NEW NEWS REPORT: Processed Food Is Good For You?!!!

NEW NEWS REPORTS: Processed Food Is Good For You?!!!

Did I get you? 😉

Happy April Fools, friend! While processed food is unfortunately still not the best for you on a physical level, enjoying your favorite treats with loved ones during holidays like Easter and Passover is terrific for your emotional well-being and should be done in moderation.

As the weather grows warmer and we partake in all the joys of springtime, I hope you’re moving your body in ways that bring you joy! Furthermore, I hope today’s newsletter helps you on your quest for a healthier life. We’ll be chatting about all things arm workouts, sun protection, perfect hostess gifts for the upcoming holidays, and more!

Movement of the Month: Arm Exercises

Ever wish you had stronger-feeling (and looking) arms? You’re definitely not alone—so many adults feel like their arm workouts leave a lot to be desired. I’ve found some exercises that might just change how you feel about the strength of your upper body! You deserve to feel confident playing with your kids or grandkids (or in a tank top!).

Seated Row
Bicep Curls
Tricep Kickback
Scaption Shoulder Raise

Are you not sure what these moves even look like? I’ve got you! Check out this article by Silver Sneakers for in-depth video tutorials on each one.

Healthy Easter Recipes For The Hole Family

You guys, I can’t even lie… these are some of the most mouth-watering recipes I’ve ever sent you! Get ready to impress your Easter or Passover guests with delicious white cheddar brussels sprouts crostinis, or satisfy your sweet tooth with carrot cake oatmeal cups.

White Cheddar Brussels Sprouts & Pistachio Crostini with Hot Honey

Ingredients

1 pound of brussels sprouts
For the dressing, you will need olive oil, lemon juice and zest, pure maple syrup or honey, dijon mustard, garlic powder, and plenty of salt and pepper.
For the crostini, you’ll need either a French baguette or loaf of Italian bread, plus sharp white cheddar cheese, grated parmesan, and chopped roasted pistachios.

Directions

Prep your pan. Start by lining 1-2 large baking sheets with parchment paper, and spread the baguette slices on top.
Next, shred your brussels sprouts using a food processor or a sharp knife.
Make the dressing. Mix together all of the ingredients for the dressing and set aside.
Cook the brussels. Cook your brussels with olive oil until they turn slightly golden and a little crispy. Be careful not to burn them. Then turn off the heat and toss them with the dressing.
Assemble the crostini. Evenly divide the brussels sprouts mixture over each slice of bread. Top with cheese and the chopped pistachios, and bake until slightly golden.
Drizzle & serve. Finally, mix together your hot honey and drizzle it over each crostini. Serve & enjoy!

Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal Cups

Ingredients

Shredded carrots: you’ll need to shred about 2 medium carrots to get all of the carrot cake goodness, but make sure you measure 1 cup of shredded carrots!
Unsweetened applesauce: a bit of unsweetened applesauce adds the perfect amount of moisture to the oatmeal cups. If you don’t have applesauce, then 1 ripe mashed banana should do the trick.
Eggs: for some extra protein and help these oatmeal cups stay together.
Dairy free milk: I used almond milk, but coconut milk would also be delicious. Just know you can use any milk you’d like.
Maple syrup: for a delicious, natural sweetness.
Coconut oil: you’ll just need a couple of tablespoons of coconut oil for some additional moisture in these baked oatmeal cups.
Rolled oats: because these are oatmeal cups, of course! Feel free to use gluten-free rolled oats if you’d like.
Baking powder: to help these oatmeal cups rise a bit.
Cinnamon adds a cozy flavor to these oatmeal cups and gives them that carrot cake goodness.
Salt: to bring the flavors all together.
Shredded coconut: is there anything better than carrot cake with coconut? YUM.
Yummy mix-ins: I used raisins and chopped pecans in these, but feel free to use walnuts or other dried fruit.
For the glaze: cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla and a splash of almond or coconut milk.

Directions

Prep your pan. Preheat the oven and line a muffin tin with muffin liners. I recommend spraying your liners with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mix the wet ingredients. Mix together the carrots, applesauce, eggs, almond milk, maple syrup and melted coconut oil.
Stir in the dry ingredients. Then add the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Finally, gently fold in the shredded coconut, pecans, and raisins.
Baking them up. Evenly distribute your carrot cake oatmeal mixture into the lined muffin tray and bake for 25-30 minutes until they’re set and longer look “wet.”
Add the glaze and enjoy! Make your glaze by mixing the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla and almond milk, and then drizzle or pipe it onto each baked oatmeal cup.

Not a fan of oatmeal cups or crostinis? No problem! Check out a more comprehensive list of recipe ideas here.

The Perfect Diffuser Blends for Easter

Get ready to welcome guests into your home for easter with these fresh spring scents sure to impress all your friends and family!

Stay Sun Safe & Cute as can be!

Ready for some fun in the sun? Don’t forget your sun protection! Luckily, you don’t have to compromise your cute outfit for sun safety with BloqUV. Check out their adorable women’s Capri Skort here! Complete with capri leggings and a mini skort, this all-in-one item is sure to become a staple in your summer closet.

Give The Gift of Luxury Lotion Candles

Looking for a gift that stands out for Easter or Passover? Element Tree Essentials’ Premium Gift Boxes are a wonderful way to show someone how special they are! Each box is lovingly handcrafted with pure essential oils and premium ingredients, making it a thoughtful surprise for anyone on your list.

The Botanical Collection Gift Box includes three 4oz lotion candles in enchanting scents: Wild Rose, Forget-Me-Not, and Orange Blossom. These candles do more than just scent the air – they combine the calming glow of a candle with the nourishing benefits of a moisturizer. Simply light the candle, dip, and apply the melted oils for a soothing treat. Hand-poured by skilled artisans, it’s a gift that’s as luxurious as it is thoughtful.

Don’t Let Pain Stop You From Living Your Best Life!

Chronic pain can be deceptively harmful to your long-term health- first it’s keeping you home on the weekends, then it’s stopping you from participating in physical activities you love! Don’t let pain get in the way of living your best life; book your first Laser Therapy session with Lightforce Medical today!!

Local Happenings This Month

Looking to get out and about in Sarasota this month? It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy our beautiful beaches and vibrant culture!

39th Annual Run For The Turtles: Help raise funds for endangered sea turtles on Saturday, April 5th on Siesta Beach!

Hunsader Farms Flower Festival: Experience springtime in full bloom at Hunsader Farms! On April 5th-6th and 12th-13th from 9 AM to 5 PM, enjoy a craft show, live music, hayrides and more fun for the entire family.

Sarasota Film Festival: Enjoy our 27th annual film festival from April 4th-13th, highlighting the best in cinema year after year. Over 200 films will be screened, giving you plenty of opportunities to pick the perfect fit for your family!

I hope this newsletter has been valuable to you as you set your goals for the season ahead of warmer weather, spring and summer holidays, and outdoor fun! Happy April Fools Day, happy Easter & happy Passover. I hope you enjoy the month ahead doing things that bring you joy with those you love most.

Warmly,
Michele