smoking incense

At Mama Crow’s, we’re always looking for new ways to help you bring comfort, calm, and a little magic into your daily life. Recently, we added incense to our lineup, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.

A New Layer of Ambiance

You might already know us for our wax melts, which fill your home with warmth and fragrance. Incense offers something a little different. While wax melts slowly release scent as they melt, incense creates an immediate, sensory experience. The soft curl of smoke, the rich aroma, and the ritual of lighting it all combine to transform a space almost instantly.

Why People Use Incense

People use incense for a variety of reasons, and it’s not just about making a room smell good. Many light incense to create a calming atmosphere during meditation, yoga, or quiet reflection. The scents can help reduce stress, promote focus, and even inspire creativity. Others use it to add a cozy or festive touch to their home, enhancing a gathering or quiet evening.

Some people are drawn to incense for spiritual or ritual purposes. Lighting incense has been a part of human tradition for thousands of years—whether in temples, homes, or personal practice—to invite tranquility, clarity, or intention into their lives.

Our Approach at Mama Crow’s

We chose our incense selection with care, focusing on scents that are both comforting and captivating. Each stick is designed to offer a sensory experience that can uplift your mood, enhance your space, or just help you unwind after a long day. Whether you’re a long-time incense user or trying it for the first time, we wanted to create something approachable, high-quality, and just plain enjoyable.

Give It a Try

If you haven’t experienced incense before, now’s the perfect time. Light a stick, take a deep breath, and let the scent carry you somewhere calm and comforting. It’s a simple way to add a touch of ritual and beauty to everyday life.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

full moon

Many cultures have long believed the moon affects our emotions. While it might sound mystical, science suggests there could be truth behind it. The phases of the moon may subtly influence sleep, energy, and even mood swings.

How the Moon Impacts Sleep

Research shows that sleep patterns can shift depending on the moon phase. During a full moon, people often report taking longer to fall asleep and getting less deep rest. Lack of quality sleep directly affects mood, leaving us irritable, anxious, or low on energy the following day.

Emotional Shifts and Energy Levels

The moon’s light and gravitational pull may play a role in how we feel. Some studies suggest people feel more restless or energized during a full moon, while the new moon often brings lower energy and introspection. Many people describe feeling more emotional, sensitive, or creative around these times.

Historical Beliefs About the Moon and Mood

Ancient societies tracked the moon closely and often connected it to human behavior. The word “lunatic” itself comes from the Latin “luna,” meaning moon, reflecting the belief that full moons triggered mood changes. While modern science doesn’t fully support all old ideas, it’s fascinating how consistent these cultural observations were across the world.

The Science Behind the Connection

Though researchers are still studying the link, a few factors stand out. The moon’s brightness can disrupt circadian rhythms, especially before artificial lighting existed. Gravitational pull, similar to how the moon controls tides, may also influence human biology in small ways. While more studies are needed, many agree the moon can indirectly impact mood through sleep and energy.

How to Work With the Moon’s Cycle

Paying attention to your own moods throughout the lunar phases can be helpful. If you know a full moon leaves you restless, plan for extra relaxation or calming rituals. During a new moon, when energy feels lower, focus on rest and reflection. Recognizing these natural rhythms may make mood swings easier to manage.

Final Thoughts

The moon’s phases might not control us, but they can influence how we feel and function. By noticing these patterns, you can better prepare for shifts in mood and energy.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

girls laughing

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

The Power of Genuine Laughter

Everyone has laughed so hard that tears rolled down their face at least once. That kind of laughter is more than just a funny moment—it’s a natural medicine for the body and mind. Researchers have found that deep, uncontrollable laughter releases a flood of feel-good chemicals that improve mood, reduce stress, and even ease physical pain. Unlike a polite chuckle, a full belly laugh engages the lungs, diaphragm, and heart, creating a workout that boosts energy and circulation.

Stress Relief That Actually Works

Life can feel overwhelming, but laughter cuts through tension in an instant. When you laugh until you cry, stress hormones like cortisol drop, while endorphins rise. This natural shift makes you feel lighter and more at ease. Instead of holding onto frustration, laughter acts like a reset button for your nervous system. That’s why watching a comedy or swapping funny stories with friends often leaves you calmer, even when nothing about your situation has changed.

A Natural Painkiller

Believe it or not, laughter has been shown to reduce pain. The endorphins released during hard laughter act as the body’s own painkillers. In fact, studies suggest that people can tolerate discomfort better after a good laugh. The physical release that comes from laughing until you cry loosens tight muscles, lowers blood pressure, and promotes relaxation throughout the body. It may not replace medicine, but it can certainly make tough moments easier to handle.

Strengthening Social Bonds

One of the most powerful benefits of laughter is its ability to connect people. When you share uncontrollable laughter with someone, the bond strengthens instantly. Tears of joy break down barriers, creating intimacy and trust. Friendships built on humor often last longer because laughter helps navigate conflict and stress. In families, laughter creates cherished memories, turning ordinary days into stories retold for years.

Boosting Mental Health

Laughter until tears isn’t just fun—it’s therapy. Mental health experts recognize humor as an effective tool for managing anxiety and depression. Laughing hard brings a sense of perspective, reminding you not to take everything so seriously. It interrupts cycles of negative thinking and replaces them with moments of joy. Over time, building laughter into your daily life can improve resilience and emotional balance.

Physical Health Benefits You Might Not Expect

The effects of laughter reach far beyond mood. Regular, hearty laughter can strengthen your immune system, making it easier to fight off illness. The deep breathing involved improves oxygen flow, which benefits the heart and brain. Some studies even suggest that frequent laughter may protect against heart disease by improving blood vessel function. While it shouldn’t replace a healthy lifestyle, laughing until you cry adds an extra layer of protection to overall well-being.

Ways to Laugh More Often

Finding more laughter in your day doesn’t have to be complicated. Watch a comedy special, read a funny book, or follow humor accounts that genuinely make you laugh. Spend time with people who have a natural sense of humor. Play silly games with your kids or grandkids. The more opportunities you create for laughter, the more likely those tear-inducing giggles will come. And when they do, let them flow freely—your body and mind will thank you.

Final Thoughts

Laughing until you cry is more than a fleeting moment of fun. It’s a medicine that lowers stress, reduces pain, strengthens relationships, and boosts both mental and physical health. The best part? It’s free, easy to access, and enjoyable. So the next time something makes you laugh so hard you can’t stop, don’t hold back. Those tears of laughter are proof that your body is healing in the most joyful way possible.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

bees on honeycomb

Image by xiSerge from Pixabay

Bees aren’t just buzzing aimlessly in the garden. They have one of the most fascinating communication systems in the animal kingdom. Using movements, scents, and even vibrations, bees can share detailed messages with their hive mates—messages that keep the colony alive and thriving.

The Famous “Waggle Dance”

When a bee finds a rich source of nectar or pollen, she returns to the hive to perform the waggle dance. This isn’t just a random jig. The angle, duration, and intensity of the movements tell other bees the direction and distance to the food source. Imagine giving GPS directions without saying a word—that’s exactly what they’re doing.

Scent Signals and Pheromones

Bees also use pheromones to send chemical messages. These scents can signal danger, help recognize members of the hive, or guide bees to a new home. A single whiff can tell a bee if it’s time to defend the hive or follow a leader.

Vibrations and Touch

In the dark interior of a hive, touch and vibrations become essential. Bees may tap each other or use subtle buzzing to communicate. These signals can coordinate hive duties, such as feeding larvae or building honeycomb.

Why This Matters for Us

Understanding bee communication isn’t just a fun fact—it’s crucial for protecting them. Bees are vital pollinators, and their survival impacts our food supply. Learning how they work together helps scientists create better strategies to protect colonies from threats like pesticides, habitat loss, and climate change.

The Takeaway

The next time you see bees buzzing in your garden, remember—they’re not just working. They’re talking, planning, and collaborating in ways we’re only beginning to understand. Their survival depends on it, and in many ways, so does ours.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

relaxing couple

Image created with Canva AI

The weekend kicked off in the best possible way—the hubs got off work a couple of hours early on Friday. That bonus time was put to good use with a little shopping and a stop at one of our favorite local pizza restaurants. A table was claimed, slices were enjoyed, and the afternoon felt like the perfect start to a low-key couple of days.

Originally, a batch of incense was supposed to be made Friday night. Lately, making incense has been a hobby we’ve really gotten into. It’s relaxing, creative, and a little addictive. Unfortunately, shipping delays meant the supplies didn’t arrive in time, so that plan was pushed to Sunday. Instead, attention was turned to candle making. Fall candles were poured, and the excitement was real—three brand-new scents are ready to hit the site this week. The Fall lineup this year is looking like one of my best yet, with cozy fragrances like Pumpkin Creme Latte, Barnwood, Pumpkin Pie, and Spooky Cider Lane ready to make homes smell like the season we wait for all year.

Football, Grilling, and Lazy Saturdays

After a week that included hosting my older grandkids overnight on Wednesday and all day Thursday, I was ready for a quiet couple of days to recharge. I adore them, but they’re full of energy and allergic to sleep, so the house felt a little like a three-ring circus. Once they headed back home to get ready for school, I promised myself a slower pace for the weekend.

Saturday was dedicated to one thing—football. With the season officially underway, the TV was locked in, and the grill was fired up. Ribs and steaks filled the air with the kind of smell that makes you glad you live in Texas. It was one of those days where time passed slowly, the food was good, and conversations came easy.

Games were watched, snacks were enjoyed, and bedtime was ignored. There’s something about staying up too late on a Saturday night that just feels right, even when you know you’ll pay for it the next morning.

A Sunday Mix of Work and Play

Sunday brought more football, but also a little NASCAR for good measure. Between cheering for favorite teams and keeping an eye on the race, some house cleaning was worked in. The incense-making supplies had finally arrived—by drone, which was as cool as it sounds—so a fresh batch was made in the evening. The whole house smelled amazing as the sticks cured.

By the time the work was done, the couch was calling. A new-to-us series on Prime called Elkhorn was started. It follows Teddy Roosevelt, and so far, so good. Two episodes in, and it’s already a keeper. Anything historical instantly grabs my attention, but the fact that it’s about the West makes it even better.

The Little Things That Make a Weekend

Looking back, the weekend wasn’t packed with big events, but it was filled with things that made me happy. Early date nights, good food, football, and small creative projects created a rhythm that felt just right. Candles and incense are ready for the shop, the grill got its workout, and the couch saw plenty of action during game time.

Sometimes the best weekends aren’t the ones spent running around—they’re the ones where you settle in, enjoy the company you’re with, and let the hours pass without rushing them. This one definitely fit that description.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

Bible with crown of thorns

Image by James Chan from Pixabay

I don’t always go searching for God, but somehow—He always finds me. And most of the time, it’s not during a church service or a formal prayer. It’s in the small, sacred moments I never expect.

He Shows Up in the Silence

It’s funny how loud the world is. There’s always something buzzing, ringing, or demanding attention. But sometimes, in the middle of a chaotic day, everything gets quiet. Maybe it’s early morning before the house wakes up or that hush that follows a thunderstorm. And in that stillness, I feel something I can’t explain. A peace that doesn’t make sense. A knowing that I’m not alone.

I See Him in People

It’s not always in the obvious “church folks” either. I’ve seen God in the kindness of strangers, the patience of a friend who lets me ramble, and the hug from a grandchild that melts every worry away. He’s in the tired woman at the grocery store who still smiles. In the man who holds the door just because. In the person who forgives even when it’s hard. Those glimpses of grace—that’s God all over it.

He Meets Me in the Mess

Let’s be honest. Life gets messy. There are seasons when I feel burnt out, sick, behind on everything, or just plain lost. I’ve questioned Him. I’ve gotten mad. I’ve begged for answers. But even then—especially then—He shows up. Not always with a solution, but with comfort. With reminders that I’m held even when I don’t feel strong. Sometimes it’s a verse that pops into my head out of nowhere, a song on the radio, or a memory that brings tears and healing.

He’s in Nature, Too

I might be from Texas, but God’s not just in the Bible Belt. He’s in the way the sky turns pink just before dusk. He’s in the scent of honeysuckle on a warm day. In the rhythm of the waves when we finally make it to the beach. He’s in the birds that show up just when I need a sign and the wildflowers that bloom where nobody planted them. His creation whispers His presence even when I’m not listening for it.

Unexpected Conversations Bring Him Near

Some of the most God-filled conversations I’ve had didn’t start that way. A simple “how are you?” can turn into a holy moment. A phone call with a friend who just gets it. A heart-to-heart with my husband after a long day. Sometimes those talks turn into confessions, prayers, laughter through tears—and I walk away feeling seen, known, and loved. Not just by the person—but by God Himself.

I Don’t Always Look, but He’s Always There

I’ll admit—I don’t always wake up with my Bible open or my mind on spiritual things. Life happens. But somehow, God doesn’t wait for an invitation. He meets me where I am. On the couch with a headache. At the kitchen sink. In my car on a backroad. In the middle of grief. In the middle of joy. I’ve come to believe He’s not just with us when we call—He’s already there, gently nudging, waiting, comforting.

Final Thoughts

I don’t think we have to chase God down. I think we just have to be willing to notice Him. He’s in the background of our everyday life, weaving Himself into the ordinary. And maybe that’s the most sacred thing of all.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

toilets

Image by Markus Spiske from Pixabay

We all have things we avoid like the plague. For me, it’s phone calls. Give me a rubber glove, some bleach, and a dirty toilet any day—just don’t make me answer my phone. It sounds dramatic, I know. But if you’re an introvert, a chronic overthinker, or just plain overstimulated by life, I bet you get it. Here’s exactly why I’ll scrub tile over taking a call every single time.

Phone Calls Feel Like an Ambush

First of all, phone calls are intrusive. They don’t wait for a good time. They demand your attention immediately, ringing with an urgency that makes your heart race even if it’s just your cousin calling to chat. Texts and emails can wait. They don’t expect you to drop what you’re doing, throw on your customer service voice, and perform a verbal tightrope act.

Cleaning the bathroom, however? It’s on my time. I can scrub, spray, and wipe down surfaces at my own pace, no performance required. The toilet never asks, “Did you get my message?” or “Are you free to talk right now?”

Awkward Silences Are Torture

In-person conversations come with body language, facial expressions, and gestures that fill in the blanks. On the phone, it’s just voices—and sometimes, it’s just silence. And not the good kind.

When there’s a pause in a phone conversation, my brain immediately spirals: Did I say something weird? Are they distracted? Should I fill the silence? It’s exhausting.

Meanwhile, when I’m elbow-deep in cleaning supplies, I can enjoy actual silence. Peaceful, productive silence that smells like lemon-scented disinfectant.

Bathroom Cleaning Has Clear Goals

Cleaning a bathroom is gross, but it’s straightforward. There’s a beginning, middle, and end. You know when the job is done. There’s satisfaction in watching grime disappear and seeing everything sparkle when you’re finished.

Phone calls, on the other hand, are unpredictable. You don’t know how long they’ll last, what they’ll be about, or whether they’ll end on a weird note. One minute you’re saying hello, the next you’re hearing about someone’s dog’s pancreatitis or being guilt-tripped into something you didn’t sign up for.

I Can Multitask When I Clean

When I’m cleaning, I can pop in my earbuds and listen to a podcast or blast some music. I can zone out and still be productive. It’s oddly therapeutic.

But when I’m on the phone? I’m stuck. I can’t do much else besides pace around the house pretending to sound engaged. Multitasking during a call feels rude, and let’s be real—holding the phone with your shoulder while scrubbing the sink isn’t exactly ergonomic.

I Have Anxiety and Phones Are Triggers

This one might hit home for more people than you think. Phone anxiety is real. It’s not just being shy or antisocial. It’s the genuine panic that creeps in when your phone rings or when you know you need to make a call.

Sometimes, even thinking about answering makes me nauseous. I start sweating, rehearsing what I’ll say, and convincing myself I’ll sound ridiculous. The bathroom? At least I know what I’m walking into. And I can wear gloves.

I’m Not Alone in This

If you feel this way, you’re definitely not the only one. More and more people—especially millennials and Gen Z—are ditching calls for texts and DMs. We grew up with caller ID, voicemail, and the sweet relief of “Do Not Disturb.” And we learned to love communication on our terms.

It’s not about being rude. It’s about managing mental load, energy, and boundaries.

Final Thoughts

So yes, I’ll gladly choose a toilet brush over a phone call. Not because I love cleaning (trust me, I don’t), but because it gives me control, clarity, and calm—three things that phone calls rarely offer. If you’re like me, know that it’s okay to screen your calls, text back later, and protect your peace. Just maybe light a candle after cleaning the bathroom, too. You’ve earned it.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

cleaning when mad

Image by svklimkin from Pixabay

Ever been so mad you could scrub the paint off the walls? Same. When I get fired up, I channel every ounce of that frustration into something productive—cleaning. It’s not just about tidying up; it’s therapy with a mop in hand. So if you’re the kind of person who needs to do something when you’re mad, this one’s for you. Here’s how I clean when I’m mad and how you can turn a bad mood into a clean house.

First, I Let the Rage Pick the Playlist

Before I touch a single sponge, I grab my phone and put on a playlist that matches my mood. We’re talkin’ angry girl anthems, Southern rock with some bite, or old-school rap that makes you feel like you can throw hands with the dust bunnies. This isn’t a soft, easy listening kind of clean—we’re deep cleaning like our feelings depend on it. And in a way, they kinda do.

I Start With Whatever’s Bugging Me Most

I don’t follow a routine when I’m mad. I go straight for the mess that’s bothering me the most. If it’s the kitchen counter stacked with dishes, that’s where I go. If it’s the laundry that’s been sitting in the dryer for two days, I’ll yank it out like it personally offended me. When I’m in a mood, I let that emotion guide me, and honestly, it works better than any chore chart ever has.

I Clean Harder, Faster, and Meaner

I don’t gently wipe things down—I scrub. I vacuum like I’m mad at the carpet. I slam trash bags around and toss clutter into the trash like I’m tossing ex-boyfriend hoodies (no offense, Santiago). And I swear, the more I clean, the more the anger melts away. It’s like I’m sweeping up my feelings and dumping ‘em out with the crumbs.

I Talk to Myself While I Do It

Don’t judge me, but when I’m mad-cleaning, I talk it out. Sometimes I mutter under my breath. Sometimes I full-on rant while wiping down the fridge. And every once in a while, I’ll laugh at how ridiculous I sound—but by then, I’m already halfway through a deep clean. Bonus: no one wants to interrupt me, so I get to clean in peace.

I Use It As a Reset

By the time I’m done, I usually feel calmer. My house looks better. My mind feels clearer. And even if the thing that made me mad is still lingering, it doesn’t feel quite as heavy. Cleaning when I’m mad gives me a way to reset without taking it out on anyone (or texting something I’ll regret).

I Don’t Aim for Perfection—Just Progress

Let’s be honest: angry cleaning isn’t always methodical. Sometimes I miss a spot. Sometimes I forget to pop in a wax melt or put things all the way back where they belong. But I’m not chasing perfection—I’m just channeling energy. And progress, especially when you’re fired up, is better than sitting around stewing.

Cleaning when I’m mad isn’t just about having a cleaner home. It’s about doing something with the anger instead of letting it eat me up. Plus, nothing feels better than slamming a cabinet shut knowing the junk drawer inside is finally organized.

So next time you’re mad, don’t doom-scroll or fire off that text. Grab a rag and turn that rage into sparkle.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

woman having hot flash

Image by Kenny Holmes from Pixabay

When It All Started

If you had told me back in 2014 that I’d still be riding the perimenopause rollercoaster in 2025, I would’ve laughed in your face. Then again, maybe I wouldn’t—because I’d be too busy squinting through an ocular migraine, bloated like I swallowed a watermelon, and Googling “what does a stroke feel like?” at 2:30 a.m.

I hit puberty early, had kids early, and pretty much ran my reproductive system like a demolition derby. So yeah, maybe it makes sense that the “change” kicked in sooner than average. But 11 years? That ain’t a change—that’s a damn lifestyle.

The First Symptom: What the Hell Was That?

My periods were once like a Swiss watch—every 28 days, no fuss, no drama. I naïvely assumed menopause would be the same. Spoiler alert: it is not.

My first warning sign? An ocular migraine. I wasn’t even a headache person, so when I suddenly started seeing through what looked like a vibrating Coke bottle, I panicked. I thought I was having a stroke. That led to my first of many ER visits, CT scans, and puzzled doctors who all patted my head and told me I was “fine.” Except I wasn’t.

Heart Racing, Bloating, and Full-On Night Terrors

Not long after the migraines, I started waking up around 2-3 a.m. with my heart racing like I was being chased by something invisible and terrifying. My stomach would swell up like I was nine months pregnant, and the acid reflux would hit like a freight train. The cycle always ended the same: me freezing cold, shaky, and sure I was dying.

Turns out, these were nocturnal panic attacks—but they weren’t just “in my head.” I later learned the connection between gut issues and the vagus nerve. When my bloated stomach compressed that nerve, it triggered heart palpitations and panic. Vicious cycle, right?

These episodes led to countless EKGs, a panic disorder diagnosis, and one incredibly unhelpful doctor who refused to believe hormones were the root cause. I bought a KardiaMobile (a portable EKG), taught myself how to read it, and started using Calm magnesium powder and beta blockers at night. That combo has helped a ton—but those episodes? Still scary as hell.

Overachiever Hormones: Because Normal Would Be Too Easy

Most women my age with thyroid issues develop hypothyroidism. Not me. I went full throttle with hyperthyroidism. Racing heart? Check. Sky-high anxiety? Check. It took a kind-hearted ER doc following a hunch to even catch it.

A couple years in, things got real weird. I had a full year of bizarre neurological symptoms—brief waves of heat through my tongue, weird little patches of chill bumps (always near my right knee), and eye floaters that looked like black worms swimming across my vision. Then came the daily headaches. Three months straight of head pain and a doctor who thought 800mg of Advil every six hours was a sustainable plan.

That little plan destroyed my gut, left scar tissue on my liver, and killed my gallbladder. My food started going through me undigested—yes, as gross as it sounds—and I was sick for two full years while everyone shrugged.

The Gallbladder Saga

My gallbladder wasn’t your typical lazy slacker. Oh no, mine was hyperkinetic—constantly dumping bile, whether it was needed or not. My white blood cells were sky high, my face was flushed, and I was running out of energy and patience. It took forever to get a diagnosis, and even then, most surgeons in my area wouldn’t touch it.

Thanks to the internet and some life-saving Facebook groups, I figured out how to manage it myself with TUDCA, ox bile, and digestive enzymes. If I skip my enzymes for a couple days, I feel it immediately. But with them? I can function like a semi-normal human.

Weight Gain, Anemia, and the Ice Cravings from Hell

I gained weight—some from the hormonal chaos, some from steroid treatments, and all of it against my will. Then the heavy periods started turning into hemorrhages, and I became severely anemic. I ended up needing iron transfusions. Anemia brought its own party favors: hair loss, constant dizziness, and an uncontrollable craving for ice. Like, I go through two 10-pound bags of Sonic ice every single week.

Normal Symptoms? Yep, Got Those Too

Joint pain? Sure, but I knocked that out with collagen peptides. Mood swings? You bet. Brain fog? Constantly walking into rooms and forgetting why. Random body aches, brittle nails, dry skin, hormonal acne, sleepless nights—you name it, I’ve probably had it.

Hot flashes, though? Strangely, I’ve never had one. That’s one thing I hope stays off my perimenopause bingo card.

Why Don’t Women Talk About This?

I spent years thinking I was losing my mind. My doctor dismissed me. My symptoms didn’t fit the neat little boxes. I joined several perimenopause Facebook groups, and finally—finally—I stopped feeling so alone. Turns out, millions of us are silently suffering because nobody wants to talk about the reality of perimenopause.

So now, I talk about it. I make sure my daughters know exactly what this phase of life can look like. I even keep a spreadsheet to track my cycles, symptoms, supplements, and mood swings. You know, like a hormonal war journal.

Will It Ever End?

The average woman spends 4–5 years in perimenopause. Some are lucky with just a year or two. And then there’s me—year 11, holding strong, breaking records, and earning gold stars in reproductive overachievement.

Maybe one day I’ll write a book about this whole chaotic journey—assuming I survive it. But for now, I’ll keep managing my symptoms, advocating for myself, and sharing my story so other women don’t feel as lost as I did.

Because if perimenopause is going to kick my ass, the least I can do is drag it into the light and give it a name.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

stillness

Image by Kirill Averianov from Pixabay

In a world that praises hustle and constant movement, stillness can feel like laziness or wasted time. But being okay with stillness isn’t about giving up—it’s about learning how to be present without needing to fill every moment.

Let’s talk about why stillness matters, what it really means, and how you can start to feel comfortable with it.

Stillness Isn’t Emptiness

Stillness isn’t the absence of productivity. It’s not doing nothing—it’s allowing your mind and body a chance to just be. That could look like sitting on the porch watching the wind blow, or lying in bed without reaching for your phone.

It’s in these quiet moments that we often hear the thoughts we’ve been drowning out. Stillness gives space for clarity, reflection, and even creativity.

Why We Resist Stillness

Many of us were raised to believe that doing more is always better. So when we sit still, we start to feel guilty. Our brains whisper things like:

  • “You should be doing something.”
  • “This is lazy.”
  • “You’re falling behind.”

But none of those things are true. They’re just the noise of a world that equates worth with busyness.

How to Start Embracing Stillness

Learning to be okay with stillness takes time. It’s a skill, just like anything else. Here’s how to ease into it:

Start Small

You don’t have to sit in silence for hours. Try taking five minutes a day to pause—no screens, no music, no multitasking. Just breathe.

Redefine Productivity

Stillness can be productive in its own way. It’s where you recover, recharge, and reconnect with yourself.

Pay Attention to What Shows Up

When you sit still, you might feel discomfort at first. Let it come. Notice it without judgment. The more you practice, the easier it gets.

The Quiet Moments Hold Power

Stillness doesn’t mean you’ve stopped growing. In fact, growth often begins in the quiet. It’s in the pause that we find strength, balance, and sometimes even answers we’ve been chasing for too long.

Being okay with stillness means giving yourself permission to rest, to listen, and to just be. Not because you earned it—but because you deserve it.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.