It’s so important to bring a little bit of the outdoors to the inside. It’s vital. It gives you a little bit of cheer and improves your mood and the bonus is that it doesn’t have to be difficult or pricey! You can also be inspired by your travels very easily!
Photo: Pixabay
The presence of plants in an interior space not only adds beauty, but it also improves your mental health. It can help balance out physiological stress, encourage positively toned moods, help you with your ability to refocus attention, be less mentally fatigued, improve your performance on any type of task and even help you feel less alone. Having nature indoors makes you feel less claustrophobic also, especially if you are living in a very small space such as a tiny apartment. Overall, plants have more to offer than just being a fun and attractive addition to your space. Look at the colours you like and the colours that you think attract you the most, from blues for calm or reds for passion and even yellows for a better mood. You need to work out what suits you best and your space. Thwne once this is done you can play around with where you want to place them all.
Another great addition to helping bring the outdoors indoors is to look at textures. Textures are a vital part of any home and bring things together. So look at what floors you want and how you can look at natural textures to enhance your home. You could look at using yarn. Yarn is perfect because it provides a lovely natural element that also looks pretty. Add yarn storage baskets around the house and keep your towels, magazines or anything inside them! They really are multipurpose.
We spoke about flowers already but how about plants? Plants are good for your general air and help improve the air as well as make the space look inviting. Lots of different plants have their own vibes and their own style, so it really depends on what you’re looking for in terms of smaller plants in pots for the windowsills or if you want to have big sprawling plants that hang down or spider plants. Get some ideas on Pinterest and see what you resonate with. Plants aren’t always just green either so if you want to add colour you can look at certain shrubs and plants that are coloured, such as yellows and pinks.
Your home should also have fresh air in. Open the windows and get rid of the musty smells and get the air circulating. The smell of fresh air in the house will help your mind too. This is going to really make you feel as if you have things together for spring/summer. Add a few colourful cushions around too, maybe florals or patterns that make you think of the outdoors, this can really enhance any bland space without having to redecorate entirely and spend lots of money. Get your home ready for the spring/summer season and start enjoying your home! It’s our haven, after all!
*contributed post*
A year ago my precious mommy went in for heart surgery and now as we are at 365 days later I stand in speechless gratitude for all of the MIRACLES that took place that day and over the course of the past year.
We know that it is the prayers of so many of you that have covered us each day (last year) and this past year that is the reason for all of this. Thank you so much for your continued prayers, and the gentle and specific reminder then and now that the Lord is near.
We know that it is the prayers of so many of you that have covered us each day (last year) and this past year that is the reason for all of this. Thank you so much for your continued prayers, and the gentle and specific reminder then and now that the Lord is near.
Each day holds little miracles each on their own, but today I am sitting and marveling with humble gratitude just how blessed we are with more time with my precious mom and best friend here on earth and for the surgery that most definitely saved her life last year.
"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
-Psalm 126:2-
Every time I travel out to California to visit my doctor, or for personal reasons, I am always amazed at the different ways that greens are creatively used. It seems like stores like Whole Foods are lined with all different salads and yummy green "concoctions". I shared on the blog a couple of years ago about the abundance of Kale salads that I saw everywhere and the benefits of eating Kale HERE, but there is an additional green that I was first introduced to out in California that for the past year specifically I have worked to get into my diet on a regular basis that has incredible benefits and that is dandelions.
Dandelions are high in lots of health benefits and there have been incredible studies done on the power of this little green to pack an important health punch. A study that was done in 2011 involving dandelion and dandelion root tea showed that there is the potential of dandelion root to be a non-toxic alternative and additive to conventional therapies as it is a possible Cancer fighter. There was an article in 2012 that stated that dandelion root extract might halt the growth of melanoma cells without inducing toxicity in non-cancerous cells, even those cells that are considered to be drug resistant. (If you are interested in reading more about this study you can find it HERE.)
There are so many amazing benefits of this little green and today I am so excited to share with y'all just a few of the powerful benefits that are found in this leafy green:
1. Rich in Calcium
Dandelions are known to be extremely rich in calcium which is helpful for the strength of bones and to help bones with age-related damage. What is amazing is that dandelions can actually contain 10 percent of the daily value needed of Calcium. But Calcium isn't just good for bone health. Calcium also is used in the body for muscle contraction, hormone secretion, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. And by consuming dandelions you will also help avoid muscle tension, tooth decay and high blood pressure.
2. Excellent Digestive Aid
Dandelions help promote healthy digestion and help to balance the beneficial bacteria in the intestines. This can help increase the stomach acid and bile to aid in digestion.
3. Helps fight Cancer
As I shared above this leafy green is known to help fight Cancer cells. Some studies are also showing that dandelion may slow Cancer's growth and prevent it from spreading.
4. Helps Combat Inflammation
Dandelion is known to help treat inflammation because it contains essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and phyto-nutrients that all reduce inflammation throughout the body. By reducing inflammation in the body you can help to relieve pain and swelling.
5. Boosts the Immune System
Studies have shown that Dandelion helps to boost the immune function in our bodies and helps to fight off microbes and fungi that exist.
6. Helps Lower Cholesterol
New studies are showing that dandelion helps to lower and control cholesterol levels.
7. Helps Strengthen Kidneys
Dandelion is a light diuretic that helps the kidneys to clear out waste, salt, and excess water by increasing the urine production.
8. Helps to Prevent/Treat Urinary Tract Infections
Dandelions help to prevent microbial growth in the urinary tract system.
9. May Help Prevent Cysts
Some studies show that consuming dandelions may help prevent cysts on reproductive organs.
10. Helps cleanse and strengthen the Liver
Dandelion has been shown to improve liver function by helping to remove toxins while re-establishing hydration and electrolyte balance.
11. Excellent Source of Vitamin A
Vitamin A is known to play a crucial role in helping to maintain healthy vision, and can also help with neurological function, and healthy skin. Just one cup of dandelion greens is shown to have over 100% of the daily needed vitamin a dosage.
12. Helpful for Anemia
Dandelions are a helpful source of iron and other vitamins. Iron is the integral part of the hemoglobin in the blood, but other vitamins and proteins are essential for the formation of healthy red blood cells. Dandelions help anemic people by keeping the formation healthy and strong and helping to support the body with needed iron.
13. Helps Skin Infections
The sap of the dandelion in the stem is actually a really wonderful product for your skin! Dandelion sap is highly alkaline and it is known to have germicidal, insecticidal, and fungicidal properties that can be applied directly to your skin.
If you are looking for other greens that have health benefits I have also shared about the following greens on the blog:
What about you? Have you found any amazing benefits or helpful from consuming Dandelions? Looking to include dandelions into your diet? Check out my post 9 Easy and Quick Ways to Include Dandelion Greens into Your Life by clicking HERE.
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.}
Happy Wednesday friends! I am excited to share that I have a "newish" Ebay store called Caravan Sonnet Factory (you can find it HERE!). I say "newish" because I haven't used it in a few years and then this past summer started using it again and realized I never shared about it here!
Over at Caravan Sonnet Factory I am selling new and gently pre-loved pieces for the hopeful and adventurous heart to create a beautiful and affordable cozy-luxury life. I look forward to my items going to happy new homes and welcome offers on each of my items!
Sales from Caravan Sonnet Factory go to help cover the costs associated with my medical treatments over the last decade. As with all of my Stores, Blogs, and Etsy shops a portion of sales goes to Charity.
Thank you so much and you can find the Ebay store HERE!
Do you know yourself? You might instantly think that yes, of course, you do. But, think more deeply. Are you confident in your choices and decisions? Do you know what you want from your life? Do you change, even in small ways, just to make other people happy? Do you try to be more like friends? Or do you try to be what other people want you to be? If you’ve answered yes to any of those questions, could it be because, actually, you don’t know yourself that well? Or, you’re just not quite sure you are who you thought you were?
Socrates said, “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom,” which should give you a clue that perhaps knowing yourself isn’t as easy as you might have thought. Of course, one of the problems is that we change over time, often without any conscious decision or plan. Sometimes it’s hard to keep track.
But, when you know yourself, you open up the possibility to live happily, with contentment and confidence. You’ll feel less inner conflict or self-doubt, you’ll be better equipped to make decisions, and you might have far better self-control. It’s certainly worth a try.
Spend Some Time Alone
One of the best ways to get to know yourself is to be with yourself without distraction. For some, this happens during an extended period, perhaps living or traveling alone. For others, stepping out of their comfort zone and exercising alone, going to the cinema alone, or even eating in a restaurant on their own helps.
Think More What The Things That You Love Doing
Think about your interests and hobbies. These don’t define you, but the things that you enjoy doing are a part of who you are. Look at your interests. What do you enjoy? Do you have any hobbies that you do simply because you feel like you should, even if you don’t really enjoy them?
What Are Your Values?
What do you believe in? How would you describe your core values? Honesty? Trust? Loyalty? Bravery? Knowing what you believe in can help you to understand your thought processes and make good decisions.
Ask The Hard Questions
Knowing yourself doesn’t just mean knowing the good bits. You’ll also have to understand your weaknesses and dislikes. Be honest with yourself; sometimes, just accepting your flaws is enough, but on other occasions, you might want to make some improvements.
What Do You Want from Life?
What do you want from your life? This doesn’t have to be a five-year plan or a significant life goal. Nor does it have to be permanent, you can change your dreams whenever you want, but it is always good to have them.
*contributed Post*
Happy Wednesday friends! As I shared several months, I am excited to re-share some of the most popular devotional posts that I wrote in 2017-2018 (if you would like to see the complete list you can find it HERE!) and am excited to share this one this week! I hope that this continues to be a beautiful blessing even several years later!
The dictionary defines gossip as: "Casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details...". In many cases, including the scene that is shown in this season two episode of When Calls the Heart, gossip is depicted as a bad thing. And for the most part it is. I definitely agree. But what if there was another side to gossip- a gossip that speaks positively about someone and shares the best about them even when they are not around? I believe that in this there is a great power that comes that can change our world.
Many years ago, during my first year of teaching, I saw this beautiful concept in action. Before I had started teaching very well meaning friends who were "teacher experts" warned me about the teacher workroom gossip. They said to avoid the gossip about students and to form my own opinions based on my own interactions. It was great advice but what I didn't plan for was my life-changing interactions with Lauren. Lauren was a beautiful teacher who had been teaching for a couple of decades before I arrived at the school. She had a great reputation with the students and teachers alike and she was brilliant in the way that she changed the landscape of the teacher workroom atmosphere long before I had arrived. See in that school "gossip" held a completely different meaning. Gossip wasn't bad... it was the delightful witnessing of the best of human character that could be found.
Every single day that I saw and spoke with Lauren she had at least one or two detailed stories about specific students in her classes. The stories were thought out, lovely, and told intricate details and sentiments about each student in the best light. From Lauren I heard the best about these humans.
Lauren shared not only how a student was kind, but what action the student did that made them so kind. Lauren shared not only that a student was smart, but the question that they asked that showed the depth of their intellect. Where others saw a natural conversation in the classroom, Lauren saw the potential of young minds being molded to change the world. Where some teachers grew frustrated with apathy, Lauren saw an opportunity to inspire. Where some saw a student "doing what they were supposed to do", Lauren saw obedience at a basic level that held the foundation of character.
As Lauren shared I grew to deeply respect the students she talked about and as they entered my classroom I found myself looking for the traits that she had witnessed. Lauren changed the scope of the foundation of my first school. She changed the culture. She changed the layout, and most of all she changed me.
Lauren showed me that in looking intentionally for the best in people I was bound to find it. Her joy was sharing the good that she saw in every single person she interacted with. She never shared the issues (although I am sure there were some), but instead she found specific things that were positive about every single person she encountered. In doing so I was inspired to look for the good in every person I crossed paths with that year.
As I spent more and more time with Lauren I learned that her "positive gossip" went well beyond the classroom. She spoke with sincere beauty about her relationships with family members, her high respect for her husband, and her incredible love for her children. People were not perfect, but Lauren had the maturity to know that words can change things. A bad word spoken about someone can taint an entire culture, but a positive word can have a ripple effect, changing the landscape that we live in.
Since that time with Lauren more than a decade ago, I have learned the power of "positive gossip" in beautiful ways. I have seen the way that our words can shape a situation, shape a community, and shape the culture that we surround ourselves in. As I put into practice Lauren's gift for talking about the best about people I watch amazed at how it changes me to look for the best in others and how it challenges me to speak in a way that honors another person.
And when I do this - when I live courageously in figuring out the best about another person to speak only the good about them- I see the power that positive gossip has... the power to change the world.
"Let your conversation be gracious and attractive..."
-Colossians 4:6-
-Colossians 4:6-
*original post written in August 2017 prior to Lori Loughlin's departure from the show*
Looking for past From Hope Valley Devotionals? You can click HERE to find a complete listing of all of the devotionals!
I have received several emails asking me about the books by Janette Oke that the series is based on. You may remember that I mentioned in my very first From Hope Valley Devotional post that I had read Janette Oke's series back when I was a teenager. The original book series, "The Canadian West Series" was based on Elizabeth's aunt and her adventures (she also married a Mountie). Here are the listing of the books from that series (there are six) in order:
In the last several years Janette Oke released a new series entitled, "Return to the Canadian West" which you can find listed below in order:
I receive several emails a week asking where you can watch older episodes of "When Calls the Heart". If you have a Netflix account you can find seasons 1-3 there or you can purchase them on Amazon. You can purchase and watch all of the seasons and episodes by clicking on the links below:
*Please note that the quotes used in these weekly devotionals are the sole intellectual property of Hallmark Channel, WCTH, & Crown Media, LLC. These on-line posts are in no way supported, endorsed or affiliated with WCTH, Hallmark Channel, or Crown Media. They are simply encouragement inspired by Janette Oke and this precious show.*
Looking after your mental health is so important and we are having a lot more open conversations about it than ever before. People have a better understanding of mental health issues and some of the practical steps that you can take to avoid them. However, if you want to improve your mental health and maintain a positive outlook on life, it’s important that you understand your own mental health and your thought processes, so you can gain control over them. These are some of the best ways to understand your own mental health.
Know Your Personality Type
There are 9 different personality types, and although there is some crossover, most of us fit into one of the distinct categories. By knowing your personality type, you can get a better idea of the things that impact your mental health and the techniques that you should use to beat stress and avoid mental health issues. The Enneagram Personality Test is a very helpful tool to explore human behavior and you should try taking the test to see which category you fit into. It will tell you whether you are the kind of person that thrives on social interaction or whether you will benefit from spending more time alone. It can also tell you whether you need a lot of emotional support from the people around you or whether you are happy to maintain your own emotional health. By understanding your personality type, you will begin to understand the different factors that affect your mental health.
There are 9 different personality types, and although there is some crossover, most of us fit into one of the distinct categories. By knowing your personality type, you can get a better idea of the things that impact your mental health and the techniques that you should use to beat stress and avoid mental health issues. The Enneagram Personality Test is a very helpful tool to explore human behavior and you should try taking the test to see which category you fit into. It will tell you whether you are the kind of person that thrives on social interaction or whether you will benefit from spending more time alone. It can also tell you whether you need a lot of emotional support from the people around you or whether you are happy to maintain your own emotional health. By understanding your personality type, you will begin to understand the different factors that affect your mental health.
Identify Your Triggers
Knowing your personality type is important, but you also need to have a more specific idea of the kinds of things that trigger negative emotions and damage your mental health. One of the best ways to do this is to start writing a journal. Make a note of everything that happens to you each day and, most importantly, how you feel during the day. That way, you can see whether there are certain people or certain things in your life that are either making you feel negative or positive emotions, and you can make changes to protect your mental health.
Knowing your personality type is important, but you also need to have a more specific idea of the kinds of things that trigger negative emotions and damage your mental health. One of the best ways to do this is to start writing a journal. Make a note of everything that happens to you each day and, most importantly, how you feel during the day. That way, you can see whether there are certain people or certain things in your life that are either making you feel negative or positive emotions, and you can make changes to protect your mental health.
Seek Counselling
If you struggle with your mental health a lot, it can feel very isolating and you may think that you are the only person in the world that feels like this. But you aren’t and there are plenty of people that have the same thought processes and the same negative feelings. One of the best ways to understand those feelings is to speak with a counsellor. They will be able to reassure you that you are not alone in feeling like you are, and they will help you to explore the reasons why. When you begin to delve into the reasons for your negative thoughts and understand them more, it will be a lot easier to avoid them and start to think more positively.
If you struggle with your mental health a lot, it can feel very isolating and you may think that you are the only person in the world that feels like this. But you aren’t and there are plenty of people that have the same thought processes and the same negative feelings. One of the best ways to understand those feelings is to speak with a counsellor. They will be able to reassure you that you are not alone in feeling like you are, and they will help you to explore the reasons why. When you begin to delve into the reasons for your negative thoughts and understand them more, it will be a lot easier to avoid them and start to think more positively.
Understanding your mental health and working out why you think the way that you do is the key to maintaining a positive mindset.
*contributed post*
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