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March 24.2026
3 Minutes Read

How Simple Hobbies Like Gardening and Cooking Improve Happiness and Health

Woman walking in nature for hobbies, health and happiness.

Unlocking Happiness: The Best Hobbies for Your Well-Being

In our fast-paced world, it can be challenging to carve out time for ourselves. Yet, engaging in hobbies has been scientifically proven to enhance our mental health and overall happiness. From cooking to gardening, these enjoyable pursuits not only bring joy but also serve as effective stress relievers.

Cooking Your Way to Joy

Cooking is one of the top hobbies for happiness and health, as it fosters creativity and improves mood. According to experts, spending time in the kitchen can enhance your food literacy skills and nourish both body and soul. Make a point to try new recipes, and invite friends over to share a meal; social cooking events can further boost your mental well-being.

The Therapeutic Power of Art

Engaging in creative activities such as painting and crafting can be a vital form of self-expression that enhances feelings of pleasure and accomplishment. Research has shown that individuals who engage in artistic pursuits for at least two hours a week report significantly improved mental health. So grab some brushes or a sketchbook and let your imagination run wild!

Breathe Deep: The Benefits of Meditation

Meditation promotes mindfulness and can drastically improve your emotional health. In as little as five to ten minutes a day, meditation can reduce stress, enhance self-awareness, and improve focus. Consider using guided apps like Calm or Headspace to start your meditation journey and reap the mental health benefits.

Writing It Out: The Art of Journaling

Journaling is more than just penning down your daily activities; it’s a powerful tool for mental wellness. Writing down thoughts and feelings promotes cognitive clarity and helps cope with stress. Even a short session of free writing can liberate your mind and reduce feelings of anxiety. In fact, a recent study highlighted that physically discarding written thoughts can alleviate lingering frustration.

Get Moving: Embracing Physical Activity

Regular exercise unleashes a flood of endorphins, your body’s natural mood enhancers. Whether you enjoy jogging, yoga, or hiking, incorporating a physical routine into your life elevates your mood and general health. Finding an activity that excites you is essential; consider trying group classes or outdoor adventures to keep your motivation high.

Gardening: A Green Escape

Connecting with nature through gardening has endless benefits, both mental and physical. Spending just a few minutes with your hands in the soil can elevate serotonin levels and improve mood significantly. Additionally, being outdoors provides fresh air and sunlight, which further contribute to feelings of happiness.

Carving Out Time for Hobbies

Incorporating hobbies into your busy schedule doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small—consider dedicating just 15 minutes a day to your chosen activity. Put it on your calendar as a personal appointment to ensure you make time for yourself. Remember, hobbies are for enjoyment, so experiment with what works best for you!

In conclusion, the power of hobbies lies in their unique ability to enhance happiness and well-being. By integrating enjoyable activities into your daily life, you create opportunities for joy, relaxation, and social connection. So why wait? Start exploring these hobbies today and find which ones resonate with you, paving the way for a happier, healthier life!

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06.17.2026

The Truth about BBQ Sauce

Barbecue sauces have a uniquely Southern and Western U.S. history.  Most experts agree that the practice of adding sauce and spices to meat and fish began early in our history, with Native Americans teaching the art to early European settlers.  The natives probably developed the process as part of an attempt to keep meats and fish from spoiling quickly.  Salt played a major role in those early barbecue sauces, and salt is a well-known preservative in the meat curing process.Because the nation's first European arrivals lived on the East Coast of America, that part of the country is credited with spawning the original barbecue sauce styles.  First and foremost, there are the various Carolina barbecue sauces.  The most widely known are East Carolina, Piedmont, and South Carolina varieties.  East Carolina barbecue sauce consists of vinegar, salt, black pepper, and crushed or ground cayenne peppers.  It's a very simple sauce that penetrates the meat nicely for a deep flavor.  Piedmont barbecue sauce only varies from East Carolina in that it often includes molasses or Worcestershire sauce both of which cling to the meat more.  South Carolina sauce is entirely different, using a mustard base instead, producing a much tangier and sharper flavor.Then there is Memphis or Southern style barbecue sauce.  This popular variety is typically more complicated (flavor-wise) and is built around mustard, tomato, and vinegar.  Fans often point to the boldness of these flavor combinations as the hallmark of Memphis barbecue sauce.  A saying often heard among hungry connoisseurs is no two bites alike.Continuing our trek westward, we come to the acknowledged center of the barbecue universe: Kansas City!  Kansas City barbecue sauce is distinguished by its noticeably thicker consistency and emphasis on sweetness.  That's because this style of sauce is built upon thick tomato sauce, chunks of vegetables, and lots of sugar.  Many popular commercial brands are based on this Kansas City recipe.  It's most popular among amateur backyard grillers because of the availability in grocery stores (Kraft, Heinz, K.C.'s Masterpiece, etc.).  And also because the thick sauce can be applied only once, and enough will remain in place to please the happy recipients of the grilled meat.Finally, there are the Texas barbecue sauce styles.  Now, Texas is one big state, and there are several regional varieties within it.  The most common include thick and spicy sauces that are essentially spicier variations on the Kansas City sauces.  These are found mostly in the north and east sections of the state (Dallas).  In western Texas, thinner sauces that feature hot peppers can be found.  These sauces are often added only at the very end of the barbecuing or grilling process.  And then, in southern Texas, the barbecue sauce of choice features an emphasis on Mexican spices and, of course, jalapeno peppers!  Make sure to have a cold beverage handy to put out the fire!For a large selection of barbecue sauces, I find Harmons has a huge selection (see the photo below. There are more on the shelves above and below). They even have two Utah BBQ sauces. Enjoy your barbecue! Next come spices!

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Chronic Hives Relief: 5 Soothing Remedies for Women Living with CSU

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Taking Dinner Outdoors? Americans Get Their Grills On - Our first recipe

While nearly everyone in America grills, not everyone is comfortable barbecuing more than the basics. Here's an approach to grilling you can "steak" your reputation on: Neighborhood grocery stores can help make the outdoor cooking experience easier by providing everything a griller needs under one roof. The Great Grilling program at Safeway features recipes, tools and high-quality ingredients for families that want to create delicious meals on the grill, and their Rancher's Reserve beef is guaranteed tender. The recipes were developed in the test kitchens of Sunset magazine to make it easier for shoppers to grill up a meal on the spur of the moment. Whether using a charcoal or gas grill, having the right accessories on hand makes for easy and safe grilling-and even easier cleanup. A wide spatula, extra-long tongs, a long-handled brush and a spray bottle with water are the foundation for a great griller's tool kit. Direct-heat grilling is best for thin cuts of meat that cook quickly. It gets them nicely browned on the outside in the short time they take to get done in the middle. Here's a surefire recipe using direct-heat grilling: Flank Steak with Green Olive-Jalape o Tapenade A Mediterranean-inspired tapenade is a flavorful addition to this tender flank steak. Prep time: About 20 minutes Grill time: 13 to 17 minutes, plus 5 minutes to rest off the grill Makes: 4 servings 1 jar (4.5 oz.) Safeway Select Stuffed Jalape o Olives, drained 2 garlic cloves, peeled 1 cup coarsely chopped Italian parsley 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel 1/4 cup Safeway Select Verdi Olive Oil 1 Rancher's Reserve Flank Steak (about 11/2 lb.) Prepare barbecue grill and preheat for direct-heat cooking. For charcoal grill, before you put the grill over the hot coals, brush it with a medium coat of oil; for gas grill, when hot, brush grill with a medium coat of oil.Rinse olives and drain well. Combine olives, garlic, parsley, rosemary, lemon peel and oil in a food processor and pulse until mixture forms a fine paste. Set aside 1/2 cup of the tapenade mixture for seasoning meat; reserve remainder for serving or another use.Rinse flank steak and pat dry. With the tip of a sharp knife, make shallow diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart over one side of steak, then make cuts perpendicular to the first to create a diamond pattern. Repeat on other side of steak.Spread 1/2 cup of the olive mixture on both sides of steak to coat evenly.Lay steak on oiled grill over a solid bed of hot coals or high heat on a gas grill. Keep charcoal grill uncovered; close lid on gas grill. Cook steak until browned on the bottom (lift edge with tongs to check), 8 to 10 minutes. With tongs or a wide spatula, turn steak and continue to cook until done as desired, about 2 minutes longer for rare (red in center; cut to test) or 4 minutes longer for medium-rare (pink in center).Transfer steak to a clean platter or rimmed carving board and let rest about 5 minutes, then cut in thin, slanting slices across the grain to serve. Offer remaining tapenade to add to the meat to taste. Beverage suggestions: A spicy, plummy zinfandel; a hoppy, English-style pale ale; or peppermint iced tea. Tools: Grater (for peel), strainer or colander, measuring cups and spoons, food processor, paper towels, sharp knife, spatula for spreading, heatproof brush for oiling grill, tongs or wide spatula, platter or rimmed carving board. Beverage suggestions: A spicy, plummy zinfandel; a hoppy, English-style pale ale; or peppermint iced tea. Tools: Grater (for peel), strainer or colander, measuring cups and spoons, food processor, paper towels, sharp knife, spatula for spreading, heatproof brush for oiling grill, tongs or wide spatula, platter or rimmed carving board. nearly eWhile nearly everyone in America grills, not everyone is comfortable barbecuing more than the basics. Here's an approach to grilling you can "steak" your reputation on: Neighborhood grocery stores can help make the outdoor cooking experience easier by providing everything a griller needs under one roof. The Great Grilling program at Safeway features recipes, tools and high-quality ingredients for families that want to create delicious meals on the grill, and their Rancher's Reserve beef is guaranteed tender. The recipes were developed in the test kitchens of Sunset magazine to make it easier for shoppers to grill up a meal on the spur of the moment. Whether using a charcoal or gas grill, having the right accessories on hand makes for easy and safe grilling-and even easier cleanup. A wide spatula, extra-long tongs, a long-handled brush and a spray bottle with water are the foundation for a great griller's tool kit. Direct-heat grilling is best for thin cuts of meat that cook quickly. It gets them nicely browned on the outside in the short time they take to get done in the middle. Here's a surefire recipe using direct-heat grilling: veryone in America grills, not everyone is comfortable barbecuing more than the basics. Here's an approach to grilling you can "steak" your reputation on: Neighborhood grocery stores can help make the outdoor cooking experience easier by providing everything a griller needs under one roof. The Great Grilling program at Safeway features recipes, tools and high-quality ingredients for families that want to create delicious meals on the grill, and their Rancher's Reserve beef is guaranteed tender. The recipes were developed in the test kitchens of Sunset magazine to make it easier for shoppers to grill up a meal on the spur of the moment. Whether using a charcoal or gas grill, having the right accessories on hand makes for easy and safe grilling-and even easier cleanup. A wide spatula, extra-long tongs, a long-handled brush and a spray bottle with water are the foundation for a great griller's tool kit. Direct-heat grilling is best for thin cuts of meat that cook quickly. It gets them nicely browned on the outside in the short time they take to get done in the middle. Here's a surefire recipe using direct-heat grilling:

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