The new look for 2026
Welcome to our new look monthly tips where we are pleased to share a plethora of tricks and tips that are relevant to such things as technology, travel, managing your daily life, and much more.
So just come aboard, sit back, take a deep breath, and enjoy!
If you wish to contact us then please do not hesitate to write to us at info@sterlingcreations.ca and we promise to respond within 2 business days as long as technology allows us to do so.
Give us your feedback, comments, suggestions, and thoughts!
For it is only through you and with you that we are able to do this!
Table of contents –
1. From our 10 tips on technology series
2. From the pages of Donna’s travel diary
3. A bit of this and a bit of that from Donna’s did you know diary
4. From the scam watchers
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From our 10 tips on technology series
Hello everyone:
Welcome to my 10 tip series where each month I’ll be sharing 10 tips on various pieces of technology.
This would include tips on popular screen readers, office software, and browsers.
If you have any suggestions on what you would like me to share then by all means! Write to me at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.
For this month:
10 tips on How to use Instagram
Sure! Here are 10 practical tips to help you use Instagram more effectively, whether you’re using it personally or for business:
1.
Optimize Your Bio
Use a clear profile photo, a concise bio with relevant keywords, and include a link (Linktree or website) to drive traffic.
2.
Post High-Quality Visuals
Instagram is visual-first. Use high-resolution images or videos, good lighting, and consistent editing styles or filters.
3.
Use Hashtags Strategically
Mix popular and niche hashtags to increase discoverability. You can use up to 30, but 5–10 well-targeted ones usually work best.
4.
Engage With Your Audience
Reply to comments and DMs, like and comment on others’ posts, and use polls or questions in Stories to interact.
5.
Utilize Stories and Highlights
Stories are great for daily content and behind-the-scenes moments. Save important ones in Highlights to keep them on your profile.
6.
Post Consistently
Aim for a regular posting schedule (e.g., 3–4 times a week) to stay visible and relevant in followers’ feeds.
7.
Leverage Reels for Reach
Reels are heavily promoted by Instagram’s algorithm. Use trending sounds and relevant topics to reach new audiences.
8.
Analyze Your Insights
Use Instagram’s built-in analytics to track performance—see what content gets the most engagement and refine your strategy.
9.
Write Captions With Purpose
Tell a story, ask questions, or use call-to-actions like “save this post” or “tag a friend” to drive interaction.
10.
Collaborate With Others
Tag relevant users, partner with influencers, or use the “Collab” feature to co-post for wider exposure.
To contact me please send an email to donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca
I’m Donna J. Jodhan (sight loss coach and accessibility advisor)
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Important tips from the travel table
From the pages of Donna’s diary
Having been on many walking tours on my trips to Europe, I can say that an accessible walking tour sure helps to enrich and enhance any trip.
This exactly what I have experienced on my tours to Europe in 2023 and 2024.
These walking tours came courtesy of my River Boat trips to the Danube and to the Rhine with my friend Jilla.
They were so well organized.
Gadgets for audio descriptions were provided.
The tour guides were so very well versed in their subjects.
And there was more than enough time to take in the sites and to appreciate all of the highlights.
What a pleasure and privilege for me.
I’m Donna J. Jodhan enjoying my travels.
On your next trip you could enrich your down time with some of my audio mysteries. Take them with you wherever you go!
In the car, on the plane, on the bus or train, at the beach, anywhere!
And now you can listen to Donna’s weekly podcasts!
Ask donna – a plethora of tips from a sight loss coach along with book and product reviews!
Dining with donna – recipes and time saving tips for the kitchen!
Your mental stretch with Donna – how to recharge, renew, and get going! Save yourself from those dramas, traumas, and stress!
Visit www.donnajodhan.com/youtube
and subscribe for free
Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and at author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan
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A bit of this and a bit of that from Donna’s did you know diary
A bit of this and a bit of that from Donna’s did you know diary
Award winning sight loss coach, author and advocate
January 2026
You can contact me via email at donnajodhan@gmail.com
Practical and natural!
Welcome to my Donna’s did you know diary for this month and pleased to share the following with you.
Here’s what I learned for this month.
1) A safe and sound way to protect your delicate garments when putting them into the washer!
Just place them in a mesh bag.
2) Saving water after you have done your laundry?
Turn off the taps to your washer after your laundry has finished washing in the washer.
3) About wearing jeans in the winter?
This applies to any cold day!
If you wear jeans remember to have something on underneath your jeans.
Maybe tights?
You see, if you wear jeans with nothing underneath then your skin bears the brunt of cold air.
4) About alkaline batteries!
They ignite very quickly if they are hit by salt water.
Remember this especially so when in the midst of a hurricane and you live near the sea.
5) What’s this about handshakes?
If you attempt to shake someone’s hand and they do not open their hand in response,
They fold their thumbs into the palm of their hand,
It means that they do not wish to return the handshake.
6) About pistachios?
A daily handful of these wonderful nuts is healthy for you
Especially when it comes to promoting good vision.
7) Looking for a safe and quick way to sleep better at night?
Take a teaspoon with either some lemon juice
or dissolve it in some warm water.
8) For a gentle reminder to those focused on a healthy diabetes diet!
More fruits and vegetables
Less carbs
Water down your fruit juices
9) Here is an interesting piece of info about squirrels
Ground squirrels hibernate in the winter so they do not gather nuts and scraps for the winter.
Red squirrels do not hibernate in the winter so they need to gather nuts and scraps for the winter.
10) About liquid Castille soap?
This is a versatile product.
Use it to clean your bathroom or kitchen
By dropping a few drops into a container of water.
Or use it as a body wash
Or for even washing your clothes.
Drop a few drops of liquid Castille soap into your laundry wash.
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From the scam watchers
Donna J. Jodhan is a world renowned advocate, author, blogger, sight loss coach, dinner mystery writer and producer, entrepreneur, law graduate, and podcast commentator.
Donna has been in the business since 2000 and her many roles have allowed her to recognize that there is a growing need for consumers and clients to be made aware of some of the most dangerous and popular scams.
Donna herself has been unwittingly scammed over the years a few times and now she is using her skills, experience, knowledge, and expertise to help others avoid pitfalls and heartache.
And as a vision impaired professional and person she is ready to help you stay ahead!
Donna knows only too well how much we all need to work overtime to protect the most vulnerable from those unscrupulous scammers!
Please read her latest suite of scams and she would love to hear from you with your own feedback.
In January, scammers often exploit the post-holiday season, New Year’s resolutions, and tax season prep to trick people. Here are three of the most common scams seen during this time:
1.
Post-Holiday Return and Gift Card Scams
After the holidays, many people return gifts or use gift cards. Scammers send fake emails or texts posing as retailers, claiming there’s an issue with a recent return or that you need to “verify” your gift card balance. Clicking the link can steal your personal or financial info.
2.
Fake New Year’s Resolution Offers (Fitness/Health Scams)
Scammers take advantage of resolutions like losing weight or getting fit. They promote fake gym memberships, weight loss supplements, or trial offers that result in hidden recurring charges. These are often advertised through social media or emails.
3.
Tax Season Phishing Scams
Even in January, scammers begin tax-related phishing attacks. They pose as the IRS or tax prep companies, warning of problems with your return or offering early refund services. The goal is to steal Social Security numbers or bank info.
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Contact info:
Visit our websites at www.sterlingcreations.ca
www.donnajodhan.com
www.sterlingcreations.com
Email us at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca
Or call us at 416 491-7711
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Contact info:
Visit our websites at www.sterlingcreations.ca
www.donnajodhan.com
www.sterlingcreations.com
Email us at info@sterlingcreations.ca
Or call us at 416 491-7711