How to Style Route One Black Cargo Pants

One thing I’ve decided is to always look good when visiting any tourist attraction, and yes, it pays to look good because when you look good, you feel good.

Last Saturday, I went to visit the Govan Stones with my partner, and it was a lovely tour. Today, I’ll be sharing what I wore and keeping this post simple. Later next week, I’ll share my entire tour of the Govan Stones and other places we visited. I’m super excited to share this with you as it is historic and, in my opinion, interesting.

I changed in the car because I knew the weather could get cold and unpredictable—one minute it’s cold, and the next, it’s raining and windy. I wore this pink short outfit to the second location, but since the first location we visited was a church, I wore black cargo pants from Route one instead.

Here’s what I wore:

Pink Shorts: H&M
White/Green Tee: River Island
Sleeveless Jacket: Topshop
Shoes: Zara

Eating a diet high in salt is linked to a higher incidence of eczema

Diets high in sodium are linked to higher risks for a number of illnesses, including high blood pressure, renal disease, heart attacks, strokes, and more. Furthermore, a study that was published online in JAMA Dermatology on June 5, 2024, indicates that consuming a diet high in salt may also raise the chance of exacerbating eczema, a common form of atopic dermatitis that is characterized by rashes and dry, itchy skin. Researchers examined the medical records of almost 215,000 participants (aged 37 to 73) who had each provided a urine sample. The average amount of sodium taken in the previous 24 hours was determined to be 3 grams when scientists examined the sodium levels in the urine samples.There was an 11% increase in the likelihood of developing eczema, a 16% increase in the likelihood of a flare-up, and an 11% increase in the likelihood of a severe case for every extra gram of excreted salt over the average. The study did not show that consuming sodium causes eczema, even though it did find a link. Nonetheless, a number of compelling studies have demonstrated the connection between elevated salt consumption and various health issues. Therefore, if you are consuming more sodium than the recommended daily allowance of 2,300 mg, or roughly 2.3 grams, it would not harm to reduce your intake.

Photo by Farhad Ibrahimzade

Protected by Grace: A Testimony of Trust and Gratitude

My God has done it again! He told us to trust in Him, and He would take care of us, and today, I have a powerful testimony to share with you all. My heart is overflowing with praise and thankfulness to God. Every time we step out and return safely, it is truly a miracle.

Yesterday, my brother went out, and on his way back, a high-tension electric pole fell on the car he was in. But by the grace of God, nothing happened to him. Sadly, another man died on the spot, and I pray that God consoles his family and heals their hearts.

Every single day we go out, whether the journey is long or short, there is always a reason to be thankful to God. Some people go out for a simple stroll and never make it back home. I am so grateful to God for His protection, and I will never forget the power of prayer. Prayer is a covering, and I bless God for keeping my brother safe.

Come and join me in singing Hallelujah! Jehovah Jireh has done me well!

Thank you Jesus.

Who needs the RSV vaccine this year?

Have you received the RSV vaccine yet? RSV is a potentially serious virus that can cause common cold symptoms, upper respiratory infections, or lower respiratory infections like pneumonia. Last year, the CDC recommended the RSV vaccine for infants, young children, and all adults aged 60 and older. This year, the guidance has changed. Now, the RSV vaccine is recommended for infants, young children, everyone aged 75 and older, and people aged 60 to 74 who are at higher risk for severe RSV, such as those with lung or heart disease or those living in nursing homes. If you’re an adult under 75 and not at increased risk, you can skip the shot for now. This update follows concerns about the vaccine’s rare association with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a condition that can cause paralysis.

Photo credit: Fluxfactory

Many senior citizens still follow outdated aspirin advice.

Though revised guidelines from 2019 warn against that treatment in many circumstances, a national poll indicates that one in four older persons take aspirin routinely in hopes of preventing a heart attack or stroke.

Though aspirin can also cause major bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract and the brain, it helps prevent blood clots that might lead to a heart attack or stroke. For individuals who have already had a heart attack or are at great risk of having one, daily low-dose aspirin is advised with a better awareness of the risk. However, 57% of adults who take aspirin on a regular basis reported having no history of cardiovascular disease. Over one-third seem to be unaware of the risk of bleeding connected with aspirin.

People without heart problems should consult their doctor before starting, maintaining, or discontinuing regular aspirin use. The March 2024 University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging examined a national sample of 2,657 persons aged 50 to 80.

We are following the research. Harvard health

Photo by Michelle Leman

Anna Action Thriller Review - A Gripping Analysis

I haven't enjoyed an action thriller movie in a while, but this one is a must-watch. The movie follows Anna, a beautiful Russian girl who is scouted to go to Paris for modeling. However, Anna is secretly a KGB operative on a mission. Before getting involved with the KGB, her father served in the force, and she loved playing chess. After her parents died, she faced a tough life until she received a proposal to resume her training, having previously dropped out.

Anna excelled in the modeling industry, but she was also working as an undercover agent. Although promised freedom, she never received it. Eventually, she was captured by an opposing group and forced to work for them to save her life. At one point, she became a double agent, leading to a pivotal moment where she was tasked with assassinating one of the KGB leaders—a mission that exposed everything.

This movie is a powerful reminder that people are often more than their outward appearances. Even your next-door neighbor or best friend might be someone you don't truly know. As I always say, you can never fully know anyone.

You can see this movie on Netflix.

 

Rate: 10

Best Ways to Style Pink Shorts for a Chic Spring/Summer Look

Hey lovelies! Happy Saturday! I hope you’re all having the best weekend ever with your family and friends. I’m so excited to share my latest outfit with you all—these pink shorts. They are cute and versatile. I feel like I could wear them anywhere while running errands, grabbing coffee, or just chilling in the park. 

First off, can we talk about this shade of pink? It’s the perfect pop of color for spring, and it instantly lifts my mood whenever I put them on. If you’re like me and usually gravitate towards denim or dresses, these solid pink shorts are such a fun change. I spotted them I knew right away they had to be mine!

For today’s look, I paired the shorts with a simple three-toned green, black and white tee from River Island. It’s super easy to tuck in, which totally puts all the focus on the shorts. And guess what? The tee is less than $10! Such a steal, right? I mean, you probably already have a white tee in your closet, so you can totally recreate this look.

Top Health Risks of Drinking Alcohol on a Plane: Why You Should Avoid It

Cocktails at cruising altitude come with potential serious health risks.

When we have had a long day before the flight, we tend to want to relax during the flight. Some relax by drinking alcohol. While it might sound like a fun way to celebrate the start of a trip, there’s something important to consider: drinking alcohol on a plane could actually be risky. If you’re planning to catch some sleep on a long-haul flight, you might want to think twice about ordering that champagne.

What happens to your body when you are in the air?

Once you’re cruising at high altitude, the lower atmospheric pressure means your body gets less oxygen. Normally, your blood oxygen levels hover around 96% to 100%, but up in the sky, they can drop to about 90% or even lower.

To adjust, your body kicks into high gear: you start breathing faster to get more oxygen, and your heart pumps quicker to circulate blood throughout your system. This works for most people, but heart conditions can make it difficult.

Things get even more complicated when you throw alcohol into the mix. According to Dr. Matthew Mosquera, a medical expert from McLean Hospital, alcohol can mess with how your red blood cells pick up oxygen. It disrupts hemoglobin, the molecule responsible for carrying oxygen, making it harder for your body to stay oxygenated.

So, if you've got your boarding pass and a drink order in mind, here are some things you might want to think about. There are a few factors that can make your blood oxygen levels drop even more on a plane:

Aging: As we get older, our bodies become less efficient at adjusting to changes in oxygen levels.

Sleeping: Our breathing naturally slows down while we sleep, and this can be even more pronounced on a plane.

Underlying conditions: If you have lung disease, sleep apnea (where you briefly stop breathing while you sleep), or heart issues, less oxygen will reach your lungs.

A Sunday Visit to Springburn Park: Relaxing and Exploring in Glasgow

Hey everyone! Last Sunday, after church, my partner and I decided to visit Springburn Park for a chill day out and to snap some fab pics of my lime green outfit.

Springburn Park is located in the north of Glasgow, Scotland. It’s about 2.8 miles from the city center and spans a whopping 31 hectares (or 77 acres!). This park is not just huge but also super pretty with its extensive spring and summer bedding, vibrant bulbs, wallflowers, and polyanthus. If you’re into plants and flowers, it’s definitely a must-visit!

  

The park has loads of facilities catering to everyone. Whether you're into sports or just looking to relax, you’ve got options like a synthetic football pitch with floodlights, a juvenile football pitch, a multi-purpose games court, three bowling greens, a cricket pitch, and even an orienteering course!



One cool feature is the Glasgow City Health Walks, which happen here. They’re perfect for anyone looking to get into walking as a gentle exercise. The routes are short, ranging from half a mile to two miles, and they’re mainly on flat ground, making them ideal for beginners. For more info on these walks, visit Glasgow city council.


Public toilets are available at the Bowling Pavilion (May to September), Stobhill Hospital, and Springburn Leisure Centre.



Fun fact: The park was first acquired by Glasgow Corporation in 1892. Back then, it was just agricultural land with an old ironstone pit and quarry. It was developed with contributions from Sir James Reid and his family, and even had a Winter Gardens built, thanks to a generous donation. Although the Winter Gardens are currently closed due to structural issues, there are plans to restore them.

The winter gardens at Springburn park

Uoozee Two-Piece Set Review: Stylish and Modest Outfit Ideas for Church

Hi everyone! Happy Sunday. I want to start by saying a big thank you to everyone who has been commenting on my blog, sharing my posts, and offering suggestions. I truly appreciate your input. Today is Sunday, and it's another day to shine in my world because I go to church every Sunday and sometimes attend weekly activities. So, welcome to another blog post about what I wore to church.

In a previous post where I showcased my church attire, I received numerous comments about how people dress for church, and I must say, you're all correct. I'm not here to judge, but I believe we all know what is appropriate to wear to church. Last week, some outfits caught my attention, but one really stood out because the person wore really tight trousers. The pant line was so pronounced, and she was standing in the middle row.

 
Try to avoid wearing anything see-through or too short, like above the knee. It's probably a good idea to skip outfits that might seem disrespectful in a place like church. Clothing like low-cut or backless dresses, tank tops, or anything that shows your stomach or goes above your knee aren’t the best choices for church. You can still look cute and stylish while keeping it modest!

The church is a place for everyone to worship, but it is also a place where we should respect and honor God in the right way. It made me wonder why some people feel so comfortable wearing clothing that exposes their sensitive body parts to church. I guess I might never know.

 
Now, I’m always excited to share my outfit with you all, and today I’m featuring another classy look by Uoozee Fashion. This two-piece batwing sleeve set is perfect for work and formal events. It fits perfectly, and I love the length of the flare pants. I styled this outfit in two different ways—flowing or tucked in. Did I mention the quality of the material is great? I'm not sure I would usually go for this style, but I’m really happy with the choice.

Initially, I wanted to wear black heels, but I changed my mind and went with these turquoise blue pumps by River Island. You can agree with me that it was the perfect choice.

How to Style Lime Green and Camel

There are a few trends that I’m really investing in this summer, like cowboy hats, fitted tops, matching sets, and classy dresses, but I especially love this gorgeous shade of lime green high-waist pants and loose off-the-shoulder blouse! 💚 It’s such a fun, vibrant color. Lime green was not a color I thought would match me, but I might be wrong, because this two-piece from Uoozee.com is proving otherwise.

Lime green is not the easiest to pull off, in my opinion, and I didn't expect the camel-colored cowboy hat to match so well. I was not sure about the shoe color, so I went online to browse for lime green outfit ideas, and that's how I went with white.

With its lightweight polyester fabric, this two-piece set is the perfect choice for a summer vacation on the beach and gatherings. There’s so many ways you can style this set depending on the vibe or situation, but I really wanted to play safe, so I paired the set with my white cover heels I bought from Temu.

Enjoy 15% off when shopping from Uoozee.com when you use the code: melody

 
What do you think about my lime green outfit?

Does Personal Taste Affect Cooking Competition Winners?

Have you ever been to a cooking or baking show, or maybe even had the chance to judge one? Whether you have or haven’t, I’ve got a question for you.

I was watching the Blue Ribbon Baking Championship on Netflix last night, and while I was impressed by the skill and creativity on display—those desserts and cakes were works of art—I noticed something interesting. One of the female judges seemed to absolutely love moist cakes, another judge was all about the taste, regardless of how things looked, and there was a third judge who tried to balance it all out.

When it comes to judging a cooking or baking competition, there are so many factors at play. Think about it: our upbringing, cultural background, personal taste, and even what we grew up eating all come into play. We tend to fall back on what we know best. So, when judges critique a dish, they’re not just evaluating it in a vacuum—they’re bringing all of these personal experiences and preferences into the mix.

It got me thinking: is there really a definitive “best” cook or baker in these competitions? It seems like it really depends on what each judge prefers. For instance, I’m not a fan of moist cakes, so if I were a judge, I probably wouldn’t score them highly. It’s kind of like how some people like their bacon crispy, while others prefer it a bit burnt.

So, does winning a cooking competition really come down to what the judges or taste testers like? Like, if their taste preferences match what you’ve made, does that give you an edge? Yes, it does. It seems like you’d be in a better spot if their palates are into what you’re serving!


Also, don't forget that how full or hungry you are can totally affect how good the food tastes! If you're starving, even a simple dish can seem amazing, while if you're already stuffed, it might not seem as impressive.

So here’s my big question: In a cooking or baking competition, is there truly a best cook or baker, or is it more about which contestant aligns with the judges’ personal preferences? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.

Photo Credit: Andrew

Best Things to Do in Loch Lomond, Scotland

I’m bubbling with joy as I write this, and I can’t wait to share why! 😊 

Let me start by saying I’m absolutely head over heels in love with nature—especially on those glorious sunny days when everything seems to sparkle with happiness. Being surrounded by trees and greenery just makes my heart sing! This Scottish summer, with its crisp, cool air, was a dream come true, and I’m so grateful to have spent it exploring with my special someone.

When we decided to venture out and discover more of Scotland, I took on the role of finding charming spots, and boy, did we hit the jackpot with Loch Lomond!

Loch Lomond is located in the West Dunbartonshire and Stirling council areas. It is approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) northwest of Glasgow

Dengue Fever: What You Need to Know and How to Protect Yourself

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness, is on the rise in the US. Here’s a quick guide on what dengue is and how you can protect yourself:

Mosquitoes are way more than just an annoying buzz in the summer. They can actually carry some pretty serious diseases, like West Nile virus, malaria, and Zika. Recently, there's been a strange increase in dengue fever cases in the US, which is a bit concerning.

So, what’s dengue and where is it showing up in the US? Dengue is caused by one of four related viruses, and not everyone who gets it will feel sick. If you do get symptoms, it usually feels like the flu and starts a few days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. If you have a fever and any of these symptoms—headaches, joint or muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, or a rash—it's a good idea to see a doctor, especially if you’ve been in an area where dengue is common.

Severe cases of dengue can be serious, leading to symptoms like low blood pressure, bleeding, stomach swelling, or extreme fatigue. These need immediate medical attention, and often require hospital care. But don’t worry too much—deaths from dengue in the US are rare.

Dengue isn’t spread directly from person to person; it’s spread through mosquitoes that have bitten someone already infected. So, if someone travels from a high-risk area with dengue and then gets bitten by a mosquito in the US, that mosquito can spread the virus further.

In the US, dengue cases are mostly reported in places like Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the US Virgin Islands, and in states like Florida, New York, Massachusetts, and California. While there’s been an increase, it’s still not as widespread as in other parts of the world.

Sighthill Cemetery in Glasgow, Scotland

Oh my gosh, imagine this! So, I was walking around Sighthill Cemetery, all by myself, right? And suddenly, I see this guy with his whole face covered, wearing a full face mask, and he's riding a bicycle, right towards me. At first, I was like, "Wait a minute, I'm the only one here! What if he tries to snatch my phone?" I started thinking, "Okay, maybe I should put my phone inside my bag and get ready to run." But then I thought, "No, just walk; you’re fine." And guess what? I was totally fine!

I visited Sighthill Cemetery on a Sunday evening because the sun was still shining bright and beautiful. I really wanted to take photos of the cemetery, read about it, and share all this info with you guys on the blog. And I'm so glad I finally did it after passing by here like 100 times already. It was such an adventure!

So what is the Sighthill cemetery in Glasgow about?

Sighthill Cemetery is a super old cemetery right in the middle of Glasgow. It’s been around since 1840; can you believe that? It remains active, indicating that people continue to use it for various purposes. There's even a working crematorium there. It’s located in the Sighthill neighborhood, right on the A803 Springburn Road. It’s kind of between Cowlairs Park and Petershill Park, just north of the city center. And to the north, it’s bordered by Keppochhill Road.

The gates are totally gorgeous and were designed by John Stephen of Scott, Stephen & Gale back in 1839. They have this super fancy Greek style. The cemetery itself opened in 1840, and the very first burial happened on April 24th of that year.

The cemetery has some pretty famous people buried there too! There's Andrew White, John Baird, and Andrew Hardie, who were all involved in the "Radical Rising" of 1820. They were executed for treason, which is so intense. Originally, they were buried in paupers' graves in Stirling, but in 1847, their remains were brought back to Glasgow and reburied at Sighthill. Andrew White was actually one of the nineteen people whose death sentences were commuted. He was sent to Australia but came back to Scotland years later and passed away in Glasgow Royal Infirmary in 1872.

And there’s also Duncan Brown, a really talented amateur photographer who lived from 1819 to 1897. His work gives us a peek into what life was like in Glasgow from the 1850s to the 1890s. Isn’t that just fascinating?