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FYE

Community Garden

February

At your leisure

Anti-New Year’s resolutions

The phrase, “Out with the old, in with the new” has never been more applicable during the New Year than in 2021. We’re ready for a fresh start, but we’re ready to take it easy at the same time (It’s been a long year already). Here are some of the most common New Year’s Resolutions with a more relaxed approach:

Meet new people → Reconnect with loved ones

Communication is key as everyone learns to navigate the “new normal”. Meeting new people can be tough to do virtually, and can be a generally nerve-wracking experience. So why not reconnect with existing friends and family members? If you’re thinking about them, we’re sure they’d love to hear from you!

Pick up a new skill or hobby → Become a master at your craft and share the love:

The idea of learning something new can feel intimidating. So why not share your love or knowledge of a topic or activity? From how to edit a YouTube video to how to remove coffee stains from vehicle upholstery, everyone can teach a masterclass about something. How can you become a resource to others interested in your area of expertise?

Do more → Do less (and get some rest)

We’re constantly on the go, moving at the speed of light, practicing a never-ending balancing act. While we know you are capable of managing more, have you considered slowing things down? Consider mastering the art of the “power nap” or simply setting up a sleep schedule for yourself. There’s never a bad day to get a good night’s rest.

Get organized → Declutter where/when you can:

Exercise and/or lose weight → Be more active:

All about ASMR

Have you ever experienced goosebumps while listening to a song for the first time? Did your first kiss make you physically feel like sparks were flying? If so, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered ASMR. If you experience ASMR, you’re familiar with the euphoric feeling associated with repetitive tapping, hair brushing, or even chewing. If you do not experience ASMR, keep reading to learn more about ASMR and what it means for R&R (Rest & Relaxation).

What is ASMR?

As a whole, ASMR is a fairly new concept. The term “ASMR” was coined in 2010 by a woman on Facebook who created a group to see if other Facebook users experienced this phenomenon. “ASMR” stands for “autonomous sensory meridian response”. The physical reaction is characterized by a warm, tingling sensation that begins at the scalp and travels down the neck and spine. ASMR is predominantly considered calming or relaxing, which is why many people watch ASMR-themed videos before bedtime.

How is ASMR experienced?

People experience ASMR in different ways from a variety of “triggers”. ASMR triggers may be audible, visible, or rely on physical touch. Audible triggers feature sounds like whispering, crinkling, or typing. Visible triggers include actions like hand movements, color swatches, and light patterns. Physical triggers are a result of scratching, brushing, or massaging. Everyone experiences ASMR differently, which may include a combination of the triggers listed above and more.

How can ASMR benefit my health?

A study conducted at Dartmouth College examined brain activity for those affected by ASMR triggers. Scientists noticed increased activity in the medial prefrontal cortex among other parts of the brain associated with the reward system and emotional reactions. Experts suggest ASMR brain activity mimics responses similar to positive social interactions or bonding.

Additionally, ASMR has the ability to guide listeners/viewers into a state of relaxation which actually lowers the heart rate. As a result, ASMR offers valuable mental and physical health benefits like pain relief, less stress, and improved moods. So, the experience is at least worth considering for multiple reasons.

Resources

Ways to give back without breaking the bank

If there’s one (positive) thing that 2020 has taught us, it’s the importance of giving. If there’s another (less positive) thing that 2020 has taught us, it’s that times are tough and for many people, money is tight. We understand, which is why we have a plan. Check out a few ways to make a positive impact in your community that don’t require any additional funds.

Virtual Volunteer Match

Although volunteering your time looks a little different these days, there is a bit of beauty to living in the digital age, including access to everything. Do you have a passion for cooking? Share your love of food while educating others how to cook nutritious meals at home. Do you have knowledge of foreign languages, music, or technology? The opportunities to grow and foster a community are endless. Visit VolunteerMatch to learn how you can get involved, or learn something new yourself. Consider this a new way to look at “free” time!

Locks of Love

You’re probably familiar with Locks of Love (a.k.a. “LOL”). This non-profit organization assists financially disadvantaged children experiencing long-term hair loss through donations (in the United States and Canada). Whether this is the only haircut you receive all year or you nominate a child in need, “LOL'' makes giving back stylish and simple while letting you save.

US National Park Service

American Red Cross

Did you know someone needs blood every two seconds in the United States? Did you also know that one donation can save up to three lives? Donating blood is a powerful way to generously give of yourself. The American Red Cross provides extensive information on the donation process, including how donated blood benefits transfusion recipients. Check out their website to see if you’re an eligible candidate today.

AmazonSmile

Even though there are 150 million active Amazon Prime members, only a fraction of subscribers take advantage of AmazonSmile. AmazonSmile is a free service where eligible purchases automatically donate 0.5% to a charitable organization of your choice. Simply visit the smile.amazon.com website or activate this feature inside the Amazon mobile app to choose your charity and get shopping. If you’re already having groceries delivered or making an impulse purchase, why not make the most of it with no additional cost to you? Just saying!

Second Helpings

February

Recipes & Reviews

Five must-try Starbucks secret menu items

If you enjoy drinking coffee, there’s a very good chance you’ve visited a Starbucks once or twice. Avid visitors of the coffee chain will be more familiar with their “secret menu items”. No, you don’t need to say a phrase or password. In fact, most baristas would actually prefer if you didn’t, but you will need to know the key ingredients in these specially crafted beverages. Created by fans for their fellow Starbucks fans, take a look at a few of the recipes behind some of these sweet treats.

Please note: All recipes below are intended for Starbucks’ “grande” or medium-sized beverages. You may need to adjust the number or amount of flavor mix-ins and toppings depending on your beverage size/order.

Samoa/Caramel Delight Frappuccino

Girl Scout Cookie season is right around the corner and we could not be more excited! Until then, we recommend satisfying that sweet tooth with the Samoa/Caramel Delight Frappuccino. Order a mocha Frappuccino with 1–2 pumps of toasted coconut syrup and 1–2 pumps of caramel syrup. Ask for whipped cream with mocha and caramel syrup drizzled on top. So… Who should we contact to receive our badge for “Most Adventurous Taste Buds”?

Love Bug Frappuccino

Cotton Candy Frappuccino

There’s nothing quite like spending a sunny summer day at a carnival among the rides and games. We understand if you’re missing and reminiscing about a day at the fair, which is why we love the Cotton Candy Frappuccino. Simply order a vanilla bean Frappuccino with 1–2 pumps of raspberry syrup (Whipped cream is optional), and you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world — or Ferris wheel.

Dirty Oprah Chai

In April 2015, Oprah partnered with Teavana to create a special beverage that was an official offering on the Starbucks menu for a limited time. With every purchase of the Oprah Cinnamon Chai Latte, Starbucks donated 25¢ to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy Foundation. If you’re feeling inspired, we recommend a slightly more modern, spicier, and caffeinated version of this feel-good drink, the “Dirty Oprah Chai”. Simply ask for a cinnamon chai latte with an extra shot of espresso and cinnamon sprinkled on top. Now you’re ready for anything, just like Oprah.

Medicine Ball

In 2021, our immune systems are working overtime these days. While a beverage from Starbucks cannot singlehandedly cure a cold or the flu, it sure can ease symptoms and comfort sippers. Once a secret menu item, the “Medicine Ball” gained so much popularity, Starbucks added the drink to its full menu! Order a honey citrus mint tea today for a bit of wellness both inside and out.

Food videos

Five food-based YouTube channels to boost your appetite

Whether you’re searching for weeknight dinner ideas, ingredient alternatives, or food-related entertainment, chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for on YouTube. A little sweet and a little savory, these channels are sure to inspire your inner chef, encourage you to expand your palate, or just make you hungry. Eating is believing after all.

Binging with Babish/Babish Culinary Universe

Established in August 2006, Andrew Rea created a YouTube channel where his love for food and filmmaking reached their culmination. Twice weekly, Rea recreates two iconic foods from beloved movies and TV shows. From reimagining Buddy The Elf’s Dessert Spaghetti to offering a selection of simple Healthy Meals, this channel is sure to satisfy any craving. A little bit of education, a whole lot of entertainment, there’s something for everyone inside the Babish Culinary Universe.

Disney Eats

Calling all Disney fans and foodies! Whether you love the food from the theme parks or you’d like to try an imaginary dish (Don’t we all agree cartoon food looks extra delicious?), Disney Eats has you covered. Inspired by Disney properties, this channel features bite-sized videos that entertain and celebrate the world of food. Want to make the magic happen in your own home? You can find recipes featured on the Disney Eats YouTube channel on the Disney Family website here.

Jamie Oliver

This list wouldn’t be complete without at least one world-renowned chef. Based out of the United Kingdom, British chef and entrepreneur, Jamie Oliver’s YouTube channel offers approachable recipes and practical techniques. His channel features family-friendly content that’s easy to digest. He sprinkles in a few guest stars for added flavor, too. The description box for each video even includes the nutritional information for his recipes. Needless to say, this channel passed our taste test.

Strictly Dumpling

Take your tastebuds for a trip around the globe without leaving the comfort of your home with Mikey Chen’s Strictly Dumpling YouTube channel. Mikey offers viewers an exclusive look at international cuisine across Asia and beyond. He compares United States fast food joints to their Asian counterparts as well as reviews the menus on first-class international flights. From all-you-can-eat buffets to street carts, Strictly Dumpling will leave you saying, “Until we eat again!”

You Suck at Cooking

Sarcastic and silly are the only way to describe this YouTube channel. The creator and cook, who remains anonymous, inaccurately illustrates cooking and baking processes — all on purpose. He takes you from raw ingredients to final products within a hilarious few minutes. With a casual outlook on what happens inside the kitchen, you’re sure to relate to this wonderfully reckless culinary artist.

Potluck

Five cookbooks we love: Part I

It’s true. Nothing brings people together like a great meal. Food has the power to bond people from all walks of life in a way nothing else can. After all, when the food is good, you’re feeding your soul and you can feel it in your heart. We’re literally eating up some of the recipes from these featured cookbooks. Keep reading to see what we’re serving up below.

Son of a Southern Chef: Cook with Soul

Lazarus Lynch is the two-time winner of the cooking competition show, Chopped, and he recently released a series of recipes showcasing his famous Southern-style cooking. Lynch shares the rich history behind his dishes and vibrant photography of the finished products. If you share a deep passion for soul food, you can satisfy that craving with this signature title.

Living Lively: 80 Plant-Based Recipes to Activate Your Power and Feed Your Potential

When Haile Thomas was eight years old, her father was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. At that time, she made it her mission to help improve her father’s dietary habits and ultimately, his health. Over the years, she has lovingly created and collected 80 tasty and nutritious plant-based recipes. Today, Thomas is the youngest Certified Integrative Health Coach in America at only 19 years old! Here’s your proof that good food goes a long way to fuel the mind, body, and soul.

Cravings: Recipes for All the Food You Want to Eat: A Cookbook

Inspired by meals from childhood to travels around the world, Cravings shares a unique collection of recipes from across Chrissy Teigen’s life. Teigen takes readers through the history and inspiration behind each dish before giving clear instructions on how to recreate her recipes in your own kitchen. With an emphasis on enjoying food, this menu is sure to make you hungry for more.

The Bob's Burgers Burger Book: Real Recipes for Joke Burgers

Created for the fans, by the fans, this Bob’s Burgers-themed cookbook shares practical recipes for 75 of the featured “Burger of the Day” menu items from the show. Stylized illustrations paired with quirky commentary from the characters brings fun back to food. What are you waiting for? Sink your teeth into this collection of real (delicious) recipes!

Sally’s Baking Addiction

It all started as a blog. In 2011, Sally McKenney needed a quick, consistent way to share her baking recipes with family and friends. Since then, McKenney, a self-taught baker, established Sally’s Baking Addiction as a full-time business. In Sally’s Baking Addiction, she teaches readers her tried-and-true methods to bake successful from-scratch goodies. Talk about a sweet treat!

Amusement Park

February

Comedic compilations

Slang for the ages: Part I

Every generation has something that sets them apart from all past and future generations. From fashion to cultural moments, a way with words is how we share history with each other every day, month, or year. How we speak is so important for effective communication, so it’s no surprise each generation has developed its own unique way of communicating. Take a look below at vintage slang terms from previous generations. We’ll follow up with more recent words and phrases in part two, coming soon!

1920s

Cheaters: Eyeglasses. Example: “Where are your cheaters, Mom? You know you can’t see without them.”

Dry Up: Get lost or leave alone. Example: “I wish you would just dry up already…”

Giggle Water: Alcohol. Example: “Are you bringing any giggle water to the housewarming party?”

Jake: Fine. Example: “Tacos for dinner? That sounds Jake to me.”

Know Your Onions: Staying current or up-to-date. Example: “It’s important to know your onions so you don’t fall behind with the latest news.”

1930s

Abercrombie: A know-it-all. Example: “You sound like a real Abercrombie, did you know that?”

All wet: No good. Example: “This day is all wet.”

Egg: A crude person. Example: “Some people are just bad eggs.”

Kippy: Enjoyable. Example: “Thank you for inviting me to the movies. I had a kippy time.”

Off-the-cob: Silly. Example: “You’re acting so off-the-cob, I can’t stop laughing!”

1940s

Floy Floy: Nonsense. Example: “Slow down, I can’t understand you. You’re speaking floy floy.”

Pennies From heaven: Easy money. Example: “This new career opportunity sounds like pennies from heaven for you.”

Quenchers: Cold beverages. Example: “Grab the quenchers because I am parched!”

Reet: Very. Example: “My aunt sounded reet serious.”

Squid: Sailor. Example: “Look at his uniform; he’s a regular squid.”

1950s

Apple butter: Smooth talk or flattery. Example: “He speaks nothing but apple butter.”

Circled: Married. Example: “Jane and Thomas were circled together earlier this year.”

Earthbound: Reliable. Example: “Thank you for being such an earthbound employee.”

Jets: Brain, smarts, or savvy. Example: “She has the jets it takes to succeed.”

Radioactive: Popular. Example: “This song is becoming more radioactive by the day.”

1960s

Bug: Snotty or annoying. Example: “I wish my brother wasn’t such a bug.”

Egghead: An intelligent, studious person. Example: “Piper has always been such an egghead, which explains why she’s at the top of her class.”

Gear: Good or great. Example: “She has gear taste in music.”

Nork: Nerd + Dork. Example: “My cousin is a little nork, but we love him regardless.”

Search Me: “I don’t know”. Example: “Search me!”

Jokes of the week

New Year’s resolutions

Some resolutions are here today, gone tomorrow. We’re laughing with you because we feel your pain. Whether you’re crushing your goals or struggling to stick to your resolutions, here’s a little humor to help keep your spirits high!