We had actually had a glass earlier that week, too, and we both absolutely loved it. And here is exactly why I'm now completely obsessed with Mother Root Ginger Switchel.
When the brand reached out and sent me a box to try, I was immediately drawn in. The aesthetic alone is gorgeous—I love the sunny yellow branding against the dark brown bottle. It looks like a heritage tonic, and the logo is really cool, too! But the contents? That’s the real magic.
Before I get into the taste, let's talk about what this is. Mother Root is essentially a modern, premium take on a traditional tonic called a Switchel.
It’s an invigorating, non-alcoholic drink that is packed with potent, natural ingredients. Think of it as a delicious, fiery dose of goodness that’s great for your gut and an amazing alternative to sugary sodas or complicated cocktails.
The founder's goal was simple and brilliant: to create a drink that offers the satisfying, complex flavors of a cocktail but is non-alcoholic (0.1% ABV Alcohol-Free) and genuinely beneficial for your health. They wanted to deliver 'good feelings without compromise,' and honestly, they nailed it.
If you follow my Instagram, you might’ve seen the post where I shared my excitement about finally getting my copy of Hope in Action. But as always, I like to save my full reflections for the blog — and this book deserves it.
I still remember when the videos of Sanna Marin dancing broke out online. Headlines everywhere called her “the partying prime minister.” Politicians accused her of being unprofessional; others questioned her ability to lead. Watching that unfold felt cruel — a young woman leader being punished for simply being human. That noise made me curious about the person behind the headlines. So when I learned that Marin had written a memoir, I knew I had to read it.
The book, just over 250 pages, opens with her own words: “Hope is not naïve. It is a choice, and it requires action.” That line set the tone for everything that followed. Marin takes us through her early years growing up in a working-class Finnish family, raised by two women who struggled to make ends meet, yet instilled in her a fierce sense of fairness. By page 42, she writes about being the first in her family to attend university — and the quiet pressure that came with carrying other people’s hopes.
The most challenging section for me came midway through, when she describes those long nights during the first COVID-19 lockdowns. On page 118, she recalls sitting alone in her office at 2 a.m., drafting emergency decrees and wondering if the decisions she was making would cost lives. “Leadership,” she writes, “isn’t about certainty; it’s about carrying uncertainty with grace.” That line stayed with me. It reminded me that true courage often feels like doubt, not confidence.
The design is just dramatic and so unique. It starts with a super sleek, high-neck black sleeveless bodice that is perfectly fitted. Then, from the waist down, the skirt flares out in this gorgeous, voluminous way. The real showstopper is the hem: it’s completely covered in these bold, textured red ruffle rosettes that are so vibrant against the black. It gives the whole look this amazing, playful-yet-sophisticated silhouette.
A Quick Styling Secret
Okay, so real talk for a second: I ran into one little issue. I'm wearing a size small, and while the fit everywhere else was great, the seam where all those gathers and ruffles meet at the waist was surprisingly itchy against my skin. I honestly don't know what they did with the stitching there.
To fix it, I just slipped on a singlet underneath, and problem solved. Sometimes you have to improvise to make fashion work, right? But seriously, if you order it, just keep a little cami or singlet handy.
I was so lucky to catch that incredible golden hour light for the photos on our way back from Elgin. The warm glow on the paved path and the lush greenery in the background made the red and black pop even more.
I paired the dress with my sparkly high heels (a beautiful birthday gift) and kept my accessories simple with classic pearl studs. Of course, I had to match the energy of those red ruffles with a bold red lipstick—it just ties the whole look together.
I felt so confident and joyful in this outfit. It truly combines elegance with dramatic style. What do you all think of the color combo? Let me know your favorite part of the look.
I'm sure you've all been there. That one week where your head is just pounding from stress. It's one thing after another: a work task, a doctor's appointment, a commitment you can't get out of... It's just so much. And all you can do is wait for the weekend to get here, but it's just crawling by. It's Tuesday and you're already thinking, "Okay, I need to breathe. I need to relax. Friday, where are you?!"
For those of us with a 9-to-5 or more, it feels like we're just running on a treadmill all week, telling ourselves, "Friday is coming." When you get home from work, all you want to do is sleep. You can't even get through your favorite show or reply to blog comments. All you want is to eat, shower, brush your teeth, and crash. Then you wake up the next morning and do it all over again, just silently wishing for the weekend to arrive.
That was me all last week. Seriously, I could not wait for the weekend to come. It was just too much. But I found something that has helped me ease the stress, and the psychology behind it is actually pretty amazing. Mangatopia, illustrated by Liv Wan. It made me wonder: Why do children love coloring so much, and why do adults need it?
One of the most confusing things I noticed was during our friendly debates. We'd argue about an issue, like health statistics in a particular country, and she would debate while clearly reading from her phone, as if we didn't notice. We were arguing about what we'd already read, but she'd be looking up facts in real-time, often switching to an entirely different, unrelated topic mid-argument. It was so draining, and it always left me feeling dismissed and incredibly frustrated.
I read Shanna Pearson's book, Invisible ADHD: Proven Mood and Life Management for Smart Yet Scattered Women, an educative read. Published in late 2025, this isn't just another textbook; it's a compassionate and practical guide that bridges the gap between clinical knowledge and lived experience. Pearson, a seasoned ADHD coach with a background in psychology, has created a resource that speaks directly to the often-misunderstood presentation of ADHD in women.
The book is an absolute game-changer because it moves beyond the stereotypes of inattentive or hyperactive types and goes into the nuanced, "invisible" symptoms that many women, and even some men, experience. It reframes what we think of as disorganization or flightiness as a result of a neurodivergent brain struggling with executive functions.
Pearson's approach is both validating and empowering. She explains that it’s not a character flaw but rather a neurological difference that can be managed with the right tools. The book provides over 100 practical strategies for everything from managing emotional dysregulation to structuring daily life. To help you understand its core concepts, here's a simplified table illustrating a few key examples from the book.
| Common Behavior | Underlying ADHD Challenge | Pearson's Practical Tool |
| Forgetting appointments/tasks | Poor working memory and task initiation. | "The Two-Minute Rule": If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately to prevent it from being forgotten. |
| Emotional outbursts or overreactions | Emotional dysregulation. The brain struggles to filter and process intense feelings. | "The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique": A simple mindfulness exercise to quickly anchor yourself in the present and regain control. |
| Chronic disorganization/messiness | Difficulty with long-term planning and sustained attention. | "The 'Clutter-Free' Hotspot": Designate one small area (like a bedside table) to always keep clear, providing a visual cue of control. |
The Path to Solutions: What I Learned from the Book
Beyond simply validating the "why," Pearson's book provides a powerful "how." She offers a treasure trove of practical, everyday solutions that don't rely on willpower but on working with the ADHD brain's natural wiring. It's like being handed a user's manual for a brilliant but sometimes chaotic operating system.
- "The Brain Dump": Instead of trying to hold on to a dozen different thoughts, a person with ADHD can simply write them all down on a piece of paper or in a note-taking app. This frees up mental space and prevents that overwhelming feeling of having too much to do at once. It's like clearing out your computer's RAM so it can run faster.
- Creating a "Command Center": This is a designated, highly visible spot where all essential items like keys, wallet, and phone live. The idea is to make it impossible to lose them, as there is only one place to look. This might mean a specific hook by the door for keys or a tray for phones, so they don't spend twenty minutes searching for them, wasting time.
- "The Two-Minute Rule": This simple idea is deceptively effective. If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This could be putting a dish in the dishwasher, sending a quick email, or taking out the trash. These small, completed tasks provide a tiny hit of dopamine and build momentum, making it easier to tackle bigger projects.
- "Body Doubling": This is the concept of doing a task alongside someone else to stay focused. For many with ADHD, simply being in the presence of another person who is also working can help them stay on task. This might explain why my friend can't focus alone but can get things done while on the phone with me. It creates a gentle, external sense of accountability that bypasses the internal struggle.
But before all that, I was absolutely rocking this dress. The wind was just perfect for making my photos look extra flattering. The model on the website looks great, but I think the photos were edited a bit more, making the dress slightly different; you might not even notice it. I’ll let you be the judge.
However, as we walked away, she called me back and explained that she had an appointment she couldn’t miss. She said, “I can't make it this Sunday, but I promise I’ll come next Sunday.” And you know what? She kept her word. The following Sunday, she called me and said she was ready to come to church. We picked her up and went to church together. Thereafter, she wasn’t able to come last Sunday, but this Sunday, she came again. We picked her up and dropped her off.
I’m so happy—truly happy. I don’t even know how joyful heaven must be, but I believe it’s rejoicing. I was a bit worried when she didn’t come last Sunday. Later, when I checked in with her, she said she had just been busy, but all was well. I was pleased she was fine.
Now, she’s become a part of the church. She even moved to a new address that's closer to the church. She's happy and feels a sense of community and love. I'm so thankful for her life. Honestly, I’m sharing this testimony because I see evangelism as a spiritual battle. It’s not something we do in our own strength—we must go out led by the Holy Spirit.
That day we met her, she was calm and open. She even said, “I love how respectful and kind you were when you approached me. You spoke to me in such a lovely way.” That openness made all the difference.
So, ladies and gentlemen, we have a new member in our church, and I’m truly glad to have been part of the beginning of her journey. It feels like planting a seed and watching it bloom—it brings so much joy.
If you’re going out for evangelism, I encourage you: ask the Holy Spirit to lead you. Give people the pamphlets you have, invite them to your church, and trust that the Holy Spirit will do the convincing. You are just a vessel to plant the seed—God will bring the increase. And when it falls on good soil, it will grow, and they will come to God.
By the way, if you’ve been wondering about my dress—I'm wearing a dress by Stylewe; where I come from, this style is called a bubu dress. This particular design is known as the Elegant Floral Loose Maxi Dress. I love the style and the fit. While the color looks slightly different from how it appeared on the website, the size and overall look match what was advertised, and I’m very pleased with it.
As we begin this new week, I want to pray for you:
May God bless the work of your hands. May every good request you bring before Him be answered. May you experience breakthroughs in all you do. May God lift you high, protect your family, and cause nothing to be lost from you.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Anyways, I received some fantastic new products that I've been absolutely loving and incorporating into my routine. As you all know, I always try out products thoroughly before I share my honest review on the blog. So, let's dive right in!
The brand I'm raving about today is Cetaphil, and specifically, their incredible new product line. Cetaphil, a brand trusted by dermatologists for over 75 years, has been a staple in skincare for sensitive skin since its inception in 1947. Developed by a pharmacist, the original Cetaphil Cleansing Lotion (now known as Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser) was designed to be gentle yet effective, making it a go-to for those with delicate or compromised skin barriers. Their philosophy has always been about providing simple, effective, and dermatologist-recommended solutions. This new line truly embodies that legacy, and I'm so glad I'm one of the early birds to try it out and give my genuine opinion about it.
Let's talk products!
1. Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion for Normal to Dry, Sensitive Skin
This product is a standout. It soothes the skin and protects it from dryness for up to 48 hours. But let me tell you, I have tried it and it lasts more than 48 hours because I've truly put it to the test. This lightweight, non-greasy lotion is specifically formulated with a powerful blend of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Avocado Oil , and Vitamin E.
Key Ingredients & Benefits:
Niacinamide: Known for its skin-strengthening properties, helping to restore the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Avocado Oil: A rich source of fatty acids and vitamins, providing deep nourishment and helping to lock in moisture.
Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental damage.
This 236 ml bottle is a skincare essential. It's clinically proven to fully restore your skin's natural moisture barrier in just one week. The addition of Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) alongside Niacinamide and Vitamin E truly boosts its effectiveness. There's no added fragrance, it doesn't clog pores, and I've experienced absolutely no irritation whatsoever – no bumps, no form of itch. It's just really, really good.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this for anyone looking for an affordable yet incredibly effective skincare solution that's suitable for all skin types. This is truly one of the best moisturizing products I've tried in a long time, especially because the hydration lasts for so long. I really hope they keep this formula exactly as it is because sometimes new brands change things up, but this one is pure perfection. You can apply it all over your face and body for intense hydration. This one works, and I’m giving it a solid 10 over 10.
2. Cetaphil PRO Itch Prone Skin Moisturizing Lotion for Sensitive, Dry or Very Dry Skin
Moving on to another fantastic product, this one is specifically designed for sensitive, dry, or very dry skin, and it's even suitable for eczema-prone skin. It actively strengthens and protects your skin's natural barrier.
Key Ingredients & Benefits:
Ceramide Complex: This is the star ingredient here. Ceramides are essential lipids found naturally in the skin barrier. This complex helps to replenish the natural protective lipids, which are crucial for a healthy, intact skin barrier, especially in conditions like eczema.
Highly effective moisturizing ingredients: A combination of emollients and humectants work synergistically to provide intense hydration.
Recommended by dermatologists, this product is clinically proven to increase the moisture content of dry skin for 24 hours after just one application. It helps skin feel soft, smooth, and less sensitive, and crucially, it helps to soothe that uncomfortable itchy feeling often associated with dry skin. It's suitable for all ages, won't clog your pores, is fragrance-free, and is hypoallergenic.
Directions for Use: Apply daily as required, especially after bathing or showering. For a comprehensive dry skincare regimen, it’s best used alongside the Cetaphil PRO Itch Prone Skin Body Wash.
Now, my personal experience with this one: I have a particular part of my leg that has been itching me, but anytime I apply this product, that itch stops. I’ve been using different creams on that area, but they haven’t had a long-lasting effect. So far, I love the immediate relief; I haven’t had that itch since I applied it yesterday. I still see that the bumps are there, but they’re a bit fainter than before, so I’m continuing to try this product. I would say that if you have an itch, this product will instantly relieve it, but I am still monitoring whether it will completely clear the bumps in the small area of my leg. I will continue using this product and will update you after I finish it.
What I will say is that the moisturization for this one lasts for 24 hours. So, if you want a longer moisturization time, you definitely need to go for the Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion for Normal to Dry, Sensitive Skin (the one I talked about first) that lasts for 48 hours – it actually lasts for more than 48 hours. If you’re looking for really deep, long-lasting moisturization, that’s your go-to.
But thankfully, this week is different and better. I got a brand new duvet and pillows, and honestly, sometimes it's those little changes that just spark a massive amount of joy and relaxation. I know part of it is just my love for all things new (and okay, yes, these were sent to me), but genuinely, the material they've used in this duvet and the pillows is just so incredibly mild and soft on the skin. And the two pillows? Oh my goodness, they feel like pure heaven when I sink my head into them.
I seriously appreciate when brands actually put in the work when it comes to bedtime accessories. I've got one pillow I just hug, and the other one perfectly cradles my head, all snuggled under the duvet. I don't even know how to properly explain it, but it's just... fluffy, soft, mild, trendy, and friendly! Yep, that's the best way I can describe it. And honestly, I've been sleeping way better since the very first night I started using my new Slumberdown duvet and pillows. It's been bliss.
There are different duvets on the website, but if you specifically want to try out mine, it is called a "wonderful wool duvet." I have the queen size, which should be the superking size.
We all have those nights where sleep just doesn't happen, right? But sleep deprivation? That's a whole different ballgame. Seriously, not getting enough shut-eye can really mess with your health and well-being, from making you gain weight to even increasing your risk of a heart attack.
Basically, sleep deprivation comes in two flavors: complete or partial, depending on how much sleep you're actually missing. And honestly, both types can hit you with similar mental and physical effects.
Complete sleep deprivation: This is when you just don't sleep at all – like pulling an all-nighter. You know, usually, we're up for about 16 or 17 hours before hitting the hay. But once you push past that, you go from feeling a bit tired to absolutely wiped out. Even simple stuff starts feeling impossible.
It's pretty wild, but studies on things like hand-eye coordination show that this kind of sleep deprivation can be as bad as being drunk. Imagine, 24 hours awake can make you as impaired as having a blood alcohol content of 0.10%! Yikes.
I was at Black Devon Wetlands yesterday, finding my absolute happy place in nature, totally lost in Tim Winton's incredible novel, "Juice." Seriously, there's nothing quite like reading surrounded by lush, beautiful nature and the gentle sounds of water. I even wore my black dress, and it felt so peaceful just soaking it all in. How I love reading in nature – it just makes everything feel more profound.
And speaking of profound, let's talk about "Juice" by Tim Winton. Published in 2024, this book is a powerful, almost prophetic, piece of climate fiction from the brilliant Australian author. It's not a light read, but wow, does it make you think.
The story drops you into a dystopian future Australia, a world ravaged by extreme heat and the devastating consequences of past capitalist exploitation. Imagine summers so brutal you have to live underground just to survive! The narrative kicks off with our unnamed protagonist, a man, and a silent, traumatized young girl, on the run. They stumble upon an abandoned mine site, only to be captured by a mysterious "bowman." The entire sprawling story unfolds as the narrator, in a desperate bid to save himself and the girl, recounts his entire life story to this captor.
He tells of growing up in a harsh but frugal agrarian commune with his stern mother, learning to survive in this new, unforgiving landscape. But as the world continues to deteriorate, he finds himself drawn into a shadowy organization known as "The Service." Their mission? To "acquit" – which is a chilling euphemism for assassinating – the remaining billionaires and corporate figures who were responsible for the climate collapse, the architects of what Winton calls "fossil capitalism."
Winton doesn't shy away from the harsh truths of this future, but what really got to me was the raw, desperate hope for survival that ran through every page, even in the worst times. It's about how strong the human spirit is and how it can be both very harsh and very loving when pushed to the very edge. The title "Juice" is so smart since it means more than simply energy (like fossil fuels). It also means the will and vital force you need to keep going.
If you're anything like me, you probably have a shelf groaning under the weight of cookbooks. And while I love scrolling through online recipes, there's something truly special about a physical cookbook. It's not just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it's an invitation to explore, to expand your culinary mindset, and to genuinely boost your cooking skills. That's exactly what I found with Jesse Jenkins' Cooking with Vegetables.
This isn't just another vegetarian cookbook, which is fantastic because I'm not strictly veggie, but I'm always looking for ways to make vegetables the hero of my plate. Jesse Jenkins, with his laid-back Californian vibe mixed with serious culinary chops, shows you how to treat vegetables with the same respect and bold flavour energy usually reserved for meat. He chars, grills, caramelises, and infuses them with so much flavour that you'll forget they were ever a "side dish." It's truly a game-changer for anyone wanting to inject more exciting veg into their meals. The way he organises the book by vegetable type is brilliant too – super easy to grab whatever's in season or needs using up from the fridge.
After diving deep into Cooking with Vegetables, I've definitely got my top five go-to recipes that have genuinely elevated my kitchen game.
Sometimes, we all need a little nudge, a fresh perspective, or a spark to ignite our spirit. For me, inspiration often comes from the simple beauty of nature, the unwavering support of my family, and, most profoundly, through prayer and seeking that fresh anointing. It’s in those moments that everything just clicks and makes sense.
That's why I'm so excited to share with you something that perfectly aligns with this philosophy: The Poetry Prescription series by the incredible Deborah Alma. You might know Deborah as the "Emergency Poet," who famously offered "poetry on prescription" from her vintage ambulance, and as the founder of The Poetry Pharmacy in Shropshire and London. Her vision is all about making poetry accessible and a powerful tool for healing and inspiration, bringing it directly to where people need it most. She truly believes poetry is an art form for everyone, capable of bringing deep comfort and insight, much like music or painting.
I've been fortunate enough to receive a bundle of her latest two books in this collectible, pocketable series: Inspiration, designed to boost creativity, and First Aid, a soothing balm for wellbeing and mental health. Let me tell you, these aren't just books; they're little packets of solace and sparks, beautifully curated to touch your soul. Along with these treasures, I also received some of The Poetry Pharmacy's famous prescription pills (don't worry, they're chocolate!), and a notepad – perfect for jotting down my own thoughts inspired by these verses.
- Furnaces or boilers
- Water heaters
- Gas stoves or ovens
- Fireplaces
- Clothes dryers
- Portable generators (especially dangerous if used indoors or too close to windows)
- Car exhausts (if a vehicle is running in an attached garage, for instance)
- Mild headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion or disorientation
- Blurred vision
- As CO levels increase or exposure time lengthens, symptoms worsen to include:
- Severe headache
- Vertigo
- Weakness
- Loss of consciousness
- Collapse
- Brain damage
- Coma and death