Curiosity Killed the Cat ...

 ... but not me!

About a week ago, hubby and I went for a walk after dinner.

There was nothing new about that,

but the builder in our neighborhood was having a grand opening of the new Model Home.

I love seeing the latest in home designs and decorations,

so I asked hubby if we could stop in.

We took a quick tour of what they were labeling "The Barbie Home."

As you can imagine, there was a lot of pink.

It was definitely not decorated to my liking.

But, as we left, they took my contact info.

Normally I would not share this,

but technically they already have it

and I have already purchased what they are selling.

Today they called and told me I had won a $50 Amazon card.

So curiosity may have killed the cat,

but a 5-minute self-guided tour made me a few dollars!

Sweetest Day - a "step" by "step" narrative

We don't always remember,

but this year we did.

We don't always celebrate,

but this year we did.

It really didn't look much different than any other day together,

but it is fun to give it a label.

Saturday was Sweetest Day.

Hubby and I enjoyed the day together.

We started with one single lap at our favorite park (just for a few steps).

Then we headed to the downtown area for the Harvest Festival.

We wandered a few craft booths,

enjoyed the fall decorations,

and mad our way up to our favorite Cafe.

We enjoyed a huge harvest bowl - 

quinoa, sweet potato, roast chicken, apples, cranberries, pumpkin seeds.

I think we could have split one, but we didn't realize how large they would be.

We wandered town for a few more steps,

and then because hubby was such a good sport about the festival,

I bought him an iced coffee at Dunkin Donuts.

With coffee in hand,

we went down the street to another local park to walk the Scarecrow Trail.

This was our second visit this year

and our third year to attend.

As we got back to the car ...

I hit 13,000 steps - my goal!

Now to head home to just relax.

Click.

Click.

Oops!  The battery was dead.

Firestone about 3/4 mile down the road - no battery in stock.

Discount tire about 1 mile - we don't stock batteries.

We decided to trek to Walmart to get the battery.

3 miles ... one way!

We got out battery

and after a long walk back (especially for the one carrying the battery)

we were up and running!

How many steps for the day?

Well, it was my record for the year 27,000!

What a blessing that it was a beautiful day!

What a blessing that we did not go dead in a more remote location!

What a blessing that our daily workouts made that jaunt seem feasible!

It wasn't the afternoon that we expected,

but we did enoy spending the WHOLE of Sweetest Day together

and creating a new, crazy memory.

Oh!  

And hubby is going to listen to that little voice that tells him 

we must be getting close to needing a new battery.  

The old one was 6 years old this month!

Time Away

 There is nothing like time away.

Time away from the regular work of the day

(for me that means no cooking!)

Time away from the work phone ringing.

Time to enjoy something new.

Almost 2 weeks ago,

hubby and I set out on a trip north for a family wedding.

This one was in Wisconsin,

so we decided to detour on the way into Chicago.

Since hubby had been in bootcamp in that area,

he wanted to return to the Aquarium located up there.

The setting was lovely.

The weather was lovely.

Of course, the aquarium was full of marvels of creation.

We tried something new and packed a very small lunch because we did not know how long the aquarium would take.

We each carried a tuna/quinoa salad, some apple sauce, crackers, some nuts, and 2 water bottles.

It was simple, but healthy and less expensive than the aquarium offered.

We had the morning free on the morning of the wedding.

Our airbnb wasn't as fabulous as the "wedding chapel" from last August in NY,

but it was right on a walking trail,

so we walked about 6 miles - a welcome stretch after sitting in the car.

We also found a fresh, healthy restaurant in our "back yard" and walked to lunch.

Fall is almost upon us and we are looking forward to some more "explores" as the weather cools and the leaves change.

Something "Out of the BLUE"

I often blog about changing ministries.

I often remind myself and others that sometimes ministries need to change.

Sometimes ministries involve creativity.

I am not currently teaching,

I don't have an abundance of music responsibilities,

but since our time in NC, I have had a heart for college students.

 Within the next few day,

I hope that there are some very happy college students.

I organized a collection to send out boxes to 11 students and one airman.

The only stipulation was that the items had to be blue - or at least wrapped in blue.

The church came through and we filled 12 of the USPS large boxes.

The boxes were light enough that it was cheaper for me to wrap the boxes 

rather than paying the "one rate" price.

Here are 6 of the 12 boxes.

The other 6 had already been delivered to the post office.

'Tis the Season

 The weather may not be cool yet,

but when the calendar hits September,

I am ready for fall decorations.

So this past weekend in the heat and humidity,

hubby and I worked on some autumn decorations.

The neighborhood is hosting a decorating contest.

We will in no way win,

but I wanted to contribute something clean and wholesome to the darkness all around us.

We decided on trying a blend in the large pots.

mums, asters, kale, ornamental peppers, and the "tall thing"

and the browning lemon grass, pumpkins, mums, celosia, and cockscomb

A festive garland with lights above the door

and inside - the same garland with lights

When the days get shorter, we like the twinkly lights inside

From September to March we will have some sort of garland and lights around the living room window.

22

22 YEARS!

Another anniversary to celebrate.

A few years ago, I read a book that talked about how your home decorations should be more than pretty.

They should inspire discussion.

They should say something about you.

And I thought of how I might do that in our home.

This year hubby got me a decoration that fit the bill.

It tells our anniversary.

It uses Scripture.

It shows the places we have lived - independently and as a couple.

You can't see, but there are three colors - Hubby (silver), Me (rose gold), and Couple (gold)

When I look at the scattered pins,

it reminds me of all the miracles that had to occur to bring us together

and all the miracles and provisions that have occured as we added more pins together.

Happy Anniversary to my dear hubby!

And may our prayer always be ...

"...cause me to know the way wherein I should walk."

 

Manna Doesn't Come in Bulk

 I have been listening to an audiobook and was fascinated by this idea.

Manna doesn't come in bulk!

I like to know what is coming.

I like to be in charge.

I like to know that the future is secure.

I want to know that things will be done decently and in order.

I like to MAKE things happen.

But, God doesn't always work that way.

His mercies are new every morning.

He provides "daily bread."

I should be content with that.

So on this "Thankful Thursday,"

I am thankful for the blessings of today.

I woke beside a man who works hard each day.

I ate a good breakfast that strengthens me.

I woke in the protection of a cool house.

My legs carried me on my morning walk.

I may not see the month's worth of blessings,

because manna doesn't come in bulk!

Room for More

The HOA gave me a good excuse for more plants!

Recently, the HOA decided to crack down on exposed trash cans.

The bilaws say that trash cans must be inside, out back, or hidden from the road.

We often keep our trash can in the garage,

but

sometimes the heat of the summer can make the trash a little intolerable.

So hubby built me a planter / screen.

The center plant is supposed to be evergreen (or yellow) - so hopefully will still look beautiful all winter.

The side plants are red day lilies.

Since hubby built it,

I could stain it to match the garage header.

And hubby made it strong enough (and heavy enough) 

to survive any B.G. storm.

I am enjoying an overcast day with not such a crazy heat index.

It was the perfect morning for yardwork.

When the Temperature Climbs

 

By the end of the day, it is easy to be grumpy when the temperature climbs.

The day starts early so that the outside work and any baking can be done by 8 or 9.

Running and/or walking, strength workouts, yardwork can all be unsafe in the high heat of the day.

My quiet time this week has reminded me to focus on God's nature.

The Psalms are full of reminding me of His mercy, His care, His protection, His strength.

I am thankful that He is faithful regardless of the temperature.

I am thankful that when the heat "zaps" me, His strength is unchanged.

I am thankful for His provision of a cool home (even 78 feels cold after being outside).

I am thankful that hubby is no longer in a hot mechanic shop when temps are high.

I am thankful for His provision of water and cool meals.

Make it Fun

Laundry is one of those jobs that seems to never end.

Even with just two family members,

the laundry builds up quickly.

With the high temps,

it seems even more so because every workout, walk or run deems an outfit worthy of a wash

and even the good clothes can't make it beyond a day.

I use wool balls in the dryer.

They are supposed to help things dry faster.

They can add scent if you put a few drops of essential oil.

They keep the laundry from clumping up so that it dries more quickly.

My last dryer balls were falling apart,

no longer removed static,

and were just begging to be replaced.

So I added some fun to my chores.

Now these little penguins greet me when I finish a load of wash.

Doesn't that make you smile too?

 

Enter Thy Closet

Today I am thankful for quiet times

and the creation all around me.

 Some folks have to have a literal closet to have Bible Study and Prayer.

My house is usually so quiet, that I have my choice of locations.

Both today and Tuesday morning,

I chose to have my time with the Lord on the back patio.

On Tuesday morning, it was COLD as I watched the sun come up during my time.

Today it was warm with a cooling breeze as I enjoyed the shade in the afternoon.

I love being outside - 

to hear the rustle of the plants,

to hear the birds,

to watch the insects,

and repeatedly I have read this week - 

I am the LORD, there is none other

I am the LORD, there is none else

Who else is there?

Great and Marvelous is our Lord.

Who else could create such a beautiful creation?

Who else could create the beautiful sunrise?

Menu Monday ... And Another 30!

 Yes, I did complete another 30-minute "run" this morning,

but 30 refers to 30 different plants each week.

I have been reading a few different health books recently 

(Whole Body Reset and Forever Strong)

and they both are stressing a little more protein and 30 different plants a week.

Maybe that seems crazy - but the protein is needed to prevent muscle loss as one ages

and the plants help to keep the gut healthy.

So we have been trying to keep a variety of plants in the diet.

Quinoa, rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes

red pepper, yellow pepper, green pepper (yes, each pepper has different health benefits)

blueberries, strawberries, blackberries,

broccoli, radish, cucumber,

apples, peaches, bananas, grapes, cherries

chickpeas, lentils, black beans, navy beans

cucumber, tomato, carrot, celery

avocado, artichoke hearts, 

spinach, spring mix, sprouts ...

There's 31 without too much effort.

Challenge yourself this week - 

even coffee counts and herbs too!

Our lunch on Saturday knocked quite a few off the list.

We tried a "new to us" restaurant in the middle of our Saturday walk.

We also enjoyed their beautiful patio.

My bowl had quinoa, carrot, sweet potato, zucchini, summer squash, avocado, broccoli, cauliflower, greens and lemon tahini dressing.

That's at least 11 in one bowl!

This week's menu:

Fast Food Friday:  BLT's and Strawberry Milkshakes

Saturday AM: Smoothies and Seven Sundays Sunflower Cocoa Cereal

Saturday Lunch:  New Restaurant Burger & Bowl

Saturday Dinner:  Red Lentil Pasta, Sauce and Italian Sausage

Sunday AM:  Smoothies

Sunday Lunch:  Leftover Pasta

Sunday Dinner:  Eggs, turkey sausage and toast

Monday AM:  Smoothies

Monday lunch:  Quinoa Deli Salad

Monday Dinner:  Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Salad

Tuesday AM:  Smoothies

Tuesday Lunch:  Chef Salad with leftover grilled chicken

Tuesday Dinner:  Salmon, rice, Asparagus

Wednesday AM:  Smoothies

Wednesday Lunch:  Salad with chicken tenders and eggs

Wednesday Dinner:  Eggs, Turkey Sausage, Toast

Thursday AM:  Smoothies

Thursday Lunch:  Green goddess Salad with shrimp

    Thursday Dinner:  Beans and Rice

Friday AM:  Smoothies

Friday Lunch:  Perfect Burger or Sardines

What's 30 Minutes?

30 Minutes!

It can be a "lifetime" or it can be a "blink of an eye."

To me, public speaking for 30 minutes is a lifetime (at least in front of adults).

To me, 30 minutes of extra sleep can be a lifesaver.

30 minutes can be the time it takes to make a batch of muffins.

30 minutes can be all it takes to burn dinner.

30 minutes can be one encouraging podcast.

This week, I reached the final "week" of the couch-2-5K program for the 3rd or 4th time.

This week, 30 minutes meant 30 minutes of jogging/running with no stops.

I don't think I ran quite a 5K in that time,

but I did succeed in sticking with it.

30 minutes this week is meeting a goal.

30 minutes is an investment in my health.

And if you are interested in the challenge,

I recommend the "Just Run" app.

It is just that:

It starts at week one with simple intervals

and works to week 9 with a 30-minute run.

The app includes no music, just a simple timer and a voice to tell you when to walk or run!

Every Job is Different

 This past month, I enjoyed a refreshing perspective and reminder.

It is easy as a homemaker to lose focus.

The article I read this was based on a question posed to the writer:

Should a wife work outside of the home?

I have struggled with this when people ask what I do.

Sometimes I feel judged as lazy or undisciplined.

I have wondered if I should do more to "help" the family?

The author's answer was based on the title "helpmeet."

Should or can a "helpmeet" work outside of the home?

Her answer was simple ... and for me, encouraging!

Am I the best help for my husband if I am working out of the home?

Some wives can be the best helpmeet and have an external job.

Every time I consider an extra job, I find myself saying, 

"If I do this, hubby might have to get his own lunch."

"If I do this, hubby might have to help with ___."

Not every wife needs to research recipes for certain health needs.

Not every wife needs to exercise each day.

Not every wife needs to keep their home quite so quiet and tidy.

Every husband is different.

Therefore every couple has to answer the question for themselves.

My hubby is very independent and capable.

He is super tidy.

He can clean better than I can.

He is able to cook and follow recipes.

He could easily do many of the jobs I do,

but I can help him by doing them so that he has time to study,

to minister to others,

and even to spend more time with me.

I can do things that help him with his health and wellness goals.

So I was encouraged.

Every job is different.

Every home is different.

Every helpmeet has different work to do.

It is OK if I work at home!

O Where O Where Has the Little Month Gone?

 Ah!  May has disappeared.

May typically blows by in a blur.

It is usually a roller coaster of activities and emotions

and this month was no different.

May is a month that reminds me that the plan God has for me is different than that of most others.

This reminder usually comes with tears as well as a renewed trust that God is in control.

Verses of God's goodness and His trait of only doing good become more and more dear.

May also comes with a birthday.

Hubby celebrated me with two party weekends.

We shopped for flowers for the yard and the planters.

We visited a favorite local eatery and tried a new-to-us gluten-free bakery.

Of course, we enjoyed long walks to celebrate another year of life.

We have enjoyed the local WKU campus for walks

and recently enjoyed a new greenway in Clarksville, TN.

We enjoyed our first "non-family" overnight guests this month making room for 7 extras!

We may not be related by blood, but a bond in Christ can be as strong or stronger than family bonds.

We have also seen God's protection through 2 or 3 large storms complete with a tornado in at least some part in B.G.

So I have been absent online, but am still here.

I am thankful for a God who is my strength.

I am thankful for a God who protects.

I am thankful for a God who has given another year of life.

Food Plan Friday: G-BOMBS

 Friday night:

Chicken Tenders and Waffle Fries

(Perdue gluten free and Ore Ida Waffle Fries)

Saturday:

Smoothies and Muffins

Avocado Toast

Turkey Sandwich

Sunday:

Smoothies and Muffins

Chicken Salad

Breakfast for Dinner

Monday:

Smoothies and Muffins

Leftover Chicken Salad

Grilled Chicken on Green Salad

Tuesday:

Oatmeal

PB and J with Apple

Vegan Power Bowl

Wednesday:

Oatmeal

Grilled Chicken and Side Salad

Breakfast for Dinner

Thursday:

Smoothies and Muffins

Perfect Burger

Green Salad with Chickpeas

Friday:

Smoothies and Muffins

Sardines and Green Drink

It is a pretty simple week,

I tried to do some "shopping" from the pantry, fridge, and freezer.

Of course there was some fresh greens needed,

but other than that, trying to clean out some older stuff.

And the food challenge?

I was recently reading a nutritionist who recommended

G-BOMBS

every day.

What are G-BOMBS?

Well, it is a helpful tip to eat some of the many cancer fighters available in the plant world.

Greens

Beans

Onions

Mushrooms

Berries

Seeds

4 in the list are easy for me,

but the other 2 are harder.

My morning smoothie has beans, berries and seeds.

My lunch is often a salad or includes a green drink.

I don't really like onions and mushrooms -

but, I see their value and am adding onions to my salads more often.

I don't mind a sauteed onions, so I include that a lot.

But, mushrooms?

I occasionally throw these on my salad,

but, I also make a commitment to add chopped mushrooms anytime I brown ground meat.

In this way, I can kind of hide their slimy texture :)

Enjoying a Saturday

I just love this quote and the sentiment behind it.

There are many times that I am tempted to feel bad because I am not so"busy."

There are times when we hear busyness equated with great ministry and service for God.

But there is also a blessing in stillness, in quiet, in a slow pace.

There is something to be said for a quiet day with a loved one.

I shared a pleasant day with hubby today.

Some Saturdays start with early morning men's prayer meetings.

Some Saturdays have a planned wedding or party.

Some Saturdays have a to-do list as long as your arm.

Today was all "FREE."

We started the day with a run and walk at a local park.

Hubby had had a lot of travel and had not completed all his workouts,

so he ran with me today.

My interval today was a 5-minute run, 3-minute walk, 5-minute run, 3-minute walk, 5-minute run.

We finished and he enjoyed the "fitness court" while I walked some more.

Then we came home to wash the car.

Yes, even that is enjoyable with some company.

I also spent some time adding some organic matter (old plants) and potting soil to my early birthday gift.

Do you see the two new pots that will soon contain some "Sunpatiens?"

Next was lunch at Blaze - pizza and a salad.

We had the whole patio to ourselves (possibly because of the strong wind.)

Then onto Belk - a local department store that had 70% off of some great clearance items.

Then we stopped at 2 of the "ritzy" nurseries to look at plants and lawn ornaments.

We cleaned up when we got home,

enjoyed a coffee, tahini, cauliflower smoothie,

and then we enjoyed a leisurely Bible time.

It is allergy season, so we are in for the rest of the night,

but I have enjoyed a quiet day and feel refreshed by the break.

Food Plan Friday

 I have been meaning to get back to sharing a meal plan.

Though you may not like some or most of the plan,

 it may jog a memory of something that you haven't eaten in a while.

It might also encourage you to try something new or to incorporate a new ingredient.

I make my meal plan for Friday night through the next Friday noon because I shop on Friday morning.

Wednesday and Sunday nights are always breakfast because it is quick and easy as well as mild for sitting through church or when heading to bed within the hour.

Friday night is always Homemade Fast Food night (more of that later).

This week's plan:

Friday night: 

General Tsos Chicken (from Aldi) and Rice

Saturday: 

Smoothies and muffins

Blaze Pizza (still using a Christmas gift card)

Brussel Sprout Salad

Sunday:

Smoothies and muffins

Leftover Brussel Sprout Salad 

Eggs, toast, and turkey sausage 

Monday:

Smoothies and muffins

Veggie burgers with sauteed mushrooms and onions 

Salmon Bites, Brussel Sprouts, Rice 

Tuesday:

Smoothies and muffins

Salad

Quinoa Pasta Salad (maybe some chicken on the side)

Wednesday:

Smoothies and muffins

Leftover Quinoa Pasta Salad

Breakfast for dinner

Thursday:

Smoothies and muffins

Salad

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls and Side Salad

Friday:

Smoothies

Leftover (or sardines, crackers, and side salad)

One of our favorite routines is "fast food night."
In Oregon, it was often gluten-free breaded fish and fries (Long John Silvers).

We also do Chick-fil-A night with chicken tenders and waffle fries or chicken tender salad.

Sometimes we do an enchilda or burrito (Chipotle or Taco Bell).

Sometimes it is pizza night.

Last week, we had a delicious Big Mac Salad. (McDonalds).

Sometimes we have milkshake and fries (Wendy's frosty and fries)

And tonight was  General Tsos (PF Changs or Pei Wei).

Are there any great fast foods that we are missing?

By making the meal at home, we save a little money,

we can control some of the ingredients,

and portion control is much easier.

In Its Place

 AH!  The shelf is done.

Hubby was gone all day Thursday and Friday,

so I put my finishing skills to use.

This time, I tried a paint wash.

I used equal parts elephant gray chalk paint and water.

I brushed it on, let it soak a minute, then wiped it off.

Almost goof-proof, because you just wipe off any mistakes!

The other benefit is that you can still see the wood grain.

After "staining," I wiped it down with a dark paste wax.

Today, hubby added some metal hardware and put it in place.

It is not "styled" yet - but I will be experimenting for a bit to come up with something useable and decorative.

I also look forward to having a space for my nativity come Christmas!

Now it is off to finish prepping for the bus ministry class tomorrow.

The usual teacher is away, so I have a little more to plan.

Habit Stacking

 I have read or listened to quite a few books on Habits.

A disciplined life that accomplishes what needs to be done relies on habits.

Many of these books include the idea of habit stacking.

Link habits together to make new habits.

One habit that I work on is water drinking.

Common thought says that you drink half of your weight in ounces of water.

That's a lot of water for some of us!

I found that I could get through the morning with hardly a sip and then had to drink a lot before bed - 

not a great idea!

So, I needed a way to get started first thing in the morning.

In comes habit stacking.

My personal Bible study is typically between 6-7 in the morning.

That is a habit that is regular and reliable.

Perfect - lets get 24 oz down before breakfast.

So I habit stack.

Typically I read at least 4 chapters in the Bible.

After every chapter, I take 10-12 sips.

By the time I close in prayer, my first cup (24 oz)  is done.

If all else fails, I have started well.

Water is crucial in your diet - 

yes, other fluids can hydrate, but none are as great as water.

It keeps the digestive tract moving,

it cleans the kidneys,

it keeps the brain clear,

it keeps your joints moving clearly,

it helps control blood pressure,

it helps carry nutrition and oxygen in the body,

it helps in body temperature regulation.

Random

 

It's always nice to have the option of an Air BNB for guests right in your culdesac.

Of course, it is subject to availability!

Just watch out for those fees :)

Designed for A Particular Spot

 Last Saturday, hubby built me a shelf for the Living Room.

It will house some general everyday supplies,

some throw blankets,

a plant (or 2 or 3 or ...),

and our printer which has been homeless since we moved in!

Currently, it sits in the garage waiting for a certain woman to paint or stain or stain and paint.

I think I want to experiment a little on some extra wood for a new type of finish, but we will see.

I look forward to seeing it in its new home and having the fun of decorating it.

I enjoy making my home unique and making our home meet our needs.

Green!

No, not money!

No, not Shamrocks!

(Though we did celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a Shamrock Shake and some Corned Beef and Cabbage)

Green as in plant life.

I can tell that I am eager for Spring when it seems to come SOOOOO slowly!

Today is the first day of Spring, but it hardly feels that way outside.

But from the inside, things are greening up and the sun makes it looks like it should be warm.

I am enjoying the view from the front room. 

I planted some purple hyacinths and yellow tulips around the cherry tree.

I will look forward to their return each year.

The creeping phlox is blooming and spreading in the front rock garden

and a few winter pansies that don't really match are enjoying the last of the cool weather.

I look forward to filling in the tree ring with SunPatiens this year.

We watched 2 or 3 homes around the neighbor that planted these beauties last year 

and they bloomed from May to October.

This spot is particularly hard because of the full sun it gets in the afternoon,

but these beauties may be up to the challenge.

After 2 weeks ...

grass is greening and slowly filling in.

And I even mowed last week!

Teaching Giving and Friendliness

 It is hard in the days of wickedness that we live in.

It must be fearful to be a parent in this day and age.

Who can be trusted?

How can you teach friendliness to your children while also teaching about strangers?

My tablet and its happy face is an example of a momma who was/is doing a good job.

I was visiting a local Walmart one early Saturday morning.

As I sat on a bench waiting for hubby to finish some business,

I saw a little boy giving a sticker to someone he met while leaving the store.

It made me smile.

Then I smiled even more as he said to his momma, "I want to give that lady a sticker."  (ME!)

His momma looked a little concerned not wanting to bother me,

but I said "hi" and asked him what he had.

Maybe he received a sheet of stickers from the greeter, or maybe he had picked stickers out in the store.

I asked if he wanted to put it on my shirt.  He didn't.

On my jacket.  He didn't.

He wanted to put it on the back of my hand - my wrist actually.

It was such a simple act, but made my day.

When I got back to the car, I put my sticker on my tablet -

a reminder to be kind and giving to others.

But It's A Healthy Fat ...

I am a child of the 80's and definitely remember the "no fat" and "low fat" labels of that decade.

The increase in heart problems in America led to a reaction to remove all fat from our diets in order to be "healthy."

Unfortunately, the experts were wrong.

It is good to avoid or limit saturated fats in the form of beef and bacon,

It is good to avoid transfats in packaged treats.

It is good not to overdo it with butter and cheese.

Moderation is always authorized.

But - there are actually HEALTHY fats.

Olives, nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocado, fish ... all full of healthy fats.

These powerhouses are also high in calories and can easily be overeaten if not careful,

but their healthy fats have so many benefits.

Creaky joints? - lubricate them by drinking water and eating healthy fats

Mind a little foggy? - clear it with some healthy fats and boost your mood while you are at it

Cholesterol levels unbalanced? - need to regulate LDL, HDL and triglycerides? - yep, healthy fats will lower LDL and triglycerides and raise HDL

Prediabetic? - manage blood sugar with those healthy fats

Tummy trouble?  70 percent of the immune system is in the gut and healthy fats (especially plant based fats) feed the good bacteria in the stomach and help the stomach do what it is supposed to - break down foods, absorb nutrients, and fight infection

Struggling with overeating? - healthy fats keep you satisfied for longer

Not sleeping well? - healthy fats may improve sleep

Fighting inflammation (allergies, arthritis, frequent sickness, aches and pains)? - healthy fats can help

Struggling with a slowing metabolism?  - again, try a healthy fat to fuel it properly

The low-fat craze might have been a good idea,

EXCEPT that we still wanted our food to taste good.

So, out came the fat, and in went the fillers and sugar!

I prefer to go for some valuable healthy fats.

In fact, today I made some avocado pudding/mousse.

It is DELICIOUS and full of healthy fats and fiber.

It also can be made with more natural sugars (I chose maple syrup)

The pudding is just mashed avocado, cocoa powder, and maple syrup.

If you wanted a little more protein, you could serve it with a dollop of peanut butter.

Or if you need some extra antioxidants,

sprinkle some berries on top.

Two possible recipes:

https://detoxinista.com/detox-choco-cado-pudding/

https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/avocado-chocolate-mousse-vegan-healthy/

The recipes call for blenders or food processors,

but if your avocados are ripe, a fork should do the trick.

I recently added a little food processor to my arsenal and it works GREAT for this little treat!