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Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.- Elizabeth Lawrence

Are you feeling stressed? Spend some time watching the leaves fall.

Get outside and go for a short walk or just sit in nature. No time for that? You can simply look at pictures of nature for five minutes and that can calm you down.

It’s scientifically proven. The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health suggests placing photos of nature on your desk. Their report states; "Viewing green scenes may thus be particularly effective in supporting relaxation and recovery after experiencing a stressful period and thereby could serve as an opportunity for micro-restorative experiences and a promising tool in preventing chronic stress and stress-related diseases."

In other words, looking at photos of greenery or nature work to help you recover from stress. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear to work to look at pictures before a stressful situation. But who knows, maybe it would work for you.

Personally, I prefer being outside, especially walking my dogs. I stay off my phone and enjoy the time with them.

 So here is what nature can do for you; lower your blood pressure and stress hormone levels, reduce nervous system arousal, enhance your immune system function, increase your self-esteem, reduce anxiety and improve your mood.

Isn’t is incredible what a quick trip to the park can do for your mind and body.

📷 Benjamin Lecomte/ Unsplash

“Properly practiced, knitting soothes the troubled spirit, and it doesn’t hurt the untroubled spirit either. Elizabeth Zimmerman

 According to Mental Health America not only does knitting bring you, it also has mental health benefits.

 Here are some of the benefits:

• Lowered blood pressure
• Reduced depression and anxiety
• Distraction from chronic pain
• Increased sense of wellbeing
• Reduced loneliness and isolation

I keep a knitting project going all year long. Knitting truly does relaxes me and it’s such wonderful creative outlet.

Our Gretna tote is the perfect bag to keep your knitting project organized.

It measures 15”H x 14” W and features two large interior pockets.

https://www.cheriparkerdesign.com/products/gretna-tote

 Even if you don’t knit, it’s still an amazing bag.

xoxo cheri

Be prepared for winter and still be stylish.

I am always of the mind set to be prepared for any old thing. You never know what winter will bring. 

Whether you run out of gas, get a flat tire, or slip off a snowy road, a car emergency kit can help you get back on the road safely and quickly.

The National Safety Council, AAA and The Old Farmers Almanac are all great resources for cold weather tips. Be careful and drive safe.

Here are a few suggestions to put in your kit:

• Ice scraper
• Hats, gloves, scarf
• Umbrella
• Flash light/extra batteries
• Snack, energy bars, water
• First Aid Kit
• Wool socks
• Small wool blanket
• matches

"Be prepared and be honest." John Wooden

You can find the Goldsboro tote here: https://www.cheriparkerdesign.com/products/goldsboro-tote

I believe in saving the lives of veterans and dogs, which is why we donate 10% of each sale to Companions for Heroes. It touches my heart to think of all the lives they have so deeply touching.

Their vision is to help every American Hero and save every shelter or rescue animal from euthanasia.

Here is a little more information about their amazing work.

Companions for Heroes (C4H) provides companion dogs obtained from shelters, rescues and humane societies, who might otherwise be euthanized, free of charge to active duty military personnel, military veterans, first responders, military spouses and children, and Gold Star Families recovering from the psychological challenges they suffered during service to our country. C4H increases public awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other challenges confronting our country’s heroes; and rally’s support for animal welfare and the adoption of shelter and/or rescue animals.

www.companionsforheroes.org