Page 413

4 Ways to Manage Living With an Invisible Illness

May 7, 2021 by Lakeisha Ethans

An invisible illness refers to any chronic health condition with effects that don’t show up on the surface. This can include mental disorders, though it more often refers to physical ailments that don’t involve apparent disability aids or visible bodily changes.

One faces many unique hurdles when they live with these conditions, and they can be hard to handle and manage, especially when you’re first diagnosed. When people can’t see what you’re going through, it’s often harder to find support, too.

Ten of the Most Common Invisible Illnesses People Face

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Fibromyalgia
Sleep Apnea
Lupus
Crohn’s Disease
Lyme’s Disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Depression
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Thyroid Disorders

Here are four crucial ways to deal with the challenges of living with an invisible illness.

1. Reframe The Way You Look At Your Life

Living with an invisible illness forces you to change your worldview. If you resist that paradigm shift, you can pose new challenges as you are unprepared for the unique difficulties you’ll face. Reframing your perception of your everyday life is the first step in dealing with these challenges. Here is how to begin:

· Accept and Believe Yourself

This can sound odd at first, but the reality is that people with invisible illnesses spend such a long time trying to prove themselves or hide their symptoms that they may fall into the trap of not even believing their own experiences. As strange as it is, some may even wonder if they’re faking their feelings to themselves! If you focus on acting like you’re not ill, you’re not demonstrating belief in your suffering and experiences. Accept that you have this illness and silence any doubt in your mind.

· See The Reality Of Your Illness

Here’s the reality of invisible illness: it’s a disability, and it’s going to change the way you live your life. You can’t do everything the same way you did before the illness, which can disrupt positive thinking. You have to learn to face reality and accept that you’ll need to make changes to the way you live to accommodate your illness. Until you do that, you’ll continue to struggle more than you need to.

· Use Your Talents and Skills For Passions

Invisible illness can often force you to reduce the amount of time you spend using your skills or developing your talents. This is why it’s essential to focus on using them for things you genuinely love. This maintains the joy and happiness involved with using those skills, even if it’s harder than it used to be. While the decrease in your ability may sadden you, you’ll get to keep building your skills and talents and will feel more motivated if you’re doing what you like.

· Let Go Of Expectations

People have expectations of you, and you have expectations of yourself. But if an invisible illness has changed your capabilities, then those expectations may no longer be reasonable. It’s easy to feel ashamed or discouraged when you can no longer meet the standards you once had for yourself. It can take a long time to feel comfortable with admitting that you may need to lower your expectations and live without meeting the expectations of others. Learning to let go with positive thinking can help you live one day at a time, doing your personal best – even if that best changes every day!

2. Seek The Positive Things Around You

It’s hard to focus on positive thinking when you’re facing the challenges of invisible illness. But if you don’t seek optimism and good things, you’ll wind up bogged down by the difficulties you face. It’s essential to learn to overcome negativity and find uplifting realities. Here are some ways to begin fostering positive thinking, even in the face of difficulty:

· Find Distractions

Everyone has things they love to do that can help them forget their troubles for a moment. All you have to do is find what does that for you. It may be a hobby, watching a show, listening to music, or pampering yourself. Whatever it is, make sure you have some time to do these things every day, even if it’s just for a little while. This kind of me-time can help take your mind off your challenges so you’ll feel refreshed enough to face them again when you’re done.

· Focus On Your Blessings

Every cloud has a silver lining, and no matter how bad your life is, there are little good things peppered in. Think about small things that make you smile or that you enjoy, like coffee in the mornings or a song you like to listen to. Count every single tiny blessing, like the roof over your head or the presence of a loved one or friend in your life. You’ll begin to see that there are lots and lots of things to be appreciative of amongst your challenges. Gratitude has been proven to have positive effects on experiences of pain, too, so there’s a benefit to your illness from it.

· Don’t Stop Dreaming

Yes, you have to adjust your goals to be more reasonable, but that doesn’t mean you should get rid of goals altogether! Continue to dare to dream and visualize success, happiness, and even recovery. Dreaming gives you hope, and it knocks you out of feelings of hopelessness or loss. Keep working towards your goals, even if the pace is adjusted. You can do anything you set your mind to!

· Encourage Others

If you can’t find anything positive in your life, seek an empowering way to boost your positive thinking is by creating positivity for others. You can encourage others with invisible illnesses or even do random, simple, and doable acts of kindness – like complimenting someone or tipping your waiter extra – to perform the amazing feat of building positivity. The fact that you can make joy happen for others can help you see ways to create it for yourself.

3. Fight For Yourself

One of the many things that those with invisible illness struggle with is being believed. Because your disabilities aren’t visible, people may not trust their severity, and even those who try to be understanding may forget how bad it can get. As awareness continues to be raised for those living with an invisible illness, you will need to fight for yourself and your rights regularly, so you get the fair treatment you deserve. Here is how to begin:

· Choose The Right Doctor

Some doctors bring shame to their profession by refusing to believe experiences of invisible illness. If your doctor doesn’t believe you or behaves in ableist ways, stand up for yourself and seek a different doctor. You do not have to put up with medical gaslighting or a lack of empathy from your care practitioners, and your illness deserves proper treatment from a helpful doctor.

· Advocate For Yourself

It’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting someone to rescue you or “fix” your problems with your disability. Though the support of others is valuable in this time, the fact remains that you must be your hero. Advocate for your rights. Fight for fair treatment. Don’t let others talk down to you and stand up for yourself. Your illness is actual and deserves to be treated, no matter what others say.

· Manage Yourself

What treatment is necessary for your illness? What ways can you use to manage it? Do your research and learn as much as you can about the struggles you’re facing. You’ll find management techniques that help you more than you may have imagined!

· Don’t Neglect Your Mental Health

It’s easy to slip into negative mental states when you’re dealing with an invisible illness. You may even think that your happiness must be reliant on your physical condition. Don’t fall into this trap. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself and monitoring your anxiety and depression. If you need help, seek therapy or counseling, and remember to take regular breaks.

· Pick Your Battles

Self-advocacy is indeed a constant effort, but it’s okay to pick your battles wisely when you need to rest, too. There are some people not worth your time, and there are others who will never be convinced. There is wisdom in knowing when to walk away.

4. Find Ways To Build Understanding Relationships

Some of the biggest challenges of an invisible illness lie in the fact that the people around you may not understand what you’re going through. Social support is crucial for the positive management of pain and illness symptoms, and without it, you may have trouble overcoming more complex hurdles. Here are some ways to foster understanding relationships:

· Sit Down And Talk To Loved Ones

The people that matter in your life may have difficulty understanding what an invisible illness entails. Sit down with them and talk to them at length about your experiences and, if applicable, tell them how they can help or what your new needs are.

· Invite Loved Ones To Your Doctor’s Appointments

When a friend or family member hears directly from a doctor what you’re going through, it helps them to comprehend the medical scope of what you’re experiencing fully. This can be beneficial for close relationships where the other party is having trouble truly understanding your experiences and their validity.

· Choose Close Circles Wisely

There will be people who refuse to believe in your invisible illness, and there will be toxic individuals in your life. Opt out of these relationships and instead go for supportive friends and positive people who uplift you and make you feel good.

· Find Support Groups

There are lots of people all around the world with invisible illnesses. These individuals can relate to what you’re going to and understand the difficulties of day-to-day life with such conditions. You can support each other, offer and receive advice, and build new friendships in these circles, which may even help you feel much less alone.

Final Thoughts On Some Ways To Deal With The Challenges Of Living With An Invisible Illness

Invisible illnesses can be complex and challenging to understand. It may take a while before you become accustomed to living with your condition and managing it reliably. Throughout the process, you will have your fair share of failures and successes. Take your time and learn how to deal with each challenge as needed, and you’ll see that you remain strong and powerful, with or without that illness.

How to Make a Healthy Smoothie Bowl

May 7, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

Having a smoothie bowl for breakfast can give you the energy you need to start the day. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this bowl of fruity deliciousness nourishes the mind and body. You only need a blender and a few fruits to make this recipe, and it takes little time to prepare. If you are planning to make an acai bowl, we recommend to use the best blender for frozen acai bowls. If you don’t have time in the mornings, you can always make it the night before and refrigerate it.

Getting in all the recommended servings of fruit isn’t easy in our fast-paced world. Luckily, smoothie bowls help save the day because they pack 5-6 servings in one bowl. Feel free to swap whatever fruits you like for the ones in the recipe. Although, we think the recommended berries go great together.

Here’s how to make a healthy smoothie bowl

What you need:

High-powered blender
1 large bowl
4 smaller bowls
Spoon

Ingredients:

Cup of frozen raspberries
One cup of frozen blueberries
Cup of frozen blackberries
Cup of frozen mango
A handful of your favorite nuts for toppings
A couple of dark chocolate squares for garnish
A few strawberry and banana slices as toppings
A sprig of mint

How to make a smoothie bowl:

Blend up the frozen raspberries and place them in a small bowl.
Blend up the frozen blueberries, and place in a second small bowl.
Then blend the frozen blackberries and pour them into the third small bowl.
Finally, blend the frozen mango and pour it into the last small bowl.
Alternatively, feel free to blend all the fruits together to save time. However, we think the bowl looks prettier when the fruits are blended separately.
Pour the blended fruits into the large bowl one at a time.
Use a spoon to create swirls in the blended fruit to add aesthetic appeal.
Next, add the nuts, sliced fruit, chocolate squares, and mint as garnish. Feel free to decorate it nicely for Instagram or just for your own satisfaction in creating a culinary masterpiece.

Health benefits of this sweet smoothie bowl

Here are the healthy reasons to try this tasty dish.

Mango

Mangoes are low in calories but packed with nutrients and are called the “king of fruits” for a reason. One 100g cup of raw mango contains the following:

Vitamin C: 44% DV
Magnesium: 3% DV
Manganese: 3% DV
Potassium: 4% DV
Vitamin B6: 9% DV
Vitamin E: 6% DV
Folate: 11% DV
Calcium: 1% DV
Calories: 60
Protein: 1%
Carbs: 5%
Dietary fiber: 6%
Vitamin A: 7% DV

Blueberry

Blueberries are proof that nutritious things come in small packages. They can improve heart health, bone strength, skin health, and blood pressure. Blueberries can also help prevent diabetes and cancer. One 148g cup of blueberries contains:

Vitamin C: 24% DV
Manganese: 25% DV
Vitamin K: 36% DV
Vitamin B6: 5% DV
Magnesium: 2% DV
Iron: 2% DV
Calories: 85
Protein: 2%
Carbs: 7%
Dietary fiber: 14%

Raspberries

Raspberries have so many nutrients for being such a tiny fruit! They’re an excellent source of various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. A 100g cup of raspberries has the following nutrients:

Vitamin C: 43% DV
Vitamin B6: 5% DV
Magnesium: 5% DV
Calcium: 2% DV
Iron: 3% DV
Protein: 2%
Carbs: 4%
Dietary fiber: 28%
Calories: 53

Blackberries

Blackberries are also packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants. They can help lower cholesterol, protect from some cancers, and prevent infections. You can add them to smoothies, oatmeal, cereal, or enjoy them as a snack. A 100g cup of blackberries contains these nutrients:

Vitamin C: 25% DV
Vitamin A: 4% DV
Magnesium: 6% DV
Vitamin E: 8% DV
Vitamin K: 19% DV
Zinc: 6% DV
Calcium: 3% DV
Iron: 5% DV
Carbs: 3%
Protein: 2%
Dietary fiber: 20%
Calories: 43

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate that’s at least 70-85% cacao is a powerhouse of nutrients. It contains many antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavanols. In fact, one study found that dark chocolate had more antioxidant activity than blueberries and acai berries! It can also lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol, reduce heart disease risk, and improve brain health. One ounce of dark chocolate has the following nutrients:

Iron: 19% DV
Copper: 25% DV
Manganese: 27% DV
Magnesium: 16% DV
Phosphorus: 9% DV
Potassium: 6% DV
Selenium: 3% DV
Vitamin K: 3% DV
Calcium: 2% DV
Calories: 168
Carbs: 4%
Protein: 4%
Dietary fiber: 12%

These ingredients are perfect for a smoothie bowl or snack.

As you can see, all of the fruits listed above, as well as chocolate, contain tons of fiber and few carbs. Therefore, they are low on the glycemic index, meaning they won’t spike your blood sugar as much. Anyone on a low-carb diet or who is diabetic can enjoy these fruits in small portions. However, they make a great addition to anyone’s diet as they are low in calories and high in nutrients.

While these fruits are wonderful for health, we recommend pairing them with a source of protein on the side. Eating sugar by itself, whether processed or natural, can still cause unwanted blood sugar spikes, even in low GI fruits. For this reason, you should eat fruits with other foods such as eggs, lean meats, or meat substitutes for vegetarians/vegans.

However, a smoothie bowl by itself can still be enjoyed in moderation. Just make sure to balance it with ample protein and fats throughout the day. You can also swap a handful of spinach or other greens for a couple of fruits to lower the sugar.

Final thoughts on making a delicious and healthy smoothie bowl for breakfast

For those who don’t like cooking, this smoothie bowl is a dream come true. All you need is a blender to make this recipe, and it takes less than 5 minutes to prepare. It’s packed with plenty of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for breakfast.

If you don’t have time to eat a big smoothie bowl, you can always eat the fruits whole. Since eating it actually takes longer than preparing it, you may want to save this recipe for the weekend. With summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time of year for a smoothie bowl!

5 Ways To Calm Your Nervous System Quickly

May 7, 2021 by Lakeisha Ethans

The nervous system is a complex part of the body. It is responsible for regulating stimulus, sensation, and signals and coordinates its activity based on the information it receives. It then sends instructions to the rest of your body, “advising” it on how to react.

However, the nervous system isn’t spot on all of the time. It can get into a panic over things that aren’t that big of a deal, or it can have difficulty calming back down after going into overdrive. This can affect your ability to concentrate and perform daily tasks. So, how can you manage this? Here are 5 super quick ways to calm your nervous system right now.

1. Engaging your sense of touch has a positive effect on calming the nervous system

Your senses are powerful and insightful, and the ease with which they notice and interpret stimulus makes them ideal for rapid calming methods. To begin with, let’s talk about how you can engage your sense of touch to bring your nervous system to a more relaxed state:

· Touch Something Soft

Put on comfy clothing, cuddle a stuffed toy or pet, or wrap yourself in something warm and cozy. When you’re stressed out, this can help calm your nervous system and bring you to a more relaxed state.

· Use A Stress Ball

Stress balls and other similar stress-relieving mechanisms exist for a reason! When you get extremely aggravated, upset, or pent up, using one can help engage your muscles and work off the tension and emotion healthily.

· Splash Cold Water On Your Skin

Need a more invigorating awakening from a stressed state? Get some cold water and wash your hands, face, and neck with it. (If you can, taking a cold shower works too.) This can help to literally cool you down, calming your nervous system and putting it into a more relaxed state.

· Give Your Hands A Massage

Take some cream or lotion that you like and use that to give your hands a nice, calming massage. Rub the webbing between your fingers, each joint on every digit, flex your wrists, and clench and unclench your palms. The stretching massage takes a mere five minutes and has positive effects on anxiety and nervousness!

· Get A Tennis Ball Foot Massage

Any hard, round ball of appropriate size will do for this. Place it beneath your feet and roll it under the arches of each sole. Do this gently and press more firmly in tender areas. It’s a great, simple massage you don’t even have to stop your tasks for!

· Give Your Scalp A Massage

Contrary to popular belief, the best scalp massage doesn’t use one of those head-scratching devices. Instead, it involves gently tugging at your hair so you can feel a minimal lifting of your scalp to reduce head tension and relieve your stress. You can follow that up with a warmer massage after, too!

· Attempt Acupressure

Have you heard of acupuncture? Well, this is that, but without the needles! It involves finding the pressure points on your body and massaging them to help relieve feelings of stress and promote general physical healing, say studies. You can try it out by finding the divots where your skull meets the muscles of your neck and pressing down on them for around 15 seconds.

2. Engage Your Nose

As previously mentioned, engaging your senses offers some of the quickest nervous system relief. Your sense of smell takes notes of new scents quickly and can derive pleasure and enjoyment from them for better positive thinking. Here are some ways to calm your nervous system through your sense of smell:

· Smell Citrus Scents

Sweet orange scents have been proven to have positive effects on overall mood. Enjoying orange-scented items can bring those calming effects over you in times of stress. You can also peel and eat or juice an orange for an even fresher approach!

· Be Around Flowers

If you can, regularly buying fresh flowers to keep near your working area or in your home can be a great way to engage your senses and calm your nervous system. If not, you can also head outside and find flowers in parks and public gardens. A good stroll among the wonderful floral scents can help to relax you.

· Wear Some Scents

Perfumes, colognes, lotions, and creams are a great way to apply scents directly to your body so you can carry their calming effects around. Plus, you’ll smell great to boot!

· Try Some Aromatherapy

Essential oils, placed in diffusers, make for delightful and relaxing scents that you can enjoy easily and quickly. You can also mix essential oil into a carrier oil so that it’s safe for your skin and apply it to your hands to bring the scent around with you. Calming oils can help to stimulate the smell receptors and reduce anxiety and stress. The best one is lavender essential oil, which has been proven in research to have incredible effects on the body, such as blood pressure reduction, better sleep, depression and anxiety reduction, higher pain tolerance, and improved wellbeing.

3. Engaging Your Muscles and Body Can Calm The Nervous System

The nervous system’s overactivity can cause significant physical responses in your body. Helping to express the built-up tension by moving your body and working your muscles can quickly bring balance back to your hormones and the nervous system. Here are some ways to do so:

· Stretch

You don’t have to work out with complex yoga poses for an hour to get the benefits of a simple stretch or two. Stretching your arms, legs, and back in a simple, quick fashion can promote better blood circulation and calm your nervous system.

· Go For A Walk

Take a quick walk around the room, to the bathroom, or out for a coffee or snack. The act of stretching your legs and moving about will help relax your mind, and the change of scenery adds to those restorative effects.

· Put Up Your Legs

Most people spend most of their time upright. Raising your feet, whether just by lying down and reclining with a footstool or by completely putting your legs up against a wall, can provide restorative effects to the mind and body. Your calves and legs will thank you for the rest, and your nervous system will focus on balancing itself out.

· Get Moving

Doing a physical activity that increases your heart rate boosts circulation, creates positive hormones, and helps you burn off stressed or nervous energy. A quick, intense bout of exercise for just a couple of minutes can be all you need. Do some push-ups, dance, run in place, do a couple of jumping jacks, or try to do burpees!

4. Engage Your Sense of Taste (and Digestion) For The Nervous System

Once again, we return to the almost magical effects of engaging your senses to help relax the nervous system. Your tastebuds can send a lot of different signals to your brain and help you feel better, but if you make the right food choices, you’ll also get the added benefits of whatever the food is and its components. Here are some options to try when you need to calm down:

· Eat Some Chocolate

Dark chocolate is a guilt-free sweet treat, and just one square has the effective ability to calm the nervous system. Studies show that it can reduce stress levels, improve the health of your brain, and fill those sweet cravings well.

· Eat Some Mango

Mangos are a great mix of sweet and sour, making them ideal for waking up your system and bringing its attention away from your worries. More interestingly, it contains linalool, a compound that has positive effects on anxiety and stress.

· Green Tea

Green tea contains a chemical known as L-Theanine, which studies say has positive effects on the stress responses of the body. It also tastes soothing and smells relaxing, which is an additional bonus.

· Have Some Honey

Honey is famous for its calming properties, and research shows that it fights depression, reduces anxiety symptoms, gives quick energy, and helps to keep the brain strong and healthy. Better yet, it’s versatile, so you can eat it straight from the jar, mix it into drinks, or eat it with fruit, yogurt, or other healthy snacks.

· Chew Some Gum

Chewing gum keeps your sense of taste engaged while giving you an excuse to work your jaw muscles. The repetitive act of chewing has positive effects on stress levels and can help you stay relaxed.

5. Engage Your Mind

Your mind is the source of the worst of your stress and anxiety, and if your nervous system is in overdrive, going straight to the source of the problem is a great way to help. While not quick at first, learning to engage your mind and analyze your thoughts and mental state is a skill that you’ll get better and faster at over time. Here are some ways to do this:

· Envision Calm

Visualization is a great tool for relaxing the nervous system. Close your eyes and imagine your happy place, or imagine a positive outcome for things that have you stressed out. Visualize your body as a calm, relaxed vessel and release anxiety and stress with focus and care.

· Write and Reflect

If you’re really in the middle of a nervous system panic, grab a piece of paper or open a document or notepad on a device of your choice. Then, write away untethered about everything that’s stressing you out. Don’t hold back and write everything that comes to mind, even the irrational or mean things. You can also do this in a journal. Once you’ve done this, you’ll have expressed a lot of negative energy, and you can go back and reread this writing later to reflect on your emotions.

· Challenge Negative Thoughts

Many people experience negative emotions and thoughts that send them into panicked or nervous spirals, which the nervous system responds to in a rush. Learn to observe these negative thoughts and challenge them. Question their rationality, reiterate your ability to be strong in the face of hurdles, ask if this will matter in a few days, and replace the worst things with positive thinking.

Final Thoughts On Some Super-Quick Ways To Calm Your Nervous System Right Now

The nervous system’s responses are crucial to everyday function, but wisdom is knowing when it’s time to get it to calm back down. Learning to communicate relaxation to your nervous system, so it reverts to a more positive state is useful, especially if you face many stressors in everyday life.

3 Savory and Easy Baby Potato Recipes

May 6, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

A cute baby potato recipe makes a wonderful addition to any meal. They don’t take much preparation and have tons of essential vitamins and minerals. Many cultures around the world still consider the potato a staple in their diet. No matter what type of potatoes you prefer, all of them have nutritional benefits.

If you’ve been trying to cut down on fatty foods, consider potatoes your best friend. They have almost no fat and a decent amount of protein and carbohydrates. They also are a good source of Vitamin C and B6, as well as potassium.

Five Healthful Benefits of Eating Baby Potato

Potatoes have many health benefits, notably:

Containing tons of antioxidants. Antioxidants help to reduce free radicals in the body, which can increase cancer risk. A study showed that the antioxidants in potatoes might slow the growth of liver and colon cancer cells.
Improving blood sugar. Potatoes contain a type of starch known as resistant starch, which doesn’t get broken down in the body. Instead, it goes to the large intestine, where it feeds the good bacteria in your gut. Because it stays in the body longer, it’s more efficient at removing excess blood sugar. Therefore, it reduces insulin resistance.
Boosting digestive health. Resistant starch from potatoes mostly gets converted to the short-chain fatty acid butyrate. Studies have shown that this compound can lower inflammation in the large intestine and improve gut bacteria.
Serving as a gluten-free option for people with celiac disease. Because potatoes have no gluten, they make the perfect food for anyone on a gluten-free diet.
Promoting fullness. Finally, since potatoes contain a moderate amount of calories, 161 for a medium baked potato, they’re quite filling. They have a certain protein called potato proteinase inhibitor 2 (PI2), which triggers the release of cholecystokinin (CCK). This hormone helps curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness.

Now that you know how healthy baby potatoes are, we’ll show you a few ways to enjoy them.

Here are 3 savory, easy baby potato recipes

Are you ready to start making these delicious taters?

You need these supplies:

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Small bowl to mix ingredients
Potato masher
Cutting board
Knife
Small ice cream scoop
Piping bag
Large pot
Large skillet
Spatula
Tongs
Pastry brush

1 – Deviled potatoes

If you don’t like eggs, you’ll love this spin on deviled eggs using potatoes. It’s effortless to make and tastes delicious!

Ingredients:

12-14 medium-sized potatoes
Salt
Pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 tbsp tahini
1 tbsp milk
Scallions

How to make:

Get out the cutting board and cut all the potatoes in half. Next, lay them on a baking sheet lined in parchment paper, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Roast at 350 degrees F for 45 min (or until soft).
Now, use your scoop to remove the insides of the potatoes, so just the skin is left. Scoop out the potatoes into the small bowl.
Next, sprinkle more salt and pepper on top, and add in the paprika. Next, mix in the garlic powder, dried thyme, and basil, tahini, and milk.
Use a potato masher to mash up the ingredients until fully combined.
Scoop the mixture into a piping bag, and fill in the potato skins. Sprinkle scallions on top, and enjoy this delicious snack!

2 – Pan-fried potatoes with Greek yogurt dip

Ingredients:

A bag of medium-sized potatoes
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
1 tsp dried basil
1 tbsp butter
2 finely minced garlic cloves
3 tbsp Greek yogurt
1 tbsp lime juice
Scallions
Fresh chopped dill

How to make:

First, chop all the potatoes in half. Fill a large pot halfway with water, and boil the potatoes for 10 minutes to soften them. Drain the water.
Next, drizzle some olive oil in your skillet, and tilt it around to spread the oil. Next, add the potatoes in, face down, turning over occasionally. Once they start to brown on top, sprinkle them with some salt and pepper.
Now add in the dried basil and butter, shaking the skillet slightly to coat the potatoes thoroughly.
Next, mix in the finely minced garlic, stirring to combine fully. Once the baby potatoes look brown and crispy on top, transfer them to a bowl.
Mix the greek yogurt and lime juice in another bowl, stirring with a spoon. Add the fresh chopped dill for garnish.
Next, sprinkle some scallions on your potatoes. Dip in the yogurt, and enjoy!

3 – Tornado potatoes

You’ve probably seen these potatoes at the fair, You know–the sliced ones on a stick? That’s the recipe we’re making today, so you don’t have to wait for the county fair to have one!

Ingredients:

5 or 6 medium potatoes
Skewers
1/2 cup butter
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
spring of rosemary
2 crushed garlic cloves
salt
pepper
Scallions
Cream or melted butter (optional)

How to make:

First, get out your skewers and place two potatoes on each one. Make thin slices in the potatoes all the way to the skewer.
In a large pot, melt the butter and mix in the olive oil. Cook on low.
Add in the rosemary sprig and crushed garlic cloves. (Use a knife to press down on the garlic and crush it).
Stir the ingredients, and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes.
Remove the garlic and rosemary with tongs. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Use a pastry brush to rub the butter mixture on the potatoes. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top.
Bake at 400 degrees F for 25 minutes. Brush with the remaining butter mixture, and bake for 15 more minutes.
Sprinkle scallions and drizzle the optional cream or butter on top.
Cut with a fork and savor this delectable fair snack!

Final thoughts: enjoy these easy, savory baby potato recipes

Baby potatoes have tons of nutrients and are an incredibly versatile ingredient. Whether you make potatoes on a stick or pan-fried potatoes, you can enjoy them in various ways. We hope you love these recipes! Let us know if you make them in the comments below.

How to Make Apple Bread Topped with Cinnamon Butter

May 6, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

If you’ve never had apple bread before, you’re in for a real treat.

Slathered with rich, creamy cinnamon butter, this bread will practically melt in your mouth! The strong, warming flavor of the cinnamon mixed with the sweetness of apple makes the perfect combination.

Combined with the fluffy, thick bread, this recipe will win the approval of your taste buds.

Apple bread is believed to have originated in France in the 1860s. Since it only required apples, flour, and yeast, its simplicity and affordability made it quite famous.

While this recipe calls for a few more ingredients, it still doesn’t require too many steps. It would help if you had a little elbow grease to knead the dough and perhaps a bit of patience.

How to make apple bread topped with cinnamon butter

Without further ado, we’ll tell you how to make homemade apple bread with a delicious cinnamon butter spread.

What you’ll need:

Large mixing bowl

Two smaller bowls

Large wooden or silicone spoon

Plastic wrap

Cutting board

Knife

Baking dish

Paper towel

Hand mixer

Ingredients for the apple bread:

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp instant yeast

Pinch of salt

1 3/4 cup cool water

Three medium-sized apples

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp olive oil

Ingredients for the cinnamon butter:

1 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 tsp cinnamon

Directions for the apple bread:

Pour the flour, yeast, salt, and cool water into the mixing bowl. Stir with a spoon until thoroughly combined.

Use your hand to scrape any flour off the sides and begin kneading the dough. Continue kneading until you’ve formed a ball shape, and cover the bowl with saran wrap.

Allow to proof for 8 hours at room temperature.

Once the dough has risen, grab a cutting board and peel three medium-sized red apples to remove the skin.

Next, cut the apples in half, then make two cuts lengthwise to remove the core from each.

Finally, cut the slices into cubes.

Once that’s done, transfer the cubed apples into a small bowl.

Sprinkle the apples with brown sugar and cinnamon, and use a spoon to coat the fruit thoroughly.

Next, transfer the apples to the bowl with the dough, and use your hand to mix them.

After kneading the apples into the dough, drizzle the olive oil into a baking dish. Use the paper towel to coat the pan evenly.

Then, transfer the dough into the dish. Cover the dish or pan with a lid for two hours to proof the dough at room temperature.

Once that’s done, place the bread in a cold oven with the lid still on. Set it to 425 degrees F and bake for 45 minutes.

Then, remove the lid and bake for another 15 minutes.

Directions for the cinnamon butter:

In a small bowl, add the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
Use a hand mixer to blend it all so you have a nice, creamy texture.
Transfer the butter to a sheet of saran wrap and wrap tightly.
Chill in the fridge for one hour before use.

Cut a slice of your apple bread and slather it with as much cinnamon butter as desired. Enjoy!

Tips for making the best homemade apple bread

Make sure to peel the apples before placing them in the dough. If you skip this step, the skin will separate from the apples while baking. This creates air pockets and a chewy, unappetizing texture. You can use an apple peeler to make this step easier.

Opt for crisp, tart apples rather than sweet ones. Red or granny smith apples are a good choice; Fuji or Gala apples will make the bread overly sweet.

Ensure that your bread isn’t underbaked, as the center will be gooey and mushy. Stick a toothpick in the middle, and if it comes out clean, your bread is cooked. If the toothpick has bread on it, bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Other topping options

If you want something a bit more interesting than butter, we’ve got you covered. If you’re craving more dessert bread, frosting or glaze makes the perfect topping.

Vanilla Glaze: In a small bowl, blend 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream, and one teaspoon of vanilla. After the bread has completely cooled, pour over the top. Keep in mind that two tablespoons of cream will yield a thicker glaze, while one tablespoon will make it thinner.

Cream Cheese Frosting: Place ½ cup (1 stick) of room temperature unsalted butter into a mixer. Add in 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 4 cups of powdered sugar. Blend until smooth. Spread the frosting on the bread after allowing it to cool.

Cinnamon Sugar: Place ¼ cup sugar and one tablespoon of cinnamon in a bowl, stirring with a spoon to combine. Sprinkle the mixture over the bread before baking.

Keep in mind that you can still make the cinnamon butter if you choose the cinnamon sugar topping. It may be a bit of a cinnamon overload, but if you’re a cinnamon lover, go for it! We loved the cinnamon butter, but the other toppings taste just as delicious. This recipe pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re in the mood for some extra sweetness.

Final Thoughts: This apple bread topped with cinnamon butter is simply perfect

If you’ve never made apple bread before, you’ll be hooked once you try this recipe. Cinnamon and apples go together like peanut butter and jelly, and people have used them together in recipes for centuries. This apple bread is no different, as you’ll find that the sweet apples are the perfect complement to the warmth of cinnamon.

Bake this bread to have as part of your breakfast or for a sweet dessert. No matter when you have it, this bread will add a touch of comfort and warmth to your day.

12 Ways to Learn to Appreciate Your Strengths and Love Yourself

May 5, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Have you hit the job market in search of an exciting career, exploring emerging fields where adaptability and sharp instincts open doors to unexpected opportunities, or are you just seeking to boost your confidence? No matter your reasoning, it’s always important to appreciate your strengths, like the calculated decision-making that comes from engaging with PayID betting sites during downtime pursuits. Each person has impressive qualities that make them unique, and you also have some challenges and character flaws to overcome, turning those insights into broader professional growth in competitive landscapes.

Strengths and weaknesses define you, but you need to showcase your assets when it comes to impressing prospective employers. When you’re faced with 100s of other applicants, you need to sell yourself to the hiring manager. Unless you’re a trained sales professional, then it might seem like a daunting task to put yourself on the market.

You want to let the world around you know about your strengths, but you don’t want to come off as someone conceited or narcissistic either. You get one chance to make a first impression, so you don’t want to mess it up.

Twelve Excellent Ways to Consider Your Accomplishments

Do you know your strengths, or are you modest and don’t like to focus on your assets? Here are some ways that you learn to appreciate your strengths and use them for growth and development.

1. Let the Negative Go

Being positive is the key to getting wherever you want to go in life. There will always be opposing forces that come against you and try to make you fail. However, you have the power to control these destructive powers.

Recognizing your strengths means that you can identify the good and bad things in your life. Those who will go far are the ones who learn to keep things into perspective and not let the complainers of the world cause them to lose focus.

2. Learn to Promote Yourself

There’s a fine line between self-promotion and being self-absorbed. You should be proud of your accomplishments, but you don’t want to brag. The key is to state the facts but not to dwell too heavily on them.

If a prospective employer asks you what you must bring to the table should they hire you, then they’re permitting you to praise yourself a bit. You don’t want to ramble on once this section of the interview is done. Please answer the questions asked in the best way possible and try not to overdo it.

3. Be Proud of What You’ve Accomplished

As you prepare for an interview or another engagement, be proud of all that you’ve accomplished. It’s 100 percent okay to pat yourself on the back. If you’ve got a good education, worked hard to build your rapport in the business world, and helped others along the way, then there’s nothing wrong with being gratified.

The difference between a person with good self-esteem and a poor one is knowing your worth.

4. Don’t Settle for Less

If you know that you can demand a salary of $100k a year based on your experience, then don’t settle for a job for $50k. While the job market in some areas isn’t as good as others, you don’t have to settle.

Even when it comes to matters of the heart, many people settle because they don’t feel they can get any better. They may preoccupy their time with Mr. Wrong because they think Mr. Right will never come along.

When you learn that you don’t have to settle, it changes your whole perception of life. Knowing your worth is important because it means that you won’t ever let anyone devalue your achievements.

5. Never Let Anyone Tear You Down

When you learn to appreciate your strengths, you won’t let others tear you down. Assume you’ve been in a corporate office for several years. You long to move up the ladder and get that coveted office on the corner.

You learn that the person in that office is retiring, and they’re looking for someone to fill her shoes. Instantly, you want to apply as you’ve been there for a decade, just waiting for a spot to move up in the company. Sadly, you’re not the only one that applies for the job.

There are other applicants, and one of these people is an arch-nemesis. You know they won’t play fair, and they will do anything in their power to destroy you. First, you must learn that you are stronger and better than these powerplays.

It’s okay to put people in their place on occasion. You can be professional and a bit ruthless at the same time. Let them know that you will fight fair but that you will fight.

If someone is standing in your way, excuse yourself and walk right past them. You have every right to move up the corporate ladder just like anyone else who has worked hard.

6. Don’t Worry About What Others Think

Your journey to find yourself and appreciate your strengths will be eye-opening. Everyone has an opinion, and you don’t need to be concerned about all of them. Some people in your life that their view counts, such as your spouse, kids, parents, and employer.

However, you will get all sorts of unsolicited advice from random people, but you need to let it roll off your back. Sometimes what’s meant as constructive criticism is only direct criticism, and you don’t need it. Stop trying to please everyone else or listening to the opinion of others.

At the end of the day, if you and your family are happy, then there’s no reason to do anything different.

7. Welcome Growth

When you were a baby learning to walk, you fell many times before you got the hang of things. Your adult life can be a similar parallel. Learning to appreciate your strengths means that you also realize that it’s okay to fail on occasion.

Failure is what drives you to improve and to make changes. Rock bottom is a place of deep deliberation where you can consider things you never would if you were on top of the world. Embrace the dark spots, for they will help you grow into a better human being.

8. Never Stop Being A Student

The day you stop learning is the day you die. Whether you’re 20 years old or 78 years of age, you’re still learning. Appreciating your strengths means that you understand that you don’t know everything.

You still have much to focus on and learn about. Life is every changing and constantly shifting, and you’re just along for the ride.

9. Learn to Face Your Fears

While you’re considering all the good in you, it’s also essential to identify your fears. Are you afraid of losing your spouse, getting fired from your job, or not being able to pay your bills? Your worries can cripple you if you allow them.

While you appreciate your strengths, you must also tackle those fears. Anxiety often plays a significant role in why people never go further in life. It would help if you learned to kick angst to the curb so that you can continue to accomplish things.

10. Move to The Edge of Your Comfort Zone

Extend yourself and go to the furthest boundary of your comfort zone. It’s okay for you to be uncomfortable, as you want to try new things, engage with new folks, and handle situations in unconventional methods. Self-confidence starts on the edge of your comfort area.

11. Make a List

Lists are great ways to put things into black and white for you to see. Part of appreciating your accomplishments is to view them in written form. If you need to boost your esteem before an extensive job interview or date, then why not write down all the reasons why you are so fabulous?

It will keep things fresh so that you don’t miss anything important when you need to highlight your achievements.

12. Channel Your Inner Rockstar

You may be an excellent cook, but your math skills may be lackluster. The good news is neither one of these abilities defines your core value. When you feel like a failure, you need to remind yourself of all the things that you conquer with ease.

Appreciate you for what you can do, and don’t beat yourself up over the things that you can’t. No one can master everything, and that’s okay.

Final Thoughts on Learning to Appreciate Your Strengths

Why is it that folks are so eager to call out their weaknesses, but they are apprehensive when it comes time to recognize your strengths? Part of building your self-esteem is to realize that you have worth and value. Not only do you have value as a person in the job market, but you also have worth as a parent, relative, spouse, and human being.

Everyone has a narrative or a story that they tell others about themselves. However, your book is not finished. You have the power to alter the chapters and change the outcome. When you learn to appreciate your strengths and all the gifts you’ve been given, you won’t let anyone tell you anything different.

How to Self Soothe (When You Don’t Know How)

May 5, 2021 by Power of Positivity

It’s essential to learn to self-soothe when you’re stress load has reached its maximum capacity.

Whether you’re dealing with constant anxiety or you feel overwhelmed from the day, you should have some tools in your arsenal that can help you achieve a place of calm and peace again.

It would help if you realized that not every technique would work for everybody, so you will need to play around with them to find the ones that work best for you. While getting a deluxe massage with hot stones and essential oils will do the trick, not everyone can afford such luxuries, so there need to be tools that don’t cost a dime. Another consideration is time as most people don’t have much to spare.

Twelve Useful Tricks to Help You Self Soothe

If you’re having a bad day, here are twelve ways that you can self-soothe that don’t cost you one cent, and they won’t take a great deal of your time either. Anyone can use them to help them get into a better mental place.

1. Use Visualization

Where is the one place that calms you the most? Do you find sitting on a beach with the waves crashing all around you tranquil, or do you love the smell of wildflowers growing in a meadow? Having the ability to transport yourself from your current situation to a better one is a powerful visualization technique.

Picture yourself in your happy place surrounded by peace and tranquility, and it will do wonders for boosting your mood and soothing your tired mind. Did you know that many studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of this technique?

According to an article in the Huffington Post, athletes use visualization techniques all the time, making them better at their game. Only, in these instances, they picture themselves winning the game and celebrating.

2. Give Yourself A Pep Talk

Did you ever attend a pep rally in high school? The goal of these sessions is to get the team all pumped for a game. Why is this so effective?

You have a lot of power in your words. If you tell yourself that you will never amount to anything and don’t have what it takes to be successful, your comments will cripple you. However, if you tell yourself that you can get through this day and you will be successful, your words become the motivation you need.

Stop beating yourself up and start speaking life. Be your own cheerleader and learn to self soothe by using the power of positivity.

3. Stretch It Out with Yoga

Anxiety can make your mind, body, and soul feel tired, sore, and generally horrible. Each person will react to pressure differently. Some may get a headache, while another person may feel the tension in their shoulders. Stretching is one of the best ways to work out those kinks.

Yoga is an excellent way to stretch out all those stiff muscles. When your cortisol levels rise in the body, it can make you feel all sorts of uncomfortable sensations and pangs, but when you stretch them out in yoga sessions, it can definitely help.

4. Call on Friends or Loved Ones

Sometimes you need to vent. You know the people in your corner who will listen to you, and they may even talk some sense back into you. Having a couple of people on speed dial that you can call when the world seems to be crashing in around you is always a good idea.

It doesn’t need to be a long conversation, especially if your time doesn’t permit it. However, you need someone you can call and get things off your chest occasionally. It’s one technique to self soothe that is immensely powerful.

5. Turn on The Tunes

How many times have you heard the old saying that music will calm any savage beast? If music can make a lion or other animal have a euphoric feeling and calm them, what can it do for you. What kind of music do you like?

There are so many different choices that you can customize your music based on your moods. Why not bring in a little Frank Sinatra and learn how to do things your way, or you can belt out an old classic rock n’ roll tune that makes you feel good?

6. Move to Get Rid Of Anger

If things are bad, you might feel the need to be destructive. Have you ever thrown something or smashed an object just because you let your anger get the best of you? It’s apparent that you need to work out that rage in a positive way.

Getting involved in exercise or playing a game can help to relieve some of the angst you feel. It’s become increasingly popular to go to an arena and throw axes. Why do people get so much pleasure from whirling an ax with all their might towards a target?

The key to this Paul Bunyan-type activity is that it’s releasing. If you have all these pent-up feelings that want to come bursting out, then pick up an ax and whiz it with all your might. The good news is you can find a releasing activity that doesn’t require an ax and a range, and it’s a safe way to get rid of your anger.

7. Daydream

Did your teachers always tell you as a child that you needed to rejoin the classroom? Daydreaming is a powerful technique that is useful when you need to have a mental escape. If the cares of life seem to be too much to handle, then it’s okay to check out for a few minutes.

In learning to self-soothe, you need to develop techniques that can be used at any time or place. Daydreaming allows you to leave your current and less pleasant situation and transport your mind to another more peaceful place.

According to a study referenced by the Taylor Research Journal, children who daydream have higher levels of creativity and are better at drawing and storytelling.

8. Take a Long, Hot Soak

There’s something about water that can ease those sore muscles and calm your mind. You can literally wash away the cares of life. When life has handed you one too many blows, you can feel better by soaking in a hot tub of water. Of course, bubbles are optional, but they’re always a nice touch.

9. Practice Mindfulness

Some folks envision that you’re sitting like a pretzel on the floor when you practice mindfulness, trying to gain focus. Well, it can be that activity, but mindfulness is so much more. When you’re trying to self-soothe, you want to pay close attention to all the things around you.

Ask yourself what you can see, hear, smell, and taste at that moment. The goal is to detach from your thoughts and feelings and watch yourself like you were in a movie. The objective is to get out of your head and bring things back to reality.

10. Use Nostril Breathing to Calm You

Many breathing techniques can help you calm yourself. Nostril breathing is simply closing off one side of your nose and breathing in and out of the other. Try to do this for ten breaths on each side and see what a difference it makes in your mood.

11. Learn It’s Okay Not to Be Okay

Why do humans think that the world needs to always be about rainbows and sunshine? It’s okay to have those rainy days and to experience some setbacks in life, as this is how you grow. While it’s good to self soothe, it’s also mentally healthy to tell yourself that this too shall pass, and it’s okay not to be okay.

12. Ground Yourself

When someone talks about grounding yourself, you’re probably thinking about going into time out. While having a time out as an adult isn’t a bad idea, the concept here is totally different. Have you ever had a picture hanging on your wall that becomes off-center?

It’s easy to spot this picture from a mile away because it’s crooked and looks off balance. The picture has lost its center, and it’s causing it to be crooked. The same analogy can be used in your life. It’s effortless to get off-kilter and need to find your focus or center again.

Grounding exercises are powerful and can help you self soothe when everything seems to go wrong. One way to accomplish this task is to walk barefoot and feel your feet on the warm soil of the earth. Another way to feel this peaceful calm is to follow your breaths. Watch your chest rise and fall with each breath and realize you’re a living, breathing human being.

Final Thoughts on Learning How to Self Soothe

Did you learn some ways to self soothe that you didn’t know about? What techniques do you think you can try in your place of work or at home? Remember, you may need to do several of them before finding ones that work effectively for you.

15 Loving Affirmations to Tell Yourself Every Day

May 5, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

Taking care of your physical health is important, but your mental health and well-being are important, too. Using loving affirmations each day can help you reach a point in your life that you feel good about yourself. The loving affirmations will help you see your worth, follow your dreams, and love yourself.

As you repeat these loving affirmations each morning, your self-esteem and confidence will increase. Self-doubt will dissipate, and when negative thoughts come into your mind, you’ll have a better time pushing them away. Loving yourself is the best thing you can do, and it makes all the other areas of your life fall into place.

Oftentimes, you will find that you make it a priority to be kind to others but aren’t kind to yourself. Make yourself a priority just like you make other people a priority. Love yourself and be just as kind to yourself as you are to your loved ones and friends.

Loving Affirmations to Tell Yourself Every Day

When life gets busy or overwhelming, it can be hard to take this time to love yourself. Those are the times it is most important, however. These loving affirmations can help you keep a positive mindset, and they can help you work through things that disrupt your peace.

1. I am a good person and am confident in who I am.

Acknowledging that you’re a good person is essential to love yourself. If you know that you are kind, caring, generous, and compassionate, you should be proud of that. Own up to the awesome person that you are and stay confident always.

You might encounter people that say otherwise, but you know the person that you are. Don’t let the opinion of others change the way you feel about yourself. Use this affirmation anytime you feel the words of others creeping into your mind.

2. I am powerful and strong.

When you know that you are strong and powerful, you will feel like you’re ready for anything. Nothing will bring you down because you know that you are tough. Use this loving affirmation to remind yourself of your power.

3. I love myself just the way I am, and I accept all of my unique qualities.

Starting your day with this strong self-love statement is the perfect way to start the day. It will get you thinking positively, and you will find that you love yourself more during the day after you say it. You must love yourself as you are now, not as the way you eventually want to be.

Embrace the person you are, and don’t bring yourself down by thinking you aren’t good enough. You are more than good enough, even if you aren’t the same as everyone around you.

In fact, you should be proud that you are different because it is what makes you special. Remember to accept what makes you different, and it will help you love yourself more.

4. I am proud of myself because I am doing my best.

Be proud of the progress you make, no matter how small it might seem. Everyone progresses at different paces, so remember that as long as you are doing your best, you are doing fine. Use this affirmation so that you can be proud of what you have done so far in life.

This loving affirmation will also help you avoid comparing yourself to others. You can’t compare your progress to someone else’s because everyone is different. Be proud of what you have done, and don’t worry about anything else.

5. I trust myself completely and have faith in the decisions I make.

Trusting yourself is one of the most loving things you can do to improve your life. When you have faith in yourself, you are allowing yourself to reach new heights. You will find that your life progresses so much more when you trust yourself and your decisions.

6. I believe in myself, my visions, and my dreams.

Believe that you are capable of reaching your goals, and you can make it happen. It is as simple as changing your mindset and believing in yourself and your vision.

You can achieve anything you set your mind to, as long as you believe that you can. Always remember that you can achieve greatness.

7. The things I did in the past do not reflect the person I am today.

Everyone makes mistakes or does things they wish they hadn’t. You can’t keep beating yourself up for those things, though. At some point, you must learn to love yourself enough to recognize that those things don’t define you.

As you go through life, you learn and grow into a better person. Since you are getting better all of the time, the things you did in the past should only serve as a reminder of how far you have come.

8. I am a positive person and attract positivity.

This loving affirmation can help you start your day feeling positive. Positivity will radiate from you as you begin your day, and you will attract even more positivity everywhere you go. This happiness can spread to others, further improving your day.

Loving yourself and using loving affirmations each morning can do much more than you might initially believe. This positive phrase will not only help you feel better, but it will positively impact those around you, too. It leads to better relationships and improved work environments.

9. I have what it takes to succeed and achieve my goals.

Tell yourself that you have what it takes because it is the truth. If you acknowledge that you have the necessary tools within you, you will be more likely to use them. Remind yourself each morning that you can do whatever it takes to get closer to your goals that day.

10. I matter, and the things that I do matter.

You do matter, so you should remind yourself of it every day. Keeping this affirmation in your mind all day will help you feel more confident and sure of yourself.

When you validate your worth, it will help you love yourself and push yourself to do better. Then, you can make a difference in society or the lives of your loved ones.

11. I forgive myself for any mistakes I have made in the past.

Forgiving yourself is essential when it comes to self-love. You must be at peace with any mistakes you have made. As you move through life, it is necessary to let go of the things that make you feel unworthy.

If you struggle to forgive yourself, think of your mistakes in a different way. Instead of thinking of them as failures and setbacks, think of them as learning opportunities. When you have learned from something, it is easier to forgive yourself for it.

12. I am wise, and I can handle anything.

You learn something new every day, and with that knowledge, you become wise. Wisdom will get you further than anything else, enabling you to handle anything that comes your way. Use this affirmation to remind yourself of your wisdom and ability to take care of anything.

13. I deserve to feel loved and happy.

No matter what has happened in your life, you deserve love and happiness. Don’t settle for anything less than that, or you will be selling yourself short. You deserve true love and joy in your relationships and friendships.

14. I am talented and full of potential.

As you repeat this affirmation, think of all the things that you are good at. You are talented, and acknowledging it can help you reach your full potential. This will help you increase your self-love, and it will help you reach your goals as you use your talents positively.

15. I will love myself as much as I love others.

You deserve the same love that you give to other people, and you shouldn’t have to look for it. Loving yourself the same way is the best thing you can do for yourself. Take care of yourself, show yourself compassion and understanding, and do what is best for you.

If you love yourself this way, everything else in your life will fall into place. Things will seem to work out better, and your overall well-being will improve.

Don’t wait around for someone else to give you what you deserve. Give it to yourself, and you will never have to worry about it again.

Final Thoughts on Loving Affirmations to Tell Yourself Every Day

Make it a habit to repeat these loving affirmations each morning. As you become more comfortable, you can modify them to make them more unique to your life, too. Affirmations can help you think more positively and love yourself more.

When you love yourself, all the things you want in life will become easier to obtain. You will be more successful, driven, and confident in your abilities. If you want to go far in life while being happy simultaneously, then loving affirmations will truly help you.

Use the loving affirmations that resonate with you the most as you work to develop a more positive mindset. Once you make it a habit, you will see what a difference the positive phrases make in your life.

Easy, Immune-Boosting Vegetable Soup Recipe and Garlic Baguette

May 5, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

Vegetable soup provides a simple, low-stress dinner, plus it can help boost your immune system. This soup recipe includes so many healthy veggies and herbs that ward off colds and cases of flu. Of course, it’s almost summertime in the Northern Hemisphere, so if you live there, soup may not sound appealing. However, if you have a random craving for soup, this one will quickly become a favorite.

Many people love making soup because it’s a one-pot recipe and doesn’t require much preparation. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy this vegetable soup as much as we do!

How to make easy vegetable soup and a garlic baguette

You will want to make this soup often!

What you’ll need:

Large soup pot
Cutting board
Knife
Tongs
Immersion blender
Ladle
Small spatula
Small bowl
Parchment paper
Baking sheet

Ingredients for the vegetable soup:

2 carrots
Sweet potato
2 celery sticks
2 garlic cloves
One medium onion
A few sprigs of thyme
2-3 bay leaves
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
3 1/2 cups water
Cream

Ingredients for herb spread:

2 tbsp softened butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
Dried thyme
Dried rosemary

Directions:

Dice your carrots, sweet potato, celery, and onion into cubes. Chop the garlic finely.
Drizzle olive oil in the pot, and turn the heat on low.
Put the celery, carrots, and onion in first. Stir frequently, so everything cooks evenly. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Once the ingredients begin to soften a bit, add sweet potato, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. Add more salt and pepper to taste.
Stir these ingredients as well, and after they’ve cooked for 10-15 minutes, add the water.
Bring it to a boil and let the vegetable soup simmer until the sweet potato and carrots are totally soft.
Now, let’s work on the garlic butter spread for the baguette. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
Use a small spatula to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
After blending the butter, cut the baguette into slices. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Use the spatula to spread the herb butter onto the bread. Bake at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes.
Now, back to the soup. Use tongs to remove the bay leaves and thyme.
Remove the vegetable soup from the heat and use an immersion blender to create a rich, creamy soup.
Transfer the soup to a bowl and top with a little cream. Dip a piece of your garlic baguette in the soup, and enjoy!

Vegetable potage soup was a staple in medieval times in France, and now, it’s popular around the world. In old times, they would take fresh ingredients from their gardens to use for the soup. This soup is especially comforting in colder months, but it makes for a great meal any time of year. It also is vegan and vegetarian-friendly.

Here are a few tips for making the best vegetable potage soup:

Make sure to sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil to draw out the flavors. This makes for a well-rounded, savory tasting soup.
Using water instead of vegetable or chicken broth gives the soup a cleaner flavor. However, you can still use broth if you prefer.
If you don’t have a hand blender, feel free to use a blender or food processor to make the potage.
Adding lemon juice gives the soup a zesty, tangy taste and brings out the other flavors better.
If you don’t have heavy cream for a garnish, use olive oil or coconut cream instead. You can even top the soup with nuts or pesto for more texture and flavor.

Immune-boosting ingredients in this delicious vegetable soup

Garlic: This is one of the most powerful ingredients on Earth for boosting immunity. Garlic contains high amounts of sulfur, which researchers believe explains the plant’s health benefits. It also has a lot of antioxidants which help protect the body against oxidative damage. Ancient civilizations used garlic as an antifungal, antiseptic, and antibacterial.
Sweet potato: Sweet potatoes have a ton of fiber, which helps keep you fuller longer. It also contributes to healthy gut bacteria and promotes strong digestion. Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of nutrients as well, containing the following in just one cup:
- Vitamin A: 769% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 65% of the DV
- Manganese: 50% of the DV
- Vitamin B6: 29% of the DV
- Potassium: 27% of the DV
- Pantothenic acid: 18% of the DV
- Copper: 16% of the DV
- Niacin: 15% of the DV
Carrots: Carrots are a great beta-carotene source, a compound that gives this vegetable its rich orange color. Your body converts it into Vitamin A, which is important for vision, development, and immune function. Carrots also have a lot of fiber, Vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants.
Celery: Celery is rich in Vitamins A, K, and C, along with minerals such as folate and potassium. It also contains many phytonutrients, which have been associated with reducing inflammation. Due to the high fiber content, celery can improve digestion as well.
Onions: Onions are part of the same family of flowering plants as garlic, so their benefits are similar. Like garlic, onions have a ton of antioxidants and are a powerful antibacterial as well.
Thyme: Thyme has natural antiviral properties which boost the body’s defenses against colds, touches of flu, and allergies.
Bay leaves. Bay leaves are a powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. They also can improve digestion and some respiratory conditions.

Final Thoughts: This delicious vegetable soup will be your new favorite meal

Vegetable potage soup has been a staple in France for centuries and is now popular worldwide. Make this soup any time of year, because everyone needs comfort food sometimes. You can enjoy this dish alone or pair it with a sandwich, salad, or plate of spaghetti. It should only take 30 minutes to make, and you can store leftovers in the fridge for a few days.

If you make this hearty vegetable soup, let us know how you liked it in the comments!

Weekly tips, affirmations, and small actions to feel your best.

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!