What Shellz Homestyle Kitchen prepares on Christmas Day

Shellz Homestyle Kitchen shares the scrumptious food that she and her family have on Christmas Day.

Have a Joyous, Healthy, and Safe Christmas.

It is That Time Again - Thank You for Your Continued Support

Photo by Adrienne Andersen

Where does the time go? 2022 went by quickly.

We would like to thank you again for visiting our site and sending us your feedback. We also want to thank our contributors who have submitted some great articles.

Whichever holiday you observe, have a joyous, safe, and healthy celebration.

Photo by cottonbro

Even though strict guidelines are being lifted regarding COVID-19 and other variants, please continue to wear a face covering when you are in close quarters, practice social distancing, and wash your hands. When you protect yourself, you are also protecting others.

Our staff is taking a well-deserved break and will return on January 9, 2023, with more amazing posts. If you want to write for our blog, please read our Submission Guidelines. 

 

Peace and Love,

One World Singles Blog Staff 

Safety tips for Women Who are Traveling Alone

Photo by Element5Digital

I traveled alone for the first time to the island of Jamaica. That was back in the late sixties. I was in my early twenties. People always say that God protects children and fools. I am not a religious person, but I never considered myself a fool. But there were things that never dawn on me when traveling to an island I knew nothing about. I was lucky. I met wonderful people and faced no dangers while learning about the people and their culture. Of course, there were no internet or social media back then. To learn about a country, you could rely on friends, relatives, travel magazines, or travel agents.

 

Traveling solo is on the rise, with more and more women opting to go it alone. There is just something about taking a bold step out of your comfort zone, setting you on the path to learn and experience a different place and culture. Traveling can make you feel more contented by relieving stress and anxiety while exposing you to new things or unique ways of thinking.

 

Following are some tips that I never thought about, as a woman, when traveling to Jamaica. These recommendations will help make your traveling alone more enjoyable and memorable:

 

Photo by Dini Ilham Aulia

Plan and research - Before you get on a plane or ship, always do your due diligence and do research on the place you are going to visit. Read reviews on the place and basically, Google the place to have a fair picture of the people, their culture, and local cuisine. That will lead you to make the plans and travel arrangements. In addition, a lot of fear and insecurity about traveling alone comes from not knowing what you are doing and where you are going.

 

Plan your day - Where are you staying, and how will you move around? If you are visiting a foreign country, plan to arrive during the day and not late at night.

 

Be subtle - It is important to remain as inconspicuous as possible. Stay under the radar. You do not want to draw unnecessary attention to yourself or make yourself an easy target.

 

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto

Read - Study the laws and regulations of the country you plan to visit so you do not find yourself in trouble or doing what is foreign to locals. If the country is conservative, respect the laws and cover-up. The main point of this is to blend in with the locals.

 

Be vigilant - Successful solo travel as women hinges on common sense and trusting your gut or intuition. Stay vigilant, especially when you are out partying. Leave expensive jewelry at home and do not flash your cash in the streets. It is also important not to trust strangers so easily.

 

Photo by Godisable Jacob

Do not compromise your safety - By trying to save a quick buck, you may put your safety at risk. An example of this is electing to walk a small distance at night instead of paying for a cab. It is also important to be in a sober state; always be aware of your surroundings. Try to limit your alcohol intake.

 

Purchase travel insurance - When traveling, anything can happen, so try to be prepared.

 

Keep friends and family informed - It is always a good idea to keep your friends and family updated on your whereabouts. Send them your travel itinerary, where you will stay, and important numbers on how they can contact you or trace your whereabouts. Have the contact information of your embassy in case things do not go according to plan. If you are staying at a hotel, keep your passport, credit cards, travelers’ checks, cash, and other valuables in an in-room safe.

 

Photo by jasmin chew

Take copies of prescribed medications - If you are on medications prescribed by your doctor, get a note from your physician showing the names and dosages you have to take. Medications that are legal in the USA may be illegal in other countries. Check to see what drugs are illegal in the country you plan to visit and discuss this with your primary care physician or seek advice from a lawyer who specializes in international law.

 

USA laws - USA laws do not follow you once you leave the United States. Whatever trouble you get into, you are on your own.

 

COVID-19 - Even though strict guidelines for COVID-19 have been lifted, some countries still have firm rules before entering their country. Check with the country you plan to visit for their policies. 

####

Scammers Never Take a Break during the Holidays

Regrettably, the holiday season is not just a time of giving. It is an opportunity for identity thieves, computer hackers, and fraudsters to take what they can from unsuspecting victims.

Photo by Sora Shimazaki

Many of the swindles are cyber-driven, says Bill Kowalski, a former FBI agent, and director of operations for corporate investigative services at Rehmann. “But thieves also use less-sophisticated tactics to steal money or personal information from consumers while they're shopping in stores or looking to give to those in need,” he says.

Following are several frauds that will be popular this holiday season and tips on how to avoid them:

Photo by Anna Tarazevich

Bogus Shipment Notifications

Be aware of e-mails notifying you about package shipments. Kowalski says that scammers send out bogus notifications that prompt people to click on links to track packages and those links contain computer viruses. If you are not expecting any shipments, it is easy to recognize these e-mails as fakes. However, if you have made purchases online, Kowalski recommends going directly to shipping companies' sites to track your packages rather than clicking on links - even those that appear to be legitimate.

Photo by Mikhail Nilov

Used Gift Cards

Many retailers display gift cards at the checkout -- and thieves take advantage of this, says Rip Mason, the CEO of LegalShield, a legal services and an identity-theft-protection-provider. They take cards, copy the numbers on them, then put the cards back on the rack. The thieves can assess when the cards are purchased and activated and will drain the cards of all their funds -- leaving the consumer with a card that cannot be used. Therefore, Mason says that if you buy a gift card, ask the salesperson to give you one from behind the counter.

Malware e-cards

Scammers are taking advantage of the fact that more people are sending holiday greetings by e-mail and are sending e-cards with malicious software embedded in them, Mason says. If you receive an e-mail from someone you do not know, do not let curiosity get the best of you. Just delete the e-mail.

Photo by cottonbro

Special Offers

If you receive an e-mail or text message claiming that you have won a prize or gift card, resist the temptation to respond. The sender likely is a scammer trying to get your personal information or money. Kowalski also says scammers will send texts or e-mails prompting recipients to click on links to access information about a retailer's sale or special offers. Go directly to the retailer's Web site or Facebook page to see if it is having a sale.

Photo by Anastasia  Shuraeva

Phony Web Sites

If you do a Google search for a popular toy your kid wants for Christmas, there is a good chance that some of the results will link to fake sites or images that have viruses or malware. That is because scammers build sites based on popular search terms. When doing your holiday shopping online, stick with sites you know. Scammers also create sites with Web addresses similar to those of legitimate retailers, Kowalski says. The Better Business Bureau reports that several Web sites have cropped up that include the word “overstock” in the domain name, hoping to fool consumers into thinking they are shopping with Overstock.com, a legitimate online retailer. Always type the Web address of a site you wish to visit directly into the browser rather than clicking on links in e-mails or social media sites. Make sure you have the most updated version of the browser you use, which can flag suspicious sites, and updated virus software on your computer. Look for "contact us" information on sites you visit and make sure "https" appears at the beginning of the URL on the payment page.

Malicious Apps

Be wary of the apps you download on your phone or Facebook page -- especially free ones that you're prompted by anonymous text messages or Facebook posts to download. Be wary of any app that asks for access to your e-mail account or for any personal information because it likely will be malicious. Even legitimate apps might ask permission to access your personal information, from your birthday to your current location to your list of friends. So before you click install, read the list of permissions being requested by an app to make sure it is not asking for information you do not want to provide.

Fraudulent Charities

Scammers hope to take advantage of people's desire to give to those in need during the holidays by sending e-mails or texts asking for contributions. Kowalski says that some are even using copied logos from legitimate charities in e-mails or on fraudulent Web sites. Often you can hover over links in such e-mails and see Web addresses that point to fraudulent sites instead of a legitimate charity's site. Rather than respond to those pleas, visit CharityNavigator.org for reviews of charitable organizations to find a cause that will benefit from your generosity. Do not make large donations in cash and always ask for a receipt.

Eavesdropping

Cyber thieves are not the only ones taking advantage of consumers. Kowalski says you can easily become a victim if you provide personal information to a sales clerk and someone is listening to your responses. Avoid giving out your e-mail address, phone number, or other similar information that is not necessary to complete a transaction.

Bait and Switch

It may be tempting to get a hot product at a super low price. However, if someone approaches you in a public place offering to sell you, say, an iPad for cheap, you will likely end up with an inferior product, Mason says. Scammers also use e-mail or online auctions to promote products at low prices and often ask to wire payments. The Better Business Bureau warns against sending cash to strangers. In these situations, the consumer sends money but never receives the merchandise. Only purchase from trusted retailers to ensure you are getting what you pay for, Mason says.

How to Prepare Your Guest Room for the Holidays

Photo by Nicole Michalou 

The holidays are just around the corner, and it is not too early to plan, especially if you are hosting friends and loved ones this holiday season. While there is plenty of time for fun, delicious foods, and cozy nights on the couch watching movies to look forward to, it also makes sense if you are feeling some anxiety. In a survey conducted by Healthline, they found that around 60% of adults feel heightened stress around the holidays because of various factors, including hosting loved ones.

If one thing that is giving you some stress is the panic over having people in your home overnight, you are not alone! There are a few easy tips to help you get your guest bedroom in first-class shape, and with a few extra touches that will make the stay feel special. 

Check out the following guide on preparing your spare room for the ultimate holiday houseguest experience, which will mean less stress for you and your guests!

Photo by MART PRODUCTION

Clear the Mess - Is your spare room an extension of your junk drawer? You are not alone. Guest rooms can become a net for all the clutter, extra furniture, and everything else that does not have an obvious home in the house. It is vital that you get your guest room cleared of clutter before your house guests arrive because nobody wants to hang out with your junk. Try doing it at least a week before your guests arrive. Do not leave it to the last minute or you cannot add the special touches that will blow your guests away. Lisa Sharp Coaching recommends setting a kitchen timer for 15-minute increments, as this can prevent you from feeling too overwhelmed. Put a podcast or some music on, get into the zone, and ruthlessly start your piles -- keep, trash, and donate. Be sure to have a garbage bag and some boxes nearby so you can organize them as you sort as well.

Photo by George Milton

Provide Clean Linens - This may seem obvious, but be sure to have extra linens available in your guest room. This should include one extra towel and washcloth per person and one full sheet change. This may seem excessive, but different people have different shower and sleeping habits, so you want to be as accommodating as possible. In addition, spills can happen, and providing an extra towel and sheet set can prevent a mortified guest from having to tell you, they spilled red wine on their pillow cover. 

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto

You do not need to buy new towels and sheets for guests, but matching sets look cleaner and neater. Did you know towels and sheets could hold on to body oils, soap, and other residues even after a good wash? To give your linens a refresh before houseguests arrive, try laundry stripping. A favorite recipe for laundry stripping comes from cleaning influencer GoCleanCo (via Instagram): 2 cups of powdered Tide detergent (must be Tide and powdered), 1/4 cup of borax, and another 1/4 cup of laundry soda. If your water is especially hard or you do not have access to Tide, you will want to use a 1/4 cup water softener as well. This will leave linens feeling unbelievably clean, soft, fresh, and smelling great. 

Photo by Vlada Karpovich

Save yourself and your guests the irritating business of sharing your Wi-Fi code verbally, especially if your password is a complicated mix of letters and numbers. Good Housekeeping says that a welcome card can make the stay feel more luxurious, taking a note from high-end hotels.

Photo by PhotoMIX Company

Make a quick print of essential information for your guest, like the Wi-Fi information, garage, door, gate codes, and other basic information. Door codes are helpful and prevent any accidental lockouts in case of a lost or forgotten key. During the holidays, your schedule might be quite full, so you can also include extra details, like important meals or parties, or nearby hot spots your houseguest might want to try out. Experiment with creating your own on a free design program. It can be as elaborate or simple as you like but can be the perfect touch for your guest room during the holidays.

Have An Extra Seating Option - Your friend or family member obviously adores you, or else they would not be staying at your place for the holidays. However, that does not mean they will want to be around you 24/7. Houseguests often need a little time for themselves to take a call, do a little work, read, or just scroll mindlessly through Instagram. Do you prefer to do all of that in a horizontal position in bed? Maybe not. So snag a chair from the living room, or even an extra dining chair, and pull it into the guest room. This is also a kind way to let houseguests know their presence is not mandatory around the clock, and that alone time is perfectly acceptable. 

To go the extra mile, find a small end table or nightstand to put next to the chair, and add a selection of magazines in case they forgot a book, says Universal Class. This way, guests can enjoy a cup of coffee while they relax in your wonderful guest bedroom. 

Photo by Yan Krukov

Provide A Small Welcome Basket - Provide your guests with a small snack basket when they arrive. This does not have to be fancy at all and is just a way to let your guest know you put special thought into their visit. In addition, many folks have a hard time asking for what they need when staying at someone's house; creating a personalized snack basket can take some of the awkwardness away. 

Photo by Craig Adderley 

Having food and drinks that your houseguests like can go a long way in showing off your hosting powers, says Harper's Bazaar. Try to have a few salty and sweet options: chips, chocolate bars, and other such options are perfect additions. 

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Significant Questions to Ask on A First Date by Miss Know It All

Miss Know It All

Who said dating is fun? It can be if you know how to conduct yourself on a first date. Meeting someone on a dating app can be challenging. However, what happens when the person you are smitten with meets in person, face to face? It can be hard-hitting. After all, you really know little about this person because your interactions have been through texting. While it is easy to get comfortable sending texts to each other and sharing stories about yourselves, the test comes when you and your crush plan your first date. What will the conversation be? Will it be a success or a total flop? Fortunately, there are never-ending first date questions that will help you learn a lot about each other and maybe land a second date.

Asking questions during a first date are signs you are interested and engaged in the conversation, but asking too many questions may make the date seem like an interview, which can feel daunting. Drop inquiries here and there to fill gaps in the conversation and to avoid uncomfortable quietness. With little effort, you will create a very natural connection. Following are some great first date questions to ask during the date:

Photo by Uriel Mont at Pexels

Questions for the First Couple of Minutes

If you do not know each other, this is the part of the date where you are both nervous and maybe feeling a little awkward. While it might be tough to come up with some questions, sometimes just sticking to the basics is enough.

How was your day?

Tell me more about yourself.

Where do you work?

Do you have any plans for the future?

Photo by Jack Sparrow at Pexels

After Breaking the Ice

Once you are more at ease and you want to spend more time with this person, you are ready to get to know him/her better. Some fun and simple questions can help liven up the conversation.

What do you do for fun?

What is your favorite TV show/movie?

What TV show did you last binge-watch?

What was the best concert you have ever been to?

Who is your favorite singer/musician/band?

Do you have a favorite book or a favorite author?

Do you have any pets?

What is your favorite place to go to around town?

What is your go-to place for takeout?

What is your favorite sport? Who is your favorite professional sports team?

Do you prefer the indoors or the outdoors?

If you won the lottery, what would you buy?

Photo by Jep Gambardella at Pexels

When You Want More Information

After getting to know more about the person’s personality, it is time to bring up deeper questions. This is the time to ask more ‘make it or break it’ questions that can help you figure out if you may want a relationship with this individual, or maybe another date.

What is your dream job? 

Are you close to your family?

Are you a morning person or a night person?

What is on your bucket list?

What is your biggest guilty pleasure?

If you could move to another country, where would it be?

Are there any hobbies or subjects that you would like to learn?

Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?

Photo by Sasint at Pixabay

When the Night Is Almost Over

It’s time to decide whether you want to lengthen your first date, possibly go on a second date, or just call it a night and move on. Ask some more intimate questions now that you are both more comfortable, and see if things might work out between you two.

What are your goals?

What is most important to you?

What do you see your future like?

Where do you see yourself in five years?

What are you most passionate about?

What are some of your biggest pet peeves?

What do you fear?

Do you have any regrets?

What is your proudest accomplishment in life?

Who inspires you?

How would you describe yourself in three words?

How would you describe me in three words?

What was your first impression of me?

What made you want to go on this date?

What do you consider some warning signs in a relationship?

 Image by Stocksnap

When it is Time to Go

If you feel the dating is a bust, end your relationship with your date instantly. If you are hoping to secure a second date, then these questions can help him or she get the hint.

Did you have a good time tonight?

Are you busy later this week?

Do you want to hang out again?

Can I send you a text later?

Do you want to split the check or want me to pick up the next one?

Would you want to check out a restaurant or movie sometime?

Photo by Jep Gambardella at Pexels

~~~~~~~

We would like to know what questions you have asked or would ask on a first date. Send your answers to info@oneworldsinglesblog.net - On the subject line please type first date questions. Soon, we will post them. Please limit your answer to five questions. Thank you.

Are You Having An Affair | Women Cheating With Married Men | A Message To Home Wreckers...

 

International Romance Author, Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku is back offering advice on women who cheat with married men.

How Halloween Is Celebrated Around the World

 Today is Halloween. We hope you enjoy the video showing how Halloween is celebrated around the world.

Have a joyous and safe Halloween

2 Unexpected Ways to Heal After a Bad Breakup by Claire Wentz

Image via Pexels  

Everyone suffers from a broken heart at some point in their life. When you lose a relationship that has lasted for half your life or more, this heartache can trigger a midlife crisis. Fortunately, there are ways that you can reclaim yourself. Today’s One World Singles Blog post has tips.

 

Change Jobs

 

Now may be a great time to shake things up and pursue a passion in a professional way. Consider starting your own business and forming an LLC. As a limited liability company, you’ll enjoy benefits, such as lowered liability and a few tax perks. The LLC formation process is fairly straightforward, and you will not have to go to the expense of an attorney if you do it yourself using a formation service.

 

Something else to keep in mind if you start your own business is to have your invoicing procedures down from the beginning. Start with an invoice template, which allows you to lay out your payment terms clearly so that you get paid for the right amount and on time. It’s also helpful to utilize software that not only looks professional with your branding materials but also allows you to accept payments in many different forms. A quick tip: Add your logo and branding elements to everything to reinforce your market presence.

 

Move to a New Location

 

If you shared a home with your ex, it’s time to put it on the market. After all, the last thing you need at this point is reminders of the misery you lived in leading up to your breakup. Look for a rental home in neighborhoods that are close to everything that you want and need. You can find properties online and even sort according to price, living space, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, etc.

 

Changing jobs and moving to a new location are two quick ways that you can get yourself out of a rut. But, these are not the only ways to sidestep a midlife crisis, and everything you do to make your life better post-breakout will benefit you in the long run.

💘💘💘💘

For additional information about the author, please visit her site at caringfromafar.com or email her at clairew@caringfromafar.com

Modern Dating Terms You Should Know To Avoid Becoming a Victim of Catfishing

Photo by Yan Krukov

If you are using dating apps, beware of people using enticements to pull you into their web of deception, namely Catfishing, defined as a deceptive act where a person creates an imaginary facade or fake identity on a social networking service, usually targeting a specific victim for financial gain, or to upset someone.

 

When searching for love, romance, dating, or marriage, finding your way around social media can be extremely confusing and overwhelming. In order to make it easier for you, you should know the following dating terms:

 

1. Catfishing - As already mentioned, someone who creates a new identity to deceive others into starting a relationship. It can be as harmless as unrealistic or highly filtered pictures or something as scary as dating someone who is actually a con artist.

 

2. Ghosting - This is someone you have been out with on multiple dates but does not reply to your messages for months and will suddenly end all forms of communication with no explanation or warning.

 

Photo by Mikhail Nilov

3. Benching - Keeping someone on the sidelines, but not completely ignoring them. It can be a potential love interest. The person likes your pictures, sends you memes, but never actually makes plans to meet you.

 

4. Orbiting - This is a potential love interest that monitors you on social media but starts no dialogue. Some will interact with your posts, others will not. They will know everything that is going on in your life.

 

Photo by cottonbro  

5. Gaslighting - An individual will convince the other person what they are saying and remembering is far from the truth. The gaslighter convinces the other person that what they feel is false because that event never happened. Psychologists have termed gas lighting as a form of emotional abuse.

 

6. Breadcrumbing - You receive bits of attention and affection, thinking the person is interested in you but keeps stringing you along because the individual likes the chase but has no intent to commit.

 

Photo by JÉSHOOTS  

7. Soft Launch - This means you are posting your significant other on social media by dropping hints, posting a food picture from a cute brunch date but you can see their elbow on the table, or just posting a picture from a date with just two wine glasses in sight. It has to show people you are off the dating grid and seeing someone while maintaining confidentiality.

 

8. Situationship - When two people are doing everything that people do in a relationship but they refuse to put an official label on it. That is more than a friendship, not a committed relationship phase. It differs from friends with benefits because in this situation there is a clear non-involvement of emotions. In a Situationship, you are stuck in the muddy waters of an emotional and a physical connection.

 

9. Talking Stage - The talking stage is an introduction to exclusive dating. You go out on dates, try to get to know each other, and see if you would want to date him or her. However, unlike dating, in a talking stage, you can go out and "search" for other options.

Photo by Maria Pop  

 

10. Love Bombing - You have just started going out with someone who showers you with tons of gifts, attention, and an over-the-top public display of affection. The person bombs you with their display of love, sweeping you off your feet, but often this leads to Gaslighting and abuse.

 

11. Zombies - They ghosted you, and you finally come to terms with that. However, just when you thought the chapter had ended, the person rises from the depths and sends you a "heyy" meaning he or she is into you. Just like a zombie, rising from the dead.

 

12. Roaching - You have been seeing someone for months and think it is exclusive, but then you discover the person is going out with other people too and hid it from you. The best way to avoid Roaching is to have a coherent conversation rather than an implied understanding.

 

13. Fishing - Someone sends out the same messages to a bunch of people and waits to see who would respond first and then go with the first responder.

 

14. DTR - Means Define The Relationship. Two people will have that 'talk' and clearly define where the relationship is heading.

 

15. Love Language - Different ways in which people express and like to receive love. There are five love languages: physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, and acts of service.