Daily anagram challenge! Sharpen your brain with today’s anagram puzzle. Unscramble the letters to reveal the hidden word or phrase, and submit your answer to see if you’re correct. Happy puzzling!
Today’s Anagram:
Month: December 2024
Who Would You Choose?
A fun conversation I like to have with friends is to ask the following question, “If you could have lunch with any person in the world who that be? The followup question is, Why did you choose this person?” The answers tell you a lot about the person answering the question. Who did you choose? Why did you choose this person? What did it tell you about yourself? I can think of three people I’d like to have lunch with: Lady Gaga, Jerry Seinfeld, and Jim Gaffigan.
Anagram Challenge
Daily anagram challenge! Sharpen your brain with today’s anagram puzzle. Unscramble the letters to reveal the hidden word or phrase, and submit your answer to see if you’re correct. Happy puzzling!
Today’s Anagram:
Act As If To Make It So
“Actions seems to follow feeling, but really actions and feeling go together; and by regulating the action, which is under the more direct control of the will, we can indirectly regulate the feeling, which is not. Thus the sovereign voluntary path to cheerfulness, if our cheerfulness be lost, is to sit up cheerfully and to act and speak as if cheerfulness were already there.” ― William James
Love Among the Birds ~ A Poem by William Craft
Love Among the Birds
William Craft
Love stray’d into an aviary,
For Love is fond of melody;
They brought him out the birds to see,
That Love might choose for you and me.
A mocking bird at first they bring,
The harlequin of birds that sing;
But counterfeits will ne’er agree,
So said Love, with you and me.
The lark his early summons gave,
That wakes to toil the peasant slave;
But morning dreams before him flee;
‘Twon’t do, said Love, to you and me.
The humming bird, with dancing wing,
Essay’d to flutter and to sing;
He looks too like Inconstancy,
‘Twon’t do, said Love, for you and me.
They bring him next a turtle dove,
The bird of soul, the bird of love;
The dove, said Love, so fond and true,
Is just the thing for me and you.
A quill from his soft wing I drew,
These verses round his neck I threw;
Kiss the sweet herald, when you see,
And he will bring your kiss to me.
Healthy Foods & Recipes: Figs
4 Healthy Reasons to Include Figs in Your Diet
- Rich in Antioxidants for Cellular Protection
Figs are loaded with antioxidants, especially polyphenols, which protect your cells from oxidative stress. These antioxidants combat free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. - Supports Digestive Health
Figs are high in dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and prevents constipation. The natural prebiotics in figs support a healthy gut microbiome, enhancing nutrient absorption and overall gut health. - Improves Bone Health
Figs are a good source of calcium, potassium, and magnesium, all essential minerals for strong bones and teeth. Regular consumption of figs may help prevent bone-related conditions like osteoporosis. - Supports Heart Health and Regulates Blood Pressure
Figs are rich in potassium, which helps balance sodium levels in the body, thereby reducing blood pressure. They also contain heart-healthy compounds like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support cardiovascular health.
Healthy Recipe Featuring Figs: Fig, Walnut, and Spinach Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 6 fresh figs (halved)
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or mixed greens)
- 1/4 cup walnuts (toasted)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional for a tangy flavor)
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional for added sweetness)
- 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 avocado (sliced)
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, add fresh spinach, thinly sliced red onions, and avocado slices.
- Toast the Walnuts: Lightly toast the walnuts in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Add Toppings: Place fresh fig halves on top of the salad. Add the toasted walnuts, crumbled feta, and pomegranate seeds for a pop of flavor and texture.
- Drizzle the Glaze: Finish by drizzling balsamic glaze over the entire salad.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately as a healthy lunch or light dinner.
This fig, walnut, and spinach salad is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy, offering a powerhouse of nutrients for heart health, digestive support, and bone strength.
4o
Great Healthy Tips: Don’t Fear Fats
Eat More Healthy Fats (Don’t Fear Fat) — Healthy fats (avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil) support brain health and heart health. Avoid trans fats found in processed foods.
I love healthy fats. My snacks are healthy fats. I keep bags of raw walnuts, raw pumpkins seed, and raw sunflower seeds on my kitchen counter. I’ll grab a helping a couple of times during the day. I like to buy the single serving guacamole tubs (six to a package). I put it on my dinner plate. I love the taste of olive oil. I buy raw, unfiltered, extra virgin olive oil from Sicily. It tastes wonderful. I put in on my salads and spritz it on veggies I’m tossing in air fryer or wok. I also take a full table spoon of my EVOO before I go to bed.
Healthy Foods & Recipes: Kiwis
4 Healthy Reasons to Include Kiwi in Your Diet
- Rich in Vitamin C for Immune Support
Kiwi is one of the most potent sources of vitamin C, even more than oranges! One kiwi contains about 79% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, which boosts immune function, supports healthy skin, and helps fight oxidative stress. - Promotes Digestive Health
Kiwi is packed with dietary fiber, which aids in healthy digestion and helps prevent constipation. It contains a natural enzyme called actinidin, which can improve protein digestion, making it a great addition to post-meal snacks. - Supports Heart Health
The antioxidants and polyphenols in kiwi help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. The potassium in kiwi also helps balance sodium levels, promoting better heart health. - Improves Sleep Quality
Studies have shown that eating kiwi before bed can improve sleep quality and duration. This is because kiwi contains antioxidants and serotonin, which promote a more restful night’s sleep.
How to Select the Best Kiwis at the Market
- Check the Firmness: Gently press the kiwi with your thumb. It should be slightly soft but not mushy. If it’s too firm, it may not be ripe yet, but you can let it ripen at home. If it’s too soft or has spots, it’s likely overripe.
- Look for Unblemished Skin: Select kiwis with smooth, unbroken skin. Avoid those with bruises, wrinkles, or blemishes.
- Size Matters: Larger kiwis tend to be juicier and sweeter, but smaller ones are often more concentrated in flavor. Choose according to your preference.
- Smell the Kiwi: Ripe kiwis have a light, fruity aroma. If you can’t smell anything, it may need more time to ripen. If it smells overly sweet or fermented, it’s likely overripe.
Healthy Recipe Featuring Kiwis: Kiwi Tropical Chia Pudding
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 2 ripe kiwis (peeled and sliced)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (optional for added protein)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup diced mango
- 1/4 cup diced pineapple
- 1 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chia Pudding: In a jar or bowl, combine chia seeds, almond milk, vanilla extract, and honey. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid.
- Prepare the Fruit: Dice the mango and pineapple. Peel and slice the kiwi into rounds.
- Assemble the Pudding: Once the chia pudding has thickened, layer it in a glass or bowl with Greek yogurt (optional), followed by mango, pineapple, and kiwi slices.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with shredded coconut for a tropical finish. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
This kiwi tropical chia pudding is a refreshing, protein-packed breakfast or snack that supports digestion, immunity, heart health, and better sleep!
Peace on Earth ~ A Poem by William Carlos Williams
Peace on Earth
William Carlos Williams
The Archer is wake!
The Swan is flying!
Gold against blue
An Arrow is lying.
There is hunting in heaven—
Sleep safe till tomorrow.
The Bears are abroad!
The Eagle is screaming!
Gold against blue
Their eyes are gleaming!
Sleep!
Sleep safe till tomorrow.
The Sisters lie
With their arms intertwining;
Gold against blue
Their hair is shining!
The Serpent writhes!
Orion is listening!
Gold against blue
His sword is glistening!
Sleep!
There is hunting in heaven—
Sleep safe till tomorrow.
Embrace New Beginnings
Don’t be afraid to start over again. This time, you’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience. ~ Stephen Hawking.
