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Nicole

9 Ways To Stay Warm And Cozy This Fall

Fall is a time of cozy nights spent fireside, hot cocoa, and warm blankets. Unfortunately, it can also be a time of chilly drafts and cold toes! Staying warm during the fall months doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on portable heaters or turning up your thermostat – there are plenty of ways to keep yourself bundled up without breaking the bank.

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From making sure your windows are properly sealed to using layers and layering materials, here are 9 tips for staying cozy this fall:

1. Seal Up Your Home

Cracks and gaps around doors and windows can let in a lot of cold air. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any openings that might cause breezes in your home. You can also use a rolled-up towel or blanket to block drafts from entering underneath your door.

2. Layer Up

Layering different fabrics, such as wool and cotton, can help trap heat in your home and keep you warm on chilly days. Use heavier blankets on top of lighter ones for extra warmth, and make sure you cover up with an extra layer before bedtime!

3. Invest in Insulated Curtains

Insulated curtains are great for keeping out drafts and providing an extra layer of insulation over windows that don’t have weatherstripping. They will also keep the sun’s rays from coming through during the day, helping to reduce energy costs.

4. Wear Slippers Indoors

Cold floors can be uncomfortable and make it hard to stay warm. Investing in a good pair of slippers or wool socks will help keep your feet warm while indoors.

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5. Place Rugs on Floors

Rugs are great for insulating cold floors, especially if you don’t have carpeting throughout the house. Place rugs near doorways, windows, and high-traffic areas to help capture heat and keep your home warm.

6. Layer Your Clothing

When venturing out into colder temperatures, remember to bundle up! Wear thin layers that trap heat close to your body as well as thicker outer layers to protect from wind chill. Hats, scarves, mittens, and a warm coat are essential for staying toasty!

7. Get Some Sun

While it might seem counter-intuitive, sunlight can help keep you warm in the wintertime. Opening curtains during the day will help to heat your house with natural light and warmth from the sun.

8. Indulge In Comfort Food

Nothing beats the chill like a warm, hearty bowl of chicken vegetable soup or a cup of hot cocoa. Make sure to keep your pantry stocked with comforting winter staples that will help you stay cozy and full when temperatures dip.

9. Keep Extra Blankets On-Hand

Additional blankets are essential for staying warm in the wintertime. Keep a cozy blanket (or two!) near your couch and bed to make sure you’re never too far from extra warmth when needed.

There You Go

With these tips, you’ll be ready to face winter with confidence! Remember that layering fabrics and materials is the key to trapping heat in your home, and don’t forget to bundle up when heading outside. With a little effort, staying warm this season can be easy – and enjoyable! Friends, how are you keeping your home cozy this season? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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White Bird Movie Review & Giveaway

Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services for providing a sample of the film for review. My opinions are 100% my own.

During the horrors of the German Holocaust, my family lost five members of our immediate family; my paternal Great-Grandfather Aleksander’s sister, brother-in-law, and their three children; all under the age of seven. A tragedy that has brought the awareness of the atrocities of the Second World War into focus for myself and millions of others throughout the world.

Similarly seen in the new Holocaust drama “White Bird,” based on the graphic novel, of the same name, by R.J. Palacio, and directed by Marc Forster (Finding Neverland), an expander to Stephan Chbosky’s “Wonder.” In “White Bird,” a French grandmother reminisces her childhood foibles to her grandson, Julian, over tolerance, teenage angst, and shared childhood uncertainties.

“White Bird” begins with Julian, being belittled by peers, while attending an elite Manhattan prep school, similar to how he, himself, treated others, in not being able to join friends at the lunchroom, and being made aware that he was instead sitting at the “loser’s table.” Leaving Julian ostracized and unable to fit in.

His Grandmère Sara (Helen Mirren), who’s in New York for an exhibition of her art, tells Julian the main tale of this film. An event in 1942 in the Alsatian region of France, where fifteen-year-old Sara (Ariella Glaser), a Jewish girl whose mother and father (Olivia Ross and Ishai Golan) refuse to believe that they will be unable to escape Nazi occupation, in their season ahead.

Their aspirations are soon dashed when Sara, formed into hiding in the barn owned by the family of a classmate, Julien Beaumier (Orlando Schwerdt), nicknamed “The Crab,” a young man walking with braces due to a Polio diagnosis. As time passes, Sara, protected by Julian’s family (Gillian Anderson and Jo-Stone Fewings), grows closer. Soon, however, times take a sharp turn for the pair. A shift that embroils their closest friends, family, community, and country into the grotesque tropes of the Second World War.

A positive point of the film is its cinematography. Photographed in a wide, picturesque format, “White Bird” showcases 20th-century France in golden hues and softened tones. With houses and towns shot in picturesque scenes, this tale of unspeakable societal horrors mixes soft landscapes and clever imagery that lovers of cinematography will enjoy. Showing less the gritty horrors of the war and the unspeakable atrocities of the Nazi regime, focusing instead on a neat packaging of one of society’s greatest tragedies. That, even for an adolescent film, leaves this lover of history, with a familiar understanding of the time, who having lived in France, myself, much to be desired. However, for others, the “White Bird” film will be a memorable piece.

In the greater scheme, this youth-based romanticized tale sends an overall positive message of hope and healing. As Grandmère Sara states, “You’re there to forget many things in life, but you never forget kindness.” A message that so many modern, real-world individuals could gain from such a sweet, simple message. Encouraging us all to be brave and kind.

You can buy tickets today to see “White Bird” in theaters starting October 4th! Readers can also enter to win a $10.00 Amazon.com gift card courtesy of Momentum Influencers. Please note, this giveaway is limited to United States winners only. Winning Submissions will be verified. Submissions on various platforms within this same period will be excluded. Gift cards will be sent via email to winners providing verified email addresses. This giveaway ends October 10, 2024, at 11:59 P.M. CST. Good luck!

Now I want to ask, why do you want to see the new “White Bird” film in Threates starting October 4, 20024? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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My Bag, My Story Initiative & Reader Giveaway

Did you know that my family, my Grandmother, Carolyn, and her brother, Danny Lee, adopted me as a child? A simple act of loving devotion that has left me with a lifelong desire to see other children find their forever homes. No easy task, as many children in various state foster care systems are moved from home to home, from house to house, often toting their limited belongings in transient, trash bags. Leaving impressionable children, young scholars, artists, and athletes already struggling to find their place in this world, struggling to retain personal dignity and space.

While these problems lie much larger, more complicated socioeconomic, economic, and politicized issues. Yet, there are simple ways that everyday people, those like you, and I, can help- ways as simple as they are straightforward.

“My Bag My Story,” a non-profit organization that strives to improve the lives of foster youth by providing children with high-quality travel-style bags. With each bag purchased, another high-value bag is donated to help children navigate state foster care systems.

This initiative seeks to address the stigma of children and adolescents being prevented from the indignity that comes with carrying their possessions from place to place in mere garbage bags. Providing foster youth bags that are more than practical simplicity. These bags, train cases, and duffle bags are symbols of value, support, and recognition. Affirming the value of the shared human experience for every child in the foster care system. Helping American foster children feel seen and supported.

My Bag, My Story Founder, Cara Finger, explains that the organization’s origin started when she “Became a foster parent and watching children always have their belongings in a trash bag or grocery sack or nothing. Everyone kept saying this was normal. I said it doesn’t have to be normal, so I set out to have bags made for kids,” That “having a bag to call your own instead of a trash bag gives a child dignity and makes them feel valued. A bag seems so small but makes a huge difference in their foster care experience. Making a child feel like they are worth more than trash is so important to me.” A message vital to me as a fellow adopted child and as someone who, in turn, has helped support members of my own extended family to adopt children in recent wartime conditions.

Beyond community and state donations, My Bag, My Story has partnered with more than 30 Tennessee-based organizations to work directly with children in the foster care system to get them high-quality duffle bags, train cases, and backpacks. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, My Bag, My Story depends on the generosity and support of national corporations, including Dell, The Predators Foundation, Saint George’s Episcopal Church, and the Target Corporation.

National Foster Care Statistics

According to the United States Department of Education, more than 400,000 children rely on the National Foster Care System. With nearly 20,000 young persons aging out of foster care annually, between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one, respectfully. Many are without the option of being reunited with their families of origin or legalized adoption. Presenting challenges to young people transitioning to independent living without the guise or financial means of establishment. You can learn more about the foster care system and its many challenges to young children and adolescents, here.

Ways To Help

Ordering a bag from My Bag, My Story, helping to lend security and dignity to children and young adults navigating the foster care system, is one great way you can help send young Americans onto the path of dignity and diversity, today! With so many great options and styles, featuring high-quality fabrics, your generosity can help uplift children from the comfort of your own homes. You can also read other My Bag, My Story accounts on its website, and check out My Bag, My Story on Instagram and Facebook.

If buying a My Story, My Bag duffle, train case, or tote isn’t an option for you at present, I ask that you please consider sharing this organization’s mission with those in your own life. And if you’re looking for other ways to serve foster families, here are other ways you can positively impact those living in foster care in your neck of the woods.

Giveaway

To help spread this impactful message, the good people of Momentum Influencers are giving one TheLadyPrefers2Save.com reader a chance to win their own $10.00 Amazon card. To enter, please tell me in the comments about your own experiences with the foster care system. Or how you believe individuals can help improve the national foster care system. A winner will be chosen at random on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, at 11:59 P.M. CST. Gift cards will be electronically sent from Momentum Influencers. Duplicate entries across all participating campaign websites will be disqualified. Good luck!

Friends, have you or your loved ones been impacted by the foster care system? Please leave your comments below.

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How to Spot the Signs of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, is a serious issue that affects millions of people each year. Being able to recognize the signs that someone may be in an abusive relationship is important so you can provide support and connect them to helpful resources. Here are some key signs to look for that may indicate domestic violence.

Changes in Behavior and Mood

Sudden changes in someone’s normal behaviors or mood can signal domestic abuse. Some examples include:

  • Withdrawing from friends and family 
  • Losing interest in activities they used to enjoy
  • Appearing anxious, depressed, or suicidal
  • Having trouble sleeping 
  • Showing major changes in personality

Abuse takes a psychological toll and often leads to mental health issues like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Pay attention if someone acts out of character or displays emotional warning signs.

Signs of Control

Abusers aim to gain power and control over their victims. Tactics can include:

  • Not allowing them to see friends or family
  • Monitoring their activities, communication, and spending
  • Making all the decisions in the relationship 
  • Demanding obedience and limiting independence

Watch for signs that someone is isolated or their activities are controlled. Lack of freedom is a hallmark of domestic violence situations.

Unexplained Injuries

Physical abuse may result in unexplained injuries that the victim tries to cover up. Some examples are:

  • Bruises, black eyes, cuts, broken bones
  • Burns that could be from scalding, cigarettes, or other objects
  • Bite marks or marks from choking or restraints
  • Bald spots indicating hair was pulled out

Take note if injuries are explained away, attributed to clumsiness, or hidden with clothing. The locations, frequency, and severity can also indicate domestic abuse.

Damaged Property and Belongings

Abusers often take out their anger by damaging property. Signs can include:

  • Holes in walls or broken fixtures from throwing objects
  • Ripped clothing or belongings
  • Damage to vehicles
  • Broken cell phones or devices

When property damage is unexplained or written off as accidental, it may point to an abusive partner’s violent outbursts.

Fearfulness and Anxiety

Victims often exhibit a palpable fear of their partner. You may notice: 

  • Flinching or jumping when touched unexpectedly 
  • Appearing anxious when their partner calls or comes home
  • Worrying about making their partner angry

Look for signs they are walking on eggshells around their partner’s moods and actions.

How Social Workers Can Help

As the linked article on the importance of social workers explains, social workers are critical in assisting domestic violence victims. They can connect people to shelters, counseling services, legal aid, and other community resources. Social workers provide emotional support and help victims process trauma through counseling and support groups. They can assist with safety planning, housing assistance, child services, and financial aid if someone needs to rebuild their life after leaving an abusive relationship. 

Social workers advocate for victims as they navigate complex systems and make decisions. Their training in mental health, trauma, family issues, and crisis intervention makes them well-equipped to comprehensively help domestic violence victims in creating a plan to escape abuse and heal.

Recognizing domestic violence is the first step to taking action. Don’t ignore red flags or explanations that don’t seem right. Speak up if you suspect someone is being abused. With support, many victims can get protection, counseling, and escape abuse.

Friends, if you or a loved one are experiencing domestic violence, please click here for help. Everyone deserves relationships free from domestic violence-you are no exception. When you’re ready, please seek help. Know you are seen. You are loved. You matter. You are worthy. If you’d like to share your story, please leave your thoughts in the comments below. Thank you.

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Essential Strategies for Assisting Aging Parents with Grace and Dignity

Caring for aging parents is both an emotional and practical journey that requires a delicate balance of support, respect, and empowerment. The goal is to provide care that upholds their dignity while helping them adapt to the challenges of aging. To achieve this, it’s important to employ strategies that focus on small victories, social engagement, and the thoughtful use of technology to enhance independence. Here are some fresh ideas on how to assist aging parents with grace and dignity.

Emphasize Small Victories to Build Confidence

One of the most effective ways to maintain your parents’ sense of dignity is by celebrating their small achievements. Aging can sometimes lead to feelings of inadequacy or frustration when certain tasks become more difficult. Instead of focusing on what they can no longer do, focus on what they can still accomplish, no matter how small. For example, if your parent has completed a physical therapy session or cooked a simple meal, make a point to acknowledge their efforts. A comment like, “I’m so proud of how you’ve been sticking to your exercises,” can uplift their spirits and reinforce their capability. By focusing on small victories, you’re providing emotional encouragement that helps them maintain confidence in their abilities.

Encourage and Facilitate Social Engagement

Social engagement is crucial to your parents’ emotional and mental health as they age. Isolation can lead to depression and cognitive decline, so it’s important to keep them connected with their community, family, and friends. Whether it’s participating in a local club, attending religious services, or simply having regular coffee dates with friends, staying socially active can significantly improve their quality of life. By moving into a modern care home, such as the facility offered by Morris Care, your loved one will have the opportunity to mix with other residents and forge connections. If mobility or health concerns make it difficult for your parent to socialize in person, consider using technology to keep them engaged. Help them learn how to use video calling platforms to chat with loved ones, join online interest groups, or even participate in virtual events that cater to seniors. This not only combats loneliness but also keeps them mentally stimulated and connected to the outside world.

Foster a Sense of Contribution

One powerful way to assist your aging parents with dignity is by ensuring they still feel like they have something valuable to contribute. Aging can sometimes lead to feelings of uselessness, especially when physical abilities start to decline. But everyone has something to offer, regardless of age.

Ask your parents to share their knowledge or skills with you or the family. Whether it’s cooking a family recipe, telling stories from their past, or offering life advice, involving them in family activities keeps them connected and gives them a sense of importance. You could also encourage them to engage in volunteer work, if feasible, or contribute to local causes in ways that match their abilities. Their involvement in meaningful activities reinforces their sense of purpose.

Create Opportunities for Physical Activity

Physical activity is an important part of aging gracefully, as it helps maintain mobility, strength, and overall well-being. Encourage your parents to engage in activities they enjoy and are capable of, whether that’s walking, yoga, gardening, or even simple stretching exercises at home. To make physical activity more appealing, consider joining them in these exercises, turning it into a bonding opportunity. You might take regular walks together, attend fitness classes, or even practice mindfulness and stretching exercises at home. Keeping active will help them to feel physically capable, independent, Morris care, and in control of their health.

Respect Their Desire for Privacy

As parents age and may require more physical assistance, respecting their desire for privacy is essential for preserving their dignity. Tasks like dressing, bathing, or managing medical care can feel invasive if not handled with sensitivity. Always ask for permission before stepping in to help with personal tasks, and provide as much privacy as possible. For example, if you’re assisting with bathing, make sure to allow them to perform parts of the task independently where possible, or cover areas they aren’t currently washing to minimize discomfort. Offering them the space and time to manage as much as they can on their shows that you respect their boundaries and still see them as capable individuals.

Cultivate Patience and Flexibility

Patience is one of the most important qualities when assisting aging parents. As their capabilities change, some tasks may take longer or need to be done differently. It’s essential to approach these changes with understanding and flexibility. For example, if your parent struggles to remember things or becomes slower in completing tasks, avoid rushing or correcting them too quickly. Instead, offer support when necessary and allow them the time they need to adapt. Be open to adjusting the way care is provided, recognizing that their needs may evolve. A patient, flexible attitude shows respect for their pace and process.

Assisting aging parents with grace and dignity requires a thoughtful combination of practical strategies and emotional support. By focusing on small victories, encouraging social engagement, leveraging technology for independence, and respecting their need for autonomy, you can help your parents navigate this stage of life with confidence and fulfillment. Ultimately, it’s about empowering them to live as fully and independently as possible while ensuring they feel respected, valued, and loved.

Friends, what are your strategies for assisting your aging parents? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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How to Kickstart Your Motivation and Make the Most of Every Day

Waking up can be hard, especially for those who are not happy at their jobs but haven’t found another opportunity yet or those who are going through a difficult time in their lives. Staying in your cozy and comfortable bed might feel like the only thing you want to do when you are dreading the to-do list or what the new day holds. We’ve all been there, grappling with tasks that feel like mountains. Let’s discuss some ways you can spark motivation to not just go through the motions but enjoy ticking off that hefty list.

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The Morning Ritual: Setting the Stage for Success

Think about your usual morning—does it start with a buzz or a snooze? Let’s swap out the groggy phone scroll for something more uplifting. Throw those curtains wide open and let the sunshine flood in. Feels good, right? Now, while you’re basking in that glow, how about getting your usual cup of brew and trying something new, like the best-tasting mushroom coffee you’ve ever tried? It’s smooth, it’s delicious, and it gives you a nice, even energy boost without any jittery side effects. How about trying a different flavor once every week? Just the zing you need to set a positive tone for the day! It also offers a boost to your mental performance.

Create Your Power Phrase

Ever thought about the magic of a few well-chosen words? Let’s craft a motivational mantra that’s all yours, something to whisper when the going gets tough. It could be something like ‘I’ve got this’ or ‘Every challenge teaches me something new.’ Whatever resonates with you, make it your secret weapon against the day’s dragons.

Visualize Your Victory

Here’s a neat trick: spend a few quiet moments every morning just visualizing your day. Not just the tasks but how awesome you’ll feel nailing them. Visualizing isn’t just dreaming—it’s like a rehearsal where you see yourself acing your tasks, one after the other. It’s about building confidence before you’ve even started, and trust me, it’s a game changer.

Break It Down: Little Steps, Big Gains

Looking at a huge task all at once? Yep, that’s daunting. So, let’s slice it up. Break that giant task into smaller, manageable pieces. It’s like turning a mountain back into a molehill. Check off each mini-goal as you go, and let yourself feel great about every win. It’s about celebrating the small stuff on your way to the big achievements.

Reflect, Reward, Repeat

End of the day? Time to take stock. What did you nail? Pat on the back. Maybe unwind with a favorite tune or plan something fun for the weekend. This isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about setting up a cycle of success. Today’s wins pave the way for tomorrow’s motivation.

Fueling Your Fire Daily

Every day’s a new scene in the epic movie of your life. And with the right motivation, even the most ordinary day can be turned into something stellar. Remember, motivation isn’t just a spontaneous burst of energy; it’s a skill you build, a muscle you flex, and every day you’re getting stronger. Let’s keep that motivation roaring, shall we? With each new sunrise, remind yourself that you’ve got what it takes to make today another best day.

Friends, now I want to ask, how are you making the most of your day today? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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Regaining Financial Freedom: Tips To Go From Bad Debt To Prosperity

Let’s face it, bad debt is something that nobody ever wants to get themselves into. You don’t have to be stuck with this bad fortune forever! So, let’s roll up our sleeves and chart a path to send it packing while paving your road to financial freedom. Here’s how you can kickstart your comeback. 

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Evaluate And Restructure Your Debts

First things first: what’s the damage? Pull out all your bills and get them in a line—how much, who’s it for, and what’s the interest rate? Seeing everything you owe on one list can be a game-changer. This might sound like a big step, but a credit corp solutions company can offer ways to consolidate your debts into one manageable payment. Imagine swapping several high-interest payments for a single one with a lower rate. More manageable, right? It’s like decluttering your financial closet, and who doesn’t enjoy a good cleanout?

Create A Sustainable Budget

Oh, the dreaded B-word—budget. But trust me, it doesn’t have to be scary. Start tracking where every dollar goes, and I mean everyone. You’ll soon see where you can cut back—a little less dining out, maybe? And boom! You’ve got extra cash to squash that debt. It’s all about making your money work for you, not the other way around. Apps today can do most of the heavy lifting, categorizing your spending in a snap. Pretty handy, right? Think of it as having a financial GPS guiding you through the spending jungle.

Boost Your Income

If trimming your expenses isn’t cutting it, let’s think bigger. Need more cash? Let’s brainstorm. Maybe it’s time to ask for that raise, start a side hustle, or turn a hobby into cash. Every extra penny can be a soldier in your battle against debt. And who knows? That side hustle could turn into your main hustle before you know it! Plus, extra income streams can become new avenues for saving once your debts are cleared.

Focus On High-Interest Debts First

Here’s a nifty trick: tackle the debts with the nastiest interest rates first. Keep up with minimum payments on the others, sure, but hit the high-interest ones hard. This method will be your debt-killing superpower. It stops those big bad debts from growing any bigger, and you’ll save a ton on interest in the long run. Who doesn’t love saving money? By reducing the costliest debts, you’ll feel a significant lift off your financial shoulders.

Monitor And Build Your Credit Score

As you’re paying down those debts, don’t forget to keep an eye on your credit score. Timely payments? Check. Lower balances? Check. All these moves are giving your credit score a nice little boost. Checking your credit report regularly for errors is also a must—think of it as keeping your financial report card in tip-top shape. Services that monitor your credit can alert you to mistakes or fraud, pretty much giving you peace of mind.

Conclusion

So, as you can see, this is a plan to not only ditch debt but to lay a solid foundation for a future where you’re in charge of your money. It’s a journey, sure, but every step forward is a step out of debt and into financial freedom. Stick with these strategies, and you’ll build habits that not only get you out of debt but also help you stay out. 

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