Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

EatingWell.com

Ivy Odom

November 2019

Kids and adults alike will love this easy peanut butter chocolate chip cookie recipe, which–unlike most cookie recipes–doesn’t call for flour. These gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are soft and chewy and, with only five simple ingredients, they can easily be whipped up by young chefs and enjoyed as an after-school treat. They’re also perfect for a holiday party or a cookie swap.

Photo by Anton Uniqueton on Pexels.com

Total:45 mins Servings:15 

Nutrition Profile:

Ingredient Checklist

  • 1 large egg  
  • ¼ teaspoon salt 
  • 1 cup smooth natural peanut butter 
  • ½ cup light brown sugar 
  • ⅓ cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

  • Step 1
  • Position rack in the middle of oven; preheat to 375 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk egg and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in peanut butter, brown sugar, and chocolate chips until combined. Place slightly rounded tablespoons of dough about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  • Step 2
  • Use a fork to flatten each cookie to a 1 3/4-inch diameter by gently pressing in a crisscross pattern. Bake the cookies one sheet at a time until just set, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, about 20 minutes. Repeat with the remaining cookies.

Tips 

Equipment: Parchment paper

To make ahead: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Nutrition Facts 

Serving Size: 2 Cookies Per Serving: 159 calories; protein 4.3g; carbohydrates 12g; dietary fiber 1.3g; sugars 9g; fat 10g; saturated fat 2.1g; cholesterol 12.4mg; vitamin a iu 18IU; folate 2mcg; calcium 3.1mg; iron 0.4mg; magnesium 4.7mg; potassium 18.1mg; sodium 99.9mg; added sugar 8g. Exchanges: 

2 1/2 Fat, 1/2 Other Carbohydrate

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Let’s Celebrate The Day of the Dead

I learned what The Day of the Dead meant by spending time in the New Orleans markets admiring the vignettes. It’s a huge celebration with family and friends welcoming back the souls of the dead.

According to History.com 

The roots of the Day of the Dead, celebrated in contemporary Mexico and among those of Mexican heritage in the United States and around the world, go back some 3,000 years, to the rituals honoring the dead in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. The Aztecs and other Nahua people living in what is now central Mexico held a cyclical view of the universe, and saw death as an integral, ever-present part of life.

During contemporary Day of the Dead festivities, people commonly wear skull masks and eat sugar candy molded into the shape of skulls. The pan de ánimas of All Souls Day rituals in Spain is reflected in pan de muerto, the traditional sweet baked good of Day of the Dead celebrations today. Other food and drink associated with the holiday, but consumed year-round as well, include spicy dark chocolate and the corn-based drink called atole. You can wish someone a happy Day of the Dead by saying, “Feliz día de los Muertos.”

The Day of the Dead celebration sounds very interesting, having the soul of a loved one appear could be life-changing.

Enjoy the celebration!

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

The Steps to Take to Improve Your Self-Worth

Many people struggle with confidence and self-worth, and if you’re one of those people, there are lots of things you can do to start reversing the situation. Taking positive steps in the right direction will enable you to start feeling better about yourself and more confident on a day-to-day basis. We’re going to talk now about some of the steps you should try to take.

black withered tree surounded by body of water
Photo by Kyle Roxas on Pexels.com

Practice Forgiveness

First of all, you need to get into the habit and mindset of forgiving. It’s impossible to feel positive about yourself if you’re forever hanging onto old resentments and things like that. They’re not going to help you to move forward and focus on your own well-being and self-worth. There really is no benefit to be found from carrying around grudges and resentments with you.

Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

One thing that many of us are guilty of us is comparing ourselves to others. But it’s something that’s not healthy and not positive in any way at all. When you compare yourself to someone else, whether you’re focusing on the good or the bad, it sets up the wrong paradigm. You don’t need to measure your own success and worth by that of someone else. It’s a negative way of looking at the situation.

Get Into the Habit of Exercising

Exercising is good for the body and the mind. You tend to feel invigorated and positive after you’ve been exercising, whether that means going for a short job around the park or a long session in the gym. It’s entirely up to you what kind of exercise you do and how you balance it, but you should certainly try to exercise a little more if you can. You’ll notice the difference it makes.

Do Your Bit to Help Those Less Fortunate Than You

There are so many people who are worse off than yourself, even when you feel like your life is pretty tough. If you want to feel better about yourself and the impact you’re having on the world, you should think about how you can do things such as help the homeless or volunteer your time and effort in other ways. That way, you’ll be having a positive impact on the world.

Carry Yourself with Confidence Each Day

The way in which you carry yourself and conduct yourself in your day-to-day life can help to move your feelings of self-worth in the right direction. Try to be as confident as you can each day. Acting confidently will breed inner confidence and that’s what you’re looking for right now. It’s within your power to change these things.

We all deserve to feel a higher sense of self-worth, so if this is something that you’ve been struggling with recently, you should do what you can to change that. And the tips we’ve discussed here will certainly make that possible for you, so try to implement them in your day-to-day life.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-Anything Is Possible

Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog of  Anything Is Possible.

           

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

When I was 12 years old, my father told me:

“Nothing is Impossible,”

 I like to state things positively, so Anything Is Possible is the name of this blog.

When we think and speak positively about our hopes and dreams and express gratitude for the good things we already have, we receive our hearts’ desires…..or something even better! That became clear when my high school sweetheart found me 39 years later when the timing was perfect. 

I have followed Joanna for years, she has a positive energy which we all need. Be sure to check out her two books. 

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Just Pondering

What would you pack in your bike basket to ensure you have everything you need to create the most magical day?

 Melinda

Field Guide by Stampington

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

How Dogs Can Enrich Your Life

Have you ever wondered why people say dogs are a man’s (and woman’s) best friend? Well, if you’ve ever been around one, you probably get the gist. But if not, let’s jump into the glorious, tail-wagging world of how dogs can seriously upgrade your life game!

Cardio Buddy

Who needs an expensive gym membership or a fancy treadmill collecting dust in the basement? Dogs are the ultimate workout buddies. They’re always ready for a walk or run, rain or shine. And let’s face it, when those big ol’ eyes are pleading for a jaunt around the block, who can resist?

Social Butterfly Boost

Have you ever been on a walk with a dog? You’re basically a local celebrity. People stop to chat, other dog owners give you the nod, and before you know it, you’re in a full-blown conversation about breeds, dog parks, and that cute thing your dog did last Tuesday.

Ultimate Stress Reliever

Had a rough day? Dogs have this magical ability to sense it. A snuggle on the couch, a wagging tail, and the sheer joy they show when you walk through the door can melt away the stresses of the day faster than ice cream on a hot summer’s afternoon.

While not all dogs are guard dogs, most have an innate sense of protection when it comes to their human family. Even the smallest Chihuahua can raise the alarm with their mighty bark!

 Boost That Immunity

Dogs are messy, and they’re explorers. While that means occasionally you’ll be questioning what they’re eating off the ground, it also means they’re exposing you to a world of new germs – in a good way! Regular exposure can actually boost your immunity. Who knew Fido was also your personal health guard?

Unconditional Love

Ever tried explaining to a dog that you made a mistake at work or that you forgot to pay a bill? They don’t care. They love you with a kind of purity and loyalty that’s rare in the world. It’s unconditional and unwavering. Talk about a confidence boost!

Laughter Overload

Dogs are downright goofy. From chasing their tails, getting spooked by their reflection, or just the goofy ways they play with toys, they’re a constant source of entertainment and chuckles.

A Purpose and Routine

Dogs thrive on routine, and having one can encourage you to build and maintain a daily rhythm. Morning walks, feeding times, play sessions, and bruising your labradoodle’s hair (did you know labradoodles come in many colors?) – these activities create a structure that can be incredibly beneficial, especially if you’re someone who tends to feel a bit lost without a plan.

Safety First

While not all dogs are guard dogs, most have an innate sense of protection when it comes to their human family. Even the smallest Chihuahua can raise the alarm with their mighty bark!

Learning Patience

While dogs bring joy, they can also test your patience (looking at you, chewed up shoes). But, in these moments, they teach us patience, understanding, and problem-solving. It’s all part of the package and, in the end, makes us better humans.

They Keep You Present

Dogs live in the moment. Whether they’re chasing a ball or just lounging in the sun, they’re all in. And that’s a beautiful lesson for all of us. In a world constantly pulling our attention in a million directions, dogs remind us of the beauty of the here and now.

In short, dogs aren’t just pets; they’re an upgrade to your life. They’re a constant source of fun, joy, and purpose, which is why, if you think you could give one a loving home, you should definitely consider the benefits of having a pampered pooch of your own. 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share-Thin Lizzy The Boys Are Back In Town-Live

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.

https://youtu.be/Ta3YkTdIQqE?si=vcOOJgArrvHu5ul8

Have a great weekend!

Melinda

Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.

Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Game Day Sheet Pan Nachos

This is the perfect dish for when friends and family come over to watch the game or celebrate the weekend. 

True Comfort by Kristin Cavallari

What you need

2 (5-once) bags of tortilla chips

2 cups Black refined beans

2 pounds shredded Slow-Cooker Chicken taco meat

8 ounces of goats-milk cheddar cheese, grated

1 cup full-fat sour cream

1 cup Simple guacamole

1/2 cup Roasted Salsa

3/4 cup chopped jalapeno (Optional)

How to make

Preheat oven to 375F

On a large baking sheet, spread the chips out evenly. Next, spoon the black beans spread over the chips gently, avoiding breaking the chips as much as possible. Scatter the shredded chicken on top followed by the grated cheese.

Bake the nachos until the cheese starts to melt, 15 minutes.

Remove the backing sheet, from the oven and spoon the sour cream, guacamole, and salsa over the top.

Sprinkle the jalapeños on last, if using

Serve immediately

Service 6

Enjoy!

Melinda