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From the Nest

5 Ways to Start Your Day Happy

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SStart your day happy and relaxed and you will greatly increase your chances of a healthy, productive day. Too often people feel rushed in the morning – scrambling to get ready for work and getting the kids off to school. By the time you get to work you can feel a little overwhelmed! Try these five thing to help you start your day off happy:

1. WAKE UP EARLY. Seriously. You may have to go to bed earlier to get 8 hours of sleep but waking up 15 to 30 minutes earlier will allow you to take your time going through your morning routine, without rushing. We suggest that you pick out your work outfit the night before so that your morning is less stressful. Make sure it is pressed and ready to wear. Then you can begin your morning by lying in bed, waking up slowly. It’s just as important to have time to prepare yourself mentally as it is physically. So don’t give in to that snooze button.

2. HYDRATE. Drinking warm lemon water first thing in the morning gives the body a chance to absorb some vitamin C and can boost your energy level and your immune system. Vitamin C is also good for the adrenal glands which are responsible for balancing hormones and can potentially help reduce the affects of stress. So as you get ready for the day, drink an entire glass or two of lemon water and see how your energy levels improve through the day. You may even want to bring a sports bottle with you to work so you can hydrate throughout the day….

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Sconset Sweet Cherry Parfait

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CCherries are a sweet summertime treat that are good for you! Like edible rubies – these sweet and succulent gems are perfect for breakfast, snacking, or a delicious dessert. Cherries are sweet yet firm with just a faint hint of tartness and come in shades of deep red. They’re gorgeous and delicious!

With fresh cherries on hand we contemplated on whether to make a summery cobbler or a sweet cherry parfait. We decided to go with the sweet cherry parfait that is easy to make and fun to share with friends.

Sconset Sweet Cherry Parfait

Prep Time: Cook Time: Total Time: Makes approximately 4 parfaits.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh deep red cherries, pitted and halved
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup of Chobani greek plain yogurt (or vanilla or cherry)
  • Honey, sweeten to taste
  • Top with real whip cream and fresh baked cookie crumbs (or top with granola for healthy version)

 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400-degrees F.
  2. Toss cherries with balsamic vinegar and let marinade for at least 30 minutes.
  3. On a roasting pan, evenly spread balsamic covered cherries and roast for 25 minutes at 400-degrees F.  Save room for the slivered almonds and coconut and add them to the roasting pan for the last 2 to 3 minutes, as these roast quickly.
  4. In a separately bowl mix plain Greek yogurt with a light honey to sweeten.
  5. Layer all ingredients evenly in Mason jars and top with real whip cream.

Begin by tossing the fresh pitted cherries with a good balsamic vinegar and marinate for 30 minutes. Once the cherries have marinated spread them evenly over a roasting pan. Roasting always brings out wonderful flavor in foods, and fresh cherries are no exception. Leave a little space to roast the slivered almonds and shredded coconut for the last 2 to 3 minutes. A little nutty crunch adds a nice twist to this parfait and is perfect for layering. Once everything is roasted and toasted, layer the ingredients with the Greek yogurt that is sweetened with honey. If you prefer you may use vanilla or cherry yogurt as a substitute for the plain Greek yogurt. Top with real whip cream and fresh baked cookies crumbs. Invite your friends over and enjoy.

Sweet & Salty Halloween Treats

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We just love everything about these sweet & salty Halloween treats.  They are delicious, easy to make and everyone loves them, young and old alike.  Perfect for a party or give them as a gift – they will certainly be a crowd pleaser!  Holiday treats don’t get an easier than this and they only take 15 to 20 minutes to make.  These treats are great for any holiday – just change the color of the M&M’s to match the holiday and viola you have party favorite!  …

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