How are you doing today? Me? I woke up excited to take on the day. And, I haven’t had my first cup of Joe. I’ve always been this way. I’ve no clue where it came from. I may have a gene that skipped a generation or two or perhaps there was a mutation while I was developing in my mom’s womb. It’s always go time for me. I’d probably be doing loops around planet Earth if my more calmer friends didn’t keep a tether attached to me. It’s good to have friends who create a balance for you. They serve as a mental check before we slip too far away.
Month: May 2025
Couch, Who? Test Your Fitness Smarts Before Your Next Snack Break
You say you want to be more active, but do you actually know what keeps the body running like a well-oiled (and slightly sweaty) machine? One of these answers is the odd one out—and no, sadly, scrolling on your phone doesn’t count as cardio.
Today’s Quote: The Secret to Perfect Vision
“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Shadows ~ A Poem by Djuna Barnes
Shadows
Djuna Barnes
A LITTLE trellis stood beside my head,
And all the tiny fruitage of its vine
Fashioned a shadowy cover to my bed,
And I was madly drunk on shadow wine!
A lily bell hung sidewise, leaning down,
And gowned me in a robe so light and long;
And so I dreamed, and drank, and slept, and heard
The lily’s song.
Lo, for a house, the shadow of the moon;
For golden money, all the daisy rings;
And for my love, the meadow at my side —
Thus tramps are kings!
Healthy Foods: Holy Guacachoke! The Humble Artichoke Just Got a Tex-Mex Makeover
Move over avocado—there’s a new green hero in town. The artichoke is more than a fancy appetizer from your aunt’s dinner party. It’s a nutrient-packed, gut-loving, heart-happy warrior—and today, we’re giving it a Tex-Mex twist so tasty you’ll forget it’s healthy.
🌱 4 Healthy Facts About Artichokes
- Liver Lover: Artichokes are loaded with silymarin and cynarin, compounds that support liver detoxification and bile production.
- Gut-Glorious Fiber: One medium artichoke packs about 7 grams of fiber, much of it as inulin, a prebiotic that feeds your good gut bacteria.
- Antioxidant Powerhouse: Believe it or not, artichokes are among the highest in antioxidants of all vegetables—beating out spinach and broccoli in some rankings.
- Heart Hero: Artichokes contain potassium and magnesium, two minerals that help regulate blood pressure and support cardiovascular health.
🌮 Tex-Mex Artichoke & Black Bean Enchiladas with Zesty Avocado Salsa
🛒 Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the enchiladas:
- 8 small corn or flaxseed tortillas
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (homemade or clean store-bought)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
For the avocado salsa:
- 1 ripe avocado
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 garlic clove
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp water (to thin)
🔥 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté the filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add onion and zucchini, cook for 3–4 minutes. Add artichokes, black beans, jalapeño, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Cook another 5 minutes until fragrant and warmed through.
- Assemble enchiladas: Lightly warm tortillas. Spoon in the filling, roll up, and place seam-side down in a lightly greased baking dish.
- Add sauce & bake: Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Make avocado salsa: Blend avocado, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt, and water until creamy.
- Serve: Drizzle enchiladas with avocado salsa and garnish with fresh cilantro. ¡Olé!
Healthy Tips: Thankful Thoughts = Better Zzz’s: Gratitude’s Gift of Sleep
Forget counting sheep. Count your blessings instead—turns out they’re better at putting you to sleep.
Healthy tip: Grateful people fall asleep faster, sleep longer, and wake up feeling more refreshed. Why? Because a mind focused on appreciation has less room for worry. Tonight, skip the midnight scroll and say thanks instead. Try this nightly ritual: as you settle into bed, say aloud or write down five things you’re thankful for that day. Let your mind rest on the good.
That’s a wrap for our gratitude tour! But wait—want to turn this into a month-long gratitude challenge? Come back tomorrow for a printable gratitude calendar.
Is It Time for an Attitude Check Up?
Attitude is defined as “a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior.” Our attitude is not fixed, we have within us the power to change our attitudes. Some attitudes are anchors and prevent us from being successful or enjoying life as fully as we can. Our attitude and behavior work together to create our lived experience.. Even our attitude toward others influences their behavior toward us. It’s not easy to change a disempowering attitude, it takes awareness, work, and the motivation that the change will bring beneficial results. Perhaps it’s time for an attitude checkup. Which attitudes are holding you back, which attitudes are empowering helping you to move forward.
Who Invited the Drama Llama? Spot the Impostor in the Emotional Intelligence Lineup
Emotional intelligence is what separates the zen masters from the meltdown specialists. But one of these choices just wandered into the room like it was auditioning for a reality show. Can you sniff out the trait that doesn’t belong on Team EQ?
Today’s Quote: Live and Work Passionately
“Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames” ― Rumi
Healthy Foods: Strawberry Fiesta: 4 Juicy Reasons to Love ’Em and a Tex-Mex Dish That’ll Blow Your Sombrero Off
Strawberries aren’t just cute—they’re little red powerhouses that fight inflammation, sweeten your taste buds, and play nice with your heart. And guess what? They just RSVP’d to your next Tex-Mex party. If you’ve never thought of strawberries and jalapeños as besties, buckle up. This post is about to change your fruity worldview.
🍓 Four Healthy Reasons to Eat Fresh Strawberries
1. Heart Hero:
Strawberries are loaded with anthocyanins, those heart-loving antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and lower your risk of heart disease. Think of them as tiny Cupid’s arrows for your arteries.
2. Vitamin C Surge:
Just eight strawberries give you more vitamin C than an orange. Your immune system called—it’s sending strawberries a thank-you note.
3. Blood Sugar Buddy:
Despite their sweetness, strawberries have a low glycemic index. They help regulate blood sugar, making them a safe treat even for those watching their glucose levels.
4. Brain Booster:
The flavonoids in strawberries may slow down age-related cognitive decline. So yes, eat strawberries and remember where you put your keys. ¡De nada!
🌮 Tex-Mex Strawberry Stunner:
Strawberry-Jalapeño Salsa over Grilled Avocado Tostadas
🥑 Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- ¼ red onion, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Pinch of sea salt
- 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
- 4 corn tostada shells (or baked corn tortillas)
- Optional: drizzle of agave nectar or sprinkle of chili-lime seasoning
🍴 Directions:
- Make the Strawberry-Jalapeño Salsa: Combine strawberries, jalapeño, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and salt in a bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes so the flavors become best friends.
- Grill the Avocados: Lightly oil the avocado halves and grill cut-side down for about 2–3 minutes until they get those irresistible grill marks.
- Assemble the Tostadas: Scoop grilled avocado flesh onto each tostada and gently mash. Top with a generous spoonful of strawberry salsa. Optional: drizzle with agave for a sweet-spicy finish or dust with chili-lime seasoning for an extra kick.
- Serve & Savor: Eat outside on your patio while pretending you’re a judge on a Tex-Mex cooking show. Bonus points if you sip something cold and citrusy.
