Make Your Resolution Mean More With 100 Good Deeds.

It's that time of year where people everywhere are making resolutions for the new year. These resolutions include everything from lose weight and be healthier, to get organized, travel, and be happier. There is nothing wrong with any of these resolutions. They are all good focuses to have, but they are all focused on the self. That's the funny thing about New Year resolutions, we end the year with a focus on giving to others, and go right into the new year with a focus on "me"; how do I make "me" better.

What if you made a different kind of resolution this year? A resolution that focuses on giving to others throughout the year. And, what if you had a way to hold yourself to that resolution, so it doesn't fade way like so many of our other resolutions do? Might giving to others actually result in you being happier? I think so.

How To Start a Family Giving Back Tradition

After Thanksgiving is over, the holiday season kicks into full gear. We quickly start thinking about finding the perfect gifts. We often get so caught up in buying things, and making lists of what we want, that we forget about the true joy of giving. You can change this by starting a giving back tradition with your family. Use this holiday season to think about giving back to the community and helping those in need. By getting your children involved with this, you can teach them the importance of giving to others.

Make a plan to give to others in a way that works for you and what your family is comfortable with. You may be able start a new tradition for you and your family that will bring new meaning to the Season of Giving. Here's some ideas to get you started:

Music Monday: Awesome Mix Volume 2

It's Monday and that means music! It's been a long time since I've done a Music Monday post, and to say a lot has been going on since my last one would be the understatement of the year, century even...but we won't get into that just now. This post is all about celebrating music, and what better way to celebrate it then by taking a look at the latest great soundtrack.

Today's songs are from Awesome Mix Vol. 2 from the second Guardians of the Galaxy movie, which I am so excited about! The movie hits the theaters on Cinco De Mayo, but you can enjoy the soundtrack now. Check out some of these great 70s songs from the album and take a trip down memory lane, or imagine a journey into space, whatever, your Monday, your music. Enjoy!














Pretty good mix right?! You should totally check out the rest of the songs, and of course, get ready to see what is sure to be just as awesome as the first Guardians of the Galaxy!



Have a wonderfully musical week!

Is Doctor Strange Worth the Cost of the Ticket?

Okay, so, in general I always like a superhero movie because it's a chance to remove yourself from real life and just be entertained. I especially like the Marvel universe that Disney has created with the intertwining story lines. So, it was probably a given that I would like Doctor Strange. What I wasn't expecting is just how much I would like it!

Doctor Strange is a complex character that has to make a journey from arrogant rich selfish surgeon to a much deeper spiritual being. It's a Marvel movie, so it tells this story with fun and humor, and it certainly has it's share of action and excitement, but it's just a little deeper than some of the other Marvel movies we've seen. Doctor Strange becomes part of a group of spiritual defenders like they say where Avengers protect the physical world, they protect the spiritual.

They practice magic like sorcerers, and are able to change and bend reality in a mirror world which makes for a visually stunning film. I'm not a big fan of 3D, but Doctor Strange is worth putting on the glasses. And, it simply must be seen on the big screen to get the full visual effect of seeing the New York City skyline folded in on itself. Don't wait to rent Doctor Strange; go see it in the theater. It's worth the price of the ticket.

Much of the movie was filmed on location in Nepal, so you get a chance to see another part of the world. While on location, Benedict Cumberbatch said he was inspired to give back to the children there. You can help do that by taking a picture in your favorite hero pose. See the video below for more details or go to the Hero Acts website.

Vegetable Chili with Kale and Quinoa Recipe

Fall is here and the weather is turner cooler, even here in Florida. The cooler weather is perfect for a day outside, hiking, and exploring all your favorite local travel spots. After a day of adventure, it's nice to come home to a nice hot comfort meal, especially a healthier version that's quick and easy.

This recipe for Vegetable Chili with kale and quinoa is the perfect way to get the comfort of chili with a healthier twist.

Vegetable Chili with Kale and Quinoa

 Makes 8 to10 servings

·         2 tablespoons olive oil

·         ½ medium onion, chopped

·         1 carrot, peeled and chopped

·         2 celery ribs, chopped

·         1 medium zucchini, chopped

·         1 small yellow squash, chopped

·         1 red bell pepper, chopped

·         4 ounces sliced mushrooms

·         3 (15-ounce) cans HORMEL® chili

·         ½ cup quinoa

·         2 cups chopped fresh kale

Directions: In large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-low heat. Sauté onion, carrot and celery 10 minutes. Stir in zucchini and next 3 ingredients and sauté 8 minutes.  Stir in chili, quinoa and kale and simmer 15 minutes.

What's your favorite twist on chili?