Matt
How to Stop Anxiety Chills, Journaling Prompts
Anxiety can do strange things to our bodies. Sometimes, instead of feeling hot and flushed, anxiety can bring on waves of chills, making you feel cold and uncomfortable. If you’re struggling with anxiety chills, know that you’re not alone, and there are ways to find relief. This guide combines immediate coping strategies with the longer-term benefits of journaling to help you manage this challenging symptom.
Understanding Your Anxiety Chills
Anxiety chills are your body’s physical reaction to a perceived threat. Understanding how your body and mind connect during these moments can bring you a sense of control.
Coping Strategies for the Moment
While the chills are happening, here are some things you can do:
- Ground Yourself: Use the 5-4-3-2-1 method: Observe 5 things you see, 4 things you feel, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste to be more present.
- Seek Warmth: To counteract the chills physically, use a warm blanket, take a warm bath, or hold a hot cup of tea.
- Breathe Deeply: Practice slow, deep breaths. Inhale for a count of four, hold for a moment, and exhale slowly for a count of four.
Long-Term Management with Journaling
If you’re looking for a powerful tool to manage anxiety long-term, then you should start journaling. It helps explore r thoughts, feelings, and triggers effectively, so you can better understand them and take control of your mental health.
- Why Journaling Helps: It lets you process emotions, track patterns in your anxiety, and practice new ways of thinking.
- Journaling Prompts:
- When I feel anxious, are my thoughts realistic, or am I catastrophizing?
- What’s one positive way to reframe this situation?
- What kind act of self-care can I commit to today?
- Describe the physical sensations of your anxiety chills in detail (where do they start, how intense are they, etc.).
- What are the common thoughts or situations that happen right before you experience chills?
- When you feel those chills, how do your emotions shift?
Journaling Prompts for Anxiety
- Today’s Anxiety Level: Describe your anxiety level today on a scale of 1-10 and what you think influenced it.
- Gratitude List: Write three things you are grateful for today and how they make you feel.
- Anxiety Triggers: Identify a situation that triggered your anxiety recently and explore why it affected you.
- Positive Affirmations: Write down three positive affirmations that counteract negative thoughts you’ve had.
- Breathing Exercise Reflection: After a 5-minute breathing exercise, write about how you feel now compared to before.
- Anxiety Visualization: Visualize your anxiety as a physical object. Describe it in detail. How can you alter or reduce it?
- Worry Breakdown: Pick one worry and break it down – is it a current problem, a future concern, or an unchangeable past event?
- Self-Care Actions: List three acts of self-care you can do this week to help manage your anxiety.
- Anxiety’s Message: What do you think your anxiety is trying to tell you? Is there a hidden message or a need to be addressed?
- Comfort Zone Challenge: Write about one small step you can take this week to step out of your comfort zone.
- Relaxation Techniques: Reflect on a relaxation technique (like meditation or yoga) you tried recently and how it affected your anxiety.
- Letter to Anxiety: Write a letter to your anxiety. What would you say to it?
- Future Self Visualization: Imagine yourself in a future where you’ve managed your anxiety effectively. What does it look and feel like?
- Coping Skills Review: List the coping skills you currently use for anxiety. Which ones work best for you?
- Success Story: Recall a time when you successfully managed a stressful situation. What did you learn from it?
- Personal Strengths: Identify and write about the personal strengths you have that can help you manage your anxiety.
- Mindfulness Moment: Describe a moment today when you were fully present. How did it feel compared to moments of anxiety?
- Emotional Release: If your anxiety had a voice, what would it say? Write it out to release the emotions.
- Anxiety Comparison: Compare how you feel today with a day when you felt very anxious. What’s different?
- Self-Compassion Note: Write a note of compassion and understanding to yourself about your experience with anxiety.
Click here for my favorite tiny notebook for journaling
I hope you found my journaling prompts for your anxiety to be helpful — it’s always good to get those negative thoughts out to make room for something positive 😉
Large USA Map of America
A printable map of America is a versatile and convenient tool for various purposes, including educational, navigational, and decorative uses. It provides a detailed visual representation of the geography and topography of the United States, allowing users to explore and understand the vastness and diversity of the country.
Map of USA with State Names
When selecting a printable map of America, you have several options. The most common choices include political, physical, and thematic maps. Political maps highlight the boundaries and divisions of states, counties, and cities, along with major highways and transportation networks. On the other hand, physical maps focus on the land’s natural features, such as mountains, rivers, lakes, and deserts. Thematic maps highlight specific aspects, such as population density, climate zones, or economic activities.
Print Friendly Map of America
Experience the versatility and educational value of our downloadable black and white map of America, meticulously designed to provide you with a multitude of uses and enrich your understanding of the United States in an engaging way. From classrooms to boardrooms, this map is a valuable resource for various purposes.
Educational Uses:
- Geography Lessons: Ideal for geography classes, our black and white map of America serves as a fundamental tool for teaching students about the geographic layout of the USA, including state boundaries and locations.
- History Lessons: Uncover the historical context of the United States by using this map to explore how state borders have evolved over time and to understand the geographical aspects of significant historical events.
- Civic Education: Use the map to introduce students to the concept of states, capitals, and their distribution, fostering a sense of civic awareness and understanding of the country’s governance.
- Interactive Quizzes and Games: Engage students in fun and interactive quizzes or games to test their knowledge of state names, locations, and capitals, making learning an enjoyable experience.
- Classroom Décor: Print and display the map on classroom walls as a handy reference for students and to create an immersive learning environment.
- Research Projects: Encourage independent research by assigning projects that require students to explore different states and their unique characteristics, promoting critical thinking and self-directed learning.
Business and Professional Uses:
- Sales and Marketing Presentations: Utilize the map in sales and marketing presentations to illustrate market penetration, distribution, or customer demographics across various states.
- Market Analysis: Researchers and analysts can benefit from the map to visualize and interpret data related to regional market trends, consumer behavior, and economic indicators.
- Site Selection: For businesses considering expansion or relocation, the map aids in evaluating potential locations based on state attributes, transportation networks, and population centers.
Travel and Personal Uses:
- Travel Planning: Map out your dream road trip across America, highlighting the states you wish to visit and exploring the diverse attractions each has to offer.
- Home Decor: Frame and hang the map in your living space as a unique and minimalist art piece, showcasing your love for geography and travel.
- Educational Games with Kids: Engage children in educational games that involve identifying and coloring states, promoting their geographical knowledge and hand-eye coordination.
Versatile, Informative, and Empowering:
Our downloadable black and white map of America offers a wealth of educational uses across various fields, empowering learners of all ages to explore the vast diversity and rich history of the United States. Whether it’s for classroom instruction, business analysis, or personal exploration, this map is a valuable tool that ignites curiosity and fosters a deeper appreciation for the wonders of America.
Large US Map of America
One of the advantages of a printable map is its flexibility. You can customize it to suit your specific needs. Whether you’re a student studying geography, a traveler planning a road trip, or a researcher analyzing demographic data, a printable map of America can be tailored to provide the information you require. You can add labels, markers, or annotations to highlight specific points of interest, or color-code regions to represent different data sets.
There are several sources where you can find printable maps of America. Online platforms offer a wide range of options, allowing you to download and print maps in various formats and sizes. Many educational websites, government agencies, and geography-related organizations provide free or low-cost printable maps for educational purposes. Additionally, you can find commercial map publishers that offer high-quality printed maps for purchase, either as standalone maps or as part of atlases or map collections.
Once you have your printable map, you can choose the size that suits your needs. Whether you prefer a standard letter-size printout or a large wall map, it’s essential to select a size that allows for clear visibility and readability of the details. Consider the level of detail you require and the available space for display or use.
Printing a map of America can serve multiple purposes. It can be a valuable educational resource for classrooms, homeschooling environments, or study groups, helping learners understand the country’s geography, history, and culture. It can also be used as a reference tool for travelers, allowing them to plan routes, explore points of interest, and navigate unfamiliar areas.
Moreover, a printable map of America can serve as an attractive decoration for offices, libraries, or homes. Its visual appeal and informational value can make it a centerpiece in any space, showcasing the beauty and complexity of the United States.
If you need a map of America, then look no further. Our print friendly maps of the USA on our Etsy shop. We have everything from full color maps to USA map outlines.
Printable maps of the USA can be incredibly beneficial for a variety of purposes. One of the main uses is for studying, as they allow students to easily reference and understand the layout and geography of the country. They can also be used for educational activities such as labeling states and capitals, or tracking historical events and migrations. It can also be used as a quiz or assessment tool to test students’ knowledge of the country’s geography.
Print Friendly Maps of the USA
Map of USA
In decoration, a blank map of the USA can be used as wall art in a home or office setting. It can also be used as a reference tool in a study or workspace. Additionally, a blank map can be used as a base for personal or commercial projects, such as creating a custom map that highlights specific information or areas of interest. Another use for printable maps is for art and design projects. Maps can be used as inspiration for creating illustrations, collages, and mixed media pieces. They can also be used as a reference for creating accurate and detailed drawings and paintings.
Printable maps can also be useful for travel planning, as they can be used to mark routes and destinations, and to help visualize a trip before it is taken. They can also be used for genealogy and family history research, to trace the movements of ancestors and understand the historical context of their lives.
Overall, printable maps of the USA are a versatile and useful tool for a wide range of activities, from education and research to art and travel planning.
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Super Bowl Square Template Betting Sheet
The Super Bowl is upon us, and you’re looking to throw a party that will have your guests cheering! But where do you even begin? Don’t worry; this post will walk you through all the elements to create a memorable Super Bowl gathering, from fun activities to delicious food. We’ll even introduce you to the exciting world of Super Bowl Squares – a party staple that will add a layer of friendly competition to your game day!
Get Game-Ready
- The Big Game: Stay updated on the latest Super Bowl news. Who’s playing? Where and when is the kickoff? What’s the buzz about the halftime show? Reliable sports websites will have all the info.
- Football 101: Not everyone is a football fan. Brush up on the basics with online guides that clearly explain rules, scoring, and all those player positions.
Printable Football Betting Sheets
The Ultimate Party Spread
- Recipe Round-Up: Super Bowl food is all about easy, crowd-pleasing snacks. Browse websites dedicated to delicious game-day appetizers and dips, and don’t forget those themed cocktails!
- Set the Scene: Turn your space into a mini-stadium! Team colors are necessary, so check party supply stores or get crafty with DIY decorations. The printable football-themed decor is also a great, inexpensive option.
Keep the Fun Going
- It’s All About the Ads: Commercial Bingo is a Super Bowl classic. Find printable bingo cards online and prepare some small prizes for the winners.
- Test Your Fan Knowledge: Football trivia keeps the energy high. Prep a list of questions (and answers!). The guest who gets the most right will take home a prize.
- Friendly Wagers: Up the ante with some fun prop bets. Who will win the opening coin toss? Will it be heads or tails? What color will Gatorade shower the winning coach? The possibilities are endless!
Helpful Extras
- Squares Made Simple: If you’re looking for an extra layer of competition, Super Bowl Squares generators offer easy grid creation and customization. Learn more about them below!
- Printables Palooza: Amp up the theme with Super Bowl bingo cards, food labels, and more – all easily found online.
- Out on the Town: If hosting isn’t your style, check local listings for bars or restaurants throwing fabulous Super Bowl watch parties.
What is a Square Football Betting Sheet?
A betting sheet is a physical or digital document listing all the betting options for the Super Bowl. Traditional betting often involves a certain level of knowledge or skill in predicting outcomes based on team performances and player statistics, but Super Bowl squares rely almost entirely on luck, as winners are determined by the random score at specific times in the game. Betting sheets are a straightforward, social game that anyone can participate in, even with limited knowledge of the intricacies of football.
How Do Football Betting Boxes Work?
The process is quite simple:
- Buy a Box: Pay a fixed amount to claim one or more boxes on the grid.
- Random Numbers: Once all boxes are claimed, random numbers (0-9) are assigned to each row and column.
- Watch the Game: Winners are typically determined at the end of each quarter, based on the last digit of each team’s score. For example, if the score at the end of the first quarter is 14-7, the square corresponding to “4” for the first team and “7” for the second team would win.
How To Use a Super Bowl Betting Sheet
Super Bowl pool squares is a betting game played during the Super Bowl, the championship game of the National Football League (NFL). Here’s how to play:
- Create a grid of 10×10 squares.
- Assign numbers 0 through 9 to the rows and columns of the grid.
- Sell each square to participants for a set price, usually $1 or $2 per square.
- Randomly assign the numbers 0 through 9 to the vertical and horizontal axis.
- At the end of each quarter, match the last digit of each team’s score to the corresponding row and column. The person who owns the square where those two numbers meet wins a prize.
- The prize amount is determined by the amount of money collected from selling the squares and can be divided among the winners of each quarter or given to the winner of the final score.
Understanding betting odds and lines is crucial for making informed decisions. Here are some key terms and concepts:
Buying Super Bowl Squares
When it comes to Super Bowl box pools, assigning numbers to the rows and columns of the grid is usually done randomly. This means that there is no guaranteed strategy for buying a specific box that will give you an advantage in predicting the scores of the game.
However, if you’re looking to have some fun and increase your chances of winning a prize in a Super Bowl box pool, you could consider the following suggestions:
- Diversify your selection: If your budget allows, purchase multiple boxes instead of just one. Having more squares increases your chances of matching the winning score combinations.
- Collaborate with others: Consider buying boxes in collaboration with friends, family, or colleagues. This way, you can collectively purchase more squares and increase your chances of winning.
- Randomize your selection: If you can choose your boxes, but the numbers are assigned randomly, it’s generally a good idea to pick your squares randomly. This ensures that you have an equal chance of getting favorable score combinations.
- Enjoy the game: Remember that Super Bowl box pools are primarily for entertainment purposes. Focus on enjoying the game and the social aspect of the pool rather than solely on winning.
Strategies for Choosing the Best Boxes
While the numbers are assigned randomly, some strategies can increase your chances:
- Historical Data: Some numbers have historically come up more often, like 0, 3, and 7.
- Avoid Rare Combinations: Numbers like 2 and 5 are less common as final score digits.
Why Choose Football Boxes Over Traditional Betting?
Football boxes are fun, require no football knowledge, and offer multiple chances to win.
How are the Numbers Assigned?
After all squares are sold, numbers 0-9 are randomly assigned to both rows and columns.
What’s the Best Strategy?
While there’s a luck element, choosing boxes based on historical score data can be beneficial.
Printable Football Betting Sheets
As the clock ticks down in the final quarter and the tension reaches a fever pitch, there’s more than just the game on the line. Thanks to printable football betting sheets, you’ve got a personal stake that amplifies every touchdown, turnover, and field goal.
No Motivation To Do Anything… Steps To Improve Things…
Sometimes, it feels like no matter how hard you try, you just can’t summon the energy or enthusiasm to get anything done. You’re not lazy; you’re not broken. You’re likely just stuck in a really common but deeply frustrating state of low motivation. But know this: you’re not alone, and this doesn’t have to last forever.
Why Do I Feel This Way?
There are loads of reasons why our motivation sometimes runs away and hides. Maybe you’re burnt out from working too hard or overwhelmed by everything you feel you should be doing. Sometimes it’s boredom, lack of a clear goal, or plain old stress taking its toll.
Before we do anything, let’s dig a bit deeper:
- What tasks feel the most impossible right now?
- Are you feeling this way about everything or just specific areas of life?
- Have you recently experienced any major changes or stressors?
Know Your Worth Quotes
You’ve Got This Affirmation Cards
Affirmation Quotes
Small Steps for Big Change
When motivation’s missing, we tend to overthink and get paralyzed. The answer isn’t to immediately tackle some huge project. Instead, it’s about those tiny first steps that rebuild your momentum. Here’s how:
- Break it wayyyy down: Got a big task? Shatter it into the smallest pieces imaginable. Instead of “clean the house,” it’s “load the dishwasher.”
- The 5-minute rule: Commit to just 5 minutes of a task. After that, you can stop if you want. Most times, you’ll keep going!
- Find the fun (wherever you can): Can you listen to your favorite music while doing a boring chore? Make it a bit of a dance party. It’s amazing how tiny shifts in energy can help.
- Don’t neglect the basics: Feeling low often impacts sleep, food, and movement. Even a short walk or ensuring you eat a healthy snack can make a difference.
The Power of a Positive Mindset
Changing the way we talk to ourselves goes a long way. Positive quotes, alongside taking action, can be powerful tools… Choose one that resonates right now. How does its message relate to your situation? What small step could you take that aligns with that message?
When It’s More Than Just Motivation
It’s important to be honest with ourselves. Sometimes, that bottomed-out “no motivation” feeling is a sign of something deeper – burnout, depression, or another mental health struggle. If your lack of energy persists, or severely impacts your daily life, seeking professional support is incredibly important.
You Can Find Your Spark Again
It may feel impossible right now, but things won’t always be this way. Be patient with yourself, celebrate even tiny wins, and slowly but surely, you’ll regain your drive. You are capable of change.
Where To Place a Storm Glass
Wondering where to place a storm glass? Well, this is the article for you! Storm glass reacts to the temperature surrounding itself, so if kept in a warm environment it might not be giving you those amazing crystals you’ve seen in the pictures.
Best Place for Storm Glass
Click here to get ultra-special, hand-crafted storm glass
So the ideal place to put it is somewhere where it’ll have a mix of warm/cold air passing near it.
Personally, I keep mine in a plant window where temperature fluctuations occur throughout the day.
Here are some other ideas:
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Window Sill: A classic location, especially if the window receives consistent light throughout the day. This spot allows the storm glass to respond to external temperature changes and sunlight.
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Sunroom or Conservatory: These rooms typically have lots of windows and receive ample sunlight, creating an ideal environment for observing changes in the storm glass.
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Near a Patio Door: If you have a glass patio door that gets sunlight, this could be a great spot. The glass door will likely experience temperature changes between indoor and outdoor environments.
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On a Bookshelf Near a Window: A bookshelf that’s not directly in the sunlight but close to a window can be a good spot. It’s away from direct light but still subject to temperature variations.
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Kitchen Window: Kitchens often experience temperature fluctuations, especially near windows. Just ensure it’s placed safely away from cooking areas.
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Living Room with Large Windows: A living room that has large windows can be ideal, especially if it’s a room where the temperature can vary throughout the day.
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Office or Study with South-Facing Windows: An office or study, particularly with windows facing south, can provide a good balance of light and temperature change.
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Bedroom Window Ledge: If your bedroom gets a decent amount of sunlight or has temperature variations, placing the storm glass on the window ledge can be both decorative and functional.
If the storm glass is kept in a warm room that doesn’t have many changes in temperature, it’s going to appear to not work!
Storm Glass Guide
Observations vary based on temperature.
Clear liquid = bright and clear
Cloudy liquid = cloudy and possible rain
Crystals suspended = fog or high humidity
Cloudy liquid with stars = thunderstorms in summer or snow in winter
Crystals at the bottom indicate frost
Long crystals near the surface or on the receiving side of moving air = windy
If you’re looking for a more in-depth guide to using a storm glass, read more here.
Test Your Storm Glass
To test or calibrate the storm glass, you can put it into the fridge for 15 minutes, and you should see snowflakes forming inside the fluid like in the picture at the top of this post.
If you’ve got a storm glass that isn’t producing crystals like these, or if you need a storm glass, check out my listings on Etsy. I’ve been making storm glass bottles since 2017!
Macro / Micro Photography – How To Shoot Storm Glass
In this article, I’ll be discussing the different methods I use to shoot macro photography of storm glass. Obviously this is a very very niche thing to explore, but it is one of my interests, and I find it relevant not just to storm glass, but to anything you want to get close up with.
Which Lens To Go With?
It took me a while to figure out a good all around lens I’d want to get for these pictures. Coming to the game with a used Nikon D810 and only a super short 20 mm Nikkor and a very worn 24-50mm, I was on the hunt for something new. The needs were simple, get something that can work for portraits / decent distance shots a bit further than the 24-50 mm, and something that can shoot decent macro shots. After some research, I opted for the 60 mm Nikkor as it was relatively inexpensive (~ $500). This is by all means not a ‘cheap’ lens, but it is a bit more tolerable than the $1k + I’d be spending for something like a 200 mm.
Is The Weather Right?
If you’re a weather nerd looking to get pretty shots of your storm glass aka storm glass barometer, you need a very simple set up. I don’t like to light my shots, and will always choose natural light over trying to rig something up. To me it’s just not worth it. If you’ve got a keen eye you’ll notice sunrise and sunset have some of the best lighting of the day, however it’s really that last hour before sunset or after sunrise which we call ‘golden hour’ which is key. The light is naturally the warmest in its color, and sometimes there’s this golden, pinkish, orange color that streaks across the sky which can make for the best photos. Keep your eyes peeled after a daytime rain storm as those frequently give the best end of day light.
Is the Storm Glass Storming?
Macro photography will need crystals to shoot! If the storm glass has been sitting indoors at 70 degrees, it’s not gonna be very interesting. My advice is to either, get the glass outside while its relatively chilly (below 60), or pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. Be careful not to shake the glass too much though, as whatever crystal growth you get can easily sink to the bottom. This is frustrating to say the least.
Does a Storm Glass Need To Be Near a Window?
Not necessarily, but if your goal is to shoot some of the longer crystals like in the pictures below then yes. These crystals can sometimes take weeks to form!
Look At Our Etsy Page For More Info!
Back Lighting Is Excellent
I was taking product pictures for a friend of some jewelry and waiting till the end of the day for golden hour to get the shot. The only problem is the pieces are not translucent, and light does not pass through them. And since I was shooting from a narrow window, it was nearly impossible to get anything that wasn’t a silhouette. Bummer.
This isn’t the case with storm glass. Storm glass loves to be shot with back lighting.
Want To Learn More?
Check out this page.
How to Read Storm Glass Guide
If you’re unsure what storm glass is, it is a small weather-predicting device known as a pinpoint weave or camphor weather glass. Born out of the 1800’s, the idea is to reflect the temperature around you, similar to how a barometer or thermometer works. As the temperature drops, crystals will form in the glass; over time, those crystals can grow into long blades that are incredible to see. However, it is not very accurate for actual weather prediction. Storm glass is more about a beautiful display while showing temperature fluctuations. Knowing how to get the best visuals from your storm glass will make ownership a much more enjoyable and predictable experience. This is why writing this short storm glass guide made sense so you, too, can have a great experience.
Storm Glass Guide
1: Warm to Cold
If you keep your glass indoors, chances are the temperature is relatively consistent at somewhere between 65-75 degrees. At this temperature the storm glass will typically have flakes along the bottom with an otherwise clear liquid above. Cold air is what brings the storm glass to life so all you need to do is either stick it in the fridge for 15 minutes, or set it outside if the temperature is below 60 to see it pop.
2: The Window Sill Guide — Best for Accuracy!
The window sill is my favorite place to recommend placing the storm glass if you want it acclimated to the weather outside. Generally, a safe place to keep it is behind a window screen as it is protected from rain and won’t fall. You might have a better place to keep yours, so use your best judgment to find the best viewing experience for yourself. I know a lot of folks who like to keep theirs in the kitchen window above the sink, and they get some super cool looking crystal growth over time.
3: Change the Temps!
Keeping the storm glass in a cold environment will eventually fill it full with what appear to be crystals. If you’d like some space to see the clear liquid with suspended ‘snow flakes’ consider bringing it indoors to warm up. Then once it’s clear, put it back into a cold environment and watch as it pops after a few minutes.
My favorite state is when the storm glass is clear with flakes that resemble snow, suspended in the liquid as if time stopped. And I’m going to give you a few ideas to try out to get there too.
You can get this visual when the storm glass goes from a warm environment in the 65-70 range and drop it down to the 50s,40s,30s. At that point, crystals will start to form throughout the glass like the image below.
Wrapping Up Storm Glass Guide
In conclusion, I hope this storm glass guide is helpful to better understanding how and what will keep your viewing experience primo!
The Best Storm Glass Weather Predictor?
If you’re scrubbing the internet trying to figure out where to buy a storm glass weather predictor / weather globe, you’re going to find a lot of different retailers selling more or less the same thing. Go ahead and do a search and the most likely result is a teardrop shaped glass that sits on a small piece of wood of various sizes. I bought one myself to see if they were worthy opponents and I was not impressed. These are inferior products that flood in from overseas with very cheap materials, and I know we do it better.
Whether you decide to get storm glass from Up High Down Below or from another bespoke creator, there are a few things to keep in mind…
Storm Glass Weather Predictor
A storm glass is a type of weather predictor that was first developed in the 18th century and was commonly used on ships to forecast the weather at sea. The storm glass consists of a sealed glass container filled with a mixture of chemicals, including alcohol and camphor. As the temperature and atmospheric pressure change, the liquid inside the storm glass will crystalize and form patterns, which can be used to predict the weather.
The patterns formed in the liquid are said to indicate clear, cloudy, rainy, or stormy weather conditions. For example, if the liquid is clear, it is typically a sign of good weather, while the formation of large crystals may indicate an approaching storm. The storm glass is not a scientifically proven weather predictor and its accuracy may vary, but it can be a fun and interesting way to observe changes in the weather.
Today, storm glass are often used as decorative items and can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are popular for their unique appearance and ability to provide a visual representation of the weather.
What Is a Storm Glass Weather Predictor?
While price might dictate a lot, it also should be an indicator of what it is you’re buying. As it goes for most things in life, “you get what you pay for”. In the case of storm glass weather predictors it tends to be true. Look for quality glass, something thick with a good method of sealing. The teardrop storm glass typically don’t work well because they are made with subpar materials.
Shop Up High Down Below On Etsy!
How To Know If The Glass Weather Predictor Materials Are Good.
The best way to know if you’re getting a quality storm glass is to look at the photos! Are there photos? Macros? If the pictures are cut off and not of high quality, chances are they’re working around something. Do the pictures show the crystallization of the storm glass? A lot of the cheaper glasses from China come in thin glass filled with subpar chemical compounds that result in undefined crystals even if you place it in a fridge / freezer as a test. I suspect the fluid is diluted.
This is an actual photo of the crystals I’m used to seeing in our storm glass, indiscernible from actual snow flakes! This is general observed when the glass has been sitting inside and is rather warm, but is then exposed to some chilly air (40-50 degrees) for about 10-15 minutes. If looking to give a cute glass gift to someone it’s important to be sure it is made well. A high quality “glass barometer” will give off a beautiful show, it just takes a little investigation. While you might pay more up front, the experience should be well worth it.
Made In USA?
Products made in the USA is important to us because we feel that having a strong manufacturing base here ultimately leads to a stronger middle class and a healthier country overall. That is why we’ve worked as hard as we can with our supplier to purchase glass that is made in the USA. Currently the small flask is sourced here, while we work to secure more glassware. Regarding the ingredients, 75% are sourced from the USA. One day we hope to have everything domestically sourced, and we will not stop until that becomes a reality.
Please consider taking a look at our shop: UpHighDownBelow Etsy.
Does a Storm Glass Need To Be Near a Window?
Does a Storm Glass Need To Be Near a Window? The answer might surprise you, but it’s not a simple yes or no answer. This article will dig into the answer and some additional information on getting the best experience with your storm glass weather predictor!
Does a Storm Glass Need To Be Near a Window?
A storm glass does not necessarily need to be near a window, but it is best to place it where it can receive natural light and is not subjected to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight. This will allow the storm glass to function optimally and provide accurate weather predictions.
So, in short, no, but in practice, yes, if you want it to be interesting. Let me explain…
If you want it to sparkle when it gets chilly outside and change throughout the year with a new look every day, it should be placed near a window!
Half the fun is passing by it every day and seeing how different it is, and keeping it near a window should allow for temperature fluctuations. This way, the storm glass is never the same, so the more temperature fluctuations there are, the better the crystal growth.
It wouldn’t be right to start this off with a disclaimer. A storm glass ‘weather instrument’ isn’t more than a cool science experiment in a bottle with a long history of “predicting” weather. It is not necessarily accurate, and the truth is, no matter where you put the storm glass, if it lives indoors, it will reflect the ‘weather’ surrounding it. Storm glass cannot somehow read the weather outside because it relies on temperature changes only. It does not react to changes in air pressure because it is sealed.
The bottom line is if you keep your storm glass in a stable and warm environment (i.e a warm house) it will settle and potentially turn clear. If you want the crystals to show like in the pictures, put them near a window. Place the storm glass near a chilly window or a protected space outside so that the coolness from the window keeps the storm glass activated with interesting visuals. If you want yours to look similar to the picture below, it needs to be ‘in tune’ with the chilly air outside.
Just remember that the cap is made from metal, so if you leave it outside make sure it’s protected from the elements. Either coat the cap in polyurethane, or keep it from getting rained on. Want to learn more about where to place a storm glass, then click here.
How Does Storm Glass Work?
The Fitzroy storm glass contains distilled water, alcohol, and various chemicals. This concoction is sealed within a glass container, allowing for clear observation of its contents.
How To Read Storm Glass
- Crystallization Patterns: When atmospheric conditions change, the chemicals inside the Fitzroy storm glass form distinct patterns. These patterns range from being clear to cloudy to forming various crystal structures. Historically, each pattern was believed to correlate with specific weather conditions:
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- Clear liquid: Fairweather
- Cloudy liquid with small stars: Thunderstorms
- Cloudy liquid: Overcast or rain
- Crystals at the bottom: Frost
- And so on for other patterns.
- The idea was that by observing these patterns, one could make predictions about the forthcoming weather.
- Temperature Sensitivity: Modern understanding suggests that the primary factor affecting the behavior of the chemicals inside the Fitzroy storm glass is temperature changes. As the temperature fluctuates, the solubility of the chemicals in the mixture changes, leading to the formation or dissolution of crystals. This means that while the storm glass may respond to weather changes, it primarily reacts to temperature variations.
Limitations
The scientific basis behind the specific crystal formations and their association with weather conditions is not well-established. While the storm glass is a beautiful and intriguing instrument, its accuracy and reliability for predicting the weather are questionable. Many researchers believe that most of the changes observed in the storm glass are due to temperature changes rather than direct atmospheric conditions.
How Can Your Storm Glass Be A Good Weather Predictor?
The best thing anyone can do is to keep the glass where it’s in touch with the actual weather outside. So something like an unheated garage would allow the glass to be in touch with more temperature variations, thus giving you not only a decent idea of the environment it’s been in — but it’ll give you a pleasing viewing experience (which is what we’re after). For those that live in environments with cooler fall/winter / spring seasons, you would likely see that once the chemical hits 40-50 degrees, the glass starts to come to life. You just need to be patient and willing to experiment with the placement.
How To Calibrate a Storm Glass?
How do you calibrate a storm glass? It’s the same concept as the above paragraph explaining how to get a storm glass to act. Expose the storm glass to real fluctuations in temperature!
The liquid is extremely hot at about 200 degrees and clear during the manufacturing process of making the storm glass. If I let it cool down on a shelf, it might eventually form crystals, but then again, it’s generally about 72-75 degrees in the space, and it’s not very encouraging once it cools down. It is why, after the initial cool down after manufacturing I place the glass into a refrigerator for 15 minutes to check how well the crystals form for quality control. Once the storm glass has a chance to chill (pun intended), it will appear like the cute glass you see above, and that’s the kind of magic we’re all after!