In a bowl, mix together the Castile soap, coconut oil, and essential oils. Add salt and sugar, and stir to combine. Store the scrub in a glass jar. To use, add a small amount of warm water to your and, scrubbing off any excess dirt. Rise with warm water and enjoy your newly moisturized hands.
Use clean, sterilized spray bottles, containers, and tools when making natural products. The dishwasher works well to clean and sterilize tools, particularly for something that will be stored long term. Wipe out any jars or bottles with 100% vinegar before adding a product to the container. Make sure to use clean hands or tools when using and applying the product.
Water Safety
Distilled (or boiled & cooled) water is best to use for any homemade product calling for water because it removes any potential contaminants. Tap water should be boiled for 15 minutes and cooled before use.
Label Products
Label your products with the name and date made. This can be as basic as using a permanent marker to write directly on glass or tape.
Avoid Mixing Certain Products
There are a few ingredients that should not be mixed together due to chemical reactions: this applies mainly to cleaning products.
There are mainly three notorious natural combos, using, using four different ingredients (baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and Castile soap) that should be avoided.
Storage Tips
Store your products in a dark, cool place. Store them in airtight containers to eliminate humidity and other contaminants. Reduce the chance of outside water coming into contact with the product; for example, scoop out a scrub with a spoon rather than your fingers.
Using a motor and pestle or coffee grinder, lightly crush or grind the juniper berries. For the cold-pressed foldlore theodicy, add crushed, rosemary, and calendula petals to a sterilized jar. Top with hemp seed and jojoba oils and seal the jar. Shake to combine and place in a cool dry place for four to six weeks. Give the jar a good shake every few days to aid the infusion. Once the oils are infused, place a layer of cheesecloth over the jar, using the ring to secure it. With the help of a funnel, pour the cooled oil into dropper bottles.
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.
I moved to a new apartment for my job and it had a nice fireplace. I was so excited until I lit it. I knew nothing about fireplaces and didn’t open the flue. My place filled with smoke, and my fire detector was going crazy. I ran downstairs to the only person I had met and he opened the flue for me. What an embarrassment. It got black gunk on the only expensive piece of art I owned.
I’ve always been a curious person, even as a child I was always getting into trouble. When I was five years old, I snuck into the janitor’s closet at daycare. There were big plastic buckets of paint. I opened the lid on one and it looked dried out. So I stuck my arm in the paint and to my surprise only the top was dry. I had to tell on myself because my arm was covered to the shoulder and dripping paint.
This is one of my best stories and one that makes me laugh every time. I stopped to get gas, I put the nozzle in the car as always and put my card in to pay. It wasn’t working, after a few tries, I went in to see what was up. The guy said they were changing shifts and it would be another 30 minutes before the pumps would work. I was so angry, I jumped in my car and took off. I’m driving up the street and people are pointing to the back of my car. I then realized I had torn the nozzle off the gas pump. I laughed till I cried. I got home and threw it in the trash.
When I was 12 years old, my dad’s friend left his car at the house. It was a hot rod and I wanted to drive it. I didn’t know how to drive but I was determined. I asked Daddy, and he said no of course. He was on the phone so when he got really involved in the call, I grabbed the keys and went for a ride. I drove it around the cuddle de sac and back to the house. I parked, then thought I was too far away from the curb so I moved it. The only problem was we had a fire hydrate by our driveway and I got on the gas too much and ran right into the fire hydrant. My dad came out screaming words I won’t use here but he was a maniac.
My best friend was close to my grandparents, one day she placed a huge cucumber in the toilet. She didn’t even tell me. Gramps was the victim! He got such a kick out of it.
These are the Hotel Stories
During the construction of a swanky hotel, I lived in the hotel until our job was completed. My job was to expedite all the furniture, carpet, and artwork for the hotel and at night I ran a temporary crew of about 10 guys. The halls were not carpeted so I wore my roller skates to make sure they were putting furniture in the right room and placed where specified. I did this for 8 months, it was exhausting but I learned so much.
Speaking of the hotels, the same one, all the craftspeople were still working so getting in an elevator is always a wait because there are so many waiting for two construction elevators. One day my boss and I were going to lunch, a full elevator stopped and I jumped in. The doors didn’t shut, and people were hanging on to me, as we fell four floors landing in the basement. My boss did not get on the elevator and he was looking for and couldn’t find me. I was in shock and had crawled around the corner leaning on a wall-shaking, and thinking I could have died.
Also while working at the same hotel, the Fire Department was testing the fire alarms all the time, several times a day. We stopped paying attention and kept working. A Fire Marshal comes into our office and says the fire is in this room. I looked down and sure enough, my trashcan was on fire. Guess my cigarettes were the cause.
At night before the team started placing furniture in the rooms, we would meet in a staging area and discuss the plan for the night. I also ran the elevator while they worked. We always had to use the service elevator. I had the elevator stop between floors on me, one not open, and one time I had to crawl out the top. Not to mention falling four floors. Surprisingly, I’m not afraid of elevators.
Fact: Cap’n Crunch’s full name is Horatio Magellan Crunch
He’s also been called out for only having the bars of a Navy commander, but the so-called cap’n held his ground on Twitter, arguing that captaining the S. S. Guppy with his crew “makes an official Cap’n in any book!” For more fun facts, find out other characters you didn’t know had full names.
Fact: The CIA headquarters has its own Starbucks, but baristas don’t write names on the cups
Fact: Europeans were scared of eating tomatoes when they were introduced
Scholars think Hernán Cortés brought the seeds in 1519 with the intent of the fruits being used ornamentally in gardens. By the 1700s, aristocrats started eating tomatoes, but they were convinced the fruits were poison because people would die after eating them. In reality, the acidity from the tomatoes brought out lead in their pewter plates, so they’d died of lead poisoning. These facts about our world are so surprising, they’re hard to believe.
Fact: The inventor of the microwave appliance only received $2 for his discovery
Percy Spencer was working as a researcher for American Appliance Company (now Raytheon) when he noticed a radar set using electromagnetic waves melted the candy bar in his pocket. He had the idea to make a metal box using microwaves to heat food, but the company was the one to file the patent. He received a $2 bonus but never any royalties. Here are 16 more random facts about money.
Fact: The Eiffel Tower can grow more than six inches during the summer
A cattle rancher in New Jersey is credited for inventing glitter, and it was by accident. Henry Ruschmann from Bernardsville, New Jersey was a machinist who crushed plastic while trying to find a way to dispose of it and thus made glitter in 1934.
Fact: Creature is a vegetarian
Victor Frankenstein’s Creature is actually vegetarian. Frankenstein and Creature are fictional characters created by Mary Shelley in her novel, Frankenstein. In the novel, Creature says, “My food is not that of man; I do not destroy the lamb and the kid to glut my appetite; acorns and berries afford me sufficient nourishment.”
So glad you are enjoying these post, I love hearing your hilarious comments.
As a beginner photographer, the allure of image manipulation can be hard to resist. With powerful editing software at your fingertips, it’s tempting to transform your photos dramatically. However, without understanding the potential side effects, excessive manipulation can do more harm than good. It often takes years of practice to master the subtlety and restraint needed to enhance images effectively without compromising their integrity.
Understanding Image Manipulation
Image manipulation involves altering or enhancing a photograph using various techniques and tools. This can range from basic adjustments like brightness and contrast to more complex edits like retouching, compositing, and adding special effects. While these tools can significantly improve a photo, they can also lead to over-manipulation if not used judiciously.
The Allure of Excessive Editing
For beginners, the excitement of discovering what editing software can do often leads to over-manipulation. Bright colors, extreme contrasts, and flawless skin retouching might initially seem appealing. However, these edits can quickly turn a natural-looking photograph into an unrealistic image that loses its original essence and authenticity.
Side Effects of Over-Manipulation
Loss of Authenticity: Over-editing can make photos look artificial. The charm of a photograph often lies in its natural imperfections, and excessive manipulation can strip away the authenticity that makes an image relatable and engaging.
Reduced Image Quality: Excessive editing, especially when applying filters and effects, can degrade the quality of the image. Overuse of sharpening tools can introduce noise, while aggressive color adjustments can lead to unnatural hues and tonal imbalances.
Viewer Distrust: In an era where authenticity is highly valued, overly manipulated images can lead to viewer distrust. Audiences today are more aware of photo editing techniques and can easily spot when an image has been excessively altered.
Time-Consuming: Spending too much time on editing can be counterproductive. While post-processing is important, it’s essential to strike a balance to ensure you’re not spending more time editing than shooting.
Skill Dependency: Relying heavily on editing software can hinder the development of essential photography skills. It’s crucial to learn how to capture well-composed, properly exposed images in-camera to minimize the need for extensive post-processing.
Finding the Right Balance
Learn the Basics: Start with basic adjustments like exposure, contrast, and color correction. Mastering these foundational edits will help you understand how to enhance your photos without overdoing it.
Preserve Natural Elements: Aim to retain the natural elements of your photographs. Enhance features that draw attention to your subject without overshadowing the overall composition.
Seek Feedback: Share your edited photos with more experienced photographers and ask for their feedback. Constructive criticism can help you recognize when you’ve gone too far with your edits.
Practice Restraint: Less is often more in photo editing. Use a light touch and make incremental changes. Step away from your work and return with fresh eyes to evaluate your edits before finalizing them.
Develop Your Style: Over time, you’ll develop a unique editing style that enhances your work without compromising its integrity. Experiment with different techniques, but always prioritize the story and emotion you want your photo to convey.
Conclusion
Image manipulation is a powerful tool in a photographer’s arsenal, but it requires skill and restraint to use effectively. As a beginner, it’s crucial to understand the potential pitfalls of over-manipulation and strive to find a balance that enhances your images without detracting from their authenticity. With time, practice, and a focus on developing your photography skills, you’ll learn to create stunning images that resonate with viewers and stand the test of time.
Keep experimenting! May your photographic journey be filled with endless discoveries and captivating narratives. If you’re curious to explore more captivating images and the stories behind them,
Here are a few products I’m loving right now. I hope you find a product to add to your household or self-care routine. The list may also give you ideas for a surprise for friends and family. Most products are found on Amazon. I’m not an Amazon Affiliate, I do not make a commission on anything you buy, and using the links does not cost you more.
Verilux HappyLight Lumi Plus
Light Therapy Lamp with 10,000 Lux, UV-Free, LED Bright White Light with Adjustable Brightness, Countdown Timer, & Detachable Stand – Boost Mood, Sleep, and Focus.
Customizable Lighting Experience: Personalize your light therapy with 3 brightness settings and a convenient countdown timer programmable up to 1 hour in 15-minute increments.
I have been feeling down and some of it may be because it’s Winter and there is less light. Therapy Lights are a great way to get extra light in that they mimic sunlight. I use mine for an hour a day.
Andalou Naturals Body Butter
Kukui Cocoa Nourishing Body Cream, 8 Oz, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter & Argan Oil for Dry Skin, Vegan.
Nourishing Body Butter: This luscious body butter blends shea and cocoa butter with argan oil to nourish, smooth and soften the appearance of dry skin. This rich, nourishing lotion helps hydrate.
This was purchased at Whole Foods, an Amazon grocery store, but Amazon may also carry the product.
This body butter is the best! It comes in a tube and it’s creamy and soft, soaks in quickly, and leaves no greasy residue. The cocoa smell is delicious but not overwhelming and it’s long lasting.
HENCKELS Razor-Sharp Steak Knife Set of 8
German Engineered Informed by 100+ Years of Mastery, Black
SET INCLUDES: Set of eight
SHARP BLADE: Large serrations containing smaller serrations ensure sharpness
QUALITY MANUFACTURING: 4.5 inches steel blades will stay sharp for years
BALANCED KNIFE: Triple riveted handles provide strength and longevity
EASY CLEAN UP: Dishwasher safe; hand washing recommended
Our cheap knife set had seen better days. When I was searching for an upgraded set, not an expensive set, they had to go in the dishwasher. We have a set of expensive Henkels but don’t use them because they have to be hand-washed, I used them when I was single. This set was at a great price point and the blades are sharp.
Bedsure Calming Dog Bed for Small Dogs
Donut Washable Small Pet Bed, 23 inches Anti-Slip Round Fluffy Plush Faux Fur Large Cat Bed, Fits up to 25 lbs Pets, Camel.
Soothing Support: This donut dog bed is ideal for pets who love to curl up. The raised rim snuggles your cat or dog, offering optimal head and neck support and a sense of security. Premium ultra-soft filling offers joint and muscle pain relief.
I have two of these beds and our dogs love them, I often find them asleep with their heads over the edge sleeping. The fabric is shaggy, soft and warm. I put one of their blankets in there and they love it.
Lesure Waterproof Puppy Blanket for Small Dogs
Washable Double Sided Dog Blankets with Warm Jacquard Shag and Soft Sherpa Fleece, Pet Cat Blanket for Couch Protection, 3D Textured Cloud, Blue.
Cuddle-Ready Comfort: One up your snuggle game with Lesure’s waterproof blanket! The feel of soothing Sherpa on one side and an extra plush Jacquard shag on the flip side promises your furry friend’s ultimate warmth and coziness. Light as a feather, this blanket shields your beloved pets from the chill and damp, keeping them toasty and comfy.
The blanket is two-sided and my dogs love the sherpa side, it’s warm and comfy. Our little dog has not shown interest in blankets before but she is attached to this one.
A few drops orange & ginger essential oils (optional)
Salve tins
To Make
In a jar, combine jojoba oil, orange peel, and ginger root. Secure the lid, and store in a dark place for at least two weeks to infuse. Strain the oil and set it aside. In a double boiler over medium heat, combine the infused oil, beeswax, and cocoa butter. Stir until fully melted, about three minutes, and turn the heat off. If using essential oils, add them to the mixture and stir well. Pour the mixture into salve tines, and let it sit for at least an hour until hardened and fully set.
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series. I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their blog with you. This week, we highlight Love, Life, Happiness, and More. Tina started blogging in 2020 and has never looked back. She has a big heart, and one of the goals of her blog is to motivate and inspire. We have not followed each other long but she always brightens my day.
Let’s chat! marriage, love, daily motivation, uplifting, self-love & more
Hello, I’m Tina!
I crave peace, and happiness.
I’m a blogger and I love encouraging, inspiring, and motivating people. If you enjoy any of these you are definitely in the right place. 😌
The name of my blog is ~ Love, Life, Happiness & More.
The name comes from what I enjoy, every word means something special to me. I love others, life is what you make it, happiness is a choice, and so much more.
I absolutely love blogging!
Questions I asked Tina:
M. What is your favorite post and why?
T. My favorite post would be Thankful Thursday. I have dedicated Thursday’s to expressing my gratitude for GOD blessings.
M. What was the catalyst that made you decide to start a blog?
T. Starting a blog meant I could start writing. I knew it would be putting myself out there like never before but, I was excited and ready. What the world needs is love, motivation, and peace and that’s what I love blogging about.
Read Tina’s Thankful Thursday post from 2/13/25 HERE.
One of my favorite posts from 2024 is If someone..
The post is about helping someone who seems down or having trouble. Be the rock for them. The message reminds us to think about others.
Stop by and pull up a chair to read through her archives, you will leave inspired.
In a large bowl, combine herbs. You may want to break up the larger red clover and calendar flower heads if you are using whole flowers so they will be more evenly distributed within the mixture. Stir to combine with a wooden spoon, and scoop into a glass jar. Store out of direct sunlight. To use as a simple bath tea, fill a linen tea bag with the hears, tie it tightly, and place in a warm bath.
In a plastic or glass bowl, mix together the bentonite clay, activated charcoal, apple cider vinegar, and essential oils if desired, using a wooden or plastic spoon. To use, apply the face mask to a clean face or other trouble areas using the silicone face spatula or clean fingers. Allow mixture to harden slightly, about 5-10 minutes, and rinse off with warm water. It’s best to do this in the shower because it can be messy. For best results, use one a week.
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.
Some heartfelt advice from writer Bill Bernat, who’s been there
When I lived with severe depression and social anxiety, I found it extremely difficult to talk to strangers. Yet the one conversation that uplifted me more than any other occurred in the dining hall of the mental health wing of a mountain-town hospital. I met a woman who told me that a few days earlier, she’d driven her Jeep Wrangler to the edge of the Grand Canyon. She sat there, revving the engine and thinking about driving over.
She described what had been going on in her life in the days and months leading up, what her thoughts were at that exact moment, why she wanted to die, and why she didn’t do it. We nodded and half-smiled, and then it was my turn to talk about my journey to our table in that fine dining establishment. I had taken too many sleeping pills. After the doctors treated me, they were like, “Hey, we’d love it if you would be our guest in the psych ward!”
That day, she and I talked shop. She allowed me to be deeply depressed and simultaneously have a genuine connection to another person. For the first time, I identified as someone living with depression and I felt, oddly, good about it — or rather, like I wasn’t a bad person for having it.
Now, imagine one of the people at that table was a member of your family or a close friend who told you they were really depressed. Would you be comfortable talking to them?
Depression doesn’t diminish a person’s desire to connect with other people, just their ability.
The World Health Organization says that depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide, affecting more than 300 million people. In the United States, the National Institute of Mental Health reports 7 percent of Americans experience depression in a year. But while depression is super common, in my experience most folks don’t want to talk to depressed people unless we pretend to be happy. So we learn to put on a cheerful façade for casual interactions, like buying a pumpkin spice latte. The average barista doesn’t want to know that a customer is trapped in the infinite darkness of their soul.
Depression doesn’t diminish a person’s desire to connect with other people, just their ability. And despite what you might think, talking to friends and family living with depression can be easy and maybe fun. Not like Facebook-selfie-with-Lady-Gaga-at-an-underground-party fun — instead, I’m talking about the kind of fun where people enjoy each other’s company effortlessly, no one feels awkward, and no one accuses the sad person of ruining the holidays.
There’s a chasm that exists. On one side are people with depression, and on the other side is everyone else and they’re asking, “Why you gotta be so depressed?”
I’ve noticed there’s a chasm that exists. On the one side are those people living with depression, who may act in off-putting or confusing ways because they’re fighting a war in their head that nobody else can see. On the other side is everyone else, and they’re looking across the divide, shaking their heads, and asking, ‘Why you gotta be so depressed?’
I began battling depression when I was eight, and decades later, to my surprise, I started winning that battle. I shifted from being miserable much of the time to enjoying life. Today I live pretty well with bipolar disorder, and I’ve overcome some other mental health conditions, like overeating, addiction and social anxiety. As someone who lives on both sides of this chasm, I want to offer you some guidance based on my experiences to help you build a bridge across. I’ve also talked to a lot of people who’ve lived with depression to refine these suggestions.
Please don’t let our lack of bubbly happiness freak you out. Sadness doesn’t need to be treated with the urgency of a shark attack.
Before I get to the do’s, here are some some things you might want to avoid when talking to someone who’s depressed.
Don’t say “Just get over it.” That’s a great idea – we love it — but there’s just one problem: we already thought of that. The inability to “just get over it” is depression. Depression is an illness, so it’s no different from telling someone with a broken ankle or cancer to “just get over it.” Try not to fix us — your pressure to be “normal” can make us depressed people feel like we’re disappointing you.
Don’t insist that the things which make other people feel better will work for us. For example, you cannot cure clinical depression by eating ice cream, which is unfortunate because that would be living the dream.
Don’t take it personally if we respond negatively to your advice. I have a friend who, about a year ago, messaged me saying he was feeling really isolated and depressed. I suggested some things for him to do, and he was like, “No, no, and no.” I got mad, like, “How dare he not embrace my brilliant wisdom!” Then I remembered the times I’ve been depressed and how I thought I was doomed in all possible futures and everybody hated me. It didn’t matter how many people told me otherwise; I didn’t believe them. So I let my friend know I cared, and I didn’t take his response personally.
Don’t think that being sad and being OK are incompatible. Please don’t let our lack of bubbly happiness freak you out. Sadness does not need to be treated with the urgency of a shark attack. Yes, we can be sad and OK at the exact same time. TV, movies, popular songs and even people tell us if we’re not happy, there’s something wrong. We’re taught that sadness is unnatural, and we must resist it. In truth, it’s natural and it’s healthy to accept sadness and know it won’t last forever.
Talk to a depressed person as if their life is just as valuable, intense and beautiful as yours.
And here are some do’s.
Do talk to us in your natural voice. You don’t need to put on a sad voice because we’re depressed; do you sneeze when you’re talking to somebody with a cold? It’s not rude for you to be upbeat around us.
Do absolve yourself of responsibility for the depressed person. You might be afraid that if you talk to them, you’re responsible for their well-being, that you need to “fix” them and solve their problems. You’re not expected to be Dr. Phil — just be friendly, more like Ellen. You may worry that you won’t know what to say, but words are not the most important thing — your presence is.
Do be clear about what you can and cannot do for us. I’ve told people, “Hey, call or text me anytime, but I might not be able to get back to you that same day.” It’s totally cool for you to make a narrow offer with really clear boundaries. Give us a sense of control by getting our consent about what you’re planning to do. A while back when I was having a depressive episode, a friend reached out and said, “Hey, I want to check in with you. Can I call you every day? Or, maybe text you every day and call you later in the week? What works for you?” By asking for my permission, she earned my confidence and remains one of my best friends today.
Do interact with us about normal stuff or ask us for help. When people were worried about a friend of mine, they’d call him and ask if he wanted to go shopping or help them clean out their garage. This was a great way to reach out. They were engaging with him without calling attention to his depression. He knew they cared, but he didn’t feel embarrassed or like a burden. (Yes, your depressed friends could be a good source of free labor!) Invite them to contribute to your life in some way, even if it’s as small as asking you to go see a movie that you wanted to see in the theater.
This is, by no means, a definitive list. All of these suggestions are grounded in one guiding principle: speaking to someone like they belong and can contribute. That’s what allowed the woman in the Jeep Wrangler to start me on my path to recovery without even trying: She spoke to me like I was OK and had something to offer exactly as I was at that moment. Talk to a depressed person as if their life is just as valuable, intense and beautiful as yours. If you focus on that, it might just be the most uplifting conversation of their life.
Bill Bernat is a technology marketer, Comedy Central comedian, and The Moth Radio Hour storyteller living in Seattle. He brings awareness and humor to mental health in his award-winning show, Becoming More Less Crazy. He also leads storytelling workshops and fundraisers for nonprofit organizations.
Money can be one of the worst things for making you worry; indeed, a lot of people can feel like their mental well-being has been effectively ruined by their financial insecurity. It’s a very serious thing – almost half of the people currently in debt also report having mental health issues.
If that also sounds like you, being able to take more control over your finances is key to achieving greater peace and stability in your lifestyle. Of course, learning to live with and/or manage your money worries is only part of the solution, but it’s essential to do. But don’t worry, you don’t have to take this challenge on alone – here are some tips for stopping your money worries from overwhelming you.
Don’t ever let your finances go unchecked; face your fears and confront the problem head-on by keeping up with how your bank account, credit scores, and any other financial platforms you’re a part of our functioning.
Because when you’re aware, you’re in control. You’re able to face the problem and prevent it from becoming a bigger problem before it ever gets the chance. And you can make this easy for yourself. For example, if you’ve got car insurance to pay for, be sure to make it easy to check in by using something like a direct auto insurance account to keep up to date straight from your phone.
Be Realistic
The next step is to be realistic, which can be a hard thing when you’re finding it very hard to face the reality of your finances. However, when you’re realistic, you’ll be able to put together a workable budget, that allows you to take care of yourself and pay for any debt and other financial obligations you have.
Start with your income, and then take away your expenses, both fixed and variable. If this all fluctuates, use a monthly average. Whatever you’ve left over is what you can put towards those credit card bills, and use to bump up your credit score bit by bit. Even just a couple of regular debt payments can turn it green again.
Don’t Let Yourself Be Alone
Finally, if you’re someone who has serious money worries, don’t let yourself be alone in facing them. Talk to friends and family about them, or work with a professional such as an advisor, who could help you to see the light in your struggles.
Most of all, make sure you feel supported, and like you’ve got some strength behind you. Even if you need someone to be there with you when you check your bank account for the first time in months, ask someone to come round and sit with you. It could really change how you see your finances.
Money worries can be overwhelming, at their worst. Be sure to reach out for help, and always try to face your fears, as you have the power to take control of a problem like this.
Making plans for the future is something that’s natural to do. It keeps you moving forward, helps you stay motivated, and makes you work harder too. But life can be unpredictable, and sometimes it’s those unexpected events that can bring the most difficulty, especially financially.
Having a plan for emergency situations can help your family stay afloat, even when things are difficult. Take a look at the following tips to help you get your finances in order and feel prepared for whatever might come your way.
Having an emergency fund can bring you a lot of benefits, serving as a cushion if you ever face a financial emergency. Being unable to work or facing unexpected medical expenses can really hit your finances, but your emergency fund will see you through.
It’s worth reading all about emergency funds to learn more about them and to see how to get one started.
Consider expanding or adding value to your home
Your home is one of your biggest investments, and you never know when you might need to lean on it in the future. By expanding or renovating your home, you could increase its value, giving you a nest egg for the future.
Another reason to consider expanding your home is to cope with future situations. You may need to take care of an elderly parent or support a loved one after an accident, and additional space could help make things a little easier.
Get insurance that provides extra protection
There are different types of insurance that can help you plan for future emergencies. Health insurance is a must to make sure you’re covered against accidents and illnesses while having some life insurance can be critical for your family if the worst were to happen.
There is also insurance in place to help you should you need to take a leave of absence from work. Explore the different levels of cover that are out there to make sure you’ve got all the protection you need.
Have a plan for your retirement
Have you worked out a financial plan for your retirement? It can help you work out how much money you’ll need to live on once you’ve finished work. Making investments and savings now can benefit you a lot in the future when that money becomes necessary.
While working out your retirement plan, you’ll need to consider different possibilities, including if you’re faced with ill health. Home health care and other expenses can have a big impact on your future finances, so you’ll want to plan for them, just in case. With a retirement plan in place, you won’t have to worry about your future.
You can never predict where life will take you, but it’s good to have a plan in place so that your future is taken care of. Careful financial planning will put your mind at ease so that you can focus on enjoying every moment.
I want to thank Andrea Marchiano, Managing Editor at Trigger Publishing for sending me Back Yourself by Lildonia Lawrence for review. The publish date is April. The book is about Lildonia’s experiences with racism, the racism she’s seen, and she shares a traumatic experience that gave her the idea for the book.
My Thoughts
Lildonia has been working as a mental health and well-being coach since 2010 and she has experienced racism herself. This particular day cemented the idea for this book. Lildonia went to the nearby Recreation Center to use the hot tub, she had encountered verbal abuse in the way of racial slurs in the past but on this Monday there were eight men and two women already there. She took her place and these thugs ripped into her until she was crying, her teacher came over to see if she could help and they started demeaning the teacher the same way.
One mission of the book is to educate people on how black people and people from other countries with dark skin are treated. She counseled students at university and heard many stories of how people were new to the school and the dorm hall was all white people. He tried to mingle and introduce himself but he was not accepted by his classmates, leaving him feeling very alone and frustrated.
Another case study was on a man who started a new job in Italy. He was a black man who had been adopted by an Italian father and a French mother. When he told his co-workers that he was from Italy his boss said so-so Italian. The boss never let up.
There is a lot to learn from the book even if you haven’t experienced racism.
We live in a multicultural world where everyone needs to be treated equally. Many people can make offensive or racist comments and not know it, that’s when it’s time to extend some grace and not admonishment.
At Trigger Publishing, our mission is to empower individuals on their mental health journey through the power of lived experience. We are dedicated to publishing real stories by real people, showing our readers that they are not alone and that recovery is possible. Our books and digital solutions, available through our parent brand Trigger Hub, provide hope, support, and practical tools for mental wellness.
When you’re a parent, the last thing that you want to worry about is whether or not your kids are receiving quality medical care. Unfortunately, there are many instances where people have gotten subpar care because they didn’t know their rights.
It’s essential to be proactive and ensure that your family has access to medical treatment while also ensuring it is safe and sound. In this blog post, you will get information on how to do just that!
Having regular checkups is something that everybody should do. Even if you feel well, it is always good to make sure your body is functioning the way it should be and take steps towards any issues before they become serious problems.
If, for example, your family has a history of certain conditions like cancer or diabetes, regular checkups are something that everyone in your family needs to do regardless of their age or health status. Checkups will allow doctors and nurses to catch things early on while still fixing them efficiently instead of waiting until more extensive damage is done.
Always Be Keen and Ask Questions
Asking questions is essential. Your doctor will not think you are troublesome, and it is their job to answer your questions anyway! If they do not, ask another doctor until someone can provide satisfying answers that give you peace of mind. The same goes for nurses and other medical professionals: the more information all parties have available about your treatment plan, the better care everyone gets as a result.
If something goes wrong due to a breach on the doctor’s part, you can always seek legal advice from a medical malpractice attorney to help you acquire damages for violation. By doing so, you will not be negligent about your medical rights.
Ensure That Your Medical Rights Are Respected
Your healthcare providers should understand that you are a vital part of the medical team. You should ask questions and communicate with them about any concerns you have without feeling judged. Staff members at hospitals and clinics should treat you with respect.
When doctors order tests for you as a patient, they need to explain what they are for you to make informed decisions. If there’s something wrong with how things work in this area, speak up! Like other rights citizens enjoy, your right to advocate for yourself will only strengthen if you exercise frequently.
Other medical rights include having access to quality healthcare providers and receiving advice on navigating the system. You also have the right to get satisfactory answers to your questions concerning insurance coverage and everything you need to be an active participant in making good choices about taking control of your well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is crucial to make sure that your medical care providers do everything they can to protect you from harm. Remember, this means not just getting treatment for a severe injury or illness — it also includes making sure you have all the information and resources available to take steps toward preventing health issues before they become emergencies.
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“i would rather be the one who loves too much than not enough. who laughs too loud than hide behind a closed mouth grin. who rambles on about the universe. The ache in heart. or how the sound of rain still reminds me of the times we ran through it; skin drenched but happy. i would rather learn the hard way. take the narrow road. reminisce awhile longer, stop to smell a flower in bloom. i would rather grow wise with endurance than give up and grow bitter. i would rather aim high and know I tried than shoot low and be praised for settling. i would rather live a simple life than a fabricated one. and may I always remember this. my soul will only ever be as beautiful as the lowliest person I’ve carried.”
Another blast from the past that I thought you would get a kick out of. You can read Part 2 here.
At five years old I loved my baton and was quite good. One day I got mad at my mother and bashed several holes in my closet door. There went the baton and the dream. No anger issues here!
A large group of friends and I would tube down the Nacogdoches River every year. It’s a 6-8 hour trip if you do the full stretch. There is a dangerous waterfall along the way. In previous years I would get out with others and haul the beer coolers around the waterfall. It was so hard on my back. One year I decided to go over the waterfall. As I came over to the other side people were taking photos, clapping, and cheering me on, I was acting like I won a marathon, then someone said to look down, no more two pieces bathing suits after that.
This is one story I debated telling in case my brother ever reads my blog. He was about six and taking a bath. He starts yelling for me to come in the bathroom, I hurried in to find he had found a washer and put it on his penis. I’m trying to pull the thing off, you know the rest of the story. I gave up and left him to figure it out
I wore a beautiful white and light-flowered long dress for a school formal and had a florist make a head flower wreath that matched my dress. I thought it looked beautiful, everyone kept calling me Mother Earth. I didn’t take it well at the time, today that would be a huge compliment.
My granny watched my boyfriend and his friend paper our house, never interrupted them, just enjoyed with pleasure. The next morning she wakes me up at 6am to go clean it all up before the neighbors see.
In my bedroom, there was a street light, a street sign that said Goodnight, and 12 orange cones. Granny kept asking where this stuff was coming from. It was on the street was not a lie.
My girlfriend and I took all the orange cones and scattered them randomly in the neighborhood of a certain person on our shit list that week. It was a great payback.
In high school, I spent an hour on my hair every morning. Granny was the alarm clock for the household. One day she overslept and there was only time to dress and go to school. I said I can’t go to school today unless I do my hair. Gramps blew a gasket, “school was more important than my hair, you’re going to school!!” I started washing my hair in the sink, we didn’t have a shower. By the time I came out of the bathroom to blow dry hair granny managed to help Gramps understand how important a girl’s hair is in high school. Yeah, Granny!!!!!!!
I like to end with my favorite story.
I was in love with a Purple Elephant pantsuit my granny made. During recess, I tell the teacher I have to go to the bathroom. No, she said go play. A few minutes later I’m back begging to go to the bathroom, NO again, go play. The third time she said No I said “I’ll use the bathroom right here”. To her surprise I had diarrhea, it ruined my favorite suit, and she never even said sorry.
In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients until fully incorporated. Use the back of a spoon or silicone spatula to break up any clumps. Once the mask base is well blended, pour it into a container with a lid.
To Use
Place 1 teaspoon of the mask base in a small mask or pinch bowl. Add 1/2 teaspoon of warm water, and stir until smooth. Apply to your face and neck with a face mask brush or your handstand let sit for three to five minutes. Gently remove with a damp cloth, rinse your face with warm water. Use the mask one or two times a week for a luxurious, moistering antioxidant treatment. The shelf life is about 12 months.
Dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before topical use. Since essential oils are very potent and concentrated, a few drops go a long way. Never ingest essential oils even if the manufacturer claims it’s safe. Learn which essential oils can’t be used around children or pets.
Peppermint: unclogs sinus; relieves scratchy throats, acts as an expectorant; and eases common cold symptoms.
Basil: acts as an anti-inflammatory; can kill bacteria, yeast, and mold; soothes coughing symptoms; relieves pain.
Eucalyptus: opens up lungs and sinuses; improves circulation; reduces common symptoms; improves airflow through nasal passages.
Lemon: supports lymphatic system drainage; relieves stuffy nose; relieves cough and respiratory conditions.
Tea Tree: destroys airborne pathogens; has antiseptic properties; relieves inflamed nostrils and sinuses.
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