FEATURED HOME:

NEW Brook Model –

Two Bedrooms PLUS a Den & Gorgeous Large Kitchen!

Lots of living space and an open floorplan with all the amenities you could imagine! Huge walk-in closet in the Master Bedroom and luxurious Master Bath, covered porch for morning coffee and greeting your neighbors. Light filled and spacious, this is a must see home!

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IT’S -TOO-COLD-TO-GO-OUTSIDE LIST:

• Find your favorite sweater – or knit one!
• Make a cup of tea or coffee and sip it slowly – enjoy the warmth!
• Make a “chilly-day” treat – chocolate chip cookies go great with tea or coffee!
• Build a model airplane – you always loved doing that when you were a kid, right? It could be fun again!
• Put together a jigsaw puzzle – sometimes that takes days, but can be a relaxing way to spend time with someone you love!
• Make a wreath for your front door – dress up your home!
• Or dress up yourself and prepare a lovely candlelit dinner.
• Start your spring cleaning early – now there’s an idea!!!
• Finish that craft project you haven’t had the time for until now.
• Put on some music and dance – doesn’t matter if you have a partner or not!
• Laugh a little…. Or a lot – watch a comedy movie.
• Read a good book – that can be a great escape!
• Make a handmade Valentines Card for a loved one. Someone will love you for it!

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HOW TO CONNECT WITH NATURE AND IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH THIS WINTER

IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH THIS WINTER

This past year more than any other we’ve been reminded that access to outdoor private space is a privilege. We may not have much of a garden, but many of us have spent more time outdoors in nature and felt a greater sense of connection with the trees, plants and the natural world. We can do that indoors, too. Nurturing house plants can be very rewarding. Through the act of willing things to grow we are imagining that spring and summer will come and there will be renewal.

Here are a few tips on how you can nurture your mental health through nature.

– Reflect: Nature connects us in complex ways. Stopping to think about this connection is one way you can get in tune with the natural world around you,, Walk in your neighborhood or a local park. Think about the people who have walked there before you or reflect on someone you have walked this path with before.

– Nurture: Nurturing acts can include transforming pine-cones into bird feeders by squeezing fats and seeds into their spaces and hanging them where you can see them.

– Play: There is a sense of freedom along with a chance to relax and mentally unwind when you give yourself permission to play and disconnect. Move, organize, play a board game, have fun, get sweaty or muddy – or both! Be in the moment, allow wonder and childlike feelings and sensory experiences, colors and smells to fill your mind.

– Exercise: Winter exercise is important for maintaining physical and mental health and can improve your mood during long winter days.

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9 COOL WAYS TO EMBRACE WINTER

1. Exercise

As if we needed another reason to get fit! Exercise isn’t only for maintaining your weight and staying healthy. It’s great for relieving the stresses of life. Plus, the effects of a good workout can last for several hours after you hit the showers. You’ll have more energy throughout the day, and your metabolism with stay elevated too. Exercise also helps your mind by releasing those “feel good chemicals” that improve your mood.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

What and when you eat has a great affect on your mood and energy. Avoid refined and processed foods (like white breads, rice, and sugar). These foods are not only devoid of the nutrients your body craves, but they zap your energy levels and can affect your mood. Try to incorporate more complex carbohydrates (whole wheat breads, brown rice, veggies, fruit) and get your daily 8 cups of water. These healthy foods provide your body (and mind) with nutrients and stabilize your blood sugar and your energy levels.

3. Get Some Sun

Most people know that sunlight provides us with Vitamin D. But did you know that it also improves your mood? Winter days are shorter and darker than other months, and because of the cold weather, a lot of people spend less and less time outdoors. Lack of sunlight can cause many people to become depressed—without knowing why! Similar to exercise, sunlight exposure releases neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood. Try to spend a little more time outdoors.  Keep your shades up during the day to let more light in. Sit near windows in restaurants or while have your morning coffee at home. Try changing the light bulbs in your house to “full spectrum” bulbs. These mimic natural light and actually have the same affects on your mind as the real thing.

4. Act on your Resolutions

A recent study from the CDC showed a strong link between healthy behaviors and depression. People who exhibited healthy behaviors (like exercising, not smoking, etc.) had less sad and depressed days than those whose behaviors were less than healthy.

5. Treat Yourself

Having something to look forward to can keep anyone motivated. Winter seems endless! But if you plan something exciting, your mood improves when you’re anticipating it and when the event actually comes. Plan something that’s exciting to you.

6. Relax!

You’re busy! Work, family, friends, appointments, meetings—even if you enjoy being busy, everyone needs some time off. Don’t be afraid to say “No” to extra opportunities. Try to spend a few minutes each day doing nothing! Read a book or magazine, sleep in on the weekend, go to bed early, try some meditations, or take a yoga zoom class. Relaxation, especially in the form of yoga, can alleviate stress and leave you with a calm energy. Mental exercises like meditation and positive thinking are also positive things to do.

7. Embrace the Season

Instead of always avoiding the cold and the snow—look for the best that it has to offer! Take a walk and enjoy nature. Enjoy these opportunities while they last—after all, they’re only here a few months per year. Staying active will boost your energy. Seeing winter in a positive light will keep your spirits high.

8. Get Social Support

Don’t underestimate the power of friends, family, mentors, co-workers, and neighbors. Who can you turn to when you need a pick-me-up? Keep a mental list of these special people and don’t be afraid to ask for help or encouragement when you need it. Something as simple as a phone call or a nice email or letter can brighten your mood.

9. Catch some Zzzz’s

People naturally want to sleep a little bit more during the winter. But with all we have going on, sometimes sleep is the first thing to go. With a little time management, and some self-discipline, you can meet your shut-eye needs. Aim for 7-8 hours each night and try to keep your bedtime and waking time consistent. That way, your sleeping patterns can normalize and you’ll have more energy. Don’t forget naps! A short (10-30 minute) afternoon nap may be all you need to re-energize midday.

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Homemade Hot Chocolate: You sweet, creamy heavenly thing. If you were wondering how to spend a cold winter evening, try curling up with your hands wrapped around a warm mug of homemade hot chocolate. Bonus points if that hot chocolate is topped with freshly whipped cream and a heavy sprinkle of chopped dark chocolate.

A combination of cocoa powder and chocolate chips make this hot chocolate extra flavorful and delicious! Ready in minutes.

This recipe is made with a combination of cocoa powder and chocolate chips. The cocoa powder adds the distinct “hot cocoa” flavor, and the chocolate chips melt into the mixture making this drink extra creamy, rich and luxurious. A splash of vanilla extract rounds out all that chocolaty flavor and makes this what I consider the perfect Homemade Hot Chocolate.

• Place the milk of your choice in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Using milk instead of water, makes this hot chocolate extra creamy and flavorful. I prefer whole milk or 2% milk, but you can choose any milk that you choose (I’ve even used unsweetened almond milk).
• Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar, and heat until warm.
• Once the milk is warm, add chocolate chips, whisking until they melt into the milk.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract.
• Serve immediately, topped with your favorite garnishes: marshmallows, whipped cream, chopped chocolate, crushed candy canes or more.

One of the wonderful things about making hot chocolate from scratch is that you can make it exactly the way you want it!

• Want it extra rich? Add some half and half.
• Want it less sweet? Use bittersweet/dark chocolate chips.
• Want it healthier? Use skim milk or almond milk, and reduce the sugar a touch.
• Want flavored hot chocolate? Add cinnamon, peppermint extract, a shot of espresso, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

The options are endless! ENJOY!