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Fishing – A Great Hobby For Mind and Body. (Contributed by Jake Fratt). If you’re like me, you love being outdoors and connecting with nature. There’s something special about breathing in fresh air, hearing birds calling from the trees, and watching wildlife go about their day. Fishing gives me all of that and so much more. In a world filled with technology, deadlines, and constant noise, putting my phone down, getting outside and spending time near the water offers me a mind break I can’t get anywhere else. When I pick up a fishing rod, I’m not just catching fish, I’m catching a moment to breathe. Sometimes I don’t even put a hook on my line, just a float and a sinker… One of the things I love most about fishing is that anyone can enjoy it. Beginners, pros, kids, grandparents can do it alone or all together. Then there’s the discovery. Always a new place to go and experience, always a new technique to learn, or a new kind of fish to chase. Whether you’re out on a boat or castin...
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 Autumn, the Changeover Season. When I think of Autumn, I think of shorter days, cooler weather (by a lot), the beautiful landscape of color that nature presents, and, of course, gardening. My guess is that most people go straight to imagining the intense display of colors, the cooler weather and shorter days, and that’s fair. But since there are a couple of “Gardening by Hacks” blogs here, I have to include the end stage of that three-season hobby.  First, the color. Autumn’s transformation from summer’s endless greens into a kaleidoscope of yellows, oranges, and reds feels almost otherworldly . It’s nature’s grand finale before winter sets in, a living work of art that rivals the Northern Lights in beauty and wonder. People travel long distances to witness this seasonal spectacle, and for good reason. It’s a sight of bright, layered colors, sunlight filtering through the trees, and a gaudy carpet of fallen leaves covering the ground.   Looking out of my window, the ho...
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Spooky Season Is Here: Have Some Fun. October has a sneaky way of showing up. One day you’re grilling in shorts, the next you’re layering sweaters, washing twice as much laundry, and wondering when daylight disappeared. Two big October milestones: Columbus Day (you might get the day off) and Halloween (you definitely get candy). I’ve reached way into adulthood so I’m far from trick or treating age, but it’s great hearing the doorbell ring, seeing the kids with their bags open, driving around and seeing the imagination some put into decorating their homes. Webs in trees, Skeletons coming up from under the ground, people really having fun with it. That’s a key thing, “having fun” .    In this world of screens, (yes, parents, you too, your kids learn from the best), Halloween makes people get together and actually talk! Discussions on how the kids will or want to dress up , yourself, or all of you, it’s about creativity and fun. Planning a party, deciding on costumes, decorati...
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Welcome to the New Amtify™ 〰 Thirteen years ago, Amtify™ began with a simple goal: to offer quality products that you need in life. We've served over 150,000 customers and followers who value not just what’s in the box, but what it brings to their lives. Now, we’re evolving. Now, we’re evolving. Our focus is shifting from selling products directly to curating experiences and recommendations. We'll still offer products, but your purchases through our site will happen via “ Affiliate Relationships .” That means if you click a product link in our blogs and make a purchase, you’ll buy directly from that store — and we’ll receive a commission, at no cost to you, we're just part of their marketing budget. We’ve also redefined what Amtify™ stands for. This change isn’t just cosmetic — it’s foundational. We're committed to supporting a lifestyle centered around mindfulness , peace, and doing things that bring purpose. What That Means for You  We’re building our new identity aro...
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  The Beauty of Kids’ Soccer and Four Ways It Empowers Kids  - One of the best things about autumn is kids’ soccer . It doesn’t take fancy gear—just a ball, a patch of grass, and two kids. That simplicity is why it’s the world’s most popular sport . Soccer is easy to learn but challenging enough to keep players working hard at it for years. It teaches skill, patience, teamwork , and joy, and nowhere is that joy more alive than on a field full of kids chasing the ball with just simple fun in mind. Watching children play is one of life’s simple pleasures. In five minutes you’ll see pride, frustration, triumph, and laughter all wrapped in organized chaos with orange slices at halftime. But within that chaos, something wonderful happens, discovery. Kids learn to share the ball, cheer for each other, respect the person on the other side of the ball (probably a school friend), and get back up after every tumble. As the season unfolds, lightbulbs appear over their heads as they st...
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  Relaxing and Reading a Book: Giving Yourself Permission to Slow Down ⁓ So, I was feeling guilty. Here I was with nothing to do—just sitting. I had already had a good day: got my walking in, tended to the garden, checked off some work tasks. All in all, productive. And yet, when I finally had a moment to myself, I thought, now what? A friend of mine gave me some advice I didn’t expect. He said, “Did you ever hear of just relaxing? Sitting and enjoying a book, resting your brain?” Honestly, that had never been my strong suit. I’m the kind of person who feels guilty if I’m not “doing” something. Giving myself permission to simply sit felt indulgent, almost wrong. But I decided to try it—on my own terms. If I was going to “just relax,” I needed to set the stage. Somehow, it felt less like wasted time if I prepared for it. First, I found the right spot. It had to be cozy and quiet, with no distractions. I carved out a space near the window where light filtered in, peaceful and invitin...
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Gardening for Fun, Not for Profit. Gardening isn’t about perfection, it’s about joy. I don’t consider myself a “Gardener” with a capital G. I just garden. That distinction matters. This isn’t about plant contests or botanical precision. It’s about getting your hands dirty, enjoying the sun, and smiling when your first tomato or flower appears. The key is to keep it fun, not stressful. You’re not doing this for profit or perfection. You’re doing it to relax, connect, and care for something that gives back in its own time. Sure, some veggies or blooms may get eaten by deer or rabbits. That’s nature. Don’t let it ruin the experience. Try “resistant” plants, use sprays, or plant things animals don’t like. Fencing can work too, but unless your garden is compact, it can become more hassle than it’s worth. I also spray my hat with insect repellant and  use this neck fan to not only keep me cool, but to keep the mosquitoes at bay. And no, I’m not a gardening expert. I’m not giving formulas...
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