Chatty Patty's Place

  Key Takeaways Nature time reduces stress and improves overall well-being. You can enhance your mood and outlook with simple adjustments to your indoor and outdoor environments. Making nature part of your daily routine is possible for everyone, regardless of location. In today’s busy world filled with constant notifications and endless to-do lists, it is easy to feel disconnected from the natural world outside our windows. Yet, even small efforts to embrace nature offer powerful benefits for our physical and emotional well-being. With ongoing stress impacting mental health worldwide, weaving time in nature into your routine becomes essential. Whether you live in an urban space or in a place surrounded by green, it is possible, and deeply rewarding, to rediscover the healing power of the outdoors. For inspiration and practical ideas, check out The Outside Society . People who make space for nature in their daily lives report lower stress levels, improved mood,...

Top Life Insurance Mistakes to Avoid (Plus Smart Tips to Protect Your Family) ​ Disclosure:  This is  a paid partnership with Responsival. We never know what the future holds, and being prepared for unexpected emergencies is crucial. Life insurance doesn’t have to be expensive, but learning how it works and choosing the right policy is a smart financial decision that protects your loved ones. Below are common mistakes people make when purchasing life insurance — and how to avoid them. 1. Waiting Too Long to Buy Life Insurance One of the biggest mistakes people make is delaying buying life insurance. Life insurance is more affordable when you’re young and healthy, and premiums typically increase as you age or develop health issues. Even if you think you don’t need coverage right now, having a policy in place can safeguard your family’s future. You can always adjust or upgrade your policy later as your needs change. Pro tip: Consider flexible options like no-exa...

​ A kid using a smartphone (Source: Canva) A new study of over 50,000 children in the US found that spending four or more hours a day on screens is associated with a higher prevalence of mental health problems. This association is mediated by reduced physical activity and disrupted sleep routines. February 9, 2026.  A  new Nature Portfolio study  reveals that excessive screen time in children is associated with significantly detrimental mental health outcomes across several disorders: ADHD, anxiety, behavioural problems and even depression. According to clinicians from  Flow Neuroscience , a company behind the first FDA-approved non-drug, non-invasive depression treatment, the issue is even bigger than the study reveals, as these children are often overprescribed antidepressants and have limited treatment alternatives due to their age. Based on data from over 50,000 US children aged 6-17, the study revealed that excessive screen time, categorized as four or more hour...

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book to review all opinions expressed are my own. I don’t know about you, but I tend to accumulate a lot of clutter. Between doing product reviews, stocking up during sales, and loving to thrift shop, I find myself accumulating more than I really need. When I was asked to review this book, the first thing I said to myself was, “ I really need to read this”, and am I glad I did.  Katy Joy Wells has a way of helping us look at our clutter in different ways between sentimental clutter, emotional ties, superficial clutter and so much more, she helps us to learn how to let go of things we really don’t need.  She helped me understand what I’m holding on to, how to let go, and make my home a bit more peaceful.  If you find yourself hold onto things for sentimental reasons or other superficial reasons and really want to declutter your home and create less stress, I highly recommend this book.  Purchase Book Here About The Book Are you ov...

  Love is in the air, and so is the smell of fresh‑baked goodness from  Antonina’s Gluten‑Free Bakery ! These peanut‑free, nut‑free, gluten‑free, and worry‑free treats make Valentine’s Day celebrations sweeter, safer, and stress‑free for everyone at the table.   Antonina’s mission is simple:  bake great‑tasting treats everyone can enjoy together. Whether you’re planning a classroom celebration, a Galentine’s brunch, a cozy date night in, or a family decorating party, their baked goods bring people together, no matter their dietary needs.   You can find Antonina’s Gluten‑Free muffins, cakes, and cupcakes at more than 3,500 grocery stores nationwide, including Sprouts, Albertsons, Safeway, Fresh Thyme, Jewel, ShopRite, Walmart and more. Look for them in the bakery section, primarily in the bakery freezer.    Learn more at AntoninasGlutenFreeBakery.com or use their store locator to find a retailer near you in time for Valentine's Day.