It's not just teenagers with purple hair and nose piercings who are dominating social media as influencers these days; dogs have joined the ranks as well!

Gone are the days of TV shows like Lassie. Now, we have Instagram pages with more viewers than some network television shows. Even tiny Pomeranians with bear-like appearances have become huge stars. Jiffpom, with his adorable face and cute outfits, has amassed an impressive following of 10 million people. Boo, the beloved Pom, was once the most famous, boasting 15 million Facebook fans.

Although Boo has passed away, his images continue to define cuteness for the world.

Talking dogs have also captured the attention of millions. Mishka, the talking husky, became a sensation with her ability to say "I love you." Despite her passing in 2017, her videos still receive significant views on YouTube. Lifestyle dogs have their own dedicated following as well. Take Maddie, the camping dog who canoes and swims, who has 1.3 million Instagram followers.

Even dogs with unusual appearances can make a splash on social media. Tuna, with his serious overbite, has gained a massive following of 2.1 million on Instagram and provides travel tips for fellow dog owners. But don't be fooled, there's big money involved too. Popular dog posts can generate anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 per post, highlighting the lucrative nature of this industry. WOOF!

National Friendship Day, August 6. Make a new friend or reconnect with an old one!

Civic Holiday, August 7. Civic Holiday is a public holiday in Canada celebrated on the first Monday in August. Though the first Monday of August is celebrated in most of Canada as a public holiday, it is only officially known as "Civic Holiday" in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, where it is a territorial statutory holiday.

National S'mores Day, August 10. This delicious holiday celebrates a classic summer treat - s'mores.

International Youth Day, August 12. This global observance highlights the importance of young people and their contributions to society.

National Nonprofit Day, August 17. This day recognizes nonprofit organizations’ ongoing efforts to serve the local community.

Slinky Day, August 30. A day set aside to honor a Toy Hall of Fame superstar that captured the imagination of children all around the world.

Ingredients:

1 small watermelon

1 cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)

Assorted fresh fruits (such as berries, kiwi, pineapple and mango) Fresh mint leaves

Honey (optional)

Instructions:

• Slice the watermelon into round pizza-like slices, about 1-inch thick.

• Lay the watermelon slices on a serving platter or a large plate.

• Spread Greek yogurt evenly over each watermelon slice, leaving a small border around the edges.

• Wash and prepare the assorted fresh fruits. Cut them into bite-sized pieces or into decorative shapes, as desired.

• Arrange the fresh fruits on top of the yogurt layer, creating a vibrant and colorful display.

• Garnish with fresh mint leaves, scattering them over the fruit toppings.

• Drizzle a small amount of honey over the watermelon pizza, if desired, for added sweetness.

Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing and healthy warm-weather treat!

Imagine the profound impact on your life if self-discipline were practiced universally. Unfortunately, many of us only display discipline in certain areas or sporadically throughout our lives.

Self-discipline, as described by motivational coach Michael Janke, is the ability to govern one's behavior based on principles, persistence, and sound judgment, rather than succumbing to desire or seeking social acceptance. An essential aspect of self-discipline is the capacity to say "no" to oneself, effectively managing our desires and impulses. This can be particularly challenging in a society driven by instant gratification. However, by practicing self-discipline, we can enhance our sense of self-worth and strengthen our character. 

Developing self-discipline requires consistent effort and strategic planning. Simply wishing for it is not enough. It is an ongoing process that demands commitment and dedication. 

Here are some steps to guide you toward achieving increased self-discipline: 

Identify aspects requiring change: Assess your life for areas where you feel
dissatisfaction or a need for improvement. 

Document past hurdles: Note challenges and roadblocks you've faced in previous attempts at changes.  

Outline motivations: Understand and list the “why” factors driving your desired changes, which can serve as a motivational push. 

Contemplate a supportive attitude: Envision the potential benefits and transformative impact of adopting changes with a positive mindset. 

Approaching this journey with a mindset of self-deprivation can make the process more difficult. Psychotherapist Carol Juergensen Sheets emphasizes the importance of cultivating enthusiasm for the positive changes that arise from practicing self-discipline. 

Unleash your potential through self-discipline. Embark on a transformative journey toward personal growth, success, and fulfillment. Start today for a rewarding future.

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for being here. As a token of my appreciation, I've created a special handout that I think you'll really enjoy. It’s called How To Stay In Love With Your Home – 2023 Edition.

This handout has been carefully designed with three main sections to address many types of home improvements. The first section is "Decorate & Refresh" - you'll find creative ideas on how to breathe new life into your living space. From adding colourful accent pieces to incorporating fun patterns, there are plenty of ideas to help you update your home decor.

If you're looking to lighten your hair naturally, then here is a tip to achieve a sun-kissed look. Many people have tried lemon juice, but have you ever tried tea? Chamomile tea, that is.

Start by brewing a strong cup of chamomile tea, and once it has cooled down, use it as a rinse after shampooing your hair. This will help impart a natural lightening effect. For subtle highlights, you can also apply honey to your hair and leave it on for an hour before rinsing it out. 

Finally, spend time outdoors, because exposure to sunlight can naturally lighten hair. But remember to take care of your hair by keeping it hydrated and protected from damage.

Maintaining hydration is essential for a healthy lifestyle, though not necessarily requiring the frequently recommended eight daily glasses of water. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) confirms that most people typically fulfill their hydration needs through food and beverage consumption.

While caffeinated drinks do contribute to fluid intake, excessive sodium intake poses a problem as many individuals often consume two to three times the recommended daily limits.

Similarly, insufficient potassium, which is an important nutrient found in various foods, can lead to health issues.

An article from HealthNews highlights the importance of balancing salt intake and ensuring an adequate intake of potassium. An imbalance between excessive salt and inadequate potassium can result in high blood pressure.

Therefore, adjusting fluid intake during physical activity and hot weather, moderating salt consumption, and ensuring sufficient potassium intake are crucial factors for maintaining effective hydration.

Although often overlooked, vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that plays a vital role in maintaining optimal health, supporting various bodily functions and promoting overall well-being.

1. Crucial for red blood cell production, B12 minimizes fatigue and prevents anemia, while also boosting energy levels, enhancing vitality, and combating feelings of tiredness.

2. B12 supports neurological function by aiding in the production of myelin, which protects nerve fibers and ensures smooth nerve transmission, thereby improving cognition, memory and brain health.

3. By regulating homocysteine levels, B12 effectively reduces the risk of cardiovascular issues and supports a healthy heart.

For those who follow plant-based diets or with limited meat intake, B12 supplementation or fortified foods can help meet the body's requirements.

To connect with Gen Z kids and grandkids in today's digital age, you must comprehend their preferences, values and expectations. Here are some ways to establish a meaningful connection with the Gen-Zers in your life:

Embrace Technology: Engage with them in their digital spaces and familiarize yourself with social media platforms and online trends to understand their interests and establish common ground.

Practice Active Listening: Encourage them to share their thoughts and concerns without judgment. Ask open-ended questions to show genuine interest and create a safe space for expression.

Respect Individuality: Learn about their unique passions, hobbies and goals. By respecting their individuality, you create an environment in which they feel understood and accepted, thereby strengthening your connection.

Be Open To Learning: Educate yourself on such topics as sustainability, inclusivity, and mental health. Show a willingness to learn about and understand their perspectives. Embracing their values allows you to forge a deeper connection with them.

Be Authentic and Genuine: This generation values authenticity and can easily spot insincerity. Avoid trying to be someone you're not or pretending to understand something you don't. Instead, be honest about your limitations and show a willingness to learn from them. Be your true self.

Connecting with Gen Z kids and grandchildren in today's digital age may seem challenging, but it's essential to establishing a meaningful relationship with them. By embracing technology, practicing active listening, being open to learning, respecting individuality, and being authentic, you can bridge the generation gap and understand their preferences, values, and expectations better.

Building strong connections with the younger generation not only benefits your relationship but also opens up new perspectives and experiences for both parties.

A dog ran into a museum that was completely covered in mirrors—all the walls, ceiling, doors and floors were reflective. Upon seeing his own reflections, the dog froze with surprise in the middle of the hallway.

From all sides, the dog saw a whole pack of dogs surrounding him, from top to bottom.

The dog bared its teeth and barked, and so did all the reflections. Horrified, the dog barked feverishly, and its reflections followed, raising the noise to an unbearable level.

The dog barked louder, and the echoes only grew louder. The dog flung itself from side to side, causing the reflections to stir and even threaten it with their own bared teeth.

Moral of the story: The world brings no good or evil on its own. Everything that happens around us is simply a reflection of our thoughts, feelings, desires and actions. The world is like a giant mirror that we must learn to treat with respect and compassion.