FOODS TO HELP YOU SLEEP

. 5 surprising foods to help you sleep better. 

Have trouble getting to bed or staying asleep? You're not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates one in four American adults get less than the daily recommended seven to eight hours of sleep. That insufficient shuteye is leaving them more at risk of diabetes, heart disease, depression and obesity. THE BIGGEST SLEEP MYTHS, DEBUNKED But don't reach for that bottle of NyQuil. Luckily, you can improve your sleep by simply changing up your diet. When you can't snooze, reach for these eats: 1. Meat When it comes to sleep-inducing fare, people often think of the Thanksgiving favorite turkey. But gamier meat like elk, goose, goat and rabbit are your best bet for promoting zzzs, as these options contain even more of turkey's key sleep ingredient, the essential amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan can help you catch more shuteye because it contains the calming hormone serotonin, but elk, for example, contains three times as much of the ingredient as turkey. How to enjoy: Try mixing your favorite gamey meat with a complex carb like brown rice to help better ferry tryptophan to the brain. 2. Garbanzo beans Not into gamey meat? Garbanzo beans are also a great source of tryptophan. As a plus, they're easier to find in your local grocery store - just head to the canned foods aisle. How to enjoy: For a bedtime snack, dig into some homemade or store-bought hummus with crudité or whole-wheat crackers. AGING ISN'T KILLING US, LACK OF SLEEP IS 3. Tart cherries Tart cherries offer a natural source of melatonin, a hormone responsible for the sleep-wake cycle in humans. An easy way to get them year-round is by picking up a bottle of tart cherry juice, as research shows the benefits are the same as eating the whole fruit. A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition showed that subjects who drank tart cherry juice for seven days slept longer and better compared to those who didn't. How to enjoy: Aim for an 8-ounce glass daily, and steer clear of varieties with added sugar. 4. Pumpkin seeds Next Halloween, salvage those seeds from your jack o' lantern, as they're proven to help you clock more snooze time. Pumpkin seeds contain the vital mineral magnesium, which promotes muscle relaxation and lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol, among other benefits. How to enjoy: Whip up a salad with arugula, low-fat goat cheese and salt-ree pumpkin seeds for a sleep-friendly dinner.  5. Tuna One of the least expensive and most accessible types of fish can also help you snooze more soundly. A 100-gram portion of tuna contains 1 milligram of vitamin B6, which helps convert tryptophan into serotonin - that aforementioned calming hormone that can aid sleep regulation. How to enjoy: Combine chopped celery and carrot sticks with low-fat mayonnaise, lemon juice and canned tuna in water. Spread the mixture onto whole-wheat crackers, and voila, you have an afternoon or midnight snack that can help you wake up feeling more refreshed. 

OH THOSE BLOOMING AGE SPOTS

The 6 best ways to get rid of age spots. 

As you get older, you likely will notice parts of your skin changing color to light brown, gray or black - a common effect the beauty industry calls age spots, also called liver spots or sun spots. "With age, and exposure to environmental triggers like UV light, our pigment-producing cells in the skin go into overdrive," dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner told Fox News. "That leads to an increased production of pigments, which leads to dark spots in the skin. AGING ISN'T KILLING US, LACK OF SLEEP IS Those discolorations can do a number on our self-confidence, but the good news is, certain techniques can help banish them.  Zeichner and Dr. Mary Stevenson, an assistant professor in the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center, gave their best tips on getting rid of age spots: 1. Use protective creams to nourish the skin. To help return your skin to its normal color, opt for skin-brightening sunscreens. Zeichner suggested products from theAveeno Positively Radiant line, which contain soy, an ingredient that can calm and lighten age spots. STUDY IDENTIFIES THE BEST EXERCISE TO REVERSE SIGNS OF AGING To avoid further damage, apply an antioxidant cream with ingredients like vitamins and E, which can help reduce inflammation in the skin, Zeichner said. He explained these products can prevent interfering with collagen, a protein that prevents wrinkles, and halt further pigment production. 2. Look for over-the-counter products that can lighten dark spots. Creams with ingredients like hydroquinone, kojic acid, niacinamide, and arbutin all interfere with pigment production, Zeichner explained. These are all bleaching agents, but Stevenson cautioned they may not be effective for every patient, so she advised consulting your dermatologist before using one. IS COLLAGEN REALLY AN ANTI-AGING CURE-ALL? 3. See a dermatologist for a laser treatment. Targeted laser treatments can destroy the pigment of specific age spots, similar to how tattoo removal lasers work, Zeichner explained. 4. Go for a chemical peel. A chemical peel is a mild acid that, when applied, damages the outer skin layer, Zeichner said. The healing process that follows eliminates some of the skin's darker pigmentation.  5. Schedule an office visit for cryosurgery. Dermatologists can use liquid nitrogen to freeze the cells of your age spot, helping to destroy it, Stevenson said. 6. Remember: Prevention is always the best cure. "The best treatment is prevention to begin with," Zeichner said. Stevenson agreed, noting that sunscreens with physical blockers like zinc oxide can help protect the skin. 

KEEP ON SMILING

Uh... 

A teacher was telling her class about plant names that have the word "dog" in them: dog-rose, dogwood, dog violet. She asked the class if they could name another flower with the preface "dog." Steven raised his hand and said, "How about a 'collie' flower!" 

Shopping Advice 

Kathy was shopping in the mall with her two children and a display in the window of a lingerie store caught her eye. "Do you think Daddy would like this?" she asked the kids, as she pointed to the lacy pajamas with matching robe. "No way," four-year-old Ryan replied. "Daddy would NEVER wear that!" 

Bachelor Cooking 

Two confirmed bachelors were sitting and talking. Their conversation drifted from sports to cooking. "I got a cookbook once," said the first, "but I could never do anything with it." "Too much fancy cooking in it?" asked the second. "You said it. Every one of the recipes began the same way, 'Take a clean dish and...'" 

Shorts 

• Yeah, I'm a bird lover. Mostly chicken. Mostly fried.
• I'm not fat, I'm just easier to see.
• Never judge people by their relatives.
• Money used to talk. Then it whispered. Now it just sneaks off.

Faith 

An old pastor stood in his pulpit addressing the congregation about the drought that had lasted for at least eight months. As all stood filled with faith, he told the congregation they would gather that night for prayer. "Folks we are going to pray for rain so come prepared to see God move in a great way." That night as many assembled the old pastor stood and asked a simple question. "Folks, where are your umbrellas?"

REMEMBER WHEN-BARNEY FIFE

Barney Fife was a deputy sheriff in the sleepy little town of Newber, NC. He appeared often in the first five years of the show, The Andy Griffith Show, Gomer Pyle was his cousin along with Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith), who was the sheriff. The Andy Griffith Show ran from 1960-1968.

Barney was played by actor Jesse Donald “Don” Knotts. Don was born in Morgantown, West Virginia on July 21, 1924. He had three brothers. His dad was a farmer and he had a nervous breakdown when Don was born to his 40 year old wife. Due to his dad mental conditions of schizophrenia and alcoholism, Don’s early life was terrorized by his dad with a knife. His father died when Don was 13, of pneumonia. Don and his brothers were raised by their mother, who ran a boarding house in Morgantown. She died in 1969 at the age of 84.

After graduating from Morgantown High School, Don joined the Army and served during WWII. Most of his service was with a group of performers, used to entertain the troops. After a failed attempt  in New York to get his comedy going he returned home to West Virginia. He graduated from West Virginia University in 1948 with a degree in education.

Even before graduating high school, Don began performing as a ventriloquist and comedian at various church and school functions. He used a dummy named Danny “Hooch” Matador.

Later in life, Don developed lung cancer and he died on February 24, 2006 in Los Angeles, California at the age of 81. He was buried in the family plot.

SELECTED KROGER SPECIALS FOR THE UPCOMING WEEK

Buying Groceries on a Budget

Kroger Sale Dates: Wednesday, April 26, – Midnight Tue, May 9, 2017 (Must have Card)

 

Meats: Boneless Pork Loin, Fresh $1.47 lb Limit 2; Kroger Bacon 3 lb $9.99; Jennie O Ground Turkey, Fresh 85% Lean, 16 oz 2/$5.00

Fruit: Strawberries 16 oz 2/$3.00

Bread: Kroger Bread 20 oz $.88 cents Select Varieties

Vegetables: Sweet Corn on the Cob, Fresh 3/$1.00; Avocadoes $.88 cents each

Miscellaneous: Eggs Grade A dozen $.77 cents; Marie Callenders Dinners or Pot Pie 12-18 oz or Healthy Choice Dinners 9-13.5 oz 5/$10.00; Michelina Entrée 4.5-9.5 oz or Banquet Pot Pies 7 oz $.89 cents Select Varieties

IN MEMORY OF BRUCE HUFFMAN

Bruce Huffman attended the School For the Blind and graduated in 1976.  I thought some of our readers of the blog might remember him.  Below is his obituary.

LOUIE BRUCE HUFFMAN, of Little Rock, died April 20, 2017. Born June 7, 1956 at Malvern, Ark., he was the son of Erath Franklin and Norma Lee Graham Huffman. The last 13 years of his IRS service he was an instructor for the visually impaired and trained them in tax law and tax accounts. There were at least several hundred people that went through his training. He also assisted the visually impaired in obtaining jobs and careers. He was preceded in death by his parents, and daughter, Lynda C. Huffman. Survivors include his wife, Rebecca Huffman, of Little Rock; children, Wilma Leeann Huffman, Leslie Carman of Florida, Norma Huffman and Lisa Zurligen of Utah, Lori McHughes of Texas, and Lee Davenport of Arkansas; his brother, Greg Huffman; aunt, Mary Sue Clardy and many other family members and friends. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 25 in the chapel of Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 W. 12th St., Little Rock, (501) 661-9111 with Tracy Bennett officiating. Burial will follow at 4:30 p.m. at Rest Haven Cemetery at Malvern, Ark. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com .

THIS WEEKS SELECTED SPECIALS FOR WALGREENS AND DOLLAR GENERAL

Buying Groceries on a Budget

Dollar General Sale Dates: April 23 – April 29, 2017

 

Meats: Starkist Chunk Lite Tuna in Water or Oil 5 oz $.70 cents

Dairy: Imperial Margarine 16 oz $1.25

Miscellaneous: Hunts Pasta Sauce 24 oz $.95 cents Assorted Varieties: Nutella 13 oz or Jif Peanut Butter 28 oz Assorted or Peter Pan Creamy Peanut Butter 28 oz $3.50

Paper Items: Dollar General Foam Cups, Foam Trays, Form Plates, Form Bowls; Paper Napkins $1.00 package

                     Smart & Simple Freezer Bags; Aluminum Foil; Snack Bags; Heavy Duty Cutlery; Trash Bags $1.00 package

 

 

Buying Groceries on a Budget

Walgreen Sale Dates: April 23 – April 29, 2017

 

Meats: Circular coupon Items: Chicken of the Sea Solid White Tuna or Pink Salmon 5 oz can 4/$5.00 Limit 6; Bubble Bee Pink Salmon 14.75 oz 2/$5.00 Limit 2; Atlanta Celebrity Canned Ham 12 oz 2/$5.00 Limit 4;

Meats: Butterball ground turkey 16 oz 2/$5.00 or $2.79 each

Miscellaneous: Quaker Oats 1 Minute 18 oz 2/$3.00 or $1.69 each

Eggs: Nice Brand A or AA dz $.99 cents

Juice: Simple Orange Juice or Tropicana 100% Orange Juice 59 oz 2/$6.00

FRESH VS FROZEN

Are frozen veggies healthy? Study suggests a surprising finding. 

To freeze or not to freeze? That is a question, for the food shoppers among us. When it comes fruit and veg, there's little doubt grabbing a bag of pre-washed, prepped frozen peas from the freezer section is likely to be cheaper and easier. But, what about your health? It's long been assumed that eating fresh fruit and veg is hands down healthier. But a new study set to be published in June casts that common belief in doubt. A team of scientists from the University of Georgia compared fresh with frozen, as well as a third category dubbed fresh-stored. RED MEAT CAN BE HEALTHY - WHEN YOU EAT IT THIS WAY This mimicked the typical length of time people tend to store fresh produce after buying it, and was found to be around five days. The researchers focused on these family faves: broccoli cauliflower corn green beans green peas spinach blueberries strawberries To judge how fresh each product was, the scientists measured levels of key nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin A and folate. In many cases there was little difference between the fresh, fresh-stored and frozen varieties. But, where the researchers noted vast differences, they found the frozen produce outshone the fresh counterparts. They said: "The findings of this study do not support the common belief that fresh food has significantly greater nutritional value than its frozen counterpart.  "In the cases of significant differences, frozen produce outperformed 'fresh-stored' more frequently than 'fresh-stored' outperformed frozen. The reason why frozen is often better for you, is down to the point at which it is placed on ice. A technique called fresh freezing ensures food is chilled quickly, often not long after it's picked, reported Mic . As a result the nutrients and goodness are trapped in at source.  Though they may look freshly picked, chances are the produce in the fruit and veg aisle at most supermarkets has spent some time from when it's picked, being transported to the store and then home. And the longer that time takes, the fewer vitamins and minerals will survive. Registered dietitian Emily Braaten told Mic: "Frozen vegetables are usually nutritionally equivalent to fresh vegetables because they're generally flash-frozen on site, immediately after harvest. "This kind of processing may degrade some nutrients while making others more bioavailable.  The Sun nutritionist Amanda Ursell agrees that fruit and veg don't have to be fresh to pack a healthy punch. She said: "Frozen options are full of goodness too. "Frozen mixed berries can be blended into a smoothie or frozen peas can be cooked and served on the side or added to a tasty dish such as risotto. A Sun Online investigation earlier this year revealed opting for frozen over fresh could save the average family more than ｣260 (about $278 USD) a year. Comparing 10 baskets of fresh and frozen items at Tesco, we found the ice-chilled variety was more than ｣10 (about $10.70 USD) cheaper than the fresh one. Regardless of whether you opt for fresh or frozen, it's important to include as many fruit and vegetables in your diet.  The NHS advises everyone to aim for five-a-day, as part of a healthy balanced diet. The five-a-day campaign is based on World Health Organisation guidelines, which recommends eating 400g of fruit and veg a day to lower the risk of serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke and some cancers. 

SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT-WHAT'S IMPORTANT TO YOU

TOMBSTONES DON'T TALK BACK

 

 

READ THIS VERY SLOWLY... IT'S PRETTY PROFOUND. 

 

Too many people put off something that brings them joy 

just because they haven't thought about it, 

don't have it on their schedule, 

didn't know it was coming or 

are too rigid to depart from their routine. 

 

I got to thinking one day about all those people on the Titanic 

who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night 

in an effort to cut back. 

From then on, 

I've tried to be a little more flexible. 

 

How many women out there will eat at home 

because their husbands didn't suggest going out to dinner 

until after something had been thawed? 

Does the word 

'refrigeration' 

mean nothing to you? 

 

How often have your kids dropped in to talk and 

sat in silence 

while you watched 

'Jeopardy' on television? 

 

I cannot count the times 

I called my sister and said, 

"How about going to lunch in a half hour?" 

She would gas up and stammer, 

"I can't. 

I have clothes on the line. 

My hair is dirty. 

I wish I had known yesterday, 

I had a late breakfast, 

it looks like rain." 

And my personal favorite: 

"It's Monday." 

She died a few years ago. 

We never did have lunch together. 

 

Because Americans cram so much into their lives, 

we tend to schedule our headaches. 

We live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves 

when all the conditions are perfect! 

 

We'll go back and visit the grandparents 

when we get Steve toilet-trained.  

 

We'll entertain 

when we replace the living-room carpet. 

 

We'll go on a second honeymoon 

when we get two more kids out of college. 

 

Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. 

The days get shorter and 

the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. 

 

One morning, 

we awaken and 

all we have to show for our lives 

is a litany of 

"I'm going to," 

"I plan on," and 

"Someday, when things are settled down a bit." 

 

When anyone calls my 'seize the moment' friend, 

she is open to adventure and 

available for trips. 

She keeps an open mind on new ideas. 

Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. 

You talk with her for five minutes and 

you're ready to trade your bad feet 

for a pair of Rollerblades and 

skip an elevator for a bungee cord. 

 

My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years. 

I love ice cream. 

It's just that I might as well apply it directly to my stomach with a spatula and 

eliminate the digestive process. 

The other day, I stopped the car and 

bought a triple-decker. 

If my car had hit an iceberg on the way home, 

I would have died happy. 

 

Now go on and have a nice day. 

Do something you WANT to 

not something on your SHOULD DO list. 

 

If you were going to die soon and 

had only one phone call you could make, 

who would you call and 

what would you say? 

And why are you waiting? 

 

Make sure you read this to the end. 

. 

 

Have you ever watched kids playing on a 

merry-go-round or 

listened to the rain lapping on the ground? 

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight or 

gazed at the sun into the fading night? 

Do you run through each day on the fly? 

 

When you ask, 

"How are you?" 

Do you hear the reply? 

 

When the day is done, 

do you lie in your bed 

with the next hundred chores 

running through your head? 

 

Ever told your child, 

"We'll do it tomorrow." 

And in your haste, 

not see his sorrow? 

 

Ever lost touch? 

Let a good friendship die? 

Just call to say "Hi?" 

 

When you worry and hurry through your day, 

it is like an unopened gift thrown away... 

Life is not a race. 

Take it slower. 

Hear the music before the song is over. 

Show your friends how much you care. 

 

"Life may not be the party we hoped for, 

but while we are here, 

we might as well go flying! 

 

Keep well 

SOUNDS DELICIOUS

Our Strawberry Pie Recipe

Drop-in to Bjs Produce next door for some fresh strawberries and make your own strawberry pie. This is how we do it.
 

Ingredients

• 1 box strawberry jello
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup of boiling water
• 1 quart of fresh strawberries

Directions

1. Mix dry ingredients together
2. Stir in 1 cup of boiling water
3. Stir in sliced strawberries
4. Spoon into cooked pie crust
5. Optional, line the bottom of the pie crust with cream cheese icing
6. Let cool in the refrigerator

SELECTED KROGER SPECIALS FOR THE NEXT WEEK

Buying Groceries on a Budget

Kroger Sales Date: Wednesday, April 19 – Midnight Tuesday, April 25, 2017 (With Card)

 

Meat: Heritage Farm Whole Fryer or Drumsticks or Thighs $.79 cents lb; Boneless Chuck Roast Beef Shoulder, Value Pack $2.99 lb; Kroger Ground Turkey 16 oz 93% lean 2/$7.00

Vegetables: Vidalia Onions $.49 cents lb; Cucumbers or Green Onions 2/$.99 cents

Dairy: Kroger Milk or Orange Juice 1/2 gallon 2/$3.00 Select Varieties; Kroger Cheese 8 oz or Natural Slices, 6 oz or Singles 12 oz $1.88 Select Varieties

Fruit: Cantaloupes or Personal Watermelon 2/$4.00

SOMETHING TO LIGHTEN YOUR DAY

The Speeding Ticket 
A man was speeding down the highway, feeling secure in a gaggle of cars all traveling at the same speed. However, as they passed a speed trap, he got nailed with an infrared speed detector and was pulled over. The officer handed him the citation, received his signature and was about to walk away when the man asked, "Officer, I know I was speeding, but I don't think it's fair. There were plenty of other cars around me going just as fast, so why did I get the ticket?" "Ever go fishing?" the policeman suddenly asked the man. "Ummm, yeah... so," the startled man replied. The officer grinned and added, "Ever catch ALL the fish?" 

Getting Personal 

One caller to our answering service gave me his name, number and message and then said, "You know my name. What's yours?" "4136," I replied, since we were allowed only to give our operator numbers. Sounding disappointed, he said, "May I call you by your first digit, or would that be too personal?" 

Found Cell Phone 

When a customer left his cell phone in my store, I scrolled through his saved numbers, stopped at "Mom" and pushed send. His mother answered, and I told her what happened. "Don't worry," she said, "I'll take care of it." A few minutes later, the cell phone rang. It was "Mom." "Martin," she said, "you left your cell phone at the convenience store." 

The Offering 

On one particular Sunday, the pastor was emphasizing the importance of everyone giving their tithes and offerings. He went on to challenge the people to give enthusiastically because 2 Corinthians 9:7 says in it that "God loves a cheerful giver." As the plate was passed, a little boy in the second pew, quickly slipped off his neck tie and placed it into the offering plate. His mother, absolutely mortified, asked him what in the world he thought he was doing. The boy replied, "The pastor said put your ties in the offering plate and do it joyfully. I love that man!" 

Shorts 

• My goal for 2017 is to lose 10 pounds. Only 15 pounds to go.
• I've lost my mind and I'm pretty sure my kids took it!
• If it weren't for the last minute, a lot of things wouldn't get done.
• I was going to join the debating team, but somebody talked me out of it.
• I went to buy a camouflage shirt the other day, but I couldn't find any.

SELECT BARGAINS FROM WAL-MART AND DOLLAR GENERAL

Buying Groceries on a Budget

Walmart Sale Dates: April 17 – 27, 2017

Dollar General Dates: April 17 – April 22, 2017

 

Walmart

Del Monte Whole Kernel Corn or Cut Green Beans 14.5-15.25 oz $.98 cents

Great Value Frozen Mix Vegetables 12 oz $.98 cents; Great Value Whole Kernel Corn or Sliced Carrots 14.5-15.25 oz $.68 cents; Carnation Evaporated Milk 12 oz $1.00

Nathan’s Beef Skinless Franks 8 ct 14 oz $2.98 pkg

 

Dollar General

Austin Snack Cracker 6 ct $1.00

Mix and Match – Save $3.00 Instantly when you spend $10.00 on

All Kellogg’s Brand Cereal

WALGREEN'S SELECTED SALE ITEMS

Buying Groceries on a Budget

Walgreens Sales Date: April 16 – April 22, 2017

 

Chicken of the Sea Tuna Chunk White or Lite 5 oz $.69 cents with circular coupon

Fiber One or Nature Valley Snacks 5 or 6 pkg $1.99

BUY ONE AT REGULAR PRICE GET ONE AT 1/2 PRICE: (Regular Price not stated in circular)

Birds Eye Stream Vegetables 10 oz; Butterball Ground Turkey 1 lb; ground beef 1 lb; Boneless Chicken Breast 2 lbs

HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY

The Final Exam  Gotta admire this teacher!!!

 

There were four seniors taking Microbiology and all of them had an 'A' so far. These four friends were so confident that the weekend before finals, they decided to visit some friends in Butte and have a big party. They had a great time but, after all the hearty partying, they slept all day Sunday and didn't make it back to Montana State University in Bozeman until early Monday morning.

 

Rather than taking the final then, they decided that after the final they would explain to their professor why they missed it.  They said that they visited friends but on the way back they had a flat tire. As a result, they missed the final.  

 

Professor Olesnicki agreed they could make up the final the next day.  The guys were excited and relieved.  They studied that night for the exam.

 

The next day Professor Olesnicki placed them in separate rooms and gave them a test booklet. They quickly answered the first problem worth 5 points.  Cool, they thought!  Each one, in a separate room, thought this was going to be easy ... then they turned the page...

 

On the second page was written...

 

For 95 points: 

 

Which Tire? _________