Sage Nestler's Blog, page 14

May 6, 2020

Book Review: The Billionaire Needs a Bodyguard by Ravina Hillard

The Billionaire Needs a Bodyguard by [Ravina Hilliard]


Rating: 3/5

Format: ebook


“Alexandra “Lex” Granger is a private security consultant who has to go undercover to protect billionaire businessman Michael Thornton, pretending to be an escort. Michael does not think he needs a bodyguard, despite the death threats he has received from protesters against his takeover of a Danish company, but he does need protection against the predatory wife of the Danish ambassador. Lex knows that this assignment is dangerous, made more so because her client does not even know that he is being protected.


She doesn’t know that he thinks she is a con-artist a gold-digger who takes rich men for everything that she can get. As sparks fly, and the attraction between the two go stronger, they face a deadly danger from an unknown assailant. Lex and Mike embark on a turbulent affair in the beautiful city of Copenhagen, with Mike realising that there is much more to the sexy seductress, her bewildering vulnerability evoking unfettered passion and feelings that he has never experienced before. Lex realises that she has committed the ultimate folly, that of falling in love with a man who despises her. Will she overcome the dangers to Michael to her breaking heart?”


-Synopsis was taken from Amazon.com


Quick Take

The Billionaire Needs a Bodyguard is an entertaining and suspenseful romance novel that keeps the reader company during long nights.


Tell Me More

The Billionaire Needs a Bodyguard is a pedestrian romance between Lex – an undercover bodyguard – and Michael – the man Lex is sworn to protect.  I appreciated how the woman, in this case, was written as the protector of the man, rather than having her be the damsel in distress; however, I did find numerous errors with this book.


I’m a fan of romance, but I don’t usually read suspenseful romance novels; therefore, I highly anticipated shaking up my reading tastes with The Billionaire Needs a Bodyguard.  But upon reading the first few chapters of the novel, I quickly found the characters and plot to be cliche – like something you would see in a Harlequin mass market paperback.  While I love Harlequin romance novels as much as the next person, I had hoped for a more substantial storyline and characters with depth who I could relate to and treasure.  But quickly into the novel, I began to see numerous spelling and grammar errors that clouded my view of the writing and detracted from my enjoyment of the story.  While I can appreciate how the author flipped the script and made the woman the protector instead of the man, as is common in romance novels, it became a lost feminist opportunity as it was bogged down with a shallow plotline and various errors in the writing that I couldn’t ignore.  If I had not been reviewing The Billionaire Needs a Bodyguard, I most likely would not have finished the book.


The Billionaire Needs a Bodyguard is the kind of book you pick up at the supermarket and settle down with on a rainy afternoon.  I felt like I was having a quick fling with the characters, and I did finish the novel quickly due to the fast pace.  Even though I found the characters and plot to be cliche, I still couldn’t help but flip the pages.  I found an afternoon of enjoyment while reading this novel, and it is a great quick read if you don’t have a lot of extra down time.  I would just like to see this book go through the editing process again so that the internal errors can be fixed, and the story can be more enjoyable for the reader.


If you are in the mood for a quick, hot romance, then The Billionaire Needs a Bodyguard might be a good fit for you.  Just be aware that there are errors present throughout the book and that the storyline is unremarkable.  This novel provided me with an afternoon of entertainment, but I wish that it would have had more depth so that it would stick with me for days after reading.


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Published on May 06, 2020 20:59

April 23, 2020

Book Review: Odriel’s Heirs by Hayley Reese Chow

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Format: E-Book
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:

The brave, burning with fire, harnessed the Dragon’s Rage….


As the Dragon Heir, seventeen-year-old Kaia inherited the power of flame to protect her homeland from a Tell necromancer’s undead army. But after centuries of peace, the necromancer has faded to myth, and the Dragon Heir is feared by the people. Persecuted and cast out, Kaia struggles to embrace and control her seemingly useless gift while confined to her family’s farm.


But when the necromancer’s undead terrorizes the land once again, Kaia runs away to join the battle.


With the help of her childhood rival, the handsome Shadow Heir, and a snarky, cursed cat, Kaia must figure out how to control both her fire and her confidence in time to save Okarria. If she fails, she will sacrifice her family, her new friends, and the enchanting world she has only just begun to see.


And time is running out.


Quick Take

Odriel’s Heirs by Hayley Reese Chow is a captivating fantasy adventure filled with a storm of female power and breath-taking world-building.


Tell Me More

Odriel’s Heirs is one of those rare novels that you read once maybe every ten years or so and can’t get it out of your head.  Hayley Reese Chow’s writing provided me with an emotional catharsis for experiencing and releasing passion, rage, and excitement, and I am changed after reading her astonishing novel.


Our story begins with Kaia – the Dragon Heir and our protagonist – who has inherited the power of the flame to protect her people from the necromancer’s undead army.  Unfortunately, the necromancer is now a thing of legend, and Kaia is outcast because others fear her power.  Kaia is forced to manage her gifts on her own while living remotely until the undead begins to terrorize her people once again, and her powers are needed so she joins the battle.


There is some ambiguity when it comes to interpreting Kaia’s circumstance, but I found it interesting how she was feared because of her power and outcast; however, as soon as her powers were needed, she was “useful” for once.  Kaia’s situation echoes some of the dilemmas facing modern women (such as others being intimidated by a woman’s talents and successes) and I found the ideology of feminism to be present throughout the novel.  I am a sucker for kick-ass female protagonists, and Kaia is the epitome of a world-rocking female.  Rather than taking on fighting the undead herself, Kaia teams up with the Shadow Heir – her rival – to embrace her power and bring justice back to their land and protect the people she loves.  Kaia is powerful while keeping her sights on protecting others and using her powers for the good of all.  She is a wildly complex character, and I simply fell in love with her.


But there is a reason behind why Kaia’s story is so powerful, and that is Chow’s writing style.  Her writing blew me away.  I found her world-building technique to be flawless and without wordiness that can often be present in high fantasy novels.  I floated away on her charming words and I was fully absorbed by the third page of the novel – a record for me.  Odriel’s Heirs filled all of my fantasy dreams, and I look forward to reading more of Chow’s work.


If you are a fan of high fantasy and strong female protagonists, then you are going to adore Odriel’s Heirs! It is a book that will stick with me for a very long time, and I am so grateful to the author for allowing me the chance to enter her awe-inspiring, richly imagined world.  I didn’t want to give away too much of the story, so go pick up a copy and find out for yourself what happens!  You will be glad you did.


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Published on April 23, 2020 10:44

April 20, 2020

Book Review: Embroidered Wild Flowers by Kazuko Aoki


Format: PDF
Genre: Craft/Hobby – Needleart
Rating: 5/5
Quick Take

Embroidered Wild Flowers by Kazuko Aoki is a gorgeous collection of embroidered flowers with easy to understand instructions that educates as much as it entertains.


Tell Me More

I have a treat in store for you today!  If you are a fan of embroidery, Japanese crafts, and wild flowers, then I highly recommend the following book.  Embroidered Wild Flowers by Kazuo Aoki provides hours of education, art, and fun in that it provides the reader with scientific insight as well as connecting science and art.  This book is filled with high-quality images of each pattern presented, and easy to understand instructions that take the fear out of embroidery.


I am a needleart enthusiast, and I have just recently begun to explore hand embroidery.  Apart from cross stitch, I don’t have a lot of expertise in the area of embroidery, so I was excited to learn new techniques when I came across Embroidered Wild Flowers by Kazuo Aoki.  I am a big fan of Japanese style crafts due to their detail and complexity, so I couldn’t help but absorb this book!


The first asset of Embroidered Wild Flowers by Kazuo Aoki I noticed was how beginner-friendly it is.  The first half of the book shows actual, detailed pictures of the designs once they are stitched, along with the flower’s name and a reference to a page in the back of the book that holds the instructions.  The first half of the book is split into sections based on different types of flowers, plants, and best of all, seasons.  My favorite section featured leaves in the fall that are gold, orange, and red  The book is beautifully scientific in that it gives the natural names of each wild flower and plant as well as instructions on how to gather your own plants and flowers to create inspired designs.  But don’t be fooled – this book isn’t merely a collection of embroidered flowers, it is a collection of plants and bugs in various seasons of natural scenery that end up looking like fine landscape paintings.


Every instructable in Embroidered Wild Flowers by Kazuo Aoki is given as a diagram, which I found incredibly helpful because I am a visual learner.  The diagrams are listed at the back of the book with further instructions and a stitch catalogue. The various stitches in the catalogue represent every stitch that is used by the patterns in the book so that embroiderers of all levels can understand the patterns.  Even though I am newer to hand embroidery, I found the patterns in this book easy to understand and follow. Not only did I learn new stitches and designs along the way, but I learned about various wild plants and insects and how to create my own inspired designs.


Embroidered Wild Flowers by Kazuo Aoki is a gorgeous work of art that every needleart enthusiast and embroider should have in their collection.  Even if you have never tried embroidery but are interested in starting, this book is a must-have because it teaches you along the way.  While the book starts out intimidating with patterns that appear complex, the patterns are dissected and presented in such a form that they become suitable for needleartists of all ages and levels.  I appreciate how Aoki incorporates instructions on how to collect your own plant materials to inspire further needleart creations, which inspires the artist to get outside – or connect both worlds if they find pleasure in the natural and art worlds.


I can’t wait to try every pattern in this book, and make my own!


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Disclaimer


*I received this book on Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.


*This post contains affiliate links.  Affiliate links allow me to make a small income each time a purchase is made through one of my links.  This does not affect your purchase at all, and it ensures that I make a small income for my writing.  Thank you for your support!

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Published on April 20, 2020 08:58

April 6, 2020

3 Subscriptions for Your Next Date Night In

Happy Monday, Everyone!

I hope you all are doing well.  I received my COVID-19 test results back, and they were negative!  So I am quite happy about that.  It looks like I just have the flu, which, for once, is more than welcome news.


Anyhoo, today I wanted to share with you three subscriptions that are excellent for having a date night at home!  With many of us being stuck in self-isolation, going out on a date is pretty much out of the question; but with these three subscriptions, your date night is brought straight to your door.  Practicing self-care through quality time with your significant other is so important, especially if you are isolated together, so try out one of these subscriptions below and start planning your next date night in!


Let me know if you try any of these subscriptions in the comments!  I’d love to hear your feedback.

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Published on April 06, 2020 14:22

Book Review: Learn to Draw Disney/Pixar Onward by Walter Foster Jr. Creative Team


Your artistic destiny awaits! With Learn to Draw Disney•Pixar Onward, embark on a thrilling artistic journey to the once-magical world of Onward. Join teenage elf brothers Ian and Barley on a quest to discover the artistic magic in your world. This 64-page book includes drawing projects for your favorite characters from Disney and Pixar’s movie Onward (March 2020).


After an introduction to art materials and how to use this book, the real fun begins. Just follow the step-by-step projects to draw Ian, Barley, Blazey, and more!


The easy-to-follow instructions in this book guide you through the drawing process; each step builds upon the last until the character is complete. You just need to grab a pencil, a piece of paper, and your copy of Learn to Draw Disney•Pixar Onward; then flip to the character you want to draw. Draw the basic shapes shown in step one, and move on to step two, step three, and keep going! The new lines in each step are shown in blue, so you know exactly what to draw. After adding all the details in each step, darken the lines you want to keep and erase the rest. Finally, add color to your drawing with felt-tip markers, colored pencils, watercolors, or acrylic paints. You can draw the characters over and over, getting better with each try.


Plus, learn some fun facts about the characters from Disney and Pixar’s Onward as you learn to draw them. Brief character descriptions and art instruction from professional Disney animators round out this exciting artistic adventure.


Grab your drawing pencils and go on a grand and glorious artistic quest with Ian, Barley, and the other fairy-tale creatures from Disney and Pixar’s Onward.


Rating: 5/5
Format: E-Book (from Netgalley)
Quick Take

Learn to Draw Disney/Pixar Onward is an easy to follow, unique art experience that is perfect for beginner and advanced artists alike.


Tell Me More

I have long been a fan of Walter Foster Jr.’s Learn to Draw books, and I was ecstatic when an edition for how to draw the characters from Onward was released.  Onward is the newest movie from Disney/Pixar, and it has been released early on digital video and Disney+ as a special gift during this time of self-isolation.  If you haven’t seen the movie, I highly recommend it!  It is unique and it made my heart melt.


Walter Foster has released a plethora of Disney Learn to Draw books under their Walter Foster Jr. line, but I find that these books are excellent for all ages, especially Onward.  The drawing exercises in this edition were particularly challenging, even with step by step instructions, and it helped me to expand my artistic skills.  But this book is so much more than just drawing exercises – it provides the reader with additional insight into the characters and story of Onward to allow the reader to dive deeper into the making of this beautiful movie.  The baseline techniques this book teaches the reader also allows for additional creativity as the reader can begin to draw their own characters utilizing their newly learned skills.  This book is perfect for providing hours of entertainment while you are stuck at home as well!


If you are a fan of Onward and drawing, then I highly recommend Learn to Draw Disney/Pixar Onward.  This book brings with it additional insight into the movie as well as challenging drawing exercises with step-by-step instructions to make learning to draw easier.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book as an advanced artist, and I am positive that artists of every level will enjoy and benefit from Learn to Draw Disney/Pixar Onward.


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Published on April 06, 2020 07:22

April 3, 2020

Call for Submissions – Coronavirus Anthology

Happy Friday, Everyone!

I hope you are all hanging in there and practicing self-care.  Two days ago I was tested for COVID-19 so I am still waiting on those test results.  I have to admit that I am scared, and each day seems to get scarier, but I am excited to share with you an anthology that my author friend, Francis H. Powell, is putting together.


Coronavirus Anthology

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This anthology is going to be a collection of poems and short stories that reflect each author’s feelings and experiences about this pandemic that we are living in.  The anthology is going to be an E-Book and proceeds will be donated to a worthy cause (to be announced later).


If you have any questions, comments, or would like to submit a poem or short story, email Francis at powellfrancisvid@gmail.com with your submission.


Please share this post with any authors or bloggers that you know to spread the word around!
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Published on April 03, 2020 08:39

April 2, 2020

3 Unique Subscriptions to Keep Your Kiddos Busy

Happy Thursday, Everyone!

I hope you are staying safe and doing well.  Today I wanted to share with you three educational and SUPER FUN subscription boxes that are excellent to keep your kiddos busy in isolation.  I am a big fan of subscription boxes (if you can’t already tell) because many of them are small businesses, and they provide excellent experiences not available anywhere else.  I hope you enjoy my top three picks for your kiddos, and please let me know what your experience is if you try any of them out!


Much love,


Ashley


1) BitsBox – The Ultimate Coding Subscription


Monthly Coding Projects for Kids 6-12

Voted #1 STEM box for kids: Bitsbox is a crazyfun subscription box that teaches kids how to code! Bitsbox delivers coding projects that teach kids to make video games, greeting cards, simulations, and more. Kids start by coding from examples and progress quickly to inventing their own apps! WARNING: Frequently leads to fits of giggles!


Perfect for curious kids ages 6 to 12 years old
No experience necessary—beginners welcome!
New projects arrive every month. Each box teaches a new computer science concept
Kids build apps on the Bitsbox website; the apps they build work on any mobile device!
Each subscription comes with unlimited email support for coders

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2) Club Scikidz Labs – The Ultimate Science/Engineering Subscription


Club SciKidz: Great Science begins here!

Club Scikidz specializes in sending engaging and fun career-related science kits each month! Each lab kit is a comprehensive collection of STEM-based hands-on activities, experiments, and projects that will help young scientists and engineers explore the wonders of the world around them.


Challenging science and technology experiments
Topics include Veterinary Medicine, Robotics, Climate Science, Oceans, and more!
Every box includes an exclusive lab notebook containing micro-experiments, quotes, riddles, and scientists who inspire!
Creative engineering projects and enough supplies to build a home lab!
FREE 18 page activity guide included in each box!

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3) Genius Box – The Ultimate STEM Adventure


Hands-on STEM adventures delivered right to you!

Ever make Mentos + Diet Coke explosions as a kid? So did we! Our goal: Empower the change-makers & problem-solvers of tomorrow, today. Explore a new STEM topic with 3+ hands-on activities delivered each month. All the materials are included to foster curiosity and a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun and engaging way.


3+ hands-on activities with everything included exploring new topic each month
Collectible button and comic to illustrate monthly theme
Welcome Kit for all new subscribers featuring pencil pouch, sticker sheet, and eraser
Geared towards 8-12 year old future change-makers & problem-solvers
Building curiosity for and exposure to STEM at a young age!

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Published on April 02, 2020 15:04

March 31, 2020

Book Review: Feminist Stitches by Haley Pierson-Cox


Rating: 5/5
Format: Ebook
Quick Take

Feminist Stitches is the feminist cross-stitchery gem of my DREAMS! I plan on making every single one of these beauties and smashing the patriarchy while I’m at it.


Tell Me More

I have been an avid cross-stitcher and advocate for the craft for many years due to its healing power in regard to my Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. When I came across Feminist Stitches I couldn’t hide my enthusiasm! I am a feminist and I am always looking for groundbreaking and current cross-stitch patterns to make and gift to my friends. The beauty of Feminist Stitches is that it provides the crafter with an excellent selection of quick to make cross-stitch patterns along with ideas on how to use the product when it is completed – such as turning it into a patch and putting it on a jean jacket!  Haley Pierson-Cox makes cross-stitch modern in a way that is fashionable and enticing, while also making the craft easy to learn.


From what I understand, this book is going to be part of a cross-stitch kit, which I couldn’t be more excited about.  Feminist Stitches will make for an excellent gift for any young woman seeking to learn a new hobby, or purveyors of the craft to modernize their art in an impactful way.


I found Feminist Stitches to be an excellent addition to the cross-stitch world in that it appeals to younger generations and keeps this beautiful art alive in our modern world. This book (especially in the form of a kit) makes for an excellent gift, or a treat to buy for yourself.  I cannot wait to create each and every one of these cross-stitch patterns and give them to my girlfriends. Thank you to the author for creating such a beautiful book!


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*I received this ebook in exchange for an honest review.


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Published on March 31, 2020 08:09

March 29, 2020

Book Review: Frankenstina Reborn by Jerrimiah Stonecastle

Frankenstina Reborn by [Stonecastle, Jerrimiah]


Rating: 5/5
SYNOPSIS

What happens when you kill a hillbilly for a crime he didn’t commit?

His inbred kin folk start killing your town.


What happens when a secret government lab digs up a mass murderer and brings her back to life?

She starts killing your world.


Frankenstina returns and she’s pissed!



Quick Take

A Delightfully Malicious Must-Read for fans of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre


Tell Me More

Frankenstina Reborn is a vicious tale of vengeance and old-school horror. Jerrimiah Stonecastle’s twisted story combines a variety of horror tropes (inbred kin, mass murderers, and individuals brought back from the dead) into a devilishly delightful feast for the mind.


Frankenstina Reborn is the sequel to Stonecastle’s first novel Frankenstinaa tale of a girl who is bullied and mentally abused to the point of becoming a “monster”. I hadn’t read Frankenstina before diving into Frankenstina Reborn, but I found the second novel to be an excellent standalone novel. Stonecastle provides enough background story as to make the adjustment effortless.


In this sequel, the reader is sent to a small town where the death of a hillbilly leads to an unbelievable wrath and a series of terror reminiscent to that of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre – with Frankenstina in the place of the Leatherface. But don’t be mistaken, while Stonecastle’s story has a tone and central character similar to that of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, it is a groundbreaking story on its own. Stonecastle’s unique voice captures the horror of an unusual small town, while emphasizing the reasoning behind Frankenstina’s wrath. While Frankenstina Reborn is a horror tale, it also highlights how one can only bear so much hate before cracking. Stonecastle’s work is as much a plea to bring an end to bullying as it is a wild and gory horror adventure.


I appreciated how Stonecastle took some common horror tropes and wrapped them up into an original story that also highlights the dark side of humanity. I couldn’t put this book down, and I connected with Frankenstina on a deep level by empathizing with her and understanding how she became a “monster”. If you are a fan of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre or small town horror with an important message, then you are going to adore Frankenstina RebornThis is old-school horror at its finest.


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Published on March 29, 2020 18:59

Creating a COVID-19 Crisis Kit and an Update

Happy Sunday, Everyone,

I hope that you are hanging in there and are staying healthy!  I am now presumed positive for COVID-19 so I have been in isolation in my bedroom to hopefully prevent my family from catching it.  In Colorado, we are officially in a state of disaster, and each day seems to get scarier.  I am hanging in there, but I will admit that I am very scared about what is happening to our world.


That is why I wanted to share with you today something that has really helped me with my mental and physical health and that might help you during this time as well.


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Creating a crisis kit is one of my favorite therapeutic techniques to help you protect your mental and physical health.  My personal crisis kit has been a lifesaver on many occasions, and I still keep it out openly in my house so that I can use it whenever I feel like my mental or physical health is declining.  Creating a crisis kit itself, however, can be anxiety-inducing, so please take care of yourself as you read through this article and contemplate creating or modifying your personal crisis kit.


With COVID-19 spreading throughout our world and changing our everyday lives, it is more important than ever that we are proactive about protecting our mental and physical health.  Now is the optimal time to make yourself a crisis kit that will protect not only your mental state but your physical health if you should become sick.  Below are my recommendations for items that should go in your COVID-19 Crisis Kit, but you are free to add anything that you think would comfort you or protect you in a time of crisis.  I recommend that you put all of the items from your crisis kit in a bag, bin, or any container that you can keep in a communal area so that you know it is there when you need it.


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1) Acetaminophen, Mucinex/Decongestant, Sore Throat Lozenges, Nasal Spray


The recommended treatment for mild coronavirus symptoms is similar to a cold or the flu.  The essential over the counter remedies that have been recommended by doctors are acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain and to reduce a fever, while Mucinex or other decongestants, sore throat lozenges, and nasal spray can help with respiratory symptoms.


Adding these to your crisis kit will help prepare you if you are to contract the virus, or anyone in your home begins to show symptoms.


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\2) 30 Day Supply of Prescription Medications


Many areas are seeing shortages of common prescription medications, and as someone who takes multiple psychiatric medications, I find this extremely daunting.  If possible, request that your doctor and/or psychiatrist help you fill an additional 30-day supply of all of your medications so that you can be prepared if you have to stay at home for extended periods of time, or there is a shortage of your medication.


If your insurance tries to block these additional refills, you can call your insurance and explain how you are preparing for your extended care while in quarantine, and you can ask that your prescription refills be approved.


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3) Crisis Hotline Numbers


Having crisis hotline numbers and resources in your crisis kit is SO important.  I have provided a graphic below with some of the main crisis hotline numbers, but there is also a website listed for further resources.


Your local health system should also have a specific number you can call with any concerns or questions about COVID-19 and including this number or resource can be extremely beneficial.


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How to cope with losing a loved one | Kids Helpline


4) Phone Numbers/Emails/Contacts for Loved Ones/Support People


When we are facing a mental health or physical health crisis, it is vital to know that we have the support we need so that we don’t feel alone.  I highly recommend adding a physical list of any contact information for people who you can reach out to for support, including loved ones and healthcare professionals (doctors, psychiatrists, therapists, etc.)


When I am in a crisis, I often do not have the mental capacity to figure out who I can reach out to without a visual aid, so adding a physical list of contact information for my support people has been so helpful.


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 5) A List of Your Favorite Books. Movies, TV Shows, Music, etc.


Books, movies and TV shows are some of the most comforting and important things to me in my everyday life, and certain books, movies and TV shows help me to soothe myself when I am in crisis.


If you feel the same way, consider adding physical copies of your favorite books, movies, TV shows, or music to your crisis kit, or a list of them and where you can find access to them (such as on streaming platforms).  My list of comforting books, movies, and TV shows is so long that I did write it all down in a composition book that I added to my crisis kit, and I add to it when I find new media that soothes me.


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6) Heating Pad


Heating pads are so soothing, and they are helpful whether you are physically ill or dealing with a mental health crisis.  If you already have a heating pad, consider adding it to your crisis kit.  Or, you can make your own!


An effortless way to make a heating pad is to take a sock and fill it ¾ of the way with rice or oatmeal, and lavender essential oil if you prefer.  Then, tie it closed and heat it up for 1 – 2 minutes.  This type of heating pad is wonderful to put over your eyes to help you relax, and it is a savior with headaches and migraines.


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7) Soothing Lotions, Candles, Bodywash, etc.


Scents that we find soothing can be so grounding while helping us to relax, which can be both mentally and physically helpful.  I personally am soothed the most by lavender, chamomile and jasmine scents, so I have lotions, bath bombs, candles, and bodywash in these scents in my crisis kit.  Think about what scents soothe you the most and consider adding items with these scents to your crisis kit.


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8) Weighted Blanket/Comfy Blanket


Blankets are a wonderful way to feel secure mentally and physically, and weighted blankets are especially helpful in this way.  If you have a weighted blanket you can include that to your crisis kit, but if not, you can choose a personal blanket that you find comforting to help you if you should fall ill and to soothe your mental state.


93+ Child With Stuffed... Stuffed Animal Clipart | ClipartLook


9) Comfort Items


Comfort items refer to anything that brings you happiness or comfort.  These can be stuffed animals (in my case) or pictures of loved ones, favorite places, mementos from trips, collectibles, etc.  Add a few of your personal comfort items to your crisis kit to bring you joy in times of crisis.


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10) Fun Activities


Adding in some activities that you can do to keep yourself busy and soothed is an additional crucial step.  In my crisis kit I have cross-stitch, crochet, and coloring books that I use only when I am in crisis so that they are a special treat.  If you enjoy any small activities that you can include in your crisis kit, such as drawing, coloring, crocheting, knitting, painting, boardgames, puzzles, etc., then this will add some fun to your situation and provide you with a pleasant distraction.


Are there any items not listed that you would suggest for a crisis kit specific to COVID-19?  


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Published on March 29, 2020 09:47