Saturday, March 30, 2019

National Poetry Month



Since 1996, National Poetry Month was introduced to bring awareness and appreciation for poetry. National Poetry Month is celebrated every year in the month of April. One way to celebrate National Poetry Month is by reading poetry at your local library. Another way is by learning how to write different poetry styles. In addition, you can listen to audio recordings of people reciting poetry. You can also read and write your own poetry at Starlite Cafe.  Here are more resources for celebrating National Poetry Month. 

30 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month: https://www.poets.org/national-poetry-month/30-ways-celebrate-national-poetry-month

April National Poetry Month: http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/calendar-activities/april-national-poetry-month-20478.html

Starlite Cafe: http://www.thestarlitecafe.com/index.php


* Free Clip Art: https://www.kisspng.com/png-national-poetry-month-april-concrete-poetry-nation-1377185/preview.html

*Free Background: https://www.pizap.com/

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Three Ways to have a Positive Self-Image



It isn't easy to have a positive self-image throughout the year. But there are ways to change your negative thinking pattern and to raise your self-esteem. First, make a list of your qualities. Read it out loud to yourself.  Then, have your relatives or friends write something positive that they like about you. After that, you can summarize it in one word or hang the letter in an area where you will be able to read it when you need a positive boost. Stick post-it notes about positive things about yourself and read it in the morning.

Second, wearing bright or pastel colors will make you feel more cheerful and feel more positive about yourself. It can be an accessory, a blouse, or a pair of shoes. It doesn't have to make a fashion statement. Wearing your favorite item or a new item will make you feel optimistic. Also, a new shade of lipstick or nail polish can boost your self-esteem.

The third way to have a positive self-image is by accepting yourself.  This can be challenging. However, do not compare yourself to others. Do not let people try to change your image by getting a haircut. Simply ignore people who want to change your self-image. Be proud of what you are and accept yourself in a positive way. Here are more resources about having a positive self-image.

A Positive Self-Image: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/12942-fostering-a-positive-self-image

Positive Self-Image and Positive Self-Esteem: http://mtstcil.org/skills/image-3.html

8 Steps to Improve your Self-Esteem: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/nurturing-self-compassion/201703/8-steps-improving-your-self-esteem






*Free Clip Art: https://pngtree.com/freepng/pink-girl-dancing-reflection_4105762.html


Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Butterfly & Dragonfly Coloring Bookmarks


Today, I created three coloring bookmarks. These bookmarks are wider and there are blank spaces to write quotes, phrases, or other words. One bookmark has a dragonfly and the other bookmarks have butterflies. Each bookmark design is drawn by hand. Once again, these coloring bookmarks are free and for personal use only. Enjoy!






Saturday, March 23, 2019

Spring Poetry in Photo Images


A haiku has five syllables in the first line. The second line has seven syllables. The third line has five syllables. A haiku is poetry from Japan. A haiku has a theme about seasons, nature, animals, or other topics. Here is my own haiku about Spring and flowers. Thank you for reading my blog.




Friday, March 22, 2019

Three Easy Yoga Ball Exercises


Exercising with a ball can be fun, challenging, and can take away some boredom of your Yoga exercise routine. There are  Yoga poses where you can use an exercise ball. If you are a beginner in doing Yoga, you will have fun exercising with a ball. If you want to add some new elements to your exercise routine, you can do stability ball glute bridge, wall ball squats, and a seated ball balance. The stability ball glute bridge might be a challenge at first.

However, after practicing this, you will feel more strength in your abdominal muscles, glutenous muscles, and your muscles of your lower back. The stability ball glute bridge can prevent pain from your lower back. Furthermore, you will improve your posture. Also, your hamstrings will get strengthened and it prevents knee injuries. This exercise is done laying down and keep both feet on the ball. 

Another yoga ball exercise is wall ball squats. The ball squats are done standing up and the ball is on the wall. Ball squats strengthen your legs, strengthens your lower back, and improves your balance. Make sure the ball is always on your lower back when it rolls on the wall. It also firms your gluteus. 

The seated ball balance will help you focus more and it improves your posture. By seating on the ball, you will improve your balance and you will have your spine straight. Lift your right foot and left foot while sitting on the ball. Before doing any of these yoga ball exercises, consult with your doctor. Here are more resources about Yoga ball exercises. 

Yoga workout: https://www.verywellfit.com/yoga-workout-on-the-exercise-ball-1231649

Yoga Ball Workout: https://www.verywellfit.com/ball-workout-for-balance-and-strength-1230908

Stability Ball Exercises: https://dailyburn.com/life/db/stability-ball-exercises-ab-workout/




* Free Clip Art of Yoga Ball Training: https://pngtree.com/freepng/yoga-ball-training_3412588.html

* Free Background and Border Frame: https://www.pizap.com/

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Meditating in the Evening



Meditating in the evening will help you to relax and to feel less stress after a long day at work. After having dinner or before having dinner, you can take deep breaths and listen to your favorite slow music. Also, you can do a guided meditation for five or ten minutes. Take your time to relax in the evening and to release any negativity that had accumulated throughout the day. Forgive anyone that hurt your feelings and let go of any feelings of anger or frustrations.

You can also do a guided meditation for peace, for appreciation, and for forgiveness. Listen to yourself and clear your mind from any negative words that come to mind. Prepare your dinner in a good mood and have a relaxing dinner. Turn off the television and other electronics, this will make it easier to enjoy your meal. If you have a hard time staying relaxed in silence, you can play soft music while you have your meal.

However, being in silence for five or ten minutes will help you to focus more and to stay calm. After having your dinner, you will be more at ease and comfortable talking to your family about anything funny or interesting that happened to you at work. You can meditate while you are washing the dishes. You can do some stargazing by yourself or with your family. Last, you can read a meditation book and sip some tea as your evening routine. Here are more resources. 


Evening Meditation: https://blog.mindvalley.com/evening-meditation/

Evening Meditation Habit: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-17160/how-to-develop-a-morning-evening-meditation-habit-even-if-youre-busy.html



* Photo Credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/silhouette-of-trees-under-moon-1144690/

Saturday, March 16, 2019

Apples & Blackberries Dessert


Are you looking for a quick dessert to serve your guests? You can use plain yogurt, fruit, and whipped cream. If you don't have whipped cream, you can use dessert topping. For this dessert, you can use apples, blackberries, and whipped cream. Your guests will love this refreshing dessert. Make sure your guests are not allergic to blackberries or any other ingredient before serving. 

Ingredients:

1  apple or more if needed
One box of blackberries
Plain Yogurt or Greek Yogurt
Whipped Cream or Dessert Topping

First, wash the blackberries and the apples. Then, remove the apple core and peel off the skin of the apple. After that chop the apple in small pieces. Next, put the apple pieces in dessert bowls. Put two or three spoons of whipped cream or use dessert topping and mix with the yogurt. After that put the yogurt inside the dessert bowls with the apples. Last, add a few blackberries. Serve immediately. This dessert can serve two people. You can serve it to four people if you add more apples with blackberries. Enjoy!




Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Blackberry and Lemon Water Infusion


Blackberries are now in season. Blackberries have vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. You can eat blackberries to control your sugar, to regulate bowel movements, and to reduce your cholesterol.  Adding Blackberries or any other berry to your diet will help your immune system. Blackberries can be eaten in water infusions, in oatmeal, and in salads. Blackberries also help to absorb iron and has antioxidants.

Fruit water fusions make it easier to stay hydrated and to absorb the healthy benefits of fruits. Wash the blackberries. Then put the blackberries inside a pitcher or in a cup with water. After that, you can add a few slices of lemon inside the water. Here are more resources about blackberries.









Friday, March 15, 2019

Corn and Vegetable Soup


One of my favorite vegetables to add to vegetable soups is corn. Corn has fiber, vitamins such as Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, and Potassium. Eating corn is good for the digestive system, for the ocular system, and cardiovascular system. In addition, corn has iron and it can prevent anemia. Here is the recipe to make this vegetable soup.

Ingredients: 

2 pieces of Corn 
3 Yucca roots
4 Chayote Squash
1 Cabbage
1 bag of carrots
2 chicken bouillon or 2 cans of chicken broth
Salt (optional)
1 Lemon (optional)

First, wash all the vegetables and peel off the skin of the carrots, chayote, and the yucca root. Next, chop the carrots in small pieces. After that chop the yucca root. If the yucca root is too hard to chop into pieces, you can leave the yucca root in warm or hot water. After a few minutes, the yucca root will be easier to chop into big pieces. Cook the yucca root in water and when the yucca is ready, it will be easier to cut the yucca in small pieces.

 After that peel off the skin of the chayote and chop the chayote into small pieces. If the chayote is too slippery or sticky to peel off the vegetable skin, you can turn on the water faucet and peel off the chayote while the water is running. Avoid using the heart of the chayote because it leaves a bitter taste. The heart of the chayote are the white areas of the vegetable.

After that is all done, you can start cooking the carrots and chayote in water. Add the yucca with the carrots and the chayote. Then, wash the cabbage and chop the cabbage in small pieces. Avoid using the heart of the cabbage because it might be too hard to bite into once the soup is ready. Cook the cabbage with the rest of the vegetables. Last, remove the corn husks. Chop the corn in half and put inside the pot with the rest of the vegetables. Continue adding water if needed.


Then add two bouillons or two cans of chicken broth. Once the vegetables are soft, turn off the stove. Begin serving the soup in soup bowls.  Wash one lemon and cut the lemon in small slices. Squeeze one lemon slice onto the soup.  Salt and lemon juice can be added to add more flavor.  This soup serves about four people. Here are more resources about corn. 


Nutrition of Corn: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/corn#section8

Corn: http://www.eatingwell.com/article/111076/is-corn-healthy-or-not-5-myths-about-sweet-corn-busted/




Thursday, March 14, 2019

Poetry about Luck in Photo Images


Are you looking for poetry about luck? Today, I'm sharing my thoughts about luck, lucky in love, and luck. I wrote three poems about luck in photo images. All photo images are mine except the small shamrock clip art. Thank you for reading my blog. 







* Free Small Shamrock Clip Art: https://www.pizap.com/

Sunday, March 10, 2019

Five Best Teas for your Health


One tea that you can drink in the morning or in the afternoon and will give you more energy is Black tea. Black tea can help you reduce your sugar levels and can help with high blood pressure. Consuming black tea can treat high cholesterol. This tea will help you focus more at work or when you are dealing with a difficult task that needs plenty of concentration. Drinking black tea at work will help you stay awake during job hours. You can add lemon, orange slices, or a cinnamon stick for more flavor. 

Another delightful and aromatic tea is Apple Cinnamon tea. Apple Cinnamon tea also lowers your sugar levels and lowers your bad cholesterol.  Apple Cinnamon tea prevents constipation because of its fiber content. It is loaded with B vitamins such as vitamin B6.  In addition, this tea stimulates the brain for more concentration and helps the brain to recognize people, places, and things.  Also, this tea has vitamin B1 to help process the sugars that are consumed in every meal. It is recommended to drink this tea after having a meal.

On the contrary, Jasmine tea can be consumed a few hours after a meal or before going to sleep. This floral tea also reduces your cholesterol levels. After drinking this tea, you will feel so relaxed and ready to get some rest. Jasmine tea gives a boost to your immune system, to your cardiovascular system, and for your digestive system. However, this tea will leave you with a flowery perfume after taste.

An alternative to Jasmine tea is Green tea. Green tea helps with your memory and will help you learn new skills. Also, Green tea reduces cholesterol and sugar levels. Green tea gives protection to your heart and relaxes certain areas of the heart. This tea should be taken after your meal or between meals. Nonetheless, Green tea can help you get some sleep too.

Last, White tea also improves your cardiovascular system and improves your oral hygiene. White tea improves your memory and can prevent mental decline. Drink White tea after every meal. This tea should not be consumed before going to sleep. White tea has a high content of caffeine. This tea also regulates your blood pressure. Here are more resources about these teas. 

White Tea: 

Black Tea:
 

Jasmine Tea: 

Cinnamon Apple Tea: 


Green Tea: 




Thursday, March 7, 2019

Free Coloring Bookmarks for St. Patrick's Day


Today, I have created three coloring bookmarks for St. Patrick's Day. Each bookmark is hand drawn. Two bookmarks have shamrocks and one bookmark has hearts and stripes. These bookmarks are wider. Also, there are blank sections where you can add your favorite quotes. Enjoy! 






Wednesday, March 6, 2019

How to Stay Positive when it is Gloomy?



When it is gloomy outside, it may be a little bit difficult to stay positive. However, there are several ways to stay positive when it is raining outside. Listen to the rain and just relax. Make some Black tea, Peppermint tea, Chai tea, or your favorite tea that brings you comfort. Also, you can take your time to write down your personal thoughts in your journal or write a thank you card to someone.

Writing thank you cards or thank you e-mails will make the other person feel appreciated. In addition, you will feel thankful for meeting or having that person in your life. Nonetheless, you can listen to music to feel more upbeat. Keep yourself busy by cleaning or organizing a section of your office or any other room. Also, you will keep your mind busy by arranging items that needed to be organized.


Another way to keep your mind busy is by coloring, doing puzzles, or word games. After a few minutes of keeping yourself busy, you will forget that it is raining outside. Play board games with the family.  Playing game boards with the family will help you stay connected and feel more positive. Here are more resources about staying positive when it is gloomy outside. 

5 Simple Ways: https://www.happier.com/blog/5-simple-ways-to-boost-your-spirit-on-a-gloomy-day/

Mental Health Tips: https://mindsetmax.com/mental-health-tips-winter-stay-positive-sunny-weather-gloomy/

Stay Positive: http://www.isabelladarden.com/2018/01/how-to-stay-positive-during-gloomy.html



Monday, March 4, 2019

Free Smile Image Quotes



I have created free yellow flower image quotes. I have used my personal flower photos to make these flower image quotes for personal use. I love to keep flower photo quotes on my computer desktop and on my cell phone. I hope you will enjoy these flower image quotes. Enjoy! 










Sunday, March 3, 2019

Jasmine Essential Oil for Sleep


Jasmine essential oil has a delightful floral scent which can improve your concentration and help you sleep better. This essential oil has a sedative effect and can help you with respiratory issues such as snoring. By inhaling this scent, you will sleep longer, and you won’t wake up in the middle of the night. Therefore, you will feel more energetic the next day and you will feel less groggy. Jasmine essential oil can also be used for depression, anxiety, and insomnia.


After inhaling this scent, your nasal passages will be more open, and it will lower your blood pressure to help you relax. If the scent is too strong for you, you can mix Jasmine essential oil with a few drops of Lavender, Rose, Bergamot, or another essential oil. Jasmine essential oil can be used on the skin. By massaging this oil on your neck, hands, and feet, you will feel more relaxed. Before using any essential oil, consult with your primary doctor or allergist. Here are more resources about Jasmine essential oil.

Benefits of Jasmine Oil: 
https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-jasmine-oil-88797

Jasmine Essential Oil:
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-jasmine-essential-oil.html

Health Benefits of Jasmine Essential Oil: 
https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/health-benefits-of-jasmine-essential-oil/

Jasmine Essential Oil for Sleep: 
https://draxe.com/jasmine-oil/

Other Types of Essential Oils:
https://www.smartnora.com/blogs/nora-blogs/essential-oils-for-sleep



* Free Jasmine Essential Oil Clip Art: https://pngtree.com/freepng/jasmine-essential-oil_3086333.html 

* Free Background and Border: https://www.pizap.com/

Saturday, March 2, 2019

Apples and Bananas Dessert


Eating plain yogurt has vitamin B-12, vitamin D, magnesium, and potassium. By adding fruit to plain yogurt, you will enjoy eating yogurt. In addition, yogurt has probiotics. Apples also contain potassium and B vitamins such as vitamin B6. Also, apples have antioxidants and flavonoids.

Eating apples can reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Bananas have potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. Bananas have prebiotics. By eating bananas, you will benefit from its fiber content and antioxidants. Apples, bananas, and yogurt are good for digestion and for heart health.

To make this dessert you will need one banana, one apple, one plain nonfat yogurt, and dessert topping or whipped cream. Wash and peel off the skin of the apple. Cut one red or green apple in small pieces. Peel one banana and cut the banana in small pieces. Add a few spoons of yogurt in a small bowl or a small dessert bowl. Then add the apples and bananas inside the bowl. Last, you can use whip cream or dessert topping. This dessert serves two people.

Here are more resources: 
 
     

Benefits of Apples: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-health-benefits-of-apples

Health Benefits of Bananas: https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/health-benefits-bananas

Health Benefits of Yogurt: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-benefits-of-yogurt



Friday, March 1, 2019

Free Easter Coloring Pages


I have created three coloring pages for Easter. The first coloring page is an Easter egg tree on a mug. The second coloring page is a floral Easter egg tree in a vase. The third coloring page is an Easter Egg Tree. Enjoy these hand-drawn coloring pages.