How Did We Get Here?

Posted on October 19, 2026 by ambatopia

Howdy!…All the way from Texas. Summer is finally gone, and I humbly request that next year, it does not come back the same route it came in. This year was brutal. Everyone was complaining, including those who claim to love the sweltering heat. I hope you are doing fantastic and thriving in your corner of the globe. Today’s post is on a topic that excites some, provokes conversations in others, or … makes some want to run away and hide.

It is that time of the year when the ‘circus comes to town,’ and by circus, I mean the midterm elections here in the States. In the great State of Texas, there’s been a battle between two candidates, which I’d call the ‘old faithful’ Ken Paxton and the ‘underdog’ James Talarico.

The Science of Politics…A Necessity to the Human Experience

Politics has been there since the dawn of mankind, with its origin beginning with human beings trying to survive, then coming together to live in communities, creating cities, and eventually nations. Every ethnic group has its political history whether it be the Africans, Middle Easterners, Asia, Europe and the Americas. What we currently have today is a metamorphosed version, meaning ‘it’s the same game but different players’.

In my opinion, these days, politics is getting dumb, where the basic, common-sense principles that govern the rest of humanity are being questioned, eroded, or discarded. I often wonder how we arrived at where we are and what we did wrong to get here. Unfortunately, when history is ignored, cycles repeat.

As is the norm during the midterms, there is a lot of propaganda, falsehoods, and twisting of information between the parties involved in an attempt to gain ground, sway the public, and win more votes. But for the general public, it comes down to choosing the lesser of two evils and hoping for the best outcome. Making your voice heard by getting out to vote is one’s legal right and civic duty; however, it behoves one to do their research into what the candidates stand for and what they intend to accomplish before heading to the polls. For many years, people just voted because their family voted for a certain platform, but that has begun to change, and is evident in people asking questions and wanting accountability as well as ensuring promises from political hopefuls are kept.

Until I come your merry way again, do keep in mind that politics is human nature, and the only difference is the size of the stage or platform it is observed from. Instead of shying away from it, have a conversation; share your views, share your opinions in a respectful manner that not only leads to understanding but to seeing the world through a lens that may be materially different from yours. I remain,

Periwinkle Starr

The Beauty of Pseudo-Minimalism!

Posted on August 13, 2026 by ambatopia

Howdy from the great State of Texas! I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. As for the Summer this year, we have officially returned to ‘Hell’s Front Porch’. This is more like the heat we’re used to, except for the last two years, which were a lie. A colleague of mine moved here from Denver, Colorado a year ago and said our Summers were delightful a year ago….as of this week, they’ve ‘taken it back’. It’s been so hot that my front porch has been perpetually shaded for the past 3 weeks because my plants were wilting and dying under the scorching sun. Anyway, let’s get back to today’s post. It’s a topic I’ve unknowingly been on a journey toward, but didn’t realize it.

What is Pseudo-Minimalism?

According to Google, Pseudo-minimalism is a flexible, intentional approach to living with fewer possessions—borrowing core minimalist principles without committing to strict, ultra‑minimal aesthetics. It emphasizes buying intentionally, reducing clutter, and using what you already have while still allowing comfort, personality, and warmth in your space.

Pseudo minimalism is described as a practical middle ground between full minimalism and a more lived‑in lifestyle. It avoids stark, empty spaces and instead focuses on intentional choices:

Be intentional with purchases
Live with less, but not necessarily little
Use what you already own
These principles help reduce overwhelm and environmental impact without requiring extreme decluttering

If you’ve followed Periwinkle Starr over the last decade, you’ll realize that I was unknowingly walking on this path without realizing it. The thought of this realization brings me so much joy. When I look back at how far I’ve come, I can truly say that it has been and will continue to be worth it. The best way to articulate it is to take a full inventory of one’s life and prune out all the things that don’t really matter, that take up space or contribute to stress. I’m actually applying it to every aspect of living, and it’s been wonderful.

Life is meant to be lived and not survived. Time goes by so fast that so many of us get on this wheel, and before you know it, the years have gone by, and we don’t know where they went. The beauty of pseudo-minimalism is the fact that life gets simpler, the way it was always meant to be.

Dear readers, I hope this resonates with you, and if you’d like to embark on this journey, it will be worth it. Thank you for being here, and until I come your merry way again, I remain,

Periwinkle Starr

I Was Running Fast …But Debt Was On My Heels.

Posted on July 4, 2026 by ambatopia

Hello Y’all! I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. It’s July Fourth!! To all Americans and lovers of the United States across the globe, I say Happy Independence Day! It is such a busy day, and I wanted to make sure I had this post out before heading to the fanfare. By the way, all diets are off, so no, I will not be counting ANY calories today.

The weather is quite warm today, but I wouldn’t say we are on hell’s front porch, so if you are out in the sun, please stay in the shade and remember to hydrate. I was thinking this topic didn’t seem right for today, given the celebrations, but honestly, Starr readers are all over the globe, so it’s ok. If you are an adult or a parent, or just someone responsible for their upkeep, you know a thing or two about debt. It is a silent topic that most people do not like to speak about, and it is often a major contributor to the stress we carry at certain periods of our lives. This post shares my experience with many who may not have a safe listening ear. We have ALL been there, irrespective of the scale or amount of our debt, and my hope is that this post will not only be useful to you but give you the courage, wherever you are in your journey, to do better and eventually be debt-free.

How Do We Get Into Debt?

I would say life happens! But the reason we get into debt is attributed to expected and unexpected life changes. This could be anything from college tuition, marriage, purchasing a home, a new car, health factors, OR wanting something that you may not be able to afford in the moment. And it can go downhill from there. I’m not necessarily worried about how a person gets into debt. The main focus is understanding why, how to get out, and how to stay out of debt.

Good Debt Vs Bad Debt: This is a whole other post for another day. But this goes into being able to identify one from the other and leverage one’s credit rating or good standing to be able to successfully borrow money from financial institutions for personal and business reasons.

There Is A Way Out!

Talking About It: This is the first step for a person wanting to be debt-free. Speaking about it is the first step because if you can articulate what is going on, then this is the first step to figuring out the next step to tackle it.

Be Wary of Microwage Solutions: If you Google online, you will find a 1001 solutions to get out of debt. These are marathon programs, which I liken to boot camps that get you in an assembly line solution process that often do not address the underlying root cause as to why an individual or family is in debt. Debt freedom is not a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all process because everyone is different and so are their lifestyles. I have heard testaments of many who joined such programs, got out of debt, and fell right back into debt before they knew it.

Deal with and Address Emotional Issues: How a person grows up affects their life outlook much more than we realize. Identifying if we have contentment issues, insecurity issues, or a ‘Keeping Up With The Joneses’ mentality goes a long way to addressing the root cause.

Freedom is Possible!

Stick to the plan. When you find a program that works for you, stick to it diligently.

Be willing to sacrifice momentary pleasure for future gain. Keep your eyes on the ball.

Understand that being debt-free is a lifestyle. In a culture that says ‘You Only Live Once’ aka YOLO, it’s up to you to decide what that means for you on your path to maintaining a debt-free lifestyle.

Celebrate small wins. When you hit a milestone, whether it’s paying off a loan or card, celebrate it because it means you are getting closer to your goal.

Debt is nothing to be ashamed of once you find yourself in it. It, however, should be a teachable moment in one’s life and should give us a turning point to examine where we are and where we would want to be in the future. No one is perfect, and we all make mistakes. Financial education is a necessity that should be taught early; however, not many individuals are or were fortunate enough to have parents or guardians with a path that could be emulated. Nevertheless, it is not too late to begin, and it is never too late to learn new things.

Folks, until I come your way again, I wish you well wherever you are on your journey. Feel free to like, comment, and follow for more. I remain

Periwinkle Starr

Rebellious Taste Buds!

Posted on June 17, 2026 by ambatopia

Hello Y’all! The World Cup is here, and so far it has been a blast – that is …for the soccer lovers out here. Anyway, I hope you are doing well in your part of the world, and yes, It’s so good to be back writing again. It’s still the same spinning-plate scenario of juggling multiple tasks within a set time frame, but with less stress, which is nicer. So far, Summer is already here, and the heat in North Texas has been intense, but hey…we’re still better off than the folks in Arizona, so who’s complaining?

As a certified foodie and a lover of different kinds of foods from different ethnicities, I will try something at least once to see if I like it. At the same time, I’m also a fitness lover and have an active lifestyle, so that helps with balancing out the calories…or else Humpty Dumpty would be an understatement of my physical appearance …ha ha! I often get asked what kinds of food I like, and quite frankly, I love the majority of foods on the taste bud spectrum, which range from sweet to salty, umami to sour, to bitter. As a connoisseur of hot and spicy food, I didn’t know that the term spicy was not considered a traditional taste. Per science, it is considered a chemesthetic sensation – a type of somatosensation that detects chemical irritants in the mouth, nose, and throat. When it comes to the term spiciness, this sensation bypasses the taste buds entirely and includes smell, texture, and chemesthetic sensations.

What is Chemesthesis? According to AI, this is a category that includes sensations like cooling (menthol), tingling (carbonation), and pungency (mustard or wasabi).

Have you ever experienced a situation where your taste buds change on a whim – I mean, like you love a certain food or condiment and then you wake up one day and don’t want to see, taste, or smell that item ever again. But after a while, you crave that particular food, and so the cycle continues. For the Mommas out there, this is not pregnancy, certainly not illness, age, nor is it hormones. I have just reached the conclusion that my rebellion has seeped into my taste buds, and I feel strange.

Five basic taste areas on the human tongue with zones of sour, bitter, salty, sweet, and umami tastes in the mouth.

So what do you do if you find yourself with rebellious taste buds:

Try E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G. Explore and find out the new flavors your body has accepted to tolerate in the moment. Pretty much like the new flavor of the week.
Maintain good oral hygiene – need I say more?
Stay hydrated and ensure you are not nutrition deficient.
Sometimes, a change in taste buds can be due to medication and your body’s reaction to it. Keeping track of and monitoring your body’s responses is vital.

Folks, I know a lot of people stay in their lanes when it comes to foods, but what fun is there if you aren’t curious to try other dishes, even if just once? And if you have a rebellious taste bud, then exploring all your options is a great idea. Until I come your way again, I hope you stay cool, hydrated, and positive this Summer. I remain,

Periwinkle Starr

Its Been a Decade Already!

Posted on May 13, 2026 by ambatopia

Hey Y’all! I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. Spring has been subtle in North Texas this year. There hasn’t been the usual sprint towards high temperatures like I’ve seen in the past, and I’m thankful for it.

Can you believe that Periwinkle Starr is 10 years old? I have been writing for a decade!!! I remember the day I started writing my first post, I was at work in downtown Dallas….unapologetically 🙂 And I had some free time. Looking back on the posts over the years, I see an evolution in my writing, which I attribute to travel, changes, and life in general. Ten years is a long time, and I am so thankful to all the readers all over the world who are tuned in. Being a lifestyle blog, which literally means I get to write about topics within my human experience, I feel like I’ve covered a lot over the last decade.

Have you ever wondered that in life, the only thing constant is you? People come and go. Relationships bloom and fizzle, high and low tides alternate, jobs come and go, we move and resettle, children are born and very soon leave home, but there we are, experiencing it all in real time. If you’ve lived long enough, you’ve probably seen an evolution not just of yourself but of the people in proximity to you, their choices, and the resulting life impact, as well as your own. It’s almost like we are time travelers …but in slow motion.

I don’t believe any human being, alive or dead, has all the answers to living, and living is a lifelong process of learning, but in the few years I’ve been around, I’ve learned a few things along the way.

Find avenues to do what you really love.
Your self-preservation is a full-time job.
Be as wise as a serpent but gentle as a dove.
Don’t let life, people, or circumstances make your heart cold.
Never ever ever give up.

As part of the 10th anniversary of Periwinkle Starr Blog, I would like to ask you a favor: if you’ve ever come across the blog, read a post, or enjoyed a certain topic on here, I would like you to comment on here. If you’ve been an avid reader through the years but haven’t followed or subscribed, please do. Let’s make it to another decade of reading. From the bottom of my heart, thank you! THANK YOU!

Periwinkle Starr

Saturday Mornings and Making Breakfast Bites

Posted on April 2, 2026 by ambatopia

Hello Y’all! It’s been a minute. I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. We live in uncertain times, so I hope you are safe and healthy. Winter weather is making its last hurrah in North Texas, so at this point, we are all in between closet swaps because you never know what the weather is going to be. Planting season is upon us, so to all my gardeners out here, feel free to share what you will be planting this year.

Natural is Way Better

So today’s post is all about making healthy breakfast options that are great for your budget and packed with nutrients to support your body and weight-loss goals. Natural foods or food made at home are not only healthier for you, but you have control of the calories, you know what’s in it, and the amount of additives is reduced to literally zero. One thing I have changed is to eliminate or reduce my use of white flour and incorporate more natural or simpler carbs into my diet. So I swapped out white flour and incorporated simpler carbs like yams, sweet potatoes, rice, and corn, and I will let you know in a couple of months.

For easy-to-make breakfast bites, I’m opting for fruit options, homemade yoghurt parfaits (Yes, I said homemade), and baked goods with ingredients I can count on both hands. I was rummaging through my pantry and opted to make GF Banana Oatmeal muffins with a twist. The prep takes about 30 minutes, while this bakes for another 30 minutes in a 350 F oven.

Ingredients: 3 Bananas (blended), 2 Eggs, 2 Carrots (medium sized, grated), GF Oatmeal (3-4 cups ‘eyeballed’), Milk (1.5 Cups), Monkfruit Sweetner (Sugar works as well of any sweetner of choice), Oil (2 Tbsps), Walnuts (1/4 Cup), Cranberries (1/4 Cup), Baking Powder (2 Tbsp’s).

This made me 12 muffins, which I initially did not think to include in a post. They have literally disappeared since I baked them, so unfortunately, I have fewer photos to share.

Folks, until I come your way again, I want to thank you for reading, following, and reaching out. Do like, comment, and share.

Periwinkle Starr

Happy New 2026!

Posted on January 2, 2026 by ambatopia

Hello Y’all! It’s January 2, 2026, and if you come across this post, you made it into the new year. One of my priorities for the holidays was to rest, take it easy, and not stress, and that was exactly what I did. I usually do not post New Year’s resolutions because I believe we are always evolving, and waiting for the start of the year to change doesn’t make sense. The goal is to grow and improve while tracking your progress throughout the year, and it has worked for me over the past couple of years.

Just be better overall. Whether it’s with your health, financial decisions, family, education, work, relationships, boundaries, Spirituality – like going to church once a week, hobbies, dreams, goals, and life.

Until I come your way again, be safe, be hopeful for an even better year, and be excited for all the adventures that are coming your way. We’ve got this!!!

Periwinkle Starr

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

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