Monday, November 2, 2026

Happiness Calendar: November-2026

Greetings all! 

This November, try something new! I loved the ideas for November 9, 15, 17, and 30 – what about you?

 

November 1 – Make a list of new things you want to do this month.

November 2 – Respond to a difficult situation in a different way.

November 3 – Get outside and observe the changes in nature around you.

November 4 – Sign up to join a new course, activity or online community.

November 5 – Change your normal routine today and notice how you feel.

November 6 – Try out a new way to be active.

November 7 – Be creative. Cook, draw, write, paint, make or inspire.

November 8 – Plan a new activity or idea you want to try this week.

November 9 – When you feel you can’t do something, add the word “yet”.

November 10 – Be curious. Learn about a new topic or an inspiring idea.

November 11 – Choose a different route and see what you notice on the way.

November 12 – Find out something new about someone you care about.

November 13 – Do something playful outdoors – walk, run, explore, relax.

November 14 – Find a new way to help r support a cause to care about.

November 15 – Build on new ideas by thinking “Yes, and what if…”

November 16 – Look at life through someone else’s eyes and see their perspective.

November 17 – Try a new way to practice self-care and be kind to yourself.

November 18 – Connect with someone from a different generation.

November 19 – Broaden your perspective: read a different papers, magazine or site.

November 20 – Make a meal using a recipe or ingredient you’ve not tried before.

November 21 – Learn a new skill from a friend or share one of yours with them.

November 22 – Find a new way to tell someone you appreciate them.

November 23 – Set aside a regular time to pursue an activity you love.

November 24 – Share with a friend something helpful you learned recently.

November 25 – Use one of your strengths in a new or creative way.

November 26 – Try out a different radio station or new TV show.

November 27 – Join a friend doing their hobby and find out why they love it.

November 28 – Discover your artistic side. Design a friendly greeting card.

November 29 – Enjoy new music today. Play, sign, dance or listen.

November 30 – Look for new reasons to be hopeful, even in tough times. 

What action for happiness resonates with you? Have a great week! 

Sources:

  1. https://actionforhappiness.org/new-ways-november#download-block-anchor
  2. Image: https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=263010&picture=happiness-key


Monday, October 26, 2026

Witch's Brew

Greetings all! 

If you need to dust off your witch’s cauldron, here is a recipe that might work! 

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle Vodka
  • 1 bottle sparkling cider
  • 4 cups cranberry juice
  • 1 bottle ginger ale (1L)
  • 2 cups pineapple juice
  • Gummy worms to garnish 

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients into a large punch bowl or witch’s cauldron. Stir.
  • Add ice. Garnish with gummy worms. 

Bon Appetit! Let me know how you like it! 

Monday, October 19, 2026

Brain Foods

Greetings all! 

I recently came across a fun acronym for 10 foods to boost the brain power. A nutritional psychiatrist and brain expert, Dr. Uma Naidoo of Harvard, recommends the following: 

B: Berries and beans

R: Rainbow colors of fruits and vegetables

A: Antioxidants

I: Include lean proteins and plant-based proteins

N: Nuts

F: Fiber-rich foods and fermented foods

O: Oils

O: Omega-rich foods

D: Dairy

S: Spices 

I was a bit disappointed to see that "I" did not correspond to ice cream but decided it falls under D=Dairy! And I strongly believe dark chocolate falls under "A"!

What did you think? Drop me a line! 

Sources:

Monday, October 12, 2026

Does Your Birth Certificate Lie?

Greetings all!

Do you feel younger than your birth certificate’s age? Do you think you are in great shape? This 60-second wall sit test will reveal your fitness age.


How to do it:

  1. Find a sturdy wall and stand with your back pressed against it.
  2. Lower into a squat position until your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle and your thighs are parallel to the ground.
  3. Keep your back flat against the wall, feet shoulder-width apart, and hands off your thighs (no cheating!).
  4. Start the clock and hold the position for as long as possible—aim for at least 60 seconds.
  5. Hold a 10-25 lb weight plate at chest level if you want an extra challenge.

What does it mean:

  • Excellent (Fitness Age: 20s-30s): 60+ seconds with ease
  • Good (Fitness Age: 40s-50s): 40 to 59 seconds

  • Needs Work (Fitness Age: 70+): Less than 20 seconds

  • Fair (Fitness Age: 50s-60s): 20 to 39 seconds

So does your birth certificate lie?  ðŸ˜Š

Sources:

Monday, September 21, 2026

Quinoa Salad

Greetings all! 

As I was making a grocery list for my next store run, I was also looking for recipe inspiration – and found this quinoa salad in my bookmarks! Then, I also remembered my friend MK's super easy quinoa salad – and voila, you now have 2 recipes! 

Photo: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn; Food Stylist: Brett Regot/Kitchn

MK Salad

  • Quinoa, cooked and cooled
  • Arugula
  • Beets
  • Red onion
  • Mushrooms
  • Feta cheese
  • Creamy Balsamic dressing 

The Kitchn Salad:

  • 1 1/2 cups quinoa, cooked and cooled
  • 1 large English cucumber, chopped into rough 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained and coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, coarsely chopped
  • 4 ounces garlic and herb goat cheese, crumbled
Dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

Instructions:

Combine dressing ingredients in a large bowl and whisk. Add cucumber, roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, and quinoa to the bowl and toss to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley and goat cheese. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Bon Appetit! Let me know which version is your favorite!