Celebrate Life · Cooking · Family · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Apricot-Glazed Chicken with Spring Vegetables

  • Level: Easy
  • Total: 35 min
  • Active: 35 min
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Nutrition Info

Ingredients


1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 4)

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound), ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces

12 ounces snow peas, trimmed (about 2 1/2 cups)

3 tablespoons apricot preserves

4 teaspoons dijon mustard

4 scallions, chopped

1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

Directions

  • Cut each chicken breast into 4 or 5 large chunks; season with salt and pepper. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Add the chicken and cook, turning, until browned on all sides and almost cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove to a plate.

  • Add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Add the carrots and 1/2 cup water. Cover and simmer until the carrots are crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover and increase the heat to medium high. Cook until the water evaporates, 1 minute.

  • Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in the skillet. Add the asparagus, snow peas and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet along with the apricot preserves, mustard, scallions, tarragon and lemon zest. Simmer, tossing, until the preserves are melted and the chicken and vegetables are glazed; season with salt and pepper.

Yummy!

Melinda

Reference:

Food Network

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

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Overview

Nutritious vegetables and chunks of lean meat simmering in their own juices come together to create a simple yet hearty slow-cooker dish that’s perfect for chilly weather.

Ingredients

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed

1 cup low-sodium beef stock1/2 cup red wine

One 15-ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, in juice

2 russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

2 celery stalks, diced

2 carrots, diced1 large onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 bay leaves1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

Tools

Measuring cups

Liquid measuring cup 

Measuring spoons 

Chef’s knife Cutting board 

Can opener Vegetable peeler 

Resealable plastic bag 

Large skillet 

Tongs

6-quart slow cooker

Wooden spoon

Directions

Working in 2 batches, combine the beef and flour in a resealable plastic bag; seal and shake until the beef is completely coated with flour. Set aside.

Heat the 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (see Cook’s Note). Working in batches and adding more oil as necessary, add the beef in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until the beef is nicely brown on all sides, about 4 minutes. Transfer the beef to a 6-quart slow cooker.

Add the stock and red wine to the skillet and bring to a boil, scraping up the browned bits with a wooden spoon, and continue to boil until slightly reduced, about 1 minute. Transfer the liquid to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 6 hours. The beef and vegetables should be tender. 

Cook’s Note

Alternatively, use a slow cooker that can be placed on a stovetop to sear the beef.

Yummy! Perfect cold weather meal.

Melinda

Reference:

Food Network

The link takes you the recipe.

Melinda

Reference:

Food Network

Celebrate Life · Fun · Holiday · Medical

Fun Facts That Will Amaze You

I’m so glad you are enjoying Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird. I love hearing your comments! 

The wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles was watched by 750 million people worldwide in 1981; sadly, 2.5 billion watched her funeral in 1997. (bbc.com)

With 3.572 billion viewers, half the world’s population watched the 2018 FIFA World Cup of soccer (or football, as many international fans call it), which is held every four years. That number is on par with the 2016 Summer Olympics; but only a quarter of the world watched the less-popular Winter Olympics in 2018. (fifa.com)

There are no muscles in your fingers: Their function is controlled by muscles in your palms and arms. (assh.org)

The hardest working muscle in your body is your heart: It pumps more than 2,000 gallons of blood a day and beats more than 2.5 billion times in a 70-year life span. (heart.org)

 Enjoy! 

Melinda

 

Celebrate Life · Fun · Mental Health · Music

#Weekend Music Share-John Mayer, Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud – 2019 – Live in Tokyo

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

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

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 · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Mental Health

Wordless Wednesday-Vibrant Colored Floral Arrangement

I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Daily Writing Prompt · Fun · Men & Womens Health

Daily Wring Prompt

Daily writing prompt
Name your top three pet peeves.

Just three?????? At 62, my peeves have changed as I age, thank goodness. Peeves are what I call my last nerve and there are more than three but the top ones are: being told what to do or think, abuse of any kind including animals, arrogance.

Outside of the three are: people who wallow in their problems, liars, are unkind and rude, and people who do not help others. Oh, I can’t forget, someone constantly reminding me of what I need to do and the ones who won’t take responsibly.

I’m far from perfect but no one is, my attitude has changed along with what I think is important. I shake the thoughts off after they happen but they pop-up the next time.

Have a great day.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

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

Daily Writing Prompt

Daily writing prompt
Beach or mountains? Which do you prefer? Why?

I prefer both because they offer such different opportunities yet if I had to pick it would be water. I have loved the water or playing in water since I was a small child and once older I discovered the love of falling asleep being rocked by the water. There’s nothing like waking up to the sunrise drinking a cup of coffee while the water calms you.

I’ve had one bad experience on my friends 40ft boat. One day the weather was beautiful, I was sail boarding when I saw this massive black cloud coming our way. I rushed back to the boat and the waves on the way back to the dock were massive, he dealt with the waves while I was down stairs scared but constantly picking up items that had fallen including myself. I felt like it took forever. So glad he was at the helm.

The mountains are beautiful because the terrain is always different and you can see for miles. I was a hiker at one time but stopped after climbing a 1,000 feet to reach the top of Verna Falls at Yosemite National Park. We were rookies at climbing mountains and the climb reminded me why. You had to hike in circles all the way up, I had only one pole and several times I thought about stopping but knew better. The waterfall made every step worth it.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Celebrate Life · Fun · Mental Health · Music

#Weekend Music Share-Marvin Gaye – I Heard It Through The Grapevine (Live)

Great oldies that are as relevant today! Love the horns.

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

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

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 · Fun · Health and Wellbeing

Wordless Wednesday-High School Hair

I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.

10th Grade Journalism

Melinda

Blogging · Celebrate Life · Daily Writing Prompt · Fun

Daily Writing Prompt

Daily writing prompt
What’s your favorite month of the year? Why?

I don’t have a favorite month because each month has something wonderful to offer. New Years day is a great time to reflect on the challenges and accomplishments and turn my focus to apply what I’ve learned tothe new year.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care

Top Search Topics & Lifestyle Trends For Men And Women

As we close out the end of 2025, it’s time to look ahead at what topics are trending as we move into the new year. The topics change reguraly and my goal is to stay current in what topics you want to read about.

Men’s Top Search & Lifestyle Trends

  • Mindful Masculinity & Mental Fitness: Men are increasingly searching for ways to balance emotional resilience, mental health, and self-care, moving away from stoicism.
  • AI as Creative Collaborator: Searches around AI tools for design, music, and personal branding are booming.
  • Wellnesswear & Tech-Infused Fashion: Streetwear is merging with wellness and wearable tech, making style both functional and health-oriented.
  • Quiet Luxury & Throwback Fashion: Men are gravitating toward understated luxury brands and retro-inspired looks.
  • Digital Flex Culture & Streaming Shows: Entertainment searches highlight streaming series as cultural drivers, alongside a shift in how men present themselves online.
  • Fitness & Longevity: Hyrox competitions, organ supplements, and holistic fitness routines are trending.

Women’s Top Search & Lifestyle Trends

  • Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Fashion: Searches for eco-conscious clothing, retro-inspired sneakers, and TikTok-driven microtrends like Mermaidcore and Cowboycore are surging.
  • Biotech Skincare & Beauty Innovation: Exosome serums, beef tallow moisturizers, and peel-off lip stains are among the fastest-growing beauty searches.
  • Empowerment & Leadership: Women are increasingly searching for resources on entrepreneurship, breaking glass ceilings, and leadership opportunities.
  • Mind-Body Wellness: Lifestyle searches emphasize holistic health, balancing career success with personal well-being.
  • Retro & Hollywood Glam Revival: Old Hollywood beauty trends and maximalist prints are making a comeback.
  • Tech-Enhanced Lifestyle: AI-driven athleisure and smart fashion are gaining traction

Looking for the Light is successful when posts are on topics you are interested in. Please drop a comment to add additional topics you want to read about. :)

I will delve into many of the topics in the coming year. Staying current on what topics you are searching for helps me learn and allows me share the knowledge with you.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Reference:

https://copilot.microsoft.com

Blogging · Celebrate Life · Daily Writing Prompt · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Daily Writing Prompt

Daily writing prompt
What’s the first impression you want to give people?

I would like people to see me as a warm and welcoming person but in reality it doesn’t matter because their impression is their perception and has nothing to do with who I really am. The impression of me would also be different based on who I am meeting, say I’m meeting a religious leader, I would be humbled and taking in their presence and any lessons offered and not ask questions unless the door was open. I think the impression of me is different for everyone I met.

I am not a fluffy person and my writing is more raw and to the facts. That in itself could be taken may different way. All I can do is be who I am and hope that people will give me grace.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Celebrate Life · Fun · History

Fun Facts That Will Amaze You

I’m so glad you are enjoying Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird. I love hearing your comments! 

 

Buckingham Palace in London, England, has 775 rooms, including 78 bathrooms. (royal.uk)

The White House in Washington, DC, has 132 rooms, including 35 bathrooms. (whitehouse.gov)

 It takes 570 gallons to paint the exterior of the White House. (whitehouse.gov)

The teddy bear is named after President Theodore Roosevelt. After he refused to shoot a captured black bear on a hunt, a stuffed-animal maker decided to create a bear and name it after the president. (nps.gov)

Lincoln Logs were created by John Lloyd Wright, son of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, in the 1920s. They were named after Abraham Lincoln, who grew up in a log cabin. (nps.gov)

Enjoy! 

Melinda

 

Celebrate Life · Fun · Mental Health · Music

#Weekend Music Share-Eric Clapton – I Shot The Sheriff [Crossroads 2010] (Official Live Video)

EC is the greatest guitarist in the world! His ability to deliver notes from his guitars blow me away.

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

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

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

Just Pondering

What event in your past, if it had gone differently, would have changed your life for the better?

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Mental Health

Wordless Wednesday-Sweet Home Alabama

I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.

 

Melinda

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

4 Tips For Beginner Cooks To Make Things Easier

Improving your cooking skills is never a bad idea. Around 28% of Americans admit to having little or no skills in the kitchen. Everyone needs to eat, and preparing your own healthy, home-cooked meals can help you improve your health, reduce your reliance on junk or processed food and help you learn skills you can apply in other areas of your life too.

That being said, not everyone is a natural in the kitchen, and you only need to watch one of the many cooking shows to see the lack of skills some possess when it comes to whipping up meals. Hence, finding tips and hacks that can allow you to still eat well without the effort is an excellent way to build confidence in the kitchen to build on this and further improve your skills.

 Read on for some tips to hack cooking and help you become a better cook and enjoy better meals and improved health.

Use A Slow Cooker

Slow cookers are a great way to help you eat better and also cut down on the prep work involved while building up your skill set. You can use low cookers for a wide range of meals, from soups and stews to pasta dishes and even desserts. Why not try this chicken cacciatore for an easy go-to midweek meal? The beauty of slow cookers is that, generally, you put everything together and let it do its thing. There is physically minimal prep depending on the meal or dessert you are making.

Use Gadgets

While you need to know your way around a knife for cooking, different knives have different uses; in the early stages or to cut down on prep work using kitchen gadgets such as mandolins for slicing and chopping blenders can help you out in a pinch, and get the ingredients prepped while you get to grips with cutting and chopping. Multi-tools, chopping boards with measures on, splash guards, and more can all come in useful throughout your cooking journey.

Bulk Prep

If you are prepping for your meals and practicing your skills, try bulk prepping or meal prep to help you out for future cooks. It can be tricky initially to get your technique sorted or to make the right quantities, so making more on purpose not only gives you more practice but can also give you some bits ready-made that you can use to help your next creation a bit easier.

Preheat

One of the best tips you can have when learning to cook or expanding your skills is to preheat. Preheat your pan, oven, grill, etc. Never pour your oil into a cold pan, and always check that your oven is at the right temperature before popping food in to ensure an even cook. It can be worth investing in a thermometer if needed for your cooking appliances and your food to ensure everything is at the right temperature.

Conclusion

A kitchen is a place where you can have fun and get creative, but learning the basics will go a long way in helping you to create some fabulous meals. Start simple, and build your way up to more complex dishes to really make a move from beginner to Masterchef.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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Celebrate Life · Fun · Music

#Weekend Music Share-John Mellencamp – Cherry Bomb (Official Music Video)

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

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

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 · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · History

Today in History

Hi! So glad you are enjoying Today in History, it fun to learn about the past.

1985

Hollywood icon Rock Hudson dies of AIDS


On October 2, 1985, actor Rock Hudson, 59, becomes the first major U.S. celebrity to die of complications from AIDS. Hudson’s death raised public awareness of the epidemic, which until that time had been ignored by many in the mainstream as a “gay plague.”


Hudson, born Leroy Harold Scherer Jr., on November 17, 1925, in Winnetka, Illinois, was a Hollywood heartthrob whose career in movies and TV spanned nearly three decades. With leading-man good looks, Hudson starred in numerous dramas and romantic comedies in the 1950s and 60s, including Magnificent Obsession, Giant and Pillow Talk. In the 1970s, he found success on the small screen with such series as McMillan and Wife. To protect his macho image, Hudson’s off-screen life as a gay man was kept secret from the public.

1965

Gatorade invented at University of Florida

On October 2, 1965, a team of scientists invent Gatorade, a sports drink to quench thirst, in a University of Florida lab. The name “Gatorade” is derived from the nickname of the university’s sports teams. Eventually, the drink becomes a phenomenon and makes its inventors …read more

1958

The Cold War comes to Africa, as Guinea gains its independence

The former French colony of Guinea declares its independence on October 2, 1958, with Sekou Toure as the new nation’s first leader. Guinea was the sole French West African colony to opt for complete independence, rather than membership in the French Community, and soon …read more

1967

Thurgood Marshall sworn in as first Black Supreme Court justice


Chief Justice Earl Warren swears in Thurgood Marshall, the first Black justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. As chief counsel for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in the 1940s and ’50s, Marshall was the architect and executor of the legal …read more

1941

Operation Typhoon is launched


On October 2, 1941, the Germans begin their surge to Moscow, led by the 1st Army Group and Gen. Fedor von Bock. Russian peasants in the path of Hitler’s army employ a “scorched-earth” policy. Hitler’s forces had invaded the Soviet Union in June, and early on it had become one …read more

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Mental Health · Music

#Weekend Music Share-Train – Meet Virginia (Official HD Video)

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

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

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 · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Just Pondering

Photo by Emil Bju00f6rkman on Pexels.com

“When you look at a field of dandelions you can either see a hundred weeds or a hundred wishes”

Unknown

Melinda

 

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Mental Health

Wordless Wednesday-Morning Fog

I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.

 

Melinda

Daily Writing Prompt · Family · Fun · Internet Good/Bad · Men & Womens Health

Daily Writing Prompt

Daily writing prompt
You have three magic genie wishes, what are you asking for?

I’m not into hypothetical questions yet this is a fun one. My first wish would ask for my worst health conditions to go away, including the high levels of pain I muddle through everyday. The second wish would be to spend as much time as possible with my Grandparents saying the things I did not say enough and asking all the questions I have for them. The third is a big ask because I am a curious person and have so many questions in my mind. I would like to spend time with someone who can give me uncomplicated answers to my questions.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

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

My Bucket List 2025

I started my first Bucket List in 2015 and updated it in 2021, now it’s time to adjust my list to what I can accomplish with my health conditions. It will include some items that are be pie in the sky yet I believe we have to stretch our mind for the possibilities. Fun days are ahead.

Surfing lessons

Parasail 

Visit Raptor Center 

Complete Ancestry Trees 

Learn more about my Cherokee Indian heritage

NASCAR Ride Along

Hand Knitting

Visit Niagara Falls

Visit Bronx Zoo

Visit many National Parks

Take several courses on Photography

Buy a lens that allows me to take photos of space

Donate Granny’s quilts to the seniors’ center

Visit Ukraine

Fly in F16 and do a roll over

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Celebrate Life · Fun · Mental Health · Music

#Weekend Music Share-Zac Brown Band – Chicken Fried (Official Music Video) 

My husband turned me onto this song and I laughed so hard then after listening to the words, it hit me he’s talking about what kind of life is important to him. Enjoy!

It’s the weekend!!!!!!

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

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 · Children · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Mental Health

Book Review for Sometimes by Joann Howeth

I want to thank Trigger Publishing Editor Andrea Marchiano for sharing Sometimes by Joann Howeth. I have enjoyed and learned so much from children’s books. Parents today have a choice of what tools they use to raise their children. There are no children’s books like the ones from Trigger, you must check out their complete selection of children’s and teen’s books. 

These are great books for Grandparents to have around so they can reinforce the way you’re trying to help your child. 

Blurb

Sometimes, life can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, we cling to things that we should let go of. And sometimes, those who are closest to us are the ones who hurt us the most. Despite what others may tell us, during these times, the best thing we can do is talk.

In this honest and poignant story, Joann Howeth reminds us of what can happen behind closed doors and, in doing so, encourages kids to tell their own stories to ensure they get the support they need. A must-have for every library, classroom, and therapist’s office, this book will reassure struggling children that they are not alone and help them find a safe and healthy outlet for their troubles.

My Thoughts

This is the most serious children’s book I’ve read and think all children need to read this book because it shows them that sometimes you have to tell your secrets to someone you can trust. This book will help children struggling with divorce, lack of money, or other struggles that go on behind closed doors. One very important piece of information is missing, it’s her name. This goes along with her secret. 

She has many secrets that she keeps to herself and the pressure it puts on her is heavy. Her Dad is gone and her mother is in a bad place, it could be from mental health issues or she just can’t make ends meet. Often times when she goes to the refrigerator there is no milk, or when she wants to wash her hair there is no shampoo and the house is stacked full and running over including the moldy dishes. 

She is not allowed to participate in school activities or go to barbecues and is isolated from friends because she doesn’t want anyone to know her secrets.  

She feels so alone and embarrassed and her mother has said no one can come into their house. She has no friends except the neighbor who is kind to her. Her room is filled with items her mother has collected and it crowds out her sleeping space, sometimes she sleeps in a chair or will sit on the stoop.

Her neighbor has a good idea of what is going on and she offers her a string cheese, an apple, and a hug on the way home from school. One day she realized her neighbor knew what was going on and asked her not to tell. Her trusted friend, Mrs. McGeorger said sometimes you have to share with someone. 

This is happening today much more than we know it and we can’t judge or blame the children. I had many secrets growing up, I was abused and my step-father was an alcoholic. I didn’t want any friends to come to my house for fear of getting a glimpse of what was truly happening. I didn’t trust anyone, that was a heavy burden for a child to carry around every day. 

This book is for parents, grandparents, therapists, and schools, all children need exposure to what can happen behind closed doors, it may help a child come forward or at least make them less judgemental. I love this book, it was hard to swallow but I could relate so clearly and know there are plenty of children that have secrets. 

Trigger Publishing

TriggerHub.org is the first mental health organization of its kind. We are bringing mental health recovery and balance to millions of people worldwide through the power of our books.

We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives. 

Melinda

Looking for the Light

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