3 habits for mental peace #BlogchatterBlogHop

I have been pondering on these thoughts recently - What can we do for our mental peace? What's the recipe for relaxing life? In these days where we are always running behind tasks, how can we practice mindfulness and be practical?

May is Mental Wellness Month and I am sharing 3 habits for Mental Peace. 

3 years ago when I met an Ayurvedic health practitioner, the first advice she told me is to 'Slow Down' in my life. I always feel that's a great advice and following that benefited me more than anything. 

Slowing Down:

Why we have to slow down? Isn't this the age to work hard and earn? Later we might not have health, energy and age to our advantage right? 

But, the answer to that is to look at long term benefits. 

Image by kewl from Pixabay

In this generation, we work, manage home, kids and also try to spend time on ourselves, our hobbies. we take up so much stress and strive to become a perfect person in all aspects of life. I think, if you are like that as well, you need to slow down.

Slowing down helped me a lot with other things in my life. I started spending time on enjoying little precious things in life - going to library with kids and spending hours there, volunteering with dance choreography for events, enjoying the weather, nature, Sunrises, Sunsets, focusing on health, cooking healthy food, blogging, reading books, drawing zentangles etc., 

Trying to be the best version, not striving to be Perfect:

I have this habit from childhood to keep my hands dirty on different activities. I had this restless mind always pinching me to try something new. I am not an adventurous person, I don't even try new foods. But, I love attempting new experiences - travel, arts, writing etc.,

This mindset has been possible only because I just try to be the best version of myself, but not a perfectionist in all the things I do. We can definitely try to become better than our earlier version. But, Once we stress ourselves to be the perfectionist, we stop enjoying the process. 

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

I love drawing zentangles. Initially when I learned, they were horrible. I got the best zentangle pens, started with basics. Then, advanced to copying simple art pieces that I can draw. If i criticize myself hard, I would have stopped drawing them. I think, we all need joy in our lives and our hobbies can give that if we don't self-criticize harshly.

Moving On:

This helped me a lot for mental peace. We all have goals, we reach some, we fail miserably in some, but moving on is the only next step.

Not expecting much from others and Moving on irrespective of result is great. What's the use of being stuck due to any issue? Life doens't wait and aging never stops anyways. There is only one life and we are responsible to make it wonderful or stressful. 

Image by Annette from Pixabay

We learn from the mistakes of our past, but we should focus on present. 

Choice is ours to Move on or Not. 

What do you say?

These are the 3 habits that I have that make me unique.

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Until next time,

This post is a part of Blogchatter Blog Hop.

Reasons to Choose Popilush Shapewear Dress

The dress is a great favorite among women, as it makes modern life easier by providing versatility when dressing. And who doesn't want to have a little extra time to spend on activities they love, right?

 

Therefore, Popilush offers a variety of suggestions that embrace women with different personalities. When you wear a dress with built in shapewear you get a more feminine and confident shape.

 

So, can a shapewear dress add practicality to my routine?

Yes, that's because it makes the way you dress easier, making you even more beautiful in just a few seconds. Furthermore, it easily combines with accessories and other clothes you want to wear. This saves you time when creating your looks, offering you the opportunity to live more peacefully and free from stress.

The shapewear mesh provides a more structured midsection, so your belly gains alignment to display a slimmer shape.

You can wear a black or white dress shirt to deliver timeless elegance. They match a scarf around the neck and can be worn open or with rolled-up sleeves. They are interesting overlays for long dresses, as they provide an assertive finishing touch to your casual look.

 

Can I achieve comfort and femininity with a single piece?

Certainly, Popilush dresses are made with the intention of expanding the personal power that each woman already possesses within herself. If you want to create a look quickly, you can invest in a black shapewear midi dress that always works. It is elegant, comfortable and at the same time can easily add sophistication to your look. The laser cutting of the openings embedded in the shapewear gives you a more symmetrical appearance and free from line markings.

You can also use your creativity to try new compositions and have fun. Fashion is more than simply combining pieces, it symbolizes a source of pleasure through which you can develop your personal expression. So, bet on colors like red, which is a classic and gives you an attractive look in just the right way, to make you feel more feminine than you already are.

 

Is there a way to try different styles with confidence?

Certainly a shapewear dress can help you with this task. Many women still haven't discovered which styles assertively match their personality, so they try new styles.

But if you already have your personal style, you can also try new horizons. Never forget that you are a free woman who can use fashion to create endless looks.

If you are used to more sober dresses, you can invest in a cheerful color to show good shape and fun through your clothes. To do this, try a mock neck leather dress in pink and expand your cleavage through the front zipper that this design has.

You may feel more confident at a dinner for two, shopping with friends or at a party. It defines all the lines of your body in a natural way. Furthermore, it is practical when using the bathroom, as it has an overlapping design in the area between the legs. Choosing a dress full of benefits gives you several reasons to live your femininity freely. Never forget that your self-confidence is reflected in the way you choose to relate to the world.

Until next time,

 

Family-friendly places to visit in Houston in 1 day

Houston:

Houston is the most populous city in Texas and a large metropolis extending to Galveston bay. Houston has a lot to offer for all ages and I feel, we need 3 days to cover all the important points to see. We could spend only 1.5 days.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/44534236@N00/4075803243

This is an old pending post. Actually, almost an year old. While work, family and dance school took over my priority, this blog has been quiet for sometime except for book reviews.

There are other travels posts pending to be published like Orlando - Disney and Universal theme parks. Hopefully, I get more time in Summer to publish all of them :-)

Here is the Itinerary:

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BAPS Temple (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir):

BAPS Temple (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir) in Stafford is a spectacle to the eyes with the beautiful architecture. The temple is open all year around for all faiths and the entry is free.

Address:

1150 Brand Lane
Stafford, TX 77477 USA

This temple which is inaugurated in 2004 is constructed with Italian marble and Turkish limestone. It is a peaceful and spiritual place. A canteen and a gift shop are available where you can get Indian snacks, religious books, CDs, postcards etc., 

The front area before the temple is serene with water fountain, whereas the interior is filled with exquisite religious carvings. The architecture follows Shilpa shastra and is due to the effort of many people contributing voluntarily for the construction and carvings.  

NASA (Jhonson Space center):

This visit is like a dream come true for any astronomy and space research lovers. 

Address: 

1601 E NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058

Entry is around $30 per adult in 2024. Here you can check latest ticket prices and book online to save. 

Space center Houston is the official visitor center for NASA Jhonson Space center. Visitors can see 400 space crafts, learn about MARS mission and check the moon rocks. The eight story landmark 'Independence Plaza' by Boeing is a replica of shuttle carrying aircraft. 

The most important attraction is the tram tour, through which visitors can learn about human space exploration. Rocket park is amazing as we get to see Saturn V rocket from nearer. We can explore historic Mission control as well from where NASA led Gemini, Apollo missions, including first lunar landing. 

There is a lot of walking, and it takes more than half a day to explore space center. If you want to take breaks in the middle of exploration, there is a cafeteria to refresh and eat. It takes around 3 to 5 hrs to explore the area.

Sri Meenakshi Temple:

Meenakshi temple is located in Pearland in Houston metropolitan area. The presiding deity is Goddess Meenakshi, the consort of Lord Sundareswar(Shiva). 

Address: 17130 McLean road, Pearland, TX

This temple was inaugurated in 1982. It is great spiritual place with positive vibrations. Food is available for purchase in cafeteria. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfahler/4789385386/

Galveston :

Galveston is an island city on the gulf coast of Texas. It is around 1 hr away from Houston. We drove and spent a few hours around Sunset in the beach.

There is a lot to do in Galveston though. Pleasure pier is popular for amusement rides, and restaurants. Moody Gardens is a great family friendly place with 3 large pyramids featuring aquarium, rain forest exhibits and NASA exhibits. 

Photo by David Olivares: https://www.pexels.com/photo/entrance-to-galveston-island-historic-pleasure-pier-17872831/

Gerald D.Hines Waterfall Park:

We couldn't visit this man-made waterfall due to lack of time. But, the pictures look great when I explored on internet.

This is a multi-story sculptural fountain surrounded by a park. 

Address: 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056

This is the most iconic landmark in Houston and the entry is free. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/acordova/14915840286/in/photostream/

So, that's it about a quick 1 day trip to Houston. 

Other Attractions:

Hermann Park, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Bayou bend collection and Gardens, San Jacinto Battleground State Historic site, Cockrell Butterfly center, James Turrell Twilight Epiphany Skyspace and Kemah Broadwalk are some of the places I would love to visit someday. 

Until next time,

Odd Devils by Zwahk Muchoney - [Book Spot Light]

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Here is an interesting book on Occult fiction! This book has a series of unusual short stories with moments of horror. 

Book Details:

Title: Odd Devils

Author: Zwahk Muchoney 

Genre: Occult fiction, horror, short stories

Publisher: Independently published (Dec 11, 2023)

Print length: 195 pages

Blurb:

Satan was once a mortal shepherd, but through a tragic series of events he became the icy hearted angel of the damned. Aleister Crowley creates an astral doll in the shape of a child and forces it to live on as a double of himself. A mortal woman falls in love with a demon. A new angel is born in Hell.

Excerpt:

Crowley turned to the creature, and said-


"Now that the festivities have ended, we have work to do." He put on a dark blue silken robe and a peculiar hat, pulled out what appeared to be blueprints, and opened them up on his desk. The creature took a peak, but hadn't the faintest idea what any of the symbols or drawings meant. Its master turned to it and said-


"I believe you are like some kind of astral automata, and that I was the one who created and arranged your clockwork, but I made you far too simple, in large part because I didn't realize what I was doing at the time." Crowley cut out another line of his magical white powder, and said-


"It's no good, going to the trouble of teaching you to read my books if you can't remember them, so I do believe I've figured out how to improve your mechanisms. By my own operations, I will transform you from a wind-up doll to something with a level of complexity akin to a motor car."

 

Purchase Link:

Amazon

About the Author:

Zwahk Muchoney writes all manner of strange occult fiction. A long time resident of Western Washington State, this author is always looking to blend comedy and tragedy in order to create the attempted perfection of book swooning bliss.

To stay current with their upcoming releases on Amazon click the yellow "follow" button and Amazon will send an email every time they release a new book or Amazon has a special deal on their work. 

Until next time,

Playing in the Mud by Jordan Lukrich - [Book Review]

 Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Book Details:

Title: Playing in the Mud

Author: Jordan Lukrich

Illustrator: Jordan Lukrich

Genre: Children's book, Picture book, Poetry

Publisher : True Tall tales

Print length: 94 pages

Source: A free review copy from the author

Blurb:

A collection of poems and drawings to feed the imagination. Have an adventure with a pirate, build a fort or journey to an alien planet for a handball tournament. These poems speak to the kid inside all of us whether child, adult or in between. In this book you will find adventure, humor and an all around good time.

"Bringing a smile and laugh to someone through art and imaginative poems is something that fuels my creative side. I have created a collection of poems and drawings for anyone and everyone to lose themselves in. Have an adventure with a pirate, build a fort or journey to an alien planet for a handball tournament. These poems speak to the kid inside all of us. In this book you will find adventure, humor and an all around good time." - Jordan

Purchase Links:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

My Review:

I am not a fan of poetry books usually. But these poems are so good. I could relate to them, laugh about the silliness, and enjoy reading them.

This book is full of hilarious poems and beautiful pictures. I love the art. The pictures of the boy are very real and the boy looks as naughty as the poems sound. 

The poems are about everything in daily life - experiences of children, nature, daily tasks etc., They rhyme and are simple to follow. They are easy to read and fun both for kids and adults. My younger one who is in 3rd grade thoroughly enjoyed this book. 

I suggest, you read these poems with your kids a few in a day to enjoy the meaning. It becomes a good bed time read.

Every poem has a great illustration, which helps with imagination. I love that the illustrations are simple, but they show emotions well. 

I would rate this book all the stars it can have and I recommend it as a fun vacation read or bed time read with kids.

My Rating: 5/5

PS: I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

About the Author:

Jordan - "Making people smile and getting a laugh from my book or animation is the drive to keep making new material. I love creating stories of adventure and silliness and whisking people away on a journey for even a few minutes. I have been in love with animation and storytelling my entire life, and who knew you could make a career out of it? Well, here I am, creating and sharing my wild little thought with you all. Welcome to my stories, I hope you enjoy."

Until next time,

The Wedding by Kelly Smith - [Book Review]

 

Book Details:

Book Title: The Wedding by Kelly Smith
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +) , 240 pages
Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Friendship
Publisher:  Sunny Day Publishing
Release date:  September 2023
Content Rating: PG-13: A small amount of sec scenes 

Book Description:

Four friends, one city. Grace, Piper, Sydney and Rachel navigate life, careers, and love in Boston. Each woman is newly single and looking for a fresh start. As their work lives start to look up, they each meet a new man who may be “the one”—or may not. The bond the four women share helps them make better sense of their lives, but at times their friendship causes more issues than it solves. New couples form, and one of them is headed for the altar. But which of the women is about to be a bride?

All along the way, Grace, Piper, Sydney and Rachel are each other’s biggest fans and cheerleaders. The Wedding explores the bond women share and the love they seek.

Buy the Book:
Amazon 
Add to Goodreads

My Review:

The Wedding is the story of 4 friends - Piper, Grace, Sydney and Rachel. The story is about their relationship problems. Ladies help each other and support when one encounters problems with their love life. They make it easy for their friend to take the right decision. Isn't it that what the friends are for?  

What I loved?

I loved the characters and their uniqueness. I loved their honesty in relationships. I love the way the friendship is portrayed in this story. The friendship is the hero of the story which guides it all along.

I loved Piper especially - the chirpy and bubbly young woman always ready to lend a hand when her friends are in trouble. I loved the character of Sydney, and I could relate how it is difficult to forget a person that you love and start a new life altogether. Sydney is inspiring. 

The story line is a Contemporary women Fiction and it is fun to read. Overall a wonderful story of love, loss and friendship. 

What could have been better?

The narrative might have been little better. It is confusing as the narrative changes between characters and also between their past and present. An extra suspense is by the wedding preparations by a couple who we don't know until the end of the book.

I couldn't relate to the character of Rachel and Marcus. After living together for 2 years, it's little unbelievable how they are separated and come back together. But, Life is sometimes un-predictable. I understand. 

I didn't feel the title is apt. Ofcourse, the story is around the wedding preparations of a mystery couple, but I felt the title would be related to friendship. The book cover is apt for the title though.

If you have girl friends who support each other emotionally, you will love this book and can relate to it so well. For others, it's a fun chick-lit.

My Rating: 4/5

PS: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

Meet the Author:

Kelly Smith, a three-time published author, first came on the scene with her debut novel, Signs in the Rearview Mirror Leaving a Toxic Relationship Behind. After healing from her toxic relationships, she soon realized dating after a toxic relationship was difficult, which then led her to write Out of the Darkness. Out of the Darkness, her sophomore book is about her experiences with healing after abuse, dating, and finding love again. Sunny Day Publishing published all of her books.

Smith, an award-winning writer, writes for Elephant Journal and HuffPost. Smith is a dating expert for the online relationship and dating magazine, GoDates.

Smith is a certified relationship and dating coach who works with clients who are trying to rebuild their lives after an abusive relationship ends, or after a long-term relationship ends.

Smith is a Boston native who moved to the Austin, TX area in July 2003 with her three sons.

Media Expertise Kelly can speak on topics including domestic violence in teen dating, narcissism, and toxic relationships, women as the abusers, recovering from an abusive relationship, dating again after an abusive relationship, narcissism in both men and women, and living as an adult child with a narcissistic parent.

​Connect with the author:   Website  ~  X/Twitter  ~  Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads

Enter the Giveaway:

THE WEDDING Book Tour Giveaway

  Until next time,

The Case of the Zombie Ninjas by Erik Christopher Martin - Book Spot light

 

Dotty Morgan Supernatural Sleuth Book Two

Middle Grade/Paranormal Mystery

Date Published:  Mach 15, 2024

 

 

Twelve-year-old supernatural sleuth Dotty Morgan becomes embroiled in an ancient conflict between rival factions who both want the Japanese sword her father gave her as a birthday present. The timing couldn’t be worse. She’s navigating the complications of middle school romance with her girlfriend, Hannah, and dealing with her mother who asks Dotty’s former bully to move in. To keep safe the people she loves, Dotty investigates a four-hundred-year-old murder even though undead ninjas, winged tengu, and a demon known as an oni stand in her way.

About the Author

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Erik lives and writes in San Diego. He has published four books for YA and middle grade readers under the In A Bind Books imprint. His latest book 'The Case of the French Fry Phantom' is available in all formats, including audiobook. It is Book One of the Dotty Morgan Supernatural Sleuth Series. Book Two, 'The Case of the Zombie Ninjas' will be released on 3/15/2024. His short stories can be found in A Year Ink 4, The Guilded Pen 2019, CoffinBell, Frontiertales.com, Tales to Terrify podcast, HauntedMTL, and other online journals.

Erik is a member of the SCBWI, SDWEG, and the HWA.

Erik loves all things book related. He is a former bookstore owner (In A Bind Books in Lakewood, Ohio opened in 2000 and closed 2 years later), former slush reader at Dark Recesses Press, and former part-time library employee.

Besides writing, Erik loves to read authors such as Vonnegut, Moorcock, Pratchett, Louis L'Amour, and Douglas Adams.

Contact Links

Author Website

Twitter (X)

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Linktree

Threads

Purchase Link

Amazon

 

Until next time,

Best Easter Baskets and Fillings from Amazon

 Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Easter is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus. 

Eggs and Chicks are associated with Easter. In Europe, people decorate houses with colorful eggs. Bunnies and Rabbits got associated with Easter, as most of these animals give birth to new babies in Spring. 

As per AI,

The tradition of Easter egg hunts has roots in pre-Christian societies, where eggs were associated with spring and new life. Early Christians adopted these beliefs, making the egg a symbol of the resurrection and the empty shell a metaphor for Jesus' tomb.

If you have kids, you might be attending egg hunts organized in your local communities. Here are a few good props to prepare for the Easter events. 

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Here are some of the best Amazon deals for Easter:

Baskets and Fillings:

Love this simple bag for Egg hunting

2 pc Easter Bamboo basket

Cute basket for kids

Bunny Gift treat boxes

Fillable colorful Easter Eggs

Easter Basket Fillers

Bunny Ear Headbands

Hershey's Mini Bunny shaped chocolates

Reversible Strawberry Bunny Stuffie

Bunny Rabbit Stuffed Animal

Easter Eggs with Keychains

Squishy toys as Easter Basket stuffers

Easter Fidget Sensory Toys

LipSmacker bunny Rabbit

Hope you liked these Easter themed products and deals from Amazon!

Until next time,