Cinnamon, a festive spice loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, can help regulate blood sugar, improve heart health, and even boost brain function, according to research published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). This makes it a great addition to your holiday season.

Try sprinkling cinnamon on oatmeal, stir it into coffee or tea, or add it to baked apples for a healthy twist. You can also mix it into holiday desserts for a delicious and health-conscious treat. It’s a tasty way to enjoy its warming flavor while reaping some health benefits!

This holiday treat is gluten-free, naturally sweetened and packed with fiber!

For the filling:

1 ½ cups ricotta cheese

¼ cup honey or maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp ground ginger

1 egg

For the crust:

1  ½ cups almond flour

¼ cup coconut flour

¼ cup melted butter (or coconut oil)

2  tbsp maple syrup

Pinch of salt

For the topping:

3  ripe persimmons, thinly sliced

1 tbsp honey

½ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Make the crust: In a bowl, mix almond flour, coconut flour, melted butter, maple syrup, and salt. Press the mixture into a tart pan, covering the base and sides evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden, then let cool.

Prepare the filling: In another bowl, combine ricotta cheese, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and egg. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the tart: Pour the ricotta mixture into the cooled crust. Layer the persimmon slices on top in an overlapping pattern.

Add the spiced glaze: In a small bowl, mix honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Drizzle the mixture over the persimmons.

Bake the tart for 30-35 minutes, until the filling is set, and the persimmons are tender.

Let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

As the days shorten and the temperature drops, many people start feeling the effects of the "winter blues." Although experiencing less energy during this season is common to some people, simple self-care practices can help you stay positive and maintain your mental health.

Soak Up Natural Light: Because a lack of sunlight can affect your mood, try to be outside during daylight hours, even for a short walk. If that’s difficult to do, then consider using a light therapy lamp indoors to mimic natural sunlight.

Stay Active: Physical activity boosts endorphins, which help improve your mood. Even a gentle indoor workout, yoga session, or brisk walk around the block can make a big difference.

Eat Nourishing Foods: Incorporate mood-boosting foods into your diet, such as leafy greens, nuts, and foods rich in Omega-3s. These nutrients can help stabilize your mood and energy levels.

Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing. These practices can reduce stress and help you stay grounded and focused on the present, rather than letting the winter blues overwhelm you. 

Stay Connected: Talk with friends and family, even for only a quick chat. Social connections are key to maintaining a positive mindset during the colder months.

With these self-care tips, you can navigate the winter months with a positive outlook and keep the blues at bay. Small daily habits can have a big impact on your mental well-being!

Make Christmas morning extra magical with these fun and unique ways to show your kids that Santa really made his visit!

Santa’s Footprints: Use flour or powdered sugar to create “snowy” boot prints leading from the door or fireplace to the Christmas tree. Your kids will love following Santa’s path through the house!

Santa’s Magic Key: If you don't have a chimney, leave a special "magic key" by the door for Santa to use. In the morning, the key can be left behind with a sprinkle of glitter and a note from Santa saying he used it to enter the house.

A Text from Santa: Schedule a personalized text or email “from Santa” to arrive on Christmas morning. It could say, “I just left your house! Thanks for the cookies! Enjoy the presents! – Santa.” Your kids will be amazed that Santa can text!

Santa’s Wrapping Paper: Wrap a couple of gifts in special “Santa” paper, and leave a scrap near the fireplace or tree, as if Santa accidentally left a piece behind during his late-night delivery.

Santa’s Lost Hat or Glove: Place a red glove, Santa’s hat, or even a black belt under the tree or by the fireplace. Let the kids discover it and say, “Looks like Santa was in such a hurry, he left this behind!”

Get into the fall spirit with these fun and healthy lite bites bursting with flavor and sweetness!

Ingredients:

2 large sweet potatoes

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Mini chocolate chips or raisins for decoration

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the sweet potatoes:

Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into 1/4-inch-thick rounds.

Season and bake:

In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato rounds with olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly coated. Arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Bake:

Bake the sweet potatoes for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are tender and slightly crispy on the edges.

Make the topping:

While the sweet potatoes are baking, mix the Greek yogurt with honey or maple syrup in a small bowl.

Decorate:

Once the sweet potatoes are done and slightly cooled, add a dollop of the yogurt mixture on each round. Use mini chocolate chips or raisins for extra sweetness!

In quiet moments, it softly speaks,

A whisper that warms, a touch on the cheek.

It’s found in the simple, the small, the unseen, In mornings that glow and nights in between.

It lives in the laughter, the tears that we share, In kindness exchanged, in how much we care.

It’s the hand that we hold, the light in our eyes, The comfort we feel beneath endless skies.

It’s the pause in the chaos, the breath that we take, The joy that we find in each little mistake.

It lives in the rain, in the chill of the air,

In moments we pause, in the love that we bear.

It’s waking to sunlight, or stars in the night, A feeling that carries us, gentle and light.

For every small wonder, for each silent grace, Gratitude shapes us, leaves time in its place.

In a world that moves quickly, it slows down our pace, And teaches us softly to cherish each space.