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Butternut Squash & Apple Soup

Here's a simple and delicious recipe for Butternut Squash and Apple Soup: Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cubed) 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and chopped; use a tart variety like Granny Smith) 1 medium onion (chopped) 2 cloves garlic (minced) 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth) 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup coconut milk or heavy cream (optional for creaminess) Fresh herbs (like thyme or sage) for garnish (optional) Instructions: Prepare the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the squash and apples: Add the butternut squash and apples to the pot. Stir to combine. Season: Sprinkle in the ground ginger,...

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Staying Active During Winter: Workout Ideas to Keep You Moving

Staying Active During Winter: Workout Ideas to Keep You Moving Winter can often tempt us to stay indoors and cozy up under a blanket, but staying active during the colder months is essential for maintaining energy, improving mood, and boosting immunity. Regular exercise can also help combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and keep you feeling your best throughout the season. Here are some winter workout ideas to keep your routine exciting and effective, no matter the weather. 1. Embrace the Outdoors While it may seem counterintuitive, outdoor workouts in winter can be invigorating and refreshing. Bundle up in layers, and try these activities: Winter Hiking: With proper footwear and gear, hiking through snowy trails can be both peaceful and physically demanding. Ice Skating: A fun and effective way to improve...

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Winter Ailments: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself

Winter is a season that often brings an increase in illnesses like colds, flu, and sore throats. The chilly weather, combined with spending more time indoors, creates the perfect environment for germs to spread. If you find yourself feeling under the weather, here are some simple yet effective tips to help you recover and stay as comfortable as possible: Stay Hydrated Drinking plenty of fluids is essential when you’re sick. Water, herbal teas, and broths can help soothe a sore throat and keep your body hydrated. Avoid caffeinated and sugary drinks, which can dehydrate you. Get Plenty of Rest Your body needs extra energy to fight off illness, so prioritize rest. Aim to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night and take naps during the...

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Beating the Holiday Blues

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. But for many, it can also be a source of stress, sadness, and loneliness. If you’re feeling more overwhelmed than festive this December, you’re not alone. The "holiday blues" are a real phenomenon, and there are ways to manage and overcome them. Here are some tips to help you stay mentally healthy this holiday season. Set Realistic Expectations The holidays don’t have to be perfect, nor do they need to look like a Hallmark movie. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on enjoying the moments that matter. Let go of pressure to meet unrealistic expectations, whether they come from social media, family traditions, or your own internal goals. Prioritize Self-Care Amid the hustle and bustle,...

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Holiday Office Hours + Closures

Wednesday, November 27: Open 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving): Closed Friday, November 29: Closed Tuesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve): Open 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM Wednesday, December 25 (Christmas Day): Closed Tuesday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve): Open 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM Wednesday, January 1 (New Year’s Day): Closed ...

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Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto

Servings: 4Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 35 minutes Ingredients: 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced (about 2 cups) 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp butter 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup Arborio rice 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, or substitute with extra broth) 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock, warmed 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tbsp fresh sage leaves, chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage) Salt and pepper to taste Optional garnish: crispy fried sage leaves Instructions: Roast the Squash:Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. Prepare the Risotto Base:In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about...

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Fall and Mental Health: Navigating the Season’s Changes

Even though October isn’t officially recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s an ideal time to focus on mental well-being. With the holidays approaching and the days growing shorter, taking steps to maintain and enhance mental health is crucial. Below are some key areas to consider this fall. 1. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) One of the most common mental health challenges people face in the fall is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). As daylight hours decrease, some individuals experience a drop in mood, energy levels, and motivation. The lack of sunlight affects the body’s circadian rhythm and serotonin levels, which can contribute to feelings of sadness, fatigue, and a loss of interest in daily activities. Tips for Managing SAD: Light Therapy: Exposure to natural light or a light therapy box...

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Cool Weather Gardening

September is a great time for gardening in North Carolina as the cooler weather sets in and the fall planting season begins. Here are some tips for what to focus on in your garden: What to Plant: Cool-season vegetables: Start planting fall crops like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, spinach, lettuce, radishes, and carrots. These thrive in cooler temperatures. Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, and chives can be planted in September for a fall harvest. Flower bulbs: Prepare for spring blooms by planting bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses. Cover crops: Plant cover crops like clover or rye to enrich the soil over winter and prevent erosion. Garden Care: Mulch: Apply mulch around plants to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature as temperatures fluctuate. Watering: Keep up with regular watering, especially during dry periods, to...

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Healthy Pumpkin Spice Granola

2 ½ cups rolled oats ½ cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened) ¼ cup maple syrup or honey ¼ cup coconut oil (melted) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice 1 teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, or walnuts) ¼ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds) ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional) 2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional for extra fiber) Instructions: Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Add the dry ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the oats, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, salt, chopped nuts, pepitas, and chia seeds (if using). Stir well until all the ingredients are...

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Stress Management

Understanding Stress and Effective Stress Management Strategies Introduction Stress is an inevitable part of life, often triggered by various demands or challenges, whether they stem from work, relationships, or personal aspirations. While a certain level of stress can be motivating, chronic or excessive stress can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical health. Therefore, managing stress effectively is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. What is Stress? Stress is the body's natural response to perceived threats or challenges. When you encounter a stressful situation, your body undergoes a series of reactions, known as the "fight-or-flight" response. This includes the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare the body to face the challenge. However, when stress becomes prolonged, it can lead to a range of health issues,...

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