This is a great little park by the house I love to visit. There’s always plenty of ducks and squirrels to watch.
When was the last time you went to the park?
Melinda
Just Ducky
Wordless Wednesday*Sydney, Australia Coast
Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week.
Melinda
Keeping Yourself On Track With Your Fitness
Everyone wants to be as fit and healthy as possible, but this is not always as easy to achieve as you might hope. If you are keen to be fit but you often struggle to keep yourself on track with regard to that fitness, you are not alone. This is a very common experience and one which you can improve easily enough if you know how best to approach it. In this post, we are going to take a look at some of the most powerful ways to keep yourself on track with your fitness, so you can enjoy the feeling of good health and physical wellbeing that this will bring.
Keep A Diary
It might sound a little corny, but keeping a diary really is one of the best ways to keep yourself on track with pretty much anything, and that certainly applies to when you are trying to be more fit. If you are keen to do this, you might want to consider doing it as a blog, as feeling that other people might be reading it can add even more to the experience and encourage you to keep on track all the more. Take a look here for a web host, and then set up your site and blog, and start typing.
Be Clear About Your Goals
We all know that having goals is a good way to ensure you are moving in the right direction and achieving what you need to achieve. But you need to make sure that they are accurate and clear goals, and that you actually know what you hope to get out of them, otherwise you might struggle to actually use those goals as inspiration and you might end up simply falling off the wagon again. So be really clear about what you want to achieve, in what timescale, and you are going to find this really helps.
Track Your Progress
You’ll also want to think about tracking the actual hard data relating to your fitness – such as how your body weight is changing, how much you are able to deadlift each time, and so on. The more effectively you track this, the better, as you are going to find that it allows you to see how far you have already come, and therefore encourages you to continue. Without this kind of data by your side, you might find yourself feeling that you are getting nowhere, so this can really make a huge difference.
All in all, it’s all about enjoying it – and if you are not enjoying it, then what’s the point? That doesn’t mean that every moment is fun, but it does mean that you should feel that, on the whole, you are doing what you need to be doing in order to have fun with it. If you neer feel that you are having fun, you are probably not approaching it in the right way, so this is something to focus on from the start of your process.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Repost
What Your Body Needs To Stay Healthy-Physical Health
We all know our physical health is important to us but for many reasons we don’t make it a priority. I am guilty here, I walk but not enough and I don’t get any cardio which I know is bad.
So what are the basics we need to stay healthy without being freaky about it?
A healthy lifestyle can help you thrive throughout your life. Making healthy choices isn’t always easy, however. It can be hard to find the time and energy to exercise regularly or prepare healthy meals. However, your efforts will pay off in many ways, and for the rest of your life. Be physically active for 30 minutes most days of the week.
If you’re not sure about becoming active or boosting your level of physical activity because you’re afraid of getting hurt, the good news is that moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, is generally safe for most people.
Read about the benefits for improving your brain health, weight management, reducing disease, strengthening your bones and muscles, and improving your ability to do everyday activities.
If you have not been physically active in a while, you may be wondering how to get started again. Find more tips here to get started with physical activity for a healthy weight.
Learn more about what works and how physical activity can improve your health.
You don’t have to do high amounts of activity or vigorous-intensity activity to reduce your risk of premature death. Benefits start to accumulate with any amount of moderate- or vigorous-intensity physical activity.
From reducing the amount of time we sit still, to including strengthening exercises, here are the main things to know from the WHO for everyone:
We can all do a little more each day and remember all activity counts. Work up to your goal slowly and don’t beat yourself up if you don’t make it one week. just back on track.
Melinda
References:
https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/tips-for-staying-healthy
https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/12/physical-activity-who-exercise-health/
How To Make Green Beer
Many of you will be going green for St. Patrick’s day Thursday and I thought what a fun way to celebrate than to make your own green beverages.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces beer
- 1 drop green food coloring
Steps to Make It
Gather the ingredients.
Add 1 drop of green food coloring to a clear glass.
Pour the beer into the glass. Serve immediately
Tip
Liquid food coloring works best for this recipe. Avoid gel and paste food colorings since they won’t readily mix into the cold beer.
Melinda
Reference:
How Do Children Learn Through Play? Guest Blogger
Children learn through play. Play is one of how children acquire knowledge and skills. They use their five senses to explore surroundings, experiment with new things, venture into social situations and interact with each other and their environment. So what are some of the different ways children learn through play? Take a look at this article for more information on this topic!
How do Children Learn through Play?
The first stage of learning is simply exploration, where children investigate their environment, play with objects to familiarize themselves with a new setting or situation, and generally figure out what is going on around them. Later on, this exploration can evolve to allow the child to act out a role or develop their personality. This stage can be observed in babies and toddlers, who are usually fully engaged in play andexploration.
Children also explore and develop their skills through playing…
View original post 264 more words
Get The Be There Certificate And Up Your Mental Health Knowledge
Welcome to the Be There Certificate. This course will teach you how to recognize when someone might be struggling with their mental health and how to safely support them while maintaining your own mental health.
Created by Jack.org and Born this Way Foundation.
The Be There Certificate is a free, digital, self-paced learning experience designed to increase mental health literacy and provide youth with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to safely support anyone who may be struggling with their mental health. It will provide a deep understanding of Be There’s 5 Golden Rules — a simple but actionable framework teaching people how to recognize when someone might be struggling with their mental health, their role in supporting that person, and how to connect them to the help they need. The Be There Certificate is available in English, French and Spanish, offering universal best practices while diving deeper into the intersections of culture, identity, and social determinants of mental wellness.
About Jack.org
Jack.org is Canada’s only charity training and empowering young leaders to revolutionize mental health in every province and territory. Through Jack Talks, Jack Chapters, and Jack Summits, young leaders identify and dismantle barriers to positive mental health in their communities. And through ambitious innovations in youth mental health like Be There, we give people the mental health resources they need to educate themselves. We’re working towards a Canada where all young people understand how to take care of their own mental health and look out for each other. A Canada without shame, where all those who need support get the help they deserve.
About Born This Way Foundation
Born This Way Foundation, co-founded and led by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta, supports the mental health of young people and works with them to build a kinder and braver world. Through high-impact programming, youth-led conversations, and strategic, cross-sectoral partnerships, the Foundation aims to make kindness cool, validate the emotions of young people, and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health. Learn how the Foundation encourages people to practice kindness towards themselves and their communities at bornthisway.foundation and learn more about its storytelling platform Channel Kindness at channelkindness.org.
I took the course and found it very helpful and think you will find a nugget or two.
Melinda
Today in History March 13, 2022
Welcome to the Weekend Edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.
1881
Czar Alexander II assassinated in St. Petersburg
Czar Alexander II, the ruler of Russia since 1855, is killed in the streets of St. Petersburg by a bomb thrown by a member of the revolutionary “People’s Will” group. The People’s Will, organized in 1879, employed terrorism and assassination in their attempt to overthrow Russia’s czarist autocracy. They murdered officials and made several attempts on the czar’s life before finally assassinating him on March 13, 1881.
1965
Eric Clapton leaves the Yardbirds
In and of itself, one man leaving one band in the middle of the 1960s might warrant little more than a historical footnote. But what makes the departure of Eric Clapton from the Yardbirds on March 13, 1965, more significant is the long and complicated game of musical chairs it …read more
1942
U.S. Army launches K-9 Corps
On March 13, 1942, the Quartermaster Corps (QMC) of the United States Army begins training dogs for the newly established War Dog Program, or “K-9 Corps.” Well over a million dogs served on both sides during World War I, carrying messages along the complex network of trenches and …read more
1781
William Hershel discovers Uranus
The German-born English astronomer William Herschel discovers Uranus, the seventh planet from the sun. Herschel’s discovery of a new planet was the first to be made in modern times, and also the first to be made by use of a telescope, which allowed Herschel to distinguish Uranus …read more
1991
“Paris is Burning” premieres in theaters
After more than five years of fundraising, shooting, and editing, the documentary Paris is Burning debuts in New York City on March 13, 1991. The groundbreaking look at the culture and characters surrounding the city’s drag ball culture changed the way many people thought about …read more
Melinda
Just Pondering
What event in your past, if it had gone differently, would have changed your life for the better?
Melinda
Fun Facts That Will Amaze You
I’m so glad you are enjoying Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird. I love hearing your comments!
Contrary to popular belief, it’s really, really hard to see the Great Wall of China from space, particularly with the naked eye. (nasa.gov)
The first footprints on the moon will remain there for a million years. (nasa.gov)
Days on Venus are longer than years. Due to its slow axis rotation, it takes 243 Earth days to spin once; but it only takes 225 Earth days to go around the sun. (nasa.gov)
Humans could never “land” on Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus or Neptune because they are made of gas and have no solid surface. (natgeokids.com)
But you could ice skate on one of Jupiter’s moons, Europa, which is covered in ice. An Axel jump would take you 22 feet in the air! (nasa.gov)
Our modern interpretation of Santa Claus with a red outfit and white beard is due in large part to holiday Coca-Cola ads that began in 1931. (coca-cola.com)
Enjoy!
Melinda
Let me Introduce you to my Badass Bodyguard — Guest Blogger Don’t Lose Hope
“She threw away all of her masks, and put on her soul.” The comedian Duncan Trussel has been quoted as saying that when you first meet him, you meet his bodyguard. And I think this is true for many of us. My personal bodyguard is very pleasant and warm. She’ll show an interest in you, […]
Let me Introduce you to my Badass Bodyguard — Don’t Lose Hope
Musical Support For Ukraine*George Michael, Elton John – Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me (Live)
Let’s not let the sun go down on Ukraine without standing right beside each of them!
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share *Simply Red – Holding Back The Years (Symphonica In Rosso)
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 3/11/2022
So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
New Meaning To Being Toliet Papered
National Sleep Awareness Week 13-19th
This annual event celebrates sleep health and encourages all of us to prioritize our sleep to improve overall well being and health. This awareness week was established in 1998 by the National Sleep Foundation.
“National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep Awareness Week is a cornerstone program that’s part of our work to help the public be their Best Slept Self™,” says National Sleep Foundation CEO John Lopos. “Healthy sleep can be achieved through actions we take during the day and at night to ensure we get enough quality sleep to be at our best.”
Sleep Awareness Week 2022 is supported by unrestricted funds from Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Eisai, Inc., Huckleberry, Avadel Pharmaceuticals, PureCare, Apnimed, and Harmony Biosciences. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Safety Council are helping to promote NSF’s healthy sleep messages. NSF independently produces Sleep Awareness Week, the Sleep in America Poll, and all related official educational content. Sleep health resources for the public are available at www.TheNSF.org.
About the National Sleep Foundation
The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy. Founded in 1990, the NSF is committed to advancing excellence in sleep health theory, research and practice.
Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial and an essential function that allows your body and mind to recharge. Healthy sleep is needed to help your body stave off diseases. When you do not get enough sleep, your brain cannot function properly impairing your ability to concentrate and think clearly.
There are multiple health effects that can occur due to lack of sleep. Adults 18-64 should have 7- 9 hours of sleep a night while adults 64+ need 7- 8 hours. Children need a lot more rest. The younger someone is the more rest their body needs to replenish itself. People who sleep less than seven hours a night are more likely to develop obesity. There is a higher risk of diabetes when getting too little sleep (less than 7 hours) and too much sleep (9 or more hours).
Everyone can make some adjustments in their daily lives to get better rest.
Ask your health care provider for a referral with a sleep professional to know if you need to change any of your sleeping habits. At the National Sleep Foundation website you can take their online poll to see if you have any sleeping disorders.
Melinda
References:
National Sleep Foundation Announces Sleep Awareness Week® 2022 Dates
World Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day
World Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day was yesterday March 8th, 2022. I missed posting but feel strongly that this topic needs to be discussed. It’s very common for women to get Ovarian Cancer and knowing the signs is important to your health.
Who Gets Ovarian Cancer?
- The lifetime risk of ovarian cancer is 1 out of every 78 women, or 1.3 percent.
- The risk is greater in individuals with a family history of ovarian, colorectal, or breast cancer.
- Inherited mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2) are thought to contribute to about 20 percent of ovarian cancer cases.
Types
There are more than 30 different types of ovarian cancer, grouped into three categories by the type of cell where the malignancy begins.
- Epithelial: About 90 percent of ovarian cancers are epithelial ovarian carcinomas. In this type of cancer, the malignant tumor originates in the surface epithelial tissue, which is on the outside of the ovary. The risk of epithelial ovarian cancer increases with age, especially after the age of 50.
- Germ Cell: These tumors start from the cells that produce the individual eggs. Germ cell tumors are rare, accounting for 5 percent of all ovarian cancers. They usually occur in girls and women younger than 30 years of age. They are usually caught at an early stage and have high survival rates.
- Sex Cord Stromal: These tumors develop in the connective tissues that hold the ovary together and produce male or female hormones. Sex cord stromal tumors are relatively rare, accounting for 5 percent of all ovarian cancers, and are generally less aggressive than other ovarian tumors.
Symptoms
In the past, it was thought that ovarian cancer had no symptoms and was known as the “silent” killer. However, according to research conducted by Dr. Barbara Goff, professor and chair of the UW Division of Gynecologic Oncology and SCCA physician, early symptoms may be present in many women, but just missed or not noticed. There are early warning symptoms of ovarian cancer, according to Dr. Goff. But they often go unnoticed because they are often vague symptoms that people may experience off and on normally. Some of the symptoms include abdominal swelling, pain, bloating, a feeling of fullness even after a light meal, a change in bowel habits, frequent urination, and loss of appetite. You may also notice irregular bleeding, or bleeding with intercourse. “If these are new symptoms that persist for at least three weeks, you should talk to your doctor,” Dr. Goff says.
Risk factors
The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age, especially at around the age of menopause. A family history of ovarian cancer is the most important risk factor. A family history of breast cancer may also increase your risk. Other factors that may increase your risk include:
- A personal history of breast, endometrial, or colon cancer or Lynch syndrome
- A history of infertility, or the use of fertility drugs
- Ashkenazi Jewish heritage
- A mutation or abnormal change in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene (known as the breast-ovarian susceptibility gene).
Know your risk factors and the signs to look for, Ovarian Cancer is very treatable if caught early. I had a history of Ovarian Cancer on both sides of my family, when I had Cervical Cancer and needed a hysterectomy, the doctors recommended I have my ovaries removed as well due to the high risk of cancer. I took their recommendation!
Melinda
References:
Wordless Wednesday*Color Me Purple
Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week.
Melinda
The Perfect Morning Routine for a Productive Day
If you’re looking to have a productive day, it’s essential to start off on the right foot. A good morning routine can set the tone for the rest of your day and help you achieve your goals. This blog post will discuss the perfect morning routine for a productive day. We’ll cover everything from waking up early to eating breakfast and getting dressed for work. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to having a successful day!
1) Wake up early
One of the most important parts of a productive morning routine is waking up early. This gives you extra time to get things done and start your day on a positive note. If you’re not a morning person, try setting your alarm clock for 15 minutes earlier than usual and gradually increasing the time until you’re able to wake up at your desired time.
Waking up early has been shown to have numerous benefits, including improved mood, increased productivity, and more time for healthy activities like exercise. So if you want to set yourself up for success, make sure to wake up early!
2) Eat breakfast
Another important part of a productive morning routine is eating breakfast. Breakfast provides your body with the energy it needs to start the day, and it can also help you focus and concentrate better. If you’re not a fan of traditional breakfast foods, there are plenty of healthy alternatives that will still give you the nutrients you need to power through your day.
Some quick and healthy breakfast ideas include:
-Oatmeal with fruit
– eggs in purgatory with Italian sausage
-Yogurt with granola and berries
-Smoothie bowl made with fruits and vegetables
-Eggs or egg whites
-Bagel with peanut butter or jelly
-Pancakes or waffles made from whole grain flour
Make sure to eat a balanced breakfast that includes protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. This will help you stay energized throughout the day.
3) Get dressed for work
Another important part of a productive morning routine is getting dressed for work. This may seem like a small task, but it can make a big difference in your day. When you’re getting dressed for work, take the time to pick out an outfit that makes you feel confident and comfortable. This will help you exude positive energy and be more productive throughout the day.
If you’re not sure what to wear, try planning your outfits ahead of time or keeping a few staple pieces in your closet that always make you feel great. A little effort in the morning can go a long way!
4) Make a to-do list
Another great way to start your day is by making a to-do list. This will help you organize your thoughts and clearly see what tasks need to be completed. When you’re able to see what needs to be done visually, it’s easier to take action and stay focused throughout the day.
To make a productive to-do list, try using the following tips:
-Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps
-Include both short-term and long-term goals
-Set deadlines for each task
When you follow these tips, you’ll be able to create a compelling and productive to-do list that will help you achieve your goals!
The perfect morning routine for a productive day doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a few simple steps can make a big difference in your day-to-day life. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to having a successful and productive day!
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Staying Toasty
Today is barely above freezing and it is sleeting outside. What a great day for a fire in my office with some self-care time by meditating by the fire.
Melinda
March 2022 Awareness Dates
I hope you will take a moment to check out the links below to see how they may help you or someone you know.
World Water Day
World TB Day
World Kidney Day
World Book Day
University Mental Health Day
Self Injury Awareness Day
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
No Smoking Day
National Sleep Awareness Week
National Doctors’ Day
International Women’s Day
Endometriosis Awareness Month
Downs Syndrome Awareness Week
Have a great day.
Melinda
Book Review of Overcome by Alice Tayler
I was kindly gifted a copy of Overcome by Alice Tayler from Soraya Nair at Cherish Editions for a review. Thank you, Soraya.
Cherish Editions
Published 2021
168 pages
Blurb
For Alice Tayler, the only way to get attention in a family plagued by mental ill health was to hurt herself – at least, that’s what Munchausen syndrome led her to believe.
Overcome paints a jarring picture of what Tayler’s life has been like with this psychological condition, one that has caused her to feign illness or pain to get others to care for her. While her story may be tough to read at times, it’s an important one to be told, considering how hard it can be to understand Munchausen syndrome from the outside looking in.
My Thoughts
Most of us have heard of Munchausen By Proxy, which is where a parent or caregiver hurts or makes a child sick in order to gain attention. Did you know there is another type of Munchausen? It’s called Munchausen Syndrome. This illness is where the person hurts themself in order to gain attention from others. Alice started hurting herself for attention at a young age, as young as she can remember.
Alice’s family had a dark secret that may have laid the foundation for her illness. While talking with a family member all the details of the secrets are relived. Her grandfather was a child molester, who was arrested and went to trial. He had also molested all of his female children and including Alice as a very young child. She has vague memories. As Alice uncovers all the ugly secrets on the internet she now has a better understanding of her family dynamics.
The book has many twists in turns as Alice interacts with family members about the truth and has to bury her mother. There are so many emotions left unresolved.
Munchausen Syndrome is rare and can be hard to identify. All Alice knew was she was not a monster who abused her child or hurt her in any way but didn’t understand the complexities of her illness.
“You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” – Bob Marley”
Excerpt From
Overcome
Alice Tayler
I thought the use of the quote was profound, and one she could certainly say she faced.
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in medical knowledge and a good mental health story with a positive ending.
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.
Enjoy Reading
Melinda
International Women’s Day March 8th
International Women’s Day (IWD), day (March 8) honouring the achievements of women and promoting women’s rights. A national holiday in numerous countries, it has been sponsored by the United Nations (UN) since 1975.
International Women’s Day (IWD) grew out of efforts in the early 20th century to promote women’s rights, especially suffrage. In its campaign for female enfranchisement, the Socialist Party of America in 1909 held the first National Woman’s Day, which was highlighted by mass meetings across the United States; the day was observed until 1913. Encouraged by German activist Clara Zetkin, the International Socialist Congress agreed in 1910 to create an international version of the U.S. holiday, and on March 19, 1911, the first IWD was held in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. More than one million people attended rallies marking the day. In the ensuing years the IWD was celebrated in additional countries and on varying dates. On March 8 (February 24, Old Style), 1917, women in Petrograd (St. Petersburg), Russia, marked the day by staging a strike to protest food shortages, poor living conditions, and World War I. This strike for “bread and peace” helped give rise to the Russian Revolution of 1917, which led to the abdication of Nicholas II on March 15 (March 2). In 1921 the date of the IWD was officially changed to March 8.
The most influential woman in my life was my Granny. No one shaped me more than her. She stood like a rock, worked hard and when the going was tough, she worked harder. She lead by example and was consistent as clockwork. She was my mother from the day I was born, she watched over me. I remember when as a little girl she would give me a bath, then wrap me in a towel and take me to the bed and rub powder all over. It was such a loving moment that created a lasting memory.
We all have women in our life to celebrate, who’ve been there for us in good times and bad, taught us valuable life lessons, and given us the mentorship we’ve needed. I’ve been very fortunate to have several strong women in my past and present. My therapist is one, she’s been a solid supporter for over 30 years. When I was younger and in trouble, I had a probation officer who went out of her way to keep me out of jail and was able to get the help I needed.
I have many other great women from work that have influenced me and I thank them all.
Melinda
Reference:
What To Think About When Buying A New House
Buying a house, whether that be your first home or you have bought it before, is a big step in your life. It is going to be one of if not the biggest investments you will make in your life, so getting it right is really important, not only financially but for your mental health too. There is nothing worse than feeling trapped with a purchase that you just do not like, without the means to rectify it or to sell it and start again. This is why knowing what to look for and what to think about when buying a house is really important.
Not everyone knows what to think about when buying a home, even if you have bought a home before there are things you could overlook, if you are unsure what to look for when buying a home then hopefully, these few tips will help you to understand it better.
Do your research
When it comes to buying a house it can be easy to just jump at the one you like the most without really taking into consideration any other factors. It is a wise idea to speak to a real estate agent and consider looking into Concierge Auctions reviews to ensure that the property you buy is a fair price and finds the best auction opportunity.
You need to look at things like amenities such as what shops are available nearby, whether there are schools should you have a family and if there are parks and things to do where you live. All of these things need to be researched when looking into where to move so that you know you are not only going to get the house you want but also a great area to live in.
What sort of property do you want?
When it comes to finding a new home you need to look into what sort of property you want and what you want including the property. For example, should you want some outdoor space or a garden then narrow your search by looking for apartments with outdoor spaces, or if you want a garage then make sure you are filtering your searches to find this then you are going to make sure you end up a property that is perfect for you and what you want? This is a big investment so try not to settle for something you do not necessarily want.
The affordability
Something that can be overlooked when looking to buy a house is what you can actually afford. You don’t have to spend more just because you are selling your house, you could save the money made on the sale and buy a cheaper property. Also make sure when you are looking at buying a house you know what work needs to be done on that house if any, as that needs to be factored into the overall cost of you buying the house. If you do not factor in all costs when it comes to buying you could end up short of what you need or having to borrow more than you would have wanted or can afford to.
If you are looking to buy a new property, this could be your first home or second home, it can be hard to know what you should be thinking about and what to look out for when buying your home so these few tips should help you to understand what you can do to make sure you make the best decision when buying your new home.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
5 Luxurious Ways to Make Your Back Yard Your Own
There are many mental health benefits to a backyard oasis for your family. And there are just as many luxurious ways to make your backyard somewhere you won’t want to leave.
Your Very Own Bar
A fantastic way to upcycle your old outdoor shed is to cut a hole on the side and place a surface on it. Then you can install an at-home beer pump for pulling the perfect pint in your own garden. This is a simple design, but one that works. But with some crafty DIY work and creativity, you can install a sound system, lighting, and even cooking facilities. Of course, no shed company wants you to butcher their creations, so reusing an old one is best. Just make sure you give it a thorough cleaning, inside and out, and make sure it’s safe for purpose before you go sitting at it.
A Deck to Proud Of
Nothing makes a good garden shine like the installation of high-quality decking. Wood and the backyard just go superb together, and you can make many great memories sitting among the scent of wood and flowers on long Summer nights. Additionally, decking can add a lot of value to your home’s value should you consider selling later on. First, however, make sure you use a reputable builder. Poor decking is dangerous. Splinters, loose boards, and even collapse are real possibilities. And a lousy installation isn’t likely to last long either.
Heat and Bubbles
You can relax and have fun in a hot tub. So much fun, in fact, that since coming to market in the late 1950s in the USA, around 6 million have been sold all over the country. Hot tubs are excellent no matter your age. They can provide an intimate way of relaxing for couples and friends. And the kids love the bubbles. However, there are multiple health benefits as well. The heat helps soothe aching muscles, and bubbles help with tension. Some medical experts believe the effects of a hot tub to be somewhere around the same as a professional massage.
An Outdoor Cinema
How fun is your very own outdoor cinema? Cozying up on a warm night under the stars with a movie and a drink with your partner is nothing short of amazing. And if you have kids, well, they will just go nuts for something like this. You can purchase an HD projector for very little these days, and some even work with your phone. And a screen isn’t required either. Just a sheet and something to hold it. But before going and doing this, make sure you are far enough from your neighbors, or the sounds of Bridget Jones doing Bridget Jones stuff might not end well.
Fire Pit Arrangement
Being outdoors evokes memories of nature and a primal sense of social atmosphere. One of the most primal elements is fire. Fire is dangerous, but it can be tamed when treated with respect and controlled. A fire pit makes an excellent centerpiece for your garden, and you can make one for very little money. You can buy premade pits with various designs. Or you could use an old washing machine drum, a barrel, or even a tire. Then arrange your rattan or wicker furniture around the centerpiece for an intimate and sophisticated addition to your backyard tranquility.
Summary
Your backyard is an extension of your home and yourself. So, it would help if you spent time making it special. But, gardening aside, you can add luxuries such as a bar, hot tub, or even a cinema.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Calling All Orchid Lovers, HELP!
I starting to think my Phalaenopsis Orchid has seen its better days. This past season it put on one stalk but only one flower. It’s about three years old and it’s so huge, I’ve never seen an Orchid so big.
It’s 17″ wide by 18″ wide by 14″ tall. It’s huge!
The roots look good and are greenish-white, two are possibly new but I cant’ say for sure. I have it in an Orchid potting mix and use a time-released Orchid fertilizer. I water once a week and it has a grow light on it three hours a day. It’s also kept in a brightly lit area of the house.
Is it a keeper??????
I would love to hear your questions and feedback.
Melinda
Today in History March 6, 2022
Welcome to the Weekend Edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.
1899
Bayer patents aspirin
The German company Bayer patents aspirin on March 6, 1899. Now the most common drug in household medicine cabinets, acetylsalicylic acid was originally made from a chemical found in the bark of willow trees. In its primitive form, the active ingredient, salicin, was used for centuries in folk medicine, beginning in ancient Greece when Hippocrates used it to relieve pain and fever. Known to doctors since the mid-19th century, it was used sparingly due to its unpleasant taste and tendency to damage the stomach.
1836
The Battle of the Alamo comes to an end
On March 6, 1836, after 13 days of intermittent fighting, the Battle of the Alamo comes to a gruesome end, capping off a pivotal moment in the Texas Revolution. Mexican forces were victorious in recapturing the fort, and nearly all of the roughly 200 Texan defenders—including …read more
1475
Michelangelo is born
Michelangelo Buonarroti, the greatest of the Italian Renaissance artists, is born in the small village of Caprese on March 6, 1475. The son of a government administrator, he grew up in Florence, a center of the early Renaissance movement, and became an artist’s apprentice at age …read more
2001
The death spiral of Napster begins
In the year 2000, a new company called Napster created something of a music-fan’s utopia—a world in which nearly every song ever recorded was instantly available on your home computer—for free. Even to some at the time, it sounded too good to be true, and in the end, it was. The …read more
1986
Georgia O’Keeffe dies
Georgia O’Keeffe, the artist who gained worldwide fame for her austere minimalist paintings of the American southwest, dies in Santa Fe at the age of 98. Born in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, in 1887, O’Keeffe grew up in Virginia and first studied painting at the Art Institute of …read more
Melinda
Prayers for Ukraine
The Sunflower is the national flower and I love them. The situation is dire in Ukraine but the people are resilient and with our help, they can continue to stand strong.
You can go to Charity Navigator and find a reputable charity that supports the Ukrainian Refugees and show your support.
Please say a prayer, whatever your religion is, please say a prayer for the people of Ukraine and the surrounding countries who are helping them.
Melinda
What Self-Care Looks Like
I think self-care is critical to our mental health and it’s important to do something every day to water the growth. Here’s a little something I did for myself, maybe cost $5, I’m worth that and so are you.
It’s a card that turns into a flower arrangement. I love it. I bought it on Amazon and now I can have flowers anytime without having to water or watch wilt.
What have you done for yourself today?
Melinda
Why is it so hard to forgive? — Guest Blogger Don’t Lose Hope
“Everyone says forgiveness is a good idea until they have something to forgive.” – C.S. Lewis Forgiveness is a difficult, and somewhat touchy, topic. It’s something we are told that we ought to offer others. But ask anyone, and you’re likely to hear that forgiveness is a struggle if you’ve been hurt and betrayed. And […]
Why is it so hard to forgive? — Don’t Lose Hope
Looking for the Light 