Digital detox tips and how to reduce screen time

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Sharing my tips on how to reduce screen time and make the time you do spend on a screen as efficient as possible. 

Hi friends! How’s the morning treating you? We’re at Great Wolf Lodge with some friends and I’m looking forward to a hot yoga class later today. I hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Today, I wanted to talk about screen time. While it’s not something I could ever drastically reduce (my job would make that a liiiittle tricky), I tried to be mindful of the time I do spend on screens. We do the same thing with the kids. They’re only allowed a set amount of screen time, and it’s only after homework is completely finished – so some days, that means no screen time at all.

In a world where digital connectivity is ubiquitous, taking intentional breaks from screens has become crucial for our overall well-being. A digital detox offers the chance to recalibrate, reduce screen time, and minimize exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs).

Here are some practical tips to become more mindful of your screen time!

Digital detox tips and how to reduce screen time

The Impact of Digital Overload

Our constant exposure to screens, Wi-Fi signals, and EMFs can take a toll on our physical and mental health. From eye strain and disrupted sleep patterns to increased stress levels, the consequences of digital overload are vast. A digital detox is a proactive choice to reclaim control over our screen time and create a healthier relationship with technology.

Step 1: Assess Your Digital Habits

Start by assessing your current digital habits. Use your smartphone’s screen time tracking feature or dedicated apps to gain insights into where your time goes. Identify specific apps or activities that consume a significant portion of your day. This self-awareness forms the foundation for a successful digital detox.

Step 2: Set Clear Boundaries

Establishing boundaries is crucial for a successful digital detox. Define specific time periods when you’ll disconnect from screens, such as during meals, before bedtime, or during designated breaks. Communicate your boundaries with friends and family to ensure understanding and support.

Step 3: Create a Screen-Free Sanctuary

Designate certain areas in your home as screen-free zones. Bedrooms, dining tables, and relaxation spaces should be free from screens to promote better sleep and more meaningful connections. Consider creating a cozy reading nook or a designated space for mindful activities.

Step 4: Schedule Tech-Free Breaks

Incorporate regular tech-free breaks into your daily routine. Whether it’s a short walk outdoors, a coffee break, or a few minutes of deep breathing, these breaks provide a mental reset and reduce the cumulative effects of prolonged screen exposure.

Step 5: Unplug Before Bed

The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt our circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep. Aim to unplug at least an hour before bedtime. Establish a relaxing pre-sleep routine, such as reading a physical book, practicing

Buttermilk Pancakes

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Light and fluffy, slightly tangy, Buttermilk Pancakes – these are the diner style pancakes that you love. This recipe is the reason there is always buttermilk in our fridge.

Topped with maple syrup, buttermilk syrup, brown sugar butter syrup, berry sauce and whipped cream, or whipped strawberry butter, you can’t go wrong with any of these combinations.

Buttermilk Pancakes

Stavs Diner

For over 20 years now, I’ve held fast to our family’s favorite pancake recipe. And, yes, I still think those are some of the best pancakes you’ll ever eat, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty more awesome pancakes to enjoy.

And these buttermilk pancakes? This recipe is the reason there is now a perpetual stash of buttermilk in my refrigerator.

There is a diner here in Ohio that makes absolutely amazing pancakes. They’re diner-style buttermilk pancakes like no others I’ve ever tasted. Sean and I stopped for breakfast at Stav’s Diner one morning several years ago when we visited Columbus while looking at houses before we moved.

We’ve been back to Stav’s several times since we moved, it’s always worth the drive to Bexley. If you’re in the area, this is a great open kitchen place and we’ve never had a bite there that wasn’t delicious.

Buttermilk Pancakes cooked in oilRead more

My Best Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipe [+Video]

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My Best Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipe [+Video]

A chicken pot pie, baked to a perfect golden brown with a sprig of fresh thyme on top. The pie dish is sitting on a blue and white striped kitchen towel.

This Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is made completely from scratch! It has a buttery, flaky crust and the most luscious chicken and vegetable filling!

Between our famous Chili recipe and this chicken pot pie recipe I’M CONVINCED that as much as we are always looking for the newest thing we actually crave the comfort of the past.

Chicken Pot Pie (From Scratch!)

I remember my mom bringing home a frozen pot pie from the store on the nights that she was just too crazy busy to make it from scratch. Back then that was the norm, you know? Convenience items weren’t thought twice about because they were there to help moms get dinner on the table.

Since that time, I’d forgotten about pot pie until years and years ago we had a homemade one from a friend and it was comfort food perfection! We’ve had our chicken pot pie soup on the blog for a long time, but we’ve needed a classic chicken pot pie. Sadly it’s taken me until now to develop the perfect pie crust and chicken pot pie filling, but here it is!

I mean, the crust had to be buttery and flaky but still hold up to the filling and my gosh, that filling needed to be perfect! None of this watery mumbo jumbo. And no, it should not taste like chicken gravy either. It should be a perfect sauce with well seasoned big pieces of chicken in it. Rotisserie chicken is a must to achieve that. Not only is it easier, but the flavor and texture are meant to be!

Gather all your loved ones near and dive in to this homemade pot pie! The crust is flaky and perfectly encases the rich and creamy chicken and vegetable filling. It is comfort in every single bite!

What’s Needed for Homemade Chicken Pot Pie?

This easy chicken pot pie recipe has two main parts: the homemade pot pie crust and the veggie-packed filling. Here’s what you’ll need to make this chicken pot pie from scratch:

For the Crust

  • All-purpose flour
  • Butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Salt
  • Water

For the Filling

  • Rotisserie chicken
  • Carrots, peas, and corn
  • Yellow onion
  • Celery
  • Garlic
  • Nutmeg
  • Fresh thyme
  • Chicken broth
  • Milk
  • Egg
  • Water

The measurements for all the ingredients can be found in the recipe at the end of this post. This is meant to just be an overview of the ingredients you’ll need.

How to Make Chicken Pot Pie

Step 1: Make the Chicken Pot Pie Crust

A pot pie requires a special

3 Secrets for Authentic Homemade Flour Tortillas [+Video]

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3 Secrets for Authentic Homemade Flour Tortillas [+Video]

A photo of a stack of cooked homemade flour tortillas in a cast iron skillet with the top few tortillas folded in half.

Homemade flour tortillas are easier to make than you think! We have 3 simple secrets that will have you cranking out the most deliciously soft and tender tortillas.

“These are incredible! I have tried for years to make tortillas and they have never turned out better than the store bought ones you cook at home. I followed the recipe exactly and I couldn’t be happier with the end result. Trust me, this recipe is the only one you will ever need for soft, pliable and delicious tortillas.”

-OSB Reader

Easy Tortilla Recipe

My friend, Shelly, grew up in Mexico and when I heard that she makes the best tortillas I just had to try her recipe. I’d been testing off and on for years and finally decided that homemade tortillas were just not my fave. I loved the uncooked tortillas you get at Costco and had totally given up.

But now that I’ve tried these, I’ll be whipping up tortillas homemade from now on! Well, I’ll probably keep a pack of the uncooked tortillas from Costco on hand for dinner in a hurry, but homemade flour tortillas are SO MUCH BETTER!

These tortillas are perfect for tacos, burritos, fajitas, and of course, quesadillas! The first thing you are going to want to do once you’ve cooked these tortillas is to make yourself a quesadilla full of gooey melted cheese. I know, you’re not 9 years old, but trust me on this, you’ll never want a classic quesadilla more. Check out our quesadilla post if you find yourself in this boat.

If you want a real treat, take one of these tortillas hot off the griddle and spread some butter all over it. Roll it up and devour that baby! Yummmm, I’m totally craving a butter roll-up now!

Flour Tortilla Ingredients

One of my favorite things about this flour tortilla recipe is that they use normal pantry ingredients. Just 5 simple ingredients is all you are going to need!

  • bread flour
  • baking powder
  • salt
  • oil
  • water

That’s it! Can you believe it?! Nothing fancy, just the basics! Now let’s jump in to how to make them…

How to Make Homemade Tortillas

Start by adding the flour (see secret #1 below), salt, baking powder and oil (see secret #2 below) to the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the dough hook attachment and turn the speed to low. The mixture will slowly come together. When it looks like slightly wet sand that holds together when you squeeze it, you know that you have the right consistency.

Now it is t

The Little Things Newsletter #399 – Life, laughter, and lots of great food!

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Welcome to the weekend, my friends! I’m curled up on the couch at my sister’s cabin this morning as I send this email. The snowy view out the window is making me very grateful for indoor heating, fuzzy warm socks, and cozy blankets.

ON THE BLOGS THIS WEEK: With a velvety broth loaded with the goodness of corn, potatoes, and bell peppers, this cheesy, Creamy Vegetable Soup is one heck of a hearty meal.

Hearty noodles serve as the perfect backdrop for slightly sweet cabbage and savory bacon in this simple Cabbage Spaghetti. This is SO good, I ate it three days in a row. And then, I made it again.

The sweetness of caramelized onions gives traditional hummus an extraordinary upgrade with this Caramelized Onion Hummus.

There’s plenty of spicy kick in this easy-to-make Canned Tomato Salsa. It just might have you saying goodbye to store-bought varieties forever. (And no one is more surprised that I’m writing that than I am!)

Loaded with pecan pieces and plenty of coconut flavor, these Coconut Pecan Cookies are perfectly chewy with just the right amount of crunch.

These Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies are soft, chewy cookies filled with tart cranberries and infused with sweet oranges and fragrant cardamom.

Fresh Lemon Sorbet is a light and refreshing treat that is a terrific addition to any meal. At first glance, a scoop of sorbet is unlikely to grab your attention and impress. However, at first taste, you’re certain to be won over immediately.

What I’m CRAVING: There aren’t many cookies that I crave the way I crave my friend Christi’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies. If you love chocolate and peanut butter, these cookies are truly as good as that combination gets. I need to make another batch soon. They are FANTASTIC.

My FAVORITE THING this week is this travel toiletry bag. The interior is waterproof, so it wipes clean easily. The compartments are so well thought out that after using it for almost 3 years now, I have no complaints at all. I like it even more now than I did when I first started using it. And it gets bonus points for the hook that allows you to hang it on a towel rack or hook for super easy access to everything.

What I’m READING: Read more

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