The Haunting of Josie – a Book Review

Murder, ghosts, and the most dangerous seduction of all....

A 1994 novel by Kay Hooper

Kay Hooper wrote in a note to her readers in the front of this book that she always did love mystery, romance, and just a touch of the supernatural.  

In The Haunting of Josie she gives us Josie Douglas, who rents an isolated house called Westbrook. Josie has taken a year off from teaching to solve a mystery that has cast a shadow over much of her life.  As the story evolves, we learn about the mystery, but also find a bit of romance with the property's owner, Marc Westbrook, and that touch of the supernatural in the form of a special cat named Pendragon and a restless spirit who has an important message to pass on.

Synopsis

As Josie is unloading her car to move into her rental house, she meets first a large & friendly black cat with a name tag reading 'Pendragon'. A short time later she meets the owner of the house who is living in the cottage at the back of the property. 

Josie is instantly startled by her immediate positive impression of Marc Westbrook.  It must have something to do with the fact that he is “drop-dead gorgeous”. 

Marc explains that the house is named 'Westbrook' because an ancestor built the house back in the thirties and it's been in the family ever since.  As Marc & Josie get acquainted, she learns that the house  had not been lived in for a long time, since the death of his uncle, Luke Westbrook, 50 years ago, a well-known mystery writer who supposedly committed suicide. The house has recently been renovated and updated. 

On Josie's second night in the house, as she is walking from her bedroom to the bath, she is shocked by finding a man standing in the hallway. Her first thought was for how he could have possibly entered the locked house. Her next thought was that he wasn't really there; that he didn't look substantial at all. Pendragon also appeared to see this 'spirit' who reached out a hand to her, then vanished! 

With Marc's help with background on his 'uncle', a mysterious brass key that keeps appearing in different places, and enigmatic hints from the cat, Pendragon, they eventually figure out through strange coincidences that the ghostly visitor has a message that will explain this 'Haunting of Josie'. 

Summary

I have been a reading fan of author Kay Hooper for many years and own most of her books. Therefore, I know that 'Pendragon' appears several more times in a series of books by Hooper known as The Bishop Files. He is a very unique and special cat indeed. 

It was charming and a great deal of fun to discover Pendragon in this early novel by Kay Hooper, author of more than 60 books in both the Romance genre and the Mystery and Paranormal genres. And The Haunting of Josie was a fascinating way to discover Hooper's writing talents in both the romantic and the mystery, with a touch of the paranormal. Most definitely well worth reading! 

*Book Review of The Haunting of Josie, written by Wednesday Elf

+Images from Amazon and Pixabay

 The Haunting of Josie: A NovelCheck Price The Haunting of Josie - AudiobookCheck Price

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Father's Day Gift Bags Reviewed

Most often the gifts I give to my father, or that my children gave to their dad, are very hard to wrap in wrapping paper.  Gift bags make that wrapping job easy, plus they save time and eliminate the need for tape, which I may not have on-hand.

Both my father and my husband love flashlights, tools, books, clothing items, and many other non-square shaped items that are hard to wrap.  Unless they happen to come in a box, they require a search for a box in order to wrap them.  When there is no box available, I have been known to just wrap paper around them, but that makes for a rather ugly gift.  Many years ago, I started using gift bags for those types of gifts. 

Not only do the gift bags make a pretty gift presentation, they have ribbon or fabric handles that make them easy to carry.  Plus, they often have a thoughtful message printed on the bag, which eliminates the need for a separate card.  Of course, you can still give a card, it simply is not necessary.  

Gift bags have become as essential as the gift in our home.  We save them and reuse them.  That is something you can't easily do with wrapping paper. 

 

Father's Day Gift Bags

There are so many Father's Day gift bags to choose from that it can be a daunting task to choose just one.  Your dad will appreciate the gift and you will appreciate the easy gift wrapping option.

Some of the gift bags come with tissue paper, while others are just the bags.  Be sure to read the descriptions of the listing and order tissue paper separately if needed.  

 SUNCOLOR 13" Large Father's Day Gift Bag With Tissue PaperCheck Price Bomiloho 16pcs Father's Day Gift BagsCheck Price MAYPLUSS 13" Large Gift Bag with Card & Tissue PaperCheck Price

 

Read More Gift Reviews On
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Father's Day Gift Bags Reviewed by:

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Do You Eat Enough Fruit & Veg Every Day?

Let's review whether or not you eat enough fruit and veg every day. The latest research seems to have discarded the 5 + 2 that we were told we needed to eat - five vegetables and two fruit every day.  It suggests that we should be eating 9 fruits and vegetables every single day.  Now a lot of people would struggle to get that amount of fruit and vegetables in their day so what can we do?

The number one thing I would suggest is to make sure that you are adding fruit and vegetables to your breakfast.  I know that years ago I would have a breakfast that didn't contain any fruit or veg and then I basically had to fit my fruit and vegetable intake into the rest of the day, back then I rarely had an afternoon snack and my morning snack would be something like a sausage roll or a chocolate muffin.  Lunch would sometimes contain fruit and/or vegetables, but not always.  A favorite was a cheese, tomato and cucumber sandwich, but I would also sometimes have a ham and cheese or a tuna and mayo sandwich - aka no fruit or veg.  This meant that I had to try and get my (at the time) 7 serves of fruit and veg with my dinner which really didn't happen.  Now we have to make that 9 servings - "Houston we have a problem".

If you add some fruit and vegetables to your breakfast you start your day off making it a lot easier to hit your fruit and vegetables target.

I usually have three servings of fruit and vegetables before I even go to work these days so how do I do this?

I drink a Green Gut Glow drink first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and this counts as one serve of fruit and vegetables as it contains a scoop of Be Well Superfood Greens.

Next, I add fruit and vegetables to my breakfast whether I'm having an egg-based breakfast, oats-based breakfast, pancake or waffle-based breakfast, smoothie-based breakfast or salad-based breakfast.

Yes, I put salad-based breakfast in there, not something that is traditional my husband and I had a breakfast salad on holiday a few years ago and we absolutely loved it.

Let's go into more detail on these breakfast ideas:

• Egg-based Breakfast Ideas That Contain Fruit & Vegetables
• Oats Based Breakfast Ideas That Include Fruit & Vegetables
• Reviewing Your Pancake/Waffle Breakfasts
• Smoothie-Based Breakfasts Packed With Nutrition
• A Salad for Breakfast? Let's Review!

By the way, it's also important to get plenty of protein in your breakfast as well.  So what do you eat for breakfast?

By the way, if you want more tips for healthy living be sure to check out my Facebook Group - Healthy Tips to Feel & Look Your Best.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent ~ A Book Review

 Strange Sally Diamond is set to be the talk of the book world when it is published on July 18, 2023!

I love to read and I'm generally drawn to Historical Fiction and Cozy Mysteries.  But once in a while I like to stretch my boundaries and search for something completely new!  

Strange Sally Diamond caught my eye as a book that might interest me mainly because of the title.  We just found out that one of our grandchildren is on the Autism Spectrum, she can be a little strange sometimes and I thought I might learn something when reading this book.  Well, I did learn something for sure, but nothing that I had expected!  This book was a real eye-opener for me.

Well, it has nothing at all to do with Autism per se, but rather what happens when someone is so damaged early in life (by circumstances imposed on them) and how the human spirit helps (or hinders) the very fragile psyche of the individual in the outer world.

Strange Sally Diamond is that girl.  She has a horrific childhood that she cannot remember.  At the tender age of 7 she is adopted by the very people who "found" her.  So damaged was her mind, that no one was considered capable of caring for this youngster.  So the psychologist and the medical doctor (The Diamonds) who were working with her, were granted guardianship of this young girl and adopted her.

Sally is a reclusive person, by nature of where she has come from and what she has been through, and encouraged to be so by her "new family".  Much media attention followed her for many years after she was first rescued.  In order to help her the Diamonds decide to live in the country away from media attention while Sally grows up.

She has a loving relationship (in her mind) with her new mom and dad as they don't make too many demands on her personally.   She is home schooled and doesn't have too many friends.  Sally's problems begin when she tries to incinerate her father after his death in their home. He left instructions for her and she followed them to the letter!   Media frenzy ensues as Sally is arrested for this "crime" and she's no longer protected by the confines of the family home.  She only has a couple of really good family friends who have been with her from the time of her arrival on the family 's farm.  

Stepping out into the world for the first time Sally must learn to navigate a world she does not know or understand and really has not been a part of for most of her life.  Her new mom and dad had sheltered her completely.  After mom's death, dad kept her even more isolated from the "outside world".  But then he died too.......

The twists and turns in this book are enough to keep you turning the pages.  What is "normal"  and how do you help someone who is NOT part of that very narrow definition?

Sally has some help, but she also has a lot to learn both about the present, the past and the future.

You can pre-oder this book through Amazon and it will be published July 18 of this year.  It is a page turner and if you enjoy mind bending books, this one will keep you totally captivated.

I'm going back to re-read it once again, it is that good.  Mark your calendar or pre-order the choice is yours, but you will not regret reading this book!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reviewing Our Visit To James Herriot Country Thirsk North Yorkshire UK

 

We recently visited the North Yorkshire town of Thirsk. It lies about 22 miles north of York and 192 Miles north of London in UK. Thirsk is a beautiful market town located in the district of Hambleton in North Yorkshire, England. Thirsk has a rich history that traces back to the 12th century and archeological information indicates there was s settlement there 500 years BC. Its name originates from the old Norse word presk meaning lake or fen and is a very interesting place.

Thirsk is really lovely with a large market square, many independent shops, and great cafes surrounded by the most beautiful countryside. It is located between the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales, making it an excellent base for exploring the stunning natural beauty of the area. This review is about our experience of the town of Thirsk itself. 

 

View from the river walk, Cod Beck, to St Marys Church

Alf Wight The Vet and James Herriot The Author

It is also the place where James Herriot the writer and Alf Wight the veterinary surgeon lived and worked. He was born Oct 1916 in Sunderland and died 23rd Feb1995. He started working in Thirsk as a vet in 1940 after he graduated from Veterinary College in Glasgow and worked with Donald Sinclair for the next 50 years. 

The World of James Herriot, is a museum that honors the life and work of Alf Wight, the author of the books "All Creatures Great and Small". We especially wanted to see the World of James Herriot Museum located in Alf Wight's former veterinary practice, as it showcases his life, the stories behind his books, and the history of veterinary science.

 We took a self-guided tour of the house and saw how he lived and worked and it was truly fascinating and quite emotional to experience the life, sights and sounds that inspired the famous books and series.

This is the house where he lived and worked as a vet. The museum itself is in 2 parts, one is the actual house where he lived frozen in time in the 1940s with all the decor of that time. 

World Of James Herriot Museum -house on the right.  

The second part is how the series was filmed with the original sets. It is also the only Veterinary museum in the UK showcasing the various remedies and instruments used at that time. There is also a fun section for children or the child in all of us, where you can try out different veterinary activities and fun things.  

We were also able to see the wonderful car he used and a short explanatory film about his life and work which was fascinating. 

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All Creatures Great and Small

  

James Herriot The Author

I grew up on the amazing books of James Herriot and the memories of a Vet working in Yorkshire so I was excited to see the place where he practised as a vet and where the stories he later wrote about were born. He started writing relatively late in life. He had the stories in his head for a very long time and meant to write but it wasn't until his wife challenged that he would never do it that he started writing! 

I love all of his books and spent many happy hours reading them including he following with their published dates. 

If Only They Could Talk 1970

It Shouldn't Happen To A Vet 1972

Merged into one Volume called All Creatures Great and Small when published in the US 1975

Let Sleeping Vets Lie 1973

Vets In Harness 1974

All Things Bright And Beautiful 1977

The Lord God Made Them All 1981

Every Living Thing 1992

The Complete James Herriot Box Set is a wonderful way to start reading these books and a lovely gift idea

Then of course there was the wonderful filmed TV series "All Creatures Great And Small"

We spent about 4 hours there and I would strongly recommend a visit to this wonderful museum if you have any interest in James Herriot. We were able to take photos inside the house but as they are only to be used for personal use I cannot show them on this review. 

 It should also be noted that James Herriot also wrote wonderful children's books, based on his experiences as a vet all of which had illustrations. These include

Moses The Kitten 1984

Only One Woof 1985

The Christmas Day Kitten 1986

James Herriot Treasury For Children 1982

Bonnie's Big Day 1996

In addition, he wrote some books about his beloved Yorkshire such as James Herriot's Yorkshire 

People often wonder why Alf Wight did not use his own name when telling his stories of practicing as a vet in the Yorkshire countryside. The reason was that as a practicing veterinary surgeon, he was not permitted to use his own name as that would have been seen as advertising.

St Marys Church, Thirsk

We also visited the St Marys Church the heart of Thirsk where Alf Wight married his love and it is a truly beautiful church with a lively active congregation. It is over 500 years old and is of Gothic architecture. It was renovated during the Victorian era but retains its original character. 

The most notable and imposing feature is its tower which can be seen for 100 miles around and is over 100 feet tall. Inside the Church there are amazing wooden vaulted ceilings and decorated with ornate carvings. The chancel screen is gorgeous with its tracery and stained glass.   

St Marys Church, Thirsk

St Marys Church Timber Roof

Thirsk Blue Plaque Trail.

We finished our time in Thirsk by following the Blue Plaque Trail which highlights many and various interesting and important landmarks throughout the town. The walk around took us about two to three hours so there were many places of interest but here are just a few highlights for you. 

We visited the grand Thirsk Hall Sculpture Garden. Thirsk Hall is owned by Bell family who are opening their 20 acres of gardens and parklands to exhibit culture from different artists. The artists' work is changed on a regular basis and it was a very interesting walk around the grounds seeking out the various beautiful sculptures and talented artists work. It was a wonderful way to spend two or three hours. Again photos can be taken but are restricted to personal use only.  It is a family home and the family do live there.

The Ritz Cinema was an amazing experience. We arrived about 30 mins before the film was due to start and were lucky enough to get talking to one of the volunteers there who kindly showed us around. It dates back to the early 20th century and as first established as a music hall venue. It has been entertaining the locals for over a hundred years. 

There have been many changes of use over the years including a Bingo Hall before it was once again converted back to a Cinema in the early 1980s. It has been modernised and has comfortable seating but has a most beautiful art deco interior. It is now run by enthusiastic volunteers and screens current and classic films.

The Three Tuns Pub is three hundred years old dating back to the 18th century and is located in the market square in Thirsk.

It is a beloved building and over the years has been a meeting point for travelers, local businesses and farmers. Now it is a public House serving local ales and beer and food. It has a large beer garden at the back enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. 

The Golden Fleece Old Coaching house dates back to the 16th century and was a coaching inn stage for Royal Mail Edinburgh to London.

One of its most famous guests was Captain James Cook who used to drink there. It is very popular with people who go to the Thirsk races such as Jockeys, Trainers and racing enthusiasts. It is now a large central Hotel well situated in the market square in Thirsk.

Thirsk is home to the Thirsk Racecourse, which is a major attraction for horse racing enthusiasts.  Although we did not visit the racecourse. It hosts a range of races throughout the year, including the annual Thirsk Hunt Cup, one of the country's top flat races.

All in all it was a really wonderful visit to the town of Thirsk and would appeal to anyone with a love of the beautiful quite stunning scenery which surrounds the town, a love of James Herriot books and TV series, a slice of British history and culture at its best and just embrace a part of the world that is a joy to experience. 

More Travel Reviews By Contributors On Review This Reviews

More Reviews By Raintree Annie

If Only They Could Talk By James Herriot, A Book Review 

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Observing Memorial Day 2023 - Movie Review - The Outpost

Memorial Day in the United States is a holiday to honor and mourn U.S Armed Forces personnel who lost their lives during military service. For many, this day represents a three-day weekend, travel, and barbecues. As a young adult I thought of the weekend only as the unofficial beginning of summer. I didn't fully appreciate the somber meaning of this day until my own children were active duty and deployed overseas. Now I spend part of Memorial Day weekend each year learning the names of a few of those for whom this holiday was created. 

I read a book or watch a movie that highlights those who lost their lives while serving our country. I have a deep respect for those who choose to serve our country to begin with. Personally, it is important to me to learn the names of at least one persona KIA (killed in action) and to keep their memory alive.

The Outpost

Today I watched The Outpost. It is a war film released in 2020 and directed by Rod Lurie. It is based on the book, The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor by Jake Tapper.

The story is about an American military base in Afghanistan in 2009. The base is set in a valley fully surround by mountains. Not distant mountains but mountains towering over the base. Even a civilian like me knows that this isn't a safe position to be in when dealing with the Taliban during that time of conflict. But American troops are sent there because of the proximity to Pakistan and some of the supply routes coming out of that country and into Afghanistan. 

It is heart-breaking when this vulnerable outpost is attacked and the Battle of Kamdesh results in many deaths. This battle is historic for many reasons. I am not sure of any way that I can tell more about the storyline without giving spoilers. So I won't. I will say that, as an army mom, it gave me an idea of what our deployed family members went through with limited contact with home, deciding what to say and what not to say when that contact is made, and their "austere" living conditions. We know that our Armed Forces members are sent into harm's way. But sometimes it appears that some of the risk is preventable. 

This is a difficult story. But I believe it is an important one. When searching for recommended "Memorial Day movies" I found it listed on a military site. For that reason, I thought that the movie must be viewed as important or realistic - or both. I hadn't heard of this movie or seen advertising for it otherwise. 

This will be one of the movies I watch more than once. A movie I will probably add to my annual Memorial Day tradition.

Additional Links:

In 2019 I read Dog Company You: A True Story of American Soldiers Abandoned by Their High Command. You can see the original post here.

In 2018 I learned about the Bataan Death March in the 1940s and about a special reconnaissance mission was occurring in Afghanistan in 2005 (Lone Survivor). You can see my original post for that year here. 

In 2017 I read World Changer: A Mother's Story: The Unbreakable Spirit of US Navy SEAL Aaron Vaughn by Karen Vaughn. You can see the original post here.

I don't believe I have ever reviewed the movie Saving Private Ryan. I do not have the words to adequately describe that powerful movie. I do watch it every year during Memorial Weekend. If you have never seen it, I highly recommend it. 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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30 Ways You Can Prevent People From Renting Space in Your Head

Hey there! Life can be quite the rollercoaster ride, filled with ups and downs, challenges, and unexpected twists. 

Sometimes, our heads feel overcrowded with thoughts and concerns that don't serve us well. But fear not; in this blog article, we'll explore 30 self-help ways to prevent people from renting space in your head. 

These practical tips can help you reclaim control of your life and thoughts while embracing kindness despite the day's difficulties. 

So, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let's dive into this casual review about nurturing our mental well-being.

30 Self-Help Ideas for a Calmer Life

1. Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries with others to protect your mental space. Learn to say no when something doesn't align with your values or drains your energy.

2. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would a close friend. Embrace self-compassion during challenging times and forgive yourself for past mistakes.

3. Limit exposure to negativity: This can be a tough hill to climb, especially when life places you around this energy daily! But when you can, surround yourself with positive influences like uplifting books, supportive friends, or inspiring podcasts. Minimize exposure to negative news or toxic relationships that drag you down.

4. Engage in self-reflection: Take time each day for self-reflection. Journaling or meditation can help you gain clarity, process emotions, and understand your thought patterns better.

5. Focus on gratitude: Cultivate a grateful mindset by acknowledging and appreciating the good things in your life. Regularly reflect on what you're thankful for, big or small.

6. Practice mindfulness: Stay present in the moment and observe your thoughts without judgment. Mindfulness helps you detach from negative thought spirals and cultivates a sense of inner peace.

7. Surround yourself with positive affirmations: Write down positive affirmations and display them where you can see them daily. Repeat them to yourself to counteract negative self-talk.

8. Embrace physical activity: Engage in regular exercise or physical activities that you enjoy. Physical movement releases endorphins, boosting your mood and reducing stress.

9. Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities that replenish your energy and bring you joy, whether it's taking a bubble bath, going for a walk in nature, or enjoying a hobby.

10. Seek support: Reach out to trusted friends, family, or professionals when you need guidance or a listening ear. Opening up and sharing your thoughts can provide valuable perspective and emotional support.

11. Let go of perfectionism: Recognize that perfection is an illusion. Embrace imperfections as part of being human and focus on progress rather than an unattainable standard.

12. Learn from setbacks: Instead of dwelling on failures, view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Extract the lessons they offer and use them to propel yourself forward.

13. Practice deep breathing: Deep, intentional breaths can instantly calm your nervous system and reduce anxiety. Take a moment to breathe deeply and reset during stressful situations. I practice this technique several times a day. The best part is you can do this practically anywhere!

14. Engage in creative outlets: Channel your emotions and thoughts into creative activities like painting, writing, or playing an instrument. Expressing yourself creatively can be therapeutic. This is another one that works well for me. In fact, this one reminds me of a line from a movie called "Where'd You Go Bernadette" - " People like you must create; if you don't, you will become a menace to society."

15. Build a support network: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who uplift and support your aspirations. Engaging with a supportive community can fuel personal growth.

16. Avoid comparison traps: Comparing yourself to others only breeds insecurity and discontentment. Focus on your journey and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. If you master this, you will lighten your mental load by a ton!

17. Practice forgiveness: Let go of grudges and resentments that weigh you down. Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself, freeing you from the burden of the past.

18. Laugh often: Seek humor in everyday situations and make room for laughter. Laughter is a powerful stress reliever and helps shift your perspective.

19. Disconnect from technology: Take regular breaks from screens and immerse yourself in activities that don't involve technology. Rediscover the joy of being fully present in the offline world.

20. Practice random acts of kindness: Perform small acts of kindness for others without expecting anything in return. Acts of generosity not only benefit others but also nourish your own soul.

21. Cultivate a positive morning routine: Start your day with energizing and uplifting activities. Whether reading, journaling, or exercising, establish a morning routine that sets a positive tone. I start my day with at least a half hour of meditation and prayer.

22. Learn to let go of control: Accept that you can't control everything. Surrender to the flow of life, and focus on what you can control—how you react and adapt.

23. Engage in learning and personal growth: Expand your knowledge, learn new skills, and challenge yourself intellectually. Personal growth empowers you to become the best version of yourself.

24. Practice active listening: Truly listen to others without judgment or interrupting. By offering your full presence, you deepen your connections and better understand those around you. This one takes practice, but it's a freeing exercise to partake in whenever life gives you the opportunity.

25. Find a hobby or passion: Discover activities that ignite your passion and make you lose track of time. Engaging in hobbies can bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

26. Embrace solitude: Spend time alone to recharge and reconnect with yourself. Solitude allows for introspection and self-discovery.

27. Practice forgiveness towards yourself: Be gentle with yourself when you make mistakes or fall short of your expectations. Treat yourself with the same compassion you would show a loved one.

28. Set achievable goals: Break down your larger goals into smaller, actionable steps. Celebrate each milestone along the way to keep yourself motivated.

29. Embrace nature: Spend time in nature and soak in the beauty around you. Nature has a calming effect on the mind and helps put things into perspective. For me, it's bike riding or taking a nice walk.

30. Reflect on your progress: Regularly review your personal growth journey and celebrate your progress. Recognizing your achievements reinforces your ability to take control of your life.

Well, my friend, we've reached the end of our delightful review about reclaiming your mental space. Remember, taking control of your life and thoughts is a continuous process requiring patience, self-compassion, and practice!

By implementing one or many of these 30 self-help ways, you can build resilience, maintain a positive mindset, and prevent unwanted tenants from renting space in your head.

About Me:

Hey, I'm just a girl sitting in front of a computer, asking it to love me and help me find the right words (lol). In other words, I'm not a doctor or health professional, just someone who has attended the school of life and decided to share.

I've written several self-help prompt journals, available on Amazon; if you're so inclined, you can check them out here:

I Need Help Thinking PositiveSelf Awareness WorkbookWhy I Feel Good TodayWhy I Feel Bad Today

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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The Shell Stitch – A Craft Review

 

She Sells Seashells......

Inspired by the sea shore, the shell stitch is lovely for many projects, either as a basic stitch for an entire item, or as a border, such as for an afghan.

The Shell Stitch in Crochet

The shell stitch is a beautiful and easy crochet stitch that you can use for a variety of projects. This stitch creates a lovely textured and scalloped design.

This stitch can be worked in rows, in rounds, or as a border on a larger project.

The shell stitch is created by working a group of 3 to 7 stitches in a single stitch or space.  When complete, the grouped stitches flair out making it look like a fan or a shell. 

There are many tutorials online, both in written form and on YouTube which will walk you through how to do the shell stitch.  Sarah Stearns of SarahMaker has an easy step-by-step tutorial that teaches you how to create the Shell Stitch. 

Examples of Projects Using the Shell Stitch

Shell Stitch Baby Afghan Pattern

Sasha of SashaPatterns has created a pattern for a lovely easy-to-do baby afghan crocheted entirely in the shell stitch. 

Sasha also has a pattern for a baby blanket with a lacy shell stitch border. 

Both patterns are available in her Etsy Shop.

Baby Sweater in Shell Stitch

The shell stitch is not just for baby blankets. This darling pattern from the pattern collection at the Etsy Digital Pattern Shop is for a baby sweater, bonnet & booties done in crochet in the shell stitch. It's a 1960s Vintage pattern to do in a pretty shell pattern with picot trim. The pattern lets you create a pretty baby layette.

Shell Stitch Used as Trim

I personally used the shell stitch to create the 'scales' on a crocheted plush toy baby dragon.  He's available in my eBay Shop

Here is the baby dragon in a close up view, looking at my 'shell' lamp! :)

Shell Stitch in Knitting

The shell stitch can also be used in knitted projects.  You create the stitch by working elongated stitches into the Stockinette stitch – the knitting stitch which is done by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side. Then the elongated stitches are twisted and working together to create the look of a small seashell.

Instructions for the Shell Stitch in Knitting are found at the website KnittingStitchPatterns.com. 

Summary

Calling all knitters and crochet crafters. Choose a pattern and try out this really beautiful stitch known as the Shell Stitch.

Related Link:

• The World of Granny Squares

*The Shell Stitch Review is written by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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