Maria's Space: July 2022

Thursday, July 28, 2022

Top Reasons to Make Your Own Clothing


People have been making their own clothes for a longer period in history than they’ve been able to buy them in stores, and it is something that a lot of people are starting to take up again. There are many different reasons why making your own clothing may prove to be a great idea. There is no doubt that it has become a whole lot more popular over recent months and years. The following blog post will check out just a few of the major advantages that are worth discussing. 


Options for All Abilities 

There are all sorts of different options available, ranging from those who are beginners in the field to those who are more advanced. For example, you could simply try making some jean shorts out of an old pair of jeans. If you are looking for a stage-up, you could check out somebody who says I made a cute pinafore dress for my toddler girl by using some simple PDF sewing pattern instructions. Ultimately, you can work out what fits your ability levels the best.


Ensure a Perfect Fit 

When you are buying clothes that are off the rack, there will always be certain size imperfections that you will have to deal with. On the other hand, when making your own clothes, you can ensure a perfect fit by tailoring them to your body. When clothes fit exactly as they should, there is no doubt that they look at their very best, so this is another major factor to bear in mind.


Save Yourself Some Money 

Next up on the list is the financial factor, which is what drives many people to make their own clothes in the first place. Everyone certainly lives in a world where the cost of living is biting hard on many families, and money-saving options will always seem appealing. Rather than paying to have the whole clothes made, you save a lot by simply investing in the fabrics, the thread, sewing equipment, etc. 


You Will Be Wearing Unique Items 

You also know that when making your own clothing, you will wear one-of-a-kind items. We live in a world where chain stores have a high level of dominance, which inevitably means that many people will always wear the same thing. However, when you are making your own clothes, you can put your own individual spin on them and create them exactly as you would like rather than following along with the rest of the herd. 


A Creative Pursuit 

One of the major areas in life that can do wonders for people’s mental health is the opportunity to engage in creative pursuits. Making your own clothing is one option you can take advantage of. Plus, you will have something you can regularly use at the end.


These are just a few of the major reasons that you should consider, if you’ve been on the fence about making your own clothes, but there’s no better time to start a new hobby than now.


Photo source

Friday, July 22, 2022

The Five Things Seniors Should Do to Live a Longer, Healthier Life in the Post-Pandemic Era:

After decades of seeing the average life expectancy of Americans increase, we saw a dip last year due to COVID-19. The pandemic hit hardest among older adults.  So, what can be done in this post-pandemic era, for seniors to live longer and healthier?

The healthcare team at Carmel Valley Manor has doubled down on their commitment to using technology and cutting-edge programs to help its senior residents and staff live longer and healthier and setting new standards for geriatric healthcare.  Dr. Pablo Veliz, Medical Director at Carmel Valley Manor, provides his top 5 tips for staying healthy into your nineties:

The Five Things Seniors Should Do to Live a Longer, Healthier Life in the Post-Pandemic Era: 

1. Diet – We continue to see data that indicates a balanced diet with a focus on plant-based nutrition is important as we age. Seek out fresh, seasonal ingredients wherever possible.2.

2. Hydration – It is simple, but important to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Eight glasses a day are recommended.3.

3. Keep Moving – Staying active and exercising helps counteract the aging process. Whether you join a walking group like we have at the Manor, have a personal trainer, frequent a gym, or have a favorite walking circuit, it is important to do it regularly.4.

4. Mental Wellness – One of the big negatives of the pandemic has been isolation and reduced human interaction. This lack of social comradery has resulted in isolation and cognitive atrophy for many. We need to re-engage with friends, family and get out into the community again.

5. Alcohol – Another side effect of the past couple years has been increased alcohol consumption. Enjoy them in moderation.


About Dr. Pablo Veliz: 

Dr. Veliz, a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician, serves on the staff of the acclaimed Montage Health. He received his medical degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Mexico, after earning a bachelor's degree from Pitzer College in Claremont, California, and completed his residency in family medicine at Abrazo Health Network in Phoenix, Arizona. With his clinical areas of interest in preventive, integrative, and geriatric medicine, he is a vital part of the Carmel Valley Manor Wellness Team, aiding its residents to age well. 

Saturday, July 09, 2022

Drink! Drink! Pee! Pee! You Don't Want A Damn IV!


Ever since I did the AVON 3 Day Walk I chant Drink! Drink! Pee! Pee! You Don't Want A Damn IV when I am thirsty. It was what we chanted every time we got to a resting area during the walk. Hydration is key to good health and one of the most important things to do for your body and mind. It is good for your organs, your skin and YOU!


Since I have a constant, chronic nasal drip, I am always thirsty. It is an annoyance and without water I struggle with dry mouth. Water is something I never leave the house without until I was sent my newest additionOrganic Cactus Water was launched after Sarita began personally experiencing some of the health benefits of juicing with the cactus leaves that grew on her family farm.  Sarita set out on a mission to get more people to experience the hydration benefits of cactus paddles and soon ¡CACTUS! Organic Cactus Water was conceived.   After much experimenting with the recipe, Sarita produced a refreshing low-calorie drink full of electrolytes and Vitamin C in lime, watermelon and papaya flavors.  ¡CACTUS! is an ideal hydrator for runners and people who do cardio and an excellent.


I have tried the watermelon and the lime. They are delicious! 

Friday, July 08, 2022

5 Tips for Improving Co-Parenting Relationship

  I know many people who successfully co-parent. They are doing it right! It is amazing to watch and the children are better for it. 

Dads’ Resource Center explains cooperative co-parenting and tips for doing it

STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania – (July 7, 2022) – With millions of divorced people co-parenting around the country, they must have the tools and information they need to do it successfully. While there are different ways of co-parenting, some will lead to better results and less stress, making them worth learning about and trying to implement. Dads' Resource Center helps put cooperative co-parenting in the spotlight so that more people can have a positive experience and better outcomes.

 

"Relationships don’t always work out, but when there are children involved parents can’t just walk away.” said Dads’ Resource Center Executive Director Jeffrey Steiner. “When you have children you are committed to them for life. If parents separate, they need to find a way to work together on behalf of their sons and daughters.”

 

Many divorced parents have the child going to each home and having a different experience. There are different rules, and there's very little communication between the parents and a lot of stress results. This is referred to as parallel parenting because there are two lives and experiences parallel to one another. While it's common, it's not an ideal situation.

 

A more peaceful route that brings about a better experience and healthier outcomes is cooperative co-parenting. This is when the two parents agree to be unified in raising their child. They both communicate effectively regarding the child, there is low conflict, and the child gets a more seamless experience. This requires parents to set aside any anger or resentment they have for one another and to put the child's needs and health first.

 

Here are 5 tips for improving co-parenting relationships:

  • Become cooperative. Make a goal of adopting a cooperative co-parenting relationship. Both parents need to be on board with this to succeed.
  • Choose communication. Determine what communication style works best and then stick with it whenever possible. Some people prefer texting, while others would rather have phone calls. 
  • Get scheduled. Create a schedule that works for both parents so there are no questions about how the week or month will go. Both parents need to be somewhat flexible, so there is wiggle room for unexpected things that may arise.
  • Create consistency. Kids need consistency from one home to the other when it comes to the rules and expectations. Agree to some household rules across both houses, especially regarding curfews and activities not allowed.
  • Get help. Some people may struggle to put a cooperative co-parenting plan in place. That doesn’t mean it’s time to give up. Instead, seek professional help from someone who can give guidance on the topic. It may be something that needs to be worked on over time.

“Children today face extraordinary pressure,” said Dads’ Resource Center Founder and Chair Dr. Joel N. Myers. “With the internet and social media, they are bombarded by negative outside influences. The high costs for post-secondary education and our rapidly evolving job market make it increasingly difficult for them to plan for their future. Now more than ever, there is an urgent need for both parents to be fully involved in the upbringing and lives of their children.” 

 

Dads' Resource Center was started by Dr. Myers, a father of eight and the founder and CEO of AccuWeather. The mission is to help combat the issues associated with children growing up without their fathers in the home. At its heart, the center is a child advocacy organization that aims to ensure that each child has the appropriate involvement and contributions from both parents. To get more information, visit the site at: https://dadsrc.org.

 

About Dads’ Resource Center

The Dads' Resource Center is committed to providing education, resources, and advocacy for dads who are separated or divorced and are determined to uphold their sacred responsibility as fathers. The Dads' Resource Center was founded by Dr. Joel N. Myers, the founder, and CEO of AccuWeather. His own experience as a single father led him to start the group. To get more information, visit the site at: https://dadsrc.org.

 

 

 

# # #

Thursday, July 07, 2022

HP Lovecraft's Witch House On DVD NOW

 


From Horror Wasteland Pictures International, releasing for the first time on digital and DVD this July, H.P Lovecraft’s Witch House.

 Graduate student Alice Gilman (Portia Chellelynn, Hematic Web) is running from an abusive past. She seeks refuge in the infamous Hannah house; a historic home with an ominous past. Determined to prove the possibility of alternate dimensions, she unknowingly unlocks a gateway to unimaginable horror. Facing a series of bizarre and violent events, Alice is plagued by nightmarish dreams of these evil entities. Trapped between the 4th dimension and reality, the diabolical truth is revealed as Alice fights for her sanity and her very soul.

 Based on the H.P. Lovecraft's short story The Dreams in the Witch House, Witch House blurs the boundaries between reality, dreams...and the beyond.

 Easley and Ken Wallace scripted the pic, which was shot in Indiana's Historical Hannah House which is known to be haunted.

 Look for the digital and DVD NOW.

 

Monday, July 04, 2022

Essential Tips for First-Time Mothers




Having your first baby is an incredibly exciting yet understandably frightening time in your life. If you haven’t had any children already, your first baby is a huge milestone that comes with many questions and a whole variety of occasionally contradictory answers. Fortunately, there is no correct or incorrect way to have your first baby. There is no set script for life, and this most definitely applies to this particular occasion. Take a look at the following tips to help you think about what you need to know prior to your baby’s arrival and shortly after.

Preparation

Getting ready for your baby means taking good care of your health and preparing the environment. Set up a safe, comfortable space in your home where you can look after your new infant in peace. This might involve decorating a nursery or making space in your own bedroom for the baby to sleep in. It’s also important to be careful about what you eat, drink and do during your pregnancy, as this affects your baby too.

The Big Day

Pregnancies vary so greatly between individuals that it's almost impossible to predict or plan for yours in detail. However, by talking to your doctor and taking as many opportunities as possible to check up on the baby before the estimated birth date, you can feel more prepared for the big day when it comes.

Feeding Options

There are a few different choices when it comes to what you can feed your new baby. Some mothers breastfeed, others use formula, and some prefer a combination of both, depending on their routine. Your doctor should inform you whether your baby has any food allergies or intolerances that might restrict their diet either during infancy or long-term.

Sleeping

Deciding the sleeping arrangements for your new baby is extremely important. Safe sleeping tips for new babies can make it clearer for new parents how to protect their child while asleep. Since babies’ bodies are so new, they can’t always regulate their temperature or breathing rhythm as an adult can, so being able to monitor their sleep is vital.

Accept Help

You may feel more than capable of taking care of your new baby by yourself, but there is no need to do it alone. Your family and friends can support you throughout the first few weeks and months while you get to grips with motherhood. You might mistakenly believe that accepting the help of other people decreases your quality as a parent, but this just isn't true. When you accept the help offered to you, you show strength and self-knowledge.

Embrace Mistakes

No parent is perfect, and expecting to get everything right only serves to put unnecessary pressure and stress onto your plate. It's important to remember that making mistakes is a part of learning and growing, something essential to being a capable and attentive parent. Don't punish yourself for the occasional error or lapse in judgment. Simply use it as a lesson and build your confidence for the future.