Why Hobbies Matter For Those Who Want To Model Or Be Social Media Stars

Posted on September 24, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures from Cheshire

Social media influencer, model, Instagram star… they are the careers of the modern age! However, if you want to delve into this world, make sure you have some hobbies too.

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Various hobbies can help you to deal with stress

Unfortunately, there is no getting away from the fact that you are likely to feel under pressure a lot in this industry. It is the nature of the modelling world. If you don’t find methods of coping with stress it can easily take over. Therefore, varied activities are essential to ensure you have the right frame of mind. Hobbies allow you to take a break from your career. By focusing on something else, you recharge your batteries and allow your mind to relax. 

Listening to music and playing music can be great for this, as can playing games, such as drifting games. Going for a run or reading a book is much more effective than merely sitting at home and getting worked up over something. Modelling should not consume your thoughts every second of the day. This is unhealthy. In fact, you can actually turn this on the flip side, and view activities as being beneficial for those moments when you are feeling uninspired and uninterested with your career. This is because hobbies also provide an excellent source of eustress – they help you to remain feeling excited and positive. 

Therefore, you have the perfect balance – a break from stress when you are feeling the strains of the industry, yet also a source of positivity when you are feeling unmotivated.

Active hobbies make sure your body is in excellent condition

There is no denying that the condition of your body is of paramount importance when it comes to the world of modelling. After all, you are your product. Therefore, you need to stick to a stringent fitness regime. By finding physical activities you enjoy, you will find your exercise routine more enjoyable and easier to follow. Not everybody has the motivation to go to the gym every day of the week. Nonetheless, you don’t have to. You simply need to find two key exercises you enjoy. 

The first exercise needs to be a high intensity cardiovascular one. The second exercise needs to be one that tones the body. When it comes to cardio, you have so many different options to choose from. You can opt to go running. You can head to your nearest swimming centre. You can take up kick boxing, which is also an excellent source of stress relief. 

On the other hand, when it comes to toning you need to look for exercises that are related to stretching. Yoga and Pilates have become increasingly popular over the past few years. These exercises are also beneficial for relaxing the mind. In addition to this, why not give dancing a go? Dancing can fit into both categories. High intensity work outs can be carried out, whilst ballet is an excellent option for those looking for an enjoyable toning activity.

Historical fantasy novel "The Darkness of Love" by vampire writer Catherine Green. Erotic Victorian vampire romance book.
The Darkness of Love by paranormal author Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

Note: This is a collaborative article. Updated 2026.

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You’re Bored. Now What?

Posted on September 22, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures from Cheshire

Being bored – it’s part of our daily life. People say that they are bored all the time, whether they’re at work, with friends or just muttering to themselves. 

But what actually is boredom? 

#MummyMonday Bored at Home During Lockdown? No chance! by Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog
#MummyMonday Bored at Home During Lockdown? No chance!

You’re Bored. Now What?

Well, that’s a tougher question. On a simple level, it’s simply the fact of having nothing to do. But that’s not the whole story. It’s not just a statement of fact – it’s also an emotion. When we feel “bored,” we don’t feel good. 

Boredom is actually a warning sign that you need to act and do something. When people feel bored for a long period of time, they can begin to feel depressed, anxious and sad. They need to be working towards something to ease the pain. 

If you’re feeling bored, don’t panic. In this post, we present some fun ideas to keep you entertained and drive your life forward. 

Find An Activity That Gives You Flow


The concept of “flow” is gaining traction. It’s the idea that you can be so utterly absorbed in a task that you forget about everything else, including the passage of time. Naturally, this state of being instantly eradicates boredom. You’re so absorbed in whatever you’re doing that negative sentiments simply do not arise. 


Which activities give you flow depends very much on you as a person. For some, it’s writing a beautiful screenplay, for others, it’s playing music on the piano. Find what works for you. 

Do Something That Requires You To Use Your Brain

The average person has a lot of mental horsepower knocking around in their skulls. So when they don’t put it to use, they feel restless. 

If you find yourself in this state, try doing something that requires you to engage your brain. It could be anything from video game development to learning about a new subject. 

Video games are actually a great solution for boredom because they activate multiple brain regions. The best are fast-twitch games that force you to focus on the action. 

Seek Novelty

People who love novelty are much more prone to boredom than the average person. That’s because they are continually looking for ways to stimulate new brain regions. They love the reward that comes with experiencing or learning something novel. 

If that sounds like you, then there’s good news – all you need to do is find something new to occupy your mind. In many cases, it doesn’t actually matter what it is. So long as you find it absorbing, it will have the desired effect. 

Do Something Less Repetitive

When you follow the same routine every day, life can begin to feel a little stale. If you find that happening to you, then try to find ways to make it less repetitive. Otherwise, you risk a lack of stimulation. 

For instance, instead of driving your car to work down the same road every day, take your bicycle. Or instead of addressing the same issue in the office, try applying yourself to a new one. 

So, there you have it: some of the things that you can do to stop yourself from feeling bored. 

Book cover for British urban fantasy book “Vampire of Blackpool” by Catherine Green. Sapphic romance forbidden romance vampire hunter enemies to lovers trope morally grey.
Vampire of Blackpool by paranormal author Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

Note: This is a collaborative article. Updated 2026.

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Try Your Hand At These Fishing Practices, And You Might Just Enjoy!

Posted on September 22, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures from Cheshire

Anyone looking for a hobby in which they can recover and relax from the stress and hectic pace of everyday life should perhaps try fishing. Fishing requires patience, calm and self-control, but it is also a wonderful balance for anyone who enjoys being in the great outdoors. There are different ways to fish and it is always a good idea to try your hand at the different varieties to see what works. 

Let’s take a little peek. 

Photo: Unsplash

Bottom fishing – ideal for beginners

In ponds and rivers there are many fish that live on the bottom. These fish can also be caught by those who are new to sport fishing. When bottom fishing, it is important to place the bait on the bottom of a pond or river so that it floats. So that the bait cannot be torn away by the current, a base lead must be attached to the fishing line. The lead holds the bait and also the fishing line to the bottom of the water. All the angler has to do is be patient, be calm, and wait for a fish to take a bite. However, there are also very suspicious fish such as the shy carp or the pikeperch, which cannot be outwitted so quickly, but other fish such as bream, barbell, eel and catfish are not so suspicious and like to snap at the bait.

Fish for trout with the right bait

The tasty trout is a popular fish, but the angler needs a little patience to catch a trout. The advantage of fishing for trout, however, is that these predatory fish are not particularly picky when it comes to bait, because they like to snap at natural as well as artificial bait. The best times to fish for trout are spring and autumn, and those who want to be successful should try what is known as trolling. The bait is always kept in motion and this awakens the trout’s hunting instinct.

You can also fish for trout in winter, but in the cold season the fish are a little sluggish and usually stay at the bottom of a body of water. Trout simply cannot resist delicacies such as mildew, roach or bee maggots that are placed in a feeder close to the ground. 

Fishing in the surf

Passionate anglers like to spend a holiday by the sea to fish in the surf. Basically, surf fishing is not that different from deep sea fishing, only that the angler does not stand on a cutter, but with high rubber boots in the roaring surf. In order for fishing in the surf to be crowned with success, the angler should look around for areas rich in fish. Depressions are particularly good, but also rocks, because many species of fish like to stay there. In order to fish in the surf, the equipment has to be right. Here a surf rod that is between 3.90 and 4.35 long promises a good catch. Of course you also need good bait. In this case you must look at the best carp bait. 

Book cover for British urban fantasy book “Return of the Vampire Hunter” by Catherine Green. Sapphic romantasy forbidden romance enemies to lovers trope save her marriage.
Return of the Vampire Hunter by paranormal author Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

Note: This is a collaborative article. Updated 2026.

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I Saw a Ghost! Heart of the Vampire (A Redcliffe Novel) #TheRedcliffeNovels

Posted on September 22, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures from Cheshire

Happy Hump Day! Today I share an excerpt from Heart of the Vampire (A Redcliffe Novel) as we prepare to enter the spookiest season of the year.

Samhain is fast approaching in Redcliffe, Cornwall, and Jessica Stone must learn about control, power, and the love that she truly feels for her vampire boyfriend and his brother.

Image of book covers from the Redcliffe Novels paranormal menage series. MMF romance. Bisexual and gay romance. Gay werewolf romance. Paranormal author Catherine Green.
Heart of the Vampire A Redcliffe Novel by paranormal author Catherine Green

Excerpt from Heart of the Vampire (A Redcliffe Novel) 

“Jessica,” Simon said in a low voice, “What is wrong?”

He glanced to his left, following my gaze, and Danny did the same. Both men clearly saw nothing and returned their attention to me. I watched as Sally stood straight and looked at me with a small smile. She was clearly not solid, but I could recognise her features, the same long blonde hair that she wore in a high ponytail, her pale skin that she would accentuate with fake tanning lotion, and her bright blue eyes that had been both gentle and dangerous when she was alive. And she knew that I could see her.

I staggered back, almost falling onto the sofa, and Simon leaped forward to steady me. I held out my hand to stop him, not wanting to be weak, and I managed to keep my composure, but in the split second that I turned my attention to Simon, the vision of Sally disappeared. She never spoke. She simply vanished.

“Jessica?” Simon said again, hovering uncertainly nearby, “What did you see?”

I swallowed and looked from him to Danny, and then back to the empty space behind the desk. Danny was frowning and looking to his left, rubbing his arm as though he had an itch.

“Didn’t you see her?” I asked.

Both men shook their heads, but Danny’s expression turned from puzzled to knowing as he realised what I must have seen.

“Sally,” he said in a flat voice.

Simon’s head jerked round as he stared at his master in surprise.

I nodded.

“Yes,” I whispered, “I think I just saw a ghost.”

#TheRedcliffeNovels Series

The Redcliffe novels series follow the adventures of bookshop owner Jessica Stone as she meets a man and falls in love, only to discover the hidden werewolf secrets of her close friends. That includes Simon Bunce, manager of the Ship Inn, who turns out to be lieutenant to the Redcliffe werewolf pack, and lover to the wolf alpha Danny Mason. He fights to protect his master from the ethereal animal familiar who threatens to claim their pack. Who knew the Cornish coast could be so deadly?

Click here for more details about the Redcliffe Novels series.

Red background with book cover images for #RedcliffeNovels LGBT fantasy book series by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green.
#RedcliffeNovels LGBT Fantasy Book Series for Adults

Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

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What Have I Learned About Myself During the Pandemic?

Posted on September 20, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures from Cheshire

What have I learned about myself during the pandemic? We are still living in a pandemic but here in the UK we are trying to pick up something of our old lives and get used to new habits because of living with Covid-19.

Heart Health is Important Health Advice shared at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Heart Health is Important

What Have I Learned About Myself During the Pandemic?

I learned that I could survive months of lockdown alone with my children, but I needed external support. When I reached out for help, I learned which people I could truly rely on for that help. It was a hard lesson, but I feel it was necessary because since then I have been able to release my ties to the people that previously I gave a lot of time and attention to. Now I can focus on myself without feeling guilty. No more energy vampires for me!

I learned that my children are resilient and mature, and that they can adapt to change very quickly. They were naturally devastated when their lives came to an abrupt halt and our daily routine was cancelled. Then we learned a new routine during lockdown, and by the time we reached our third lockdown at the start of 2021 we felt more confident about how to handle it. We muddled through, we kept ourselves busy, and we came out of it feeling much more cheerful.

I need to devote time to myself

I learned that I need to devote time to myself, and that I can still do that even with my busy lifestyle. Even if it means sitting on the sofa for an hour at night playing a game on my Kindle (I’m addicted to Matchington Mansion!), it is my time to do as I please. Gaming makes me happy and forms a sort of meditation space for me. My alone time needn’t always involve spiritual pursuits or working on my laptop.

I learned to reassess my priorities and choose my battles. My bedtime routine with the children has relaxed a lot since the first lockdown, mainly because I accept that my children are growing older now and I don’t need to worry so much. They get what they need when they need it. Our lives are naturally chaotic but that’s what keeps us going. We like to be spontaneous, and there is nothing wrong with that.

I am happy with my life

I learned that I am happy with my life as it is. Throughout my twenties and thirties, I seemed to be chasing a “perfect lifestyle,” whatever that meant. I cannot control the people around me, least of all my husband, so I had to adjust my expectations or succumb to physical illness through stress. I had to search deep inside myself to decide whether I need to make big life changes or not. For now, I am going with the flow and following my instincts. Time will tell whether I made the right decisions.

What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

Image of book covers from the Redcliffe Novels paranormal menage series. MMF romance. Bisexual and gay romance. Gay werewolf romance. Paranormal author Catherine Green.
Love Kills A Redcliffe Novel by paranormal author Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

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9 Effective Ways to Manage Chronic Pain

Posted on September 17, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures from Cheshire

More than three out of ten people experience some form of chronic pain. This statistic alone is an indication of an underlying problem that most people face. While there are short-term remedies, chronic pain can last more than three months and beyond if not treated. 

Chronic pain often develops due to underlying medical conditions or after an injury. According to health experts, pain becomes chronic if it goes for more than three months. Additionally, chronic pain can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or social status. Below are some of the most effective ways of managing chronic pain. 

Pixabay – CC0 License

Stretch and posture exercises

Full body stretches and other physical exercises aimed at relieving muscle tension can help manage chronic pain. For instance, tai chi is proven to help with underlying chronic pain. Between 10 and 20 minutes of stretching and exercising, posture activities can help you relieve muscle and joint pains categorized as chronic.

Stay active 

You may develop chronic pain due to a busy schedule that deprives you of movements. Do not spend all eight working hours on your desk. Move around to strengthen your muscles and reduce tensions in your body, especially the back.

Drug therapy 

There are proven medications for managing chronic pain. Every drug may have a different effect, depending on the kind of pain you experience. However, there are also general medications that work for all sorts of pains. You can also use pain-relieving supplements like CBD Gummies to help you manage chronic pain. 

Manage your stress

Stress may be another cause of chronic pain. In this case, you should practice relaxing your body and muscles to avoid situations that trigger your pain. Focus on mindfulness and relaxation techniques that help you calm down.

Hot and cold therapy 

You can use heat to manage chronic pain by relaxing your muscles. Consider applying ice on painful areas and give it some minutes for the pain to subside. This is called cold therapy, and it helps by reducing inflammation. Heat also relaxes the muscles by dilating your blood vessels.

Massage 

Similar to cold and hot therapy, massage is useful in relaxing muscles around the affected areas. Massage manipulates your soft tissues, causing relaxation. 

Yoga 

Yoga is an effective pain management technique. This practice is aimed at relaxing, strengthening, and keeping the body flexible through different poses. Yoga helps you cope with chronic pain by giving you more control over the painful parts of the body. 

Get quality sleep

Sleep has many benefits, including pain management. A good night’s sleep will help you rest and reset, which is beneficial for people living with chronic pain. Set and stick to a bedtime routine that helps you get at least eight hours of uninterrupted quality sleep.

Address underlying conditions

Another way to manage chronic pain is by addressing conditions that trigger such pains. If your pain comes from an underlying injury, ensure you get immediate treatment. Accordingly, if stress is the cause, find ways to manage stress and cope. 

Final thoughts 

These pain management techniques will help you cope and reduce the negative impact of chronic pain on your life. Pick one or two of these and see if it helps. Remember to see your physician when the pain persists.

Book cover for British urban fantasy book “Return of the Vampire Hunter” by Catherine Green. Sapphic romantasy forbidden romance enemies to lovers trope save her marriage.
Return of the Vampire Hunter by paranormal author Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

Note: This is a collaborative article. Updated 2026.

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Great Tips For Running a Great Adult Halloween Party

Posted on September 16, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures from Cheshire

With Halloween just around the corner it’s time to start thinking about your Halloween party if it is your turn to host or you are planning on having one this year. When it comes to parties, planning is key especially Halloween ones as they have a theme for you to follow so preparing them and getting them ready can take time and be tough. But then actually running them once they happen can be tough too so knowing how you can keep the party flowing and everyone happy is important.

If you are planning on having a Halloween party this year and you are unsure where to start with planning or how to make sure you get prepared in time then these few tips should help you to get some ideas of how to set up your party.

Cauldron punch bowl with fake spiders and fake snakes in the drink. Pumpkin shaped plates and pumpkin Halloween tablecloth. Halloween Party Punch by SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog. Copyright Catherine Green.
Halloween Party Punch

Start with your invitations

When it comes to a party some people do not realise that the invitations can be key in setting the theme and getting people excited for your party celebration so this is a great place to start. Because it is going to be a Halloween party, making your invitations themed is a great way to get people excited for it, so sending out your invitations with little props like a finger or vampire teeth can be great fun, maybe even throw in an eyeball too.

Get a great costume

When it comes to hosting a party you need to look the part, so getting a killer costume will help you stand out and make sure you set the precedent for the party. Go all out as the host whatever you need, you could shop nose piercings online if you want to find a great piercing that fits your costume, there are some cool themed piercings out there or you could get a fake piercing if you need one for the costume. Pick a costume that people can see as you are the host so you should be easy to spot should anyone need you, also make it comfortable to be in as you are likely to be in it all night.

Make sure to keep the food and drink flowing

At a party it is really important to keep the food and drink going so make sure you have loads of great themed snacks. Also a great idea to have lots of drink available is to make a punch bowl, what that does is allow people to help themselves and you can make plenty of it, and make it as strong as you want so you can make it relatively cheap. You can theme this too by putting it in a cauldron, and throwing in some dry ice around it to make up the smoke to give it a real good Halloween vibe.

If you are hosting a Halloween party for this year and it is your first time or you are struggling for ideas to help run it successfully then hopefully, these few tips will give you some ideas to help you run your party successfully and keep your friends happy.

Image of book covers from the Redcliffe Novels paranormal menage series. MMF romance. Bisexual and gay romance. Gay werewolf romance. Paranormal author Catherine Green.
Heart of the Vampire A Redcliffe Novel by paranormal author Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

Note: This is a collaborative article. Updated 2026.

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Could You Do More Good With Your Business?

Posted on September 15, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures from Cheshire

There are many reasons for starting a business. Entrepreneurs come up with ideas and make them happen, no matter the size of the idea or the barriers that stand in their way. Some people want to have a sense of purpose while some want to be their own boss while some just simply enjoy the process of creating a business from scratch.

One of the best ways to make a difference in this world is by starting your own business and being your own boss, doing things that can make the world a better place. Let’s take a look at some of the ways your business can do this.

#MummyMonday Business networking event at Stateside Bar in Northwich, Cheshire article by Catherine Green for SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#MummyMonday Business networking event in Northwich, Cheshire

Give Back To Your Community

There are many different ways that companies can give back to the community. Giving back is a great way to show appreciation for the support that your company has received from the local community. A few examples of giving back with your business include sponsoring a local event, hosting a fundraiser for a local cause, and providing discounted products or services to people in need.

A lot of people say that they want to do good, but they don’t know how. Doing small things, like providing employment opportunities for people who need it or donating unused goods to shelters, can make a huge difference in somebody’s life. Offer volunteer opportunities for employees or donate products to charities. If you are not able to offer any tangible items, consider donating money or time by volunteering at an event.

Businesses that give back to the community are not only making a difference in the lives of others, but they are also improving their own company’s reputation. Even working with the right projects can make a huge difference. This will help them get more customers and make sure that they are staying competitive in the market.

Change People’s Lives

There are many ways that your business can make a difference in the lives of others. You could donate goods or money to people in need, offer your services for free to members of your community, or volunteer your time to help those who are struggling. But there’s one way that’s more powerful than any other: giving a voice to those who don’t have one.

As a company, it’s not always about your financial goals and gain. You have a unique opportunity to help people by creating change on an even larger scale. Your company has the power and resources to reach thousands of people with your message and create real change in their lives simply by using words on a screen or on paper.

Your business can make a difference in the world. It can make people’s lives better with your products or services. Make someone’s life better every day. The most important thing is to have empathy for people and to try to understand what it is that would improve their lives. That is what determines whether or not something will work for them. Your business has the power to change people’s lives, but it needs to feel like they are being listened to and understood first.

Image of book covers from the Redcliffe Novels paranormal menage series. MMF romance. Bisexual and gay romance. Gay werewolf romance. Paranormal author Catherine Green.
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

Note: This is a collaborative article. Updated 2026.

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Chronic Voice Link-up: Strong in Times of Crisis  

Posted on September 13, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures from Cheshire

Welcome to September and our monthly A Chronic Voice blog link-up.

Read on for my take on the September prompts.

My Chronic Pain Journey rare eye disease by Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
My Chronic Pain Journey rare eye disease by Catherine Green

Strong in Times of Crisis

GAZING

I must admit that I am not a summer person. Autumn/Winter is my season, and I am happy to leave summer behind and look forward to cooler weather and a happier mood. I love gazing at the garden as the leaves turn, watching them pile up on the lawn, and I love a crisp, fresh morning walk with my dog.

SHAMING

Humans are such delicate creatures. All it takes is one cruel word from a stranger to upset us and ruin our day. I try hard to move on from these situations, but I am ashamed to say that despite my years of mindfulness training, I haven’t yet grown a thick enough skin to avoid the sting from negative remarks and unpleasant people. I am learning lessons from these interactions and am determined to remain strong in the face of such challenges.

DEFEATING

It has been over a month since I started using my blood serum eyedrops from NHS Blood and Transplant. My doctor seemed confident that they would vastly improve my chronic pain, and at first, I was pleased to find that they seemed to be working. Then I tried to wear make-up. It hurt, my eyes felt heavy, sore, and uncomfortable, and I had to admit defeat and wash it off. I am still struggling with chronic pain, but it has improved with the new eyedrops. I will not be defeated!

CONCENTRATING

My marriage continues to be a struggle and I have trouble concentrating on my work responsibilities and my other daily activities as a result. Having been with my husband for twenty-one years (married for eleven), I cannot simply divorce him and walk away. We have children together, we have a joint mortgage, and we have built a life. Now we must navigate his mental illness and decide whether we can stay together or not.

EMPOWERING

Knowledge is power. It is empowering to know that my instincts could be right when it comes to my husband and the reasons why he behaves the way that he does. Mental illness is a beast that cannot be defeated, but we can try and fight it. There have been developments in my personal life that give me hope, but I am also wary and conscious that I have to be protective of myself. Let us see what happens during the next month or so.

Chronic Voice Link-Up

I joined the social network for A Chronic Voice because I needed to find people who understand what life is like with chronic illness, people like me. Today I have written a post using the August link-up prompts, to show my experience of living with a chronic pain disorder. Click here to find other blog posts from fellow chronic pain sufferers, or #spoonies as we call ourselves online.

"My Vampire Boyfriend (A Redcliffe Short Story Anthology)" #RedcliffeNovels vampire and werewolf romantasy book series by paranormal author Catherine Green.
My Vampire Boyfriend by paranormal author Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

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Make Your Bedroom Your Sanctuary

Posted on September 10, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen: Ghost Hunting, Vampire Books & Paranormal Family Adventures from Cheshire

We should all have our own sanctuary – a sacred space where we can rest, relax and be completely who we are without judgement. In many ways, the bedroom is the perfect place for this because it is already one of the most private in the home, and one where we tend to relax.

If your bedroom doesn’t currently feel much like a sanctuary, but you want to change that, here are a few things you can do.

Image of a white bedroom design, neutral bedroom colours and books on a bedside table. Shared by SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.

Pexels – CCO Licence

Get rid of the clutter

Clutter is not relaxing, It just isn’t. That isn’t to say you have to go bare-bones minimalist in the bedroom, but you should hide away any clutter that you don’t enjoy seeing every day and keep only a small curated collection of trinkets, such as crystals, candles and flowers, that you love on display. These things will lift you up, whereas clothing and other clutter will bring you down, especially when you think about having to tidy them away.

Invest in an amazing bed

You work hard, so you deserve to relax like a queen at the end of the day. If you can afford to do so, invest in a really comfy mattress and one of these beautiful bed frames, and make sure that you make time to recline at leisure as often as you possibly can!

Light candles

Candles in your favourite scents can clear the negative energy in the room and give off a heady aroma that will lift your spirits. Invest in multiple candles to suit whatever mood you’re in, and be sure to light one whenever you’re spending time in the bedroom. It will feel very decadent for what doesn’t actually have to be a lot of money.

Upgrade your bedding

If your bedding isn’t already the softest most comfortable thing you’ve ever laid in/on, then you need to change that; you deserve to change that. Invest in Egyptian cotton, satin or even silk sheets depending on your personal preferences and luxuriate in them every time you crawl into bed.

Fill your dressing table with pretty things

If you have a dressing table, and you should, filling it with as many pretty things from beautiful glass perfume bottles containing your favourite scents, to freshly picked lavender flowers, and it will fill your sports every time you walk past or sit at your table.

Make the carpet as plush as possible

Bedroom carpets and rugs should be as thick, plush and inviting as possible. They provide the perfect space to relax and meditate, and they ensure that whenever you get out of bed, you are not hit by a cool and unpleasant floor that shocks you awake before you’re fully ready.

Hang blackout curtains

Blackout curtains that eliminate every spot of light from the room will help you maintain your privacy and get a good night’s sleep, and these days you can get some really pretty blackout curtains, so be sure to do just that.

I truly hope you enjoy your brand new sanctuary space.

Image of a man and woman about to kiss. She has claw marks on her face and is brightly coloured. He appears in greyscale colour and his shirt is torn. Fairytale werewolf fiction. 3D eBook cover image for The Wolf and the Fairy by paranormal author Catherine Green. Hashtag romantasy hashtag werewolf romance.
The Wolf and the Fairy by paranormal author Catherine Green

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Note: This is a collaborative article. Updated 2026.

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