Meditating with Flowers

According to Luther Burbank, an American botanist, "Flowers, always make people better, happier, and more helpful; They are sunshine, food, and medicine to the mind." Every time you see a flower you feel content no matter if you are sick, not feeling well, and if you are not in a good mood. Meditating with flowers can be done in any season and it is very common to do in the summer. One way to meditate with flowers is by arranging the flowers by size, colors, and choosing the right vase. This will keep your mind busy and will help you concentrate more.

Another way is to smell the flowers which will help you relax. The third way is to stare at a flower and noticing its Stamen, Sepal, Filament, and its petals. By doing this you will create a peaceful moment and feel one with nature. If you don't have flowers at home, you can stare at flower wallpaper onto your computer screen. Here are more resources about meditating with flowers.

Introduction to Flower Meditation

https://gardencollage.com/heal/mind-spirit/intro-flower-gazing-meditation/

Flower Arranging Meditation
https://www.yogajournal.com/meditation/meditation-trend-flower-arranging

Simple Effective Meditation
https://hackspirit.com/simple-effective-meditation-technique-quieten-mind-present-1/

Plum and Banana Dessert

Eating a plum will provide magnesium, phosphorous, and B vitamins for the health of your bones. Plums can lower your blood sugar and can protect your heart from heart disease. This fruit can lower your cholesterol levels and it is beneficial for the digestive system. Also, plums contain fiber. Plums have vitamin B6 which helps with the nervous system. Here is the recipe for this plum and banana dessert.

Ingredients:

One plain Greek Yogurt

1 Banana

2 Plums

Whipped Topping

First, wash the plums. Then, slice and remove the seeds of each plum. Second, in a small bowl add a few spoons of yogurt in each bowl. Third, peel and slice one banana in small slices. Last, continue adding plain yogurt and small amounts of whipped topping. This dessert serves two people. However, you can continue adding more bananas and plums to serve more people this sweet dessert. Enjoy!

Here are more resources about the benefits of plums. 

Benefits of Plums:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-plums-prunes

Health Benefits of Plums:
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-plums.html

13 Benefits of Plums:
https://www.naturalfoodseries.com/13-benefits-plums/

Meditation for Loneliness

At certain times of the day, you might feel lonely even when you are surrounded by people. In order to overcome the feeling of loneliness, you can write down your feelings on paper, color, draw, or scrapbooking. Finding a hobby that you like will make you feel less lonely and will keep your mind busy. Also, meditation can help you eliminate the feeling of loneliness. Listening to a guided meditation will help you feel better. 

Reading positive affirmations will comfort you and will block any negative emotion. Feeling lonely out of fear, pain, resentment, or out of frustration won't solve your problems. Therefore, listening to guided meditations and reading positive affirmations will allow you to remove any negative emotions that bring the feeling of loneliness. Perhaps it might take some time for your mind and body to stay calm. However, the feeling of loneliness might just be a temporary state of mind. If this is not the case, talk to someone about feeling lonely, and this will allow you to release any negative emotions. Here are more resources about loneliness and meditation.

How to not feel lonely:
https://www.happierhuman.com/how-to-not-feel-lonely/

A Cure for Loneliness-Guided Meditation:
http://www.moremeditation.com/a-cure-for-loneliness

How Meditation Makes us feel at "one", Conquers Loneliness:
https://eocinstitute.org/meditation/how-meditation-makes-us-feel-at-one-conquers-loneliness/

Meditation for Loneliness:
https://www.sonima.com/meditation/meditation-loneliness/

Quotes about Loneliness:
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/loneliness

*Free Border Frame from Pizap

* Photo from my personal photo collection

Pomegranate for Dry & Oily Skin

Pomegranate in scrubs, lotions, and in oils can help repair your skin and can prevent wrinkles. Studies have shown that pomegranate prevents skin damage due to the sun’s rays and hyperpigmentation. Also, pomegranate moisturizes the skin and the scrub is very gentle on the skin. Pomegranate has omega 5 and vitamin C which help to form new skin cells and collagen. Pomegranate can be used for dry skin and for oily skin.

It reduces the scars caused by acne and soothes irritated skin. Furthermore, it evens the skin tone and has anti-inflammatory properties. Nonetheless, pomegranate has antioxidants for the skin which is the largest external organ. Before using pomegranate for your skin, consult with your dermatologist. Here are more resources about making your own pomegranate face scrub and other information about the pomegranate.

9 Amazing Beauty Benefits of Pomegranate:
https://www.curejoy.com/content/benefits-of-pomegranate-for-skin/

DIY Pomegranate Face Scrub: 
https://makeupandbeauty.com/diy-pomegranate-face-scrub-cum-mask-for-oily-skin-and-dry-skin/

The Skin Care Benefits of Pomegranates:
https://www.byrdie.com/the-skin-care-benefits-of-pomegranates-2442898

5 Reasons Pomegranate is Good for the Skin:
https://www.thehealthsite.com/news/5-reasons-pomegranate-is-good-for-the-skin-202417/

Benefits of using Pomegranate Oil in Skincare: 
https://www.schoolofnaturalskincare.com/benefits-of-using-pomegranate-oil-in-skincare/

Courtesy Photo by Jessica Lewis from Pexels

Garlic Pepper Chicken with Rice

Consuming garlic is beneficial for your heart health. Garlic lowers the bad cholesterol levels and lowers the blood pressure. Furthermore, garlic helps to fight the common cold. In addition, garlic helps to grow stronger nails, stimulates hair growth, and helps to grow stronger bones. Here is the recipe for making this garlic and pepper chicken with other seasonings.

Ingredients:

1 Package of Chicken Breasts

1 Red Bell Pepper

1 White or Yellow Onion

Turmeric

Ground Paprika

Lemon and Pepper Seasoning

Garlic and Pepper Seasoning

Chile and Lime Seasoning

Rice
Salt (Optional)

First, wash the chicken and remove the fat of the chicken. Second, cut the chicken into small pieces and rub the following spices: Lemon and Pepper Seasoning, Paprika, Chile and Lime Seasoning, Garlic and Pepper Seasoning, and one teaspoon of Turmeric. Third, peel one onion and chop the onion in small slices. The fourth step is to wash one bell pepper and remove the seeds of the bell pepper. Chop the bell pepper in several slices. 

After that cook the chicken in one skillet with water with the onions and the bell peppers. In a separate pot cook the rice. This meal serves about four people. Salt is not necessary, but it can be added to the chicken once it is served. Here are more resources about Garlic and other spices. 

Spices and Herbs Health Benefits: https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/over-50-nutrition-17/spices-and-herbs-health-benefits

10 Healthy Herbs and Spices: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-healthy-herbs-and-spices#section10

11 Proven Health Benefits of Garlic: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-health-benefits-of-garlic

Starfish Coloring Pages

Happy First Day of Summer! Did you know Starfish can weigh up to eleven pounds? Starfish can have more than five arms, and in each arm, there is one eye. Another name for the Starfish is Sea Stars. These species are amazing because it can grow new arms and some detached arms can grow into new Starfish. Starfish have no blood but have sea water inside their bodies.

I was inspired to create these Starfish coloring pages. Each coloring page has a starfish that is hand drawn. Each coloring page has a unique design. These coloring pages are free and for personal use only. Here are more fun facts about starfish. 

Facts about Starfish: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/group/starfish/

Fun Facts about Starfish: http://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-starfish/

Facts about Sea Stars: https://www.thoughtco.com/facts-about-sea-stars-2291865

* Free Collage Frame: https://www.pizap.com/

How to Cope with Challenges?

How to cope with challenges? No matter how difficult it might seem, you will eventually reach your goals. By changing your mindset and thinking more positive, you will feel less frustration, anger, and other negative emotions. In a journal, notebook, or on a piece of paper, you can write down five items that you are looking forward to in the next coming months. Place the note in an area where you will be able to see it and read it from time to time.

Do not spend time thinking of what others might think about you. Instead think about what difference you have made to others and what difference you are making in other people’s lives. Also, make a list of the challenges that you are facing from day to day. Always accept the things that can’t be changed. Be grateful for what those challenges have taught you and move on.

Seek help when you need help. By seeking help, you will gain a better perspective about yourself and you will be able to learn from other people’s experiences. Most challenges can be solved with the help of other people. Sometimes, facing your challenges with other people will give you the courage and the motivation to continue. Here are more resources about how to cope with challenges.   

7 Strategies to Face Life's Challenges: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/headshrinkers-guide-the-galaxy/201412/7-strategies-face-lifes-challenges

4 Step Plan to Deal: https://tinybuddha.com/blog/a-4-step-plan-to-deal-with-even-the-toughest-challenge/

Overcoming Challenges: https://liveboldandbloom.com/11/self-improvement/overcoming-challenges

* Free Blurred Photo Frame: https://www194.lunapic.com/editor/

* Free Photo Frame: https://www.pizap.com/

* Flower Photo: My personal photo collection

Three Yoga Poses for Headaches

Due to weather changes, lack of sleep, getting the incorrect eyeglass prescription, stress, and not drinking water are some of the reasons for getting headaches. However, by doing these Yoga poses it might help to get some relief from headaches. There are several Yoga poses that are recommended to relax the body and the mind. One Yoga pose is called Legs up the Wall pose which helps for the blood circulation. The second Yoga pose is Seated Forward Bend and the third Yoga pose is Seated Side Opener. 

In order to do the Legs up the Wall Pose, you will need to fold blankets or use a firm pillow. Place the folded blankets or the firm pillow on the floor. Then, slowly lay down on the floor while supporting your back and your neck. Then raise your legs up the wall. Keep your legs up on the wall for ten to fifteen minutes.

Sometimes pressing on your heels can help you relax and release any built-up tension. The Seated Forward Bend Pose is beneficial for the nervous system and stretches the entire body. By sitting on the floor and pressing on your heels, your back and neck will release the tension and will get better blood circulation to the brain. Overall you will feel better and will gain flexibility.

Last, the Seated Side Opener Pose will help you feel more flexible. This pose balances your body. Moving from side to side opens the rib cage and helps with the lower back. Some headaches can be caused by having poor posture. If your headaches do not go away, consult with your primary doctor. Here are more resources about these Yoga poses. 

Yoga Benefit for Headaches: 
https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/yoga-by-benefit/headache

Headache Yoga: 
https://www.shape.com/fitness/naturally-relieve-headache-yoga

Yoga for Headaches:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/yoga-for-headaches-3567223

Migraine & Headache Basics: 
https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/migraines-headaches-basics

*Yoga Postures Watercolor Clip Art: 

https://pngtree.com/freepng/yoga-postures-watercolor-vector-material_1074450.html

* Color Vector Material Yoga Poses Clip Art: 

https://pngtree.com/freepng/color-vector-material-yoga-poses_1075537.html

* Free Background and Frame: 

https://www.pizap.com/

Turmeric and Paprika Chicken Vegetable Soup

Feeling under the weather? This light and refreshing turmeric and paprika chicken vegetable soup will keep you warm and will keep you full. Using a few ingredients, you can make this chicken vegetable soup. It is a very simple recipe and it will be ready in an hour and a half. Here is the recipe.

Ingredients:

1 Cabbage

1 Green Bell Pepper

1 Bag of Carrots or 9 Carrots

1 Spinach Bunch

1 Cilantro Bunch

1 Package of Chicken Breasts

2 Chicken Bouillons

One teaspoon of Turmeric

Lemon and Pepper Seasoning

Paprika

First, wash one bell pepper. Slice and chop the bell pepper in small pieces. Next, wash all the carrots and peel the carrots. After that chop the carrots into small pieces. Then, wash one cabbage and chop the cabbage into small pieces. Last, wash and rinse the spinach. Remove the stems from the spinach bunch. Cook the spinach in a separate pot. While the spinach is cooking, wash and rinse the cilantro and remove the stems of the cilantro.

In a pot with water, add the carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage. Then, add the leaves of the cilantro. Continue adding more water to the pot if needed. Add one teaspoon of turmeric and two chicken bouillons. Stir the chicken bouillon and the turmeric. Then place the lid and let all the vegetables cook inside the pot.

After that wash a few chicken breasts and chop the chicken into small pieces. Add one teaspoon of turmeric, lemon and pepper, and paprika to the chicken and blend the spices. In one skillet cook the chicken in water. Once the chicken is ready, let it sit and cool.

Once the spinach has turned dark green, turn off the stove. After that wait for all the vegetables to get soft. Once all the vegetables are soft, turn off the stove. Then, rinse the spinach in a strainer. In one bowl, serve the vegetables and the spinach together. Next, shred the chicken and place inside the soup. This soup serves about four people.  Enjoy!

My Favorite Teas to try in the Summer

One tropical tea that can be enjoyed throughout the Summer and in the Winter,  is Pineapple tea. Pineapple tea improves your mood, relieves your anxiety, and reduces inflammation. Pineapple tea has vitamin C and antioxidants which lifts your mood. This tea can boost your metabolism. Before adding pineapple tea to your diet, consult with your physician. 

Ginger tea aids in digestion, inflammation, and stress. This spicy tea lowers your blood pressure and keeps your heart healthy. Ginger has antibacterial properties which help your throat and helps fight colds. Ginger tea can be blended with lemon, honey, or mint. However, it is not recommended to drink this tea at night because it keeps you awake.

Another sweet delicious tea is Mango tea. Mango tea also has antioxidants and vitamins which improves the immune system, digestive system, and for the cardiovascular system. This tea has vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin C which reduces the blood pressure. In addition, this tea can lower bad cholesterol levels and can help with diabetes. Here are more resources about Pineapple, Mango, and Ginger tea. 

Pineapple Tea Benefits: 
https://www.drinkherbaltea.com/pineapple-tea-benefits/

Pineapple Tea: 
https://www.organicfacts.net/pineapple-tea.html

Mango Tea: 
https://www.organicfacts.net/mango-tea.html

Mango Tea Benefits: 
http://teapursuit.com/tea-guide/flavored/mango/

Ginger Tea:
https://chopra.com/articles/the-health-benefits-of-ginger-tea

Ginger Tea Recipe:
https://www.verywellfit.com/ginger-tea-recipe-88180

Courtesy Photo by Teejay from Pexels

* Purple Flower Photo: My personal photo collection

* Purple Filter from https://www196.lunapic.com/editor/

Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is dedicated in the whole month of June according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The color purple is used to show awareness of these diseases that affect the brain. On June 21^st of every year, it is encouraged to wear purple, to place a purple light on your front porch, and to take the Purple Pledge. In this way more people will be aware and to raise funds to prevent, to cure, and to slow down these diseases that affect the brain. Also, you can write your own experiences about these diseases or you can change your profile photo to purple on social media.

Furthermore, you can give support to a caregiver, to the families, and to the people that are going through the process of Alzheimer’s or other diseases that affect the brain. There is still no cure for these diseases. Yet, there is still hope that someday these diseases will be slowed down, prevented, or cured. In the meantime, doctors recommend to exercise, to have a healthy balanced diet, to have hobbies, to get enough sleep, and to socialize with family and friends. Here are more resources about Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.

13 Ways to Honor Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month: 
https://www.leisurecare.com/resources/alzheimers-awareness-month/

Alzheimers and Brain Awareness Month: 
https://healthybrains.org/alzheimers-and-brain-awareness-month/

Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month: 
https://www.alz.org/abam/overview.asp#takeAction

5 Brain Exercises to Strengthen Your Mind:
https://www.verywellmind.com/brain-exercises-to-strengthen-your-mind-2795039

Brain Exercises for the Memory: 
https://www.everydayhealth.com/longevity/mental-fitness/brain-exercises-for-memory.aspx

Brain Quotes: 
http://www.wiseoldsayings.com/brain-quotes/

*Free Purple Ribbon Clip Art:
https://www.kisspng.com/png-purple-ribbon-paper-awareness-ribbon-clip-art-purp-824943/

* Photo from my personal collection

Free Coloring Pages of Seahorses

Did you know that seahorses only live from one to five years? Seahorses are small and range from six to fourteen inches. Sea horses can eat up to fifty times a day. Also, what makes these creatures so fascinating is the fact that seahorses dance and change colors when it is mating season. Therefore, I have created three coloring pages of sea horses. Each coloring page was drawn by hand.  One coloring pages has one sea horse surrounded by fish. The other two coloring pages have sea horses. These coloring pages are free and for personal use. Have a Happy Summer! 

* For more facts about Seahorses, here are the links: 

Seahorses: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/group/seahorses/

Seahorse Facts: https://www.thoughtco.com/seahorse-facts-2291858

* Free Collage Frame: https://www.pizap.com/

The Benefits of using Tea for your Hair and Skin

Using different types of teas can be beneficial for your hair and for your skin. Peppermint tea can be used for acne and for sensitive skin. In addition, if you struggle in maintaining your hair, peppermint tea can help reduce the oils from your scalp. By doing a peppermint tea rinse, your hair will be less oily, and your hair will be shiny too. Peppermint tea helps the hair grow and stimulates the blood circulation of the scalp.

Another tea that prevents the buildup of oily hair is Black tea.  Black tea stops the hair from shedding. Black tea can be used for dry skin and it adds a glow to your skin. If you want to have highlights for the Summer season or anytime of the year, you can use Chamomile tea for your hair. Chamomile tea adds natural highlights. This tea can be used on your skin for sun burns, acne and for dark circles.

Also, another good tea for your skin is Green tea. Green tea can help to clear the skin from acne breakouts. This tea reduces the inflammation caused by acne. If you have dandruff on your hair, Green tea can reduce the dry flakes from your scalp. This tea will make your hair grow and it can prevent hair loss. Here are more resources about the benefits of tea for your hair and skin. 

How to do a Tea Rinse for Longer Stronger Hair: 
https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/curly-hair-care-methods/how-to-do-a-tea-rinse-for-longer-stronger-hair

Black Tea to Stop Shedding Hair: https://www.naturalhairqueen.net/black-tea-to-stop-shedding-hair/

Tea for Hair Growth:
https://thedailytea.com/wellness/tea-for-hair-growth/

Teas that will make your Skin Glow:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-25674/5-teas-that-will-make-your-skin-glow.html

*Courtesy Photo from: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-yellow-flower-34696/

Free Fish Coloring Bookmarks

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

Poetry in Photo Images about Time

Today, I've written three poems about the concept of time in photo images. All three poems are about time, life, and having a hard time in life. Each poem has its own theme about time and one poem is about the journeys of life. Nonetheless, I hope you will enjoy reading my poetry. All the photo images are from my personal collection. Thank you for reading my blog.

* Filters from Luna Pic: https://www196.lunapic.com/editor/

* Filters from Pizap: https://www.pizap.com/

What is Silent Meditation?

What is Silent Meditation? It is quieting your mind by using your thoughts, feelings, and breathing. It helps you to clear your mind especially if you can't concentrate. Sometimes, when there is so much noise surrounding you, it might be difficult to make decisions and to work on projects. Nonetheless having too much on your brain can be too stressful and irritating. 

If you are traveling take advantage of silent retreats. You don't have to be religious to benefit from silent meditation. Also, it is a great way to relax and to learn a little bit more about yourself. If you are not traveling you can still practice silent meditation. You can begin by taking a walk or you can sit down. 

Turn off the television, cell phone, and computer. Use cushions to help you sit down on the floor. Be aware of your breathing, thoughts, and feelings. Remain silent for a few minutes. If you feel like crying, just let the tears flow. Release your emotions and don’t think about what is causing you to cry. In the end, you will feel calmer and will be able to focus more. Here are more resources about Silent Meditation. 

The Secret to Quieting your Mind for Meditation: https://chopra.com/articles/the-secret-to-quieting-your-mind-for-meditation

One Minute Meditation to Silence: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-14788/a-oneminute-meditation-to-silence-your-mind-calm-your-energy.html

What five minutes of silence can do for your brain: https://www.mindful.org/what-five-minutes-of-silence-can-do-for-your-brain/

Quotes about Silence: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/quiet?page=3

* Free White Flower Clip Art: https://www.pizap.com/