Melody Jacob

Lifestyle Blogger


Good morning, beautiful people. I would like to kindly remind you that natural oils and creams are more beneficial for your skin. I started using skin oils at a very young age. My grandma always applied them on cold mornings; she would massage the oils into our skin, and we all looked so fresh.

During cold winter mornings, I like to take hot showers before applying either coconut oil or shea butter because they help me maintain a radiant glow while also hydrating and revitalizing my skin.

Why Your Skin Will Love the Ultra Rich Anti-Ageing Face Cream

If you love natural, long-lasting skincare products like I do, let me introduce you to—the Ultra Rich Anti-Ageing Face Cream, Night and Day Formula. Handmade in Scotland, this cream is packed with natural ingredients.

Ultra-Rich Anti-Aging Cream for Improved Skin Hydration and Radiance

Here’s what makes it special:

1. Frankincense for Wrinkles

This cream’s secret weapon is frankincense, a natural ingredient that’s fantastic for reducing the appearance of wrinkles. For centuries, people have used frankincense for its skin-smoothing and anti-inflammatory properties. If you’re looking to fade age spots and smooth out fine lines, frankincense is a must-have in your skincare routine.

Ultra-Rich Anti-Aging Cream for Improved Skin Hydration and Radiance

2. Intense, Long-Lasting Hydration

The blend of natural ingredients in this cream is an ideal solution for hydration.
  • Beeswax locks in moisture, preventing dry, flaky skin.
  • Avocado butter provides natural sun protection while deeply nourishing your skin.
  • Virgin Organic Shea Butter ensures your skin stays plump and moisturized around the clock. This rich formula works wonders day and night, leaving your skin feeling smooth, soft, and rejuvenated.
There’s something so special about using handmade skincare. The love and care that go into each jar of this cream are evident the moment you apply it. Made in Scotland, it blends nature and science perfectly, using no harsh chemicals or animal testing. Plus, the eco-friendly packaging means you’re caring for the planet while treating your skin.



How to Get the Best Results with the Ultra Rich Anti-Ageing Face Cream

This cream is easy to incorporate into your routine, whether you use it in the morning to start your day or as part of your nighttime routine. For the best results, I recommend applying it after your toner and serum for a dewy, glowing complexion that lasts all day. At night, allow the deeply hydrating ingredients to do their work while you sleep, resulting in softer, more radiant skin when you wake up.


Why Shea Butter is My Skincare Staple

You are all aware that I am an avid advocate for shea butter, and this cream contains the highest quality version: Virgin Organic Shea Butter. It locks in moisture like no other, leaving my skin feeling soft and plump. Combined with frankincense, it’s been giving my skin a youthful glow that I’m obsessed with.
Eco-Friendly Beauty That’s Good for You—and the Planet

One of the reasons I love this cream (besides how amazing it makes my skin look) is the eco-friendly packaging. The brand strives to make their products beneficial for both your skin and the environment. This brand meets all the criteria for sustainable beauty!

Hi everyone! I am so excited to share this travel post with you. Let me begin by telling you how it all started. My partner and I are always looking forward to our next trip. We get thrilled about riding together and exploring amazing views.

On the morning of this trip, my partner was feeling sick, which upset me. He went to the pharmacy to get some medication, and afterward, he insisted that we should still go out because we had been looking forward to this trip for a while, especially since I had been working a lot and finally had some days off.

Due to his brief illness, we started our trip later than planned, and we were concerned that we might not have as much fun as we could have on a sunny day. Initially, we wanted to visit the Devil's Pulpit in Glasgow, but since that location is a cave, it was already late, and it would be better to visit on a sunny day.



Instead, he took me to a surprise location. I had no idea where we were going; I just tagged along. But when we arrived, the first thing I saw was a huge rock. Oh my, I was so happy! We saw cars parked nearby, but there weren’t many people visiting at the same time, probably because the weather looked like it was going to rain, which it didn’t until the end of our climb.

We visited Dumbarton Castle, located in Dumbarton, a town in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland.



A cup of cantaloupe contains about 400 mg of potassium.

A cup of cantaloupe contains about 400 mg of potassium.

Question. I have high blood pressure, and a friend suggested I take a potassium supplement. Is that a good idea? If so, how much should I take?

Answer. That’s an excellent question, and it’s one that many people ask for good reason—potassium can be a bit complicated. The short answer is no; you shouldn’t take potassium supplements unless your doctor specifically prescribes them. Here’s why:

First off, it’s better to get your potassium from food rather than supplements. Many fruits and vegetables are high in potassium, including spinach, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, bananas, and avocados. Diets rich in potassium can help manage blood pressure and are linked to a reduced risk of stroke. These diets are also typically lower in sodium and packed with other beneficial nutrients, which may contribute to improved blood pressure.

Now, it can get a little confusing. Many blood pressure medications, especially a common class known as diuretics, can affect your potassium levels. Some diuretics lower potassium levels, while others can increase them. Additionally, certain ACE inhibitors, like lisinopril (Prinvil, Zestril) or ramipril (Altace), may also raise potassium levels. Common pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) can have a similar effect.

Business travel comes with its own set of problems. While some problems, such as jet lag, are predictable, others, such as flight cancellations, are unexpected. To get through these problems without any problems, you need to be ready, plan ahead, and have backup plans ready in case things don't go as planned.

Let's look at 7 common problems that come up when people travel for work and how to solve them in real life.



1. Travel policies that aren't clear and communication problems

Employees may find it challenging to manage their expenses or determine reimbursement when your company's travel policy lacks clarity or detail. This often leads to confusion and frustration when something’s not covered.

Solution:

  • Software for managing business travel expenses helps keep track of costs and makes it easier to submit receipts. Additionally, it automatically highlights prohibited items.

  • Make your business travel policy better by making it complete, clear, and simple to follow. This prevents common misunderstandings before they occur.

2. Compliance with the Travel Policy

Ensuring employees follow the travel policy can be tricky, especially since personal preferences vary. Some may prefer hotels while others opt for rental apartments, and everyone has different transportation needs.

Solution:

  • Flexibility is key—offer a range of accommodation and transport options within the budget to meet different needs.
  • Provide a clear travel policy using templates and checklists to ensure nothing is left out, so employees know exactly what’s expected.
3. Delays or cancellations of flights and reservations

Dealing with travel disruptions such as delayed or canceled flights can significantly disrupt business travel plans, potentially resulting in missed meetings or lost time.

Solution:

  • Use corporate travel management software to make re-booking easy and provide 24/7 support for quick adjustments.
  • Plan ahead with detailed itineraries and leave buffer times between flights, meetings, and other commitments.
  • Book early morning flights whenever possible as they are less likely to experience delays.
4. Budgeting and managing costs

Keeping business travel within budget while ensuring employees are comfortable can be challenging. Finding affordable flights, accommodations, and transportation takes effort.

Solution:

  • Set clear budget guidelines upfront to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Utilize corporate travel and expense software to book within the budget and access special rates.
  • Plan trips in advance—early bookings often offer better deals on flights and hotels.

Raisins, dates, figs, and other dried fruits might not be as appealing as fresh fruits, but these little sweet bites can help you meet your goal of eating at least two servings of fruit a day.

One major benefit is their long shelf life, which means you won’t have to worry about them going bad. They’re also lightweight and make for easy snacks, especially when paired with nuts. A classic duo is raisins and peanuts, while dried apricots with almonds make another delicious combination.

Keep in mind that dried fruits are energy-dense and higher in calories, so it’s important not to overindulge— a serving size is just a quarter-cup. However, they also pack in a lot of nutrients along with those calories. Most dried fruits are excellent sources of potassium and fiber, and they’re rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Just be aware that some dried fruits may have added sugar, so always check the label to avoid unnecessary empty calories.

Dried fruits are also great mixed into oatmeal, baked into muffins, or added to salads and grain-based dishes.

Photo by RDNE Stock project

In case of an emergency, you need to have medicines, tools, health paperwork, and plans on hand.

If you live near the coast, you need to start getting ready for storms early. Storms can come on quickly, giving you little time to plan where to stay safe or what to bring with you in case you need to leave. In the chaos, people often forget essential health care items like medicines or medical gear.

Dr. Scott Goldberg, the medical director of emergency preparedness at Brigham and Women's Hospital and a longtime member of a FEMA task force that aids areas damaged by hurricanes, notes that people may bring their diabetes medication but forget to bring their blood sugar monitor or their hearing aids.

This storm season, learn what to expect and how to ensure that your health care kit is the most important item in it.




What will the storm season be like in 2024?

The hurricane predictions for this year make it even more important to start getting ready right away.

For the 2024 hurricane season, which runs until November 30, forecasters with the National Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expect more storms than usual.

There could be 17 to 25 storms with winds of 39 mph or higher, including 8 to 13 hurricanes. Four to seven of these could be major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or higher.

What types of plans should you create?

Preparing for the possibility of major storms is a significant task. Before the storm's fierce winds and heavy rains even start, you need to get hurricane supplies, figure out how to keep your home safe, and plan your escape route (especially if you live in a flood zone). For information on where to stay, call the disaster management office in your city or county.

For medical reasons, you may need help getting out of the area or at a shelter. Check to see if your county or city has a special needs list like this one in Florida. If you sign up, first responders will be able to call you when there are storms and take you to a special shelter with medical staff, hospital cots, and maybe even oxygen tanks.

What should you bring?

A shelter provides a secure location to endure a storm, complete with food, water, and restrooms, but you must carry all necessary items. It is essential to bring enough medical supplies and medical tools.

"It's easy to just grab the prescription drugs from your cabinet, but what if you only have enough for two days?" You might have to wait a while to get another one. "For every prescription, we suggest at least 14 or 30 days' worth," says Dr. Goldberg. "Talk to your doctor about the possibility of getting an extra refill to keep on standby for your go bag."

Discover the numerous health benefits of walnuts, from improving heart health to lowering cholesterol. Learn how adding this nutritious nut.

For many people, adopting a healthy diet often feels like a series of sacrifices: skipping appetizers, cutting back on carbs and saturated fats, or giving up desserts altogether. But what if there was something you enjoy that’s actually good for you? And no, I’m not referring to chocolate (which, in moderation, can be quite beneficial!).

This time, it's nuts that are getting attention. Previous studies have shown that higher nut consumption is linked to improved heart health and lower rates of cardiovascular disease. For instance, several trials have associated eating nuts with lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Plus, nuts are a key component of the Mediterranean diet, known for its heart-healthy benefits.

Health Benefits of Walnuts

A 2018 study highlights walnuts as an especially beneficial option. This isn’t the first time researchers have arrived at this conclusion. A prior analysis involving 365 participants across 13 trials found that diets rich in walnuts resulted in lower total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol compared to other diets. Since then, further studies with larger participant groups and longer follow-ups have been published.

The latest analysis reviewed data from 26 studies, involving over 1,000 participants. Those who included walnuts in their diet showed:

- Lower total cholesterol (about 7 mg/dL, or a 3% reduction)

- Lower LDL cholesterol (about 5.5 mg/dL, a 4% reduction)

- Lower triglycerides (around 4.7 mg/dL, a 5.5% reduction)

- Lower apoprotein B (a protein linked to heart disease) by nearly 4 mg/dL

Although these reductions in blood lipids were modest, larger improvements (like a 12 mg/dL decrease in total cholesterol) were noted when compared to a typical U.S. or Western diet, which tends to be high in red meats, fatty dairy, and sugary foods.

Many people worry that a diet high in fats, such as those from nuts, might lead to weight gain, but fortunately, participants on the walnut-rich diet did not experience any weight gain.

Moreover, newer studies have also pointed to the health benefits of walnuts, including improved blood lipids and potential brain health protection.

What Makes Walnuts So Healthy?

While the findings are intriguing, they raise the question of whether walnuts are uniquely beneficial. It could be the type of oils in walnuts that contribute to their cardiovascular advantages. Walnuts are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are healthier than saturated fats. They also contain alpha-linolenic and linoleic acids, which may have anti-inflammatory properties that promote healthy blood vessels and positively impact blood lipids.

It's important to note that not all nuts are created equal. Many nuts, such as almonds and cashews, are high in monounsaturated fats, along with polyunsaturated fats. While these are healthier fat options compared to saturated and trans fats, walnuts' unique combination of fats and polyunsaturated fatty acids may offer specific benefits for heart health.


Do you remember when I shared a post about the Govan Stones? Well, before our visit, we made an unexpected stop at a nearby church. We were actually on our way to buy sanitizer before the Govan Stones tour when we noticed this beautiful church right across from where we parked. It’s just a 1-minute walk from the Govan Stones, and we couldn’t resist checking it out!




St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church

Address: Govan Rd., Govan, Glasgow G51

When you're visiting Glasgow, a must-see historical church is St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church, located in the heart of Govan. This architectural masterpiece, designed by John Honeyman in 1877-8, combines intricate Byzantine and Romanesque styles, creating a stunning visual experience for anyone who steps through its doors.

The church’s exterior showcases beautiful red ashlar bands and coursed rubble, lending it a distinctive look. A striking round-headed doorway with delicate dogtooth molding greets you as you approach. Look up, and you’ll spot a magnificent rose window framed by blind arches, adding an element of grandeur. The square tower to the side, complete with its copper-topped pyramidal roof, stands as a prominent feature of the skyline, offering a snapshot of 19th-century architectural ingenuity.

As you step inside, the spacious nave with its wide wooden roof immediately draws your eye. The highlight, however, is the chancel, which boasts a semi-circular domed apse lined with colorful marble panels and intricate stencil decorations. The church also features striking stained glass windows that fill the space with soft light, including simpler designs on the side windows and more elaborate artistry in the chancel’s lancets. For organ lovers, the historic pipe organ, originally installed in 1952, adds an auditory layer to your experience, especially after its refurbishment in 1976.

For a peaceful visit, attend one of the regular Mass services, held every day of the week, with special Vigil Masses on Sundays. St. Anthony's Church isn’t just a place of worship—it’s a journey through Glasgow’s rich history, a living monument to Gothic and Byzantine design, all nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Govan. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just looking for a quiet moment of reflection, St. Anthony’s is a hidden treasure that offers something for everyone.


Man wearing a smart watch

Smartwatches and rings can track various health metrics, like physical activity, sleep, heart rate, and even your heart's electrical activity. However, the FDA cautions against using these devices to monitor blood sugar levels if they claim to do so without any skin penetration. The FDA has not evaluated the safety or effectiveness of these devices, and relying on them could lead to inaccurate blood sugar readings. This poses a significant risk for those with diabetes, who need to regularly check their blood sugar levels — typically through a finger prick test or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that uses tiny sensors that penetrate the skin and send data to a smartphone app. It's important to note that the FDA's warning pertains specifically to smart rings and watches that promise needle-free monitoring, not to CGMs. If you're concerned about the accuracy of your blood sugar monitor, it’s best to consult your doctor or pharmacist about whether it’s an FDA-approved, reliable device.

Photo by Mateo Abrahan on Unsplash
Cute cakes add a lot of charm to the occasion and make it more exciting. While baking and serving cakes on special occasions is a common practice, I believe it's equally important to prepare them in a healthy way for weekend consumption. 

Do you like cake?
What was the last time you ate a piece of cake?
Which flavor of cake do you enjoy eating the most?


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