Chatty Patty's Place

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.  

  Disclosure: Many thanks to Studio 523 for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opin ions are 100% my own. Still Hope: A Powerful Film Shining Light on the Fight Against Human Trafficking Some films entertain us. Others stay with us long after the credits roll. Still Hope is one of those films. Opening in theaters February 5, Still Hope is a powerful and deeply moving movie where awareness about human trafficking meets compassion—and where recovery begins. This film reminds us that freedom is just the beginning. This is such a heart wrenching story with great actors. It should be viewed by tweens and teens to bring awareness to them of talking to strangers on the internet and in real life,  and can be a learning tool for children and parents. About the Film Inspired by true stories, Still Hope follows Hope, a teenager from a close-knit community who finds herself in danger when someone she believes to be a new friend proves unsafe. Taken from everything she know...