Store bought hot chocolate “packets” contain massive amounts of sugar and even hydrogenated oils (an unexpected, undesirable ingredient). You can serve this with whipped cream made of organic heavy cream with a little bit of Monk Fruit Sweetener.
1/3 c full fat coconut milk (unsweetened)
2/3 c boiling water
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla
Monk Fruit Sweetener
(optional) 1-2 drops peppermint oil, whipped cream, or cocoa nibs
Boil water on the stove. Add in all remaining ingredients. Stir well. Let cool a little bit, serve and enjoy!
Community News
Breathe in a Sigh of Relief
Greentech Environmental’s PureHEPA+ Air Purifier emerges as a vital ally against the rising threat of wildfire smoke and persistent odors. Amidst increasing wildfire incidents, this eco-friendly air purifier offers respite, efficiently capturing harmful smoke particles with its HEPA filtration system. What sets it apart is its ability to eliminate odors using an activated carbon filter, ensuring your space always smells fresh. Beyond its performance, PureHEPA+ embodies eco-consciousness, consuming minimal energy and featuring durable construction to minimize waste. In an era where environmental responsibility is paramount, Greentech’s PureHEPA+ supports the relationship between technology and nature, providing a breath of fresh air for a sustainable future.
Exploring Creative Passions
Embracing creativity unlocks numerous benefits. It allows us to reconnect with past joys and explore fresh passions, fostering fulfillment. Creative activities, from art to games, offer mental and emotional rewards, granting purpose, combating isolation, and sharpening cognitive abilities. Moreover, creative pursuits foster connections, as you lead to participation in group activities. Such interactions alleviate loneliness and facilitate meaningful friendships. Age should never deter us from exploring our creative side as it nourishes our mental, emotional, and social well-being. Whether reviving old interests or embarking on new adventures, creative passions in your older years can be a gateway to newfound fulfillment.
Sore Gums?
If your gums hurt when you brush your teeth, it could be a sign of gum inflammation, commonly known as gingivitis. This condition is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene, allowing plaque to build up and irritate the gums. To address this issue, make sure to brush your teeth gently using a soft-bristle toothbrush. Contrary to popular belief, hard bristles don’t help you clean better, but will irritate your gums more. Ask our hygienists and they will all confirm, soft bristle is the way to go! Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque between teeth. Consider using an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce bacteria. If the pain persists or worsens, consult Uptown Dental promptly, as untreated gingivitis can progress to more severe gum disease. Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining oral health.
Book Club: Set Boundaries, Find Peace
A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself
By Nedra Glover Tawwab.
Healthy boundaries. We all know we should have them–in order to achieve work/life balance, cope with toxic people, and enjoy rewarding relationships with partners, friends, and family. But what do “healthy boundaries” really mean–and how can we successfully express our needs, say “no,” and be assertive without offending others? Licensed counselor, sought-after relationship expert, and one of the most influential therapists, Nedra Glover Tawwab demystifies this complex topic for today’s world. Set Boundaries, Find Peace presents simple-yet-powerful ways to establish healthy boundaries in all aspects of life.
Signs Your Aging Parents Need Help
Recognizing signs that aging parents require assistance is crucial for their well-being. Keep an eye out for changes in mobility, like difficulty walking or frequent falls. Notice shifts in memory, such as forgetfulness and confusion. Changes in personal hygiene and household upkeep can indicate declining capabilities. Look for unexplained weight loss, which might signal health issues. Social withdrawal or mood changes may hint at emotional struggles. Mismanagement of medications and unpaid bills could suggest cognitive decline. If you observe these signs, it’s time to discuss and arrange appropriate support, ensuring their safety, health, and quality of life as they navigate the challenges of aging.
Make Life Accessible
Our knowledgeable experts enjoy making life accessible for everyone by identifying the unique needs of our clients and selecting solutions that fit their lifestyles. Let us help you make a difference in your life every day with the right mobility and home accessibility solutions, including *wheelchairs, *stairlifts, *walkers, *power lift recliners, *bathroom safety items and more. We’re also here to help with rental equipment, repairs and maintenance and to assist with navigating funding opportunities. Let us help you make a difference in your life every day with the right mobility and home accessibility solutions. “Because Motion isn’t a place, it’s a partnership.”
To Do or To Be
…That Is The Question. Come fall, our to do lists become expansive and over -flowing beckoning us to address that which we’ve put off for some time in order to enjoy an expansive summer. It can be overwhelming yet oddly comforting to check off each to do item on our list only to discover there is no shortage of more. To be lists are equally important as they allow us to shift out of our heads and spend the quality time with ourselves, nature, music, creativity and the people that fill our hearts. This calms down our nervous system. Taking the time daily to do & to be, creates harmony and balance in our lives.
Ask The Expert
Q: I like using my moisturizing eyedrops when my eyes feel dry but I feel I should maybe use them more often. Could I? A: Almost certainly. Good lubrication is very helpful and often it’s best to use the drops on a schedule, ideally before any dryness kicks in. For example, you could use them upon waking, at lunch, and after dinner. Bring your eyedrops in to your next eye exam so your treatment can be assessed. Mosaic Optometry helps people with eye problems like this, as well their visual needs! Come see us soon.
Exercise Helps – Depression & Stress
During these times we must take care of our emotional health. Strength training provides similar improvements in depression as anti-depressant medications. Currently, it is not known if this is because people feel better when they are stronger or if strength training produces a helpful biochemical change to the brain. It is most likely a combination of the two. Strength training helps to ease stress and anxiety by reducing stress, it helps sharpen brain-power and increasing self-esteem. Lifting your mood can help relieve depression, boost your energy level helping you cope better with whatever comes your way in the run of a day.
Simple Sweet Potato Soup
1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 white onion diced; 3 cloves minced garlic; 2 Tbsp grated ginger; 2 pounds sweet potatoes peeled, cut into small pieces; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 Tbsp sliced green onions or chives. Place a large pot on the stove over medium high heat. Add in olive oil and onion and sauté until tender, about 7 min. Add in garlic and ginger and sauté 1 min more. Add in sweet potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer until tender. Transfer soup to blender and blend until smooth. Return to a pot over low heat and add in cheese. Serve topped with green onions or chives.
