SMILE!

Smile more often.

Whenever you get a grin on your face, your brain is releasing serotonin, the happy hormone. Smiling is the natural way to force yourself to be happy. Many people even smile for five minutes straight in the morning to get themselves in a great mood for the day. It is a very powerful tool that is utilized less and less as we grow older and need happiness more than ever.

Just remember that while happiness leads to smiles, smiles also lead to happiness.

How much pasta do you need?

Did you know that one serving of pasta is a ½ cup cooked, or a portion about the size of half a baseball or rounded handful?

Depending on gender, age and level of physical activity, most Americans need between four and eight servings of grains each day. Heaping plates of pasta may end up providing more calorie-dense carbohydrates than you need.

For a well-balanced meal, try limiting portions of pasta to ½- ¾ cup; consider whole wheat, if available; and include plenty of vegetables and lean meat, fish, chicken or tofu.

Park in the Shade

When you can, keep your car out of the sun. Not only will it be more bearable when you get back inside, but it will help you save on gas too. The fuel can evaporate right out of the tank of a hot car.

Concrete Brick Planter

Another great idea found on the Internet! Concrete Blocks used for succulent planters.  You could use it for an herb garden, too. 

Homemade Book Shelves

Here’s a fun idea I found while looking around the Internet: Homemade Book Shelves! It’s easy to do--just look at the picture and go buy the brackets!

Homemade Breakfast Bars

• 1 large egg 
• 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
• 1 box (14 oz) gingerbread mix 
• 3 cups reduced-fat granola cereal
• chopped nuts (optional)

 

 

 

Heat oven to 350° F. Coat a 12" × 8" baking pan with cooking spray.

 

In a large bowl, combine egg with water. Beat with a fork until blended. Stir in gingerbread mix just until moistened. Add granola. Stir to combine.

 

Pour into prepared pan. Bake about 25 minutes, or until bars spring back when pressed with fingertips. Cool in pan on a rack.

 

Makes 12 bars which will stay good in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

 

Another Reason to Eat Bananas!

Anyone who has feasted for Thanksgiving knows turkey can induce some serious sleepiness, but bananas contain the same snooze-chemical, tryptophan.  Try one just before bed-time!