Blogger: Jennifer Angarano-Ricci, “Ms. Happy, Alive & Built to Survive”

jenr

How many times have you heard that phrase, You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup?  Too many is my guess.  But how many times have you heard that phrase?  Really heard it resonate within yourself?  Shit, we hear stuff all the time:  “Take time for yourself”.  “Self-care is important”.  “You can’t pour…”, oops said that already!  But you know what?  It’s really friggin hard to take that first step in taking care of yourself- in Self Care.   I know for me, I was always a people pleaser, and to some extent I still am.  I’ve been known to think to myself,” I can take a nice detox bath right now, but I could be getting X, Y & Z done before my daughter gets home”.  But after going through the past year, I’ve really gotten to know and feel the importance of putting ME first.  And let me tell you, putting yourself first, only makes it better for everyone.  When you do things to better yourself, then, and only then, can you help others with the overflow of goodness coming from within you.  What IS self-care, you ask?  It can be many things to many people.  You can practice self-care physically, mentally, socially, emotionally and spiritually, and even then, that can mean so many different things for each of us.  I’ve put together some examples of self-care from these categories:

Physical Self Care Examples:

-Eating healthfully

-Laughing

-Working out

-Getting a massage (or acupuncture, etc.)

-Getting’ your hair did!

-Having a mani/pedi

-Getting a good night’s sleep (SO important)

-Taking a nice long bath or shower

 

Mental Self Care Examples:

-Listening to music

-Reading a book

-Taking a class or learning something new

-Giving yourself a break (whatever that means to you- unplugging from the internet for a few hours/days, sitting quietly for a while)

-Learning to play an instrument

 

Social Self Care Examples:

-Planning a get together with friends or family

-Going to a book club/ garden club/ theater group

-Reaching out to people, making a new friend

-Taking a walk with a group of friends

 

Emotional Self Care Examples:

-Connecting with friends

-Using essential oils (if you’re into that)

-Saying “No” when you’re really not able to do/help/volunteer/ whatever

-Finding positive affirmations/mantras that mean a lot to you

-Practicing Gratitude

-Journaling

 

Spiritual Self Care Examples:

-Volunteering

-Meditating

-Praying

-Going to a religious service

-Practicing Yoga

-Taking a walk in nature

See?!  There’s something for everyone, and that means EVERYONE can practice self-care.  Do not even attempt to tell me that you don’t have time for any of this, because we all make time for what we want, and who doesn’t want to feel more peaceful and happy?  Please promise me that each of you will do at least one thing in the way of self-care each week, and then- each day.  YOU DESERVE IT.

Happy New Year, Everyone!

Here are some things I do to self-care:

Detox baths and baking are two of the things that give me peace, relaxation, and joy, so here are two different recipes for you to try:

Detox Bath: 

1/2 cup Epsom salt

1/4 cup baking soda

3 tablespoons of ginger powder

Dissolve the Epsom salt and baking soda in hot bath water, then add the ginger. Soak and relax for as long as you can!  MAKE SURE TO DRINK WATER BEFORE, DURING and AFTER THIS BATH.  You WILL sweat and lose fluids.  And of course, if you have any medical issues, talk to your doctor first.

 

Anise Biscotti:

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • pinch salt
  • 4 eggs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ teaspoon anise extract OR 2 teaspoons anise seed- or both- I’m not judging!

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
  2. Grease and flour three 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pans.
  3. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  4. In a large mixing bowl or bowl of electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the eggs on medium speed until light and frothy (about 2-3 minutes).
  5. Add the sugar gradually and whisk for another minute or so.
  6. Add the oil and extracts. Whisk for another minute.
  7. Incorporate the flour mixture. Mix until combined.
  8. Pour mixture in the 3 prepared loaf pans.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until firm to the touch
  • Remove from loaf pans and let cool for a few minutes.
  • Transfer to cutting board.
  • Using a serrated knife, slice cookies about 1/4 inch thick (or thicker).
  • Place slices flat down on parchment lined baking sheets, and bake for about another 5-8 minutes. Make sure to turn the slices over to ensure even toasting.
  • Can be stored at room temperature for a week or two…If they last that long, lol!

jenr


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Jennifer Angarano Ricci is a wife, mother & creative soul-searcher.  She is a musician, artist, and baker, and runs her home business Baked By Jen, in addition to running her local community theater group.  She loves to sing, create and help others, and tries to connect all three passions whenever possible.

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