nasty germs. You can eat them alone or blend them into a smoothie with some almond coconut milk. 
  3. Enjoy a traditional greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, olive oil, vinegar, and feta cheese (or skip the cheese if you are vegan). 
  4. Another favorite snack for the summer is hummus with pita chips or whole grain toasted bread. Extra points if your hummus has garlic! 
  5. Finally, don’t forget to drink plenty of water. You can throw watermelon and mint into a jar with cool water the night before and the next day you can stay hydrated. 

Stay cool and fight the pain with these 5 Anti-inflammatory Summer Foods and don’t forget the sunblock!!

What are some of your favorites? Send us your suggestions and if chosen you will be featured in our social media and win a free Aromalief Cream. Send submissions to info@aromalief.com

Melinda

Reference:

Aromalief

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Travel

Tips For Leaving Your Pet Behind When You Travel

Traveling is exciting, but for pet owners, it may come with some guilt and anxiety about leaving a pet behind. Whether it’s a short weekend trip or a long vacation, leaving your pet can be difficult. But doing this is a great option if you’re worried about your pet not adjusting well to new surroundings. Thankfully, with proper preparation and planning, you can ensure your pet is safe, comfortable, and happy while away. Here are some tips for leaving your pet at home when traveling. 

Update your pet’s ID

You may think you have your pet secured indoors before you leave home, but some pets always have a way of sneaking out. So, before setting off, you should ensure your pet is wearing a collar with updated ID information on their tag. This way, you wouldn’t worry too much about your pet not returning home if it gets lost. Updating your pet’s ID tag information gives it a better chance of being returned home when it gets lost. 

Leave your pet with someone they know

There are countless reasons why you shouldn’t leave your pet at home alone. A better and safer option is to send them to someone they know. But if you choose to leave them at home, have a friend, family member, or a neighbor your pet knows and recognizes to come around. Better still, leave your pet with them at their home. And be sure to provide some supplies like food, water, waste bags, a pet first aid kit, etc. It’s important to leave your pet with someone they already know or at least someone they see regularly.

Provide your pet sitter with the updated information

After updating your pet’s ID information, be sure to tell your pet sitter if you’re opting for one. Also, please provide them with any other information they need to care for your pet in your absence. For example, what personality does your pet have? Is it quirky? Does it struggle with anxiety? Are there any health issues the pet sitter should know about? 

You might also want to allow your pet sitter to meet with your pet several times before you leave. They way, the two will establish a good relationship and get to know each other. That makes it easier for both parties to get along in your absence. 

Assess your pet’s needs

Different pets have different personalities. And while some pets do well when left alone, other pets will pretty much get depressed without the presence of their caretakers, especially if it’s a long absence. In general, pets that are used to having a lot of interactions with others may struggle on their own when left alone for longer periods, while pets that prefer isolation will not mind (perhaps not even notice) your absence. Dogs, for example, are very social, with most breeds experiencing separation anxiety when left alone for longer periods. If your dog does not do well alone, consider hiring a dog sitter or enrolling them in a boarding school for dogs. Also, younger pets may not do well alone, compared to older ones, as they still need a lot of interaction. 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · Cooking · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Veggie-Lovers Rejoice: Create Delicious Meatless Meals with These Easy Steps

If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, or just trying to reduce your meat intake, you know how hard it can be to come up with tasty and creative meatless meals. But don’t despair! With a few easy steps, you can make delicious and nutritious meals without worrying about hurting any animals in the process. Whether you prefer something simple and savory, or something more exotic, these tips will help make your next meat-free meal absolutely scrumptious!

Get creative

Now that you have the basics covered, it’s time to get creative! Start by looking up vegetarian and vegan recipes online or in cookbooks for inspiration. From there, you can customize any recipe with your favorite ingredients, herbs, and spices to make it truly unique. You can even modify traditional dishes like lasagna or chili to make them meatless without losing their flavor.

For a quick and easy meal consider making a veggie-loaded wrap; all you need is a whole wheat tortilla plus whatever vegetables and condiments you have on hand. If you’re having guests over, try making an appetizing roasted vegetable platter accompanied by hummus or tzatziki dip. And don’t limit yourself to recipes – you can also have fun creating your own dishes by experimenting with new flavor combinations.

Try New Recipes

Trying new recipes is a great way to expand your culinary knowledge and creativity when it comes to cooking meatless meals. With vegan and vegetarian cuisine becoming increasingly popular, there’s no shortage of exciting recipes out there waiting to be discovered. To liven up your meal routine, try looking for recipes from around the world — like vegan tacos with sautéed veggies and black beans, Thai stir-fries, or Mediterranean salads — as these dishes are often packed with flavor and nutrition.

When trying something new, it’s important to read the recipe carefully so that you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. In addition, pay attention to details such as how long certain ingredients need to cook or how much seasoning should be used. If possible, watch a video of someone else making the recipe first as this can help you better understand the steps involved in making the dish. It may also be helpful to make notes of any changes you may want to make next time such as increasing spices or adding more vegetables for extra flavor.

Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself if the recipe doesn’t turn out exactly as planned! Cooking is an art form and even experienced chefs have mishaps from time to time. Making mistakes is part of the learning process and can lead to some amazing discoveries along the way! So don’t be afraid to get creative with your cooking and enjoy exploring new flavors!

In conclusion, meatless meals can be both delicious and nutritious. By following the steps outlined above you will be well on your way to creating flavorful, satisfying dishes that even meat-eaters would enjoy. So get cooking and start exploring a whole world of exciting meatless options!

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · Family · Fun

Daily Writing Prompt

Daily writing prompt
Which food, when you eat it, instantly transports you to childhood?

There are several food items that remind me of childhood but the one that rises to the top is a multi-flavored snow cone. I can’t recall the last time I saw a snow cone truck or store but no doubt they are out there. I can still hear the music blaring from the snow cone truck, and running out to get my delcious treat.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Today in History

I’m so glad you stopped by today, and I hope to see you again soon.

1969 200,000 attend Newport ’69, then largest-ever pop concert in Northridge, California. Jimi Hendrix paid $120,000 to perform.

1970 Oriole’s Brooks Robinson get his 2,000 career hit, a 3 run HR.

1974 “Chinatown“, directed by Roman Polanski starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway, is released.

1975 Film “Jaws”, based on the book by Peter Benchley, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Roy Scheider is released.

1979 US President Jimmy Carter unveils 32 solar panels installed on the roof of the White House; his immediate successor has them removed.

1980 Musical comedy film “The Blues Brothers”, starring Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, and featuring appearances by Aretha FranklinCab Calloway; and Ray Charles opens in 594 theaters.

1989 Warner Bros Records releases the eleventh studio album by singer Prince, the soundtrack to the film “Batman”, it features the single “Batdance”.

1994 Former NFL running back, broadcaster and actor O.J. Simpson arraigned on murder of Nicole Simpson & Ronald Goldman.

2015 1,000 humanoid robots named “Pepper” sell out in under a minute at $1,600 each in Japan, according to their creator, SoftBank Robotics Corp.

2017 Tiger Woods checks into a clinic to manage his pain medication and sleep disorder, following his arrest for driving under the influence.

2019 David Gilmour auctions 126 of his guitars for record-breaking $21M USD, including “The Black Strat,” a 1969 Fender Stratocaster used on Pink Floyd albums “The Dark Side of the Moon,” “Wish You Were Here.” and “The Wall” ($3.975M), at Christie’s in New York City; charity auction proceeds earmarked to fight against climate change.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Mental Health · Music

#Weekend Music Share-Boston – More Than a Feeling (Official HD Video)

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

 I’m glad you joined me for another edition of Weekend Music Share this week.

Have a great weekend!

Melinda

Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.

Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.