ChickenA one-pan dish bursts with fresh spring flavors by combining juicy chicken, roasted potatoes and tender asparagus for a hearty yet light dinner.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1 lb baby potatoes, halved

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon, sliced

2 tbsp olive oil + 2 tbsp melted butter

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp honey (optional)

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp paprika

1 tbsp fresh rosemary + 1 tbsp fresh thyme

½ cup chicken broth

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Toss potatoes with oil, salt and pepper and roast for 15 minutes.

Coat the chicken with a marinade containing the oil, butter, Dijon, honey, garlic and spices.

Toss the lemon with the coated chicken. Nestle this into the pan with potatoes. Pour the chicken broth over everything and roast for 20 minutes.

Add the asparagus and roast an additional 10-12 more minutes. Switch to broil for 2-3 minutes to add extra crispiness and then serve with pan juices.

Why You'll Love This:

• One-Pan Simplicity – fewer dishes and easy cleanup.

• Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients – bright lemon, fresh herbs, asparagus, and tender potatoes bring spring flavors to life.

• Hearty Yet Light – perfect for a satisfying meal without feelingheavy.

• Great for Meal Prep – leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch.

The restless wind surged across the earth, tearing through valleys, bending trees to its will and lifting dust into swirling skies. It reveled in its might and took pride in the way the world submitted to its force.

But then there was the mountain.

No matter how fiercely the wind howled or how violently it struck, the mountain stood firm. It did not bend, break or waver. It simply stood — immovable and vast — as though the wind was no more than a fleeting breath.

The wind grew enraged and summoned its full power. It screamed through crags, summoned storms to batter the rock and lashed icy gales against the towering peaks. Yet the mountain endured — calm, steady and unbothered.

Finally, exhausted and defeated, the wind roared, "Why do you not fall? Everything else bows before me.”

The mountain rumbled with quiet laughter. “I do not fall because I do not resist,” it said. “I do not fight you, nor do I run. I simply am. And so, I endure.”

The wind paused, its fury ebbing into thought. Throughout its life, it was determined to assert its strength. Yet here was the mountain — powerful without struggle, strong without force.

Humbled, the wind softened and moved on, but gentler than before. And the mountain remained — unshaken, unyielding and utterly at peace.

True strength lies not in resistance or force but in calm endurance and steadfast presence.

Designing an efficient and accessible pantry is essential for every household. Here’s how to optimize your space:

1.Opt for Shallow Shelving – Use shelves no deeper than 18 inches to keep items visible and within reach. Adjustable shelves add flexibility.

2.Maximize Floor Space – Reserve about two feet of floor space for bulky items, such as paper towels or bottled water, to prevent clutter.

3.Incorporate Pull-Out Shelves and Bins –These features allow for easy access to items at the back, perfect for storing root vegetables, grains or snacks.

4.Utilize Over-the-Door Storage – An over-the-door organizer frees up shelf space by storing spices, condiments, and small items within easy reach.

5.Consider Portable Pantry Solutions – A portable pantry cart is ideal for kitchens without built-in pantry space, offering flexible and movable storage.

6.Implement Vertical Storage – Use tall shelving units or stackable storage containers to maximize space without taking up extra floor area.

7.Use Clear Containers and Labels – Store pantry staples in clear, airtight containers for freshness and easy visibility. Labeling enhances organization.

By applying these strategies, you can create a functional and efficient pantry, which
makes daily tasks easier and more enjoyable.

Spring’s bloom brings seasonal allergies, with pollen, dust and pet dander triggering sneezing and congestion. Here are the most effective, expert-backed ways to reduce allergens in your home.

Close windows during peak pollen hours. Pollen counts are highest in the morning and early evening. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) recommends keeping windows shut and using air conditioning with HEPA filters to reduce exposure.

Upgrade air filters and use an air purifier. HEPA filters can remove 99.97% of airborne allergens. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises changing HVAC filters every three months and using a HEPA air purifier to improve indoor air quality.

Wash bedding and fabrics weekly. Dust mites thrive in bedding. The Mayo Clinic suggests washing sheets, pillowcases and blankets in hot water (130°F/54°C) weekly to eliminate allergens.

Use a HEPA-filtered vacuum. Regular vacuuming reduces dust mites and pollen buildup. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), a HEPA-filtered vacuum traps allergens more effectively than standard models do.

Shower and change clothes after outdoor exposure. Pollen clings to skin and clothing. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends rinsing off and changing clothes after spending time outside to prevent allergens from spreading indoors.

Maintain indoor humidity below 50 percent. High humidity encourages dust mites and mold growth. The EPA advises using a dehumidifier to maintain 30 to 50 percent humidity for optimal indoor air quality.

By following these research-backed strategies, you can significantly reduce allergens in your home and enjoy a healthier, sneeze-free spring!

It’s every pet owner’s nightmare: Your dog runs away and disappears. You call, search and ask neighbors for help, but with a dog capable of traveling five miles in an hour, the search can feel hopeless. Fortunately, thermal drones offer a high-tech solution.

Because thermal drones detect heat signatures, finding lost pets is easier, even in dense vegetation or low light. They provide a major advantage during recovery efforts because they can cover large areas quickly.

During 2022 in Michigan, Lost Pet Drone Recovery reunited 22 dogs with their owners within its first month of operation. Similarly, during 2023, a drone operator in Connecticut located 40 missing pets.

Challenges and Considerations

Although thermal drones are effective, they’re not infallible. Environmental factors, such as the pet’s coloring and surroundings, can impact visibility. For instance, a white dog in a green field is easier to spot than one in snow. Even when a drone locates a pet, retrieving a shy or frightened animal requires a gentle and strategic approach.

Combining Drones With Traditional Methods

Thermal drones are most effective when used in conjunction with traditional search strategies, such as posting in Facebook groups, distributing flyers and seeking help from the community. This combined effort improves the chances greatly of a happy reunion.

For worried pet owners, thermal drones provide a much-needed edge in finding their lost companions by turning technology into a beacon of hope.

"Pets are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." – Roger Caras

Sleep is essential for physical health, emotional well-being and mental clarity, yet many people
struggle to get quality rest. Understanding sleep science and adopting healthy habits can improve
sleep significantly.

Consistency is the key. Going to bed and awakening at the same time daily helps regulate your
body’s clock and makes sleep more restorative. A relaxing bedtime routine — such as reading,
stretching or enjoying a warm bath — signals your body to unwind. Avoid screens before bed
because blue light disrupts melatonin production.

Optimize your sleep environment. Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet. A quality mattress and
pillows enhance comfort, and blackout curtains or white-noise machines help minimize disruptions.

Mind your diet. Avoid large meals, caffeine and alcohol before bedtime because they interfere with
sleep. A light snack, such as a banana or nuts, can promote relaxation.

Stay active. Although regular exercise improves sleep quality, avoid vigorous workouts close to
bedtime to prevent overstimulation.

SALADLike a warm hug in a bowl, this salad is soft, savory and full of comfort. Tender greens, sautéed veggies and a rich balsamic drizzle come together in this simple and healthy dish.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 small zucchini, thinly sliced into half moons

1 cup baby spinach or kale

½ cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tsp honey (optional, for sweetness)

1 tbsp water

½ tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

¼ cup crumbled feta cheese or shaved Parmesan (optional)

Directions

Sauté the Aromatics. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and stir for another 30 seconds.

Cook the Vegetables. Add cherry tomatoes and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes release their juices and the zucchini softens.

Wilt the Greens: Toss in the spinach or kale and chickpeas. Stir gently until the greens are wilted and everything is warmed through.

Add the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, water, oregano, salt and pepper. Pour the mixture over the salad and toss everything in the skillet until evenly coated.

Season and Serve. Remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the warm salad to a serving dish and top with crumbled feta or Parmesan cheese for a tangy finish. Serve immediately while still warm.

In a world that races toward the next thing, there is a quiet magic in starting slow.

The magic begins when the soft hum of morning light filters through the curtains and the way it gently stirs the room to life. The kettle sings and steam curls from your cup, carrying warmth to your fingertips — a small comfort, but the kind that lingers.

You pause, only for a moment, and let the world feel still. There’s no rush to check a screen or fill the silence. The minutes stretch out like a ribbon, smooth and uninterrupted.

Take a deep breath, stretch and let your mind wander, or simply sit with the sound of the day awakening.

A slow morning is not a wasted morning; it’s a gift to yourself, a reminder that life is not about what you accomplish, but how you choose to begin.

Step into the day softly. The rest will follow.

Spring whispers renewal and growth. From blooming gardens to brighter days, March invites us to declutter our homes, minds and routines.

It’s the birds returning with songs of cheer, and the scent of blossoms in the crisp, clear air. Windows are flung open, letting sunlight peek through, promising something refreshingly new.

Spring is a time to refresh — to swap heavy coats for lighter layers, open the windows and embrace the longer days.

It’s also the perfect season for a new mindset.

Whether you’re clearing clutter, revisiting goals or starting new habits, growth begins with fresh energy.

As the days get brighter and longer, take a deep breath, set your
sights forward and step into the possibilities ahead.

A growing trend online and offline is people going "no contact" with friends or family. A Cornell University study found 27 percent of American adults are estranged from at least one family member.

While some people cut ties to escape abuse or political conflicts, others seek to rebuild relationships later. Here are tips for reconnecting:

• Let go of the past: Avoid dwelling on reasons; complete understanding might never come.

• Listen openly: Hear that person's side without defending yourself and acknowledge their frustration.

• Apologize: Apologies show strength and foster healing.

• Be your current self: Stay true to who you are now and avoid old family roles or dynamics.