I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.
Melinda
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday-Yosemite Falls
Category: Health and Wellbeing
Daily Writing Prompt
I went to live with my grandparents at 14 and my gramps was a year from retirement. Why would grandparents take on a 14 year old wild child a year before the freedom of retirement. WHY? Unconditional love.
Like all families, we have our issues yet that doesn’t stop us from getting together, mostly during the holidays and birthdays. My granny would cook enough for the neighborhood, not literally but everyone took goodies home with them.
My favorite tradition from childhood is going to a mexican restaurant with my grandparents and brother because they had a flag on your table to use when you wanted more food. My brother wore the flag out every time we went.
David and I have created a few traditions of our own, mostly holiday traditions. On Christmas Eve we eat a wide variety of cheeses, hard meats, olives, fresh rolls and a French Tart. We open our gifts after eating and kick back to relax after all that eating.
On Christmas morning David makes pancakes, another longstanding holiday tradition. He spends most of the day watching football until it’s time to start dinner. It’s much easier when you only have two people to plan for. Dinner is traditional with a spiraled backed ham, sweet potato, rolls and another desert!
Traditions can start or change at any time. I love my grandparents with my whole heart but that doesn’t mean I have to continue it.
I’m thinking of a tray of cheese, hard meats and a hot roll right now. :)
Melinda
What Do First Time Home Renovators Wish They’d Known?
Home renovation is an exhilarating, frustrating, emotional, challenging, and often addictive process. The journey of seeing a house go from unloved wreck to home of your dreams is a feeling quite unlike anything else. Getting there can be quite the ride, but you may find that you love the end result so much you’re soon itching for your next big project. There are many reasons to renovate an older home. Generally speaking, you can get much more for your money and it may enable you to buy a bigger plot or in a nicer area that would normally have been just out of your budget. If the property is liveable, you can then give yourself some extra time to save up the money needed for construction work.
It can also prove a good investment – if you buy at the right price and are able to make the renovation budget work, and you don’t overdevelop the property when it comes time to sell hopefully you will have made a profit. It’s also a chance to design and develop a home exactly as you want it, specific to all your own needs and preferences. There are a lot of plus points to renovating your first home.
On the other hand, being prepared is everything, or first-time renovation projects can be quite a shock. The expense, noise, mess, unexpected problems, and missed deadlines can be enough to put some people off for life. So how do you get ready for renovation if you’ve never done it before? And what do more experienced home renovators wish they had known before their first project?
It may not be very romantic to hear, but everything within your project is driven by one factor: budget. There’s no denying the extensively redeveloping property is hugely expensive, so understanding from the outset exactly what your renovation budget is, and estimating realistically are vital. After all, no one wants to run out of cash part way through a building project. It’s quite likely you may have to scale back some of your expectations, especially on a first project, when you’re unlikely to have huge cash reserves to fall back on. Plan out the projects you want to do in phases, in order of how urgent they are.
You may have to wait a while between phases if you need to save up more money or secure a loan for the building works. Keep a close eye on the budget during the project and remember that the small things can be expensive and quickly add up. Decide in advance what features of the renovation are an absolute deal-breaker for you, and what you will be prepared to compromise on if you have to. Always create a contingency fund. It’s likely that there may be unforeseen issues that pop up during the course of the project – especially with older properties – that you haven’t budgeted for, so this margin could save you. You may find yourself having to pay for additional structural work, new electrics, or even things like local pest control. And if by some miracle, you don’t spend it, it can be spare cash to spend on the final decorative touches. Remember that it is possible to save money on a home renovation.
Learning to DIY some of the slightly easier bits yourself can be very cost-effective, so jobs such as painting, adding skirting, etc are all easy wins. Shop around for everything, from equipment hire to kitchens, to get the best price, and consider what preloved elements you could either reuse from the original property or source elsewhere.
Get The Layout Right
The key to a successful renovation is to find a new layout that works. You will either be working within the original floorplan of the house, but with the option to remove and add walls and reconfigure the space – or you may be extending your home to add on additional space. You’ll be surprised what the right layout change can do to transform both the feel and the usability of a property – for example, opening up a maze of little rooms to form a free-flowing, open-plan space. If you do want to keep smaller rooms, there are lots of tricks to make them appear more spacious, from the clever placement of mirrors to dressing the windows so that they look taller and choosing paint techniques that make the room look bigger.
It’s a time in your life you will always remember, so be prepared, do your research and embrace the chaos – your ideal home is now within reach.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Repost
Eight Benefits to Tamanu Oil
Tamanu oil is derived from the Tamanu tree, which originates in the Polynesian islands, tropical Southeast Asia, south India, and the tropical African Coast. With antioxidants, antibacterial, anti-inch, and healing properties, it has been used for skin care as well as hair care. The smell is slightly sweet and someone nutty, the color is greenish-yellow, and the shelf life is normally two years, depending on how it’s stored. Here are eight ways this oil benefits your overall health.
- Treats Acne by reducing bacterial growth.
- Soothes dry skin by moisturizing and adding antioxidants.
- Smooths wrinkles with fatty acids and antioxidants.
- Heals wounds, cuts, and abrasions with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.
- Reduces the appearance of scars and stretch marks thanks to the cell regenerating and renewal characteristics.
- Treats ingrown hairs with antibacterial property.
- Fights scalp irregularities and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents.
- Restores hair health and shine by sealing in moisture.
Notes
Before using Tamanu oil, test it on a small area of your skin to make sure you’re not allergic or sensitive to it.
Avoid using Tamanu oil if you have a tree nut allergy.
For deep, infected wounds, please seek immediate care from a healthcare provider.
Melinda
Reference:
Willow & Sage
Friday Quote
Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.
Melinda
3 Ways To Stop Wasting Money On Your Car
When many people think of car costs, the first thing that pops into their heads is the purchase price. That’s far from all you’ll have to pay for it, however. You’ll have to put quite a lot of money into maintaining it.
These car expenses add up quickly, especially with older cars. It can often seem like a money sink. Figuring out how to stop wasting money on your car can be difficult. Your car will need some TLC, but you might want to spend much money on it.
Thankfully, there are more than a few ways you can do so. While you’ll need to put some time into it, it’ll be more than worth the effort. Three particular ways are suggested, as they’re quick and easy ways to look after your car.
Top Three Ways
1. Buy Parts Online
Perhaps the most obvious way to spend less on your car is to buy auto parts online. These will usually be much more affordable than the ones you can get at a mechanic’s. Since they’ll be the exact same parts, there’s no reason not to take this route.
You could save quite a bit of money on this, especially if you’re able to replace any parts yourself. While this approach involves spending a bit of time waiting for parts, the savings are worth the wait.
2. Change The Air Filter Yourself
Your car’s air filter needs to be changed regularly. You could be surprised to hear that focusing on this is one of the better ways to figure out how to stop wasting money on your car. You can do this yourself, with the car owner’s manual showing you how and when to do so.
Buying the air filter online – as recommended above – lets you save a significant amount of money on the fix. Replacing the air filter doesn’t take much time. If you’re good with your hands, it should only take you a few minutes to do so.
3. Shop For Prices
As much as you could DIY many of your car repairs, there comes a point where you’ll need to hire a mechanic to take care of things. Many people simply go to the first mechanic they can think of – or the closest one to them – and stick with that. Doing this costs more than you’d think.
Instead of taking this approach, you should shop around for prices. Depending on the issue at hand – and several other factors – the mechanics mightn’t even need to see your car before giving you a quote. While this could vary when you get there, taking this approach gives you an idea of how much each mechanic costs.
Choosing a more affordable option helps you stop wasting money on your car.
How To Stop Wasting Money On Your Car: Wrapping Up
Figuring out how to stop wasting money on your car is a difficult process. Your car will need some maintenance and attention. Depending on how you go about it, that could prove costly. With each of the above strategies, however, it’s something you won’t need to worry about.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Repost
Daily Writing Prompt
Daily writing prompt
If you could make your pet understand one thing, what would it be?
To potty on the potty pads and not somewhere else, like my husbands bathroom. Griffy is totally laid back until she wants a snack. Jet’s close to the same size and is calm until he thinks it’s time of a snack ot petting.
Melinda
Daily Writing Prompt
I’m retired so by far this is the best job. At 12 I had a paper route to make some play money and my second job was being a cashier in a grocery store. Every job I’ve worked has taught me new lesson’s. There were plenty of jobs I didn’t like and other’s I gave all to.
After retiring and giving my body time to decompress, I had a store on Ebay for five years. It was a blast and kept me busy. I won’t forget the guy who bought one homeade soap a month, and when I offered a deal on three soaps for the price of two, he continued to buy one soap.
Not working has been a blessing and life contiues to teach me lesson’s. My days are slower now and I know how difficult it can be to balancce work with health issues.
Melinda
Take Advantage Of Savings Cards Where You Shop!
We’ve saved plenty of money without sacrificing quality, by joining company Saving Card’s like CVS ad Kroger or pay for a membership at a big box companies like Costo or Sam’s.
The free savings copay cards:
Amazon-Paid Membership-Prime Members get free shipping and returns on most items.
Starbucks
JCrew
Madewell
Petco
HEB
CVS
Kroger
Sam’s Club- paid membership
Costco-paid membership
Golf Pass
A few restaurant we frequent also have memberships to co-pay card’s free of charge. Your points add up based on what you buy and when you’ve reached a certain tier you see your coupons or more.
I have disover that many companies including include a savings program to dine there and even Starbucks offers a membership available. Keep you eye open where you shop or dine.
Amazon-Pharmacy
Wow, talk about saving money! Always ask the pharmacist what the price is to fill for 90 days. Most of mine at 90 days when possible. Take a look at Amazon Pharmacy and you may be surprised at how little you being you’re being charged. Take a look at see if the support the medication and insurance. The easiest way for me was to completely start over, had all scripts sent to Amazon and thus far, I’m impressed by how quik they turned the script and no issues to date.
We shop the Costo’s ad each week, they have the great deals, if it’s not in the catalog you have, keep your eye’s open for the next catalog. David makes a monthly trip to stock up.
When we don’t plan for the future, we can find ourselves there without any savings.
Save every penny saved and is put back into savings, will be surprised you how quickly the money adds up.
Costco is one membership that is worth every penny. If living alone, maybe buying in bulk isn’t the answer unless you visit with a free to see what they offer.
I’m working on a post on ways to save money on your medication cost, and learn where to go for help when medical insurance denies your claim. I have some great referrals to share.
Melinda
Your Mental Health Is Important: Tips On Moving To A New Town
Moving to a new town can be challenging. You’re uprooting your life and starting over in unfamiliar surroundings where no one knows you or where no familiar faces exist. However, with an open mind and positive approach, moving can be both enjoyable and beneficial for your mental well-being. It will help to expose you to new people from various walks of life, and there may be exciting opportunities out there that lead to improved quality of life. Here, we will cover everything from how to find housing in a new town to practical advice for making it feel like home in your new environment. So read on for advice on settling comfortably into life in a brand new city and its potential impact on mental health.
Research Your Options
A new town can be both exciting and overwhelming. Before making the leap, it is wise to research its characteristics – neighborhoods, parks, and community events are good places to begin exploring your options, as are local schools and businesses. Spend some time getting acquainted with its amenities, such as shopping centers, medical facilities, and recreational activities, so you can form positive associations between yourself and the place you will soon call home.
Find An Experienced Realtor
Whether selling or renting out your current home, consulting with a realtor can be invaluable in the process. Their expertise and market knowledge will ensure you obtain the maximum return for your property sale or rental investment. Finding the best realtor for yourself is key; seek someone who understands your individual needs, who will guide the process in an optimal way, and who will help you find a home in your new town that fits both your requirements and budget.
Declutter Before Moving
Moving can introduce feelings of excitement and anxiety all at once, and decluttering before the big day can make all the difference. While it might be tempting to simply pack everything up and deal with it later, reducing clutter will create a more organized and soothing atmosphere when you arrive in your new home. Not only will you have less to unpack, but you’ll be able to easily find what you need and avoid feeling overwhelmed in your new surroundings.
Get To Know Your Neighbors
Making new friends in a new town may be daunting, but getting to know your neighbors can be one of the easiest ways to build a new community. Remember that building relationships take time; one way of making this transition more manageable is by getting acquainted with your neighbors – they may become your close friends, gym partners, or trusted pet sitters! So take the time to introduce yourself, invite them over for a meal, or offer to lend a hand whenever they need it.
Make Time For Yourself
Take time for yourself by participating in yoga classes, going for leisurely walks, or sitting quietly and meditating – however, you choose. Doing this will allow you to unwind, assess your emotions, and process changes in life more easily. Making this investment in yourself will reduce stress while improving your overall well-being; your mental well-being should be treated just as seriously as your physical well-being, so take the time needed for both!
Technology Makes Making Friends Easier
Moving away from those you love and places you are familiar with can be daunting, particularly when you don’t know anyone in your new town. But thanks to technology, making friends has never been simpler: friendship apps such as Bumble BFF are a great way to meet people who share similar interests or hobbies – you could meet potential friends within seconds by signing up. And who knows, you might just find your soulmate!
Explore Local Attractions
One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with a new town is by visiting its attractions. Take time out to visit landmarks, take part in outdoor activities, and try local eateries; doing this can quickly break down any barriers you might be feeling around meeting new people. It will also provide the opportunity for you to socialize with locals as well as learn about the town’s history while discovering hidden gems that will enhance your life experience.
Final Thoughts
Moving to a new city can be an immensely enriching experience for many, which is why it’s essential that it be done the correct way. Your mental health and well-being should always come first, so use the tips given above to make sure you have a successful transition into your new home. With a little effort, you’ll soon be feeling like a local in no time.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Daily Writing Prompt
My gut says Social Media platforms, have you seen the “dares” going around Tic Tok? Teens and younder adults walking on moving trains, and the list is long. I was a teen and made plenty of mistakes yet I’m smarter than the people doing the stunts.
I closed all of my accounts last year because a company I worked with was hacked and all of my data was released. I took the comments Apple said about safety, and applied every ounce of help they provided. Because my personal information was leaked and confirmed the information is on the Dark Web, that’s data is roming around which can lead to identity theft the rest of my life
I wouldn’t un-invent something because as life goes on, we get to watch new versions of a product eveolve.
Melinda
Fun Facts, Did You Know?
I’m so glad you’re enjoying these post, I love hearing your hilarious comments.
Bananas glow blue under black lights
To the everyday eye under normal conditions, ripe bananas appear yellow due to organic pigments called carotenoids. When bananas ripen, chlorophyll begins to break down. This pigment is the element that makes bananas glow, or “fluoresce,” under UV lights and appear blue.
Bees can make colored honey
In France, there’s a biogas plant that manages waste from a Mars chocolate factory, where M&Ms are made. Beekeepers nearby noticed that their bees were making “unnatural shades of green and blue” honey, reported BBC. A spokesperson from the British Beekeepers’ Association predicted the bees eating the sugary M&M waste caused the colored honey.
Wimbledon tennis balls are kept at 68 degrees Fahrenheit
The temperature of tennis balls affects how the ball bounces. At warmer temperatures, the gas molecules inside the ball expand making the ball bounce higher. A tennis ball at lower temperatures causes the molecules to shrink and the ball bounces lower. To make sure the best tennis balls are used, Wimbledon goes through over 50,000 tennis balls.
Adult cats are lactose intolerant
Feeding your cat milk could be making them sick. Like some humans, adult cats don’t have enough of the lactase enzyme to digest lactose from milk, causing them to vomit, have diarrhea, or get gassy. Cats only have enough of that enzyme when they’re born and during the early years of their life.
Albert Einstein’s eyeballs are in New York City
They were given to Henry Abrams and preserved in a safety deposit box. Abrams was Einstein’s eye doctor. He received the eyeballs from Thomas Harvey, the man who performed the autopsy on Einstein and illegally took the scientist’s brain for himself.
The Pope can’t be an organ donor
Pope Benedict XVI was issued an organ donor card in 1970. Once he ascended to the papacy in 2005, the card was invalid, reports the Telegraph. According to the Vatican, the Pope’s entire body must be buried intact because his body belongs to the universal Catholic Church.
An one-armed player scored the winning goal in the first World Cup Héctor Castro played on the Uruguay soccer team during the first ever World Cup in 1930. In the last game between Uruguay versus Argentina, Castro scored the winning goal in the last minute of the game. The final score was 4-2, making Uruguay the first country to win the World Cup title.
The world’s oldest toy is a stick
Think of how versatile a stick is. You can use it to play fetch with your dog, swing it as a bat, or use your imagination to turn it into a lightsaber. Its adaptability, along with how old sticks are, is among the reasons why the National Toy Hall of Fame inducted the stick into its collection as possibly the oldest toy ever.
Have a great weekend.
Melinda :)
Friday Quote
Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.
Melinda
Book Review One Step At A Time By Francesca Giacomozzi
I was kindly gifted a copy of One Step At A Time, by Francesca Giacomozzi from Soraya Nair at Cherish Editions for an honest review. Thank you, Soraya.
About Author
“Francesca Giacomozzi has lived in the UK since April 2016.
After quitting a full-time job that wasn’t fulfilling her, she studied to become a yoga teacher and reflexologist and now owns her own yoga teaching and massage therapy business.
Her drive to help others overcome mental health issues has pushed her out of her comfort zone, leading her to raise awareness about eating disorders as a daily mission.
Francesca has two degrees and can speak five languages.”
Excerpt From: Francesca Giacomozzi. “One Step at a Time.” Apple Books.
Blurb
“My long-winded journey into a fuller and healthier self. Written with the hope that if you are lost, you will soon be found. This is the honest and unfiltered truth about me and my experiences as a warrior in eating disorder recovery. All the people mentioned in this book are real, and therefore have been made anonymous unless they provided consent to be spoken about by name.”
Francesca Giacomozzi found herself on the verge of a crisis, exhausted from waking up day after day without a sense of purpose. Determined to get her life back on track, she decided to take on a challenge to engage both her mind and body: a two-week walk along the South West Coastal Path.She invested in kit and prepared – or so she thought – for the solo trek. Little did she know, her journey would leave her with a completely different outcome to the one she expected. Her diary pages are filled with two tales: what happened on the trail, and how it made her feel on the inside.
My Thoughts
When you’re faced with demons, you have two paths you can take. You can tackle them head-on or you can turn and run. Francesca found herself at a crossroads and decided to face her demons in the most interesting way. She set out to trek 360 miles across England to find herself and found so much more.
Armed with her diary, she sets out and discovers the generosity of others feeds her need for food. When you struggle with an eating disorder, you over focus on food and look for an emotional fulfillment which doesn’t come. Fran struggles with her thoughts and self loathing along the way but as she reaches her destination there is a new sense of self. A sense she can overcome and ask for help.
Ask for help she does, she sees a therapist for the first time and starts a new, more informed and self assured chapter. I beleive she is living her best life and inspires others with deep rooted struggles that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Fran sprinkles in poetry throughout the chapters. She is a great writer and the book is a fast read, you can’t wait to see what adventure she will encounter next. You can also fully relate to the insecurities she feels about herself and in social situations.
I struggled with an eating disorder for years and can say this book hit home. It’s real and gives a look at the true mental and physical toll an eating disorder can take in the body.
This book is a great read for most types of mental health struggles, not just eating disorders. The guilt, anger, insecurities and shame are universal.
I highly recommend One Step At A time to everyone and give it 5 stars!
Cherish Editions
Cherish Editions is the self-publishing division of Trigger Publishing, the UK’s leading independent mental health and wellbeing publisher.
We are experienced in creating and selling positive, responsible, important and inspirational books, which work to de-stigmatise the issues around mental health, as well as helping people who read them to maintain and improve their mental health and wellbeing. By choosing to publish through Cherish Editions, you will get the expertise of the dedicated Trigger Team at every step of the process.
We are proud of what we do, and passionate about the books that we publish. We want to do the very best for you and your book, holding your hand every step of the way.
Happy Reading!
I know you will enjoy the book as much as I did and encourage you to pick up a copy today.
Melinda
Book Review Navigating Loneliness By Cheryl Rickman
I was kindly gifted an advanced copy of Navigating Loneliness by Cheryl Rickman from Maddie Kirby-Dunne at Wellbeck Publishing Group for an honest review. Thank you, Maddie.
About the Author
Cheryl Rickman is a qualified Positive Psychology Practitioner and Sunday Times bestselling author and ghostwriter of twenty self-help, wellbeing and business books.
After her parents’ lives were cut short, Cheryl decided to devote her life to helping others make the most of their own precious lives through the books she writes.
She specializes in writing practical books to help people fret less and flourish more, and is a Wellbeing Ambassador for the Network of Wellbeing.
Having qualified with a Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology in 2016, Cheryl also runs wellbeing retreats and delivers workshops on acceptance, balance and compassion, The ABC of FlourishingTM.
Cheryl lives with her husband, daughter and two dogs in a country cottage in Hampshire, UK. She is an unashamed tree- hugger and nature-lover, has an overflowing bookshelf and her favourite colour is rainbow. She loves pizza and the seaside, but is not a fan of mushrooms or spiders.
You can find out more at http://www.CherylRickman.co.uk
OTHER WELLBEING BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR
Be More Wonder Woman: Fearless Thinking from a Warrior Princess
(DK, 2020)
The Flourish Colouring Book: Art Therapy Mindfulness
(CreateSpace, 2015)
The Flourish Handbook: How to Achieve Happiness with Staying Power, Boost Your Well-Being, Enjoy Life More and Reach Your Potential (CreateSpace, 2013)
The Happiness Bible: An Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Wellbeing
(Godsfield Press, 2019)
The Little Book of Resilience (Gaia, 2019)
The Little Book of Serenity (Gaia, 2020)
May You Be Well: Everyday Good Vibes for the Spiritual (Pyramid, 2021)
You Are Enough: Embrace Your Flaws and Be Happy Being You
(Summersdale, 2021)
Blurb
Navigating Loneliness is part of a Trigger Publishing series of books about managing mental health issues. Throughout this book you’ll learn what actions you can take to tackle the main causes of loneliness and reduce it.
My Thoughts
The book is a very fast read at only 155 pages long and includes helpful resources at the back of the book. It’s a great read with a long list of resources.
Wellbeck Publishing Group
Wellbeck Publishing Group is an exciting, fast-growing independent publisher based in London, dedicated to publishing only the very best and most commercial books spanning a number of genres and categories, from leading authors and well-known brands to debut talent. We live for books that entertain, excite and enhance the lives of readers around the world.
Melinda
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National Stalking Awareness Month
Stalking is like being in Alice & Wonderland, paranoid, scared, no control, threats and you can’t get out until it’s over, it took over 7 months the last time. I had my claws out during the entire time and continued to listen to my gut more often. There are thousands of people are out there with a scam on their mind’s, if you have not met them in-person or you could find out how yourself another TikTok video. You may feel under a microscope until you can move forward, keep working through the trauma.
What is stalking?
Legal definitions vary from one jurisdiction to another. Still, stalking is generally defined as a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. A crime in all 50 states and at the federal level, stalking is dangerous and potentially lethal.
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Who are victims of stalking?
| In 2019, about 1.3% of Americans ages 16 and older (3.4 million people) were victims of stalking, according to a report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). The most frequently reported traditional stalking behaviors included the offender following and watching the victim. Stalking with technology most commonly included unwanted phone calls, voice or text messages, and emails and Internet messages.
The percentage of people who experienced stalking declined from 2016 (1.5%) to 2019 (1.3%). However, women continue to be victims of stalking more than twice as often as men. Overall, the data show most stalking victims know their stalkers. Among adults, 18- to 24-year-olds experience the highest rates of stalking, placing students on college and university campuses at high risk of becoming a victim. Research shows that most college students are stalked by someone they know, usually a fellow student. Colleges and universities that understand the dynamics of stalking and the negative impacts associated with it can support victims and hold stalkers accountablethrough campus programs and thorough investigations. In 2019, only 29% of stalking victims reported their victimization to police. Stalking victims who chose not to report the crime to police most often said they didn’t feel it was important enough to do so. |
Source: The Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center |
What help is there for victims of stalking?
If you believe you’re a victim of stalking, the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center provides guidance and resources in the What to Do if You Are Being Stalked section of their website.
Supported by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the Violence Against Women Research Consortium published a series of training videos and resources that cover stalking laws and best practices for law enforcement and prosecutors in stalking investigations.
January is recognized as National Stalking Awareness Month – an annual call to action to recognize and respond to the crime of stalking.
Date Modified: January 11, 2024
Additional Resources
Internet Safety Special Feature: Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking
This online resource offers a compilation of publications and referrals to organizations dealing with cyberbullying and cyberstalking.
National Stalking Awareness Month
This webpage provides access to resources and materials that provide information about stalking and how to share information about National Stalking Awareness Month, which is recognized each January.
Office for Victims of Crime (OVC): Stalking
This website provides information about stalking and includes links to related organizations and topical publications.
Office on Violence Against Women (OVW): Stalking
OVW provides information on the U.S. Department of Justice’s legal and policy issues regarding violence against women and responds to requests for information regarding violence against women, including stalking.
Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC)
Funded by the Office on Violence Against Women, the goal of SPARC is to ensure first responders and other allied professionals have the specialized knowledge needed to identify and response to stalking cases.
Violence Against Women Research Consortium
The Rutgers Violence Against Women Research Consortium works collaboratively with interdisciplinary researchers and National Institute of Justice research scientists to identify, implement, and disseminate research and evaluation projects that fill the gaps in our current knowledge on stalking, as well as intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and teen dating violence.
Melinda
Reference:
Gluten-Free Peppermint Mocha
Coffee drinks give me a chance to stop & relax, which we all need.
What you need
1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
1-2 shots of expresso
1 TB raw cacao powder
1 TS pure maple syrup
1/4 TS teaspoon peppermint extract
How to make
In a small saucepan, warm the coconut milk to your desired temperature over medium to high heat.
Pour the warmed milk into a high-powered blender and add the espresso, cacao powder, maple syrup, and peppermint.
Blend until the drink is combined and slightly frothy, about 1 minute.
Pour into a mug and enjoy it immediately.
Serves 1
Double the recipe to make 2 servings.
Enjoy
Melinda
Reference:
The recipe is from Kristin Cavallari’s cookbook True Comfort.
What are Glutens and how to start a Gluten-Free Lifestyle
It’s important to understand what glutens are and where to look for in order to establish a gluten-free lifestyle. As more people are diagnosed gluten intolerant more pre-made products will become available making choices much easier. I plan to write a number of post on the Gluten-Free lifestyle in the coming months. Below is a short list of items and ingredients you can eat. The Information is taken from Gluten Freedom by Alessio Fasano, MD. Founder and Director of the Center for Celiac Research at Massachusetts General Hospital Harvard Medical School. Melinda
Gluten is found in common foods such as breads, cereals, baked goods, and pasta. Because it’s used in processed foods as an additive or preservative, gluten is also found in a wide variety of foods and nonfood items from prescription medications to Play-Doh. If you are the food shopper in the family, you must learn to read labels very carefully to comply with gluten-free diet.
Things you can eat on the Gluten-Free Diet
Gluten-Free Grains, Flours, Seeds and Starches
- Amaranth
- Arrowroot
- Buckwheat
- Cassava
- Corn
- Flaxseed
- Nut Flours
- Millet
- Montina
- Gluten-Free Oats
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sago
- Sorghum
- Tapioca
- Teff
- Wild rice
Safe Ingredients List
- Vinegar except malt vinegar
- Distilled alcohol
- Carmel color
- Citric acid
- Spices
- Monosodium glutamate
- Maltodextrin
- Mono- and diglycerides
- Artificial flavor and color
- Natural flavor and color
Melinda
Just Pondering
DIY Refreshing Room Spray
There is nothing pleasant about lingering foul order. This citrus-scented spray helps eliminate unwanted odors from any room from in the house.
You will need
Spray bottle: small
Distilled water
1 tsp dish soap
1 tsp vodka
30 drops of citrus essential oil
How to Make
Fill a small spray bottle two-thirds with distilled water
Add the dish soap, vodka, and the essential oil
Tighten the spray top and swirl the mixture for 30 seconds before spraying.
The spray is a great housewarming gift or for use around the house.
Melinda
Reference:
Repost
Daily Writing Prompt
That is a short sentence for a big answer! I live a laid back life now and the answer is actually shorter than you might expect.
Mission
Stay close to God
Be a good wife
Take care of my physical & mental health
Find joy by looking out the window
Help the charities I work with
Always looking forward to life
Be informed about the world around me
Cut negatives out of my life
Help when you can
Stay true to myself
Melinda
The Future Is Behind The Door
The seller accepted our offer over the weekend! During the closing period you find yourself filling out a ton of paperwork and making phone calls, yet every step counts.
Melinda
Natural Seasonal Allergy Relief
Nettle Leaf Tea
Made from stinging nettle plants, organic nettle tea can help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms with its natural antihistamine. You reap all the benefits of antihistamine symptom relief without having to take conventional medicines. You can drink the daily as a preventative or as needed.
Spirulina & Other Superfoods
Spirulina is a superfood full of amazing plant nutrients, like iron, calcium, vitamin A and C, and protein. While great for overall health, spiraling may be beneficial during allergy season because it is high in antioxidants and has been shown to protect the body from anything that might compromise the immune system. It is high in chlorophyll and is detoxifying. Other superfoods like Kale, turmeric, mace powder, hemp, and flax are great for reducing inflammation and boosting your immune system.
Probiotic
A probiotic can help boost your gut and immune system health, which plays a big part in seasonal allergies. You can digest probiotics by eating fermented items like sauerkraut, and kombucha, or by taking a supplement. Make sure it is a high-quality probiotic from an organic source.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is detoxifying and practically a remedy for everything. Taking as little as 1 tablespoon a day can help you feel and be healthier, which will, in turn, reduce your allergy symptoms. Make sure you purchase unfiltered organic Apple Cider Vinegar.
Essential Oils
Essential oils, such as melaleuca, peppermint, lavender, frankincense, lemon, and eucalyptus, help with seasonal allergy relief. I like to fill a roller bottle with a carrier oil and 5-10 drops of each chosen essential oil. I apply this to my nose, on my temples, and behind my ears when I begin to feel swollen or puffy, as well as to the bottom of my feet. You can use these as needed as well as preventative.
All great ideas from one of my favorite bookazines, Williow & Sage by Stampington.
Melinda
Repost
3M Agrees to Pay $10.3B in Settlement of Lawsuits Claiming ‘Forever Chemicals’ Contaminate Drinking Water
The settlement will help public water systems across the U.S. detect and remove PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” which are linked to serious health issues
The corporation 3M has reached a settlement to resolve lawsuits that claimed it contaminated water supplies in the U.S. with toxic “forever chemicals.”
The company — based in Paul, Minnesota — announced on Thursday that it had agreed to pay up to $10.3 billion over 13 years to fund public water suppliers that have detected or will detect these chemicals in their drinking water, according to the New York Times.
The chemicals in question are polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which are used to make coatings that repel water, grease, and oil and are present in many common items, such as cosmetics, nonstick pans, and water-resistant productions.
PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or in the human body.
According to CNN, 3M has been to court many times in the last twenty years over PFAS-related health issues. Cancer, liver damage, and developmental defects are among conditions linked to forever chemicals. The lawsuits allege that 3M knew PFAS caused harm and failed to warn the public or regulators about the risks.
As reported by the New York Times, 3M chairman and CEO Mike Roman said in a statement that his company would stop producing PFAS in the next two and a half years, and that they ceased the manufacturing of two types of PFAS — PFOA and PFOS — two decades ago.
“This is an important step forward for 3M, which builds on our actions that include our announced exit of PFOA and PFOS manufacturing more than 20 years ago, our more recent investments in state-of-the-art water filtration technology in our chemical manufacturing operations, and our announcement that we will exit all PFAS manufacturing by the end of 2025,” he said.
However, CBS News reported that 3M insists the settlement “is not an admission of liability” and “3M is prepared to continue to defend itself” if the agreement is not approved by a judge.
According to Reuters, Scott Summy — an attorney for the water systems suing 3M — stated, “We have reached the largest drinking water settlement in American history, which will be used to help filter PFAS from drinking water that is served to the public. The result is that millions of Americans will have healthier lives without PFAS in their drinking water.”
The settlement comes after three other companies — Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva — agreed to pay more than $1 billion earlier this month to settle similar lawsuits over PFAS contamination.
Melinda
Reference:
https://people.com/3m-agrees-to-pay-10-billion-settlement-forever-chemicals-7552793
We Will Never Forget
January, 6th, 2001
Sending prayers to police officers who fought for country and the vote happened. Each officer faught for their lives and the public during an non-succeesful Government take-over or thier life, many officeries were injured that day.
Melinda
Why Kids And Teens May Face More Anxiety Far More These Days: A Must Read For All Parents
When it comes to treating anxiety in children and teens, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook are the bane of therapists’ work.“With (social media), it’s all about the self-image — who’s ‘liking’ them, who’s watching them, who clicked on their picture,” said Marco Grados, associate professor of psychiatry and clinical director of child and adolescent psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Hospital. “Everything can turn into something negative … [K]ids are exposed to that day after day, and it’s not good for them.”
“There is definitely a rise in the identification of kids with serious anxiety,” he said. They are “growing up in an environment of volatility, where schools have lockdowns, where there are wars across borders. We used to have high confidence in our environment — now we have an environment that anticipates catastrophe.”
The data on anxiety among 18- and 19-year-olds is even starker. Since 1985, the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA has been asking incoming college freshmen if they “felt overwhelmed” by all they had to do. The first year, 18 percent replied yes. By 2000, that climbed to 28 percent. By 2016, to nearly 41 percent.
The same pattern is clear when comparing modern-day teens to those of their grandparents’ or great-grandparents’ era. One of the oldest surveys in assessing personality traits and psychopathology is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, which dates to the Great Depression and remains in use today. When Jean Twenge, a professor of psychology at San Diego State University, looked at the MMPI responses from more than 77,500 high school and college students over the decades, she found that five times as many students in 2007 “surpassed thresholds” in more than one mental health category than they did in 1938. Anxiety and depression were six times more common.
Statistics on anxiety in children and younger adolescents aren’t easy to come by. The study published last month was based on the National Survey of Children’s Health, which the researchers noted “is the only national data source to evaluate the presence of anxiety and depression on a regular basis.” The findings were limited, though, and relied on the reports of parents and guardians as to whether a health-care professional had ever told them their child was suffering from one of those conditions.
Those responding yes were asked to describe the level of both anxiety and depression in their children: 10.7 percent said their child’s depression was severe, and 15.2 percent who listed their child’s anxiety at that level.
Among the study’s other findings: Anxiety and depression were more commonly found among white and non-Hispanic children, and children with anxiety or depression were more likely than their peers to be obese. The researchers acknowledge that the survey method — parents reporting what they were told by their child’s doctor — likely skewed the results.
Grados often identifies anxiety in the children and adolescents he sees as part of his clinical practice in Baltimore. “I have a wide range [of patients], take all insurances, do inpatients, day hospital, outpatients, and see anxiety across all strata,” he said.
The causes of that anxiety also include classroom pressures, according to Grados. “Now we’re measuring everything,” he said. “School is putting so much pressure on them with the competitiveness … I’ve seen eighth graders admitted as inpatients, saying they have to choose a career!”
Yet even one of the latest study’s authors acknowledges that it can be difficult to tease out the truth about the rise in anxiety.
“If you look at past studies,” said John T. Walkup, chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, “you don’t know if the conditions themselves are increasing or clinicians are making the diagnosis more frequently due to advocacy or public health efforts.”
Nearly a third of all adolescents ages 13 to 18 will experience an anxiety disorder during their lifetime, according to the National Institutes of Health, with the incidence among girls (38.0 percent) far outpacing that among boys (26.1 percent).
Identifying anxiety in kids and getting them help is paramount, according to clinicians. “Anxiety can be an early stage of other conditions,” Grados said. “Bipolar, schizophrenia later in life can initially manifest as anxiety.”
For all these reasons, Kendall said, increased awareness is welcome.
“If you look at the history of child mental health problems,” he said, “we knew about delinquency at the beginning of the 20th century, autism was diagnosed in the 1940s, teenage depression in the mid-’80s. Anxiety is really coming late to the game.”
Melinda
Reference:
Repost
National Blood Donor Month: Save A Life
Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. The statitics are only for America, think of the tremendous need around the world. It’s a privilege as an American to give blood and pallets to save anothers life. What if you or your family needed blood? You would pray there would be enough blood supply.
Facts About Blood Needs
- Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets.
- Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S.
- Nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6.500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.
- Nearly 16 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.
- Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require blood transfusions throughout their lives.
- The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units.
- A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.
- Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors.
- The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.
- One donation can help save more than one life.
- According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.9 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.
Blood Supply Statistics
The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood and blood components, all from generous volunteer donors. But supply can’t always meet demand because only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. Each new donor helps us meet patient needs.
- Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood.
- 13.6 million units of whole blood and red blood cells are collected in the U.S. in a year.
- About 45% of people in the U.S. have Group O (positive or negative) blood; the proportion is higher among Hispanics (57%) and African Americans (51%).
- Type O negative red cells can be given to patients of all blood types. Because only 7% of people in the U.S. are type O negative, it’s always in great demand and often in short supply.
- Type AB plasma can be transfused to patients of all blood types. Since only 4% of people in the U.S. have type AB blood, this plasma is usually in short supply.
- Red blood cells must be used within 42 days (or less).
- Platelets must be used within just 5 days.
Giving blood on a regular basis helps keep people alive and platelets are essential for people diaognosed with Leukemia and Sickle Cell patients who require blood transfusions throught their life. Making a blood donation is easy and doesn’t take long, if you give pallets it only takes two hours out of your day. Also if you have O negative blood, your blood is needed more than ever because it’s a rare blood type.
Melinda
References:
Daily Writing Prompt
Daily writing prompt
Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why?
Spending too much time thinking about the past is holding you back from planning your future. Daydreaming about the future is very healthy, we use our imagination and we can manifest a brighter future. That’s not to say I never look back, there’s great joy in thinking about my grandparents and looking at old photos all the way back to when I was born.
Thinking about the past all the time can stagnate your growth and could mean you have unresolved anger or trauma. I first experienced trauma shorthly after I was born because my mother abused me. I’ve had other trauma’s like being stalked, sexually assaulted and my father’s suicide, I don’t want to wallow in those memories. Seeing my Therapist for 32 years has helped me resolve my trauma and I don’t look back.
The future is wide open and you have the ability to live your best life.
Melinda
January Is Mental Wellness Month
Notice the heading is Mental Wellness, not Mental Health or Mental Illness because they are each separate topics. Good Mental Wellness allows children and adults to live a fullfilling live and is critical for overall health. Put any preconcieved ideas aside and read the post for your health.
What Does Mental Wellness Mean?
Mental Wellness is a term that considers psychological, physical, emotional, and social well-being. Looking at the whole self in this way can help people flourish. Mental Wellness is relevant to all of us, not just those experiencing mental health challenges.
Mental Wellness is marked by
- feeling up to the challenges of day-to-day life
- experiencing moments of pleasure and joy in activities or relationships
- feeling satisfaction with life
- experiencing positive emotions
- having the resources to help cope with the circumstances you face.
Definition and Components
Mental wellness encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, and act, and is not merely the absence of mental illness. Instead, it represents a proactive approach to maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. Key components of mental wellness include:
- Self-awareness: Understanding one’s emotions and thoughts.
- Resilience: The ability to cope with stress and bounce back from challenges.
- Healthy relationships: Building and maintaining supportive connections with others.
- Purpose and fulfillment: Engaging in activities that provide meaning and satisfaction in life.
Working on Mental Wellness daily is like taking care of our body only a salad isn’t the answer.
Don’t let your misunderstanding of what Mental Wellness emcompasses stop you from living your best life.
To your health!
Melinda
References:
You Are Not Alone: Quotes for the Toughest Days
Leaning on the hard-earned wisdom of others helps shift your perspective and uplift your spirits, serving as a reminder that resilience is possible even on the toughest days.
May these words serve as a gentle source of inspiration and comfort. If you have a specific quote that helps you through the hard times, we invite you to share it in the comments.
Love’s Power to Ease Life’s Sorrows
“Love has, at its best, made the inherent sadness of life bearable, and its beauty manifest.” ~ Kay Redfield Jamison (An Unquiet Mind, 1995)
Seeing Stars Beyond the Tears
“If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.”
~ Rabindranath Tagore
Finding Safety in the Present
“In times of pain, when the future is too terrifying to contemplate and the past too painful to remember, I have learned to pay attention to right now. The precise moment I was in was always the only safe place for me.”
~ Nicholas Sparks
Courage Is Something Quiet
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’”
~ Mary Anne Radmacher
Perseverance Is the Foundation
“Of all that is good, sublimity is supreme. Succeeding is the coming together of all that is beautiful. Furtherance is the agreement of all that is just. Perseverance is the foundation of all actions.”
~ Lao Tzu
The Power of Hope
“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul — and sings the tune without the words — and never stops at all.”
~ Emily Dickinson
Imagination, Love, and Laughter
“I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge; myth is more potent than history; dreams are more powerful than facts; hope always triumphs over experience; laughter is the cure for grief; love is stronger than death.”
~ Robert Fulghum (All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things, 1986)
Life is Music — Both Joyful and Sad
“Life is like a piano; the white keys represent happiness and the black show sadness. But as you go through life’s journey, remember that the black keys also create music.”
~ Ehssan
How Our Loved Ones See Us
“Those who love you are not fooled by mistakes you have made or dark images you hold about yourself. They remember your beauty when you feel ugly; your wholeness when you are broken; your innocence when you feel guilty; and your purpose when you are confused.”
~ Alan Cohen (Wisdom of the Heart, 2002)
Embrace Nature’s Reality
“It isn’t the language of painters one ought to listen to but the language of nature…. Feeling things themselves, reality, is more important than feeling paintings, at least more productive and life-giving.”
~ Vincent van Gogh (letter to Theo van Gogh, The Hague, on or about Friday, July 21, 1882)
Welcoming the Day With Joy
“Hello, sun in my face. Hello, you who made the morning and spread it over the fields… Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness.”
~ Mary Oliver (poem, “Why I Wake Early,” 2004)
The Art of Living Well
“Living well is an art that can be developed: a love of life and ability to take great pleasure from small offerings and assurance that the world owes you nothing and that every gift is exactly that, a gift.”
~ Maya Angelou (Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now)
Happiness is What Drives Life
“Happiness is what greases the wheels of life, what opens the floodgates, raises the sun, aligns the stars, beats your heart, finds true love.”
~ Mike Dooley
Courage Through Facing Fear
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.”
~ Eleanor Roosevelt (You Learn by Living, 1960)
Accepting Life’s Unexpected Path
“We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.”
~ Joseph Campbell (to Diane K. Osbon, as recorded in Reflections on the Art of Living: A Joseph Campbell Companion)
Stronger After Life’s Storms
“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.”
~ Haruki Murakami (Kafka on the Shore)
Keep Moving Forward
“If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl; but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”
~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (“Keep Moving from This Mountain,” speech at Spelman College, April 10, 1960)
It’s Never Too Late to Be You
“For what it’s worth: It’s never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit. You can change or stay the same; there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it.… I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start all over again.”
~ Eric Roth (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, film, 2008)
Melinda
Reference:
lookingforthelight.blog 