Bella and Grace by Stampington
Soon the weather will shift and we’ll be indoors.
What’s your favorite way to spend a stormy day?
Melinda
Everyday Magic
Today in History November 7, 2021
Welcome to the weekend edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.
1944
On November 7, 1944, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt is elected to an unprecedented fourth term in office. FDR remains the only president to have served more than two terms.
Roosevelt rose above personal and political challenges to emerge as one of the nation’s most revered and influential presidents. In 1921, at the age of 39, he contracted polio and thereafter was burdened with leg braces; eventually, he was confined to a wheelchair. From the time he was first elected to the presidency in 1932 to mid-1945, when he died while in office, Roosevelt presided over two of the biggest crises in U.S. history: the Great Depression of the 1930s and World War II.
1980
“King of Cool” Steve McQueen dies
On November 7, 1980, the actor Steve McQueen, one of Hollywood’s leading men of the 1960s and 1970s and the star of such action thrillers as Bullitt and The Towering Inferno, dies at the age of 50 in Mexico, where he was undergoing an experimental treatment for cancer. In 1979, …read more
1943
Singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell is born
“The moment I began to write, my music was not folk music.” Performing solo with her acoustic guitar and long, straight, blond hair, the woman born Roberta Joan Anderson in Fort MacLeod, Alberta, Canada, on November 7, 1943, may have looked the part, but in truth the only …read more
1991
Magic Johnson announces he is HIV-positive
On November 7, 1991, basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson stuns the world by announcing his sudden retirement from the Los Angeles Lakers, after testing positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. At the time, many Americans viewed AIDS as soley a gay white man’s disease. …read more
1885
Canada’s transcontinental railway completed
At a remote spot called Craigellachie in the mountains of British Columbia, the last spike is driven into Canada’s first transcontinental railway. In 1880, the Canadian government contracted the Canadian Pacific Railroad to construct the first all-Canadian line to the West Coast. …read more
Enjoy your day!
Melinda
Just Pondering
What To Do If Your Elderly Parent Is Injured
Have your parents recently been injured? If your parents are in their later years, this can be one of the first signs that they are starting to lose their independence. With that in mind, here are some of the key steps that you should take.
The first step is always to think about the cause of the injury and why it happened. Usually, an injury is going to be an accident but this is not always the case. You have to consider the reality that someone could be responsible for the injury and it might not have been your parent’s fault. If that’s the case then you should consider pursuing action to ensure that they can get the right compensation. Particularly if the injury is going to cause changes to their life.
Usually, this will be the case. Most of the time elderly individuals are going to sustain an injury in their own home. The reason for this is that this is where they are usually alone and have the most independence. If they are injured at home, then you need to consider whether you can make changes to the property to make it safer. For instance, a key problem area could be the stairs. You might want to think about setting up a stairlift to avoid the risk of any trips or falls. You can also think about adding grab rails to the bathroom.
Next, you should consider whether your elderly parent can live comfortably in their own home. This might not be possible anymore, particularly if this isn’t the first time that they have been injured. It could even be better for them to move into a care home. An elderly parent can be reluctant to do this but it can be the right decision, particularly if they are living by themselves. Alternatively, you might want to think about exploring 24/7 care.
Finally, even if they are not moving into long-term care, you still need to make some changes to ensure that an injury is less likely. Do be aware that an injury can occur due to cognitive decline which becomes far more likely as your parents get older. One of the ways that you can reduce issues here is by ensuring that you do see your parents as often as possible and that you are encouraging them to socialize with you as well as with other people.
We hope this helps you understand some of the key steps that you should take if your elderly parent is injured. It’s always difficult to take this role in your parent’s life, but it is going to be the right decision. You need to make sure that you are protecting their quality of life. Once your parents start to sustain random injuries, things can decline quite quickly so it’s important that you do take the right action.
Thia ís a collaborative post.
Melinda
Fun Facts That Will Amaze You
I’m so glad you enjoy the weekend tradition of Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird. I love hearing your comments!
Beaver eyelids are transparent so that they can see through them as they swim underwater.
The opposite of paranoia is pronoia. A person suffering from pronia feels that people or entities around them are plotting to do them good.
The fastest insect on earth is the Australian tiger beetle, Cicindela hudsoni. Clocking in at 5.6 mph, this incredible insect runs so fast, it has to slow down to see anything.
The black dot on the inside surface of a monarch’s wing distinguishes the male monarch butterfly from the female, which has no spot.
The German word “Kummerspeck” literally translates to “grief bacon” or “sorrow fat.” It refers to weight gain due to emotional eating.
“Wrap rage” is the anger and frustration felt when you are unable to open packages.
Boanthropy is a psychological disorder where people think they’re cows.
In the original Italian version of Cinderella, the benevolent fairy godmother figure was a cat.
Knitting was initially a male-only occupation. In fact, when the very first knitting union was established in Paris in 1527, no women were allowed.
The oleander is the official flower of the city of Hiroshima. It was the first to bloom again after the explosion of the atomic bomb in 1945.
Have Fun,
Melinda
Everyday Magic
What is going just right in your life?
Melinda
On What Occasions Do You Need A Photographer?
When it comes to capturing events, a photographer is your best shot. They can capture all the moments that you are too busy to notice, and ensure that you get to see everything that happened on the special occasion. But, what events are you going to want a photographer for? That’s what we’re going to be looking at in this article, so if you would like to find out more about this, keep reading down below.
The first occasion that you should think about is your wedding day. Of course, you are going to want to remember your wedding day for the rest of your life, but there is going to be so much that you miss out on. You’re not going to get to see all of your friends socializing as you will be taking photos. You’re not going to be able to see some of the wonderful looks of love that your partner is giving you because you will be too lost in all the commotion of the day. Hiring a photographer helps ensure that you don’t only remember the things that you do see, but also those that you don’t.
If you are pregnant or have recently had a baby, first we would like to say congratulations. This is another momentous occasion that we are sure you would like documented. You can hire Michael Kormos photography or someone similar to help get the perfect shot of your pregnancy journey or your newborn baby. It’s a joyous occasion, but one that is always filled with a lot of panic or fright, but when you look at these photos, all you are going to feel is the love that is shared.
This is also a pleasant way to remember the years when your children are young. When you are old and grey, you can look back on these photos of your now grown-up children and remember the lovely life that you have had together.
The final occasion that we are going to recommend is graduation. As a parent, seeing your kid graduate from high school or college is a momentous occasion. While you might want to take your own photos of the ceremony seeing as there is limited space, you can host an afterparty with a photographer. You can hire someone specifically for the ceremony, but they are going to have to make sure that they aren’t in the way. You can hang this proudly on your wall in your home, or you can give your child a copy for them to take with them wherever they go next. Don’t forget to get plenty of your child and their friends so that they have happy memories in print forever.
We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the occasions that you would need a photographer for. It’s important to capture all of these special days, and even though you can’t be there to witness everything that’s happening at any given time, you don’t have to miss a single second.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share *Jackson Brown The Load Out and Stay *Live
I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Melinda
Friday Quote
Have a great weekend!
So glad you stopped by today and look forward to hearing your comments.
Melinda
Happy Diwali
Caring For Your New Veneers
Veneers have become much more common in recent years as they have become more affordable. Good veneers can repair your smile, and make you look younger and more confident. But they also need proper care if they’re going to last you and keep looking good.
Be prepared for some temporary sensitivity
When you first have veneers fitted, some patients will experience some tooth sensitivity directly after the dental veneers procedure. This temporary sensitivity is completely normal and nothing to worry about, even if you order veneers online, although it can be uncomfortable.
During the veneer procedure, some tooth enamel is reduced to create enough space for the veneers. Thinner teeth are more susceptible to sensitivity, so this causes this temporary discomfort. This sensitivity is completely normal and should go away on its own after a few days.
Treat dental veneers like natural teeth
You don’t need to go overboard with dental care to keep your veneers white and in good condition.
Treat your dental veneers in the same way as your treat your own teeth, by maintaining routine dental hygiene and oral care. The best way to take proper care of your veneers is to brush twice a day, floss on a regular basis, and use a mouthwash to keep your teeth and veneers healthy.
Buy a better toothbrush
Using the right toothbrush makes a lot of difference in taking proper care of dental veneers. Bristles that are too hard will dull the shine and the polish of the veneers. If you brush too hard with firm bristles, you can scratch the veneers.
Dental veneers are strong, but any damage to them can’t be put right without replacing the entire veneer. The best way to avoid scratching the veneers is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush in the proper way.
Stop grinding your teeth
It’s common to grind your teeth while sleeping. This grinding is damaging to the teeth and is especially dangerous for dental veneers.
Grinding can wear down the veneers and damage their structure and placement. Wear a mouthguard at night to stop this from happening, if you’re a tooth grinder. Custom mouthguards can be made by your dentist to get the most comfortable fit.
Revisit the dentist
Always talk to an expert. Book any follow-up appointments and checkups your dentist recommends to make sure your veneers will be taken care of by someone who is familiar with exactly how they should look.
Your dentist will be able to give you advice on how to avoid any damage and suggest treatments or lifestyle changes to make sure that your veneers last as long as possible.
Avoid damaging substances
Remember that if something can damage your own teeth, it can also damage your veneers. Veneers are subject to normal decay, and there are a few things that you should avoid to maintain the appearance of dental veneers. This includes hard or sticky foods or foods that stain teeth such as coffee, wine, and dark juices.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Homemade Dry Shampoo For Dark Hair
Materials
- 1/4 cup raw cacao powder (add more or less to match the exact coloring for your hair)
- 1/2 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch
- 2 tbsp bentonite or kaolin clay
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 30 drops lavender or lemongrass essential oil
- measuring cup
- small metal funnel
- shaker container, glass or metal lid, or repurposed salt or spice shaker
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together in a measuring cup and mix using a whisk or fork.
- Use a funnel to transfer the mixture into your repurposed shaker or spoon it into a shaker container. Tighten your lid.
- Sprinkle generously onto your roots as needed.
- You can rub the mixture in with your fingers or a brush.
Making your own will save you money in the short and long run and get the one for your specific hair color.
Melinda
Homemade Dry Shampoo for Lighter Hair
Materials
- 1/2 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch
- 2 tbsp bentonite or kaolin clay
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 30 drops lavender or lemongrass essential oil
- measuring cup
- small metal funnel
- shaker container, glass or metal lid, or repurposed salt or spice shaker
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together in a measuring cup and mix using a whisk or fork.
- Use a funnel to transfer the mixture into your repurposed shaker or spoon it into a shaker container. Tighten your lid.
- Sprinkle generously onto your roots as needed.
- You can rub the mixture in with your fingers or a brush.
Enjoy saving yourself and saving money.
Melinda
Change of Scenery: How to Plan the Perfect Weekend Getaway
There’s no denying that having a change of scenery can help you to de-stress, relax, and give you some respite from any issues you’re currently tackling in your life. Everyone should always have a change of scenery every so often to ensure their mental health wellbeing.
If you can’t afford to get away for a few weeks, or perhaps you can’t get lots of time off work, even a weekend getaway can be just what you need. With that in mind, here’s how you can plan the perfect weekend away:
Find Somewhere Idyllic
The first thing you must do is look for a destination that will fill you with a sense of calm and happiness. Avoid the usual tourist traps in your area or region, and instead, look for places that are off the beaten track.
You won’t find it hard to come across some possible destinations. For example, you may find a quaint seaside village that tourists seldom frequent. Somewhere remote enough that tourists will avoid, yet is reasonably close to a major town or city for amenities.
Book Your Accommodation
Next, it makes sense to search for and book your accommodation in advance. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for campsites or luxury apartments for you and anyone else going with you. What matters is that you guarantee your stay somewhere.
The last thing you want to do is have a stressful time away from home because you haven’t got somewhere to stay for the duration of your vacation or weekend getaway. Websites like Expedia and TripAdvisor can help you locate suitable places to stay.
Remember to Bring Everything You Need
One of the hallmarks of a fun and successful trip away from home is ensuring you take everything you need for your time. Clothes are undoubtedly essential items that you’ll need, but there will undeniably be many other things you will need.
For example, if you have to take medication prescribed by your doctor, you must remember to bring it with you. Plus, you should check you’ve got enough medication to last for the duration of your trip away from home.
Consider Planning an Itinerary
If you plan on doing absolutely nothing during your trip away from home, you can probably ignore this part of the article. However, if you want to fill your time with some fun activities such as visiting nearby landmarks and points of interest, it’s worth planning an itinerary.
An itinerary will help you plan enough time for all your activities, so you won’t feel like you have to rush and potentially stress yourself out during your time away. Keep in mind that if there are many things you want to do, you may need longer than a couple of days.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or would prefer to escape somewhere for a few weeks, the above tips will help ensure you have a smooth and successful time away from home.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
What Qualities Do You Try to Teach Your Children? — Guest Blogger Damon Ashworth Psychology
Deep in the World Values Survey results, there are some really interesting findings to me based on how people from each country answered questions. Some of the most fascinating ones were around values that parents consider important in trying to pass on to their children. There were 11 values that parents were asked about, and […]
What Qualities Do You Try to Teach Your Children? — Damon Ashworth Psychology
#NERVEmber Awareness
#NERVEmber is International Nerve Pain Awareness Month. Over 150 conditions have nerve pain as a symptom.
Did you know the color orange is the international color for chronic pain awareness?
International Pain Foundation
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Be sure to check out the participants in the iPain Summit at International Pain Foundation.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday*Rosemary
Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate you and look forward to your comments.
Have a great day!
Melinda
Everyday Magic
Brought to you by Bella Grace a Stampington publication
What was your best day ever?
What made it so special and memorable?
How can you make it happen again?
Melinda
Can You Benefit From A Weighted Blanket?
It’s that time of year when many of us are pulling out heavier blankets for the colder months of winter. If you have a chronic illness maybe you’ve already heard about weighted blankets, maybe even sleep with one year-round. If not familiar with weighted blankets, I’ll share some of the basics of buying one.
Weighted blankets come in all sizes, including children’s and throws. The blankets work by distributing weight evenly across the body to imitate a hug to induce better sleep by increasing Serotonin levels inducing a deeper sleep.
The key difference from your average blanket is they are made with glass beads as a filler. You purchase the weight of the blanket based you your own weight. It is also suggested that if you are a first-time user to buy a lighter one to start off.
The blankets come in a variety of fabrics and many have slipcovers you can purchase as well. I’m a very hot sleeper and they even make weighted blankets for people like me. Look for Cooling in the description.
I started my search last night for a new one since the first one I purchased was too heavy. I learned a lot about how they are made and why some are more expensive than others.
When you’re looking for a blanket you want small sewn 5″-3″ squares, that way the beads are more evenly distributed. The larger the square the more the beads can roll around.
Another important feature to look for is if it is machine washable, I found several that were hand wash only and I can’t go for that. I would recommend a duvet cover for your blanket which will allow you to keep it clean and only have to wash the blanket occasionally.
There are many lists of the top brands to buy, after looking at a few lists, I went to Amazon. I could not justify the $300 price of the top-rated blankets, it just doesn’t make sense. I found several including one on the list that cost $100 for a small size. I’m only buying a blanket for my side of the bed, not the entire King Size bed. He sleeps with the heavier blanket I bought years ago.
I found something interesting as I did more research. One brand I discovered said on more than one occasion, they are not for people with sensitive joints and back pain! Wait, hold the phone! What! I have sensitive hip joints and bad back pain. Do I need one of these blankets?
I put the question out to one of the chronic illness groups I’m in asking for their feedback. I was surprised by the number of people who could not use one, overwhelmingly they said they were too heavy or bothered them.
If you do decide to buy one, which I’ve decided to pass on, make sure you buy the right weight for your body, and that you can return it.
I’ve heard the praises of weighted blankets for years but for me, it was not the right choice.
Ask lots of questions and shop around before buying there are so many nuances to each blanket.
Melinda
Taking Care Of Your Mental Health In A Digital World
In an age where everyone is constantly connected, and false pretenses are the norm, it can be hard to stay positive about life and yourself. Many teens have attested how social media has made them feel more insecure about how they look. This may be because filters and editing tools can make a person look entirely different from actual reality, creating false and unrealistic standards today’s generation of girls feel they need to live up to.
Limit Screen Time
It may sound like a childish approach at first, but limiting the amount of time you spend on your phone, and especially online, can do wonders for your mental well-being. The more time to spend online, the less time you spend in the real world, being productive and practicing other healthy habits. Social media is helpful in a long list of ways. Whether it is to gain exposure for your business, staying in touch with friends and family, or learning more about what’s going on in the world around you, anything you do excessively will ultimately lead to an imbalance of some sort in your life. Moderation is key, which is why setting boundaries to the amount of time you spend on social media can open up loads of time for other important things like work, family time, getting in some exercise, or even just relaxing. You’ve probably found yourself hopping on Instagram for a quick catch-up, only to find yourself an hour later, still scrolling, each post just as interesting as the one before it. This is why it’s essential to set a limit because, whether you notice it or not, it happens more than you think.
Protect Yourself
One of the less glamorous things about social media is the fact that we can’t always control what pops up. Suggested posts are brought to your feed, and before you know it, you stumble upon something that may offend or really bother you. This isn’t necessarily social media’s fault; even though they try to keep a tight rein on what’s posted on their platform, there are billions of people posting each and every minute, making it almost impossible for them to regulate content thoroughly. They have, however, given you a small amount of authority and have taken your power of free will online by giving you an unfollow, block, and report button. These buttons aren’t just there to look pretty; they cause real action once implemented and can lead to the platform taking a closer look at the relevant content and disposing of the post (or the entire account if necessary) in order to make your experience better. Have a look at https://backlightblog.com/how-to-block-unblock-on-instagram to learn more about how to use some of these helpful tools.
Tech Cleanse
Many celebrities have taken some time off from their social media accounts with millions of followers for a bit of a break-away. These public figures have realized how stressful and pressurizing the online world can be and have learned that taking some personal time can only benefit one’s mental health. Allowing yourself a tech cleanse from time to time will lift your spirits and make you feel like an entirely new person – this means taking a period of time and detaching yourself from the online world. No, you don’t have to lock away your phone in a drawer and throw away the key, just take a breather from the hustle and bustle of social media and do some self-reflecting, pamper yourself a bit, maybe even take up a new hobby or learn a new skill. The online world isn’t going anywhere soon and will definitely still be there by the time you get back!
Your number one priority should always be you at the end of the day, whether it be physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. Take some time, give yourself some space, and do whatever you need to do to ensure you stay happy and healthy, inside and out.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
November Awareness Days
The list is quite long and I have no doubt a few are missing. Get on board and give a shout-out for the issues closest to your heart.
Children’s Grief Awareness Month
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Awareness MonthDiabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month
Eye Donation MonthGluten-Free Diet Awareness MonthHome Care & Hospice Month
Long-Term Care Awareness Month
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
MADD’s Tie One On For Safety (through December 31st)Military Family Month
National Adopt A Senior Pet Month
National Adoption Month
National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
National Diabetes Month
National Epilepsy Awareness Month
National Family Caregivers Month
National Family Literacy Month
National Gratitude Month
National Healthy Skin Month
National Impotency Awareness Month
National Marrow Awareness Month
National Native American Heritage Month
National Pet Cancer Awareness Mon
National PPSI AIDS Awareness Month
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
Prematurity Awareness Month
Stomach Cancer Awareness Month
Worldwide Bereaved Siblings Month
With this many awareness days, there is bound to be something you can share your knowledge or help support.
Melinda
4 Things that Contribute to a Healthy Body
Your body is an amazing machine that can take care of itself if you give it the right fuel. However, many people are not aware of what they should be feeding their bodies in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In this blog post, we will discuss four things that contribute to a healthy body and how you can incorporate them into your diet!
#1 You need water for hydration
The first thing that contributes to a healthy body is water. Water makes up around 60% of your total weight, and you must be replenishing it constantly in order for your kidneys, liver, muscles, and skin to function properly. In fact, dehydration can lead to many illnesses such as headaches or even worse conditions like kidney stones!
In addition to the apparent hydration benefits that come from drinking enough water each day (around half a gallon), studies have shown that increasing fluid intake does not necessarily increase urine output but instead helps prevent disease by flushing out unwanted toxins from the urinary tract.
#2 Eating enough protein promotes muscle growth
Another thing that contributes to a healthy body is protein. Protein plays many essential roles in the human body, including building and repairing muscles, transporting oxygen throughout your blood system (which helps fight off infections), producing hormones like insulin, keeping hair shiny, and controlling neurotransmitters which are chemicals released by nerve cells.
Unfortunately, most people do not get enough of it because they don’t eat meat or dairy products. Thankfully there are other ways for you to get this necessary nutrient into your diet without having too much animal fat! There are even vegan sources of protein such as tofu, lentils and legumes, nuts & seeds, and peanut butter on whole-wheat toast with bananas.
#3 Regular exercise boosts metabolism
The final thing that contributes to a healthy body is regular exercise. Exercise boosts metabolism, so you burn more calories throughout the day and helps build muscle mass, increasing your energy levels! However, many people are unaware of how much they should be exercising each week or don’t know what types of exercises will help them achieve their goals.
A lot of people also struggle to exercise due to chronic pain – if this is the case, you could have a look at Neuropathy Treatment options so you could get back on your feet as soon as possible! This doesn’t mean it has to involve going near a gym either because everyone can incorporate activity into their daily lives, whether by taking walks around the neighborhood, joining sports teams with friends, or just running up and down stairs instead of using an elevator.
#4 Eating fresh fruits and vegetables provides essential nutrients
The third thing that contributes to a healthy body is fruits and vegetables. Fruits and veggies provide many essential nutrients, including vitamins, fiber, antioxidants, and potassium which helps maintain your blood pressure! Although it may seem hard at first to start eating more fresh produce because of the time commitment or money investment purchasing them might involve.
It’s 100% worth it in the end when you can see yourself living a longer, healthier life with fewer trips to visit the doctor’s office each year.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Just Pondering
Gluten-Free Melting Chocolate Souffle
From the book Gluten Freedom
A Flourless Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 oz. semisweet chocolate
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 eggs plus 2 egg yolks
In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and chocolate together. Set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar and cornstarch. In a separate blow, whisk the eggs and yolks together. Add the melted butter and chocolate mixture to the sugar mixture and combine thoroughly with a wire whisk. Stir in eggs and whisk until just smooth. Place in refrigerator overnight.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Divide the mixture evenly into four buttered and sugared baking cups or ramekins (approximately 2 inches in diameter and 3 inches tall). Scoop the mixture into the molds so they are two-thirds full.
Place cups or ramekins on a cookie sheet and bake on the top oven rack for 20 minutes. Using oven mitts or potholders, remove from oven and turn upside down. to release the soufflés to individual plates. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Happy Cooking!
Melinda
Today in History October 31, 2021
Welcome to the weekend edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.
1926
Celebrated magician Harry Houdini dies
Harry Houdini, the most celebrated magician and escape artist of the 20th century, dies of peritonitis in a Detroit hospital. Twelve days before, Houdini had been talking to a group of students after a lecture in Montreal when he commented on the strength of his stomach muscles …read more
1963
Ed Sullivan witnesses Beatlemania firsthand, paving the way for the British Invasion
In the autumn of 1963, Beatlemania was a raging epidemic in Britain, and it was rapidly spreading across the European continent. But in the United States, where the likes of Bobby Vinton and Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs sat atop the pop charts, John, Paul, George and Ringo …read more
1776
King George III speaks for first time since American independence declared
On October 31, 1776, in his first speech before British Parliament since the leaders of the American Revolution came together to sign of the Declaration of Independence that summer, King George III acknowledges that all was not going well for Britain in the war with the United …read more
1984
Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi is assassinated
Indira Gandhi, the prime minister of India, is assassinated in New Delhi by two of her own bodyguards. Beant Singh and Satwant Singh, both Sikhs, emptied their guns into Gandhi as she walked to her office from an adjoining bungalow. Although the two assailants immediately …read more
1961
Stalin’s body removed from Lenin’s tomb
Five years after Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev denounced Stalinism and the “personality cult” of Soviet rulers at the 20th Party Congress, Joseph Stalin’s embalmed body is removed from Lenin’s tomb in Moscow’s Red Square. When Vladimir Lenin died in 1924, the leader of Russia’s …read more
Enjoy your day!
Melinda
One Last Look At October Awareness Days
This isn’t a complete list of all the important awareness days in October but you can see October was an informative month. I hope you participated if you had something to share and learned something as well.
I worked to share my stories, knowledge and most importantly, my passion about the day that impact me the most.
October 2021 Awareness Dates
- ADHD Awareness Month
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Bullying Prevention Month
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month #WeAreResilient
- Down Syndrome Awareness Month
- Go Sober for October
- Health Literacy Month
- Physical Therapy Month
- Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
- Prenatal-onset GBS Disease Recognition Month #GBSAM21 #starttheGBSconversation #GBS #GroupBStrep
- Spina Bifida Awareness Month
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month#SafeSleepSnap
- World Cerebral Palsy Day (06 October) #MillionsOfReasons #WorldCerebralPalsyDay
- Back Care Awareness Week (UK) (04 – 08 October) Theme: “Back Pain Working From Home”
- Malnutrition Awareness Week (USA) (04 – 08 October)
- Depression Screening Day (08 October)
- Mental Illness Awareness Week (USA) (03 – 09 October)
- World Mental Health Day (10 October)
- Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day(13 October) #MBC
- World Sight Day (14 October) Theme: “Love Your Eyes”
- Baby Loss Awareness Week (09 – 15 October)
- OCD Awareness Week (10 – 16 October)
- Mammography Day (16 October)
- World Food Day (16 October)
- UK Malnutrition Awareness Week (11 – 17 October) #UKMAW2021
- Bone and Joint Action Week (12 – 20 October)
- Health Education Week (18 – 22 October)
- International Stuttering Awareness Day (22 October)
I hope you learned something this month if one of these awareness days affects you or someone you love.
Melinda
The 3 bones of life — Guest Blogger Happy Healthy Me – a Journey
‘To succeed in life you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone’ – Dr Kavanagh, during a talk on ‘Moral Anatomy’ in 1908 The Church near me regularly puts inspiring quotes on the noticeboard outside. In fact it’s become a bit of a thing locally with people taking photos and making […]
The 3 bones of life — Happy Healthy Me – a Journey
Fun Facts That Will Amaze You
I’m so glad you enjoy the weekend tradition of Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird. I love hearing your comments!
In Canada, Santa’s postal code is H0H 0H0.
One of the NBA’s top scorers, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made only one 3-point shot his entire 20-year career.
The Eiffel Tower was initially considered to be an eyesore. Its usefulness as a radio tower saved it from being dismantled in 1909.
Reading rewires your brain for higher intelligence and empathy.
The word “parakeet” literally means “long tail.”
A “griggle” is an apple left on the tree because its too small to pick.
The chess term “checkmate” is from a 14th-century Arabic phrase, “shah mat,” meaning “the king is helpless.”
A “cama” is the hybrid offspring of a camel and a llama.
Someone who suffers from “anatidaephobia” believes that somewhere, somehow a duck or goose is constantly watching them.
The word “everywhen” means all the time or always.
Have Fun,
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share *Jukebox Hero by Foreigner LIVE
I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.
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
Book Review for Down But Not Out by Mat Desforges
I was gifted a copy of Down But Not Out by Mat Desforges from Soraya Nair at Cherish Editions for an honest review. Thank you Soraya.
About the Author
“Mat Desforges is a dad, husband, brother, son, friend, acquaintance. Just like many of us are or will be.
Mat grew up in Dorset and was educated there as well as in Devon and France before moving to London and Guernsey after university. He then travelled and worked abroad before settling back in Guernsey for many years with his wife and now his two sons.
He has worked in a variety of roles in the commercial sector, government and regulation.
At the time of publishing, he is travelling with his family on what the kids have called a “global family adventure.” This pause from normal family life was partly inspired by the experiences he recounts in Down… but NOT Out, his first book. While away he is working on a second book.”
Excerpt From: Mat Desforges. “Down… But NOT Out.” Apple Books.
Blurb
“This book is for everyone who feels low at some time, whatever the reason.
It is also for the lucky few who don’t feel like this. Hopefully they can understand, support and be there for the rest of us.
The sun does come out again.”
My Thoughts
Excerpt From: Mat Desforges. “Down… But NOT Out.” Apple Books.
“My impatience and inability to relax and take stock (again, all things that I feel had contributed to my negative feelings) were, yet again, getting the better of me. And I had more time to do these things now!! My days were busy, I was shattered, and I wasn’t improving. I was very up and down.
This came to a head when I was looking at my lists and felt my stress and negativity rushing back. But I have to do all these things to get better, was all I thought. I then shared these feelings and lists with a couple of people and they looked at me with that knowing eye.
“Just stop,” was what their facial expression was saying, but I couldn’t see it. They had to spell it out. They told me to stop and to take a rest. A proper rest. This was going to take a while to resolve.”
After Mat had his mental health break in the electronics store he thought a short bit of treatment and a list of all the things he needed to accomplish would get him better only to find it was digging him a bigger hole. Luckily he had friends to share his feelings with and they helped him see where he was going off course. Mat is mission-oriented and that can get the better of him, healing and getting back on your feet is a process that Mat had to learn.
His view is a realist one, is very raw in his writing and shares straight from the heart. I like his no holes barred approach. I think anyone who has been challenged with depression can relate and understand where Mat is coming from.
Down But Not Out is a fast read and will keep you turning the pages. I also think this book would be helpful to anyone who has had depression even if it’s not clinical or long-term.
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.
Melinda
Looking for the Light 
