Stories and Photos of Our Lives Together
This page brings it all together: stories, photos, events, and other news of note. It’s a community “blog”, designed to evolve and expand to be interesting and helpful. Click here to share your feedback, news, photos, creative writing, art, or something else you’d like to see included!
Monday’s Menu: National Pistachio Day
Leek and Potato Galette with Pistachio Crust Recipe from: Shelly Westerhausen of Bon Appétit (March 8, 2016). Shared 2/26/24 It's National Pistachio Day! To celebrate this delicious day we are sharing a recipe from Bon Appétit "Leek and Potato Galette with Pistachio Crust". When I think of pistachio I tend to think of sweets and baked goods: muffins, cookies, ice cream, etc. This recipe from Shelly Westerhausen (March 8, 2016) is an exciting way to challenge what we might think of when we think of pistachio based recipes. Enjoy this savory take on pistachios! You can try the recipe from Shelly Westerhausen at Bon Appétit here. Westerhausen, Shelly. “Leek and Potato Galette with Pistachio Crust.” Bon Appétit, Bon Appétit, 8 Mar. 2016, www.bonappetit.com/recipe/goat-cheese-leek-and-potato-galette-with-pistachio-crust. If you have a recipe you would like to share, please reach out to shelby@cclyme.org. Shelby Wood Manager of Volunteer Participation CommunityCare of Lyme Shelby@cclyme.org 802-468-7776
Financial Wellness – Wellness Wednesday
FINANCIAL WELLNESS Submitted by: Heather Powers Submitted: 2/21/24 Financial wellness is a measurement of how well a person manages their financial life. Financial wellness is not only about money and being financially healthy is an important part of your overall wellbeing. There are many elements to your financial resources including the amount of savings, how much you have saved for retirement, your debt-to-income ratio, your ability to earn money and how much of your income you spend. These combined determine your financial health, the condition of which directly affects every area of your overall well-being. The best place to start is to look at these four areas: what you own, what you owe, what you earn and what you spend. From there you can create your goals and a plan to reach them. Financial health can improve one’s life and prevent hardships. Financial health means you have the ability to reach your goals, take advantage of opportunities and gives you the flexibility to follow your dreams. The main way to achieve financial health is through financial literacy. Being financial literate means you understand the importance of saving to reach short- and long-term goals. It means you understand the difference between good and bad debt and can avoid high interest loans and credit cards. It also means that no matter your age, stage of life or income, you [...]
Monday’s Menu: Tahini Mint Chocolate Shake
Tahini Mint Chocolate Shake From Yoly of Allrecipes.com (June 19, 2020). Shared: 2/19/14 It's National Chocolate Mint Day! If you'd like to join me in celebrating the day without relying on a peppermint patty, give this interesting (and quick) recipe a try! With 6 ingredients, you can blend and enjoy this recipe in 5 minutes or less! Give this week's Tahini Mint Chocolate Shake from Yoly (June 19, 2020) a try! Click here for the recipe and nutrition information: allrecipes.com Yoly. “Tahini Mint Chocolate Shake.” Allrecipes, Allrecipes, 19 June 2020, www.allrecipes.com/recipe/267623/tahini-mint-chocolate-shake/. If you have a recipe you would like to share, please reach out to shelby@cclyme.org. Shelby Wood Manager of Volunteer Participation CommunityCare of Lyme Shelby@cclyme.org 802-468-7776
Love and Health – Wellness Wednesday
Love and Health: Benefits of Healthy Relationships by Shelby Wood Shared 2/14/24 Today, as you may be aware, is Valentine's Day. This day can be exciting, triggering ... or mean absolutely nothing to you. All of these feelings and any others that come up are completely valid. What is worth stopping to ponder (beyond your choice of mushy/funny/sexy/sweet/sincere cards) is the real value of having love in your life. Romantic love is great, sure! That said, having a solid network of family and friends that love and support one another is valuable too in supporting your health. Articles by Jamie Ducharme in Time:Health (Feb 14, 2018) and Lauryn Gerard in UT Health Austin ( Feb 13, 2019) summarize research about the health gains associated with love – both romantic and non-romantic: Love is Good for You! Love makes you happy! Dopamine, the 'feel good' neurotransmitter, is released in our brains when we first fall in love. It may stay elevated as love matures though, normally these levels slowly return to normal. Of interest, early in relationships cortisol levels also spike which can look like passion and anxiety. What a mix of emotions! Love lower levels of stress. As dopamine levels start to normalize, oxytocin, a bonding hormone, is released. This can be good for our health as secure attachments lower stress levels. Love reduces anxiety, something that [...]
Monday’s Menu: Red Velvet Layer Bars
Red Velvet Layer Bars 🩷A Sweet for your sweetie🩷 From Sally McKenney of Sallysbakingaddition.com (May 27, 2021) Shared 2/12/24 Looking for a sweet for your sweetie this Valentine's Day? I'm not sure it gets much more decadent than Red Velvet. Now, combine red velvet with a layer bar and you've got a very sweet and festive treat for your valentine. Sally describes this recipe saying, "The base is a soft, cookie-like red velvet layer. On top of that? A rich, sweet, chewy, gooey, and completely overloaded smorgasbord of toppings." (McKenney, May 27, 2021) YUM! See Sally McKenney's recipe here. McKenney , Sally. “Red Velvet Layer Bars.” Sally’s Baking Addiction, 27 May 2021, sallysbakingaddiction.com/red-velvet-seven-layer-bars/#tasty-recipes-74244. If you have a recipe you would like to share, please reach out to shelby@cclyme.org. Shelby Wood Manager of Volunteer Participation CommunityCare of Lyme Shelby@cclyme.org 802-468-7776
Honoring A Life Lost – Wellness Wednesday
Honoring A Life Lost Missy Ball, RN - Lyme Parish Nurse Posted: 2/7/24 At some point in our lives we will undoubtedly be confronted with the passing of a person connected to us either directly or indirectly. A person that lived and breathed, just like us. This person could have been a relative, a close friend's child, or an elderly neighbor's spouse. The passing may be expected, or sudden and traumatic. Those that are bereaved will grieve in their own unique way over their own course of time, honoring a life now only in memory. Many of us might not know what to say to someone who is mourning. It is important to console and not judge. Be supportive without offering advice trying to fix the situation. Even in one's attempt to offer comfort, the words may come out wrong. Sympathy Phrases to Avoid: It's for the best It was time for him to go She lived a good long life and is with God now There is a reason for everything Time heals all wounds I know how you feel The most important thing one can do is to simply be there. Acknowledge the pain of the one who is mourning with a genuine hug. Sometimes we can say things best by saying nothing at all. The most important thing one can do is to simply [...]
Monday’s Menu: Blended Baked Oats
Blended Baked Oats : In celebration of World Nutella Day Recipe from Justin Sullivan of Delish.com/uk (March 4, 2021). Shared 2/5/2024 Today we celebrate, World Nutella Day! YUM! Picking just one recipe to share was a challenge. Keeping in the theme of sharing healthy(ish) recipes, that are weekday accessible lead to the decision to share Blended Baked Oats from Justin Sullivan of delish.com/uk (March 4, 2021). While this recipe does have some items I personally would not put in my version, swaps are easy enough to make! For instance, I'd swap out the banana for strawberries or raspberries. Easy enough to modify to your taste any weekday morning! Enjoy Justin's recipe here. Sullivan , Justin. “Blended Baked Oats Recipe Tiktok - How to Make Baked Oats - Delish.” Delish , 4 Mar. 2021, www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a35728852/blended-baked-oats-tiktok/. If you have a recipe you would like to share, please reach out to shelby@cclyme.org. Shelby Wood Manager of Volunteer Participation CommunityCare of Lyme Shelby@cclyme.org 802-468-7776
Monday’s Menu: Vegan Cookies
Vegan Christmas Cookies From Richard Makin of Schoolnightvegan.com (Oct. 19, 2022). Technically this recipe is titled "Vegan Christmas Cookies", so while we're either late, or really early we're sharing this recipe this week for two reasons. First, it's the last Monday in Veganuary and to wrap up we are sharing a recipe that offers a sweet treat. Secondly, with Valentine's Day coming up, this recipe can be easily modified to heart shaped cookies and red, pink, and white frostings. Enjoy the "Vegan Christmas Cookies" recipe from Richard Makin of School Night Vegan (Oct. 19, 2022) here. Makin, Richard. "https://schoolnightvegan.com/home/vegan-christmas-cookies/." 19 October 2022. Schoolnightvegan.com. 29 January 2024. If you have a recipe you would like to share, please reach out to shelby@cclyme.org. Shelby Wood Manager of Volunteer Participation CommunityCare of Lyme Shelby@cclyme.org 802-468-7776
Vitamin D Dilemma – Wellness Wednesday
The Vitamin D Dilemma According to Sydney Welch on NBCBoston.com (Welch, Nov. 16, 2023), anywhere North of the 37th parallel for latitude does not receive enough sun for the production of Vitamin D. Boston's latitude is 42 degrees north, and the Upper Valley region is further north than that. This means between the months of November through February our skin is unable to produce Vitamin D (Welch, Nov 16, 2023). Vitamin D is important as it supports both our immune system and mental health. During these few winter months when we experience the Vitamin D dilemma, Welch states, "consider alternative sources of vitamin D, such as dietary supplements or vitamin D-rich foods and considering vitamin D supplements if recommended by health care professionals ". (Welch, Nov 16, 2023). According to the Harvard School of Public Health, Vitamin D is naturally rich in few foods, though often foods like dairy (animal & plant based) and cereals are found fortified with Vitamin D. Even in eating fortified foods, this article states that, "For most people, the best way to get enough vitamin D is taking a supplement" (Harvard School of Public Health, March, 2023). Based on this information, consider talking with your health care provider about an individualized plan for you, with the best ways to overcome the vitamin d dilemma this winter. Works Cited: Harvard School of Public Health [...]
Monday’s Menu: Persian Rice with Saffron and Asparagus
Persian Rice with Saffron and Asparagus From Vaishali Honawar of holycowvegan.net (Apr 12, 2023). Vaishali of holycowvegan.net states that this recipe is, "A fragrant, golden dish of Persian Rice with Saffron and Asparagus. It's savory, exotic and fresh, and perfect to eat with family or to entertain." (Honwar, 2023). It takes an hour and 5 minutes all together, and the end result is Vaishali's tasty, and filling rice dish that's sure to warm you from the inside during winter's chilliest days! Enjoy Vaishali's recipe at holycowvegan.net Honawar , Vaishali. “Persian Rice with Saffron and Asparagus.” Holy Cow Vegan, 12 Apr. 2023, holycowvegan.net/persian-rice-with-saffron-and-asparagus/. If you have a recipe you would like to share, please reach out to shelby@cclyme.org. Shelby Wood Manager of Volunteer Participation CommunityCare of Lyme Shelby@cclyme.org 802-468-7776
Monday’s Menu: Hummus Pasta with Basil
One-Pot Hummus Pasta with Basil From Marley Goldin of marleysmenu.com (June 1, 2021) It's still veganuary, so here's another easy vegan recipe you might enjoy. With the MLK volunteer potluck today it seems fitting to share Marley Goldin's "One-Pot Hummus Pasta with Basil" since it's quick, easy and feeds a crowd. Give this recipe a go on Marley's site Marley's Menu or come join us at the MLK Volunteer potluck and give it a try; I'm hoping to bring this recipe along to share! Goldin, Marley. “One-Pot Hummus Pasta with Basil (Vegan).” Marley’s Menu, 28 Apr. 2023, marleysmenu.com/hummus-pasta/. If you have a recipe you would like to share, please reach out to shelby@cclyme.org. Shelby Wood Manager of Volunteer Participation CommunityCare of Lyme Shelby@cclyme.org 802-468-7776
Safety Strategy: winter driving – Wellness Wednesday
Safety strategies: What to do if you're stranded in your car in the winter Information from the CDC / National Center for Environmental Health ( December 11, 2023) When I first moved to Lyme, it was quickly clear that this area is a black hole for cell phone service. I wondered what I would do if my car happened to break down without phone service, and even more so what I would do if that were to happen in the winter. According to the National Center for Environmental Health, as cited on the CDC's website, the best strategy to stay in a stranded car in the winter is to: Follow these safety rules if you become stranded in your vehicle. Make your vehicle visible to rescuers. Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna, raise the hood (if it is not snowing), and turn on the inside overhead lights (when your engine is running). Move anything you need from the trunk into the passenger area. Stay with your vehicle unless safety is no more than 100 yards away. Keep your body warm. Wrap your entire body, including your head, in extra clothing, blankets, or newspapers. Huddle with other people if you can. Stay awake and stay moving. You will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems. As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve circulation [...]
Value of Volunteerism– Wellness Wednesday
The Value of Volunteerism With Martin Luther King Day coming up on Monday, January 15th it feels important to circle back to the positive connections between volunteerism and health. We've already shared two Wellness Wednesday posts on this topic, which we would love for you to review. You can enjoy them using these links: Blog Post 1: Volunteers: Heroes Among Us A highlight from this post beautifully summarizes one of the many perks of volunteering: Research has explored the correlation between volunteering and benefits on mental health. In an article by Elizabeth Hopper titled, How Volunteering Can Help Your Mental Health: According to new research, people become happier over time after they start volunteering.: "In a study published this year in the Journal of Happiness Studies, researchers examined data from nearly 70,000 research participants in the United Kingdom, who received surveys about their volunteering habits and their mental health, including their distress and functioning in everyday life, every two years from 1996 to 2014. Compared to people who didn’t volunteer, people who had volunteered in the past year were more satisfied with their lives and rated their overall health as better. Additionally, the researchers found that people who volunteered more frequently experienced greater benefits: Those who volunteered at least once a month reported better mental health than participants who volunteered infrequently or not at all." (Hopper, Elizabeth) You [...]
Monday’s Menu: Instant Pot Borscht
Instant Pot Borscht Recipe from Katie Trant of heynutritionlady.com (Feb 24, 2022). A Ukrainian soup recipe from Katie Trant that you can quickly make. If you enjoy cabbage, beets and dill this soup might be right up your alley! Katie includes a special ingredient in this recipe too that adds a bit of flavor. Better yet, it comes in a can! While the title says it is an Instant Pot recipe, if you don't have an Instant pot, don't worry! This recipe also includes instructions on how to make this using your stovetop. Check out Katie Trant's recipe at heynutritionlady.com Trant, Katie. “Instant Pot Borscht.” Hey Nutrition Lady, 24 Feb. 2022, www.heynutritionlady.com/borscht/#recipe. If you have a recipe you would like to share, please reach out to shelby@cclyme.org. Shelby Wood Manager of Volunteer Participation CommunityCare of Lyme Shelby@cclyme.org 802-468-7776
Intuitive Eating – Wellness Wednesday
Intuitive Eating: Supporting wellness in the New Year & beyond Laurie Veillette, PsyD. The term Intuitive Eating was coined by two dietitians, Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch. At the time of its development in the late 90s, it was an approach to mind and body that directly conflicted with the ideals of that time around thinness, dieting, and anti-fatness. According to Tribole and Resch, Intuitive Eating is “a dynamic mind-body integration of instinct, emotion, and rational thought. It is a personal process of honoring your health by paying attention to the messages of your body and meeting your physical and emotional needs. It is an inner journey of discovery that puts you front and center; you are the expert of your own body.” If this sounds intimidating, it may help to know that you were once an intuitive eater. We are all born intuitive eaters with a natural ability to sense into our bodies and taste buds and allow them to take the lead – determining what, when, how, and how much to eat. Unfortunately, through the course of our lives we are repeatedly exposed to anti-fat, pro-diet, pro-“health” messaging that can block these “signals” and prevent us from honoring what the body is truly asking for. Intuitive eating helps to clear out this noise so that we are free to reclaim the mind-body connection. The Intuitive Eating [...]
