Ingenious Science Project: How to Make Glow in the Dark Water. Your kids will love this!

Who needs glow sticks when you have water, right? I found this cool little experiment of making fluorescent water and my mind instantly went into overdrive contemplating how I can make use of this interesting fun fact. Well, first and foremost, if you have kids they’ll definitely love this experiment! It’ll be a great way to blow their little minds, especially since it’s so quick and easy to do. And once you’ve glow-ified your water, you can store it in a bottle and, unlike glow sticks, it won’t fade.

All you need to do is take a non-toxic highlighter and cut it open to remove the ink-soaked felt inside. Slice that tube open to release the ink and then just soak it in water for a while or squeeze the ink out if you want it to go quicker. Then you just need to put a UV light (black light) to it and it’ll light right up!

If you want someone’s actual beverage to light up which they can still drink safely, just pour them a glass of tonic water and bring that to the UV light. The tonic water will light up on its own! 

Although the bright blue glow may make it look radioactive, we all know that tonic water is safe to drink. Tonic water contains a chemical called quinine that comes from the bark of a specific tree; this natural-occurring chemical has actually been used to treat malaria for centuries. Even though there is such a small amount of the bitter-tasting quinine dissolved into the water, when under a UV light, it emits a fluorescent glow all on its own.

Pretty cool, huh?

Meditation ~ Nourish Your Brain - What is Meditation? Meditation is about training your brain to concentrate and focus better. Meditation is a lot like doing reps at a gym. It strengthens your attention.

I've seen articles and such about the benefits of meditation, and I only have one question: Really? I am an analyst so I pretty much see black and white and very little gray. I'm pretty skeptical. Is there some actual science behind meditation benefits? So what do I do? I research! I am an analyst remember? Ha!

What is Meditation?

Meditation is about training your brain to concentrate and focus better. As professor David Levy describes it to USA Today, meditation is just another exercise: Meditation is a lot like doing reps at a gym. It strengthens your attention.

That's it. You don't need to buy yoga pants (you should though, they are beyond comfy), burn incense, smoke patchouli or even sit a particular way. The purpose of meditation is to train your brain just like you do the everything else. In this case, that means concentrating and focusing on one thing in your brain for a little while.

Though the concept originates in ancient Buddhist, Hindu and Chinese traditions, when it comes to experimental psychology, mindfulness is less about spirituality and more about concentration: the ability to quiet your mind, focus your attention on the present, and dismiss any distractions that come your way.

So, if you're struggling with concentration and focus, it's thought that meditation is one simple way to train yourself to get better at it. All it really takes is the ability to intentionally not think about anything for a little while. Sounds easy, right? It's not, my mind wanders (sometimes it leaves the room without me) just kidding, but seriously, this was tough for me.

The Benefits of Meditation

Is Meditation Really Beneficial, or Is It a Hoax?
It's long been thought that meditation plays some role in concentration and focus, but only recently have we started to see studies that actually reflect the common wisdom.

For example, one study from the University of Washington showed that meditation can increase productivity and help you focus, another study published in Brain Research Bulletin suggests meditation can decrease stress, and another by the University of Massachusetts Medical School has shown meditation can boost your overall brain power in a number of ways. It appears as though even short stints of meditation have a positive effect on the brain's ability to concentrate. That in turn makes it easier to focus, retain memories, and be more productive. I have to say, just clearing my mind for a few minutes in the middle of a busy day is so refreshing.

How do I Meditate?
Sit with your back straight enough that your breathing is comfortable and not restricted from sitting—on a chair or a cushion on the floor—and set a timer for your chosen duration. Once you start the timer, close your eyes, relax, and don't move except to breathe, until the timer goes off. Focus on your breath going in and out. Every time you have a thought or an urge to wander, notice it and bring yourself back to your breath. I have found some meditation music helps me clear my mind as well. My favorite Essential oil blends to help me achieve a deep meditation are:

 Botanical Delights Unwind Your Mind Relaxation Butter - deeply balancing giving you the ability to release all of the unwanted thoughts and emotional drains of every day life. Feel some inner peace. 

Botanical Delights Yoga & Meditation Balm - easy to carry in your bag. Great for Yoga and meditation of course. This is good anytime you need to take it down a notch.

Botanical Delights Meditate My Soul - this was my original blend that convinced me that the use of essential oils could really assist me on my meditation journey. I have a very wandering mind. I am a multitasker big time!

Take a few minutes every day to just relax, clear your mind, and concentrate on your breathing. Don't let anything else in. This is your time. It's simple, doesn't take up that much of your day, and has been shown to have substantial benefits. 

I Challenge you...pick a word every day and USE it!

I Challenge you...pick a word every day and USE it!

 

 

Are you a Considerate Person?

Are you a Considerate Person?

 

 

Sometimes we get so caught up in ourselves that we forget to keep other people in mind — but being thoughtful and considerate of other people benefits you both, and you will definitely make more friends along the way! Here are some habits of extremely considerate people to pick up and use daily:

• They put themselves in other people's shoes.

• They recognize their own imperfections — and embrace them!

• They open the door for people instead of barging through it first.

• They try to make people feel comfortable in awkward situations.

• If someone looks great, they tell them! Why not?

• They think first and speak second (and avoid plenty of foot-in-the-mouth situations because of this).

• They perform small acts of kindness, just because they can, not because they feel they should.

• They avoid judging other people. You don't know what they are going through.

• They try to keep things positive, even (or especially) in difficult situations.

• They're good listeners.

• They share what they have, even if it's not much.

• If someone is sad, they try to cheer them up.

• They throw in a few extra dollars if the bill comes up short at a group meal.

• They smile at everyone.

• They try to leave people better than they found them — not the opposite!

• They put other people first.

• They are patient with other people, even if they are frustrated.

• They remember birthdays and special occasions.

• They give up their seats on public transportation to people who clearly need them more — or maybe just to be nice!

• They always say please, thank you, and you're welcome.

• They don't interrupt or talk over people.

• They do favors for people without expecting anything in return.

• If someone skips them in line, they let it go. Maybe that person is just having a bad day!

• They make a point to include everyone in the conversation.

• They apologize when they mess up and don't ruin it with an excuse.

• They are on time for things...consideration of others time.

• They anticipate other people's needs and wants.

• They ask people about themselves and remain interested in their response.

• They consider the "bigger picture" beyond themselves and their own lives.

Learn something new everyday

Make it your mission to learn something every day...no matter how small...think!

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