Sage Nestler's Blog, page 12
October 5, 2020
The Cipher Blog Tour
Happy Monday, Everyone!
I hope you are having a great start to your week! I am currently healing from surgery so I apologize for not posting very much while I recover. But today I wanted to share with you an awesome new horror book called The Cipher by Kathe Koja! This book is the perfect read as we go into spooky season. I hope you enjoy!
Much love,
Ashley
[image error]
THE CIPHER by Kathe Koja
RELEASE DATE: 9/15/20
GENRE: Horror / Dark Fantasy
BOOK PAGE: https://www.meerkatpress.com/books/the-cipher/
SUMMARY:
Winner of the Bram Stoker Award and Locus Awards, finalist for the Philip K. Dick Award, and named one of io9.com‘s “Top 10 Debut Science Fiction Novels That Took the World By Storm.” With a new afterword by Maryse Meijer, author of Heartbreaker and Rag.
“Black. Pure black and the sense of pulsation, especially when you look at it too closely, the sense of something not living but alive.” When a strange hole materializes in a storage room, would-be poet Nicholas and his feral lover Nakota allow their curiosity to lead them into the depths of terror. “Wouldn’t it be wild to go down there?” says Nakota. Nicholas says, “We’re not.” But no one is in control, and their experiments lead to obsession, violence, and a very final transformation for everyone who gets too close to the Funhole.
BUY LINKS: Meerkat Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
[image error]
AUTHOR LINKS: Website | Twitter
GIVEAWAY: $50 Book Shopping Spree!
GIVEAWAY LINK: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/7f291bd823/?
September 1, 2020
The Nightmare Before Christmas 2020 Scentsy Collection
Happy September, Everyone!
Today is an exciting day, because our The Nightmare Before Christmas Collection at Scentsy has just dropped! The collection includes warmers, wax, and plush buddies of Jack and Sally (of which I am obsessed). I anticipate these items to sell out quickly, so make sure you snag your favorites ASAP!
Let me know if you have any questions!
Much love,
Ashley
[image error] All hail the Pumpkin King! Transform your home into a place of reverence by letting Jack Skellington from Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas rule your spooky setup this Halloween.
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
August 4, 2020
Breast Cancer Support Update
I hope you are having a great week. I wanted to update you on something that has happened in my personal life recently.
One of my dear friends just found out that her mother’s breast cancer has come back. After so many years in remission this is completely devastating. Even though they caught her breast cancer early this is still a terrifying diagnosis, and I am asking for your prayers and good thoughts. I am so devastated, and I will be thankful for any positive vibes you can send our way.
In light of this personal trauma, I have decided to sell Scentsy’s Hope Strength and Love Warmer that supports the National Breast Cancer Foundation to try and create love from this personal devastation. Each of these warmers are $50 + shipping/handling and a portion of all proceeds are directly donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation
[image error]
[image error]
If you, or anyone you know, has been affected by breast cancer, please consider supporting this cause. I would really appreciate it if you could share this post and comment on it if possible. I really appreciate all of your love and support. 
August 3, 2020
Alexandra Forever Book Tour
Happy Monday, Everyone!
I hope you are having a great start to your week. Today I am excited to share with you an interview with D.W. Richards, author of the science fiction novel Alexandra Forever 2291 – Book One! This book is FREE on Amazon today, so be sure to pick up your copy ASAP.
Enjoy the interview!
Ashley
An Interview with D.W. Richards
What initially got you interested in writing?
People reacting (positively) to something that I have created. With a slightly different bent and skillset, that desire could just as easily have led to music or visual arts, but I have always been drawn to, and impressed by, great stories and a savvy turn of phrase.
2. What genres do you write in?
Literary and fantasy sci-fi.
3. What drew you to writing these specific genres?
Literary writing brings out the wordsmith in me while fantasy sci-fi opens the flood gates of my imagination.
4. How did you break into the field?
I self-published my novel “Pairs”.
5. What do you want readers to take away from reading your works?
An overall upbeat experience.
6. What do you find most rewarding about writing?
When someone who has read my work recounts a scene or character to me as if I was hearing about it for the first time. That was an engaged reader.
7. What do you find most challenging about writing?
There is nothing about the act of writing that I would say stands out as a particular challenge. This is not to say that the process runs perfectly smoothly all the time, quite the contrary. Sticking points simply vary from day-to-day. In one instance it can be describing a scene to my liking and in the next it can be finding the perfect word or putting together a natural sounding stretch of dialogue.
8. What advice would you give to people wanting to enter the field?
I won’t call it advice. I will label it considerations. 1) Think about whether or not you simply want to be a writer or whether you want to write. There is a difference. Are you prepared to put in the work or are you simply captivated by the notion of being an author? 2) When starting out, pick an easily identifiable genre and nurture it before expanding.
9. What type of books do you enjoy reading?
Well written. I’m not being facetious. I make an effort to keep my reading eclectic.
10. Is there anything else besides writing you think people would find interesting about you?
Nope. My interestingness peaks at being a writer.
11. What are the best ways to connect with you, or find out more about your work?
I welcome being in touch. The central hub is my author website: dwrichardsauthor.com. All my coordinates are there. I also maintain a site specific to the Alexandra Forever Project: alexandraforever.com. On most social media I am @A4EProject.
August 1, 2020
NEW Scentsy Fall/Winter Catalog STARTS NOW
I hope you are having a great start to your weekend. I just wanted to let you know that today is August 1, which means that our Fall/Winter catalog at Scentsy has officially begun! All of our Fall/Winter exclusive scents are now available, which means that pumpkin season is officially upon us.
We also have an exclusive Winnie the Pooh collection that I just adore!
[image error] Winnie the Pooh Hunny Pot Warmer & Hundred Acre Woods Scent Bar
How cute is this warmer?! It will warm any of our Scentsy bars, so you can purchase as many as you want in all of your favorite scents.
[image error]
[image error] Winnie the Pooh Scentsy Buddies
Our Scentsy buddies come with your choice of scent pack and provide a multi-sensory relaxing experience! I am a bit obsessed with these guys, so I can attest that they are well worth the money if you struggle with stress, anxiety, or depression.
[image error]
Below are my top 3 Fall/Winter 2020 scents for your perusal
[image error]
Okay, I can’t talk up this scent enough! It literally smells and feels like Fall is giving you a hug. If you are seeking a cozy, relaxing scent, then Cozy Cardigan is your go to.
[image error]
[image error]
Autumn Sunset is by far the ultimate Fall fragrance! It smells just like falling leaves mixed with harvest fruits and vegetables. I highly recommend this scent if you are a Fall fiend like me!
[image error]
[image error]
There is nothing more soothing than the smell of a fresh croissant, and Almond Croissant brings the bakery straight to your home! If you love the sweet smell of pastries, then this is the perfect scent for you.
[image error]
Feel free to peruse my site and check out all of our new scents! Now is the perfect time to stock up your reading room with fresh Fall scents.
[image error]
July 22, 2020
Book Review: The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen by Ray Smith
Synopsis:
“You’ve seen the woman in the photo. The woman screaming . . .”
So begins the story of Molly Valle, who at forty-eight thinks she knows all that life has to offer a single, middle-aged woman—namely, men’s dismissal and disrespect. But when handsome activist John Pressman arrives in her Mississippi hometown, he challenges her self-doubt along with nearly everything else in her world. Soon, Molly discovers a strength and beauty she never knew she had—and a love so powerful, it can overcome the most tragic of consequences.
The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen is a love story, an adventure novel, and a self-realization journey. It reignites the truth that many women—and men—have unconsciously extinguished: you are special and worthy of love, and it’s never too late to make your dreams come true.
Quick Take
The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen is an unexpected Southern delight with a romance that goes down as smooth as sweet tea. You don’t want to miss this treasure!
Tell Me More
I am a sucker for any novel that features a Southern storyline, so I knew from the get go that The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen was right down my alley. However, this beautiful novel came to mean so much more to me, and I am proud to announce that it has made it on my Top Ten Books of All Time list – which is quite a feat. I haven’t read a book this delectable in quite some time, and I am honored to share it with you.
The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen by Ray Smith is largely about love and realizing that there is no age limit on one’s dreams coming true. The novel follows Molly Valle, a forty eight year old woman who has been disrespected by men and has given up on love…that is, until she meets John Pressman, an activist who challenges her view on life, love, and most importantly, herself. While this novel is a romance, it also features adventure elements and forces the reader to experience self-realization along with Molly. I feel changed after reading this gorgeous novel, and I am so thankful to Ray Smith for sharing his imagination with me.
The novel begins with a rather angry and bitter Molly Valle, but as one reads on they witness the slow unfolding – or blooming – of this special woman. I couldn’t help but empathize with Molly and encourage her as I saw a lot of myself in her. Smith’s descriptions made Molly so realistic that it was hard for me to keep reminding myself that I was reading fiction. I adored seeing Molly re-open herself to love and find the happiness she so deserved.
Ray Smith’s writing was poetic and flowed from each page like magic. His character development was flawless and reminiscent of the classics. I can see The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen easily becoming a treasured classic for years to come. It has earned my respect in so many ways.
If you are a fan of Southern romances with a twist of self-realization and adventure, then you simply must pick up The Magnolia That Bloomed Unseen. It is one of the most beautiful novels I have ever read, and it is bound to leave you changed. Enjoy!
July 21, 2020
Scentsy Gift Bags with Two Surprise Books
Hello, Everyone!
I am excited to announce that I am creating and offering for your pleasure Scentsy & Book Gift Bags!
Each bag includes 1 room spray, 1 scent circle, and 1 travel tin in your choice of scent(s). The gift bag also includes two surprise books to compliment your chosen scents, all for the flat rate of $20. You have the choice of any of our Fall/Winter 2020 scents, so check out the photos below to choose your favorite(s)!
Check out through the payment button below and comment on this post with your chosen scent(s) or email me at peachykeenreviews@gmail.com to pre-order. These surprise bags will ship in August!
Your purchase helps me to earn a living wage from my small business – thank you so much!
$20.00 Contribution
(I personally recommend our Cozy Cardigan and Christmas Cottage fragrances! They are absolutely delicious.)
Much love,
Ashley
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
[image error]
Interview with Brain Health Expert, Aneesh Chaudhry
Hello, Everyone!
I hope you are having a lovely week! I am excited to share with you my interview with Brain Health Expert, Aneesh Chaudhry. He shared with me some great tips for maintaining our mental health with everything going on in our world, and I hope his interview helps you as much as it helped me.
Much love,
Ashley
ABOUT ANEESH CHAUDHRY
Aneesh Chaudhry is the founder of SoulPhysio Lifestyle, a brain health clinic and integrative healthcare network that specializes in treatments that combine both Eastern and Western Medical techniques. Chaudhry holds a bachelor’s degree in Neuropsychology from Wright State University and a personal training license through the Cooper Institute.
In addition, he holds a number of other mental and physical health
certifications including accreditation as a Reiki Master, a Mind-Body
Specialist, a Brain Health Coach, and a Performance Nutrition Specialist.
Chaudhry is on track to be a licensed Ayurvedic and Integrative Medicine
Practitioner in 2022 and following this, he plans to pursue a PhD in Physiology and Health.
For More Information, Visit: www.soulphysiolifestyle.com
An Interview with Aneesh
1) What are your tips for protecting our mental health following the COVID-19 pandemic?
Most importantly, our health and wellbeing needs to be our number one priority above all else in life. Making our health a priority is the first step towards making changes to improve our wellbeing. Just the act of prioritizing wellness and scheduling it into our daily routine has a positive effect on our mental health. Most people are used to keeping some kind of schedule or to do list to stay organized on a daily basis. Activities such as going for a walk, going to the gym, cooking food, and meditating all need to be prioritized and scheduled along with all of our other tasks. Taking action towards improving our health daily, no matter how small, creates positive changes in the brain that will ultimately lead to us reaching our goals and making wellness a lifestyle.
2) What are some signs we should look for to determine if COVID-19 has impacted our mental health ?
COVID-19 has been a significant and traumatic event for everybody in their own unique ways. The brain processes and holds onto this trauma, which has an adverse effect on how we are able to function on a daily basis. For example, one fear most people have amidst the pandemic is going out in public and catching the virus. This has resulted from the Stay at Home Order and the heightened awareness that everybody has had during this prolonged period of time.
A major sign that this is affecting us in a negative way is when we are still in fear of being in public places after it has been deemed safe to be out in public
again. One major change that will benefit all of us going forward is to adhere
to safety recommendations, but do not live in a state of fear around leaving
the house and being a part of society again. This constant fear creates stress
in the mind and body that has a negative impact on our health over the long
run.
3) What are some tips that we can try at home to improve our mental and physical health during this time?
Two of the most important activities that will have a profound impact on physical and mental health that can be done at home are exercise and meditation. Exercise can take the form of any type of movement including walking, running, yoga, body weight exercises, pilates, and more. Our body is a great form of resistance when utilized in a safe way. We do not need a gym filled with equipment in order to engage our body to reap the immense benefits of exercise. It is very important that we aim to get 20–30 minutes of movement per day at a minimum.
Meditation can be thought of as the equivalent to lifting weights for the brain. There is a lot of research that shows that meditation increases blood flow to the brain helping to create the growth of new brain tissue. There are many different types of meditation out in the world today, which can be very overwhelming. For a complete beginner, a simple meditation practice involves finding a quiet room and sitting upright with the eyes closed for 5 minutes at a time. This will be very difficult as the mind wanders to all kinds of different thoughts. The key is to use the breath as an anchor and focal point to bring the attention back to as the mind wanders. Practice makes perfect!!
4) What are some activities we can do with kids to improve their mental and physical health?
Children are ultimately a direct mirror of the behavior exuded by their parents. Having a conscious awareness of one’s own health is going to have a very strong impact on our kids. Making wellness a family activity increases incentive and accountability for parents to make healthy changes as well. This can be as simple as going for a walk daily with our children and spending a few minutes a day to explain to them the significance of how going for a walk impacts their health in a positive way.
Another great way to make wellness a family activity is through cooking a meal together as a family, and then sitting down together to eat after cooking without any devices at the table. Having kids do simple tasks such as stirring food on a pot, chopping veggies, retrieving items from the fridge, and reading the recipes are all easy ways to get them involved. This then creates a positive
association in their brain about the importance of cooking healthy meals and
eating together as a family.
5) What are your five tips for boosting brain health?
1. Brain Healthy Nutrition– Cooking fresh food daily based in fresh
fruits and vegetables to help nourish the body and give it sustainable
energy.
2. Meditation– Daily meditation increases blood flow to the brain to
help spark the growth of new brain tissue. Who doesn’t want a bigger and more
active brain?!
3. Movement– Move your body for 20–30 minutes a day minimum. Regular
movement increases circulation and helps rid the body of unnecessary toxins
that cause inflammation, which is the basis of many different chronic diseases.
4. Journaling– This is a great tool to help process emotions and
create awareness around negative thoughts that wreak havoc on the mind.
Consistent negative thoughts typically have some underlying cause, which can be addressed via journaling.
5. Community– We are a byproduct of those we surround ourselves with.
It is important to keep people around us that value their health, care for our
health and wellbeing, and we can call on in times of need.
How to Use Your ‘Borderline Rage’ to Fight Racism
Rage has always been the most dreaded symptom I experience from borderline personality disorder (BPD). It tends to come out the strongest when I’m extremely passionate about something, and the current events involving the murder of George Floyd have really been affecting me. The George Floyd murder ignited my BPD rage, and it has been burning off and on for days. My rage has kept me fired up and has made it hard to function, but the one good thing is that I can use it to act and make positive change.
If you are experiencing BPD rage, or any form of rage during this time, consider the following actions to positively channel your anger. Just remember to only do what feels right to you! And please stay safe.
1. Protest (with care)
Now, if you fear that your rage may make you violent or increase your chances of becoming violent, joining a protest may not be the ideal course of action for your safety and the safety of others. However, many protests during the day have been peaceful throughout the country and joining one of these protests may be a positive way to use your anger to initiate change. Just be aware of any danger going on around you, and stay vigilant.
You can also protest from your home by supporting organizations that fight for black rights. Visit this link to discover various black rights organizations and how you can support them.
2. Read (educate yourself!)
There is always so much more we can learn about racism, privilege and power. To help with this, there are a plethora of awesome books on the market by black authors that provide great insight. I highly suggest “How to Be an Anti-Racist” by Ibram X. Kendi.
By educating yourself you can improve your understanding and ability to fight oppression. Being a strong and appropriate ally for black rights is the ultimate goal, and reading human rights books written by black authors is a wonderful way to increase your understanding and improve your ability to support.
Other notable books include:
“Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race” by Reni Eddo-Lodge“So You Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo
3. Listen (podcasts are key)
We are so lucky to live in a world where just about anyone can go online and post a podcast for the world to hear — especially the ability to make the podcast unfiltered. One of my favorite podcasts is called “Pod for the Cause.” In their podcast, they discuss all aspects of civil rights, and they actively work to fight hate and bias. Listening to podcasts is another excellent way to educate yourself as well, while expanding your awareness of diverse populations.
Other notable podcasts include:
Lynching in AmericaIntersectionality Matters with Kimberle CrenshawThe #GroundingsPodcastCode SwitchJustice in America
Want to take your podcast journey to the next level? Make your own podcast! You can use websites such as Anchor.fm to quickly and easily create and load your podcasts for free. Creating a podcast is a wonderful way to find your voice and fight for civil rights and increase awareness.
4. Watch (Netflix is awesome)
There are a bunch of awesome documentaries and television shows on Netflix that address privilege, oppression and power, including “Dear White People” and “13th” — a documentary about the unfair way black individuals are treated by our justice system. You can easily look up civil rights documentaries online and find out what is available to watch on Netflix or other streaming services. This is a great form of media to consume that will captivate you and help you manage your rage while increasing your awareness.
5. Discuss (forums are everywhere)
The online world is an excellent place to discuss what you are feeling with others — but be careful if you come across individuals who may be belligerent or hateful. Discuss what you are feeling with care and use “I statements.” There are numerous mental health and civil rights groups on Facebook and Reddit that are good places to find support and actively discuss how we can make a change in the world. Look up these groups online to find the group that is right for you.
Hang in there! Borderline personality disorder rage can be so frustrating and hard to handle, but if you can learn how to turn that rage into positive action, it can become a welcome tool for you. Feeling intense emotions may seem like a burden a lot of the time, but they can be so powerful when addressed correctly. I believe in you! Stay safe!
The Type of Horror that Helps Me Take Control of My Anxiety
For as long as I can remember, I have struggled with anxiety. I grew up as an anxious child and I have struggled with severe “worrying” my entire life. I have been on and off various anxiety medications and have participated in just about every form of therapy and exercise designed to help relieve anxiety.
But nothing has helped me to manage, and take control of, my anxiety more than the horror genre.
When I was younger, I was terrified of anything having to do with horror or Halloween, but as I have grown older I discovered how those intense feelings of fear and unease that horror movies, books and series brings provides me with an outlet to take control of my anxiety. Most of the time, I feel like my anxiety controls me by taking over my body with intense shaking, a rapid heartbeat, uncontrollable, worrying thoughts, and a shortness of breath. But, when I watch a horror movie or series, or read a horror book, I am looking my anxiety in the face and saying, “I am not afraid of you.”
Staying in my body and being in the present moment is one of the things that I struggle with the most with my anxiety because my thoughts take me out of body and catapult me into the past or the future; but the horror genre captivates my attention and forces me to stay present. While it elicits the same anxiety symptoms that I try to avoid normally, it is a unique experience because I am welcoming those symptoms. I am allowing myself to experience them in a way that lets me release my tension and welcomes the endorphins to overwhelm my body.
However, I do have to be careful of what type of horror I consume due to my post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Anything to do with sexual assault or animal and child abuse will put me over the edge and does not provide a safe space for releasing anxiety. This is why I stick with supernatural horror or horror that is not as realistic because it transports me to another world and doesn’t trigger my panic.
While horror movies provide two hours or so of anxiety experience and relief, horror books and series are a different form of outlet. Because it takes me longer to read books or watch a series than watch a movie, I am able to build up my anxiety and experience a greater sense of release by the end because of the anticipation. Horror literature is beautiful in that authors have to provide imagery to create fear in the reader, and if the author is good at their craft, the book will become all-consuming. When I read horror, I don’t have the mental space to let my thoughts consume me because my mind is fully captivated. This is why horror is my favorite genre to prescribe as a bibliotherapist — a therapist who uses books and reading as therapeutic tools.
My top 10 favorite books, TV shows, and movies for releasing anxiety in a safe environment are:
“A Haunting in Connecticut” (Movie).
“The Conjuring” Series (Movies).
“The Curse of La Llorona” (Movie).
The “Annabelle” Series. (Movies).
The “Child’s Play” Series (Movies).
“My Best Friend’s Exorcism” by Grady Hendrix (Book).
“The Merciless” by Danielle Vega (Book).
“The Haunted” by Danielle Vega (Book).
“The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson (Book).
“The Haunting of Hill House” (Series on Netflix).
If you struggle with anxiety, I challenge you to find a form of horror that is safe and creates a space for you to experience your anxiety and release it. You deserve to control your anxiety, rather than having it control you.
What would you add? Let me know in the comments below.
