These turn out super fudgy with crinkly tops—no cottage cheese taste! Ingredients (for an 8x8 pan, about 9-12 brownies): • 1 cup full-fat or 4% cottage cheese (blends creamier and boosts protein) • 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut/seed butter) • 1/2 cup sugar or sweetener (like maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar or sugar-free alternative) • 1/3-1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed for richer flavor) Optional add-ins: Chocolate chips for extra gooeyness, chopped nuts like almonds. Instructions: • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper. • Blend cottage cheese until smooth (no curds left). • Mix in almond butter, sugar, and cocoa powder until combined. • Fold in chocolate chips if using. • Spread into pan and bake 20-25 minutes (center should be slightly gooey). • Cool completely (chill for best fudginess), then slice.

The truth is, flipping the calendar doesn’t flip your life — your habits do. If you carry the same routines, reactions, and excuses into a new year, it simply becomes another year, not a new one. Change begins with awareness, choice, and courage — the courage to break cycles, to try again, and to build systems that support your best self. Take a holistic approach this year. Nourish your body with movement and good food, feed your mind with positivity, and guard your peace fiercely. The transformation you seek is waiting on the other side of consistent, intentional action. This is your moment to realign — to not just live the year, We are doing it at a good pace and one day at a time. We Cannot do it all in one day ! We have awesome resources here ! Have a great week !

This quote beautifully reminds us that self-love is the foundation for transformation. When we nurture our mind, body, and spirit with kindness and care, our energy shifts — and everything around us begins to reflect that. True wellness starts from within, and as we honor ourselves, we create space for deeper balance, beauty, and connection in our lives. Here are some simple steps if your just beginning. We are all in our journey and at different stages . Let’s not compare ourselves to each other as we are all unique. Mirror kindness • Stand in front of a mirror, look into your own eyes, and say one kind sentence to yourself (for example: “You are doing your best, and that is enough”). • Do this once a day, even if it feels awkward; over time it softens self-criticism and builds acceptance. 2. Three things I like • Take a notebook and list three things you like about yourself (qualities, not just looks). • Repeat this a few times a week to gently retrain your mind to notice your strengths instead of your flaws. 3. Love-letter journaling • Write a short “love letter” to yourself, as if you were your own supportive friend. • Include appreciation, encouragement, and compassion for what you’ve been through and who you are becoming. 4. Mini self-care pause • Schedule just 5–10 minutes a day for something that feels nourishing: stretching, breathing, tea, a song you love, or sitting in silence. • Treat this time as non-negotiable, a small daily act of honoring your own worth. 5. Gentle affirmation practice • Choose one simple affirmation, like “I am learning to love myself,” and repeat it slowly several times in the morning and at night. • You can also write it on a sticky note where you’ll see it often, letting it replace some of your old critical thoughts.

There is a growing trend of people declining to touch receipts after learning about what they are coated with and how it transfers through the skin. Many thermal paper receipts are coated with bisphenol A (BPA) or bisphenol S (BPS), chemicals used for heat-activated printing. These can be absorbed through the skin, raising health concerns like endocrine disruption. Some people avoid handling them for this reason. Has anyone else heard about this?

These patties are protein-packed, use whole ingredients, and avoid heavy frying. The outside gets nicely crispy while the inside stays tender and flavorful from the chicken-potato combo. Serves: 4 (about 8-10 patties) Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes Ingredients • 2 cups mashed potatoes (preferably made with minimal butter/milk; use Yukon Gold or russet for best texture—cooled works great) • 1–1½ cups cooked chicken breast, finely chopped or shredded (about 4-6 oz; rotisserie or poached skinless breast for lean protein) • 1 egg (helps bind; or use ¼ cup Greek yogurt for extra protein and moisture) • 2–3 tbsp whole wheat flour, oat flour, or almond flour (for binding and lighter crisp; start with 2 tbsp) • ¼ cup finely chopped onion or green onions (optional, for flavor) • 1–2 garlic cloves, minced (optional) • 1–2 tbsp fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill (optional but recommended) • ½ tsp paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to taste • Optional add-ins: ¼ cup grated low-fat cheese, spinach, or grated zucchini for extra veggies/nutrition • For coating/crispiness: ½ cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed whole-grain crackers (for healthier crunch) • Cooking spray or 1–2 tsp olive/avocado oil Instructions • In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, chopped chicken, egg, flour, onion/garlic/herbs, and seasonings until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed—if too wet, add a bit more flour; if too dry, add a splash of milk or yogurt. • Form into 8–10 patties (about ½-inch thick, 3 inches wide). For extra crispiness, lightly coat each patty in panko or breadcrumbs. • For crispy results (healthier options): • Baked version (recommended for low oil): Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet sprayed with oil. Lightly spray tops. Bake 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Broil 1–2 minutes at the end for extra crunch. • Pan-fried lighter version: Heat 1 tsp oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side until golden (don't overcrowd).