Feel Good Magazine Vol. 2

PlantingaSeed

Autumn is known as the season of abundance, change, balance and maturity. How does that filter into our lives?

In this issue of Unfiltered Talks we look what's happening over on the "40 and over bridge." Anything exciting happening over there? Well, read on to find out.

Have a question regarding pension and retirement planning? Get them answered in detail in our March 2023 issue. Plus a few things to think on while we wait.

Fun ways you can use pumpkin along with some interesting pumpkin facts.

EDITORS

Dawn Morgan

Marsha Dennie

WELCOME BACK to the Feel Good Magazine

I hope you thoroughly enjoyed reading Volume 1 and you're ready to deep-dive into this issue.

As always, my aim is to continuously provide you with the best and most substantive content, in relation to daily life experiences, that leaves you FEELING GOOD or better than you came, irrespective of the topic.

In this issue

Blessings, Love & Light

DEON CECILE DEWAR-GRAY Founder & Editorial Director

Let'stalkaboutgettingolder.As weagesomanythingschangeourhealth,finances,andeven ourlifestyle. Andthere'snobetter timetotalkaboutthisthannowAutumn-theseasonof abundance,change,and maturity.

Happyreading!

COCONUT HONEY MASK

Nourishyourskinwiththisunique,vitamin-rich maskformulatedwithpureColoradomountain wildflowerhoney.Liveenzymesandaminoacids keepingskinlookingsmoothandplump.Coconut oil,highinlauricacid,soothessensitiveskin.

REVERSE THESIGNS of Aging

ABUNDANCE

A U T U M N

MATURITY

AUTUMN:

Change

Autumnisamagnificentseasonwhen thebrillianceoftheoranges,browns, redsandhuesofyellowshinethrough.It istheseasonassociatedwith abundance,balance,changeand maturity.And,whenyouthinkfood,you thinkpumpkinandallthearomatic spicesthatpermeatetheairduringthis season.

Abundance

Autumnissynonymouswithabundance. Abundanceofharvestedfoodsand colorfulleavesthatadorntheearthwith bountifulbeauty.AccordingtoJohn Keats,it’sa“seasonofmistsandmellow fruitfulness,closebosom-friendofthe maturingsun.”Duringautumn,trees shedtheirleaveswithwildabundance, fruitsandseedsareplentiful;allgiving ofthemselveswithoutexpecting anythingfromtheworld.Whatifwe weretoembraceamindsetof abundance;acceptingwhatis,evolving regardlessofsituationsandsharingour giftsandtalentswiththeworld?Oh whatanabundantlifethiswouldbe!

Autumnbringsaroundatimeof change.It’sbacktoschool,timetoplant cropsandnewplants;andit’salsoa timewhenwemovefromthehotter summer,party-filledmonthstothe coolermoretranquilmonths.Formany personsit'satimeofreflectionand planning.MarkMoffittsharesthesefive tipsonhowtoembracetheseasonof change:(1)transitiontowardsstillness, (2)letthechangecometoyou,(3) practicetheartoflettinggo,(4)stay groundedinyourroots,and(5)seek outthingsthatnourish.

Balance

Autumnisatransitionalperiodwhenwe movebetweenhotsummerstocold winters;fromhighenergyactivitiesin summertoslower,moreslumber activitiesinwinter.It'sadelicatebalance totransitionbetweenthetwoseasons withoutitaffectingourpsycheandwellbeing.Usethistimetofindbalancein yourlife,alignyourlifestylewiththe paceoftheseasonandappreciate whatitoffers.

Maturity

Autumnevokesanostalgicfeelingfrom whichcanarisefeelingsofmortalityand gettingolder;yetit’salsoatimefor rebirth.It’sakintothegrowingcycles, whichinautumnsymbolizesripeness andmaturity,deathandchange.

"Autumn carries more gold in its pockets than all the other seasons."

– Jim Bishop

Who doesn't love a good sweater

BEST DEALS

Square Neck

Asymmetric

Floor-Length Sleeveless Pullover

Women's Dress with Big Bowknow

& YouOver40 Health

All the way into my mid-30s I was feeling like a teenager; I didn't have gray hairs; my knees didn't squeak; I didn't need progressive lens; I wasn't so picky with food; I wasn't so moody (hmmm - maybe I should scratch this one); I didn't have pimples or stray chin hairs; my butt didn't feel this heavy, and I sure as heck could hold my pee longer (trust me the little things count).

Then came the 40s!

Things just started to happen overnight; it's like I woke up one day and my six-pack abs had turned into a bowl of jello.

By Deon C. Dewar-Gray

Today, we take a look at some of the changes our bodies go through after 40. Albeit these can occur before 40, slowly creep into the 40s with us, or just never occur. I think we can all agree that we would prefer the latter.

Just try sitting on the floor and getting up.

Yes, I agree some of us are nimbler than others. However, for the not-sonimble, we start making that weird sound we use to hear our grandparents make, and we wonder, what the heck!

There was also a time in our lives when we could easily see our body parts, below our belly, without tipping forward. Some still can. Great! Either way, now is a great time, if never before, to start eating healthily and get some exercise in.

Body Parts Gravity

Plus reducing our overall weight, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staves off many of the common health risks such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

Weight Loss

In her article about tackling weight gain after 40, Bolin said that "our metabolism decreases about 5 percent for every decade we are alive." Changes in our lifestyle, for example, our activity levels and eating habits, have a lot to do with our weight changes as we age; this also includes hormonal changes.

Once upon a time, we could eat all the ice cream and cake we wanted, then do a 20minute workout the next day and all would be well. Not so anymore, at least not for many of us. Furthermore, for the not-solucky ones, like myself, this is when you find out about certain health issues - like thyroidism, which in my case makes it very difficult to lose weight. What that means is a 360-degree lifestyle change, taken in small doses of course to make it more realistic and manageable.

Get your health checks done and speak with your nutritionist and doctor to find out the best solutions for you.

We tend to start sagging after 40, mainly due to muscle loss. Luckily there are options available exercise for one, or surgical procedures to help with lifting, tucking and perking.

Vision

Let's just say this is an ongoing battle for me and my ophthalmologist - I still don't believe I need progressives! My desk wears them more than my eyes. Anyway, I digress.

As we get older, we develop dry eyes; we can't seem to do simple things such as threading a needle; bright lights affect us; reading for some has become more difficult (presbyopia) and the list goes on. As I write this, I'm having to, reluctantly, draw for the progressives because my eyes have now started to hurt. Sigh!

There are many other issues that can occur after 40 which we need to be mindful of and seek the requisite help if we start to notice anything out of the norm. Other vision challenges may include glaucoma, difficulty seeing after dark and macular degeneration. Pay Attention...Get Your Eyes Tested!

Hair Today

Gone Tomorrow

Hair loss is real! Both in women and men. This can be due to hormonal changes and imbalances, diet, stress, genetics, hair styling, autoimmune conditions and medications.

Check with your doctor to rule out any medical conditions and to get an opinion on ways to improve your health thereby possibly reducing hair loss. And if all else fails, cut it all off and rock that bald head! Most men are already embracing this look, some women too.

Collagen Loss

This is a natural cycle in the aging process.

Embrace it. Stay out of the sun. Wear sunscreen.

Smile more.

Be proud of your wrinkles, you've earned every one.

Runny Tear Ducts

Is it only me or do you find yourself crying for everything? Just the mere question, "How are you?" can make me burst into tears.

Hmmm. Talk truth, it happens to you to don't?

Perimenopause

Perimenopause - the transition into menopause. Hip hip hooray, no more monthly periods. True, but perimenopause has its fair amount of issues.

This is the time when estrogen levels start to rise and fall unevenly, which may cause our cycles to lengthen or shorten. Ladies brace yourself, if you think you're having hot flashes, you probably are. If you have difficulty sleeping, you can blame Ms. Peri for that too and, if your "vajayjay" is dry as the desert...just blame Ms. Peri.

Other symptoms may include headaches, random hair growth (like chin hairs), changes in libido (from zero to nuff), weight re-distribution or gain, mood swingsfrom anxiety, anger and unexplained sadness to uncontrollable laughter and crying - and then there is also some short-term memory loss. Exciting times ahead!

Changes in Smell, Taste & Hearing

I have bad allergies so my sense of smell has always been heightened, but I can tell you that it has certainly gotten worse in the last few years. Things I use to be able to tolerate I no longer can.

My taste has also changed. I've never really had a sweet tooth but it's even worse now. I can't seem to stomach anything that's sweet, mind you, that's great for my derriere, but a girl still likes her occasional slice of cake and ice cream.

As for the hearing, I've always just said, "I really can't hear you because I don't have on my glasses." Enough said!

Again, if you're having issues with any of the above, outside of your normal functions, go speak with your doctor.

Metabolism Slows

As we age our metabolism slows, this is a reality.

Exercising and eating healthy helps. Oh, and skipping meals is not a solution to our weight gain problems either; it actually worsens it by slowing down our metabolism further. Eat regular small meals and exercise. If you dislike exercising, find a hobby that gets you moving; gardening for example can provide a great workout.

Fertility & Pregnancy

Due to perimenopause, and other biological factors, it is highly likely that our fertility will decline and becoming pregnant may be difficult after 40. Not impossibleso "surprises" may occur.

According to Virginia Physicians for Women, "Fertility specialists quote approximately a 5% chance per menstrual cycle of getting pregnant naturally after age 40 vs. a 25% chance per cycle for women in their 20s."

In addition to that, if we do become pregnant, we are at risk for more complications, including, but not limited to, diabetes, high blood pressure, miscarriages.

As always, seek the advise of your doctor before making a decision.

Osteoporosis

Risk of Breast Cancer is Higher

MayoClinic recommends starting your screening at 40 and doing regular check-ups thereafter. Talk to your doctor about options and regularity.

I did my 1st mammogram & breast ultrasound in my late 30s because I felt a lump. I was diagnosed with fibrocystic breast, which is a common and benign condition. Nevertheless, I make sure to feel and screen on a regular basis.

According to WebMD, as we age our risk for breast cancer increases. And the American Cancer Society states that breast cancer is less common among men than among women, irrespective of race. Yes, men do get breast cancer as well.

The truth is, we need to get to know our breasts. Let's feel them up, do our screening, reduce our stress levels, get healthy and speak with our doctor. It's also important to know our family history. #feelandscreen

Osteoporosis causes bone density loss which results in weakened bones. So, for those of you who like to jump up and down suddenly, STOP IT! A sudden movement or dash to the bathroom can actually result in fractured or broken bones.

Osteoporosis can also lead to more incidents of falling, therefore increase your calcium intake through supplements or products fortified with calcium. Add exercise to strengthen and build muscle mass, and try to stay as healthy as possible. Make sure to speak with your doctor before starting any supplement regime.

Relaxing your mind and body

Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation can be caused by some of the other factors that affect us over 40, for eg. perimenopause. However, sleep needs to become our best friend so as to ward off the effects that sleep deprivation can have on our mental and physical health.

Here are a few things you can do to help the sleep along:

Develop a sleep routine by going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time (heck I need some serious help in this department).

Turn off the TV, phones, laptops and tablets at least 1 hour before bedtime.

Keep your room dark and ensure you have a comfortable room temperature, especially in the summer months. Drink a glass of water before bed.

Listen to soothing music or play "white noises" in the background to drown out all other distractions.

Alzheimer’s

"Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior." ~ Alzheimer's Association. More women are prone to develop Alzheimer's than men, and at an earlier age as well. This is due in part to the changes that a woman's body goes through in perimenopause and menopause, as well as genetics.

Manage Pains

Did you wake up feeling an aching pain in your leg and you wrote it off as the exercise you did yesterday, or the fact that you are indeed getting older? Rethink that. Yes, it may have been caused those things; however, it could also be a warning sign of bigger issues. If in doubt, go see your doctor.

Do not ignore your pains!

40 and beyond is not all doom and gloom, although the above would make it seem otherwise. Yes, some things will just creep up on you and you wake up a changed person. But for the most part, they all have signs and symptoms. Get to know your body and when in doubt, go get it checked out.

PROMISE YOURSELF TO:

Eathealthier

Exercise at least 20 minutes a day

Gotobedearly-getatleast6to 8hoursofsleep

Maintainahealthyweight

Quitsmoking

Reduce alcohol intake to 1 drink orlessaday

Take your required medication andsupplements

Wearsunblock

Moisturizeyourskin

Drinkwater

more

with Deon Cecile

Unfiltered Unfiltered Talks Talks Over Anything interesting happening over here?

There’s a French proverb, that says, “40 is the old age of youth…,” and I do notice that once we reach 40, we no longer say, “oh I’m 42,” etc., nope, we say, “I’m 18 with 22 years of experience,” and with some attitude, I might add. There’s also an old adage that says, “Oh, you just wait until you reach 40, it’s over the hill from there.” Also, some consider it middle age – a milestone. While others think that this is now the best part of life, we’re supposed to be much wiser, we would have been far along in our careers, started families and we should have our finances sorted, or at least getting there.

But separate and apart from all the above, plus all the known health issues and instances where you might not recognize your body as being yours, what are some of the additional changes that we experience during our 40s? Well, I took to the streets, metaphorically that is, and asked both men and women to tell me what their experiences have been like since hitting the 40s. And guess what? I got no responses from men. Yup, not one, well to be fair, I got one, and I can include it right here because that’s just about all you’ll hear from the men. They shy! He said he hadn’t seen any noticeable changes physically, however, he experienced changes on the positive side. That’s it! No further explanation, etc., but I thank you, good Sir.

So anyway, in this article, women opened-up and shared what their experiences have been so far. I wish I could capture the emotions from some of the conversations I had!

Let's Talk

Shattered Memory

Memory loss was the most common response received. One person said, “my memory is the worse; I pick up the phone then can't remember who I'm calling, I turn on the computer and can't remember what I was about to do, I climb the stairs and can't even recall where I'm going.” A lot of the ladies said that they’d be standing in front of the refrigerator wondering why they opened the door in the first place, then when they’re halfway to do something else they remember and turn back, not remembering where they were headed next. Most have also said their phones and notebooks have become their best friends - jotting down everything so they forget nothing. I have now, admittedly, taken a seat on this struggle bus. Sigh! Is there a tablet for this?

Well, Mayo Clinic sheds light on this by providing 7 tips they believe might help: include physical activity in your daily routine, stay mentally active, socialize regularly, get organized, sleep well, eat a healthy diet and manage chronic conditions.

Zero Energy

Why do I feel like this? I don’t want to do anything! Are you feeling like this too? Zero energy for anything? Yes, said 50% of the women who answered. According to a few of the women, they were ready to retire and go live in a hut on the beach or in a cabin in the hills; with a few cases of wine preferably.

Mortality

“I'm coming to terms with my mortality as I recognize that I may have more years behind me than I have ahead of me.”

“I opened up to my kids about my finances, so they know where to find everything in the event death visits me before them.”

One person said, “I turned 40 and all I seem to think about now is when I’m gonna die, is that normal?” Yes, it is normal, many persons start to think about their mortality once they reach a certain age.

The fact is, our mortality is inevitable, we just don’t know when. That’s why we need to live life to the fullest, be grateful for everything, love unconditionally, and make peace with whatever is burdening our souls.

And the changes continue...

Sex drive

Now this had mixed commentary, from the lost appetite for sex to the “Lord I can’t have enough of it,” to the dry like chip vajayjays; and then there are those who are stuck somewhere in the middle – want it but can do without it for days, months even. While some have chosen a life of celibacy. One lady said, “I feel like I’m raping my husband, I believe he’s going to start hiding from me soon.” I really don't think he will.

I've been through all of the above, except now, my sex drive is through the roof. I’m a walking, talking, ticking time bomb of sex-filled energy. In case you fall into this category and need help, remember you can always help yourself. Get you a Mr. Purple!

It's so interesting that we notice so many things after the age of 40. And, not only do we notice them, but we have come to terms with a lot of it. Here are a few more changes that were highlighted.

“I'm embracing my grays.” “I color my hair every opportunity I get.” Two different ends of the spectrum. However, for me, I'm embracing my gray hairs, the ones on my head that is.

“My over 40 experiences have been immense fun.”

“I spend more of my time thinking about retirement and preparing myself now for that phase.”

“I am enjoying more alone time.”

“I don't sweat the small stuff. Everything will work itself out and this day will pass and go into tomorrow where I'll have another opportunity to figure things out.” I really loved this one and really need to embrace this concept more. “More at peace with saying NO.” Isn’t this a beautiful thing? Boy I tell you, it’s emancipating!

“No longer interested in partying.”

“Hot flashes – it’s like a plague.”

"My way to describe it is, you’re on top of a hill looking down.”

Just remember, "when you hit 40, multitasking just means you can sneeze and pee at the same time."

Living a more purpose-filled life, enriched with happier moments is achievable. It may, however, require us to reduce our mental clutter, limit procrastination, and develop a selfcare plan all whilst truly trying to find out who we are.

FLASHBACK

GET FEATURED

What's your story? Do you want to tell it?

Will it make others Feel Good, Provide Hope, Educate, or Inspire? I'dbehappytofeatureyou!

ClickToGetFeatured

SUBSCRIBE & FEEL GOOD

ConnectWithMe

JOIN THE JOURNEY

One day you wake up and realize you're older and approaching retirement. Oh my goodness! What's next? Was I even prepared for this?

Don't be caught off-guard not knowing if you're ready for retirement. Start planning your retirement now and develop the habit of saving and investing to create a viable pension - your nest egg.

A Detailed Look At A Detailed Look At Retirement Retirement and Pension and Pension

When I was growing up, I never understood the concept of retirement, much less pension planning. I saw my parents working every day and figured, like my grandparents, they'd stop working one day and, well, everything would just work itself out. Well, that's not really the case. You must start planning early to ensure that your “nest egg” is safe and secure. That way you'll be able to, hopefully, live comfortably doing the things you enjoy, while taking care of those bills that won't stop coming until you die.

The truth is, save an except for illnesses and/or accidents, retirees seem to be living longer; especially women. Some are even more active than when they were younger. So, what does that mean for pension plans and retirement savings, especially when cost of living has skyrocketed so much in the past two decades? Well, it means a lot of things. Here a few things to think about until we deep-dive into this topic in our March 2023 issue with one of Jamaica's top financial institutions.

12 Things to Consider for Retirement

Contribute the maximum allowed in your pension scheme. Develop the habit of saving, no matter how small - daily, weekly, monthly. Start saving, keep saving!

Pay off loans and mortgages prior to retirement.

Plan for inflation - assume prices will always be increasing. Monitor your savings, investments, and pension plans to ensure you're getting the best returns. Improve your physical and mental health to reduce health care costs.

Diversify your portfolio - based on risk tolerance. Plan ahead, stay focused, ride the waves (don't allow your boat to capsize).

Cut your expenses (however possible).

Create a budget (stick to it as best as possible).

Create a wish list of the things you want to do during your retirement, ensure that you incorporate it into your investment planning. Get a Financial Advisor / Planner.

"You spend time to develop and nourish your dreams; spend the same amount of time, or more, to nurture and grow your nest egg."

Deon C. dewar-gray

412 Athletic SlimJean

PLANTING A SEED

Thereisapopularsaying,"Never underestimatethepowerofa plantedseed."AndasFabienne Fredricksonsays,"Thedayyou planttheseedisnotthedayyou eatthefruit.Bepatientandstay thecourse."

Buthowmanyofuswilladmitto beingpatientandstayingthe course?Impatienceformanyof usislikeawildfire;out-of-control andhardtotame. Nevertheless,plantingtheseed, stayingthecourse,having patienceandbeingconsistentwill eventuallybearfruit.

LouiseHayoncesaid,"whenyou plantaseed,youexpectitto grow;youdon'twait2daysand thendigintheearthandsay 'what'shappening,what's happening!'Youexpectthemto growbecauseyouknowthere'sa lawandaprocess,andtheseed willgrowifit'sintherightsoilwith therightamountofmoisture."

Howhaveyoubeennurturing theseedsthatyouhaveplanted foryourlife?Stickwithmeas ShawnAshmantakesusona journeyofthepowerof"planting aseed,"tocreateamasterpiece, usingtheanalogyofart.

Inspired by "From Piece to Masterpiece" by Shawn Ashman

ShawnAshmanistheFounder&CEOofTheArtofMotivation; she's also a Podcaster, Transformational Speaker, and a Jamaican Fine Artist who uses her creativity and talent to motivate,inspireandtransformlivesthroughart.

IT'SNOTALLABOUTMAKINGMONEY ALLTHETIME,SOMETIMESIT'SABOUT TOUCHINGPEOPLEANDBRINGING BEAUTYANDJOYTOSOMEONE'SLIFE THROUGHART.

THEANALOGY

The Sketch

“Whatisitthatyouhaveinyourhearttodothat youhaven'tyetstarted?Let'sthinkaboutthisas plantingaseed.”Whenyouplantaseed,you don'texpectittogrowovernightsowhythendo wethinkthatplantingtheseedsofourdreams shouldmaterializeovernight?Accordingto Shawn,weshouldthinkofplantingseedsas challenges.Forher,it'sachallengetoembrace hercreativeside,forhertofocusondoing somethingdifferentanddoingsomethingnew.

THEARTIST

However, she also cautions us about the dark underpaintings such as fear, doubt, and uncertainty that, though they can add richness to the experience, can also prevent us from planting that seed. Why? Because weoftendon'tknowwheretostart,orwethinkwhatwe'redoingisn’tright.

Start where you are, with whatever you have!

SHAWN ASHMAN

LUXURY

YOURFOCAL POINTSHOULD BEWHAT BRINGSYOU HAPPINESS.

The focal point

Thefocalpoint,inartwork,isthefirstthingthatcatchesyoureye-that resonateswithyou.Shawnsuggeststhatweaskourselvesthesequestions whendecidingonourfocalpoint:whenIdothishowcanitbenefitsomeone else,howcanthisinspiresomeone,whatisthemessagebehindwhatI'mdoing andcanthisbeusefultosomeoneelse?Andiftheanswerisyestothelast question,andusuallyitis,thensheencouragesustoputourheartandsoulinto it–"tapintoourhappiness,ourlovecenter,andfindthejoyinit."

Your focal point really should be what brings you happiness.

Splashes of Paint & Color

Whenworkingonourart,thetypesofpaintandcolorweselectadds uniquenesstoourmasterpiece.Inlife,thesplashesofpaintandcolor–theway wetellourstory,howwecommunicateandshareourexperiences,howour emotionsexudethroughourproject(s)-istheuniquenessthatonlywecan bringtoourproject(s).Colorinlife,justasitisinart,canswaythinking,evoke emotions,andisapowerfulformofcommunication.

Do your part and let God and the universe take care of the rest.

PlantingASeed

The details

Details in painting is when we add the fine prints, the small marks, highlights, more shadow, and create more depth; in other words, we makeitcomealive.

Some details are almost imperceptible, nevertheless they can ignite inspirationinothers,createasenseofappreciationandrevealabeauty oranessencethatmakesforamagnificentartpiecetothebeholder.

When we plant seeds in our life and start adding the details, we’re making our life come alive. As Shawn reiterates, “…take the time to improve who you are and what you do. Change your perspective on some things, embrace a period of fasting where you fast from thoughts, ideas, people, food, practices, etc., and start a fresh, give yourself an opportunitytogrow,giveyourselfasecondlife.”

We are all works of art.

Finishing touches

Ioncereadsomewherethataddingthefinishingtouchestoouroutfits makesusgofromboringtoscorchingandweladies,andmentoo,can appreciatethissentiment.Thefinishingtouchesbringeverythingtogether -thataddedpieceofjewelryortiepin;orinart,thatframe,thesealant, etc.AccordingtoShawn,whensheaddsfinishingtouchestoherartwork, forexampleframingapiece,“itlooksgood,anditpresentswell.”

Plant your seed

Stop making excuses

Commit to follow through

"Thelawofnaturedictatesthatnoteveryseedplanted willgrow,andnoteverygrownseedwillbearfruit,but somewillgrowandbearfruit!"

~DeonC.Dewar-Gray

Undated Deluxe Weekly, Monthly Planner, a 12 Month Journey to Increase Productivity & Happiness - Life Organizer, Gratitude Journal, and Stickers

HOW DO YOU PUMPKIN

Fun ways you can use pumpkin along with some useful pumpkin facts

FACTS

Pumpkinsareapartofthegourdfamily-likesquash,melon andcucumbers.

Pumpkinsarepackedwithnutrients;theyarealow-calorie fooditemandtheycontainplentyofbeta-carotene.

PUMPKIN ISA FRUIT

Pumpkinsvaryinsize,shapeandcolorandthereareabout45 differenttypes.

OhMyGosh-there'sactuallypumpkinbeeroutthere!

Didyouknowthatthefirsttimetheword"pumpkin"wasused wasinthe"Cinderellastory"?

PumpkinsgroweverywhereexceptAntarctica.

NativeAmericansusedthedried,flattenedstripstomake mats.

USES

Pumpkinseedoilcanbeusedtoreducetheeffectsofmenopause.

Steamedpumpkinleavescanbeusedforyourfavoritewraps.

Pumpkincanbesteamed,baked,roastedorstewed;hadbyitself orwithyourfavoritemeatsandsides.

Theseedscanberoasted-saltedor unsalted-andeatenasasnack.

BAKEWARE THE ULTIMATE BAKEWARE

Kitchen décor and organization have never been this easy! You're gonna wanna bake tonight!

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Ingredients

SERVINGS:

Makes 2 loaf pans: 16-18 servings

PREPPING TIME: 10-15MINS COOKING TIME: 45-60 MINS

No mixer required

2 cups Cooked, Crushed Pumpkin

¾ cup Melted Butter or Vegetable Oil

1 ½ cups Brown Sugar

2 tbsps. Honey

4 Eggs, beaten

½ - ⅔ cup Milk (milk of your choice)

3 ½ cups All Purpose Flour

1 tsp Baking Soda

1 tsp Baking Powder

1 tsp Salt

1 tsp Nutmeg

1-2 tsps. Cinnamon Powder

½ tsp Ginger Powder (do not forget this)

½ tsp Clove Powder

By Deon Cecile

By Deon Dewar-Gray Pumpkin Bread

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray 2 - 9×5-inch loaf pans with non-stick spray. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large bowl, shift and whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt together until combined. Set aside.

Step 3

In another bowl, use a wooden spoon to mix the melted butter into the cooked, crushed pumpkin. Add the sugar and honey, eggs, and vanilla.

Step 4

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to fold gently until combined. (There may be a few lumps - that's ok). Add dried fruits or nuts if you wish. Do not over mix batter.

Step 5

Pour mixture into prepared loaf pans. Bang pans on the counter to help remove any air pockets.

Step 6

Bake until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Check intermittently after 45 minutes as oven temperatures differ.

Step 7

Place pans on a cooling rack and let it cool for 15 minutes before unmolding to cool completely.

Tips

If you are using homemade puree, drain well before use. If you are not using honey, increase sugar to 1 ¾ -2 cups for added sweetness. Optional: Add more pumpkin for a richer, moister bread; substitute milk with orange juice; sprinkle top with unsweetened coconut flakes.

By Deon C. Dewar-Gray

Getting Older Is Like ... Getting Older Is Like ...

Lemonade & Chips

I know some persons are wondering how I can liken getting older to lemonade and a bag of chips. Crazy right? Maybe, but hear me out. What comes to mind when you think of, or consume, lemonade and chips? Let your mind run wild for a minute, or two. Did you think crispy, tart, salty, delightful, refreshing, sweet, and tangy? Well, those are just a few that came to my mind. Plus, you want to have them all the time, well, maybe not all the time, but more often than you should. Not to mention all the flavors that they come in these days, which creates a new set of feelings and emotions when your tastebuds get tantalized.

But, just as how getting older comes with an array of emotions, feelings, and health restrictions, so does having lemonade and chips.

Let’sfacefacts,chipsareacomfortfood thatmakemostpeoplehappy.Whenwe haveabagofchips,whethersaltyor sweet,hotandspicy,orsomeother flavor,ourbraintranslatesallthat munchingandcrunchingintodopamine. Therewardandthepleasure!

Idon’tknowaboutyou,butasI’vegotten older,I’veexpandedinflavors,justlikea bagofchips.I’mflavorful!

Forexample,todayasIwritethisarticleI feellikearegular,shmegularbagof chips–nottoomuchofanyflavor.

Ontheotherhand,yesterdayIfeltlikea, well,likeastalebagofranchchips–all thetangyandbuttermilkcreamyflavor hadgone.

Whenyouthinkaboutit,gettingolderis reallylikeabagofchips;youneverknow whattoexpect.Todayyou’rehotandspicy, tomorrowyoufeellikeabagofair,andon otherdaysyou’rethat,“she’sallthatanda bagofchips,”whichmeansyou’revery special!

Whatflavorchipsareyoutoday?

THE LEMONADE LIFE

Imagine,it’sswelteringlyhotoutside. Allyoucanthinkaboutissomethingto coolyoudown.Ahhh,lemonade!You smile.It’ssweet,alittletart,yetohso refreshing!

Aren’tyoulikethatsomedays?

Aswegetolder,wetendto,atleastfor me,showouremotionsmore.Some daysIcanbethesweetestlittlething withsucharefreshingaura.Other days,thattartbeshowingandyou’re goingknowit.

Nevertheless,lemonadeislikethe wisdomwe’resupposedtohaveaswe growolder;youknowwhenit’sgood foryouandwhenyou’vehadtoo much.

Know that you are the perfect age. Each year is special and precious, for you shall only live it once. Be comfortable with growing older.

CHANASYA SUPER SOFT FUZZY FAUX FUR THROW BLANKETS

Getcozyandwarmwiththisextremelyluxurious, soft, andfluffyplush fauxfurthrowblanket Theexceptionallysoftandthickfauxfuris perfectforsnugglinguponthecouchorbed, completinghomedécor, foroutdooruse, orameaningfulgiftforanyoccasion

THE BOOKAHOLIC JOURNAL

By: Deon C. Dewar-Gray Read : December 2019

"It's strange how you give the people you love so much power over you."

My Review

It took me a little while to get into the book, slow out of the blocks you could say, but when I did, I realized just how conflicted my emotions were and it made me so thankful for my education, my upbringing and the typeofparentsIhad.

This book was a constant reminder of how beliefs and one's upbringing can affect your entire life. How it can either give you energy, or suck the very life out of you. How it can make you question every decision you have ever made and doubt yourself beyond reason. How it can make you fearful and distrusting of your very innate skills and capabilities. How others can see your worth, when you don't even realize what those are orwhoyouare.

An amazing, heart-wrenching story about Tara Westover's childhood in Idaho with a father who could be classifiedasanextremistMormon.

Favorite Quotes

"Never again would I allow myself to be made a foot soldier in a conflict I did not understand."

“You can love someone and still choose to say goodbye to them,” she says now. “You can miss a person every day, and still be glad that they are no longer in your life.”

“My life was narrated for me by others. Their voices were forceful, emphatic, absolute. It had never occurred to me that my voice mightbeasstrongastheirs.”

"The most powerful determinant of who you are is inside you."

ABUNDANTLIVING

Unknown

PRAY Itisthegreatestpoweronearth

LOVE ItisaGodgivenprivilege

READ Itisthefoundationofwisdom

THINK Itisthesourceofpower

BE FRIENDLY Itistheroadtohappiness

GIVE Itistooshortadaytobeselfish

PLAY Itisthesecretofperpetualyouth

LAUGH Itisthemusicofthesoul

WORK Itisthepriceofsuccess

10%OFFFORORDERABOVE$49