Did you know one of the most common herbs in your kitchen could be one of the most powerful for your family’s health? Basil isn’t just for spaghetti sauce—it’s packed with antioxidants, supports healthy digestion, and can even help calm stress. Plus, it’s super easy to grow on a sunny windowsill or in the backyard. 🌱 Here’s a quick family-friendly recipe that puts fresh basil to work: 🍅 Fresh Basil Pesto (Kid-Approved!) Ingredients: • 2 cups fresh basil leaves • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese • ½ cup olive oil • ⅓ cup pine nuts (or walnuts for budget-friendly) • 2 garlic cloves • Pinch of salt & pepper Instructions: 1. Add basil, nuts, garlic, and cheese to a blender or food processor. 2. Pulse until finely chopped. 3. Slowly stream in olive oil while blending until smooth. 4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve it tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or even as a dip for veggies. The kids won’t even realize they’re getting an antioxidant boost! 🙌 👉 Who else loves cooking with fresh herbs? Drop your favorite below!

Welcome @Latrice Berry to the group!

Welcome to @Linda Rinne @Nona Laminack to the group!

Now, let’s talk about socks. But first, let’s talk about feet. Hanging out way down there at the bottom of our body—feet are easy to forget, unless, of course, they begin to hurt, blister, sweat, or itch. Can you relate? It’s easy to take our feet for granted until something goes awry. Like, for example, socks that bunch or rub or release harmful chemicals when we sweat. Not so fun. Our sweet feet deserve the best! Cultures around the world hold feet in high regard. Many Eastern traditions consider meridian points (or energy pathways) at the base of the feet to have direct links to corresponding organs in the body. Reflexology, acupressure, acupuncture, and aromatherapy are some of the popular therapies that address specific ailments and overall health through treatment of the feet. That said, there is much to consider in relation to how we care for this essential part of our body. If you have sensitive feet—prone to irritation—or fungus, it is crucial to consider what you put on them. Most feet sweat a lot, especially during exercise. When sweat mixes with the pesticides, synthetic dyes, and in some cases, formaldehyde laced in our socks, those chemicals release and mix up with our skin, causing agitation. No matter what one's level of sensitivity, everyone can benefit from wearing organic cotton socks. The absence of harsh chemicals makes for a much better product that is noticeably more comfortable and has greater longevity. Buy socks that have at least 90% cotton, hemp, linen, or wool. Here is a 97 percent cotton brand: https://amzn.to/3CgQMeR

If you're new to HIIT or treadmill workouts, start with a less intense routine. For example, you could try a 30-second sprint at 6–7 mph, followed by a 1-minute walk at 3–4 mph, repeated 5–10 times. My own personal HIIT session: 5 minute warmup at 3.5 setting incline of 6. Setting of 8 for 20 seconds. 40 seconds at 3.5. Repeat 8-10 times.