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Self-Care Ideas for June 2023

Are you continuing your commitment to self-care? Or perhaps you are just starting your journey to take time for yourself. Self-care is essential for your overall health and well-being. If you are searching for inspiration, check out the following self-care ideas for June.

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  1. Make a commitment to self-care. Consider writing out your dedication and place it in a spot where you can see the affirmation every day.
  2. Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water or try herbal teas.
  3. Get enough sleep.
  4. Walk away from drama.
  5. Practice saying, “no” to extra work or other commitments you do not want to do.
  6. Spend time with positive people who lift you up and believe in your dreams.
  7. Go on a nature walk (Don’t forget your camera)
  8. Try yoga.
  9. Eat healthier meals.
  10. Read
  11. Write in a journal.
  12. Call an old friend.
  13. Binge-watch your favorite show.
  14. Go hiking.
  15. Try a new recipe.
  16. Join a club.
  17. Learn a new skill.
  18. Go on a picnic.
  19. Take a long warm shower.
  20. Go to an art gallery or museum.
  21. Meditate or pray.
  22. Soak in a warm bubble bath.
  23. Declutter.
  24. Give yourself an in-home spa treatment.
  25. Plant something.
  26. Volunteer.
  27. Make smoothies from fresh fruit.
  28. Turn off your devices.
  29. Create a new playlist.
  30. Set goals.

Have a wonderful month! Take care of yourself.

Photo Prompts for June 2023

Are you ready for June? The official start of summer, Father’s Day, and lots of opportunities to get outdoors. Try to document June or your adventures with your camera. If you are searching for inspiration, check out the following photo prompts for June.

Photo by David Bartus on Pexels.com
  1. Selfie
  2. Begins with “W”
  3. Mood
  4. Citylife
  5. Colors
  6. Food
  7. Details
  8. Textures
  9. Favorite
  10. Water
  11. Travel
  12. Up Close
  13. Time
  14. Patterns
  15. Light
  16. Perspective
  17. Nature
  18. Father
  19. Out of Focus
  20. Backlighting
  21. Summer
  22. Something Old
  23. Secretive
  24. Another Photographer
  25. Inspiration
  26. Faith
  27. Personality
  28. Home
  29. Sunset/Sunrise
  30. Photographer’s Choice

Have a fantastic month!

Drawing Prompts for June

June is here! The month ushers in the official start of summer and Father’s Day! Do you need a creative outlet? Drawing is an easy hobby to start. The possibilities are endless. If you are searching for inspiration, check out the following drawing prompts for June.

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  1. Self-portrait
  2. Favorite Hobby
  3. Beach Scene
  4. Mushroom
  5. Plant/Flowers
  6. Water Scene
  7. Favorite Place
  8. Book
  9. Animals
  10. Landscape
  11. Cityscape
  12. Colorful
  13. Family
  14. Cartoon Character
  15. Out the Window
  16. A Place You Want to Visit
  17. Caricature of Yourself
  18. Father’s Day (USA)
  19. Video Game
  20. Futuristic
  21. Historical
  22. Amusement Park
  23. New Planet
  24. Design a Statue
  25. Bridge
  26. Trees
  27. Keys
  28. Bugs
  29. Bees
  30. Artist’s Choice

Have a great month!

Hashtags for June 2023

A new month is only a couple days away. Are you ready to add hashtags to your social media posts? Hashtags are essential for drawing attention to your business or personal platforms. If you are searching for inspiration, check out the following hashtags for June.

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  1. #June
  2. #June1st
  3. #June2023
  4. #HappyJune
  5. #GoodbyeMay
  6. #HelloJune
  7. #GoodbyeMayHelloJune
  8. #SummerIsComing
  9. #JuneSelfie
  10. #JuneWedding
  11. #JuneGraduation
  12. #JuneBirthday
  13. #JuneBaby
  14. #BirthdayMonth
  15. #JuneDays
  16. #JuneChallenge
  17. #JunePhotoChallenge
  18. #JuneFavorites
  19. #JuneActivities
  20. #JuneLove
  21. #JuneHike
  22. #1stHikeofJune
  23. #1stJuneHike
  24. #JuneFun
  25. #JuneSunrise
  26. #JuneSunset
  27. #WarmJuneNights
  28. #Love
  29. #Family
  30. #Friends
  31. #JuneGathering
  32. #LastDayofJune
  33. #June30th
  34. #GoodbyeJune

Have a great month!

119 Activities to Add to Your Summer Bucket List

The Memorial Daya weekend often marks the unofficial start to summer. Are you ready for new summer adventures? Gather your friends and family together to create an ultimate summer bucket list. If you are searching for ideas, check out the following for inspiration.

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  1. Watch sunsets.
  2. Go to the beach.
  3. Go on a bike ride.
  4. Build sandcastles.
  5. Go on a nature walk.
  6. Play Frisbee Golf.
  7. Do summer crafts.
  8. Plant a flower or vegetable garden.
  9. Host a board game night.
  10. Watch the sunrise.
  11. Sleep in a hammock.
  12. Go on a scavenger hunt.
  13. Eat a banana split.
  14. Sleep under the stars.
  15. Go camping.
  16. Watch the fireflies.
  17. Go canoeing.
  18. Play miniature golf.
  19. Make root beer floats.
  20. Attend a baseball game.
  21. Watch fireworks.
  22. Host a Bonfire Night.
  23. Eat S’mores.
  24. Read a book outdoors.
  25. Explore a new federal, state, or local park.
  26. Go horseback riding.
  27. Connect with friends who you haven’t seen in a while.
  28. Go to a rodeo.
  29. Set up a bird feeding station.
  30. Create sidewalk chalk art.
  31. Listen to an audiobook.
  32. Go Kayaking.
  33. Take lots of photos of your summer adventures.
  34. Celebrate Christmas in July.
  35. Do weekly selfies.
  36. Ride go-karts.
  37. Do a summer-themed photo shoot.
  38. Go on day trips around your state.
  39. Create a summer playlist.
  40. Attend a family reunion.
  41. Listen to music in the park or join other community events.
  42. Go thrift store shopping.
  43. Go to the drive-in.
  44. Make tie-dyed tee shirts.
  45. Watch a thunderstorm.
  46. Host a water balloon fight.
  47. Go hiking.
  48. Make a smoothie with fresh fruit.
  49. Go Geocaching.
  50. Go stargazing.
  51. Walk around an art gallery.
  52. Try a new food from a different culture.
  53. Make homemade popsicles.
  54. Watch a parade.
  55. Be a hometown tourist for a day.
  56. Make homemade lemonade.
  57. Learn a new skill.
  58. Make strawberry shortcake for dessert.
  59. Go to a demolition derby.
  60. Visit a planetarium.
  61. Paint rocks to hide around town.
  62. Try yoga.
  63. Ride in a hot air balloon.
  64. Go white water rafting.
  65. Play beach volleyball.
  66. Unplug from your devices for a day.
  67. Spa Day
  68. Visit a Farmer’s Market
  69. Find waterfalls.
  70. Do Random Acts of Kindness
  71. Fly a kite.
  72. Participate in a color run.
  73. Visit a botanical garden.
  74. Visit a museum.
  75. Go on a historic tour.
  76. Volunteer.
  77. Play paint Twister.
  78. Try an escape room.
  79. Enjoy a staycation.
  80. Ride a roller coaster.
  81. Go bowling.
  82. Rent a cabin.
  83. Go barefoot.
  84. Go swimming.
  85. Visit an amusement park.
  86. Make snow-cones.
  87. Pick fresh berries.
  88. Host a tea party.
  89. Get your face painted.
  90. Make DIY wind chimes.
  91. Go zip lining.
  92. Buy take-out and go eat in the park.
  93. Dance in the warm rain.
  94. Go tubing down a river.
  95. Go for a long car ride.
  96. Keep a summer journal.
  97. Binge-watch the Harry Potter movies.
  98. Host a sleepover.
  99. Play tennis.
  100. Attend or volunteer at a Vacation Bible School.
  101. Join a youth group, do Bible study, or do morning devotions.
  102. Join a library book club.
  103. Try a new workout routine.
  104. Eat Cotton Candy.
  105. Ride a skateboard.
  106. Rent a paddleboat.
  107. Visit an aquarium.
  108. Play laser tag or flashlight tag.
  109. Feed frozen peas to the ducks.
  110. Go to a car show.
  111. Make flower crowns.
  112. Play cornhole or Bocce Ball.
  113. Visit a splash pad.
  114. Create YouTube videos.
  115. Visit a local carnival.
  116. Go to a Renaissance fair.
  117. Go rock hunting or search for sea glass.
  118. Make a scrapbook of your summertime adventures.
  119. Host an end-of-the-summer party.

Have a great summer!

31 Quotes for Memorial Day 2023

Memorial Day is more than the unofficial start of summer, cookouts, and traveling. The day is set aside to remember and honor all the brave military men and women who never came home. If you are using your social media to show your respect for the fallen, consider adding one of these quotes for Memorial Day.

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  1. “Whether we observe the occasion through public ceremony or through private prayer, Memorial Day leaves few hearts unmoved. Each of the patriots whom we remember on this day was first a beloved son or daughter, a brother or sister, or a spouse, friend, and neighbor.” – George H.W. Bush
  2. “And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.” –  Lee Greenwood
  3. “Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay.”- Barack Obama
  4. “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion, that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.” – Abraham Lincoln
  5. “This is the day we pay homage to all those who didn’t come home. This is not Veterans Day, it’s not a celebration, it is a day of solemn contemplation over the cost of freedom.” – Tamara Bolton
  6. “The brave die never, though they sleep in dust, their courage nerves a thousand living men.” –  Minor J. Savage
  7. “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy
  8. “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived.”- George S. Patton
  9. “For love of country, they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.”- James A. Garfield
  10. “America without her soldiers would be like God without His angels.”- Claudia Pemberton
  11. “…And if words cannot repay the debt we owe these men, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them and with the vision that led them to battle and to final sacrifice.” – Ronald Reagan
  12. “May we never forget our fallen comrades. Freedom isn’t free.” – Sgt. Major Bill Paxton
  13. “On this Memorial Day, it is right for us to remember the living and the dead for whom the call of their country has meant pain and sacrifice. A grateful nation is in their debt.” – Lyndon B. Johnson
  14. “In Flanders fields the poppies blow; Between the crosses, row on row; That mark our place; and in the sky, the larks, still bravely singing, fly; Scarce heard amid the guns below.” –  John McCrae
  15. “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” – Winston Churchill
  16. “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” – Harry S. Truman
  17. “It’s better to fight for something in life than to die for nothing.” – Gen. George S. Patton
  18. “If you want to thank a soldier, be the kind of American worth fighting for.” – Unknown
  19. “Our obligations to our country never cease but with our lives.”- John Adams
  20. “Ceremonies are important. But our gratitude has to be more than visits to the troops, and once-a-year Memorial Day ceremonies. We honor the dead best by treating the living well.” – Jennifer M. Granholm
  21. “Who kept the faith and fought the fight; The glory theirs, the duty ours.”- Wallace Bruce
  22. “And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier’s tomb, and beauty weeps the brave.” – Joseph Rodman Drake
  23. “Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
  24. “Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” – Unknown
  25. “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” – Joseph Campbell
  26. “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived.” – George S. Patton
  27. “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
  28. “The patriot’s blood is the seed of freedom’s tree.” – Thomas Campbell
  29. “I believe our flag is more than just cloth and ink. It is a universally recognized symbol that stands for liberty, and freedom. It is the history of our nation, and it’s marked by the blood of those who died defending it.”– John Thune
  30. “I have long believed that sacrifice is the pinnacle of patriotism.”– Bob Riley
  31. “Memorial Day isn’t just about honoring veterans, it’s honoring those who lost their lives. Veterans had the fortune of coming home. For us, that’s a reminder of when we come home, we still have a responsibility to serve. It’s a continuation of service that honors our country and those who fell defending it.” –  Pete Hegseth

Happy Memorial Day!

Rebecca Reviewed It: Grand Rapids Lantern Festival

If you are in the mid-Michigan area (or up for a road trip), go check out the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival at the John Ball Zoo. You will not be disappointed. The event is hosted by Family Fare. 

The Lantern Festival started on April 19th but it runs through June 11th. The festival illuminates the zoo Wednesdays through Sundays from 7 pm to 11 pm.

Cost

 If you are a non-member, like me, the cost of the ticket is $22.00. Or for members, the cost is $19.00. But trust me, the price is worth the cost. Children under the age of 2 are free. The tickets are staggered which means your ticket is for a specific time slot. But once you enter the zoo area, you are free to enjoy the exhibit at your own pace. 

Pros

Absolutely beautiful set up of lanterns throughout the zoo. Some of the lanterns move which made my night. 

  • Easy walking area. But be aware the walk throughout the zoo area is at least a mile long.
  • Wheelchair and stroller accessible. 
  • Beverage and food areas are open.
  • The gift shop is open. 
  • Bathrooms are available. 

Cons

Well, if you are not used to walking, the exhibit can seem long. But there are rest areas to stop and take a break if needed. 

  • For younger children, you may want to use a stroller or wagon.  
  • Dress appropriately. The weather was a little on the cooler side the night we went. So, I would take a jacket along. 
  • Rain or shine. It’s Michigan. There are no refunds for rainy days.

Would I go again?

Most definitely. The lanterns lit up against the evening sky were almost magical. The music playing added to the atmosphere of the evening. I would not have any objections to going to this exhibit or a similar one again.

Go check out the Lantern Festival at the John Ball Zoo. Let me know what you think of the experience.

27 Staycation Ideas for Memorial Day Weekend

Are you looking to stay close to home over Memorial Day weekend? Don’t worry; you are not alone. Heavy traffic, large crowds, high gas prices, added expenses, and other factors are just a few of the reasons people choose to stay home.

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 Deciding to stay close to home does not mean a boring weekend. On the plus side, many of these activities are low or no cost which is perfect if you are on a tight budget. Are you searching for inspiration? Check out the following staycation ideas for Memorial Day weekend.

Photo by Yuting Gao on Pexels.com

Please note: “As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. Go Hiking: Check out your local trails. Get outdoors and enjoy nature.
  2. Go Stargazing: Grab a blanket, your favorite snacks, and spend an evening looking at the stars.
  3. Picnic in the Park: Pack a picnic basket or cooler and spend the day there.
  4. Indoor Picnic: Rainy weather? Have an indoor picnic in your living room.
  5. Host a Bonfire: Invite family and friends over for a bonfire. Roast hotdogs and S’mores.
  6. Plan a Movie-Themed Weekend: Watch an entire series of movies. For example, X-Men, Marvel Universe, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Transformers, Fast and the Furious, Indiana Jones, or Ice Age are perfect for multiple movie nights.
  7. Classic Game Night: Yes, video games are fun. But host a classic game night with board games.
  8. Host a BBQ: Prepare your favorite foods on the grill. Can you smell the grilled burgers already?
  9. Ice Cream Fun: Create a sundae bar or make root beer floats. If you want extra fun, make homemade ice cream. Remember, ice cream is an excellent treat after a BBQ.
  10. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset: Take time out of your schedule to watch the sunrise or sunset.
  11. Pizza Night: Host a pizza night. Order in from your favorite place. (Remember to tip generously; not everyone gets the weekend off). If you do not want to order in, make homemade pizzas.
  12. Create an Indoor Fort: Create a fort out of blankets, sheets, and pillows. Kids of all ages enjoy forts.
  13. Be a Hometown Tourist: Go to the art gallery or museum. Eat at a new café or restaurant.
  14. Community Event: Attend a local activity. Many communities host special events for Memorial Day weekend.
  15. Go on a Bike Ride: A family bike ride is a great way to spend time together.
  16. Read a Book: Do you have a new book to read? Go ahead, and spend your entire weekend reading your book.
  17. Pool Time: Do you have a swimming pool? A long weekend is a great time to set up and get your pool ready for the summer.
  18. Go to the Beach: Spend an afternoon at the beach.
  19. Go on a Virtual Tour: Don’t feel like leaving the house? Go on a virtual tour. Enjoy new locations from the comfort of your couch.
  20. Bake or Cook: Make a special dessert. Try a recipe from a different culture. Or make a family favorite.
  21. Volunteer: Do you want to give back to the community? Volunteer your time over the weekend.
  22. Clean and Declutter: A long weekend is a wonderful time to clean and declutter your living space.
  23. Crafts: Try a new craft. Paint, draw, or make something.
  24. Plant a Garden: Growing a garden is a great outdoor activity plus you get fresh tomatoes.
  25. Unplug: Spend the weekend away from your electronic devices. Unplugging for a few hours, a day, or an entire weekend is great for your overall well-being.
  26. Sleep: If you have been busy with work or school, catch up on sleep. Take naps or sleep in.
  27. Do Nothing: It’s okay not to make plans. Relax and enjoy your weekend.

Have a safe Memorial Day weekend.

48 Hashtags for Memorial Day

Are you posting photos to your personal or business page for Memorial Day weekend? Using hashtags is the easiest way to draw attention to your social media posts. If you are searching for inspiration, check out the following hashtags for Memorial Day.

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  1. #MemorialDay
  2. #MemorialDay2023
  3. #MemorialDayWeekend
  4. #MemorialDayWeekend2023
  5. #HappyMemorialDay
  6. #Memorial
  7. #HonorandRespect
  8. #RememberTheFallen
  9. #Honor
  10. #Grateful
  11. #Blessed
  12. #USA
  13. #UnitedStates
  14. #America
  15. #Patriotic
  16. #UnitedStatesofAmerica
  17. #Freedom
  18. #NeverForget
  19. #NeverForgotten
  20. #LestWeForget
  21. #Love
  22. #MemorialDayParade
  23. #MemorialDayActivities
  24. #MemorialDayFestivities
  25. #USFlag
  26. #Military
  27. #AirForce
  28. #Army
  29. #CoastGuard
  30. #Marines
  31. #Navy
  32. #3DayWeekend
  33. #WeekendAdventure
  34. #MemorialDayHike
  35. #MemorialDayBBQ
  36. #MemorialDayFood
  37. #MemorialDayCookout
  38. #MemorialDayDecor
  39. #MemorialDayFun
  40. #MemorialDayGetAway
  41. #FamilyTime
  42. #FriendTime
  43. #MemorialDayFlowers
  44. #MemorialDayVibes
  45. #MemorialDayFun
  46. #MemorialDayCookies
  47. #MemorialDayOutfit
  48. #PrayforPeace

Have a fantastic Memorial Day weekend!

11 Ways to Honor Your Mom on Mother’s Day After She Is Gone

The day may vary, but each year the second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day. The annual holiday celebrates and honors all mothers. When your mom passes away, the yearly tradition reminds you of your loss. Finding ways to honor the wonderful woman who cared and prayed for you on every Mother’s Day is possible.

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If you are searching for ways to honor your mom on Mother’s Day after she is gone, check out the following list for inspiration.

Please note: “As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. Plant A Tree: If you have yard space, plant a tree in your mom’s memory. Trees are beneficial to the environment. Consider planting fruit trees. After a few years, the tree will provide a yearly harvest.
  2. Plant Your Mom’s Favorite Flower: Do you remember your mom’s favorite flower? Plant flowers near your home to honor her memory. If you do not remember her favorite flower, plant a rose, peony, or other flowers that flourish yearly.
  3. Send Bouquets: Send your mom’s favorite flowers to another motherly figure in your life.  If you cannot think of another person, send flowers to a local nursing home. Ask the delivery to go to someone who may not otherwise get any mail or gifts.
  4. Cook or Bake: Did your mom have a favorite family meal or dessert that she loved serving on a special occasion? Even in her absence, Mother’s Day is still a special occasion.
  5. Host a Lunch or Dinner: Gather your siblings or friends together to celebrate all the moms in your life.
  6. Make a Toast: If you host a dinner, make a toast to all the moms who are no longer at the table. Simple gestures are a comfort.
  7. Light a Candle: Lighting a candle is an easy way to remember your mom on Mother’s Day. What was your mom’s favorite scent? Burn a candle to honor and remember her.
  8. Donate: Did your mom have a favorite charity? If you do not know, donate money in her name to a local food bank, pet rescue, church, or other reputable organization.
  9. Make a Scrapbook: Do you have photos of your mom stored in boxes or on your computer? Create a scrapbook to honor her memory.
  10. Decorate the Gravesite: Take fresh flowers, an outdoor ornament, or other sentimental items to decorate the gravesite.
  11. Say a Prayer or Affirmation: Thank your mom for everything she did in the past.

Celebrating Mother’s Day without your mom is difficult. But with planning, you can still celebrate the annual holiday.

Happy Mother’s Day!

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