Taking a Break is Good for You

Breaks are necessary for your brain to recuperate and to prevent mental fatigue. Taking a break is beneficial for your emotional and physical health. Making a change to your daily routine by adding more breaks in between prevents exhaustion. As well as making you be in a good mood. Taking a break from writing gives your mind some time to regenerate new ideas. 

Therefore, you will feel more creative. Just like your brain gets too hot making you yawn in the middle of the day as a signal to take a break; It is best to listen to your body when it is time to take a time off. With this in mind, I will be taking a break for one or two weeks beginning on October 2nd. Due to personal reasons, I will only be able to reply back to you through e-mail or through social media. If you are a guest blogger, you are welcome to contact me about adding your guest posts on my blog.  Below are more resources about taking a break. Have a safe and calm autumn season. 

How Do Work Breaks Help Your Brain:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/changepower/201704/how-do-work-breaks-help-your-brain-5-surprising-answers#:~:text=Breaks%20increase%20productivity%20and%20creativity,took%20breaks%2C%20according%20to%20research.

Why You Should Take a Break:

https://www.verywellmind.com/why-you-should-take-a-break-3144576

Importance of Taking Breaks and Having Other Interests:

https://thewellbeingthesis.org.uk/foundations-for-success/importance-of-taking-breaks-and-having-other-interests/

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The Month of Self-Improvement

Self-improvement is a good way to keep yourself busy and to learn more about yourself.  You will be able to socialize better and get to meet new people. Besides, you will be able to communicate better when you keep your mind open to new skills, ideas, and innovations. It is not too difficult to do a self-improvement on a certain aspect of your life. By moving away from your comfort zone at certain times, you will be able to see yourself in a different perspective and other people will see you in a different way too.

It is not a challenge to do self-improvement which it can begin with meditation. Meditation techniques generally help you to relax, to get rid of any fears, or anxieties. Often, meditation can help you quit a bad habit such as biting your nails, overeating, or from getting distracted easily. Nonetheless, it helps you slow down instead of multitasking all the time. Sometimes, doing one single task at a time makes you feel less pressure and stress from doing your job right or your chores at home. Therefore, self-improvement should be done gradually and not in a rush. Taking your time is better instead of not finishing all your tasks at work or at home.

This does not make you a slow worker at home or at work. Instead, this makes you care more about your work at home or for the work for a company. Self-improvement should always be evolving, and you will know what works and what does not work for you at that moment. However, self-improving yourself makes a good aspect about yourself because it means you are willing to learn new gadgets and like to question new ideas. September is a fantastic month to do self-improvement. Yet, you can do self-improvement anytime of the month. Here are more resources about self-improvement. 

What You can do During Self Improvement Month:

https://www.beliefnet.com/wellness/personal-growth/what-you-can-do-during-self-improvement-month.aspx

September is Self Improvement Month:

https://qualityoflife.net/blogs/news/september-is-self-improvement-month

Self Improvement Ideas & Tips:

https://enlightenmentportal.com/development/self-improvement-ideas/

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Ylang Ylang to feel Calm

Ylang Ylang is used in perfumes, shampoos, and creams due to its sweet relaxing scent. It helps to heal wounds and diminishes the presence of scars. When applying Ylang Ylang essential oil to the skin it must be diluted in a carrier oil. Carrier oils such as jojoba oil, coconut Oil, or avocado Oil are generally used to dilute Ylang Ylang.  Additionally, this essential oil can be used as an insect repellent particularly for head lice which is found in head lice hair treatments.

Another hair use for Ylang Ylang is to treat dandruff and for removing hair tangles. Yet, this essential oil can be mixed with other essential oils such as Sandalwood, Geranium, Bergamot, and other citrus essential oils. It is a popular essential oil for aromatherapy because it reduces depression, tension, and for insomnia. Also, it has antiseptic properties which is used in soaps to clean the skin. Always keep Ylang Ylang essential oil and other essential oils away from pets and children. Consult with your dermatologist before using Ylang Ylang essential oil for the skin and for the hair. Here are more resources about Ylang Ylang essential oil.   

Ylang Ylang Oil: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning:

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-697/ylang-ylang-oil

The Benefits of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-ylang-ylang-essential-oil-88793

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Uses & Benefits: 

https://www.healthline.com/health/ylang-ylang

*Two Brown Glass Bottles Clip Art:

https://www.pngguru.com/free-transparent-background-png-clipart-bcjvo

* Ylang Ylang Watercolor Clip Art:

https://www.pngguru.com/free-transparent-background-png-clipart-wctsg

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Change Direction Campaign Tools for Mental Wellness

Change Direction Campaign was made to bring awareness for mental health, mental illnesses, and mental wellness. This organization has plenty of resources for speaking to your children about Coronavirus, identifying the signs of emotional suffering, and resources about mental health. Also, resources for suicide and prevention month. Mental health should be a top priority in addition to physical health. Knowing the five signs of emotional suffering is important to provide the right help and resources.

https://www.changedirection.org/

Knowing the five signs of the emotional suffering poster comes in many languages. This might be a difficult subject for some people; Mental health not only affects adults but children. Mental Health affects everyone at home and at work.  Make a pledge, donate, or get more information about mental health at the Change  Direction website. Use the hashtag #ChangeMentalHealth to bring awareness to social media. Here is the link to the Change Direction Campaign. 

Change Direction-The Campaign to Change Direction: 

https://www.changedirection.org/

* Free resources from Change  Direction Campaign

Emotional Healing

According to Rupi Kaur, " Do not look for healing at the feet of those who broke you." Emotional healing takes so much time especially if you stay in contact with people who have hurt your feelings. Yet, to have emotional healing, you must accept, forgive, and not avoid your emotional pain. In time, you will be able to face the people who have hurt you or be able to forgive them.

Spending time with people who have gone through a similar experience may help you not feel alone. Going through multiple emotions at once is part of the chemical imbalance of the brain which can be controlled through medication and eating healthy. Letting go of anger, sadness, and frustrations is part of the process of emotional healing. Do not let anyone call you names that make you feel unworthy and unloved. Emotional healing involves several stages such as grieving, anger, compromising, depression, and acceptance.

Even if you do not grieve, you may be in denial that nothing is wrong with how you feel. Eventually, you will begin the grieving process and let out all your emotions. Next, you might feel angry about why you let certain events occur or why those events always occur to you. You might think you are the only one going through those negative events especially when you see how happy your friends are on social media. Nonetheless, it might just be appearances or what your friends want you to believe that they are full of happiness.

However, your friends have probably gone through the same emotional healing as you especially after a hard breakup with your significant other. Feelings of negotiating with your partner or talking things out are best if you want to save the relationship. Additionally, you might talk to yourself internally that it is your partner’s fault instead of realizing that you too might need some help. Seeking professional help is a great option for emotional healing. Here are more resources about emotional healing. 

Signs and Symptoms of Trauma:

https://addictionrehabtreatment.com/mental-health/trauma/signs-and-symptoms-of-trauma/

10 Tips for Emotional Healing:

https://www-psychologytoday-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/rethinking-mental-health/201309/10-tips-emotional-healing?amp_js_v=a2&amp_gsa=1&amp&usqp=mq331AQFKAGwASA%3D#aoh=16007836918242&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.psychologytoday.com%2Fus%2Fblog%2Frethinking-mental-health%2F201309%2F10-tips-emotional-healing

8 Tips for Healing Emotional Wounds:

https://blogs.psychcentral.com/imperfect/2019/03/8-tips-for-healing-emotional-wounds/

PTSD Trauma-Coping with Emotional and Psychological Trauma:

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/coping-with-emotional-and-psychological-trauma.htm

Five Stages of Healing:

https://www.gavinfamilylaw.com/articles-and-resources/five-stages-of-healing/

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* Artwork by Melissa Alvarado

DIY Chapstick Holder Keychain

A Chapstick holder keychain comes in handy for your tote bags or for your everyday purse. If you like denim sewing crafts, then this sewing tutorial is for you. However, you can use any fabric for making these Chapstick holder key chains. These Chapstick holder key chains make fun Christmas stocking gift stuffers for the whole family. Below is the tutorial for making these Chapstick holder key chains and more resources for making different lip balm holder key chains. 

 

Materials:

Thread

Needle

Blue Denim Fabric

One Button

Key Ring

Scissors

Circle Stencil (Optional)

Black Ball Point Pen (Optional)

First, cut a small section of blue denim fabric into a small to medium size circle. You can use a circle stencil to trace a circle onto the fabric and cut the fabric circle. Second, sew the edges of the circle. Third, leave the top part of the circle open and fold the flaps of the circle. Fourth, sew the flaps of the circle. Fifth, cut a small strip of blue denim fabric to make a strap. 

Sixth, fold the strip in half and sew the strip from all sides. Seventh, sew the strip onto the small circle bag. After that make, another strap for the key chain. Eight, Sew the second strip of fabric from all sides. Last, fold the second strip onto a ring key chain and sew the edges of the fabric with the key ring. Then, you can sew a small button on one side of the bag. 

The button is optional. However, it makes the front side of the bag look different from the back side of the bag. Once that is all done, you can insert one or two lip balms inside the bag. Then, you can insert the key ring to one of your favorite purses. You can also use a brass pearl screw locking carabiner key ring clasp safety hook to add to your tote bag. Here are more resources for making your own Chapstick holder key chain.  

Chapstick Keychain Holder:

https://crazylittleprojects.com/chapstickkeychainholderpattern/

Chapstick Holders-DIY Gifts to Sew:

https://mellysews.com/sew-chapstick-holders-diy-gifts-to-sew/

Lip Balm Holder Keychain Tutorial:

https://www.sewmuchado.com/keychain-chapstick-holder-tutorial-free-pattern/

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September is Classical Music Month

September was declared Classical music month in 1994 by President Clinton. Classical music can be appreciated by reading story books and playing classical music to your children. It is a great way to introduce to your children the different types of instruments that are used in classical music such as woodwind, string, brass, and percussion. In addition, classical music helps the brain to develop and to calm down. Learning about different classical composers will also give your child some curiosity for the fine arts and appreciate music.

Some classical composers such as Ludwig Van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Sebastian Bach, Frederic Chopin, and Franz Schubert have excellent music for reading story books and before studying new information for school. Classical music is broken down into many eras such as Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, and Romantic. Some examples of Baroque music are Johann Pachelbel, Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, and Antonio Vivaldi. While the Romantic composers are: Ludwig Van Beethoven, Antonin Dvorak, Frederic Chopin, Giuseppe Verdi, Richard Strauss, Niccolò Paganini, Giacomo Puccini, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Felix Mendelssohn, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. All these composers have terrific compositions to listen to at any age.

Listening to classical music makes you feel creative especially while you paint on canvas or on paper. Some classical compositions also make you do some ballet stances which help you to be more flexible and reduce stress. Additionally, when you listen to classical music, it makes you feel confident, happy, and peaceful. Learning more about classical music is very educational and makes great conversation starters with anyone. Here are more resources to celebrate classical music month in September. 

September is Classical Music Month:
http://www.performingartsmusic.org/september-is-classical-music-month/

Classical Music Month:
https://blog.eldersong.com/2017/08/classical-music-month/

How to Celebrate Classical Music Month:
https://prodigiesmusic.com/how-to-celebrate-classical-music-month/

Free Classical Sheet Music (All Instruments)-8 Notes:
https://www.8notes.com/all/classical/sheet_music/?page=1

* Free Music Sheet  of  Fur Elise by Ludwig van Beethoven from 8 Notes

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Free Collarette Dahlias (Bookmarks)

Dahlias are fascinating flowers to look at in the garden especially the type of flowers that are called Collarette. The Collarette Dahlia flower gets its name because of the small collar arrangement of shorter petals inside the flower. These flowers have dark and light shades inside the flower which gives a pop of color in the garden. Today, I have created four mini bookmarks of collarette dahlias. Each bookmark has a blank space either on the bottom or on top of the bookmark to write a few words or one word on the bookmark. These bookmarks are free and for your personal use. Have fun coloring these bookmarks.  

* Free fonts and borders from Pizap

Self-Care Awareness Month

Making time for self-care is important for yourself because you will be able to take care of other's needs. Taking care of yourself makes you feel better. Additionally, you will transmit a relaxed positive vibe to others. Doing things that help you relax will make your work more adequate. Do not view self-care as another chore. 

Self-care should be something you enjoy doing. By practicing self-care, you will give a healthy boost to your immune system. Taking care of your emotional and physical health will make you feel good about yourself. Self-care should be incorporated into your schedule. Self-care can be five minutes or one hour to help you relieve tension. 

The more you practice self-care, you will have a better connection with others and with yourself. Self-care can consist of taking a bath, watching tv, finger painting, or exercise so you can balance work. When it comes to self-care, you should not feel guilty, worrisome, or feel that you are neglecting others. Sometimes, it is best to tell your friends or relatives that you are not ignoring them; tell them you need some time alone to rest and relax. Here are more resources about Self Care Awareness Month. 

Self-Care Awareness Month:

https://inspirationsandcelebrations.net/2018/09/self-care-awareness-month.html

Self-Care Awareness Month-All About Self-Care, Self-Love, and Mental Health:
https://www.blessingmanifesting.com/2017/09/self-care-awareness-month.html

Practice the Importance of Self Care:
https://www.aje.com/arc/practice-the-importance-of-self-care/

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Free Collarette Dahlias Coloring Pages

Collarette Dahlias are colorful flowers that symbolize elegance, strength, and creativity. These flowers come in small and in medium sizes. Today, I have created these Collarette Dahlias coloring pages. These coloring pages are free and for your personal use. Below are links about Collarette Dahlias. Enjoy!

What are Collarette Dahlias-Tips for Growing Collarette Dahlias:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/dahlia/collarette-dahlia-info.htm

Really Interesting Facts About Dahlia Flowers and their Meanings:
https://gardenerdy.com/dahlia-flower-meaning-interesting-facts/#:~:text=Dahlia%20flowers%20are%20often%20associated,grace%20to%20signals%20of%20warning.&text=They%20symbolize%20elegance%2C%20inner%20strength,in%20his%2Fher%20sacred%20values.

Dahlia Collarette-How to Grow & Care:
https://www.growplants.org/growing/dahlia-collarette

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Tips for Online Classes

Taking online classes can be a challenge and can be fun at the same time. Before taking an online class, you must manage your time. Set a routine and have a calendar of all the times of the online classes that you or your child will take this fall semester. Get plenty of rest before you do your online classes. Make a schedule or a to-do list of all the homework assignments.

Also, if your online class provides a schedule of all the homework assignments in advance; It will help you be prepared in the long run. Always be prepared with a notebook and a pen to take notes during your online class. Sometimes, you can record the class if your teacher allows it. When in doubt, ask your teacher if it is okay to record the class lectures. If it is allowed, you can replay the class lecture in case you missed some important information for tests and for homework assignments.

It is essential to manage your time online and to get enough information for you to succeed in school or in college. If you are doing online classes this year due to Covid-19, make sure you put your cell phone on silent mode or on vibrate before you take the online class. Headphones are a useful tool especially if you are studying in the same room where there is a television in the room. Next, if you are using Zoom for your online classes, you can have an avatar for your Zoom classes if it is allowed with your school or college professor. Here are more resources about back to school tips for parents, for students, and for making your avatar. 

30 Back to School Tips-Organization Ideas for School:
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/tips/g2358/back-to-school-prep/

17 Back to School Tips-Best Back to School Advice:
https://www.womansday.com/life/g3124/best-back-to-school-tips/

35 Back to School Tips:
https://www.seventeen.com/life/school/advice/g1686/best-school-year-ever/

Avatar Maker-Create Your Own Avatar Online

https://avatarmaker.com/

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National Sewing Month in September

Since 1982, National Sewing Month was made into a national monthly observance in September. President Ronald Reagan recognized the importance of sewing at home. Sewing is a fun craft to do at home and it is a relaxing hobby that can be done at home. Sewing by hand helps you with your eye coordination and to build more creativity. The more you sew the more beneficial it is for your brain to develop new skills.  Also, you do not need a big budget to create beautiful sewn crafts and after sewing, you feel accomplished.

Here is the tutorial for making this blue denim pouch. This pouch can be used to put your eyeglasses, sunglasses, or other items. Sewing pouches is an easy sewing project as a beginner sewing project. Below are more links for celebrating National Sewing Month. Also, for more sewing projects, please check out my sewing projects in the tutorials section of the blog. 

Materials:

Thread

Needle

Blue Denim from an old pair of  jeans

Scissors

Cut one pair of old blue denim jeans. Use one section of the pant leg and use that material to create a small pouch. After that insert thread into a needle and sew one side of the pant leg fabric. Continue sewing the blue jean fabric on all three sides. Fold the top part of the denim and sew the folded area. Leave one opening on the fabric. After you are done sewing, unfold the denim pouch. Here are more resources about National Sewing Month in September. Have a safe Labor Day weekend!

National Sewing Month:
https://www.nationalsewingmonth.org/national-sewing-month-history/

National Sewing Month-30 Day Challenge:
https://sewingmastery.com/national-sewing-month-30-day-challenge/#:~:text=Ideas%20for%20Honoring%20National%20Sewing%20Month&text=(This%20counts%20too!),embroidery%20classes%20available%20through%20Bluprint.

September is National Sewing Month:
https://www.threadsmagazine.com/2012/09/05/september-is-national-sewing-month-2

5 Health Benefits of Sewing:

https://www.mindfood.com/article/5-health-benefits-of-sewing/

Sewing Organization

http://www.sewing.org/

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World Alzheimer's Month

The whole month of September is dedicated to bringing awareness for Alzheimer's. One out of ten people is diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's affects older people which is very common. However, younger people beginning at nineteen years old can get Alzheimer's. Although it is very rare for a young person to get Alzheimer's, memory loss is not one of its symptoms. 

Alzheimer's has different symptoms depending on the age of the person, underlying conditions, and genetics. Alzheimer's in a young person affects movement while memory loss is more common in older people. This makes it difficult to understand Alzheimer's. Every September 21st is World Alzheimer's day, a day to donate and give support in finding a cure. Also, a day to learn more about Alzheimer's. 

Alzheimer's can also affect a person before they turn fifty years old. Forgetfulness, memory loss, and not able to retain recent information are other symptoms of Alzheimer's. Changes in behavior are the most difficult part to understand as a caretaker. Yet, there are resources for caretakers to cope with the changes in behavior. Here are more resources about Alzheimer's.

World Alzheimer's Day:
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/world-alzheimers-day

Alzheimer Organization:
https://www.alz.org/

September is World Alzheimer's Month:
https://neurology.ufl.edu/2020/08/31/september-is-world-alzheimers-month/

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Quotes for Fall

The autumn season is one of my favorite seasons because of the cool weather,  pumpkins, and changing leaves. Since autumn is almost here, I have created four watercolor paintings with quotes. Each quote is related to this beautiful season. These autumn quotes are free and for your personal use. Below are more links to read more quotes about fall.

Autumn Quotes:
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/autumn

Your Tango Best Fall Quotes:

https://www-yourtango-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.yourtango.com/2018317925/best-fall-quotes-autumn-holiday-season?amp_js_v=a3&amp_gsa=1&amp&usqp=mq331AQFKAGwASA%3D#aoh=15990980190108&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yourtango.com%2F2018317925%2Fbest-fall-quotes-autumn-holiday-season

Fall Quotes:

https://www.prevention.com/life/g28088715/fall-quotes/

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* Watercolor paintings painted by Melissa Alvarado

T-Shirt Pillowcase Sewing Tutorial

It is recommended to change and wash your pillowcase every few days. Changing and washing your pillowcase can prevent damage to the skin and hair. You will also prevent allergies from dust mites. Changing your pillowcase to a clean pillowcase will help you sleep better. In today's sewing tutorial, you can make a pillowcase using two old t-shirts.

This sewing tutorial is terrific for beginners. Using different colored t-shirts to make this pillowcase will make your pillow be the focus of your bed. This sewing project will take about one hour if you are sewing by hand. However, it will take less than an hour if you use a sewing machine.  Here are the sewing instructions in making this pillowcase by hand without a sewing machine.

Materials:
2 Old T-Shirts
Embroidery Thread
Scissors
Embroidery Needle
Sewing Machine (Optional)
Sewing pins or safety pins (Optional)

Iron and Ironing Board

First, wash and dry two old t-shirts. Next, cut off the sleeves and the top part of the t-shirts. Second, put one t-shirt onto one side of the pillow. Third, put the second t-shirt to the other side of the pillow. Make sure the t-shirt fabric is upside down before sewing by hand.

Fourth, fold the middle sides of the fabric and sew the fabric. Use safety pins or sewing pins to guide you while you sew by hand.  Fifth, continue sewing both sides of the fabric. Sixth, once the middle section of the fabric is sewn, choose one side to sew the pillowcase. Leave one side of the fabric open for inserting the pillow.

Seventh, sew the bottom portion of the fabric. Last, remove the pillowcase from the pillow. Iron the pillowcase and insert the pillow inside the pillowcase. Then, you are ready to use your new pillowcase. Here are more resources about sewing pillowcases.

5 Minute T-Shirt Pillowcase:
https://thehowtohome.com/5-minute-t-shirt-pillowcase/

Make T-Shirt Pillow:
https://frugalfamilyhome.com/home/crafts-home/make-t-shirt-pillow

Making T-Shirt Pillows:
https://www.thriftyfun.com/Making-T-Shirt-Pillows.html

* Free fonts and borders from Pizap