The Benefits of Homemade Coldpressed Drinks this Winter.

Posted on November 3, 2025 by ambatopia

Hello Y’all! Welcome to a new month and the second-to-last month of the year. As the weather cools, the flu, along with every other bug, becomes rampant. Avoiding getting sick during the winter is the best thing one can do because not only will it be miserable outside, you will be miserable on the inside, coupled with still having to do daily activities and get stuff done.

If you’re in the States and keeping abreast with the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) overhaul, you would realize that a lot of our processed drinks contain ingredients that are not only harmful to our health but also have limited to no nutrients and predominantly artificial sugars. It’s widely known that some of the ingredients in our foods have been banned in Europe and are not included in food processing activities. The result of this is the fact that we Americans have the highest obesity rate in the world as of 2022, with approximately 41.92% of men and 43.8% of women. Need I say more?

In an attempt to have a healthier option than soda with zero calories or fruit juice with reportedly ‘no sugar’ but has a saccharine sweetness that tastes sweeter than honey, I started researching alternatives. One thing I learned was that when making regular juice, it doesn’t keep as long, but a better option is cold-pressed juices, which keep longer in your refrigerator. In my case, they last about 7 days. Now, I am not sure as to why, but there is a science behind it, and that’s a blog for another day.

Yes, they quench your thirst but expand your waistline over time….unfortunately

And so, about 2 years ago, I purchased a cold press juicer and began experimenting with making juices with fruit and roots that my body needed. I usually have from two to four ingredients in any given batch, with ginger being the non-negotiable and always included in ALL juice batches. Other ingredients are pineapples, celery, apples, turmeric, and lemons. These fruits and roots contain everything from anti-inflammatory benefits, digestive enzymes, fiber, antioxidants, immune boosters, anti-nausea, weight loss, fat burning, cholesterol, and blood sugar-lowering properties, just to mention a few. These are my preferences. Another fun fact is the husk from the press can be used as compost for your garden…if you have one.

Putting on my elder-type glasses literally, let me share, according to AI, some of the benefits of cold-pressed juices.

Detoxification
Boosting immunity
Nutrient absorption
Weight management
Improved digestion
Clearer skin
Mental clarity
Reduced cravings
Stabilize Insulin levels
Lower blood pressure
Anti-aging
Mood enhancement
Hydration.

Now, I’m not saying I’ve been completely weaned off sodas, but I have drastically reduced my intake, and we no longer purchase soda at home anymore. It’s all about tweaks without any drastic changes that cannot be sustained. So, with this being said, If you’re interested in getting started with a cold-pressed juicer, there are a few good options on the market, and I’ll be sharing the exact one I use as well, and they include brands like Aietto, Ninja Neverclog, Tinana cold press juicer, and Kitchen in the Box. As you swap out your wardrobe for layers and warmer clothing, remember to boost your immune system and keep it healthy against all the bugs and viruses common at this time of year. Until I come your way again, be safe, healthy, like, follow, and comment. I remain,

Periwinkle Starr

Diva on a Budget!

Posted on October 19, 2025 by ambatopia

Hey Y’all! Writing all the way from North Texas. Fall is finally and officially here, and I dare say that we can now begin swapping out our Summer gear for Wintry layers. It’s been a busy Summer, and I feel it’s going to get even busier when the holiday festivities begin rolling by. This post, I feel, is very crucial not just because of the economic climate we’re in at the moment, especially with the shutdown, but it is vital for us girlies and even gents as another tool in our bag of golden nuggets to be smart with our hard-earned currency. Fashion is forever evolving, and being able to stay current but within budget is the key.

As a Diva on a budget, the goal is to get the most bang for your buck, and that includes maximizing savings on certain items so we can invest in other items. So if you’re home or out and about, find a comfortable chair, grab a drink or snack, and let’s dive in. If you’re new to Periwinkle Starr, you’re most welcome. Please like, comment, and follow to stay up to date with me whenever I post a new blog.

Now, we all love deals and quality at the same time, and sometimes you literally have to ‘rob Peter to pay Paul’ just to get by. But what if I tell you that there is a better way around it, because I have a few options that I’m going to share with you today. These options will help you save on costs in certain areas and free up some cash to invest in other areas.

Facials at Home. Being busy and on the go, it’s not uncommon to opt for facials at spas because I didn’t have the time. But I got wiser and shopped around until I found an at-home facial kit, which has saved on costs ever since. I haven’t looked back, and I don’t have to worry about scheduling appointments or getting a particular esthetician for an appointment. P.S.: If certain procedures require a registered esthetician, then the goal is to find discounts or bundles to keep costs down.

Home facials give you the luxury of time to relax and just enjoy it.

Do Your Own Manicures & Pedicures. I know, I know, this is what some of us term our me-time. But getting these done as often as once every three weeks or once a month or every couple of months adds up over time. Learning to do your own manis and pedis saves you money that can be used for other ventures.

Learning to do your own nails is a great way to save on cost!

Opt for Ombre Brows Instead. Many women spend time and money getting their eyebrows waxed or threaded every two weeks. A better and more cost-effective option is to opt for ombre brows, which are a temporary tattoo outline that lasts anywhere from 2 to 6 years with very low maintenance on your part. You wake up looking ready to go, even without makeup.

Skincare & Accessories. Not sacrificing quality for quantity, I tend to buy items when there are deals. Always on the lookout for discounts and coupons to lower costs, but also buying in bulk is cheaper long-term. With savings from the above-mentioned items, it leaves more room to invest in great products that not only nourish our skin but also protect it from all the undesirables.

Clothing & Quality Pieces. If you love fashion but are on a budget, you know there are ways to shop where you can learn to scour the world wide web for affordable designers, keep abreast of upcoming or ongoing sales, and not being afraid to spend time searching until you find what you want at the right price. And yes, to always be on the lookout for a good deal. Now, certain items are keepsakes, and splurging on those is considered by some to be an investment, which is also a great idea.

Shopping for the right pieces takes time…..so don’t rush it.

Don’t Waste. I try to use up products that I’ve purchased in the past and throw out items that are expired. The goal is to reduce waste. Also, reselling items that I don’t plan to use or regifting them are ways to be a good steward.

Folks, you can be fabulous and on a budget without breaking the bank or going into debt. The key is finding ways to be creative, most especially with us ladies who need our beauty regimens to maintain ourselves. Feel free to share your tips on how you stay fabulous on a budget. Your comments are always appreciated. Until I come your merry way again, have a great week ahead, stay warm, and be kind!

Periwinkle Starr

Did I hear Baking Season?…Making Gluten Free Lemon Cheesecake!

Posted on September 27, 2025 by ambatopia

Hi Y’all! It’s been a busy and hectic Summer, but I’m so excited to write this post. I must say that we’ve had the best Summer in 11 years here in North Texas. Usually, we hit temperatures between 115 -117 F, but this year, I think 107 was the highest in my neck of the woods. There are no complaints from this blogger. They say climate change is a hoax, but the climate has ‘indeed’ changed this year.

A quick update on the garden: if you are new to the blog, welcome. However, I have struggled to grow things over the years, and the more I try, the better it gets. This year, I planted okras, sweet mini bell peppers, and tomatoes. And I will say that I was not disappointed.

Getting back to the topic, I absolutely love lemon cheesecake, and I would always get it for dessert if it were on the menu when going out to eat. I know there are so many cheesecake recipes out here, and I have tried a few of them, but I always come back to the lemon cheesecake every time. So fast forward to a couple of weeks ago, and I’m getting groceries, and I see this Gluten Free Kinnikinnick Graham Style Crust box in the baking aisle, and it’s specifically for making cheesecake. So I buy it and forget about it in the pantry. I’m literally at the grocery store and walking through the baked goods aisle and eyeing some cheesecake slices when I remember I had wanted to try making it myself. So I buy a few items and head home, and voila! I officially made Lemon Cheesecake for the first time!

Disclaimer: A lot of folks complain that they can’t bake. And in my opinion, that is not true. Just look at my journey. I don’t care what you believe about your baking skills. If you can follow instructions, then you can bake.

To get the Lemon Cheesecake recipe, go to http://www.kinnikinnick.com.

Folks, I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here, for following, for reading, for liking, and for being you. It’s not Thanksgiving yet, but I want to let you know that I am so thankful for you. I hope that the remaining months of this year go extremely well for you, your family, your loved ones, and everyone you hold dear.

Until I come your merry way again, I remain

Periwinkle Starr

Massive Let Down… But Summers Already Here.

Posted on July 3, 2025 by ambatopia

Hello Y’all. I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. The Fourth of July holiday is a day away, and it’s going to be a nice, long weekend with cool temperatures and fun. But if you’re in the States, you have been hearing of massive layoffs and cuts going on recently across the board. It’s hard on people, and it’s even harder on families. But what are they going to do about it? Summer is already here, there are things to do, vacations to take, and plans to be executed. If you’ve lived long enough and worked for any length of time, you should have experienced at least one layoff. We’ve all been there, and the first reaction is panic.

Questions like ‘What will I do? How will I live? How will the bills be paid? Vacations are already planned?’ runs through your mind, and some immediately start putting out applications in panic mode, which isn’t the worst thing to do, but I’d love to share some tips on a better approach to dealing with this than what I’ve experienced and witnessed in the past.

Helpful Tips from Yours Truly.

Try to decompress and get over the initial panic – know that layoffs happen.

Realise that companies will always put themselves first, no matter your loyalty or dedication. In this day and age, most companies aren’t like they used to be. Many view their employees as numbers and not people with families and responsibilities. So be shrewd, take your breaks, have boundaries; if you work for a ‘taking company’, return the same energy.

Do a quick snapshot of your current financial status, including bills, savings, debt, investments, etc. If you have been responsible in the past, financial institutions are more likely to work with you on certain commitments and reduce some of the initial stress.

Let your immediate family know. This is a tricky one because sometimes, the affected individual doesn’t want to panic the other members of the family. But this doesn’t always help. Communicating effectively helps with better decision making, especially incorporating cutbacks and conserving existing finances.

It’s OK to have rollercoaster emotions and down days. Take time to feel your feelings, but don’t stay there.

Reprioritize. Being laid off is not always a bad thing. Sometimes it brings families together or gives birth to a new business idea that may provide better stability.

Be optimistic. Life is full of ups and downs, and sometimes the down times are where we really get to reflect; and we don’t have the noise around us to distract us. Some of the best decisions I’ve ever made were made during down times, when I was able to chart the course of my next steps as I emerged from the rut I was in. Once things returned to normal, it was smooth sailing. I already had a plan and a charted course and was not distracted by the passing frivolities that tend to distract us along the way.

Find a way to enjoy your Summer break. It doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. You are alive, you’re healthy, and have people who love and care about you; that’s more than enough to give you the boost to get up and make it in life. There are so many fun things to do that are great if you’re on a budget. Finding fun and cost-effective ways to get through the tough times makes you stronger, not just mentally but all around in life.

Folks, I have been spur-of-the-moment baking these past weeks and haven’t had time to share some of the pictures. I made a very simple GF Carrot Cake.

I hope you enjoy. Until I come your merry way again, I remain,

Periwinkle Starr

The Beauty Industries Evolution – A Wild Reality

Posted on June 15, 2025 by ambatopia

Hello Y’all! It’s Father’s Day today, and I want to extend a shout-out to all the good and amazing Fathers out here. Where would we be without our Dads? Meanwhile, the weather is beautiful out here in North Texas; we have a gentle breeze wafting through our porch, and it’s divine. My post today is quite sensitive, and something we can all relate to. Being a millennial and watching the technological evolution manifest right before my eyes, the beauty industry has not been exempt from these innovations. *Just to make a disclaimer that I’m not in any way against technology, in fact, it has done a whole lot of good for the industry, but there is a fine line between sanity and absolute bonkers that we are going to look into here.

Plastic Surgery – The Dawn of Possibilities

I first heard about the term ‘plastic surgery’, it was mentioned alongside Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, back then. He had undergone what was coined Rhinoplasty to repair his nose that got broken during a rehearsal accident in 1979, way before my time, but something I noticed growing up as he got more work done. At that time, it was something that music stars and celebrities were getting into, which, in my opinion, made sense because they had to be in the public eye, and being youthful meant longevity in the entertainment industry. But unbeknownst to the majority of the public, there was a plan to market the possibilities of beauty enhancements available to the general public, and using celebrities was the gateway. It would be extremely lucrative to create this ideal of what the perfect body on a woman or man should be, and a fast way to achieve it with less effort.

The Kardashians – The Downfall of Natural Beauty

In 2007, the show Keeping Up with the Kardashians came onto the Reality TV scene. A family made popular first by the fact that the patriarch, Robert Kardashian, was the lawyer for O.J. Simpson during the murder trial of his wife. The Kardashian ladies were the ‘it’ girls back then. We all wanted to dress like them, talk like them, and some went as far as trying to look like them. They glamorized Botox, fillers, BBLs – Brazilian Butt Lifts, breast implants, coolsculpting – a non invasive fat reduction procedure, vaginoplasty, Mummy Makeover – A full body upgrade and much more. “If that part of the body could be reached, it could be tweaked”. This was the message insinuated on that show, and in my opinion, the downward spiral had begun.

Pop-Up Clinics, Quack Doctors, and Affordable Overseas Options

I remember when I could count the number of Plastic Surgery institutes and clinics in my county, but now there’s one in literally every corner offering solutions with payment plan options. We have all heard of women who cannot afford these clinics settling for quack doctors in shanty apartments and hotel rooms, to those ladies traveling overseas to developing countries offering cheaper rates for the same procedures. Back in the day, people were somewhat more content with their overall physical appearance than they are today. You did the best with what you had, and many sacrificed by exercising, dieting, and using more natural remedies.

Ramifications of these Trends

No one is talking about the health implications of these substances in our bodies. Not many are allowed to voice their less-than-pleasant experiences after undergoing these procedures. There is a high risk of cancers and many more debilitating illnesses due to these procedures. People have literally changed their total appearance with no resemblance to their ethnicity or family. But it doesn’t stop there. We have those who suffer from body dysmorphia and have literally gone over the edge with these procedures, and look nothing short of hideous.

A few months ago, a study officially came out on fillers, which are dermal injectable treatments that can enhance facial features and improve the overall appearance of the face are now reportedly an issue. These injectables, which can be silicone, hyaluronic acid, or other substances, have been reported to migrate around the face and body, with patients complaining of these implants not dissolving or difficulty removing them from the body. The FDA created a Filler Safety Panel document by Steven F. Weiner, MD, in 2021 that doctors needed to present to patients on the risks involved before proceeding with treatment, but this has not slowed down the masses from going ahead despite the risks involved. This is just the tip of the iceberg. The rabbit hole goes further down. The horror stories include amputations, rotting flesh, vision issues, migraines, hair loss, lymphedema, and cancer have been reported, but not many are listening.

In conclusion, where do we draw the line? I’m not even sure the “line” exists anymore, just because of how far we’ve gone with superficial enhancements to the bodies of women and men. What has made women feel this way, where we risk our lives to hold onto youth that is bound to fade as we age? I don’t think this is an easy answer, but I believe it is a conversation we need to have on a larger scale if there is any hope in positively impacting the younger generations growing up around this abnormal obsession. I can understand genuine health conditions, accidents, and congenital disorders that require some of these procedures, but at the rate we as a society are going, it may end up being too late if something is not done to slow down this descent. This is indeed food for thought.

Until I come your way again, please like, comment, share, and follow for more.

Periwinkle Starr

Summer is Upon Us – Finding Cash in the Attic!

Posted on May 25, 2025 by ambatopia

Hello Y’all! I hope you’re doing great in your corner of the world. Summer is upon us, and it’s time to declutter and get ready for the new. Spring was amazing in North Texas. We had it way cooler than we usually get this time of the year, and it was fabulous! Spending time on long walks out on the trail, sitting on the deck, and enjoying the cool breeze and the sometimes annoying birds was a welcome treat.

Be Your Own King/Queen of Decluttering

I love to consider myself the Queen of de-cluttering ha-ha! But only because I believe living spaces should literally be just that – living spaces. I also have the belief that having balance in life is not just an internal thing, but also external. It’s also been proven by science that a person’s surroundings can often dictate what is going on mentally with a person. Even before my profession, growing up, I always liked balance, clean lines, a good use of space, marrying form and function, but also a sprinkle of “Feng Shui” aka funkshway – which is an ancient Chinese art and science focused on balancing the energies of a space to create harmony and enhance well-being. It involves arranging furniture and designing spaces to promote positive energy flow. Essentially, “Funk Schway” refers to the same principles of Feng Shui, aiming to create a harmonious environment.

As I swap out the last of my Spring items and organize my Summer wear, I extended this to the whole house; going through, organizing, throwing out, and setting items aside for resale. If you are a minimalist, this may not apply to you, but if you live like the rest of America….you probably have stuff sitting around that you don’t need or don’t use, and probably will never use, and is collecting dust. A lot of times in the past, I would tell myself I’d take care of it later, often reorganizing or temporarily storing it somewhere inconspicuous, but that didn’t address the issue.

My 3-Step Plan to Decluttering

Re-Gifting
Resale
Trash (Dumpster or Recycling)

It is daunting to set aside time to declutter your space, whether its an office, your home, or a storage unit. To ease my brain into it, I like to break it up into small sections or a room with frequent breaks. Every qualifying item is grouped into one of the three categories above. There are a bunch of sites to resell items. Here’s a link to a list of 10 great sites: https://www.top10.com/best-places-to-sell-your-stuff-online

Folks, Summer is already knocking at the door. As we race into the sun, freeing our lives and personal spaces from clutter will go a long way in improving our health and wellness. Do it for you, do it for your family, do it for your space…because you deserve it. Until I come your merry way again, enjoy whats left of the cool and get ready for sunscreen, brain freezing cold drinks and lots of sunshine in North Texas. I remain…

Periwinkle Starr

It Only Takes A Little Courage.

Posted on April 10, 2025 by ambatopia

Hello Y’all! I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. It’s already April, and one would have thought we were done with Winter. After changing out my wardrobe for Spring, the temperature dropped close to freezing over the last weekend. So, the heat came back on, and the layers had to come out….there goes our love/hate relationship with the Texas weather. Still, we won’t change it for a darn thing. Planting season is upon us, and I’m sprouting sweet mini peppers, okra, beefsteak tomatoes, and carrots this year. Can you imagine yours truly, the one who couldn’t keep anything alive only a few years ago? Well, today’s post is all about not giving up and having a little bit of courage, so stick around for some positivity.

I feel like life is a reel and it consist of the stories we tell ourselves through our experiences and what we could do to change those mindsets, narratives with the right information, being in the right groups of people, with the right encouragement, with people who force you to see a different viewpoint from yours.

Sometimes, we give up on dreams, on ventures, on projects, not because we didn’t believe in ourselves but a lot of times because we did not have the right information, enough knowledge, discernment, mentors, and a good support system. Failing is hard, and no one feels it more than the person who has a dream. There are so many people who I come across and those in my life who had dreams growing up that have been thrown in the ‘reality-check’ pile, which is also known as an excuse we tell ourselves for not going after our dreams. I truly believe that our happiness as people stems not from the amount of money we have, even though having money is not a bad thing. It is not dependent on the people surrounding us, our spouses or significant others or children, neither is it our jobs or material things we possess. I believe that what makes us truly and deeply happy in life are the simple things specific to us that give us joy.

I have met many people who were established in big corporations that left to open flower shops, coffee shops, be ranchers because that is what makes them happy.

Dare to Follow Your Heart

I’ve found the phrase ‘Life is a B****, and then you die’ to be funny but a true reality. But it only takes a little courage. I have so much respect for the people whose stories I have heard where they didn’t feel fulfilled, didn’t have inner happiness, and had to look themselves in the mirror one day and take a leap of faith. No one could understand; some said they were going through a phase while others said they would be back. But they stuck with it. They had a little courage, and many of these people have come out on the other side better. They’re happier, and the light in their eyes is back; their health is stable, and they enjoy the life they’ve always wanted…many a times with less or more money. I have seen people trade in seven-figure jobs to be part-time grocery store clerks, but they love the time they spend with their family. This could be whatever your happy place is.

I admire those who went against the norm to pursue their dream, their happiness even when it did not make sense. Those who dared to have the courage to say no to a bad arrangement, a bad relationship, a bad decision and deciding to turn the course even though they had already wasted so many years on the wrong path. All it takes is beginning with a little courage, trying again, but this time with the right information, a better understanding of the situation, a team of mentors, and not being afraid of what you don’t know. Friends, life is too short to not fight for your dream; dare to have courage. It’s better to try and fail than not have tried at all. Until I come your merry way again, like, follow and share.

Periwinkle Starr

Finding Balance in 2025!

Posted on February 10, 2025 by ambatopia

Hello Y’all! All the way from North Texas! I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. My guess is we’re over the Christmas and New Year celebrations and the majority of the Christmas decor has been stowed away….I say ‘majority’ because I still have one more tree up and a few Christmas trinkets littered across the house that I’m not ready to give up just yet. Just like lightning, we are in February and so far so good. The cold is still here and I’m thankful that I still get to layer on for a few more days before the Texas heat starts to return.

Starting the Year Off Being Thankful!

Something I recently started doing was taking the time to write a thankful list in January. Thinking deeply about everything positive that occurred in the past year and articulating it on paper. Being a visual person, If I can see it, then it stays at the front cortex of my brain and I believe this is helpful even if you’re not visual. The next thing I do is create another list of the things I would like to do, work on, or accomplish in the new year. This is not a New Year’s Resolution. It is me putting a list of things into a time frame; which makes it easier to accomplish or work towards.

Spirituality: One thing we all need more of is to be grounded. Grounded in faith and that is something that needs improvement, especially for yours truly in this new year. Committing time to my schedule on a daily basis does my soul a lot of good and keeps me centered.

Professional Advancement: Learning or improving your knowledge of your work or business – whatever that means to you. Reading a chapter a day. Joining a book club. Attending seminars that are free or easy on the budget.

Rest: Scheduling time to rest. Taking naps to make up for long hours spent working. We all work for a living and deadlines do exists. However, giving your body a rest to recover is of the utmost importance.

Meal prepping & Supplementation: Taking the time to cook more healthy meals. Portion control. Natural supplementation. Taking your health seriously will reduce the amount of downtime your body has because you’re recovering from ill health or those nasty bugs that go around throughout the year.

Time Management: Being able to schedule and complete work/life-related tasks to reduce last-minute stress caused by procrastination.

Self Care: A lot of times we are spread too thin by demands from others whether it be family, friends, work, or school. Learning the art of saying ‘No’ is one aspect that will vastly reduce stress. Putting yourself first is not always a bad thing as we have subliminally been taught …and this affects women more than our male counterparts which is unfortunate because you have people walking around empty and depleted because when opportunistic people see that you are a ‘giver’, being taken advantage of is the order of the day.

Finding Community: Sometimes we think we are alone in the world based on what we may be experiencing but the real reason is we lack community and safe people. As human beings, we were never meant to exist alone or go through life alone. There is healing when you are surrounded by people who see you, care about you, and accept you as you are. Researchers say that you live longer when you thrive in a community with other good and healthy people. Now, if you don’t have this, it’s never too late to start somewhere. Find community in hobbies that you love. In church. In your profession. In travel of other healthy groups. Even if you don’t have family close by, you can always create your own. Folks, the last time I checked, there are over 7 billion people on the planet. Get up and get out of the house and find your community.

Folks, 2025 will be a great year and I believe it will be amazing for you too but you have to be able to find balance and be in tip-top condition to ride the wave and take advantage of all the year has to offer. Until I come around the bend where the sun is always shining and the flowers are in full bloom…I remain

Periwinkle Starr

P.S.: Photos are culled from FreePik and the World Wide Web.

Happy New Year!!!

Posted on January 1, 2025 by ambatopia

From my family to yours, we wish you a wonderful year fueled with vision, focus, drive, great connections, good energy, speed, health, love, and everything amazing. Remember, you are worth it, and you can do it. It’s time for a fresh start. It’s time to dust off any setbacks of 2024. This is a new year with a blank canvas; you get to write a new chapter.

Periwinkle Starr

Photo culled from PNGtree.

Touring The Deerfield Christmas Lights

Posted on December 24, 2024 by ambatopia

Hello Y’all! I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. It’s Christmas Eve in North Texas, and we have had the most odd weather I have seen in a very long time. The temperature is 61 F, and we have thunderstorms and warmth which doesn’t sit right with me. I had the pleasure of visiting the Deerfield Christmas Lights which is a beautiful estate filled with very expensive homes. From what I learned, every Christmas, they go all out…and I mean all out decorating the exterior so much so that people come from all over the metroplex to admire and walk the neighborhood just to get a glimpse of the decor. All this in my very own backyard and I had no clue. The houses were picturesque! So beautifully decorated, it felt like a magic Christmas wonderland. I walked for almost two hours just admiring the lights, the details, the funny themes and taking pictures. One house took the cake in my opinion. I mean, it had EVERYTHING from Santa’s toy shop, trains with real steam, a ferris wheel, an elf disco floor, reindeer, a donkey with a saddle you could pose for pictures on and so much I couldn’t imagine how much it costs to set it all up.

Thankfully, the weather was nice enough to walk because the lineup of cars that we saw meant some of those folks would be there for a minimum of three hours just trying to get to all the houses bumper to bumper. It brought so much joy to me on what the season is all about and the privilege of living in a country where we are free to enjoy and celebrate our beliefs without fear or retribution.

And so, wherever you are in the world, I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and no matter what circumstance you’re going through, It can get better and if you do your part, it will. Be thankful, be hopeful, take action, don’t dwell on fear, and look forward to the future. Until I come your way again in 2025, I remain

Periwinkle Starr