I’m so glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday. Thank you for stopping by my blog.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday *New Orleans in Bloom
Category: Celebrate Life
Let’s Celebrate Flag Day on the 14th
For Flag Day 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt launched an international “United Flag Day” or “United Nations Day“, celebrating solidarity among the World War II Allies, six months after the Declaration by United Nations.[22][23] It was observed in New York City as the “New York at War” parade, and throughout the United States and internationally from 1942 to 1944.[citation needed]
The annual celebrations on Flag Day and also Defenders Day in Maryland (September 12, since 1814) commemorate the Star-Spangled Banner and its creator Mary Pickersgill, for the huge emblem that flew over Fort McHenry guarding Baltimore harbor during the British Royal Navy‘s three days attack in the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812 (1812–1815).[citation needed]
Through all the violence, hatered, and politics, I believe our flag is sacred.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-RabBits
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, RabBits.
RabBits
Stories about family, faith, friends and funnies. Pull up a chair. Grab a cup of coffee and laugh, cry, ponder and inspire about ordinary events of this wonderful, ever changing, bubbling pot that we call “every day life”.
RabBits is one interesting blog and I know you will find something that strikes you.
Melinda
Quote from Dr. Jacob Hascalovici Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer for Clearing App
“Our patients go to battle every day, fighting through their pain to go to work, play with their kids, be ‘normal’ – medication is only one piece of the puzzle”
Dr. Jacob Hascalovici, MD, PhD
Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer
I had not been to the Clearing App in a while and I wanted to know what was new. I found the quote and had to share it. Here are two posts I wrote about Clearing.
The Clearing App Provides Pain Management On Your Time
Overview of Pain Management App Clearing
A New Recovery
#Weekend Music Share-Kelly Clarkson – favorite kind of high (Live at The Belasco Theater)
Each week I showcase one of my favorite songs. I’m so glad you dropped by, have a great weekend.
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 don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Melinda
Friday Quote 6/9/2023
So glad you stopped by, I hope to see you again soon.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday *Pink & Purple with a Starfish in the middle
I’m so glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday. Thank you for stopping by my blog.
Melinda
Three Fantastic Ways Of Nurturing Positivity And Supporting Family During Challenging Times
In life, we all go through challenging instances. Life isn’t full of happiness all of the time and there will always be certain issues that we have to deal with. Whether we’re talking about health-related issues or something to do with our line of work, nothing ever goes as smoothly as we’d like. This might seem like a terrible thing because we’d all prefer a hassle-free life, but that’s not how things work. We need a few negatives in our life in order to really enjoy the positives. The chances are that your family will be going through a few issues at some point in their lives, and it’s up to you to make sure that you support them and provide positivity along the way.
Whether you are dealing with elderly parents that need extra help or somebody in your family has gotten a little ill, there’s always something you can do to help out. Helping out in a physical sense is obviously very important, but there’s so much you can do from a mental standpoint, too. While the right mental attitude won’t solve all of your problems, it can put you in a much better place to deal with the issues at hand. If you are happy and content during certain instances, you will make life so much easier. If you have family members that are going through a negative time right now, here are a few ways you can nurture positivity and show amazing support:
Practice Active Listening And Be Empathetic
When rough times occur, it’s so important that you partake in active listening when communicating with family members during challenging times. You have to put yourself in their shoes and really understand where they’re coming from. This will help to show compassion. Let them express themselves without feeling judged and do not interrupt. When you foster this kind of supportive and empathetic environment, you help to create a foundation for them to really express themselves and improve.
Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms And Overall Self-Care
Coping mechanisms are all part of one’s recovery and dealing with issues. The problem is that a lot of people delve into the wrong kinds of coping mechanisms. It’s up to you to help them to develop healthier habits. Encourage them to engage in activities that will make them happier while bringing in a lot of joy and relaxation. Exercising, pursuing hobbies, and spending time outdoors can all contribute. Offer support whenever you can in terms of their self-care activities. It’s also wise to help them with the likes of journaling and seeking our professional help. When they have these kinds of outlets, they are provided with a safe space to process their emotions and understand more about themselves during tough times.
Look For Professional Help And Resources In Appropriate Areas
There will only be so much you can do to help them in this world. There will be times when you have to solicit help from professionals and those who are experienced in certain fields. If they are dealing with mental health issues, encouraging them to speak to a counselor would make a lot of sense. If they need specialized care, such as dementia care treatment, you might need to explore The likes of memory care facilities or home care facilities. If they have access to professional resources, it will help them to navigate rough times more conveniently.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Karina Hoisan
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, Karima Hoisan.
Karima Hoisan
I perform frequent readings throughout SL, utilizing voice with selected music, some, my own original compositions, and images I display of photographs and artwork to accompany each poem.
Make sure you visit her site, the artwork is amazing!
Melinda
Book Review for Work It Out by Fiona Thomas
I want to give a special thanks to Publisher Soraya Nair of Trigger Publishing for sending me Work It Out by Fiona Thomas. The book is so relevant in our lives today.
About the Author
Fiona Thomas is a freelance writer who was born in Glasgow but is now living in Birmingham, UK.
Since starting her mental health blog in 2012 she has been published in Metro, Reader’s Digest, Happiful Magazine and Grazia to name a few. She has also been featured in Cosmopolitan, Red Magazine, Good Housekeeping and Refinery29. She speaks regularly about mental health and freelancing at events all over the UK.
Her first book ‘Depression in a Digital Age: The Highs and Lows of Perfectionism’ was published in 2018, and was called “brilliantly honest” by bestselling author Emma Gannon. Her second book ‘Out of Office: Ditch the 9-5 and Be Your Own Boss’ is a guide to freelancing with a focus on mindset, practicality and mental health.
Her passion is working with female-led businesses and shining a light on the positive impact that freelancing can have on our wellbeing.
Blurb
“A brilliantly honest reminder about how to control your online space and not let it control you” – Emma Gannon, Sunday Times bestselling author
“Fiona writes about mental health with fearless honesty and a quick wit. So much will resonate with so many” – Yvette Caster, host of Mentally Yours podcast
Fiona Thomas was your average ’80s baby. She grew up without an iPhone, used actual landlines to make calls and didn’t have the luxury (or perhaps the curse) of Facebook during her adolescent years. But though her childhood took place in an analogue world, she found herself suffering from the same problems many young people face today: the race for perfectionism, high levels of anxiety, a fear of success.
After an unfulfilling university experience, a stressful beginning in a management career and a severe case of impostor syndrome, Fiona suffered a nervous breakdown in her mid-twenties. Amongst therapy and medication, it was the online community that gave Fiona the comfort she needed to recover and find a career that made her happy.
Through her own experience at the time and with the benefit of hindsight, Fiona provides signposts for the reader to help them to understand:
- the importance of the right type of connection, both on and offline, not only with others but with oneself
- how connection can aid in recovery
- that finding the right career can help to enhance our wellbeing and mental health
- how and why purpose and wellbeing are interlinked.
Peppered with listicles, questions to ask yourself and key takeaways, Work It Out perfectly combines first-person lived experience with practical advice. Fiona shows us how to prioritize our mental health by finding the right purpose-centered career and how the internet has helped to make that possible.
My Thoughts
Our lives are surrounded by Social Media if we let it and Work It Out shows you how to keep Social Media from taking over your life, and how to make real connections. Fiona share her experience with mental health challenges including a nervous breakdown and how along with medication the Social Media community gave her the support and comfort she needed.
Thru her personal experiences, she discusses how to understand the importance of the right type of connection, how and why purpose and wellbeing are interlinked, and many other ideas on connections.
I love the section on questions to ask yourself and Fiona provides examples of how to have balance in our life.
Work It Out is a first-hand experience of Fiona’s most challenging times and how she kept moving forward until she reached her goals and much more. When you see all the publications she’s been published in you will go WOW!
Work It Out is a book for adults who have experienced challenges and have a desire to find balance in their life and how to make better connections. Who doesn’t need a book that provides support you know and later, it’s a bookshelf treasure for sure.
I highly recommend Work It Out, I learned a great deal from reading the book.
Trigger Publishing
TriggerHub.org is the first mental health organization of its kind. We are bringing mental health recovery and balance to millions of people worldwide through the power of our books.
We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives.
Melinda
Notes To Younger Self
Until age 40 my life was focused on work, making more money, and having nice designer goodies. My granny had a major stroke in 2004 and by 2005 I was helping my gramps take care of her. Being in their house brought me back to what was important, having a roof over your head, food on the table, and love. I had lost touch when the promotions and money started coming in.
I would tell my younger self to define my life by setting goals, working harder than others, and most importantly don’t forget to create a life that includes what in life is most important to you. Money is great, it buys things but having more things will not make you truly happy in life.
Melinda
5 Strategies for Coping with Chronic Illness
Chronic illness affects millions of people worldwide and is defined as a long-lasting health condition that may not have a complete cure. These conditions can range from mild to severe and can manifest in various forms, including diabetes, peptic ulcers, heart disease, hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), asthma, and more. Also, although the term ‘chronic illness’ typically refers to conditions that are not autoimmune in nature, all autoimmune conditions, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), psoriasis, Graves’ disease, etc., are chronic. If you or someone you care about is living with a chronic disease, the following steps for coping with chronic illness aim to empower you with knowledge and insight so you can better understand and manage your condition.
Those who live every day grappling with chronic illnesses inevitably encounter diverse sets of challenges to face both physically and mentally. Regardless of how symptoms manifest from person-to-person, mental health is an equally important aspect to consider in the overall well-being of those with chronic illness. Thankfully, the following strategies can help navigate these obstacles and, when applied, can ultimately lead to an improved quality of life.
To read the entire article visit Vital Field Technology.
Melinda
Today in History June 4, 2023
I’m so glad you stopped by today, hope to see you again soon.
1919
Congress passes the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote
1976
Four dozen people witness historic Sex Pistols set
1896
Henry Ford test-drives his “Quadricycle”
1944
The U-505, a submarine from Hitler’s deadly fleet, is captured
1940
“The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter,” Carson McCullers’ debut novel, is published
Melinda
June Awareness Days
This is not a complete list of all the awareness days, if you would like a more complete list, click on the National Today at the bottom of the page. Have a great day.
World Infertility Awareness Month
American Indian Citizenship Day
International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression
World Day Against Child Labour
Please check out the links for a full explanation. I will write posts on many of the topics since they hit close to home or beckon me to learn more.
Melinda
References:
Philosophy: Every Moment is Spoken For by Guest Blogger Cultivating Calm Within
Fun Facts
Thanks for stopping by today, I love hearing your comments each week.
“Running amok” is a medically recognized mental condition
The longest English word is 189,819 letters long
Armadillo shells are bulletproof
Cats have fewer toes on their back paws
The first person processed at Ellis Island was a 15-year-old girl from Ireland
Melinda
Reference:
Notes To Younger Self
I didn’t tell my grandparents about the abuse from my Mother and Step-Father until forced by my school at 12 years old. Looking back, why didn’t I tell my grandparents earlier? I knew I could trust them.
I would say to my 12-year-old self, life will get messy at times, and leaning on those who love us will help us thru the pain.
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share-AC/DC – Highway to Hell (from Countdown, 1979) Must Watch!
Each week I showcase one of my favorite songs. I’m so glad you dropped by, have a great weekend.
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 don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Melinda
Friday Quote 6/1/2023
So glad you stopped by, I hope to see you again soon.
Melinda
Updated Book Review *The Smart Girl’s Handbook by Scarlett V Clark
I was kindly gifted a copy of The Smart Girls Handbook, How to Silence Self Doubt, Find Your Purpose, and Redefine the Impossible by Welbeck Publishing which is a division of Trigger Publishing.
Hi Melinda,
I am the author of The Smart Girls Handbook and I have to be honest, I cried when I read your review, it’s the first one that came in and you nailed the precise mission I wanted the reader to get out of the book. It would be brilliant to connect further but on launch day (March 4th) I’d love to invite you to share a review on Amazon knowing how inspiring you found it! I really think you could help mothers and other women in purchasing it. My entire business has been built on the idea of women fundamentally deserve more from the media and are fully deserving of living a beautiful life full of confidence, ambition and self-worth. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, Scarlett X CEO/FOUNDER
XX
Scarlett V Clark was 19 when she started her passion project which is now the UK’s largest Women’s Empowerment organization. Scarlett states she is just a girl who decided to go for it. Go for it she did! Today she helps millions of women overcome life’s obstacles which allows them to live to their full potential.
Blurb
Giving women the tools they need to shine in the modern world, become their fearless and authentic self, and design the life and career that fills them with joy. The Smart Girls Handbook brings together inspiration, game-changing ideas, and empowering words from women around the world who have been through it all.
Scarlett V Clark is a speaker and the award-winning founder and CEO of Smart Girl Tribe, the UK’s number one female empowerment community. She is available to provide extracts and top-tip features such as:
• How my toxic relationship became the catalyst for my success
• 6 stress busters to stop feeling anxious
• ‘You grow through what you go through: embracing failure
• How to silence your inner ‘mean girl’
My Thoughts
The Smart Girl Handbook is for women who are tired of being told what dress size they should be, tired of the negativity surrounding them today including from other women, and for women who want to be their authentic selves. Life happens and it’s not always pretty but with a backbone, determination, and the guidance of The Smart Girl’s Handbook you can come thru unscathed, just slightly bruised but not battered.
Learn how to not fall into the traps set out there to trip you up. Life around us is very negative, the news outlets, social media, and even toxic friends. You have to learn to rise above the negativity and Scarlett helps you silence your inner mean girl. The Smart Girl Handbook is all the questions you wish you could have asked when younger but had no one or place to turn for the answers.
I encourage every woman to buy Scarlett’s book, The Smart Girl’s Handbook. Maybe even share one with a friend. This is not your average self-help book that has been regurgitated over and over. She’s witty, original, and honest about the problem and how to get the answers. She’s not sharing pie-in-the-sky stories, this is her life, dissected and laid out for you to learn from. I think The Smart Girl book is an excellent primer for moms to help their daughters navigate the rough waters ahead.
Website: www.smartgirltribe.com
Facebook: Smart Girl Tribe
Instagram: @smartgirltribe
Podcast: ‘The Smart Girl Tribe Podcast’ is available on Podbean, Spotify, iTunes, and anywhere you can find podcasts.
WelBeck Publishing Group
We are Welbeck Publishing Group – a globally recognised, independent publisher based in London. Our mission is to deliver talent-driven publishing with leading authors and brands worldwide. Our books and products span a variety of categories including, fiction, non-fiction and stationery and gift. We are renowned for our innovative ideas, production values, and developing long-lasting content.
Welbeck’s amazing product comes to life for adults, children, and families in over 30 languages in more than 60 countries around the world. We have collaborated with many of the world’s leading institutions and licensors including – Disney, Universal, Paramount, HBO, Queen Productions, FIFA, International Mensa, Roald Dahl Literary Estate, the Science, Natural History and Imperial War Museums, and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Melinda
4 Tips for Beginner Cooks To Make Things Easier
Improving your cooking skills is never a bad idea. Around 28% of Americans admit to having little or no skills in the kitchen. Everyone needs to eat, and preparing your own healthy, home-cooked meals can help you improve your health, reduce your reliance on junk or processed food and help you learn skills you can apply in other areas of your life too.
That being said, not everyone is a natural in the kitchen, and you only need to watch one of the many cooking shows to see the lack of skills some possess when it comes to whipping up meals. Hence, finding tips and hacks that can allow you to still eat well without the effort is an excellent way to build confidence in the kitchen to build on this and further improve your skills.
Read on for some tips to hack cooking and help you become a better cook and enjoy better meals and improved health.
Use A Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are a great way to help you eat better and also cut down on the prep work involved while building up your skill set. You can use low cookers for a wide range of meals, from soups and stews to pasta dishes and even desserts. Why not try this chicken cacciatore for an easy go-to midweek meal? The beauty of slow cookers is that, generally, you put everything together and let it do its thing. There is physically minimal prep depending on the meal or dessert you are making.
Use Gadgets
While you need to know your way around a knife for cooking, different knives have different uses; in the early stages or to cut down on prep work using kitchen gadgets such as mandolins for slicing and chopping blenders can help you out in a pinch, and get the ingredients prepped while you get to grips with cutting and chopping. Multi-tools, chopping boards with measures on, splash guards, and more can all come in useful throughout your cooking journey.
Bulk Prep
If you are prepping for your meals and practicing your skills, try bulk prepping or meal prep to help you out for future cooks. It can be tricky initially to get your technique sorted or to make the right quantities, so making more on purpose not only gives you more practice but can also give you some bits ready-made that you can use to help your next creation a bit easier.
Preheat
One of the best tips you can have when learning to cook or expanding your skills is to preheat. Preheat your pan, oven, grill, etc. Never pour your oil into a cold pan, and always check that your oven is at the right temperature before popping food in to ensure an even cook. It can be worth investing in a thermometer if needed for your cooking appliances and your food to ensure everything is at the right temperature.
Conclusion
A kitchen is a place where you can have fun and get creative, but learning the basics will go a long way in helping you to create some fabulous meals. Start simple, and build your way up to more complex dishes to really make a move from beginner to Masterchef.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Book Review for Own Your Awkward by Michelle Morgan
I want to give a special thanks to Sean McLeod, Assistant Commissioning Editor with Trigger Publishing for sending the book Own Your Awkward by Michelle Morgan. I took a glance and it looks like a great read.
About the Arthur
Michelle Morgan is a leading voice in mental health and a proud Ambassador for Mental Health First Aid England. In 2016 Michelle experienced burnout, anxiety and depression. She views her mental health challenges as both a burden and a blessing; from a terrible time, good things came. Michelle is an Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Instructor, an international speaker and corporate trainer (clients include Facebook, HSBC, Pukka Herbs, The Prime Minister’s Office, Red Bull and Good Energy). She is also the Founder of Pjoys – PJs with Purpose, and Co-founder of Livity, a creative business that works with brands and the next generation to “build the future better”. Her work has been widely lauded: she is the recipient of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise and EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and has been invited to join the Society of Leadership Fellows at St George’s House, Windsor Castle.She lives in London with her husband, artist Remi Rough, their daughter Lili and dog Teddy. Connect with her at http://www.michellemorgan.uk and http://www.ownyourawkward.com. Find her on Instagram @michellemorgan.uk and on Twitter @michellemorgan
Blurb
A hugely practical and inspiring self-help guide, Own Your Awkward will help you handle those awkward conversations around mental health. Michelle Morgan blends research and personal experience to help you tackle those topics, whether in the workplace or with family and friends. Let’s be honest – it can be really awkward talking about our mental health! Whether you’re offering someone support or looking for ways to help yourself, these conversations can feel difficult, embarrassing and complex. In Own Your Awkward Michelle Morgan, Mental Health First Aid Ambassador, trainer and speaker explores why we feel awkward and shows us how to talk more openly about our mental health – and how we really can embrace our awkward. Through her own story of burnout, clinical depression and anxiety, combined with the lived experience of others, Michelle explains how you can transform those tricky moments into your power using four key cornerstones – confidence, capability, communication and compassion, to help reframe your story. You’ll learn how to start those all-important conversations, with clear steps and practical advice. It’s time to get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable, love your awkward and have better and braver conversations about mental health.
My Thoughts
There are self-help books that sound like a repeat of what you’ve read and there are self-help books that have quality content you can apply right away. Own Your Awkward is one of those self-help books that you keep on your bookshelf to read again or to share with others.
If you struggle to talk about mental health, like so many of us do, Michelle’s book will coach you on how to handle awkward conversations with the people in your life. Her professional achievements and her own mental health challenges make her the perfect person to write this book.
I highly recommend Own Your Awkward for anyone who needs support for themselves or to help others. This book is one for the whole family to read as it aligns everyone’s knowledge and will continue to help as each becomes more comfortable talking.
I could have used the help of Own Your Awkward as I struggled with my mental illness diagnosis at 19 years old.
Trigger Publishing
TriggerHub.org is the first mental health organization of its kind. We are bringing mental health recovery and balance to millions of people worldwide through the power of our books.
We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday *New Year, New Growth
I’m so glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday. Thank you for stopping by my blog.
Melinda
Laughter Is The Best Medicine by Guest Blogger Existential Ergonomics
Blogger Highlight-Saturday Morning Reflections
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight blogger, Saturday Morning Reflections.
Saturday Morning Reflections
My reflections on the week past accompanied by music and memories
My family is unconventional, furry and well “normal” although that is debateable…
They assist (…yes lets go with that)with the day to day functioning of our tribe. I have no need of alarm clocks or a doorbell. Lilly knows when the farmer next door lets out his geese and Jake is always on the lookout for anyone stopping by or even looking up at the window. He assumes (incorrectly I might add) that I can’t see what he sees.
Be sure to stop by and say hello.
Melinda
This Memorial Day Let’s Remember Those Who Gave All
We’ve seen so much war in recent years that it wears us down but most of us have not seen a World War. I pray we don’t have the next WWIII, anytime soon. Many gave their lives in WWI, WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam, and we can’t forget those who died without a memorial in what I call “The Desert Wars”.
Why don’t we have a Memorial Wall for the soldiers who fought in more recent wars? It’s very overdue!
Our country’s politics may be divided but America can not survive without you and your family’s support. No one died in vain, you died for your country.
Thank you so much for serving our country. We can’t thank you enough for giving your life to save mine. What a great blessing.
Melinda
How To Keep Your Teenager Busy During Summer
Statistics indicate that juvenile crimes increase by 35% in the summer months. As if that’s not bad enough, the ever-present allure of screens means that the average teen now spends over seven hours a day behind electronic devices during summer. These alarming statistics make parents wonder how to engage their kids during those long, hot months. If you’re a worried parent, here are four ways to keep your teenager busy during summer.
A study revealed that summer jobs can reduce teen crime by 43%. Therefore, a part-time job is an excellent way to keep your teenager busy. It equips them with many useful skills while keeping them away from trouble. Moreover, a paid part-time job will teach them about financial management at a very early age. They can learn how to save money, buy basic things, and be independent. The right job will teach your child how to work with people and manage their time. Plus, the skills they acquire will stick with them for life.
Explore artistic and creative outlets
Summer break provides an ideal opportunity for teenagers to explore their creative sides and develop new skills. You can encourage your teenager to pursue artistic activities after getting a job. Depending on their time, your teen can combine their job with a creative activity. Consider enrolling your child in a summer art class, a creative writing workshop, or a music class. These activities keep them occupied and foster self-expression, boost confidence, and provide a platform for personal growth. And believe it or not, allowing your teen to explore their artistic side can create a healthy outlet for stress and improve their emotional well-being.
Encourage volunteering and community service
Giving back to communities through volunteering is one of the most emotionally-rewarding ways for a teenager to spend summer. Some studies have shown that volunteering instills a sense of responsibility and empathy while enhancing self-esteem and personal growth. It also gives them a sense of purpose, even at a very young age. So, encourage your teenager to identify causes they are passionate about and connect with local organizations that offer volunteer opportunities. From environmental cleanup projects and community service to volunteering at a local shelter, these activities will keep your teenager busy and contribute to their development.
Let them join a local club or group for teens
Depending on where you live, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a positive local club or youth group for your teenager. You can find a scouting club, an academic, agricultural, or faith-based group for your teenager to join. Regarding a faith-based group, for example, your teenager can join a local church group for teens or youth, created to nurture spiritual growth, faith, morality, and good behavior. Of course, some religious institutions have a bad rap for sexual misconduct and abuse, so conduct a background check before signing up your child. And should the worse happen, don’t hesitate to let a religious institution sexual abuse lawyer help you.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
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!
Start with the basics
When it comes to cooking meatless meals, starting with the basics is key. To get off on the right foot, begin by stocking your pantry and refrigerator with ingredients that will form the foundation of your meals. This includes items like beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, vegetables, grains (such as quinoa), nuts, seeds and plant-based oils. If you’re short on time, you can even purchase prepared vegan or vegetarian meal starters like falafel mix or pre-made veggie burgers. Once you have these staples in place, use them as a base for your favorite recipes or experiment with new creations!
In addition to the basic ingredients listed above, don’t forget to add flavor enhancers such as herbs and spices. Not only do they add great flavor to any dish but they also provide a host of health benefits—think anti-inflammatory turmeric or disease-fighting garlic! Plus they are an ideal way to make a meatless dish more substantial. You can also add some zest by using flavorful condiments like hot sauce or salsa; toss in some citrus juices for a bright element; and don’t forget about savory ingredients such as miso paste or tamari sauce.
Finally, make sure you understand how to properly prepare each ingredient for optimal results. For example, when cooking grains like quinoa or brown rice be sure to rinse them first and follow instructions for proper water ratios so that you end up with well-cooked grains instead of mushy ones! With these few simple steps in place, you can enjoy delicious meatless dishes without compromising on taste.
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
Friday Quote 5/26/2023
So glad you stopped by, I hope to see you again soon.
Melinda
Looking for the Light 