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Recent Posts

  • 2025 in Review: My Wins, Lessons & What’s Next
    In Donna's Diary (Main Writing Hub), Life, Productivity, Reflections
  • Deaf Girl Gift Guide: Thoughtful Finds for All Budgets
    In Life
  • My ASL-Friendly Morning Routine for Slower Winter Days
    In Life
Life

$100 August Challenge: Save Big with These 10 Deaf-Friendly Money Habits

What if you could save $100 this month—without giving up joy, freedom, or connection?That’s what our August Challenge is all about: small steps, Deaf-friendly strategies, and big wins. We know…

read more
August 25, 2025
Life

Joyful June: 30 Days of Deaf-Friendly Self-Care

A Fresh Start for Your Summer Welcome to Joyful June, a 30-day Deaf-friendly self-care challenge designed just for you. At The Life of Donna, we believe self-care should feel simple,…

read more
June 15, 2025
Blogging Tips, Creative (for product and brand building), Deaf Lifestyle, Donna's Diary (Main Writing Hub), Homepage, Life, Reflections

2025 Blog Library: Deaf Lifestyle Posts By Month

January 2025 New Year, Bold You: How I’m Starting Fresh as a Deaf Woman in 2025 Deaf-Friendly Declutter: 21-Day Minimalist Reset for a Calm New Year Budgeting as a Deaf…

read more
January 1, 2025
Blogging
Blogging
Travel
Travel
Deaf Awareness
Deaf Awareness
  • Blogging & Business,  Creative (for product and brand building),  Life

    Waggies Walkies

    August 16, 2025 / Comments Off on Waggies Walkies

    Locations: Rochester, NY: Chili, Webster, & Monroe 🐾 Welcome to Waggies Walkies! 🐾 Hey neighbors! We’re so excited to introduce Waggies Walkies—your new go-to for dog walks and playtime. Whether your pup needs a quick stretch or a full adventure, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what we offer: 30-minute walks – $20 60-minute walks – $55 Weekend Special Walks $30 for 60 minutes All-day outside playtime (7am–7pm) – $100 ✨ Weekend Deal: Every Saturday & Sunday, each hour is half off! ✨ Discounts available: Check our discount chart for savings. All dog breeds are welcome!🤗      A few friendly rules: 1. All-day playtime is limited to 5 times per…

    read more
    Donna Melena
  • ASL Advocacy,  ASL Stories,  Deaf History,  Deaf Lifestyle,  Glow-Up + Wellness,  Life,  Reflections,  Wellness & Self-Development

    Vision or Illusion? My Wake-Up Call on MLMs and False Empowerment

    July 8, 2025 / Comments Off on Vision or Illusion? My Wake-Up Call on MLMs and False Empowerment

    The truth behind MLMs and how they sell us dreams that don’t hold. Let me be real with you: I almost didn’t share this. Vision or Illusion? My Wake-Up Call on MLMs and the Deaf Community’s False Empowerment Trap Not because I’m embarrassed, but because I know how sensitive this topic can be. MLMs are everywhere and they promise so much. But this isn’t about dragging anyone. It’s about truth, lived experience, and making sure others don’t fall into the same trap I did. I speak from experience and research. This isn’t personal – it’s advocacy. I hope we can respect each other’s journeys. – Donna Melena This post reflects…

    read more
    Donna Melena

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    July 20, 2025
  • Donna's Diary (Main Writing Hub),  Life,  Reflections

    Do We Have to Be Broken to Become Better?

    July 6, 2025 / Comments Off on Do We Have to Be Broken to Become Better?

    Hi online friends! This one’s coming straight from the soul. One night, it hit me while I was sitting on a small cozy brown chair with a feeling… That weird mix of awareness, sadness, and gratitude. And I couldn’t shake this question: “Do we have to go through the bad just to become better?” The honest truth? Yeah. Sometimes, we do. Not because we’re weak. Not because we deserved the pain. But because truth reveals itself in contrast. You don’t realize how dim the room was until someone opens a window. You don’t know how heavy the silence was until you finally speak. And a lot of us, especially as…

    read more
    Donna Melena

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    Goodbye 2020 & Hello 2021

    February 27, 2021

    My 27th Birthday Reflection

    February 27, 2021

    2021 Resolutions

    February 27, 2021
  • Life

    Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

    January 8, 2022 / 1 Comment

    Sorry, that it took forever for me to post this! I am excited to share this with you because I took the oppournity to prepare and make buffalo cauliflower wings in three different ways: deep drying oil, baking, and air fryer. I’ve experiemented them all in over time and played around with spices. After experiencing three methods, I love air fryer the most. But I want to help you to make them in three methods so you can take the opportunity to try them yourself too. Or even just work with what you have in your kitchen. INGREDIENTS 1 head of cauliflower, remove stem, cut into florets Almond Milk, unsweetened 1/2…

    read more
    Donna Melena

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    July 13, 2025

    My Summer Morning Routine as a Deaf CEO-in-Training (Behind-the-Scenes Vlog + Free Template)

    July 22, 2025

    Follow Me on Pinterest

    January 27, 2024
  • Life,  Wellness & Self-Development

    The 5 Items I Always Keep On My Nightstand

    October 29, 2021 / Comments Off on The 5 Items I Always Keep On My Nightstand

    If I had to make a wild guess, you probably already have a light lamp and an alarm clock on your nightstand. So those were the first things added when I finally got a nightstand. The nightstand is usually right next to the bed, and it is a perfect spot to dump everything you like and easy to reach (I want to place my hearing aids there too). A few items have been sitting on the nightstand before, but I will rave and share what lights my soul and makes a difference in my mood and thoughts before I shut my eyes. I have this terrible habit of using my…

    read more
    Donna Melena

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    Turn Up the Heat: 10 Empowering Ways to Practice Deaf Self-Love This July Turn Up the Heat: 10 Empowering Ways to Practice Deaf Self-Love This July

    July 8, 2025

    My Summer Morning Routine as a Deaf CEO-in-Training (Behind-the-Scenes Vlog + Free Template)

    July 22, 2025

    You’re Not “Difficult.” You’re Being Dismissed.

    July 20, 2025
  • Donna's Diary (Main Writing Hub),  Life,  Productivity,  Reflections

    2025 in Review: My Wins, Lessons & What’s Next

    December 29, 2025 / Comments Off on 2025 in Review: My Wins, Lessons & What’s Next

    2025 in Review: My Wins, Lessons & What’s Next Another Year, Another Chapter I can’t believe 2025 is already wrapping up. This year stretched me, softened me, and showed me more than I expected—in life, in business, and in my journey as a Deaf woman. It wasn’t perfect (none of them are), but it was powerful. And today I want to look back with you—not just on the wins, but also the lessons. Because that’s where real growth lives. If you’re ready to reflect, reset, and go into 2026 with a little more intention, I made you something: 🎁 Download my free Year-End Reflection Toolkit: 👉 Click here to get…

    read more
    Donna Melena

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    Who Am I And Why Am I Here?

    February 27, 2021

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    February 27, 2021

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    July 20, 2025
  • Life

    Deaf Girl Gift Guide: Thoughtful Finds for All Budgets

    December 22, 2025 / Comments Off on Deaf Girl Gift Guide: Thoughtful Finds for All Budgets

    Deaf Girl Gift Guide: Thoughtful Finds for All Budgets Published: December 2025By Donna, The Life of Donna Gift-Giving That Feels Good (Not Stressful) Gifts are meant to be joyful, not overwhelming. But let’s be real: between budgets, wish lists, and trying to find something actually meaningful, the holidays can get a little… loud. Especially if you’re navigating it all as a Deaf woman, or shopping for someone in the Deaf community. Here’s what I’ve learned: the best gifts are thoughtful, useful, and rooted in care. They don’t have to be expensive. They just need to say, “I see you. I get you. I respect your energy.” That’s the vibe of…

    read more
    Donna Melena

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    May 30, 2021

    Coming Soon: A Candid Interview with Ashley from Good Energy Salon

    April 22, 2025

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    May 2, 2025
  • Life

    My ASL-Friendly Morning Routine for Slower Winter Days

    December 15, 2025 / Comments Off on My ASL-Friendly Morning Routine for Slower Winter Days

    My ASL-Friendly Morning Routine for Slower Winter Days Published: December 2025By Donna, The Life of Donna Winter Mornings Are Different (And That’s Okay) When the days are shorter and the air bites just a little, our bodies naturally want to slow down. And honestly? I’ve learned to stop fighting that. Winter mornings aren’t about hustle. They’re about grounding, clarity, and quiet energy. As a Deaf woman, I’ve also had to rethink routines that are often built for hearing people. Alarms that blare. Motivational podcasts. Group workouts full of chatter. Nope. That’s not me. So I created my own rhythm—a calm, ASL-friendly morning routine that honors my pace and supports my…

    read more
    Donna Melena

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    ASL on the Go: 7 Everyday Moments to Practice Sign Language This Summer

    July 15, 2025
    A calming spring-themed photo collage featuring seven images: Two birds soaring above a calm beach shoreline with clear skies. Close-up of bright pink spring flowers blooming with green leaves. A robin perched peacefully on a tree branch surrounded by fresh green buds. A simple cleaning scene showing a natural bristle brush on a white towel over tile flooring. Cluster of light pink flowers growing from leafy green plants in a garden bed. A hand gently holding a fresh raspberry with blueberries and blackberries in a colorful berry mix. Vivid pink-red blossoms of a flowering tree against a soft sky background.

    The Ultimate Reset: 21-Day Mind, Body, and Home Detox to Start Fresh This Spring

    May 5, 2025

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    January 1, 2024
  • Life

    Holiday Boundaries 101: How I Protect My Peace (With Love)

    December 8, 2025 / Comments Off on Holiday Boundaries 101: How I Protect My Peace (With Love)

    Holiday Boundaries 101: How I Protect My Peace (With Love) Published: December 2025By Donna, The Life of Donna Let’s Talk About Boundaries (And Why We Need Them More Than Ever) It’s the most magical time of the year—but let’s be honest, it can also be one of the most mentally draining. Between family expectations, crowded gatherings, and the constant pressure to be “on,” December has a way of pushing our emotional limits. If you’ve ever found yourself nodding along just to keep the peace, overbooking your calendar, or feeling totally wiped out by New Year’s, I see you. That used to be me, too. Until I learned the power of…

    read more
    Donna Melena

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    ASL on the Go: 7 Everyday Moments to Practice Sign Language This Summer

    July 15, 2025

    TikTok Deaf Creators Are Thriving — Join Us Today!

    May 2, 2025

    AM Skincare Routine

    April 23, 2022
  • Life

    Deaf, Cozy & In Control: My Winter Reset Plan

    December 1, 2025 / Comments Off on Deaf, Cozy & In Control: My Winter Reset Plan

    Winter Is My Favorite Time to Reset There’s something powerful about winter. While the world slows down and nature goes quiet, I finally get space to reflect, reset, and rebuild. No pressure to do all the things. Just time to focus on what matters. This post is about how I use winter to hit pause, take control of my daily habits, and prep for a grounded, joyful year ahead. Whether you’re Deaf like me or just looking for a more intentional way to live, you’re in the right place. Deaf, Cozy & In Control: My Winter Reset Plan 🎁 Free Gift: Want to follow along with your own winter reset?Grab…

    read more
    Donna Melena

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    May 30, 2021

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    April 22, 2025

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    April 23, 2022
  • Life

    10 Deaf-Owned Brands to Shop This Holiday Season

    November 24, 2025 / Comments Off on 10 Deaf-Owned Brands to Shop This Holiday Season

    🎁 Shopping With Purpose This Holiday Season The holidays are officially on, and that means cozy vibes, hot drinks, gift lists… and a whole lot of spending. But what if we paused for a second and asked: Where is our money going? What stories are we supporting? As a Deaf woman, I’ve made it a yearly ritual to choose gifts with intention, and support Deaf-owned brands that align with my values. These are businesses that reflect our culture, our language, and our grind. So whether you’re shopping for family, friends, or a little treat for yourself (because yes, you deserve it), this list of 10 Deaf-owned brands is here to…

    read more
    Donna Melena

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    A digital vision board featuring a woman with long dark hair and a soft smile wearing a white shirt, centered among various images symbolizing her dreams. Surrounding her are photos of a modern home with a pool, palm trees at sunset, a microphone, people smiling and talking, skincare products, a laptop reading "Deaf Lifestyle Blog," and a phone showing passive income earnings. Gold glitter "I Love You" hand signs and the phrase "BIG DREAMS" appear at the top.

    Capstone Project

    April 22, 2025

    I Went Back to College 8 Years Later – Was It the Right Choice?

    April 22, 2025

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    July 8, 2025
  • Life

    The Truth About Burnout in the Deaf Community (And What Helps)

    November 17, 2025 / Comments Off on The Truth About Burnout in the Deaf Community (And What Helps)

    The Truth About Burnout in the Deaf Community (And What Helps) Published: November 2025 Burnout doesn’t just knock. It crashes in. For many in the Deaf community, it shows up as more than just exhaustion. It’s isolation. It’s constantly advocating. It’s pushing through a world that often doesn’t meet us halfway. But here’s the truth: You are not alone, and it’s not your fault. That’s why I created a free Burnout Recovery Toolkit for the Deaf community. It includes: → Click here to grab your free toolkit. Let’s talk about what burnout really looks like, and how to stop it before it stops you. What Burnout Feels Like in the…

    read more
    Donna Melena

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    July 22, 2025

    Surviving, Not Just Existing: My Journey Through Mental Health Struggles

    February 24, 2025

    AM Skincare Routine

    April 23, 2022
  • Life

    How I Meal Prep (Without Losing My Mind or My Wallet)

    November 10, 2025 / Comments Off on How I Meal Prep (Without Losing My Mind or My Wallet)

    Hey, Deaf Queen! If you’ve ever opened the fridge at 6 PM, stared at your leftover takeout, and thought, “Yeah, I should really get my life together,” welcome to the club. I’ve been there—tired, overwhelmed, and tempted to DoorDash my budget into oblivion. But today, I’m going to walk you through how I meal prep in a way that feels grounded, budget-friendly, and actually doable—even on my busiest weeks. How I Meal Prep (Without Losing My Mind or My Wallet) 🎁 Free Toolkit Alert: Grab my Meal Prep Starter Pack! It includes a printable weekly meal planner, grocery list template, habit tracker, and bonus ASL kitchen graphics. Sign up here…

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    Donna Melena

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  • Life

    Deaf & Home for the Holidays: 10 Ways I Stay Centered

    November 3, 2025 / Comments Off on Deaf & Home for the Holidays: 10 Ways I Stay Centered

    Holidays are supposed to feel magical. But if you’re Deaf, navigating noisy gatherings, complicated travel plans, and constant social expectations can be exhausting. Add in the emotional weight of family dynamics or loneliness, and it can feel like too much. I get it. That’s why every October, I start prepping—not just for meals and gifts, but for my mindset. I used to let the season drain me. Now I choose habits that ground me, protect my peace, and help me show up as my full self. Deaf & Home for the Holidays: 10 Ways I Stay Centered Want help staying centered this holiday season? Grab my free printable toolkit: an…

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    Gratitude, Grounding & Growing: My November Reflection Guide

    November 1, 2025 / Comments Off on Gratitude, Grounding & Growing: My November Reflection Guide

    Before You Read: Grab Your Free November Reflection Toolkit! This blog post comes with a printable toolkit featuring:📝 A cozy habit tracker🤟🏽 Beautiful ASL gratitude prompts🍁 A weekly grounding checklist✨ A page to journal your growth Gratitude, Grounding & Growing: My November Reflection Guide Click here to download the free toolkit and start your month strong. It’s Deaf-friendly and designed to help you stay grounded, consistent, and proud of your progress. Hey November, Let’s Slow Down Together 💆🏽‍♀️🍂 Somehow, it’s already November. The leaves are crunchy, the weather is moody, and the energy is shifting—from doing to being. This is the season when everything tells us to slow down… yet…

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 Older Posts

 

Hi, I’m Donna Melena!

I’m a Deaf lifestyle blogger ad creative founder of The Life Of Donna™️.

Every Monday, I share wellness tips, reflections, and real-talk stories – all through a Deaf-centered lens.

 Empowerment.

Authenticity.

Glow-Ups that start within.

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  • 2025 in Review: My Wins, Lessons & What’s Next
  • Deaf Girl Gift Guide: Thoughtful Finds for All Budgets
  • My ASL-Friendly Morning Routine for Slower Winter Days
  • Holiday Boundaries 101: How I Protect My Peace (With Love)
  • Deaf, Cozy & In Control: My Winter Reset Plan

Recent Posts

  • 2025 in Review: My Wins, Lessons & What’s Next
    In Donna's Diary (Main Writing Hub), Life, Productivity, Reflections
  • Deaf Girl Gift Guide: Thoughtful Finds for All Budgets
    In Life
  • My ASL-Friendly Morning Routine for Slower Winter Days
    In Life

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