Oh my goodness, I still can’t get over how joyful, grateful, and just plain happy I am about my partner’s birthday! We celebrated yesterday, August 19, and by the grace of God, everything turned out even better than I could have planned.
I asked him a few times what he wanted to do for his birthday, and he kept suggesting something simple, similar to what we did for mine. I really wanted to make this day special for him. So, the day before, I went out in the morning and picked up some blue helium balloons, a card from Card Factory that I later personalized to make it feel even more special, got choclates and some other little big things.
I also made sure to cook one of his favorite meals, party jollof rice. I had planned on using fresh mutton, but when I went to the butcher, they hadn’t cut it yet, and I didn’t have time to wait. I ended up getting fresh beef instead, and it turned out amazing. My partner said it was delicious, and you know what? He was right! I have to say that I rarely make bad meals. I’m just blessed with the gift of cooking tasty food.
I didn't want to wait until midnight to wish him a happy birthday, so I gave him his gifts and sang to him with the candles lit on his chocolate cake. We spent the evening together, enjoying some cold drinks and talking about how excited we were about his birthday road trip.
We had our hearts set on spending the day in nature, but we didn’t decide on a specific location until we were already on our way. At first, we considered the Inner Clyde Nature Reserve, but then I suggested going to Ben A'an. We left around 2:45 p.m., and since it’s a long journey, we knew it was too late for a proper hike. We drove toward the area anyway, but once we got there, we decided to turn around and head to a different spot in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
Our map led us to Balloch Castle Country Park, which is part of the Trossachs and has incredible views overlooking Loch Lomond. It was perfect. The park is beautiful and so well-kept. The castle itself is closed to the public, so we just took a few photos of it and continued exploring. We walked through the green fields and eventually found a spot by the loch (river) for our meal. We initially attempted to sit at a wooden table; however, the bees were completely uncooperative. The bees kept perching on us, and I was afraid of getting stung. So we found a quieter spot right by the water, where we ate our food and enjoyed some cake. We took more photos and watched the birds, ducks, and some dogs playing catch with their owners. It was so relaxing and peaceful.
Around 8:45 p.m., we returned, watched a movie, and concluded our day. We had originally thought about dressing up and going to a restaurant with a view, but restaurants here close early. We were also pretty tired, and I’m so happy we decided to just stay in. It was a perfect ending to a wonderful day.
I’ll be sharing more photos from Balloch Castle Country Park on the blog soon, but for now, this is the dress I wore for the day. It’s absolutely beautiful and has this gorgeous blue floral print that gives off the perfect summer vacation vibe. It's long and modest, but the breast area was an issue for me. It was so uncomfortable, and I had to constantly adjust myself to make sure I didn't pop out. If I had a larger chest, it would have been impossible to wear. It's a shame because the dress looked so decent on the website. I’ll be reaching out to the brand Stylewe to give them some feedback. Anyways, they get to read my review.
Use code JAC20 for 20% off.
I did my hair on Saturday, but it is starting to get a little rough, and I know why. I didn't use my usual stylist. The one who did my hair for my birthday makes my styles last so much longer. Still, I love how the photos turned out. The lush greenery in the background gave them an exotic, almost wedding-like feel. I guess I could pass for a wedding guest in this dress, so long as the chest is fixed.
Happy Birthday to My Love
Finally, I want to give a special birthday shoutout to my amazing partner. Thank you for always reminding me to live a Christ-like life, for showing me what true love is, and for loving me just for being me. Every moment we spend together is so satisfying because you don't mind what we're doing, as long as we're doing it together. God bless you, my love. I know the blessings for this new year of your life have already come from heaven, and I pray they have and are already manifesting in our lives. May you make heaven in Jesus' name, amen.
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A Picture-Perfect Day At Loch Leven: Love, Nature, And Tranquility
This year, for International Friendship Day, my partner surprised me with edible gifts and flowers, and the very next day, he whisked me away to the Loch Leven Nature Reserve by the RSPB. What a delight it turned out to be.
For the longest time, I thought Loch Lomond nature reserve would always be my favourite nature reserve, but Loch Leven may just be giving it a serious challenge. The reserve is embraced by mountains and greenery, meadows filled with colourful flowers, and fields dotted with cows and sheep. The walking paths became one of my favourite things about the place, offering both peace and discovery at every turn.
We didn’t walk the entire loop, but the parts we did cover were full of joy. At first, I told myself I wouldn’t take many photos. I snapped a few for the Slumberdown review, then he put the camera back into his pocket… until I saw a beautiful light-green seat. Suddenly, I couldn’t resist. I fell in love with the way the photos turned out. We kept on walking, and I told my partner I wouldn’t take photos anymore, but just as I raised my head, I saw the beautiful view of the mountainsides and the landscape. I asked my partner to take “just a few more.” He laughed and said, “You just said you wouldn’t take any more—I knew you would.” He is taller and had already seen the views before me. That playful moment still makes me smile.
The RSPB has done a wonderful job caring for this reserve. The environment is pristine, the visitor centre is well run, and the man-made ponds are shallow and safe. There’s even a children’s centre where you can get creative—at one point, you’ll spot me drawing a bird in one of the photos.
What makes this visit even more special is that we had actually been to Loch Leven before, though a different part. For my birthday, we explored the Historic Scotland side, home to Loch Leven Castle. At the time, the RSPB area appeared closed, so my partner took us to the castle instead. This time, though, we got to experience the part we had originally hoped to see—and it was every bit worth it.
Unlike places such as Edinburgh Castle, which is always overflowing with visitors, Loch Leven had just enough people to remind us we weren’t alone, yet far enough apart that peace and calm filled the air. Sometimes you’d walk for half an hour before passing someone else. The quiet, the fresh air, and the open views are what make nature reserves so special to me.
For the day, I wore my pink dress from @uoozee_official, which I’ve reviewed before on the blog, paired with simple sandals. I absolutely loved the photos we took there—they turned out romantic, adventurous, tender, and picture-perfect, a true reflection of the day itself.
Loch Leven has left a lasting impression on me, and I know it will be a place I’ll return to whenever I long for both beauty and tranquility.
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| Photo by Kaique Rocha |
Key Verse
“Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways!” (Psalm 81:13)
Text — Psalms 81 :10-16
Message
God has a plan, a path, and a purpose for each of our lives. It all leads us to our destiny. He also has a process to get us ready for that destiny. However, there are many people who lived the whole of their lives on earth without entering into God’s plan or purpose before they die. This means that a person may be born, live and die, without entering into the plan of God for his or her life. There are many factors that can lead to unfulfilled and unrealized destiny.
Among all the factors that affect or determine our destinies are our choices or decisions. Life is full of choices. Every day, God gives us the freedom to make choices about what we think is going to be good, or even best for us. Christian are expected to prayerfully make choices that are godly because for every action there is a reaction, and for every choice there is a consequence. If you must realize your destiny, you must align with the will of God and receive Christ as your Saviour.
Quote
Decision determines destiny.
Challenge
For every choice there is a consequence
Prayer for today
Lord, guide me in the choices I make every day.
By Higher Everyday Daily devotional.
I'm finally sharing a post on this beautiful Elegant Ruffle Sleeve Printing V-Neck Maxi Dress from Stylewe. I wore this on Sunday. I went home to change into jeans before a little life adventure got in the way of posting. I ended up helping someone move her things from a storage unit to her new apartment. She has back pain. Finding a taxi driver who was willing to help was a whole ordeal. One guy even said he thought he was just there to carry people at a storage unit, of all places. We started laughing. We ordered extra-large taxis from Uber and kept getting vehicles that couldn't carry luggage. We finally found a taxi; he was helpful and kind. Bless him.
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.
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.
This maxi dress is the perfect example of a trendy floral style. It's a fit-and-flare floral maxi dress that falls just right, even though it's a size small and a little free on me. The material is lightweight and feels airy, making it perfect for summer; however, it is quite delicate. Even a light strain or small prick can cause the threads to loosen, which makes it feel like the quality could be better. I recommend washing it gently by hand (not using the hand-wash setting on a machine, but actually washing it with your hands) to keep it in excellent condition. I do think the brand could improve the fabric quality to make it more durable. It's made of a lightweight polyester blend that's perfect for warm weather.
I can't stop thinking about this. I've tried to look at it from every angle to understand why some people behave the way they do. The human brain is incredibly complex, I know, but I just can't seem to grasp why things happen like this. This attitude, in particular, is something that really bothers me. It's an issue that affects us all in some way: some of us have to tolerate it, some of us are the ones giving this attitude, and some of us are the ones who finally decide to stop.
Why are there people who, no matter what you do for them, never seem to appreciate it? The more you do, whether they've asked you to or you're just being helpful, they make you feel foolish. They respond with a kind of silent attitude that reeks of entitlement.
I've had my share of these experiences, and I've decided to stop tolerating it. This kind of behavior can be found in any relationship, with friends, family, or spouses. But from my experience and the stories I've heard, it most often comes from family members, close friends, and loved ones. This is what truly bothers me: why do some people feel more entitled the more you help them? Why, for Christ's sake?
They never appreciate what you do for them. But the moment you stop, maybe because you no longer have the time or resources to give, they become angry. They stop reaching out. Suddenly, you're the bad guy. For them, it's all about what they can get. They don't care about the effort or sacrifice you put in; it's just take, take, take. They never give back. It's infuriating and a truly poor way to behave.
I remember a story a woman shared online about helping her family. She was single at the time and would assist her sister by dropping her kids off at school. She was working herself, but she used all her spare time to be an involved aunt. She even helped with family finances and bought her mom a car. But she noticed that the more she helped, the more her family seemed to resent her. There was no appreciation, and the worst part was the subtle, backhanded "thank yous" that made her feel so stupid. This woman did so much that it actually caused her family, and especially her sister, whose kids she helped nanny, to hate her. I could feel how hurt this woman is in that video. She said something that struck my attention. She said some people wish they were you. They wish you didn't have what you have. Instead of appreciating it, they envy it in their hearts and can't hide it for long no matter how kind you are to them.
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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.
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