Painting Butterflies and Flowers on Spice Jars

Painting spice jars is a thirty minute to a one hour project. This painting tutorial shows how to paint butterflies and flowers. Also, the center of the caps of the spice jars were are also painted. Reuse spice jars to store small everyday household items which can make organizing easier. Here is the painting tutorial. 

Materials:

Acrylic paints

Mod Podge or clear nail polish 

Glass spice jars with caps

Paint brushes 

Paper towels or old magazine pages

Sharpie or marker

Stencil (optional)

Instructions: 

Remove the labels of spice jars. Make sure to remove any glue residue from the labels. Let the jars air dry. Use a marker and a stencil to draw a butterfly. Paint the body of the butterfly. 

Next, paint the wings and the antennas of the butterfly. After that paint a flower stem and the leaves. Wait for the paint to dry. Last paint the flower. Wait for the paint to dry before adding another coat of paint. 

Repeat the same steps for the other side of the jar. Then, wait for the paint to dry. Paint a flower on the center of the cap. Wait for the paint to dry before adding Mod Podge or clear nail polish. After that wait for everything to dry before adding your items inside the jar. 

For the second spice jar, paint two flower stems and the leaves. Paint a tulip. After that continue painting the flowers. On the cap, paint the first letter of your name. Wait for the paint to dry before adding Mod Podge or clear nail polish. 

In the example,  bandaids were added inside the butterflies and flowers spice jar. In the second spice jar dental tooth picks were added. The second spice jar has flowers painted and a letter "M" was painted on the cap. These flower spice jars can be used to decorate a teenager's bathroom, guest bathroom, or any other room. Have fun painting your spice jars.  

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Summer Coloring Binder Covers 2024

Today I have created three binder covers for the summer season. These binder covers can be used for summer school, summer college classes, food journals, and for your summer activities planner. The first bind cover has palm leaves. The second binder cover has pineapples with blackberries or raspberries. Also, the third binder cover has flowers and leaves.

There is a blank area to write down the subject on the binder cover especially if you are using it for summer classes. You can print your name on the blank area of the binder cover on one side and then the second side can have the subject of the classes. Nonetheless, these binder coloring covers can be used throughout the summer or anytime of the year. These coloring binder covers are free and for your personal use. Happy summer season! 

* Font from Photo Collage Editor Maker 

* Font from LunaPic

Pregnancy and Dental Care (National Dental Care Month 2024)

Taking care of your teeth while pregnant is necessary to prevent oral diseases. It is a time to take care of yourself and your baby's health. Preventing oral diseases in your second and third trimester is what doctors recommend. Always consult with your obstetrician about seeing a dentist for your dental care. One oral disease that can be prevented is pregnancy gingivitis. 

Pregnancy gingivitis makes the gums and teeth more sensitive. It causes inflammation of the gums and makes the gums bleed. The gums turn red, and plaque builds up. Also, this oral disease causes bad breath. Yet, gingivitis can be prevented and taken care of while being pregnant. 

It is recommended to eat foods with less sugar. Brush your teeth and floss them twice a day. Do not miss any dental appointments during your second and third trimester of your pregnancy. Follow your dentist and obstetrician recommendations for your pregnancy. Do not smoke and avoid foods that have too much acidity. 

Get your dental checkups and your dental cleanings. Gingivitis does disappear after having your baby. Nonetheless, gum disease can be prevented, and dental care may prevent tooth decay. If you notice a toothache, a loose tooth, bleeding gums, bad breath, teeth and gum sensitivity, and other symptoms; Consult with your dentist. Preventing cavities can prevent bacteria build-up on your teeth and gums. 

Keep in mind that not all dental procedures can be done while pregnant. Some dental procedures can be done after having your baby. After having your baby, continue getting follow up dental exams and dental treatments. Additionally, take your baby to the dentist before they turn one year old or six months after the first tooth appears. Clean your baby's teeth with water and a soft light toothbrush; Wait for your baby to turn two years old to brush their teeth with toothpaste. 

Make a dental appointment for your baby's dental care. Follow your dentist recommendations for your dental care and for your baby's dental care. Ask questions about taking care of your baby's teeth. Make sure your baby feels comfortable during their first dental exam with the dentist. Continue taking your baby to the dentist and ask for any recommendations for preventing cavities. 

If your child can brush their teeth by themselves, always supervise them with toothpaste and mouthwash especially if they are younger than six years old. Purchase alcohol free mouthwash for your child. Read them a story about dental care or about visiting the dentist. Teach them how to use dental floss. Here are websites regarding dental care and pregnancy. 

Gingivitis:

Pregnancy Gingivitis: Prevention and Treatment (healthline.com)

Dental Health During Pregnancy:

Dental health during pregnancy | March of Dimes

* Font and background from PiZap

* Tooth clip art png:

cute tooth clipart - Clip Art Library (clipart-library.com)

* Tooth Fairy clip art png:

clipart tooth fairy png - Clip Art Library (clipart-library.com)

How to do a Spring & Summer Journal?

Making and keeping a spring and summer journal can be a wonderful way to remember vacation. Additionally, children can practice their writing and reading skills. As well as using a journal as a form of self-expression which helps you to feel self-confident. Nonetheless, it is also a useful tool for managing emotions. You can create a smile journal, a joy journal, or a weekly journal for making your spring and summer journal.

However, make your journal according to your budget and what topics you would like to include in your journal. Your journal does not need to be lengthy with all your secrets and things you would not discuss with anyone. But personalize your journal accordingly and what you would like to share in case your child finds your journal. Therefore, make sure you like what you put inside your journal through writing, art, or memorable items. Sometimes, you might want to make your journal as a mini scrapbook but with more written information about joyful events. 

Other times you might want to dedicate a page to someone in your family who has inspired you and motivated you to continue accomplishing your goals. Sometimes you might want to keep your journal simple but might want to include unforgettable events that occurred to you throughout the year. Use journal prompts for spring and summer especially if you begin your spring journal during spring break. Examples of spring journal prompts can have assorted topics such as self-reflection, self-love, gratitude, and self-expression. Here are journal topics that you might want to include in your spring and summer journal.

1. Recall a time when you had a smile that lasted the entire day. What made you smile? Draw or draft a poem describing that day. 
2. Recall a time when you received a telephone call from someone that made you smile. Who was it? Why did the telephone call make you smile?
3. Take a picture of your favorite flower in your garden, your friend's garden, or grandparents garden. Print out the flower picture and add it to your journal page. Why is it your favorite flower? How does it make you feel? Share your flowers with your friend, grandparents, or other relatives by making a paper craft, drawing, or taking a duplicate picture. 
4. The spring season is a time of change and a time of experiencing new adventures. What do you like to do in the spring? Make a list of what you like about the spring season. Write a story about your favorite spring animal or a poem about your favorite animal. 
5. Create a dance for the spring season. Take a picture or pictures of your spring dance. Add a picture or two pictures of the dance to your journal. Write down how you felt when you created the dance and how you felt after dancing. 
6. The summer season is a time of rejoicing and a time for relaxation before going back to school. Write a list of summer activities that you like to do. What is one of your favorite activities to do in the summer? 
7. What is your favorite summer animal? What behaviors or activities do your favorite summer animal do? Write a description about your favorite summer animal.
8. Recall a time you felt joyful in the summer and what made you smile during the summer season. After that write down your favorite summer meal. Draw or take a picture of your favorite summer meal. 
9. Add a ribbon to your journal. Select your favorite colors or one color that you like most to put in your journal. Why is it your favorite color for the summer? How do you feel when you see the color? How do you feel when you are wearing the color? 
10. Do you like to participate in summer camps, summer picnics, or carnival rides? Do you like to swim in the summer or go on hiking trails? Describe your vacation day and vacation activities.

These are just ten topics for beginning your spring and summer journal. However, you can add more journal prompt topics for yourself and for your child. If you are writing in a journal for the first time, you can write down the journal prompt question as the title of your journal page. Yet, if the question is too long, you can write down one or two words of the question and use it for your journal page or pages. Make a bullet list, number list, a shape, or a paragraph depending on the question of the journal prompt. 

Do not feel restricted to use one form of writing style for your journal. If your child does not understand the questions of the journal prompts; You can change the words to help them understand it. Look for journal prompts for their age or what grade they are in school. Use their poetry, artworks, and game pieces for their journal pages. Learn how to make pop up journal pages and use stickers, stencils, or other items to customize their journal or your journal. 

Journal prompts help with boosting creativity and with understanding yourself. Also, you might find answers to what you need to decide on career goals, changing jobs, or what you need to do to transform yourself into the person you want to be. Also, you might want to use it as a form of self-care and take your time to recover from negative feelings. Last, journals can help you with your self-esteem and to reduce stress. Here are websites with information for creating your spring and summer journal. 

  

Summer Journal Prompts-Thriving on Ordinary:

Summer Journal Prompts - Thriving On Ordinary

Craft a Sunshine Summer Journal-Make and Takes:

Craft a Sunshine Summer Journal - Make and Takes

45 Spring Journal Prompts to Inspire Reflection and Growth-Balance Through Simplicity: 

45 Spring Journal Prompts to Inspire Reflection and Growth (balancethroughsimplicity.com)

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Using Positive Affirmations While You Travel 2024

Positive affirmations can be practiced when you are traveling. By saying affirmations aloud or writing them before your traveling experience can help you feel less stress. In the morning begin using a positive affirmation to start your vacation and travel experience. Then in the afternoon during your lunch break write or say a positive affirmation before you continue your traveling itinerary experience. At night in your hotel room, write one positive affirmation in your journal before you go to sleep.

You might want to have three affirmations per day. One affirmation for the morning, one affirmation for the afternoon, and one affirmation of gratitude at night. However, you might want to use one positive affirmation per day if you want to have a theme for your traveling experience. Nonetheless, the more you practice positive affirmations, you will find it easier to relax while you travel. Positive affirmations can also be practiced by saying them in your mind while you are swimming, walking, or sightseeing.

Traveling can be peaceful, joyful, and can make you feel nervous when you are going to an unknown territory. Taking a journal with you when you travel can assist you to reflect on your past and recent travels. Yet, you might want to use positive affirmations before you travel and throughout your traveling experience. Positive affirmations for traveling can help you concentrate and relax before, during, and after your trip. Here is a brief list of positive affirmations for traveling. 

1. I am open to tasting new cuisine while I am traveling.
2. I am filled with amazement, excitement, and ready to experience my travel journey.
3. I am filled with happiness as I visit a new city, town, or country.
4. I am at peace, and I am grateful for traveling and visiting this place.
5. I am filled with joy as I am finding new things during my travel experience.
6. I am grateful and feel optimistic about everything that I do during my travel experience.
7. I am open to new travel experiences and welcome bliss.
8. I am traveling, discovering, and experiencing new things throughout my travels.
9. I feel peace, love, and the warmth of the town, city, or country.
10. I feel happiness and love wherever I travel. 

Positive affirmations for travel make you slow down and enjoy experiencing new things. Sometimes being hesitant and having some fear about going on carnival rides can prevent you from having fun during your vacation travel time. Affirmations can change your mindset while you are tasting new cuisines, new beverages, and when you are afraid during your traveling experience. Therefore, writing or saying a positive affirmation per day can make you feel comfortable while you travel. Here are resources about positive affirmations for traveling. 

 

10 Essential Affirmations to Transform Your Travel Experience:

https://continentaldrifter.co/2024/01/08/10-essential-affirmations-to-transform-your-travel-experience/

Travel Affirmations: 

https://www.morethanmainstreet.com/travel-affirmations/

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Decluttering Your Makeup Collection

Organizing and cleaning out make-up can make it quicker and easier to get dressed in the morning or for a special event. It can also help you to change your make-up look from day to day without rushing to find your favorite lipstick, lip liner, or other make-up product. Decluttering your makeup can prevent you from getting an eye infection, bacteria, or an allergic reaction. Although not all eye infections are caused by makeup, it is best to use your makeup before it expires. Opened and used cosmetics such as liquid mascara need to be used for three months. 

However, if you use a pencil eye liner, it can last for one year once it is opened and used. Preventing eye infections and eye irritations begins by using cosmetics with ingredients to which you are not allergic. Also, get rid of cosmetics that make your eyes water, turn red, or make your eyes itch. For example, eye shadows can last for twelve months once the eye shadow box has been opened and used. Do not share eye shadows, mascara, eye liners, false eye lashes, or other eye makeup products. 

Eyebrow pencils can last six months to one year. Always remove your makeup when you come home from work and at night before going to sleep. Nonetheless, getting rid of makeup can often be frustrating especially if the makeup product has been discontinued due to its color shade, seasonal item, or discontinued due to the ingredients. Therefore, before recycling your makeup to a personal care and beauty recycling program; Write down or take a picture of the name and number of the makeup product. This can help you find the color shade that you want to have in your makeup collection. 

However, if you cannot find the color shade; You can find a makeup product that is like the discontinued product. Store your makeup in a cool place such as the refrigerator especially if the makeup has food and organic ingredients. Put all your lipsticks, vitamin C serums, and other organic makeup in a clear cosmetic bag before placing it inside your refrigerator. Before storing your makeup in the refrigerator, consult with your cosmetologist or look up the brand on the cosmetic company's website. Serums, eye gels, and eye creams can also be kept inside the refrigerator in a clear cosmetic bag. 

Clear cosmetic bags make it easier and quicker to see your makeup in the refrigerator. Make sure the temperature is fifty to sixty degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the cosmetics in the bag and away from food. Another option is purchasing a mini refrigerator for storing beauty products. Every three months review your cosmetics and the expiration dates. 

Write down the expiration dates of each makeup item and place the list in front of the refrigerator with a magnet. Another way to organize your makeup collection is by using a makeup organizer box, cabinet, bag, or caddy. These items come in assorted sizes, styles, materials, and colors. Keep in mind how much space you must store your cosmetics. If you are sharing a room or a bathroom, you might want to use a mini cosmetic organizer box, mini cabinet with drawers, or a caddy with wheels. 

Make sure your cosmetics do not collect dust. Also, make sure your makeup brushes are clean and dust free. If your cosmetics do not have an expiration date, toss it out after three to six months depending on the item. For example, lipstick can last one to two years. But if you tend to get a cold, cold sores, or irritations on your lips; It is best to throw it away and replace it with new lipsticks.

Before you recycle your cosmetics, make sure the containers, eye shadow boxes, or bottles are clean. Empty the cosmetics in a plastic sandwich bag and wipe it off with baby wipes before recycling. However not all cosmetics can be recycled. Some used cosmetics can be thrown away in a sandwich plastic bag and close the bag. Do not donate used cosmetics.

New makeup products can be donated to women's shelters and thrift stores. If the makeup is sealed, closed, and never opened; It can be donated. Unopened cosmetics can last for two years. If you get cosmetics for Christmas, birthdays, or other occasions and cannot use them; You can donate it or regift it if the cosmetics are sealed and closed. Furthermore, new makeup bags, cosmetic organizers, or cosmetic boxes can be donated or regifted. 

Nevertheless, decluttering your makeup collection every season can prevent mold and bacteria. If you store your makeup in the closet, make sure you can see it and away from your clothes, accessories, and shoes. Before you give away, throw away, or recycle your makeup; Give thanks and let go of the item. Clean your cosmetic bags, organizers, and caddy before storing your makeup. Here are websites on how to declutter your makeup collection. 

 

30 Best Makeup Organizing Hacks-How to Declutter Your Makeup Collection-Cosmopolitan:

30 Best Makeup Organizing Hacks - How to Declutter Your Makeup Collection (cosmopolitan.com)

How to Declutter Makeup: 6 Tips to Simplify Your Products-The Simplicity Habit:

How to Declutter Makeup: 6 Tips to Simplify Your Products - The Simplicity Habit

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Three Ways to do Meditation for Mothers

Girl doing Yoga Clip Art Png

Meditating while taking care of your child can be difficult especially when you are focusing on their well-being. However, there are ways to meditate as a mother which can help you relax or improve your sleep. As well as helping you to practice loving-kindness. Meditation assists you in concentrating on yourself and practice gratitude. Create a small space to meditate for three minutes or for thirty minutes. 

One way to practice meditation as a mother is by being in silence for five minutes and being in a comfortable area. This can be done in the bathtub and lighting a candle. But if you do not want to use a candle, you can use a flameless light emitting diode candle on your bathroom sink countertop. Throw citrus peels in your bathtub and take a bath slowly while smelling the citrus peels. Citrus baths are calming and make it easier to relax while you meditate. 

Focus on your breathing. Feel your muscles and your entire body relax. Another relaxing bath is using turmeric. Turmeric baths with honey, essential oils, and bath salts can be added to your five-minute meditation. Yet, if you want to meditate in the shower, a turmeric soap bar can be used to feel refreshed. 

Any soap bar can be used to practice meditation or mindfulness in the shower. Another way to meditate is by meditating while your baby is taking a nap. Babies take naps for twenty or thirty minutes depending on their age. Nonetheless babies that are one to three years old can take one nap in the afternoon for one or two hours. Take advantage of this time to practice meditation or mindfulness in your garden, kitchen, porch, or your laundry room.

While your baby is taking a nap, practice stretching or movement meditation. Lift your arms up and down. Then lift your legs up and down. After that bend your toes up and down. Last, continue moving your body in silence.

The third way to meditate is walking meditation which can be done anytime. Practice walking meditation while you are with your baby. Use your senses and make sure your baby is secure in the baby wrap carrier. Walk with your baby at a slow pace without music and concentrate on carrying your baby. Below are resources for meditating as a parent.

Meditation Guide for Pregnancy and Labor-Parents: 

Meditation Guide for Pregnancy and Labor (parents.com)

A Mother's Day Meditation-Gratitude to Bliss:

A Mother's Day Meditation - GratitudeToBliss

*Free clip art of Girl Doing Yoga and Meditating, Yoga Love, Freedom, Happiness, Health Png:

Girl doing yoga and meditating yoga love freedom happiness health 13261186 PNG (vecteezy.com)

* Free blue circle Png:

Circle PNG transparent image download, size: 6000x6000px (pngimg.com)

Poetry for Emotions (Mental Health Awareness Month 2024)

Poetry for emotions can help you recognize your feelings. If you are grieving a loss, poetry can assist in your emotional healing and can assist in releasing your feelings. Writing poems can be quick or take two hours depending on how you are feeling. Also, it might be difficult at first especially when you are feeling sadness, frustrations, anger, or resentments. However, you can write poems with your emotions by drafting a short poem with eight words or eight syllables.

Yet, if you want to write more, you can draft a longer poem by following a list of emotions that you have written. Begin by writing a list of the emotions that you are feeling. If the same emotions are repeated twice or more on your list, you can write about that in a poem. Furthermore, you can find templates online to help you write poems about your emotions. Use your senses to describe how you feel or simply write as you go along.

Writing poetry with your emotions can also help you connect with your hidden feelings and feelings that you deny in having. It can make you comprehend yourself as well as a self-reflection of what you are feeling at that present time. Additionally, you will find several ways to write about your emotions through poetry. Poetry prompts are useful because they help you release and let go of emotions through writing. For example, this poem below was written by using an emotions poem template.

It is recommended to name the emotion. Second, describe your emotion using things in nature such as an animal, trees, flowers, or a natural phenomenon in nature. Third, continue describing the emotion with something in nature. Fourth, your poem can rhyme words, but it is optional. Last, if you are writing about an animal describe the animal's behavior and read your poem aloud to make sure that is how you feel. 

The entire family can write poems using their emotions. After drafting their poems, they can read it aloud and share it if they want to share their poem. Plus, they can add a drawing, painting, or craft project to go with their poem which is optional. Last, they can write their poems in a journal or use acid free pens and acid free paper to add it to their scrapbooks. Here are more resources for writing your poetry with your emotions. 

Family Friend Poems-Writing with Emotion:

https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/article-writing-with-emotion

Tips for Writing Emotional Poetry:

https://poemsplease.com/tips-for-writing-emotional-poetry/

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Making Plans for a Date (Date Your Mate Month)

Doing the same activities during each date can become boring. When there is no excitement, creativity, or surprises when you are on a date with the same person; You might want to use a planner or a planner application. In the planner or on a notebook you can make notes of what your mate likes and dislikes. Also, what they might like to do on a future date. Keep in mind what they like and what you like when you are out on a date with them.

There are times when you are dating the same person and it can become boring, especially if you have lost contact with them. Even though you might live together in a marriage or live separate single lives; Dating might seem boring when you lose that closeness or that bond that brought you together. Therefore, it is best to reacquaint yourself with your partner during monthly dates with them. Sometimes both of you are too busy to date and other times you might be too busy taking care of a newborn baby. No matter what the reasons are, get to know them as a friend and understand them.

This month is recognized as Date Your Mate Month. Date Your Mate Month helps you find ways to be creative, enthusiastic, and get to know your partner. Additionally, feeling motivated to date the same person and strengthening your relationship with them. Use a planner or a checklist to get to them know and to stir up feelings that you shared together romantically. Furthermore, do not feel pressured to do things so they can like you.

Date with the intention of finding your mate or to strengthen your marriage with your mate. Besides making a schedule or a planner for dating, you can use assumptions and make enough questions to create a romantic date for them and for you. Ask them what their dream dates are like and see how you can surprise them on your next date with them. Often the best dates are the ones that are simple, romantic, and do not require too much planning. However, it depends on your mate’s personality and what they like.

It also depends on your budget in making a memorable evening or afternoon date with your mate. Dating does not have to be complicated even if you only know your mate for two or three months or years. Express yourself and show your affection towards your mate. Always plan and organize a romantic day for your partner by not criticizing them. Experience new activities together and make sure you both feel safe. 

There are many ways to have a spontaneous, creative, and romantic date with them. But make sure your mate is comfortable and open to new dating ideas. For example, if your partner is too busy at work; You might want to go to a restaurant where their job is at to have an afternoon date with them during their lunch break. Additionally, if your mate is too stressed out, you might want to participate in a couple’s yoga session or do walking meditation together at a park. Another example is by exercising together and supporting them if they want to lose weight for health reasons.

Personalize and customize your dating plans for your mate and for yourself. It does not have to be an expensive date if you know both of you will enjoy being together for an hour or two hours. Free events or community events might be something that can surprise your mate and can be lots of fun. Try painting classes together or base your dates on both of your favorite hobbies. Here is a brief list of things that your mate might like on a future date. 

1. Try on hats, costumes, or paint each other’s faces while being at a spring or summer festival.
2. Attending a farmers’ market and tasting the free samples.
3. Make dinner or a quick lunch for your mate and take it to their workplace.
4. Participate in a local or community event.
5. Create a picnic date or ride bicycles together.
6. Walk in the park holding hands and eat cotton candy together. 
7. Taste a new meal at a restaurant and hold hands. 
8. Listen to music and sing at a karaoke place or make a karaoke place at home. 
9. Take pictures at a photo booth or make your photo booth at home with head pieces and props. 
10. Go hiking, walk in a garden, jog, or do a fun exercise together. 

These are just ten ideas, but you can always modify them to what your mate likes or what your mate might enjoy on a date. Use aromatherapy or candles to create a romantic mood with your mate and with flowers. Make sure your mate is not allergic to flowers or select flowers to which they are not allergic. As well as selecting jewelry or lotions that your mate might like after having a date with them. Here are websites with dating ideas for dating your mate. 

12 Ideas for Date Your Mate Month-Kirk Kara Blog:

12 Ideas for Date Your Mate Month - Kirk Kara Blog

Date Your Mate-Gottman:

Date Your Mate! (gottman.com)

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Why Should You Experience a Meditation Retreat?

If you are a beginner in practicing meditation, you might want to try a meditation retreat. You might ask yourself, "Why should you experience a meditation retreat?" A meditation retreat can make you see several types of meditation and help you find a meditation technique that you might like. Also, some meditation retreats teach you how to meditate. In addition, how to use Ayurveda and aromatherapy. 

Some meditation retreats can be silent but other retreats make you practice mindfulness with meditation. Yet, there are meditation retreats that make you be outdoors and enjoy nature. These retreats often add hiking trails, walking paths in nature, jogging, and labyrinths to meditate. Take the opportunity to walk through a labyrinth in silence and slowly. It leaves you feeling relaxed, content, and makes you feel better. 

Meditating in nature and following a labyrinth path is an item that you must include in your itinerary. It is a wonderful experience especially when you are traveling and include a meditation retreat. Another type of meditation retreat experience is when you practice meditation with wind chimes, bells, and sound bowls. Chanting mantras and humming while sitting in a comfortable position. Use mudras and being in silence for ten minutes.

Other meditation retreats include self-care by getting a hot stone massage. Warm stones and oil are placed on your back while you relax with a massage. Also, cupping is another option that might be offered during a meditation retreat and spa. Glass cup items are placed on your back, and it might leave the marks of the cups onto your skin. It is recommended not to shower after a hot stone massage or cupping. 

Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, or a chair massage might also be offered to you. Facials, aromatherapy, and learning how to balance your energy with an Ayurvedic diet. For example, eating organic or fresh seasonal food and practicing mindful eating based on your energy and the imbalances that occur naturally in the body. As well as learning the five elements of nature which are air, fire, water, earth, and space for selecting foods for your Ayurvedic diet. Meditation retreats can also include mindful walking, Yoga, or swimming in a lake.

Consult with your primary doctor before participating in a meditation retreat that includes fasting from food and beverages, especially if you have diabetes. Arts and crafts, journaling, and music can be added to your meditation retreat. Tea and chocolate ceremonies might also be incorporated in your meditation retreat which is an amazing experience. Meditation retreats help you to understand meditation at a deeper level and to improve your meditation techniques. Also, you can make friendships during a meditation retreat.

Other meditation retreats include dance, tai-chi, and relaxing with a cup of tea. No matter what type of meditation retreat you select, you will feel relaxed and peaceful. Any type of meditation retreat can help you with your emotional healing and for your overall wellness. Meditation retreats can be done in three days or can last for two weeks depending on your vacation travel package. Here are websites with more information about meditation retreats. 

Meditation Retreats-How to find the Best Meditation Retreat for You:

https://shambhala.org/community/blog/meditation-retreats-how-to-find-the-best-meditation-retreat-for-you/

What is a Meditation Retreat? A Helpful Guide to Get the Most of a Retreat:

What is a Meditation Retreat? A Helpful Guide to Get the Most of a Retreat (yogaveler.com)

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DIY High Cloche Dome with a Flower

Decorating with a high cloche dome can make any room feel welcoming and comfortable. Also, you can change the items inside the dome seasonally especially if you do not glue the items. In the example, a faux flower and green leaves with an adjustable ring was added inside the dome without glue. Additionally, a key charm with a red ribbon was placed outside of the dome. Here are the instructions for making a high cloche dome with a flower. 

Materials: 

A High Cloche Dome

Faux flower

Ribbon

A key charm or other metal charm

An adjustable ring with pearls or another gemstone 

Metallic Acrylic Paint

Paint brush 

Glue (optional)

Mod Podge

 

Instructions: 

Begin by painting the base of the dome. Metallic acrylic paint was used to paint the base. Wait for the paint to air dry. Next add Mod Podge. Then wait for the Mod Podge to air dry. 

After that add the green branches inside the dome. Add the faux flower and the adjustable ring. Last add the dome and tie a ribbon with a key charm outside of the dome. Then, you can display the high cloche dome on a table, fireplace mantle, or on a dresser. High cloche domes make a beautiful gift for Mother's Day, Graduation, or any other occasion.

You can glue the items inside the high cloche dome. High cloche domes make a quick last-minute gift for someone. The best part is that you do not add water to the high cloche dome. High cloche domes are like snow globes except the domes do not have faux snow or glitter. Nonetheless, you can add any items in your high cloche dome. 

*Font and collage from Photo Collage Editor Maker 

How to Paint Sandals With Acrylic Paint?

Painting old sandals can give a fresh look and makes them look fashionable. Also, if you get oil stains on your sandals and it does not come off; You can re-paint your shoes with acrylic paint. Acrylic paint and Mod Podge can save you money and can save yourself from buying new shoes. This is an upcycling project that you might want to try at home. Here is the tutorial for painting your sandals. 

Materials:

Sandals

Paintbrushes

Mod Podge

Metallic Acrylic paint

Paper towels or old cloths

 

 

Instructions:

Begin by washing your shoes. Let the shoes air dry. Then, add paper towels or old cloths to protect the inside of the sandals. Dip a wide or thin paint brush in metallic paint. In the example, a golden yellow metallic paint was used. 

Paint one strap of the sandal. In this example, the strap with the oil stains was painted with metallic acrylic paint. Next, paint the opposite strap for the second sandal. Then, let the paint air dry. Last add Mod Podge to prevent the paint from peeling off the sandals. 

Make sure the hair of the paintbrush does not fall off while you are adding the paint or Mod Podge. Mod Podge will dry clearly and leave a smooth finished surface on the sandals. Remove the cloths or paper towels once the sandals are dry. Now you can wear your sandals. Have fun painting and upcycling your old shoes. 

 

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What is Yoga Nidra?

Courtesy Pexels Photo by: Photo by Mikhail Nilov

Courtesy Pexels Photo by: Photo by Mikhail Nilov

Yoga Nidra can help you sleep better and relax more before going to sleep. This type of Yoga is done by laying down on a yoga mat or on a bed. You can use a bolster or a rolled towel to support your neck and back. Then keep your eyes open and set an intention. Use your senses and feel any body sensations.

After that continue laying down and visualize yourself achieving your dreams. You can use a visual guided meditation application to imagine a forest, a stream, a beach, a galloping horse, a leaping frog, or other things in nature. Repeat your intention. Two examples of an intention are " I go along with my mind and heart's desire," or " I am filled with bliss and contentment." If you want to close your eyes, you can close your eyes especially if you are feeling tired. 

Do not feel guilty if you fall asleep. It takes practice to stay awake during Yoga Nidra. However, you can take a class to practice Yoga Nidra where your Yoga teacher can speak to you. While you listen to the guided storyline your body will begin to relax. Yoga Nidra can last forty-five minutes or one hour. 

If you have a tough time relaxing, you can use aromatherapy, soft instrumental music, headphones, sleep mask, or use small sandbags. Hold the small sandbags with your hands while laying down on your bed or on the yoga mat. Yoga Nidra can help you do emotional healing. Also, it helps your mind and body to relax. Nonetheless, focus on your intention and focus on your breathing. 

Practice Yoga Nidra when you cannot sleep in your bed or in your hotel room. Using the corpse pose with the palms of your hands facing down, focus on your feelings. Concentrate on your thoughts and repeat your intention. Another example of intentions is " I forgive and resolve my errors" and " I find an answer to what can be solved." Try not to move your body and notice how you feel. 

If you have back pain, you can sit on a chair to practice Yoga Nidra. Nidra in Sanskrit means sleep, and it is like Restorative Yoga. Also, Yoga Nidra can help you listen to your subconscious and can make you have a conscious sleep. Furthermore, Yoga Nidra helps your nervous system to lower your blood pressure. After practicing Yoga Nidra, you might feel thirsty or hungry or might feel sleepy. 

Anyone can practice Yoga Nidra. However, if you are pregnant, you will need to lay down on the side and not in the corpse position. Always consult with your primary doctor before practicing Yoga Nidra. You might need to adjust your posture or elevate your back to reduce back pain. Here are resources for practicing Yoga Nidra.

Yoga International-Benefits of Yoga Nidra:

https://yogainternational.com/article/view/5-benefits-of-yoga-nidra/

Yoga Nidra-How it Works and How to Practice it:

https://www.verywellmind.com/yoga-nidra-how-it-works-and-how-to-practice-it-8603941#:~:text=If you'd like to,props for support%2C if needed.

Yoga Nidra-Meaning, Benefits, Videos and Tips-Yoga Basics: 

Yoga Nidra: Meaning, Benefits, Videos and Tips • Yoga Basics

* Courtesy Pexels Photo by: Mikhail Nillov