Sunflower Stamped Apples

 

Kids are going to love this hands on art project that incorporates nature to make a fun print that looks great when displayed! It is easy, needs the most basic supplies and turns out to be so cute!  Make this apple stamping art project after a visit to the orchard, or just as a fun craft to do together.





Aren't these apples the cutest thing for little hands? All you need is a few colors of paint, a sheet of paper and a dried up sunflower head to make these with your kids. This is great for younger kids.



We visited the farmers market and purchased some sunflowers a few weeks earlier. After they had started to dry out, we plucked the petals off and were left with the heads.

Harp and I thought it would be fun to paint with them, so I grabbed a few bottles of cheap paint and some paper. This is what we came up with.

Supplies:
Paint in red, green and yellow
Paper Plate
Sunflower


Pour  paint onto a paper plate. You need about a quarter sized drop.

Press your sunflower head into the paint and press it onto the paper.

Repeat as desired.




Find more fun kids art projects here:
Pineapple Process Art
Christmas Tree Art
Cork and Button Apple Tree Art











Why You Will Love No-Bake Cheesecake

 No-bake cheesecake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It is made with cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and it is typically served with a graham cracker crust.



Here are some reasons why you will love no-bake cheesecake:

  • It is delicious. No-bake cheesecake is creamy, smooth, and flavorful. It is the perfect dessert for those who love cheesecake but do not want to deal with the hassle of baking.
  • It is easy to make. No-bake cheesecake is very easy to make. It can be made in just a few simple steps, and it does not require any special equipment.
  • It is versatile. No-bake cheesecake can be served in a variety of ways. It can be served plain, topped with fruit, or drizzled with chocolate sauce.
  • It is affordable. No-bake cheesecake is a relatively affordable dessert to make. The ingredients are all relatively inexpensive and you can make a large batch for a crowd.

If you are looking for a delicious, easy, and affordable dessert, no-bake cheesecake is the perfect choice. So gather your ingredients and get ready to make a delicious no-bake cheesecake today!


Here are ten of my favorite no bake recipes to check out:


Healthy Cheesecake Parfaits by Happy Kitchen

Keto Chocolate Cheesecake by Low Carb Spark

Vegan Cheesecake by Cooking on Caffeine
Biscoff Cheesecake by Keep Calm and Eat Ice Cream

Mascarpone and Fruit Cheesecake by My Chefs Apron

Bailey’s Cheesecake by Anna Banana

Oreo Cheesecake by Spend with Pennies

Vegan Blueberry Cheesecake by Addicted to Dates

Easy No Bake Cheesecake with Berries by What the Fork

Cookie Dough Cheesecake by Will Cook for Smiles


Here are some additional tips for making no-bake cheesecake:

  • Use good quality ingredients. The quality of the ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of the cheesecake.
  • Be patient. No-bake cheesecake needs to be chilled for at least 4 hours before serving. This will allow the cheesecake to set and become firm.
  • Get creative. No-bake cheesecake can be topped with a variety of things, such as fruit, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream. Get creative and have fun with it!

Find more recipes here:

Brown Sugar Sugar Cookie Recipe

A classic cookie get a delicious deep flavor with this recipe for brown sugar sugar cookies! This cookie is perfect for a fall day. Make a batch to savor over coffee with a friend, or as the ultimate after school snack for the kids. The entire family is sure to love this easy cookie.




Makes 3 dozen cookies.


Cookie Ingredients:


2 ⅓ cup flour

1 stick of softened butter

1 cup packed brown sugar

½ cup of sugar

1 large egg

⅓ cup of maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoon maple extract

1 teaspoon baking soda

Pinch of salt






Icing Ingredients:

1 cup of powdered sugar

1 to 2 tablespoons of milk

2 teaspoons of maple extract





Directions:

Cream butter and both sugars together. Beat for 2 minutes.

Add egg, continue to mix for 1 minute and then add maple syrup.

As you are mixing add the vanilla and maple extracts.



Begin adding the flour, baking soda, salt. During this step I like to switch from my mixer to a mixing spoon to stir as the dough will be very creamy and soft and a little sticky.

Chill in the refrigerator for 90 minutes.





When you remove the dough from the fridge, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Use a cookie scooper to form balls of dough and place them on a cookie sheet, 2” apart.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool for 3 to 5 minutes before removing from the cookie sheet.



I added a basic drizzle to our cookies to give them a little extra sweetness and they looked even yummier!


Serve these with milk or coffee. 


You can bake them ahead of time and freeze them, or you can freeze the dough if you like, and then you can bake them as needed. I
If you plan to freeze before baking, scoop your cookie dough out, freeze on a cookie sheet then transfer to a zipper seal bag.
Mark the flavor, baking time and temp with a permanent marker. I always set 6 cookies aside for baking later, you NEVER know when a cookie craving is going to strike HA!




You can find more yummy recipes here.


The Mind-Body Connection: Exploring the Impact of Vitamins on Mental Health

 Nutrients play a major role in the mind-body connection. While we all know the importance of vitamins for physical health, the impact they can have on our mental well-being is equally significant. This article explores the relationship between vitamins and mental health, with a spotlight on a very popular therapeutic approach known as Myer's Cocktail.



The Link Between Vitamins and Mental Health

A deficiency in essential vitamins can lead to a range of mental health issues, from mild mood fluctuations to more serious conditions like depression and anxiety disorders. The science behind this is rooted in how vitamins participate in the production of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers in the brain. Mental health relies heavily on proper nutrition. 

Vitamin C

Often associated with immune support, Vitamin C also plays a crucial role in neurotransmitter synthesis. A deficiency can lead to fatigue and depression, as it's vital in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood.

B Complex Vitamins

B-complex vitamins, especially B6, B9, and B12, are essential in maintaining normal brain function. Deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to symptoms like irritability, depression, and cognitive decline.

Magnesium

This vital mineral is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including those that regulate the nervous system. A lack of magnesium can lead to anxiety, insomnia, and even panic attacks.

Correcting Vitamin Deficiencies

Correcting these deficiencies is not merely about taking supplements randomly. It requires a comprehensive approach:


  • Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can ensure adequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals.

  • Professional Guidance: Consulting with healthcare providers to assess and diagnose any deficiencies, followed by personalized treatment plans, can make a significant difference.

  • Supplementation: In some cases, supplements may be necessary to correct deficiencies. It should always be done under professional supervision to avoid any potential risks or interactions.

The Myer's Cocktail: A Therapeutic Approach

The Myer's Cocktail is a specially formulated intravenous nutrient therapy containing key vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, B complex vitamins, and magnesium. Mobile medical practices can offer Myer’s therapy in Orange County in the comfort of your home. Here's how this unique therapy can support mental health:


  • Rapid Absorption: Since the nutrients are delivered directly into the bloodstream, they bypass the digestive system, allowing for quicker and more efficient absorption.

  • Customizable: The cocktail can be tailored to individual needs, targeting specific deficiencies and conditions.

  • Widespread Benefits: From enhancing mood to improving energy levels and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, Myer's Cocktail can be a powerful tool in mental health care.

Considerations

While the Myer's Cocktail and vitamin supplementation can offer profound benefits, it should be part of a comprehensive mental health care plan that includes therapy, lifestyle changes, and possibly medication. As with any medical intervention, potential risks and side effects must be considered, and the treatment should always be administered by qualified healthcare providers.


Emphasizing the mind-body connection, including the role of vitamins in mental health, is more than just a medical consideration; it's a holistic approach to wellness.


Understanding and embracing this connection can empower individuals to take charge of their mental and physical health in a more integrated and positive way. The approach is not about isolated treatments but about weaving together various aspects of health, including diet, exercise, mindfulness, therapy, and interventions like Myer's Cocktail.


This perspective encourages a broader understanding of well-being, one that values the connection between the mind and body. By focusing on both, we create a pathway to comprehensive health that honors the full complexity of our human experience. 

Last Words

The relationship between vitamins and mental health illustrates the beautiful complexity of the human body and mind. It's a reminder that mental well-being isn't isolated from our physical health; they are intertwined and influence each other continuously.


The Myer's Cocktail, along with proper diet and professional guidance, can be instrumental in supporting mental health. Yet, it's vital to approach this connection with respect and understanding, recognizing that mental health care can be complex.


Take the time to nourish your body and mind. Whether it's through a healthy diet, targeted supplementation, or innovative treatments like the Myer's Cocktail, remember that your mental health is not separate from your physical well-being. They dance together in a delicate balance, and taking care of both is the key to overall wellness. 

Sources

https://sageclinic.org/blog/vitamins-and-mental-health/#:~:text=Deficiencies%20in%20B%20vitamins%2C%20including,norepinephrine%2C%20serotonin%2C%20and%20dopamine.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2738337/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12410623/#:~:text=The%20modified%20%22Myers'%20cocktail%2C,tract%20infections%2C%20chronic%20sinusitis%2C%20seasonal


Best Boba Recipes

 My 9 year old, Harper, has developed an obsession with boba. She bats her big blue eyes at me and says "Mommy, let's go out for a tea..." almost everyday. It is so funny that I have this little bestie who thinks I am rich. To keep her happy and getting her boba fix at least once a week, we have been making some fun recipes at home. If you are wanting to save some cash and still have a treat, like us, you are going to love this list of the best boba recipes to make at home.



Before we get into this, can you believe Harper is 9 and a half already? It seems like just a few months ago that so many of my friends were chipping in to write posts for my blog so I could bask in the wonder of our new baby Harper.  Now here she is, a full blown tween with a boba tea habit.




Jasmine Milk Tea Boba by Greedy Girl Gourmet

Lychee Milk Tea Boba by My Vegan Minimalism

Hokkaido Milk Tea by Aubrey’s Kitchen

Vegan Boba Cake by Rainbow Nourishments

Homemade Black Boba Pearls by Delightful Plate

Fruity Bubble Tea by Kids Activities Blog



Watermelon Fruit Salad with Brown Sugar Boba by The Devil Wears Salad

Strawberry Milk Tea by Moon and Spoon and Yum

Brown Sugar Boba Ice Cream Bars by The Oregon Dietitian




Strawberry Milk Tea by White Kitchen Red Wine

Taro Bubble Tea by The Oregon Dietitian

Chocolate Milk Bubble Tea by The Littlest Crumb



Earl Grey Milk Tea by Entirely Elizabeth

Iced Boba Coffee by Recipes from a Pantry

Vegan Bubble Tea by Plant Based on a Budget


With so many tasty bubble tea recipes, the hardest part of getting your boba fix will be deciding which of these recipes to make first. Happy sipping!

You can find some of my favorite drink recipes here 
Sour Apple Margaritas
Hillbilly Cider
Bomb Pop Cocktails
Blueberry Lime Vodka Sorbet