Just wrapped up reading One Minute for Yourself by Spencer Johnson (co-author of The One Minute Manager and Who Moved My Cheese?). I got it for free with credit at my favorite used book store. It's a quick, simple read, but the core message is a total mindset shift: taking just one minute a day for intentional self-care and self-reflection can dramatically improve your entire life. In a world that constantly demands our attention, this book is a necessary anchor back to ourselves. Rootedness isn't just about being in nature; it's about being present and connected to your own needs. Here are my main takeaways: - You must take care of yourself first. It sounds selfish, but it's essential. You can't pour from an empty cup. Johnson emphasizes that finding personal fulfillment is the first step to genuinely helping others. - Life is lived minute by minute. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by huge chunks of time, focus on the small, intentional moments you can carve out daily. Small, consistent steps lead to lasting change. - Self-love and self-sufficiency are non-negotiable. The book suggests that to be truly happy and balanced, we must first achieve a solid sense of self-love and not rely entirely on external validation. - The "one minute" reduces stress. This tiny pause helps bring a sense of peace and balance, making you more effective at work and at home. It's a simple hack for a busy life. - Bringing out the best in yourself is an active process. It’s not just about waiting for things to get better; it's about using that one minute to actively decide how to respond to situations and proactively manage your life. The main principle I'm integrating into my own routine is the idea that if you once gain time for thought, you will more easily command yourself and your reactions. Check out the book to dive deeper into these simple yet powerful ideas at my Amazon store https://amzn.to/3KRCp53 I've already started implementing my 60-second self-check-ins.

🥢 Boost Your Gut Health & Level Up Your Longevity with Kimchi! 📈 Hey everyone! If you're serious about performance, focus, and overall well-being, you need to pay attention to your gut biome. It's the engine of your health, and one of the best superfoods you can add to your diet is the Korean powerhouse: Kimchi. This isn't just spicy cabbage; it's a fermented goldmine that can seriously impact how you feel and perform daily. Here’s the breakdown of why you should add this to your stack: 🦠 The Probiotic Powerhouse Kimchi is a potent source of Lactobacillus bacteria, the same beneficial bacteria found in yogurt and other fermented foods. - Why this matters: A balanced gut microbiome is crucial for efficient digestion, nutrient absorption, and even immune response. This good bacteria helps crowd out the bad stuff, leading to better digestion and fewer energy dips. 🔥 Immunity Amplifier Speaking of immune response, the fermentation process, combined with ingredients like garlic, ginger, and red pepper, gives kimchi serious immunomodulatory effects. - The Science: Studies suggest that consuming fermented foods can enhance your body’s defense mechanisms, helping you stay healthy and consistent in your routine. Less sick days = more time crushing goals. ❤️ Heart Health & Anti-Inflammatory Effects Kimchi is rich in potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. The selenium and capsaicin (from the chili peppers) are linked to lower cholesterol levels and reduced risk of heart disease. - The Advantage: Chronic inflammation is the silent killer of productivity. By reducing it, you improve long-term health and vitality. 🧠 Better Mood & Mental Clarity? It sounds wild, but the gut-brain axis is real. A healthy gut microbiome is increasingly linked to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and better cognitive function. Feed your gut right, and your brain thanks you. Actionable Next Steps: 1. Find the real stuff: Look for naturally fermented, unpasteurized kimchi in the refrigerated section of your local health food store or supermarket. 2. Start small: A few tablespoons a day is all you need to start seeing benefits. Add it as a side dish, mix it into rice, or top your avocado toast with it. 3. Consistency is key: Like any supplement or routine, the benefits build over time. Make it a staple, not a one-off.

I had a bunch of dates and pistachios so here's dates 4 ways. Pictures of each one are attached. The first one is one of the easiest, most delicious no-bake snacks or desserts. Naturally sweet, creamy, and crunchy—perfect for holidays, or whenever you want something healthy-ish. Pic 1- Pistachio-Stuffed Dates Ingredients (makes ~20 pieces) • 20 large Medjool or Khudri dates (pitted) • ½ cup shelled pistachios (roasted & lightly salted or unsalted) • Optional fillings/toppings: • Soft goat cheese, labneh, mascarpone, or cream cheese • Tahini + honey • Rose water or orange blossom water (a few drops) • Melted dark chocolate for drizzling • Crushed pistachios or rose petals for garnish Instructions • Use a small knife to slit each date lengthwise and remove the pit if not already pitted. • Stuff each date with 2–4 whole pistachios (or crush them slightly if you want more coverage). • Optional upgrades: • Pipe or spoon a little goat cheese/cream cheese into the date first, then press in the pistachios. • Drizzle with a tiny bit of honey mixed with rose water. • Dip half the stuffed date in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with crushed pistachios. • Chill 15–30 minutes (helps everything set if you used cheese or chocolate). • Serve at room temperature for the best flavor. Fancy Variations- • Persian Love Dates (Pic 2): Stuff with a mix of pistachio butter + a touch of cardamom, then roll in finely chopped pistachios. • Bacon-Wrapped (sweet-salty) Pic 3: Wrap stuffed date in half a strip of bacon, secure with toothpick, bake 400°F/200°C for 12–15 min until bacon is crispy. • Chocolate Pistachio “Snickers” Dates (Pic 4): Fill with pistachio butter (or natural peanut butter + chopped pistachios), freeze 30 min, dip in melted dark chocolate, sprinkle sea salt. They keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks (or freezer for 2–3 months). Enjoy! These disappear fast whenever I make them.

Brami pasta has gained traction among individuals looking for a cleaner, protein-forward alternative to traditional wheat-based noodles. Made primarily from lupini beans, it offers a nutrient profile that is naturally aligned with whole-food eating rather than the highly processed formulas that dominate most “better-for-you” pasta products. At its core, Brami pasta stands out for three reasons: protein density, low glycemic impact, and ingredient simplicity. Lupini beans are one of the highest-protein legumes available, and that translates directly into a pasta that supports satiety, muscle maintenance, and steady energy. For people trying to balance family life, busy schedules, and healthier habits, the ability to stay full longer without relying on heavy carbohydrates is a meaningful advantage. Another differentiator is the low net carbohydrate count. Brami pasta supports blood-sugar stability more effectively than wheat or even many “high-protein” blended pastas. This makes it appealing for individuals pursuing sustainable weight loss, parents seeking energy that lasts throughout the day, or anyone wanting a cleaner nutritional baseline without feeling deprived. Finally, the ingredient list is short and recognizable. Because Brami pasta avoids fillers and unnecessary additives, it is easier on digestion and clearer for people who want transparency in what they eat. It functions as a whole-food swap instead of a highly engineered substitute.

Found these three clean ingredient items at Costco that are new to our store. Check them out and be in the lookout for them in other stores.