Melody Jacob

Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger

According to Leo Buscaglia “Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow; it only saps today of its joy.”
Melody Jacob holding a tub of Pura Collagen Flex+ Advanced Collagen PLUS Formula.

Pura Collagen is making a name for itself in the world of advanced collagen. They're all about giving you targeted solutions for whatever your body needs. Their whole product line is built on understanding just how vital collagen is—it's like the main building block for your skin, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Basically, all the good stuff that holds you together.

The science behind collagen is actually dead fascinating. It's this super complex protein, loads of amino acids all woven together to make a strong, triple-helix structure. This unique design gives your connective tissues incredible strength and flexibility. But here’s the thing: once you hit your mid-20s, your body's natural collagen production starts to drop off. That's when you begin to notice the signs of aging – skin getting less elastic, joints feeling a bit stiff, and bones not quite as dense. And it speeds up, with studies showing you lose about 1% of collagen every year after early adulthood, and it's a big drop for women after menopause.

Hands holding the Pura Collagen Flex+ supplement tub, highlighting the product label.

So, given that natural decline, chucking some high-quality collagen into your routine can be a brilliant way to support your body's structure. While a decent diet with protein, Vitamin C, zinc, copper, and manganese gives you the raw materials, these specialized supplements offer a concentrated and easily absorbed form. Research actually suggests that having between 2.5 to 15 grams of hydrolysed collagen daily can be really beneficial, with smaller doses helping skin and joints, and bigger ones potentially aiding muscle mass and body composition.

Now, out of all Pura Collagen's offerings, the Flex+ Advanced Collagen PLUS Formula is a real standout. It's a comprehensive solution specifically designed to sort out your musculoskeletal health. This formula is crafted to hit your tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue, aiming to give them strength, structure, and elasticity. And get this – each daily serving of Flex+ gives you a solid 10,000mg of collagen. That’s a proper significant dose to get some decent results.

A person presenting the Pura Collagen Flex+ container, with a clear view of the branding.
Iconic Loch Leven Castle standing majestically on its island in the loch.

For my birthday this year, I had
a different  wish: a road trip to Loch Leven was at the top of my birthday list.  And you know what? My amazing partner made it happen. We hopped in the car, ready for an adventure, and headed for the Loch Leven that the RSPB protects. You know, because we're fancy  RSPB members  and all that.

But, typical, right? My partner was like, "Nah, babe, the map says it's closed." I had a feeling it was just their office, not the whole nature reserve, but bless his heart, he took me to the part covered by Historic Scotland instead. And Honestly? It was absolutely brilliant! The only catch was, since we had our RSPB membership, we had to pay to get in here. But let me tell you, it was SO worth it for the boat ride to the castle.

So, here's the deal: there's free parking, which is always a win, right? But then, to get to the iconic  Loch Leven Castle , you have to take a boat; it is an island. It cost us about £22, which included the ride over to the island where the castle sits. Before we even took off, our boat rider (who was super lovely, by the way) gave us the lowdown: "Stay seated, no phones over the water, don't stand up until we've stopped," and the kicker: "If your phone falls in, I'm not stopping—we can't find it anyway." I'll only stop if someone falls in." Talk about a clear message. There were four of us on the boat, and we just sat back, soaked in the absolutely stunning views of Loch Leven, and before we knew it, we were at Loch Leven Castle itself. The castle is definitely showing its age and bits are falling apart, but the sheer beauty of the location and getting to actually step inside? Priceless. 

Now, let's talk about the history of this incredible place, because Loch Leven Castle is absolutely steeped in it. This isn't just any old ruin; it's a place with some serious stories to tell. The castle itself dates back to the late 14th century, making it over 600 years old. Imagine all the history these stones have seen.

But the most famous resident, without a doubt, was  Mary, Queen of Scots.  She was imprisoned here in 1567, after being forced to abdicate her throne. Can you even imagine? Trapped on an island in the middle of a loch. She was held here for nearly a year, and let me tell you, she did not go quietly. She tried to escape not once, but twice.  Her first attempt involved switching clothes with a laundress, but she was recognized by a boatman and her escape was foiled. Her second, more successful attempt, in May 1568, was much more dramatic. With the help of George Douglas (the castle owner's younger brother, who was totally friendly with her) and a young orphan named Willie Douglas, she managed to get hold of the castle keys. Willie locked the gates behind them, threw the keys into the loch (talk about commitment), and they rowed across to the shore where Lord Seton was waiting with horses. She was free. For a little while, anyway. It's such a thrilling part of Scottish history, and standing in the very castle where it happened feels good.     

A quick note for you fellow foodies. There  is a restaurant at Loch Leven, but at the moment, it's unfortunately closed. I'm hoping it'll reopen soon, because imagine grabbing a bite with those views. 

How to Get to Loch Leven from Glasgow or Edinburgh:

Getting to Loch Leven is super straightforward from both Glasgow and Edinburgh , making it a perfect day trip!

  • From Glasgow: It's roughly an hour to an hour and a half drive. You'll want to head east on the M8 towards Edinburgh, then pick up the M90 ​​north towards Perth. Take junction 5 (A911) for Kinross/Milnathort, and then follow the signs for Loch Leven. 
  • From Edinburgh: Even easier. It's about a 45-minute to an hour drive. Just jump on the M90 ​​north towards Perth and take junction 5 (A911) for Kinross/Milnathort, and then follow the signs to Loch Leven.

Public transport is a bit trickier, as you'd likely need a combination of trains and buses, so I'd definitely recommend driving if you can for the most flexibility.

So, there you have it. My birthday wish came true, even with a little detour, and I got to explore a truly historic part of Scotland. If you're looking for a dose of history, stunning scenery, and a unique boat trip, Loch Leven Castle is an absolute must-visit. Just don't drop your phone in the loch.

Address :  Pier Rd, Kinross KY13 8UF

In case of emergency, an emergency line and defibrillator are available on the island. Should you get stuck, miss your pickup, or if no one arrives to collect you, please use the emergency line.

Did I mention that we ended up signing up for Historic Scotland membership? Yes, we did. 

Distant view of Loch Leven Castle, emphasizing its isolation in the water.

Close-up of Loch Leven Castle's ancient stone walls, showing weathered textures.

The main keep or tower of Loch Leven Castle, highlighting its fortified structure.

An interior view of Loch Leven Castle's ruins, showing crumbling stone and archways.

A narrow stone staircase inside Loch Leven Castle, leading to upper levels.

View from a window or opening within Loch Leven Castle, overlooking the loch.
Melody Jacob smiling, confidently holding Chris Guillebeau's "Time Anxiety" book, ready to share her insights.

When I started reading Chris Guillebeau's book on time anxiety, a powerful realization hit me: I was completely guilty of it. With each page, it felt as though the writer was speaking directly to my soul.

For years, I avoided celebrating my birthday.  I'd ask myself, "What have I even achieved?" Is it truly worth celebrating?" I'd go silent, and if someone wished me a happy birthday, I'd feel nervous and anxious all day. Most of my friends didn't even know when my birthday was, and while those who did always wished me well, they never understood the deep questions it triggered within me.

I come from a family where everything I needed was provided. My dad was one of the best graduating students of his time, with many awards. Whenever I looked at him, I exuded such confidence ; he knew his field inside out, understood himself, and could speak eloquently about his journey. He has a loving family, of which I am a part. My dad always encouraged us but never pushed us beyond our limits. Yet, time anxiety never lets me truly enjoy the process of life.

I started working really early, driven by my own desire. My dad initially didn't approve, but he quietly watched me teach students math and English. Right after secondary school, I began teaching at a primary school. There was one girl who struggled with speaking, and her aunt wanted me to tutor her so she could attend school, as English was the language of instruction. I felt confident I could teach her, and you know what? She learned English and today she speaks it well. But I noticed that with every achievement, I immediately asked myself, "What next?" This constant focus on the future prevented me from enjoying the present process.

I graduated with a degree in General Medicine, but while I was studying, I also worked as a model and blogger, sold shoes, and collaborated with agencies to help international students travel. I wasn't lacking anything; my dad made sure I had all I needed. But I never rested. Some might say I was just hardworking, not letting my comfortable family background make me complacent. But knowing what I know now, I wouldn't have done it without truly enjoying the process. I was so fixed on the result that I missed out on the journey. I always had something to do, always a goal; there was no time to relax. I can't recall a single time in Ukraine when I went out to simply chill without feeling guilty that I could be doing something more "productive" than resting. It took me a long time to understand that resting is a crucial part of the process.  So I kept racing.


This birthday morning, I woke up with a bit of a tummy upset, probably from enjoying too many groundnuts yesterday. But after that first little episode, I felt much better and immediately started dancing and thanking God for this amazing journey of life. I prayed and sang praises. God has been so incredibly faithful to me, I can't even begin to tell you all. I am living proof that God is good and that He loves us. My heart is overflowing with joy! Some people are spending their birthdays in hospital beds, others are surrounded by loved ones but can't even speak, some aren't even aware of what's happening around them. But here I am! I don't take this for granted for a single moment. My heart is filled with so much joy. I know heaven has blessed this earth with me, and I know heaven is rejoicing with me today. I know God is smiling because His daughter is here, serving Him. I thank God for my life. I come from a family that is stable and deeply rooted in God's word. God placed me in that family, and I believe it's one of the greatest gifts He's given me. I am so thankful. God is truly wonderful, and He has given me so much that I can't even begin to express it all. Please join me in thanking God for the gift of life—a life of productivity, a life filled with love and heavenly protection. No evil can touch me. 

Dancing to music, I dressed up, completely overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. It's truly God's grace that has sustained me. My partner couldn't contain his joy either. He started dancing and put on a new shirt and jeans to celebrate my birthday. We headed out to get Greggs, but we also brought along my birthday rice that he made last night. After that, we went for a trip to Loch Leven, and I spent my birthday surrounded by nature. If you've seen my birthday wishlist, you'll know that I also wanted to get my hair done in a particular style, and I did. I'll be sharing more about Loch Leven soon, but for now, enjoy these photos. And if you noticed my heels, my partner also bought them for me as part of my birthday gift, and I wore them with my favorite yellow dress from Shein. I just want to thank God for a beautiful birthday that went so smoothly. I'm so glad I received wishes from my family. My parents are especially happy, and I'm just filled with joy. It's amazing how much joy I feel today. Honestly, God is indeed faithful. Happy birthday to me and to everyone born today. God bless you all.



UK top blogger Melody Jacob posing with Holland & Barrett Hydration products wearing a yellow dress

Alright, my lovely readers, gather 'round. Today, we're diving deep into a topic that, honestly, I don't think gets half the attention it deserves: hydration. Seriously, it’s the unsung hero of our well-being, the quiet powerhouse working behind the scenes that most of us are totally missing out on. And guess what? I've been incredibly lucky because the fantastic folks at Holland & Barrett sent over a treasure trove of hydration goodies, and I couldn't be more excited to share my thoughts with you.

Now, before we jump into these brilliant products, let's have a frank chat about why hydration isn't just about quenching your thirst. It’s about everything. Imagine your body as a magnificent, intricate city. Water is the lifeblood, the infrastructure, the very air that keeps everything functioning. Every single organ, every single cell, every tiny process relies on adequate hydration.

Hydrations essentials

Think about it:

It's astounding, isn't it? When we’re properly hydrated, our energy levels are better, our moods are more stable, our immune system is stronger, and our body’s natural detox processes work more efficiently. It's the ultimate balancing act for our entire health, and yet, so many of us walk around chronically under-hydrated, sipping on coffee or sugary drinks, completely missing the simple, powerful solution that water and electrolytes offer.

This is where these brilliant products from Holland & Barrett step in. They’re not just about chugging water; they’re about optimising that hydration, replenishing vital electrolytes, and giving your body exactly what it needs to thrive.

Official movie poster for 'Tyler Perry's Straw', featuring Taraji P. Henson in a central, emotional pose, symbolising the intense drama and systemic issues explored in the film.

You already know I’m all about speaking my truth, especially when it comes to issues that hit home and highlight the systemic struggles that Black communities face. Right now, there’s a film making serious waves, and it's not just a movie – it's a mirror reflecting the harsh realities many of us navigate daily. I'm talking about Tyler Perry's 'Straw', and trust me, it’s a must-watch because it cuts deep.

This film, starring the incredible Taraji P. Henson as Janiyah, is a raw, heart-wrenching portrayal of a single Black mother pushed to her absolute breaking point. It's a storyline that perfectly illustrates what I've been saying for ages: when it comes to Black people, it’s often "conclusion without investigation." The system, particularly law enforcement, seems to default to overreaction, causing issues and escalating situations that, frankly, don't need to be.

Let me break down Janiyah’s nightmare of a day, because it’s a masterclass in how society fails Black women, especially mothers.

Road opening to a digital path with rising traffic, symbolizing website growth and unlocked secrets for more views.

You know that feeling when you pour your heart and soul into an article, a blog post, or any piece of online content, and then… crickets? Or maybe you get some views, but you know deep down you could be getting way more? Yeah, I've been there. We all have. Whether you're sharing lifestyle tips, travel adventures, personal stories, selling awesome products, or dazzling the world with your wildlife photography, you want people to see it, right? You want that sweet, sweet traffic.

For some, the views trickle in, just average. For others, it’s a full-on flood! And guess what? You can be in the flood club. I'm about to spill the tea on four game-changing things you can start doing today to supercharge your article traffic. You might be wondering, "How does she know?" Well, my years in the blogging trenches have been one big experiment. I've tried everything, self-taught myself a ton, and picked up incredible tips from countless hours diving into what makes content pop.

Seriously, do yourself a HUGE favor and bookmark this post right now. I'm not kidding. If you put these strategies into action, I'm confident you'll start seeing a noticeable surge in your views within weeks, if not days! Remember when I talked about commenting habits destroying your website's reputation? This is in that same league of "must-know" info. To really make the most of this traffic-boosting mission, I highly recommend you also check out these other articles of mine. They'll help you tie everything together:

Alright, are you ready to dive in? Let's get this traffic party started!

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“A Soft Answer” Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Key Verse “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). Text —Proverbs 15:1-4 Message Two contrasting scenarios in the Book of Judges portray the truth of today’s text. Gideon was challenged by the men of Ephraim and his soft answer averted what could have brought a destructive war (Judges 8:1-3). A few years later, the quarrelsome Ephraimites met their match in an equally short-tempered Jephthah. He was a Gileadite from the tribe of Gad. Rough words flew back and forth, and a devastating war broke out between the two tribes. By the time the dust cleared, 42,000 Israelites were dead (Judges 12:1-6). Speaking the right words would have prevented that. The heart and the mouth are connected, therefore grace in the heart produces graciousness in the lips. Graciousness is the ability to speak words that promote peace and harmony in otherwise tense situations. Opportunities to exhibit grace or else bad manners will arise every day in the home, at school, or on the streets. Unsaved youths lose the battle every time; they speak bad words, show rude manners even to elders, they have no respect for anyone. Today is International Day for Countering Hate Speech. Quote The heart and the mouth are connected Challenge Practice graciousness in your speech today. Prayer for today Set a watch before my mouth, O Lord.
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