Welcome to week 16 of the ‘365 Days Photography Challenge.’ This week, I faced some challenging weather conditions with heavy rain and strong winds, which limited my outdoor shooting opportunities. Despite the spells of rain, whenever the weather permitted, I focused on capturing the beauty of mountains, captivating cloud formations during the evening, and other beautiful scenes from nature. Among all this, I also delved into the task of curating images for my client to choose from. Additionally, I offer you a glimpse into my working space, my place for creativity. Now, let’s dive into the detailed descriptions of each day’s photographic journey.

Day 105: Embracing the Windy Elements

On day 105, amidst a hectic day of sorting through client photos and doing edits, I decided to take a little break in the evening. Now, let me tell you, it was incredibly windy out there! But you know how it goes, sometimes you just need to step outside and clear your head. So, despite the wind practically knocking me over, I grabbed my camera and ventured out. It was like nature was showing off its power, with the wind swirling everything around. But you know what? It made for some pretty interesting shots! Afterward, back in my cozy workspace, I felt refreshed and ready to tackle the editing process with a new perspective.

Day 106: Balancing Work and Wellness

On day 106, among the ongoing gusty winds and the busyness of the week, I found myself sticking to my usual routine. The day started early at 5:20 a.m., as it often does due to school schedules. Amidst selecting photos for my clients, I made sure to prioritize my health and well-being by carving out time for a two-hour workout session. It’s essential for me to stay active and energized, especially during hectic times. After that, I refreshed with a shower before heading out to pick up my daughter from school. Once home, I dove into preparing dinner from scratch. Despite the busy schedule, I made it a point to squeeze in a late evening walk, adding another physical activity to my day. The windy weather created stunning cloud formations during the evening, painting the sky with vibrant colours. I couldn’t resist capturing these moments in a minimalistic, dark, and moody style.

Day 107: Cozy Creativity in the Kitchen

On day 107, I simply stayed in my cozy kitchen at home. It’s my go-to spot, flooded with soft, consistent light that sets the perfect mood for my creative work. Nestled close to the radiator, I find comfort from the perpetual chill, as I tend to feel a bit cold after all I am a Latina in Scotland. And with the kettle conveniently nearby, I enjoy my regular fix of coffee, which keeps me going throughout the day.

Day 108: Moody Elegance with Indoor Foliage

On day 108, during the windy and rainy weather, I decided to photograph one of my houseplants. Specifically, I focused on my Oxalis triangularis, a delicate plant with beautiful foliage. Its leaves contrast beautifully with the darkness of my preferred style, creating a moody and atmospheric vibe. To enhance this effect, I placed the plant against a backdrop of black paper, allowing its vibrant colour to pop against the darkness. I always consider the combination of plants and their pots when tending to my indoor garden, adding another layer of thoughtfulness to the composition.

Day 109: Capturing Timeless Landmarks

On day 109, the sky cleared due to the persistent strong winds. I was welcomed with a stunning day as the rain finally ceased. With the wind now more invigorating than extremely annoying, I took the opportunity to go for a leisurely walk. I took a photo of one of my favourite trees around here that stood the test of time. This beautiful tree has been a landmark since the early 19th century, its presence captured in historical maps.

Day 110: Serendipitous Encounters on the Daily Walk

On day 110, as part of my daily routine, I embarked on a walk to capture the photo of the day. Along the way, I snapped shots of various scenes, from landscapes to small details. It’s all about capturing the beauty of everyday moments and finding that one special shot that stands out. During one of these walks, something caught my eye near a small puddle – a charming bird taking a quick drink of water. It was an unexpected but lovely moment, happening almost at the end of my walk. I quickly aimed my camera and captured several shots, hoping to do justice to the fleeting encounter. After reviewing the photos, I selected the perfect shot to share with you all.

Day 111: Unlocking the Health Benefits and Global Appeal of Yerba Mate

On the final day of this week's challenge, I've chosen to photograph my mate. Having grown up drinking yerba mate, it's fascinating to see its popularity spread to other countries for its benefits. Interestingly, I once found myself in Ghana discussing mate with a Lebanese friend who was surprised by its association with Lebanon. After checking Wikipedia, she realised its South American roots. What's even more curious is that a Polish friend, also a mate enthusiast, brought this particular mate to Ghana (perhaps due to the significant Lebanese community there). It's amazing to see how this traditional drink is gaining traction worldwide, despite its somewhat tricky preparation process. Recently, I've become aware that it also has many adepts in California for its health benefits.

But what exactly is yerba mate? Yerba mate is a traditional South American drink made by steeping the leaves of the yerba mate plant in hot water. Popular in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil, mate boasts a unique, slightly bitter flavour often likened to coffee's strength, tea's health benefits, and chocolate's euphoria. Rich in antioxidants, it aids digestion, supports weight loss, and enhances mood. With its caffeine content and stimulating effects, it's an ideal beverage for boosting energy and focus. Traditionally consumed communally, mate is shared among friends and family using a gourd and metal straw called a bombilla.

I'll delve into some of its benefits:

• Rich in Antioxidants: Yerba mate is packed with antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. This can contribute to overall health and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

• Boosts Energy and Focus: Yerba mate contains caffeine, which can help increase alertness, improve focus, and enhance cognitive function. Unlike coffee, however, mate provides a more balanced energy boost without the jittery feeling often associated with caffeine consumption.

• Aids Digestion: Some studies suggest that yerba mate may help improve digestion by stimulating the production of bile and increasing the speed at which food moves through the digestive tract. This can potentially alleviate symptoms of indigestion and bloating.

• Supports Weight Loss: Yerba mate has been shown to increase the rate at which the body burns calories, which may aid in weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise regimen. It may also help reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness.

• Contains Nutrients: Yerba mate is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, E, and several B vitamins, as well as calcium, magnesium, and zinc. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

• May Improve Heart Health: Some research suggests that drinking yerba mate may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. It may also help improve blood sugar control, which is important for preventing diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

• Enhances Mood: Yerba mate contains compounds that have been shown to have antidepressant and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects. Drinking mate may help improve mood, reduce feelings of stress, and promote relaxation.

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Bye for now.