Celebrate Life · Fun · Travel

Wordless Wednesday *St. Petersburg Waterway

I’m so happy you dropped by today, I appreciate you and love your comments each week.

Waterway through St. Petersburg

Melinda

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

Just Pondering

Bella Grace Field Guide by Stampington

“You don’t always need a logical reason for doing everything in your life. Do it because you want; Because it’s fun; Because it makes you happy

unknown

Melinda

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

How Starting A Garden Could Change Your Life

Being lost in life is par for the course; while it can feel like you’re the only one who understands it, in truth, everybody does on some level. The COVID-19 pandemic has truly made us all question who we are, and what is important to us. This can lead people to feel lost in their lives, or frustrated with the feeling that they have no control over what goes on around them.

There are so many ways to cope with change, but one surefire way to center calm in your life is to start a garden. You don’t have to have a huge amount of space or much experience – and in this blog, we’re going to show you how. 


The psychological benefits of gardening

Psychologists have studied the psychological benefits of gardening for years. Gardening is often an activity that is practiced in rehabilitation facilities, elderly care centers, and mental health recovery centers because it helps people nurture the growth of living things.

The psychological benefits of gardening include:

  • Relaxation. Using your hands to dig in the earth and make small steps towards a beautiful garden can be very relaxing. Plus, the color green is said to be calming to the human brain, too!
  • Community. If you garden in a communal space, you can share the activity with like-minded people and grow into a new community. The COVID-19 pandemic has made people feel very isolated, so this sense of communal wellbeing is very important in 2021 and beyond.
  • Gardening is an outdoor activity that gets you moving. Fresh air and exercise have numerous health benefits in themselves, and gardening is the perfect excuse to do both! 
  • Gardening helps you concentrate and engage with tasks in a healthy way. If you are recovering from a big change in your life, gardening can help you focus, and ultimately engage with new tasks in a meaningful way. Gardening is made up of small, simple tasks that can aid your brain’s recovery. 

Tips for starting a garden in a small space

If all this sounds good to you, but you only have a small yard or even just a balcony, you might be thinking, ‘There’s no way I can start a garden in such a tiny space.’ Well, luckily, you’re wrong about that!

Firstly, find plants that are easy to grow in pots. These could be herbs, flowers, house plants, or even small vegetables, as long as they are able to grow in a potted environment rather than in the ground. This makes them easier to maintain in a small garden.

Next, you should research through reading books or watching YouTube videos, how to maintain your plants through hydration, the right kind of soil, and the right light levels. This research will help you expand your garden gradually as you cultivate these important skills for life!

If your garden gets out of control, you can contact local lawn fertilization and weed control services to help tame the wild beast!

Final Thoughts

Having a garden can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, burnout, or lack of focus. Plus, you’ll have a beautiful little green space that you can keep nurturing for years to come.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

Blogger Highlight- clover and ivy

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, clover and ivy.

clover and ivy

The day-to-day ordinary parts of life come and go, and these events often pass as if they’re not consequential. Then there’s a blink, an instant we observe something ordinary that brings solace and breathes life into us, regardless of the news of the day.

These restorative ordinary parts of life are often what we find outside, in nature, and that’s what I aim to present in my blog. Trusty elements in the natural repetitive cycles we can note and depend on for comfort and reassurance. Elements we can go to when we need grounding. My tiny garden, the blue jay outside my window, water moving over worn stones in a running creek in the middle of the woods, the scattering of bright stars set in a dark sky among the top branches of the tallest trees, a fresh green leaf at the beginning of spring. These are elements that tell us, life is okay, things are as they should be.

You must stop by Clover and Ivy, it’s like taking a self-care moment for yourself.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

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

Fun Facts

 

Thanks for stopping by today. I love hearing your comments each week after learning some interesting things.

There are parts of Africa in all four hemispheres

The cornea is one of only two parts of the human body without blood vessels

The world’s first animated feature film was made in Argentina

German chocolate cake was invented in Texas

Marla Gibbs continued to work as a flight attendant for two years after being cast on a hit TV show

 

Enjoy!

Melinda

Reference:

Readers Digest

 

Celebrate Life · Fun · Mental Health

Diffuser Blends Make Great Gifts

With Valentine’s around the corner, I wanted to share a gift idea. These recipes are easy to make and everyone will enjoy getting one.

Stampington

New Buds

1 drop spearmint

2 drops lemongrass

3 drops and lavender

April Showers

3 drops lemon grass

4 drops eucalyptus

5 drops lemon

Fresh Laundry

1 drop clary sage

2 drops mint

3 drops pine

Spring Cleaning

2 drops peppermint

3 drops wild orange

3 drops lemon

Ocean Breeze

1 drop spearmint

1 drop ylang ylang

2 drops wild orange

3 drops of tangerine

Goodbye Allergies

2 drops frankincense

2 drops lemon

3 peppermint

3 drops lavender

Herb Garden

3 drops rosemary

3 drops lavender

3 drops mint

Spring Bouquet

2 drops geranium

2 drops lavender

2 drops clary sage

2 drops chamomile

There weren’t any instructions for how to dispense. My suggestion is a guess, if you’re a regular crafter you may have a better idea. Let me know.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share-Maroon 5 – Moves Like Jagger ft. Christina Aguilera (Official Music Video)

I’m so glad you dropped by today, thank you. I hope you have a great weekend.

https://youtu.be/iEPTlhBmwRg

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

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing

Cervical Health Awareness Month

I believe Cervical Health Awareness Month is very important because I was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer at 28 years old. They first tried a semi-non-invasive procedure to remove cancer but it failed. I was waiting for my surgery when the doctor came in and said I have a high risk for Ovarian Cancer since my mother and grandmother both had Ovarian Cancer and hysterectomies at a young age.

The doctor recommended I do a full hysterectomy to be safe. I had minutes to decide if I wanted to take the risk or not be able to have kids. A full hysterectomy is what I went with, no more cancer for me.

The diagnosis came as a huge surprise and I had no symptoms. This is what makes education so important. You have to start when your kids are in their teens. You’ve seen the commercials on TV but may not pay attention.

 

You can lower your risk for cervical cancer by getting screened regularly, starting at age 21.

Screening Tests

The HPV test and the Pap test are screening tests that can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early.

  • The human papillomavirus (HPV) test looks for the virus that can cause cell changes on the cervix.
  • The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers,which are cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.

Screening Options

You should start getting Pap tests at age 21. If your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.

If you’re 30 to 65 years old, you have three options. Talk to your doctor about which testing option is right for you.

  • An HPV test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.
  • An HPV test along with the Pap test. If both of your results are normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.
  • A Pap test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.

If you’re older than 65, your doctor may tell you that you don’t need to be screened anymore if you have had normal screening test results for several years and you have not had a cervical precancer in the past, or you have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids.

HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancers. HPV can also cause other kinds of cancer in both men and women.

  • HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens aged 11 to 12 years, but can be given starting at age 9.
  • HPV vaccine also is recommended for everyone through age 26 years, if they are not vaccinated already.
  • HPV vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit, as more people have already been exposed to HPV.

HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections but does not treat existing infections or diseases. This is why the HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV. You should get screened for cervical cancer regularly, even if you received an HPV vaccine.

Get checked, your life may depend on it. Mine did.
Melinda
Refernces:
Celebrate Life · DIY · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

5 Creative Projects To Help Focus Your Mind

A creative project is a great way to focus your mind and spend some downtime. Art, gardening, craft, and DIY are all very therapeutic. You’ll feel more relaxed and gain some perspective. Creativity is the perfect way to channel stress and anxiety. Put your overactive mind to good use and make something you’ll cherish forever. There are plenty of different kinds of ideas depending on your interests. Here are five creative projects to help focus your mind.

Photo by Daria Shevtsova on Pexels.com

Paint by numbers

Paint by Numbers is an example of a trendy craft gone viral during lockdown. It is incredibly therapeutic and relaxing, and not just for kids anymore. Even though you’re following instructions, it still requires a lot of patience and hard work. Paint by numbers is a good compromise if you like art but aren’t necessarily an experienced painter. You’ll be able to enjoy the results without being a natural artist. You can display your painting proudly for all your family and friends.

Winter Flowers

There are several reasons why gardening is so therapeutic. It’s a great way to get back in touch with nature and gain some perspective. Sun and fresh air also go a long way. Even when the seasons start to change, this doesn’t mean you have to be a fair-weather garden. There are plenty of winter flowers you can plant such as pansies and jasmine that grow all year round. If you want to keep it inside you could even build your own mini zen garden, or decorate the house with plants.

Customize your car

If you’re the type that likes to get your hands dirty then why not sink yourself into a project in the garage? Customize your car to your liking this fall. Automotive Stuff is an example of a site where you can find your own parts. You can even trade car parts online with other car owners. If you prefer, start small with the interior, or even work under the hood. If you’re passionate about cars you could invest in a used vehicle to revamp.

Make your own bath products

You’d be surprised how many simple products you can make at home. All you need is some essential oils and a couple of household ingredients, and you can make a variety of bath products. This is a more eco-friendly option as well, not to mention thrifty. If you want to use your creativity to make something you’re going to use, then bath products are ideal. You can even give them as gifts to your family and friends.

Upcycle your furniture

Whether you decide to flip the furniture or keep it, it’s easy to see why upcycling has become such a popular pastime. You could invest in some second-hand furniture at your local thrift store and turn it into a creative project. For example, you could find an old photo frame, print your Domonique Rodgers NC State print, and hang it on the wall. Creating Upcycling is a fun way to revamp furniture or repurpose other items. Perhaps you can find a new use for some old things around the house. It’s very therapeutic and satisfying. 

This a collaborative post. 

Melinda

Repost

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

Deep Thoughts

In this fast-paced social media world, it can be difficult to find the time to look within or back in time. I hope you find these quotes and questions interesting. So glad you stopped by today!

Continue reading “Deep Thoughts”
Celebrate Life · Fun · Travel

Wordless Wednesday *Church of the Spilled Blood St. Petersburg, Russia

I’m so happy you dropped by today, I appreciate you and love your comments each week.

Church of the Spilled Blood St. Petersburg, Russia

Melinda

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

Blogger Highlight-Smirk Pretty

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, Smirk Pretty.

Smirk Pretty

 I design rich, active learning environments and facilitate conversations that draw on the collaborative capacity of people and teams. My diverse approaches are grounded in reflective practice as we come together to articulate our purpose and the values driving us. I seek to cultivate the relationship-oriented leadership skills of students and teams, engage questions about our shared future, and create opportunities to put innovative ideas to work. With a commitment to mentoring emerging leaders, my current focus is on improving educational equity and drawing voices from the margins to the center of every critical conversation.

Her blog is very unique and you will want to see her site.  

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

Celebrate Life · Men & Womens Health

Happy Birthday Granny

Many of you know how much I love my granny. She’s the most inspirational person I know. She survived living in West Dallas when it was unincorporated land. It was just outside Downtown Dallas. West Dallas was where the poor and the criminals lived. 

She went crossed eyes at three years old, her whole life was dependent on others. She was not happy about having to ask. She didn’t want to owe anyone. You can understand the attitude if you lived in her neighborhood. 

In 1930 her father died from Phenomena, hard to say if was work-related. Her father was digging out the foundation for the Sears Tower. I have a postcard that shows using horses to chart off the rocks and dirt. 

My granny is the youngest and was living at home when her father died. Her brothers were on the dark side of the law, they helped feed the two.

There are many actions you’ve taken that are inspirations but this story I love the most is.

Granny married at 17 years old and her marriage was over shortly after my father was born. Taking the Trolly to work in freezing cold. It’s also WWII by then, you couln’t even change jobs, all jobs related to the war were frozen. She raised my ADHD dad by herself until he was 10 years old and she marries my gramps. We never talked about it but I’m sure there were some hard times with my father adjusting.

My granny would clean houses to make extra money for my clothes. One day she fell from the 2nd story and crushed her ankles and feet. This may have stopped someone else but you were determined to get out of the wheelchair.  I don’t recall how long it took but you were walking with a walker soon.

Close to 20 years later, granny woke up and could not walk. Since we had no idea what the problem was we took it day by day. The only thing I could do was make it fun so I acted like her wheelchair was a race car. I would push her down a straight section and hop on to see how far we could go, I would make all types of car noises like revving your engines. She loved out.

Nothing broke your heart like Dady’s suicide, but you didn’t give up on life.

I held your head so close to mine, I wanted to feel the relief live her body.

I love you!

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun

Today in History January 15, 2023

So glad you are enjoying the Today in History on Sundays, thanks for all the feedback.

1929

Martin Luther King Jr. born

On January 15, 1929, Martin Luther King Jr. is born in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of a Baptist minister. King received a doctorate degree in theology and in 1955 helped organize the first major protest of the African American civil rights movement: the successful Montgomery Bus Boycott. Influenced by Mohandas Gandhi, he advocated civil disobedience and nonviolent resistance to segregation in the South. The peaceful protests he led throughout the American South were often met with violence, but King and his followers persisted, and the movement gained momentum.

1967

Packers beat Chiefs in first Super Bowl

On January 15, 1967, the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL) smash the American Football League (AFL)’s Kansas City Chiefs, 35-10, in the first-ever AFL-NFL World Championship, later known as Super Bowl I, at Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles. Founded in 1960 …read more

1972

“American Pie” hits #1 on the pop charts

On January 15, 1972, “American Pie,”, an epic poem in musical form that has long been etched in the American popular consciousness, hits #1 on the Billboard charts. The story of Don McLean’s magnum opus begins almost 13 years before its release, on a date with significance …read more

1919

Great Boston Molasses Flood

Fiery hot molasses floods the streets of Boston on January 15, 1919, killing 21 people and injuring scores of others. The molasses burst from a huge tank at the United States Industrial Alcohol Company building in the heart of the city. Listen to HISTORY This Week Podcast: The …read more

1831

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is finished

On January 15, 1831, Victor Hugo finishes writing Notre Dame de Paris, also known as The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Distracted by other projects, Hugo had continually postponed his deadlines for delivering the book to his publishers, but once he sat down to write it, he completed …read more

 

Melinda

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

Just Pondering

Bella Grace Field Guide by Stampington

Happiness looks like?

Happiness feels like:

Happiness sounds like:

Happiness smells like:

Melinda

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

Fun Facts

 

Thanks for stopping by today. I love hearing your comments each week after learning some interesting things.

The world’s oldest wooden wheel has been around for more than 5,000 years

Dead skin cells are a main ingredient in household dust

Sudan has more pyramids than any country in the world

The bumblebee bat is the world’s smallest mammal

The circulatory system is more than 60,000 miles long

Enjoy!

Melinda

Reference:

Readers Digest

 

Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share-Aerosmith – Sweet Emotion (Live)

I’m so glad you dropped by today, thank you. I hope you 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

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

23 Small Things to Improve Your Wellness — Guest Blogger Olive Tree Saints

Small changes can really add up when it comes to wellness. Here are 23 small things you can do this year to improve your wellness.

23 Small Things to Improve Your Wellness — Olive Tree Saints
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Mental Health

13 Ways To Ensure Your Children Are Happy & Healthy

When you find out you are going to become a parent it can be very daunting. You never know what to expect or what type of child you are going to have. Every child will have a unique personality and it is up to you as the parent to nurture this. There is a whole ongoing debate still to this day about whether it is down to nature vs nurture. You may be wondering how you can encourage your children to be happy and healthy. There are so many stories in the media regarding this but it can send a lot of mixed messages. The best thing you can do is follow your gut instinct as a parent, this will never steer you in the wrong direction. Take a look below to find out some helpful tips and tricks on how to ensure your children are happy and healthy. 

Photo by Yan Krukov on Pexels.com

Focus On Diet

One of the most important things you will hear professionals talking about is children’s diets. A healthy balanced diet is paramount for your child’s development. Letting them constantly eat junk food and fizzy drinks is not only bad for their physical health but their mental health as well. If you have a busy lifestyle and it is easier to grab and go then how about pre-making some healthy homemade meals that you can simply take out of the freezer in the evenings? Children should also be enjoying five pieces of fruit or veg a day. This will give them the added vitamins and minerals their body needs to function and thrive. 

Get Them Outside

Physical activity is also important for your children. Without running around they will turn into couch potatoes. These days with so much tech floating around it can almost seem impossible to get the children to leave the house. If you find something they are interested in doing, such as going to the park then they will be more than happy to go for a run-around. Better yet, you could get some of their school or nursery friends together and they can all have fun at the park while you chat with the other moms. 

Supplements

If you feel your children don’t have a healthy diet and they are in need of some extra help then you can get them a child supplement or multivitamin to take daily. These will contain the necessary amounts of vitamins and nutrients that your children are potentially missing out on. A lot of children aren’t keen on eating vegetables or fruits so a multivitamin will provide them with the goodness they are missing. The good thing about children’s multivitamins is that they come in gummy bear form with a variety of flavors. Can’t get them to eat veg but you can get them to eat a gummy bear!

Hydration 

It can be incredibly difficult to get your child to drink water. They get to a certain age and decide they no longer like it. However, seeing as more than 60% of their little bodies are made up of water, it is essential they are replacing what is lost through the day. You don’t want your child experiencing signs and symptoms of dehydration. They will present with lethargy, moodiness, and a headache. Encourage your children to drink water by investing in some cool water bottles, they will want to show these off at school. Quite a lot of schools have a water-only policy in place meaning you can’t supply them with juice for school. Children should be aiming to drink around six glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and healthy. 

Protect From Bad Habits

When you have children you want to protect them their whole life. However, quite a lot of parents forget that smoking and drinking around their children is a terrible habit. It is one that they will pick up on rather quickly and you don’t want them to copy you. If you do want to smoke then this should be done outside of the house, in the garden perhaps. That way you are not exposing your children to secondhand smoke which can lead to childhood illnesses and complications with their immune systems. 

Talk To Your Children

Something else to think about is how important it is to talk to your children. When they are babies they learn how to communicate by copying the adults around them. Don’t stop talking to your children just because they can hold their own conversations with others. If your children come to you with any sort of problem or they simply just want to tell you about their day then ensure you are listening. Children can tell when they have your full attention by your body language and what you are saying to them. Talking and listening to your children ensures they know they are able to approach you at all times in case of a problem they cannot solve. 

Pexels CCO License

Seek Professional Help

As children get older they are far more susceptible to feeling the effects of their hormones. They are also more at risk of mental health conditions than younger children. If you notice your children feeling down or being sad a lot of the time then speak to them and see if they will tell you what the problem is. If they don’t and you want to get your children the help they deserve then you could seek out a counselor or look up Second Nature Utah reviews for more therapeutic programs. If your child has additional needs then this puts them at a greater risk of developing mental health conditions. Bipolar disorder in children is becoming increasingly common. 

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is so important for children, depending on the age they need around eight to thirteen hours of sleep each night. If they are not getting this then they can be grouchy and irritable for the rest of the day. If your child is still young enough for naps then make sure you are encouraging this. It will give them a little recharge so they can get through the rest of the day without any hiccups. If your children are struggling to get to sleep then think of ways you can help with this. You may decide to do some light meditation with them to help them drift off to sleep naturally. 

Check-Ups

Children will rarely be called for check-ups as doctors just assume that you will take them in if there are any problems. Babies and young children will be called for developmental checks, you should go to these as they will highlight any potential developmental delays your child might have. You should also register your child at a dentist and the opticians, you never know when you may need to attend an appointment there. You can check out the best ones in your area by doing a quick internet search or asking other moms for recommendations. 

Read With Your Child

Reading is something that a lot of adults enjoy doing but you can guarantee they didn’t all enjoy it as a child. Learning to read can be tricky but in the end, it will be so rewarding. Watching your child grow and develop is one of the best things about being a parent. You can encourage their love of books by reading with them from a young age. It can be common to read a book with your child at bedtime as part of their nightly routines. Reading will give your child a steady foundation for continuing this learning when they start school. 

Take Away The Tech

Children need a break from technology every so often, it is bad for their brain and their vision to be staring at a pad or tablet all day. If your child is tech dependent then it may be necessary to put a temporary ban on technology to prove to them they can live without it. It will be a struggle the first couple of days but it will be worth it and a great lesson to teach. You can put strict timings in place for screen time. If your children struggle with time then you can even set an egg timer as a visual so they know how long they have left. 

Support With School

There is nothing better that you can do as a parent than support your children with their school work. If they come home and need a helping hand with some homework or a school project then it should be all hands on deck. Your children have come to you for help as they deem you capable and knowledgeable. Don’t let them down by being too busy to help when they need it most. If you don’t understand what to do then you can always do a quick internet search to see if someone else explains it better than the sheet of paper. 

Pexels CCO License

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and that it gave you some helpful advice on ensuring your children are happy and healthy. Remember, children are just small humans. They all have feelings and it is okay to not be okay sometimes. You need to teach your children the importance of this, if they are having an off day then this is alright. 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

January Writing Prompts

The January Writing Prompts are hosted by Sheryl at A Chronic Voice. Be sure to check out her blog, the archives are choked full of information on Chronic Illnesses.

 

Here are the prompts:

SUMMARISING

CROSSING

MOVING

REBUILDING

EXPECTING

I’m using Moving, Expecting, and Rebuilding.

Moving

After spending most of last year sick, sicker than normal, I’m ready to move forward. This month the Tardive Dyskinesia finally went away after 8-9 months. I don’t know if it ran its course or if all the prayers did the healing. My bottom teeth have some issues that require my dentist to look at. 

Expecting

I’m always expecting a good day and if it doesn’t happen, I’ll expect it the next day. I only look back to learn from my experiences. The same goes for when I see a new doctor, stay positive until they dismiss you. I was dismissed by my last Rheumatologist before she even did the exam, she said I wouldn’t need to see her again. My husband and I thought she didn’t listen to anything I said. Then she diagnosed me with Sicca and didn’t even tell me or write me a prescription. I do keep expecting the good.

Rebuilding

Due to my Immune Disorder, we’re still in full-blown Covid mode. I don’t feel comfortable eating out or being in large crowds, the only places I’ve been since Covid started are the doctor’s office and Starbucks drive-thru. That’s limiting and it makes me yearn for my younger years before illnesses. I work hard to be thankful for what I have and acknowledge staying indoors will end. I bought a bike for my Christmas but balance problems and dizziness prevent me from enjoying the good days. I’m working to rebuild a life, a fullfilling life. 

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

January Awareness Days

There are some great Awareness Days during the month of January. This is a condensed version if you want a complete list search for January Awareness Days and you’ll find several lists that are much longer.

 

Cervical Health Awareness Month

March of Dimes Birth Defects Prevention Month

National Eye Care Month

National Stalking Awareness Month

Thyroid Awareness Month

Raynaud’s Awareness Month

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

National Obesity Awareness Week 10th-16th

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day  11th

European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 27th

Melinda

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

Blogger Highlight-Issababy Creates

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, Issababy Creates.

Issababy Creates

This perhaps the least specific blog you will find. My interests include: DIY projects, Yoga, writing, photography, reading, camping, hiking, or something altogether
different depending on my current mood. I’ve never been pigeon holed into one category so neither is my blog.

Her blog is so much fun, you have to check her out.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

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

Book Review I Can’t Have That I Have Allergies by Katie Kinsella

 I want to give a special thanks to Managing Editor Soraya Nair for sending me I Can’t Have That I Have Allergies by Katie Kinsella for review. 

Blurb

All the animals in the woodland are headed to a party – that is, except Hedgehog, who can’t attend because of his food allergies. But one of his kind friends, Deer, decides to learn more about his condition, and she comes up with a plan so that Hedgehog can safely celebrate, too!

I Can’t Have That, I Have Allergies is a sensitively written story by a mother whose daughter has life-threatening allergies. It will enlighten those unfamiliar with the severity of such allergies, and it will help children who suffer from them to know that they aren’t alone.

My Thoughts

Have you missed school on a special day? You were probably sad that you could not participate in the fun. The Hedgehog has a similar story, he has severe allergies which limit what he can eat. It’s not fun going to a birthday party and not being able to eat cake.

As each of the Hedgehog’s friends stop in on the way to a birthday party, he explains why he can’t go to the party. His friends go on their way but they have a big surprise for him. They cared so much for their friend, they contacted his mother to get a list of what he can’t eat and they made a cake he could. They show up at Hedgehog’s house and have a big Birthday party which allows the Hedgehog to have fun and not worry about what he can or can’t eat. 

The book does an excellent job of describing Allergies children can understand. I think the bigger picture is when Hedgehog share’s with his friends why he can’t go, they didn’t abandon him, they embraced him instead. It’s important for kids to know they can talk about their problems instead of keeping everything in.

For every parent who has a child with Allergies of any kind, this is the perfect book to show if you share what is going on with your friends they will have your back.

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

Looking for the Light

Celebrate Life · Fun

Today in History January 8, 2023

So glad you are enjoying the Today in History on Sundays, thanks for all the feedback.

1877

Crazy Horse fights last battle

On January 8, 1877, Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse and his men—outnumbered, low on ammunition and forced to use outdated weapons to defend themselves—fight their final losing battle against the U.S. Cavalry in Montana.

Six months earlier, in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Crazy Horse and his ally, Sitting Bull, led their combined forces of Sioux and Cheyenne to a stunning victory over Lieutenant Colonel George Custer (1839-76) and his men. The Native Americans were resisting the U.S. government’s efforts to force them back to their reservations. After Custer and over 200 of his soldiers were killed in the conflict, later dubbed “Custer’s Last Stand,” the white American public wanted revenge. As a result, the U.S. Army launched a winter campaign in 1876-77, led by General Nelson Miles (1839-1925), against the remaining tribes on the Northern Plains.

2002

President George W. Bush signs No Child Left Behind Act into law

On January 8, 2002, President George W. Bush signs the No Child Left Behind Act into law. The sweeping update to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 created new standards and goals for the nation’s public schools and implemented tough corrective measures for …read more

2011

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords injured in shooting rampage

On January 8, 2011, Gabrielle Giffords, a U.S. congresswoman from Arizona, is critically injured when a man goes on a shooting spree during a constituents meeting held by the congresswoman outside a Tucson-area supermarket. Six people died in the attack and another 13, including …read more

1940

Mussolini questions Hitler’s plans

A message from Benito Mussolini is forwarded to Adolf Hitler. In the missive, the Duce cautions the Fuhrer against waging war against Britain. Mussolini asked if it was truly necessary “to risk all-including the regime-and to sacrifice the flower of German generations.” …read more

1946

Elvis Presley receives his first guitar

In competing versions of the story, what Elvis Presley really wanted for his birthday was a rifle or a bicycle—both fairly typical choices for a boy his age growing up on the outskirts of Tupelo, Mississippi. Instead, Elvis’s highly protective mother, Gladys—”She never let me out …read more

Have an awesome day!

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share-OneRepublic – Counting Stars (Official Music Video)

I’m so glad you dropped by today, thank you. I hope you 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

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

Book Review The A-Z Self-Care Guide For Kids By Dr. Alexandra Barnett

I want to thank Trigger Publishing Editor Andrea Marchiano for sharing The A-Z Self-Care For Kids by Dr. Alexandra Barnett. One thing I’ve learned from reviewing children’s books is what a great resource they are for parents and children alike. It’s a great way to teach, and sharing stories will help your children relate.

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

Looking for the Light