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April Theme Colors

Light Green #D5EFA8 - Dark Green #46C074 - Orange #FC8553

🌎 Celebrate Earth Day 2025: Small Steps, Big Impact! 🌿

Happy Earth Day! 🌱 Every April 22nd, the world unites to celebrate Earth Day—a global event dedicated to promoting environmental protection and sustainability.

This year’s theme, “Restore Our Earth,” encourages us to focus on practical actions we can take to make a positive impact.

While large-scale conservation efforts are crucial, the truth is, each of us can make a difference in our daily lives. Here are some simple, effective steps you can take to help restore our planet:

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Sort your waste, repurpose items when possible, and recycle responsibly.
Go Green at Home: Opt for energy-efficient appliances, switch to LED lighting, and reduce water waste.
Support Local & Sustainable: Shop locally, choose organic products, and support companies that prioritize eco-friendly practices.
Plant a Tree or Garden: Whether it’s a houseplant, a small garden, or planting trees in your community, every little bit helps!
Cut Down on Single-Use Plastics: Bring reusable bags, bottles, and containers wherever you go.

This Earth Day, challenge yourself to adopt one new sustainable habit. 🌿 Whether it’s using a refillable water bottle, starting a compost bin, or biking to work—every small step adds up.

Let’s work together to create a greener, healthier planet. Happy Earth Day! 🌍

🌷 Why Gardening is Great for Seniors 🌱

Gardening is more than just a hobby—it’s a wonderful way for seniors to enjoy fresh air, stay active, and boost their well-being. Whether you have a sprawling yard or just a few pots on a balcony, the benefits of gardening are plentiful! 🌼

Here are a few reasons why gardening is especially good for seniors:

Physical Exercise: Digging, planting, watering, and weeding provide gentle, low-impact exercise that promotes flexibility, strength, and endurance. It’s a fantastic way to stay active without feeling like you’re working out.
Mental Wellness: Gardening can be a natural mood booster! Spending time with plants reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and provides a calming effect. Plus, the joy of watching flowers bloom or veggies grow is a true mood-lifter.
Social Connection: Joining gardening clubs or sharing your harvest with friends and neighbors can foster social interaction and a sense of community.
Cognitive Stimulation: Planning a garden, choosing plants, and keeping track of growth cycles keep the mind engaged and sharp.
Healthy Eating: Growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs makes it easier to enjoy fresh, nutritious food right from your backyard.

Best of all, gardening can be adapted to any ability level. Raised beds, container gardening, or even indoor herb gardens are all fantastic options. 🌿 So why not dig in and start planting? Your body, mind, and soul will thank you!

Happy Gardening! 🌷🪴

Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Snap Peas

Recipe by www.foodnetwork.com

Photography by Antonis Achilleos

Ingredients

4 chicken cutlets (about 1 1/4 pounds), patted dry

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

All-purpose flour, for dredging

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 scallions, thinly sliced

8 ounces mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake or a combination), quartered

1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

3/4 cup heavy cream

2 cups sugar snap peas, stemmed and halved lengthwise

Directions

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Dredge 2 chicken cutlets in flour, shake off any excess and place in the skillet. Cook until golden, about 1 1/2 minutes per side; transfer to a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and the other 2 chicken cutlets. Cover the dish loosely with foil; place in the oven while you prepare the vegetables.
Add the butter to the hot skillet, then add the scallions and mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms brown, about 4 minutes. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Cook until the liquid is reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Add the cream and boil until the sauce thickens slightly, 3 to 4 more minutes. Stir in the snap peas and heat through; season with salt and pepper. Serve the chicken topped with the creamy vegetables.

Peeptini

Recipe courtesy of Mary Rupp of delish.com

Photo: Erik Bernstien; Food Styling: Spencer Richards

Ingredients

1/2 oz. vanilla syrup, plus more for glass

1 Tbsp. pink sanding sugar

1 Tbsp. shredded coconut

1 1/2 oz. marshmallow vodka

1 oz. heavy cream

1/2 oz. grenadine

1 Peeps chick

Directions

Freeze a martini glass until cold, about 15 minutes, if desired.
Place syrup on a shallow plate. On a separate shallow plate, mix sanding sugar and coconut. Dip rim of glass into syrup, then into sugar mixture.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, cream, grenadine, and vanilla syrup. Cover and vigorously shake until outside of shaker is very frosty, about 20 seconds.
Strain cocktail into prepared glass. Garnish with Peeps chick.

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March Theme Colors

Blue #4f62b1 - Pink e66e59

10 Spring Cleaning Tips You Can Do All Year

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be just for spring! Keeping your home fresh and tidy all year long is easier than you think. Here are 10 simple tips to maintain a clean and organized home year-round:

Declutter Monthly – Set aside 15 minutes each month to purge items you no longer need. If you haven’t used it in a year, it’s probably time to let it go.
Clean One Room at a Time – Don’t overwhelm yourself. Tackle one room per week to keep things manageable.
Rotate Seasonal Clothes – When the seasons change, swap out clothes and donate anything you didn’t wear last season.
Deep Clean Appliances – Once a month, wipe down your fridge, oven, and microwave. You’ll be amazed at how much fresher your kitchen feels!
Wipe Down High-Touch Areas – Light switches, door handles, and remote controls collect a lot of germs. Give them a quick wipe weekly.
Organize Junk Drawers – Set a timer for 10 minutes and tackle that drawer. If it doesn’t belong there, put it away!
Tidy Up Paper Clutter – Go through mail and paperwork weekly. Shred or recycle what you don’t need.
Freshen Up Fabrics – Wash curtains, throw pillows, and blankets every few months to keep them smelling and looking fresh.
Dust Baseboards and Vents – A quick swipe with a damp cloth can make your home feel noticeably cleaner.
Bring in Some Green – Adding houseplants not only looks great but also improves air quality.

With these easy tips, your home will feel clean and refreshed all year – not just in spring! 🌸

Honoring Legendary Women for Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on and celebrate the incredible contributions of women throughout history. From groundbreaking scientists to fearless activists, women have shaped our world in profound ways — often in the face of significant adversity.

One of the most influential figures in history is Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win in two different sciences — physics and chemistry. Her groundbreaking research on radioactivity paved the way for advances in medicine and modern science.

In the fight for civil rights, Rosa Parks made a powerful statement when she refused to give up her bus seat in 1955, sparking a movement that would help dismantle racial segregation in America. Her courage reminds us that even small acts of resistance can lead to monumental change.

The world of literature was forever changed by Maya Angelou, whose poetry and autobiographies gave voice to the African American experience and inspired generations to embrace their strength and identity.

In politics, Ruth Bader Ginsburg broke barriers as a Supreme Court Justice, advocating tirelessly for gender equality and women’s rights. Her legacy continues to influence the legal landscape today.

These women — and countless others — have left an indelible mark on history. Their resilience, brilliance, and courage continue to inspire us to push boundaries and strive for equality. This Women’s History Month, let’s honor their legacy by empowering the next generation of trailblazing women.

Spring Shells & Cheese

Recipe by Ina Garten

www.foodnetwork.com

Ingredients

2 pounds medium zucchini

Kosher salt

1 stick unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Pinch of cayenne pepper

Freshly ground black pepper

6 cups whole milk

4 sprigs fresh thyme

3 bay leaves

Grated zest of 1/2 lemon

1 pound medium pasta shells

4 shallots, minced

2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten

4 ounces parmesan cheese, grated (about 1 cup)

4 ounces gruyere cheese, grated (about 1 1/4 cups)

4 ounces baby spinach

Directions

Grate the zucchini into a colander using the large holes of a box grater. Toss with 1 tablespoon salt, then place in the sink to drain, about 15 minutes. Squeeze out the excess liquid.
Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, nutmeg, cayenne, 2 teaspoons salt, and black pepper to taste and mix with a wooden spoon to make a paste. Cook, stirring, until the paste puffs slightly, about 3 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk, then add the thyme, bay leaves and lemon zest and bring to a boil, stirring. Reduce the heat and simmer until thickened slightly, about 25 minutes. Strain into a bowl; discard the herbs.
Meanwhile, position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 425 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and add to the sauce.
Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the zucchini and cook, stirring, until almost tender, about 4 minutes. Add the zucchini mixture to the pasta along with the egg yolks and all but 3 tablespoons of both cheeses; stir to combine, then add the spinach.
Transfer the mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish and sprinkle with the reserved cheeses. Bake until browned on top and heated through, 25 to 30 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

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February Theme Colors

Burgundy #9d5977 - Beige/Sand #F4edde

Celebrating National Spunky Old Broads Month: Here’s to Bold, Fearless & Fabulous Women!

February isn’t just about love and heart-shaped chocolates—it’s also National Spunky Old Broads Month! 🥳 Yes, you read that right! This month is dedicated to fabulous, fearless, and feisty women over 50 who embrace life with confidence, sass, and a whole lot of spunk.

Founded by Dr. Gayle Carson, this celebration is all about breaking stereotypes and proving that aging is just another word for leveling up. Spunky Old Broads (SOBs for short!) are bold, empowered, and refuse to fade into the background—they’re out here making waves, trying new things, and living life on their terms.

Are YOU a Spunky Old Broad?

Here’s how to tell:
✅ You speak your mind—no sugarcoating necessary.
✅ You laugh at the idea of "acting your age."
✅ You chase dreams, not permission.
✅ You know that wisdom + a little mischief = the perfect combination.

How to Celebrate This Month:

🎉 Do Something Daring – Take that trip, start that project, or dance in your kitchen like nobody’s watching!
💃 Embrace Your Inner Diva – Treat yourself to something that makes you feel fabulous.
👯‍♀️ Celebrate with Your Spunky Friends – Gather your squad and toast to all the fearless women who inspire you.

💬 We Want to Hear From You!
What makes YOU a Spunky Old Broad? Reply and share a moment where you embraced your bold, fearless, and fabulous side! Let’s celebrate together. 🎉💜

The Perfect Match: Finding the

Right Loan for Your Needs

February is all about finding the perfect match—whether in love or in home financing! Choosing the right mortgage is just as important as choosing the right home, and with so many loan options available, it’s essential to find the best fit for your financial goals.

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

Conventional Loans – Ideal for buyers with good credit and a stable income. These loans often require a 3-20% down payment.
FHA Loans – A great option for first-time buyers, offering lower down payments (as low as 3.5%) and more flexible credit requirements.
VA Loans – Available to eligible veterans and active military members, VA loans require no down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI).
Jumbo Loans – Designed for high-priced homes that exceed conventional loan limits. These loans require strong credit and financials.
Reverse Mortgages – Available to homeowners 62 and older, this loan allows seniors to convert home equity into cash without monthly mortgage payments.