A Little Bit Of Me | Lifestyle Blog by Charnita Fance

If you ask me what my all-time favorite breakfast food is, I'd tell you in a heartbeat: oatmeal. I've been eating it for nearly 40 years now, ever since I was a kid. Over the decades, I've tried it prepared in just about every way imaginable. It's the one food I can always count on because it's quick, convenient, incredibly versatile, and genuinely tasty. It’s my go-to comfort food that also happens to be amazing for you. Source: Pixabay Through all those years of experimenting, I've figured out the secrets to making the perfect bowl. Not just a bowl that tastes great, but one that's optimized to help you lose weight and keep your blood sugar levels stable. Forget the afternoon energy crashes. I’m going to share my time-tested methods so you can make oatmeal a delicious, satisfying part of your own health journey. Why Oatmeal is a Weight Loss Superhero Oatmeal is a nutritional powerhouse. It's packed with fiber, protein, and other essential nutri...

I’ve always felt a deep connection to my faith, but sometimes, reading the Bible can feel like looking at a world that is very far away. The stories are powerful, but they took place thousands of years ago in a land I’ve only seen in pictures. I've often wished for something more, a way to make that history feel present and real in my own life. That's why I was so moved when I first learned about the Pendant of Eternal Faith . To be honest, I was a little skeptical at first, but now I can say it's one of the most meaningful items I own. When I was offered the chance to receive a gold and a silver Pendant of Eternal Faith for free, I was intrigued. The idea is simple but profound: each pendant contains genuine, authenticated soil from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. This isn’t just symbolic dirt from somewhere in the Holy Land; it’s the actual soil from the location where Solomon’s First Temple stood and where Jesus walked, taught, and performed miracles. Holding it in my h...

As cat owners, we all want what's best for our feline friends. We pick out the right food, make sure they have cozy spots to nap, and try our best to keep them happy and healthy. But sometimes, what seems like a good idea for us isn't actually the best for our cats. Take scented cat litter, for example. It might make our homes smell better, but it turns out those perfumes can be a real problem for our sensitive cats. I've always aimed to give my cats the best environment, and discovering the impact of scented litter really made me think about how we choose products for our pets. I've learned that a lot of companies, including Dr. Elsey's , are starting to understand the risks of scented litters and are making changes to put cat health first. This shift is about more than just a preference; it's based on science and veterinary insights that show how artificial fragrances can truly affect a cat's well-being . It's a big step in the right direction...

I never truly understood the physical toll stress could take until my body forced me to pay attention. Earlier this month, for nearly two weeks, I was so sick that a simple walk across two rooms felt like a thirty-minute sprint. After multiple doctor and ER visits, the verdict was in: my crippling symptoms were a direct result of overwhelming stress and anxiety. My blood pressure was through the roof, and I genuinely feared I wouldn't make it. It was a terrifying wake-up call. That experience was a turning point. I vowed to myself that I would never let things get that out of control again. I knew I had to make some serious lifestyle changes, and that started with learning how to manage my stress. It's not something that happens overnight, but I've discovered some powerful and easy ways to find calm in the chaos. If you're feeling overwhelmed, I want to share what I've learned. These aren't complicated, time-consuming overhauls; they are simple, actionable ste...

Finding a fantasy book that is both thrilling and full of faith can feel like searching for a hidden treasure. I'm always on the lookout for stories that entertain me while also encouraging my spirit. When I picked up The Ghost Writer by L.G. Nixon, the second book in the Rise of the Light Bringer series, I knew I had found something special. This isn't just another ghost story; it's a supernatural adventure that explores spiritual truths from a solid, biblical perspective. It grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go. This series is made for teens and young adults who want more from their fiction. It provides the excitement of paranormal encounters and high-stakes quests while staying grounded in Christian values. It’s a story that understands the questions young readers have about faith, fear, and finding their purpose. L.G. Nixon has created a world where spiritual battles are real, friendship is essential, and courage is found through trusting in G...

Navigating the world of children's literature means constantly being on the lookout for books that do more than just entertain. The best ones offer something deeper, a resource for navigating the beautiful chaos of growing up. That's why "The Big Mess: A Deliciously Funny Story of Siblings Learning to Get Along," the new picture book from bestselling author Justin Whitmel Earley, is such a standout find. This heartwarming and relatable story has all the makings of a modern classic. It’s more than just a tale of two siblings; it’s a gentle guide to fostering patience, grace, and understanding between brothers and sisters. In a world that often feels fast-paced and demanding, finding moments to connect with children and teach valuable life lessons is absolutely essential. " The Big Mess " provides the perfect opportunity to do just that. Through its engaging narrative and charming illustrations, this book opens the door to important conversat...

Going plant-based sounds great, right? Lots of veggies, fruits, whole grains, and beans. It's supposed to be super healthy and good for you. But then you start thinking about the cost. Two people, seven days, all whole foods, and under $75? That sounds like a challenge, maybe even a magic trick! I mean, have you seen the price of some of those fancy plant-based meat substitutes or organic berries in winter? It can feel like you need to win the lottery to eat well. But here’s the good news: you don't need magic, just a few smart moves and a little planning. I've been there, staring at an empty fridge and a not-so-empty wallet, wondering how I'd feed myself, let alone another person, for an entire week without breaking the bank. The secret to an  affordable whole-foods plant-based (WFPB) diet  for two isn't about cutting corners on nutrition, it’s about choosing your ingredients wisely, using smart shopping strategies, and getting a little creative in the ki...

Sometimes, as adults, we make things more complicated than they need to be, especially when it comes to big, important topics like faith and prayer. We might get caught up in the “how” or “when,” forgetting that for kids, it can be as simple as having a chat. That's exactly what I found so refreshing about Tanner Olson's All The Things I Say To God (Learning to Pray Anytime, Anywhere) . It cuts through all the grown-up noise and gets right to the heart of what prayer truly is for a child: a natural, ongoing conversation with God. I remember thinking about how children approach things, full of curiosity and wonder. They ask a million questions, and they tell you all sorts of wild and wonderful things. This book perfectly captures that childlike freedom of expression and applies it to talking with God. It’s not about following strict rules or using fancy words; it’s about opening up and sharing whatever is on their hearts, big or small. Disclosure: I received this item free in ex...

For most of us, email is a never-ending stream, a digital tidal wave that can feel impossible to keep under control. We spend way too much time sifting, sorting, and just trying to figure out what needs our attention. You might be using Gmail or Apple Mail, and they're okay, but what if there was a different way? A way to bring the power of Notion, this incredibly flexible workspace, to your inbox? That's where Notion Mail comes in, and honestly, it changes the game. It's not just about sending and receiving; it's about building a system that works for you , right alongside your notes, projects, and everything else you manage in Notion. I've been exploring how to really make Notion Mail sing, and I want to share some tips and tricks that I've found super helpful for taming the email beast and getting things done. Imagine your email wasn't just a long list of messages, but something organized, prioritized, and even automated . That's the promise of int...

Let's talk about reading. We all do it, or at least, we should! And in today's world, reading often means reading on a screen. For the longest time, if you wanted to read a book electronically, you pretty much had one option: a tablet. Think iPads or Android tablets. They're great for lots of stuff, right? Watching videos, playing games, checking email, and yeah, reading books through an app. But then came dedicated eReaders , like the Kindle or Kobo. These devices were built with one job in mind: reading. So, if you're looking to get a device primarily for reading ebooks, you might find yourself wondering, "Why would I get a dedicated eReader when my tablet can do that plus a million other things?" It's a fair question, and honestly, it comes down to what kind of reader you are and what you value most in your reading experience. Picking the right device for reading ebooks can feel a little confusing with so many options out there. On one side, you hav...