nature, USA, Trip, Fall Luana Ibrahim nature, USA, Trip, Fall Luana Ibrahim

Williamstown MA in October

It all begins with an idea.

Visiting the United States has always been a dream and a goal. I have always intended not only to visit it but also to study there and maybe even work there. Well, I have been able to achieve the first one of these goals and flew there in late September and stayed there throughout October. Needless to say, it was truly the best time to visit and couldn’t have turned this good even if I had planned it. Allow me to explain why.

I must first talk about my love and obsession with fall, I find it to be mesmerising, cozy and the most romantic season. I think it might actually be my absolute favorite season. I have never experienced fall the way I did in Williamstown and I’m about to tell you why.

First of all, I’d assume that most people when thinking of fall, crispy leaves on the ground would pop into their minds, or maybe a warm cup of pumpkin-spiced beverage or just simply wrapped in blankets to cherish the coziness of this season. Well, I got to experience all of that in Williamstown and more. The vibrant colors of the trees were a blast! Sometimes, when driving by a mountain, it felt as if I were staring at a painting—it felt surreal. I’d never seen trees so orange, yellow, red, and green before. My favorites were the red ones; they had such a wide range of tones, from deep crimson to bright scarlet. It was truly a masterpiece. My appreciation and love for nature grew even more as I gazed at its beauty.

The pumpkin fields around the area looked like this beautiful orange sea, stretching endlessly, each pumpkin perfectly shaped symbolising yet perfectly the season. The crispy leaves were everywhere-and I mean EVERYWHERE you walked! I just loved how crunchy they were and the way each leaf was meticulously colored and shaped. I couldn’t help but grab one to take a picture of it just to keep the memory of it.

Regarding the weather, it was sunny; it might have rained for 3 or 4 days during my entire stay but overall it was hot and sunny which made it even more perfect to enjoy the fall scenery.

My absolute favorite memory from my trip was having my morning coffee in front of the brook at the hotel I stayed in, The 1896 House. They have this beautiful entry with a view of the magical brook, and when you add the crispy leaves, it felt like a scene straight out of a fairytale. I would sip my coffee while listening to the sound of water running and the leaves falling. The sun would gently touch my skin and the whole evoked a strong sense of tranquility that I had been craving in a long time. It felt as if time had stopped, and I was simply there, living in the moment and cherishing the beauty of my surroundings.

The hotel itself was from another world, as the name suggests, the rooms were beautifully vintage, rustic and antique. Each suite was designed to represent a different era throughout history. How pretty is that? For anyone who loves old things, this is the place to be. The hospitality was uncanny. In short, I had a wonderful time there.

A small town, yet incredibly charming, with a single street lined with beautiful boutiques, cafés, and restaurants offering some of the most delicious food. If you ever plan to visit (and I hope I’ve convinced you enough), I highly recommend hiking Mount Greylock! The trek to the summit is absolutely worth the effort. It’s a wonderful place where nature unfolds its beauty in every direction, and the scenery from the top is simply breathtaking—after a long hike, of course!

Needless to say, I returned from this trip with a heart full of joy, appreciation, and gratitude for everything around me. I can only hope that it brings the same sense of wonder to you, future travelers. ;)

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homemade remedies, cold, tea, vitamins, natural Luana Ibrahim homemade remedies, cold, tea, vitamins, natural Luana Ibrahim

The Couch Experiment Chronicles: My miracle tea

It all begins with an idea.

Let’s face it, we have all tried to fight the flu in one way or another. The strong ones (the immune system is fueled by Hulk-level strength) have conquered it, but the less strong ones (me & you) have always been defeated and succumbed to the aches, chills, and misery of this virus.

Well, I come bearing good news! I am honoured to say that after years of experimenting with every homemade remedy possible and sleeping with an onion on my night table (true story) I have come up with a unique, personal, lifetime miracle recipe to fight back a stubborn virus

To be clear, for this magic potion to work like the miracle it is, it must be consumed as soon as the symptoms appear. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Ingredients:

  • Dates

  • 2–3 Oranges

  • 1–2 Lemons

  • 1 Lime

  • 3 garlic cloves

  • A LOT of cinnamon sticks

  • Raw honey

Steps:

  1. In a pot add about 1L of water (33,814 oz).

  2. Toss the dates (whole or cut in half-your call!).

  3. Slice the oranges and add them to the pot.

  4. Slice the lemons and throw them in there too.

  5. Cut the lime into slices and let them join the party too.

  6. Add the cinnamon sticks

  7. Turn the heat on high until the water starts boiling, and the delicious aromas start wafting through the air.

  8. Then, turn the heat down to medium-low, and cover the pot (trust me, this is an important step to trap all the good stuff in).

  9. After about 12–15 minutes, you can turn the heat off and let it rest

  10. After about 15 min pour yourself a cup of this fragrant brew and stir in some raw honey to sweeten it up.

How to drink it?

  • Drink at least three times a day, preferably while it's still warm and you’ll thank me later.

Why these ingredients?

Let’s break down the science behind this magic brew:

  • Dates: Not just a sweet treat! Dates are packed with vitamins like Vitamin C, B Vitamins (1, 2, 3, and 5), and Vitamin A1—all of which are essential for strengthening your immune system and fighting infections.

  • Oranges, Lemons, and Limes: These citrus fruits are loaded with Vitamin C, which is your best friend when trying to shorten the duration of a cold or flu.

  • Garlic: Need I say more? Garlic is a natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral powerhouse. It's like the superhero of flu-fighting ingredients. 💪

  • Cinnamon: Full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, cinnamon helps boost your immune system and works against viral and bacterial infections. It’s basically your immune system's secret weapon.

  • Raw Honey: Not just sweet—raw honey is a rich source of antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds, making it the perfect ingredient to soothe sore throats and support your immune system.

When does the magic happen?

You should drink it for at least 3 consecutive days and should feel the symptoms dying away after 2 days!!

So There you have it! My personal flu-busting tea! It has been tested, and perfected through many trials. I hope it serves you well, as it did to me! Drink up, and stay cozy my friends as it is not an easy battle but with the right weaponry we’ll make it through as winners!!

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