Photo of Assorted-color Soda Cans

Are energy drinks dangerous for you, even though they are popular?

Want to get energy from a bottle? You're not the only one. Energy drinks and shots, such as Prime, Monster Energy, Red Bull, and Rockstar, are quite popular, especially among teens and young adults. They drink them not just to have more energy but also to help them lose weight.

There are more than 500 energy drink brands available in the U.S. Each year, they bring in more than $25 billion in sales, and by 2033, that number is expected to reach $50 billion.

Energy drinks contain caffeine
There isn't a secret ingredient in energy drinks; it's largely caffeine that gives you a boost. Consumer Reports tried 27 energy drinks and found that the amount of caffeine in each serving ranged from 6 to 242 milligrams (mg). Some cans and bottles include more than one dose.
We visited Black Devon Wetlands by RSPB Scotland 2 weeks ago and I love it. We went on a Sunday and my partner picked the location, but before I tell you more about my personal view, here is the history of this place.

The story of Black Devon Wetlands is a real underdog tale. Do you know how some places just get a new lease on life? That's what happened here. Back in the day, the area was just a flood-prone patch of land where the Black Devon River met the Forth Estuary. It was a bit of a mess, really, a mix of agricultural fields and scrubby bits. But the late 1990s brought a turning point. There was a plan for a new flood defense scheme, and instead of just building a wall, they decided to get smart about it.

In a move that sounds so "of the future," the Clackmannanshire Heritage Trust started what's considered the first "managed retreat" project in Scotland. This was a response to rising sea levels, and in 2000, they created about 7 hectares of wetland with lagoons and a sluice gate to let the tides in. It was a huge success, even winning an award for its innovative approach. Then, in 2005, the local council stepped in and expanded the wetland as part of the Black Devon Landfill Restoration Project. They used soil from the adjacent landfill site to create another 21 hectares of wetland, including some little islands for the birds. This was a super cost-effective way to get the job done and it just proves that you can make something beautiful out of a "landfill restoration."


RSPB Scotland took over the management of the site in 2015, and with help from the Heritage Lottery Fund, they made it even better for both people and wildlife. They added a network of paths, a boardwalk, and a viewing platform, which is what makes it so easy and lovely to visit now. It's truly a testament to what happens when people come together to save and restore a natural space.

My partner and I were buzzing as soon as we got there. The air felt cleaner, and the whole place had this peaceful, quiet energy. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll. The nature trail is a well-surfaced path, so it's super accessible, even with a pushchair or a wheelchair. We just took our time, soaking in the views and listening to the birdsong.


Speaking of which, the birdwatching here is incredible. We saw so many different species! You'll often see waders like redshank and lapwing, and we spotted some swans and greylag geese, too. The RSPB says you can also see scarce passage wildfowl and waders, and in the winter, you might even spot hen harriers and short-eared owls. I got a real kick out of seeing a tiny wren scurrying through the brambles—it was like a little brown mouse with wings! And my partner was obsessed with a pair of reed buntings with their distinctive black heads. It's not just birds, either. The place is a habitat for invertebrates and mammals, and the plants are beautiful. We saw some gorgeous rosebay willowherb and hawthorn trees, and the reedmace with its distinctive "sausage-shaped" seedheads was everywhere.

The facilities are pretty straightforward. There's no cafe or toilets on site, so you'll want to plan for that and bring your own food and drink. The nearest town is Alloa, about a couple of miles away, where you can find supermarkets and other amenities. There's also no designated car park, but there is limited parking at the junction of Bowhouse Road and Riverside View (the postcode for your sat-nav is FK10 1BZ). Just be a good neighbor and park responsibly, since it's a residential area. From there, it's a short, easy walk to the reserve.

While looking for the parking area, we accidentally drove towards a spot near Black Devon Wetlands, but there was nowhere to park. Eventually, we asked a local, and they kindly pointed us in the right direction.

Like I always tell my partner—sometimes asking locals is better than using maps. The map isn't always clear, but a local only needs to point, and everything suddenly makes sense.

Lol, like we say in my dialect: “A person who asks questions will never miss the road.”  

It's so easy to get to, which is another reason I think it's such a great spot. If you're coming from Glasgow, you'll be there in under an hour. We drove, and the easiest route is to hop on the M8 towards Stirling and then onto the M80. From there, you'll take the M876 towards the Kincardine Bridge and follow the signs to Alloa. It's pretty well-signed once you get close. From Edinburgh, you'll take the M9 towards Stirling, then the M876 to the Kincardine Bridge, and again, just follow the signs into Alloa. If you're coming from Aberdeen, it's a longer drive, but still manageable—you'll take the A90 south and then the M90, before picking up the A977 and heading towards Alloa.

We noticed that some people are not picking up their dog poop, and honestly, it was not nice to see at all. There were several spots where dog mess was left behind, even though there were bins provided for proper disposal.

Some people don't seem to understand the essence of a nature reserve—it's meant to be a place of relaxation and connection with nature. It's upsetting to arrive and see things like this; it irritates others and takes away from the calm experience these places are meant to offer.
Melody Jacob wearing Stylewe bubu dress

I went out for evangelism about four Sundays ago, accompanied by one of my church members. While we were out, we met this lady at a bus stop. We introduced ourselves and spoke with her briefly, knowing she was likely on her way somewhere. We didn’t want to take much of her time, so we quickly invited her to church. She promised to come the next day, which was a Sunday.

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.

Stylewe Elegant Floral Loose Maxi Dress




Melody Jacob holding Cetaphil's new hydrating skincare range, including the moisturizing lotion, PRO itch lotion, exfoliating lotion, and oily skin cleanser.

Oh my god, what a week! From work to this to blogging—oh my, it's just a whole lot. But I'm so thankful for the progress, and honestly, I'm turning it down for next week; I'll just pick out two things to do outside work, and then after that, I will rest, and, you know,  my favorite thing to do is go to nature.

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.

Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser in a pump bottle, clear gel visible, designed for combination to oily sensitive skin.

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.

Person cozy under a white Slumberdown Wonderful Wool duvet, reading and sipping wine at Loch Leven Nature Reserve, with a peaceful outdoor setting.

My sleep pattern was absolutely terrible last week. Seriously, every time I started feeling sleepy, my brain would just decide, "Nope, let's try to stay awake for no good reason." And then, some nights, I'd just keep waking up mid-sleep. It was not a good feeling, especially when I still had to work. Ugh.

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.

A beautifully styled bed with the white Slumberdown Wonderful Wool duvet, emphasizing its lightweight feel and natural, inviting look.

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.

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