Maintaining open communication and continuing to date each other are essential pillars in nurturing a thriving and lasting marriage. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy for couples to lose sight of the importance of investing time into the relationship. This is especially true for military couples, where the busyness of life is coupled with deployments, training, and lengthy separation from each other. Find ways to connect to build the relationship up and build resilience.

Use Your Unit Resources

Ask the unit chaplain for events at the unit. Some units have dinners with presentations by the chaplain on topics of interest like communication, the Five Love Languages, or reintegration.

If your unit has a Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC), ask if they are holding events. Date night events held by the unit are great ways to enjoy fellowship with your spouse, have tasty food and maybe enjoy an activity together. We have been to Date Night events with a “Paint and Sip” theme, and others solely working on reintegration through open communication.

If you have children, ask about events with childcare. Most events run by the chaplain’s office offer free childcare, but some may charge a nominal fee.

• CREDO

The Navy sponsors the Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operation (CREDO) program. The CREDO program offers retreats and workshop programs for Navy and Marine Corps families. The program is divided into regions: CREDO Southwest is based out of San Diego, CREDO MidAtlantic in Norfolk, VA, CREDO Northeast in Connecticut, Pacific Northwest in Washington, Hawaii, Okinawa and Europe in their respective areas.

These areas hold various programs, specifically look for Marriage Retreats. Most, if not all, marriage retreats do not include childcare but some families have swapped childcare for friends so they can each attend a retreat over the year. The marriage workshops do often include childcare, so if that is needed for you and your spouse to get out for a date together, then let that no longer be a barrier!

Date Your Spouse

It is not easy dating your spouse. There are so many variables pulling at the spouses – work, life, the house chores, the car chores, taking care of children. Dating your spouse is an investment in your relationship that pays rich dividends. Carve out that time to date your spouse. So, whether it’s a romantic dinner, a fun outing, or simply a date at home, make the commitment to date your spouse regularly – it’s the key to keeping your love story alive and thriving.

Date Night In

The reality for military families is that the frequent moves make it difficult to have consistent, known childcare. If you recently moved or are in the season without a babysitter but need one to have date nights out on the town, it might be time for date nights in.

Here are some ideas for date nights in after putting the kids to bed:

• Cooking Class at Home: Choose a new recipe or cuisine you both want to try and cook it together. Turn it into a fun cooking class with YouTube tutorials or cooking websites guiding you through the process. Sign up for events from the USO, as they offer virtual cooking classes with renown chefs like Duff Goldman.
• Movie Marathon: Pick a movie series or genre you both love and have a movie marathon night. Create a comfortable viewing area with blankets, pillows, and snacks, and enjoy a cinematic adventure from the comfort of your home.
• Board Game Night: Dust off your favorite board games or try out new ones. Engage in some friendly competition while enjoying snacks and drinks.
• Home Spa Night: Transform your home into a spa with candles, soothing music, and luxurious bathrobes. Take turns giving each other massages, facials, or foot soaks for a relaxing and rejuvenating evening.
• Book Club Date: Select a book that interests both of you and take turns reading it aloud to each other. Discuss the plot, characters, and themes over a glass of wine or cup of tea for a literary date night at home.

Air Force Give Parents A Break Program

The Air Force has a special program called Give Parents A Break (GPAB). The program is funded by the Air Force Aid Society and provides relief for active-duty Air Force and Space Force parents who are experiencing stress. Families are referred to the program and given a certificate for free childcare, which is offered once a month.

By prioritizing communication, support, and mutual understanding, military couples can cultivate a strong and resilient marriage that withstands the demands of military service.

Balancing a career and family life is a challenge for many individuals, but military spouses face unique obstacles due to the demands of military life. With frequent relocations, deployments, and the uncertainty of being part of a military family, finding the balance between career aspirations and family responsibilities can seem daunting. However, with careful planning, support, and a positive outlook, military spouses can navigate these challenges and commit to a career and a family if that is desired.

One of the first steps to successfully balance career and family life is to prioritize communication and collaboration with your spouse. Open and honest discussions about career goals, deployment schedules, and family needs can help both partners understand each other’s priorities and create a plan that accommodates both career aspirations and family responsibilities. While the realities of the uncertainties of the military schedule and last-minute changes do not make this the fail-safe, this provides an opportunity to at least communicate the needs and goals. This does not mean that the active-duty partner can always pick up the slack when the military spouse has heavier demands, but other solutions can be discussed.

Flexibility is key for military spouses seeking to balance their career aspirations with the demands of military life. Flexibility in the schedule. Perhaps the active-duty spouse said they could do childcare pick-up but now cannot due to work schedule, a flexible option is necessary. Whether this is a friend who can do pick up, or a job for the military spouse with flexible hours. Military spouses may need to explore flexible work arrangements, such as remote work opportunities, freelance or contract work, or part-time employment. These alternatives can provide the flexibility needed to accommodate military obligations while still allowing spouses to pursue their career goals.

Networking and building a support system are essential for military spouses seeking to advance their careers while balancing family responsibilities. Connecting with other military spouses, local community organizations, and professional networks can provide valuable support, resources, and opportunities for career advancement. Online communities and social media platforms can also be valuable resources for connecting with other military spouses and accessing job opportunities, mentorship, and career development resources. There are groups on social media for every time of employment that discuss not just job opportunities but training opportunities as well.

Seeking out employers who support military families can also make a significant difference in balancing career and family life. Military-friendly employers often offer programs and policies specifically designed to support military spouses, such as flexible work arrangements, remote work options, and relocation assistance. Researching and applying to military-friendly employers can increase the likelihood of finding a job that accommodates military families’ unique needs while still offering career growth and advancement opportunities.

Support through taking care of oneself is essential for military spouses. Self-care practices such as regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques can help military spouses maintain their physical, emotional, and mental well-being amidst the demands of military life. Prioritizing self-care benefits the individual and enhances their ability to effectively manage the challenges of balancing career and family responsibilities.

Finally, maintaining a positive outlook and resilience in the face of adversity is crucial for military spouses navigating the complexities of balancing career and family life. Military life often comes with unexpected challenges and changes, but approaching them with a proactive and adaptable mindset can help military spouses overcome obstacles and thrive in their careers and family roles. By embracing flexibility, seeking support, and prioritizing self-care, military spouses can achieve a harmonious balance between their professional aspirations and their family commitments.

In conclusion, balancing a career and family life as a military spouse requires resilience, flexibility, and support. By prioritizing communication, exploring flexible work arrangements, building a strong support system, seeking out military-friendly employers, prioritizing self-care, and maintaining a positive outlook, military spouses can successfully navigate the challenges of military life while pursuing their career aspirations and fulfilling their roles within their families. With dedication and perseverance, military spouses can achieve a fulfilling balance between their professional pursuits and their commitments to their families, ensuring that they thrive both personally and professionally despite the unique challenges of military life.

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) —  

The time is coming! Days will be longer and warmer soon which means more outdoor activities and motorcycles on the road. Understanding motorcycle safety is essential for all motorcycle riders. Awareness of hazards, personal protective equipment and safety precautions all contribute to mitigating risks. This Motorcycle Preseason, March 21 through May 16, motorcycle riders need to be aware and prepared to ensure 2024 is the safest riding season yet.

Motor vehicle mishaps are the most common threats to road safety. In 2023, there were 22 motorcycle fatalities across the Department of the Air Force. Of those, 16 were in excess of 25 miles over the speed limit, and seven involved an intoxicating substance. This preseason, the Department of the Air Force intends to contact and register 100% of its riders, then schedule and train all riders, followed by a unit sweep to identify any unregistered riders and get them up to code.

The Motorcycle Unit Safety Tracking Tool was designed to provide training data for DAF motorcycle riders. Ten of last year’s fatalities were found to have inactive MUSTT accounts or no account at all. This mandatory training and tracking system is vital to serving motorcycle riders and could save lives.

“Untrained riders, regardless of age or years of riding experience, are most susceptible to unsafe practices,” said David R. Brandt, Traffic Safety deputy branch chief. “Riding and training are two separate things. Training and practice help to make riding safer.”

As the motorcycle safety program manager and a 25-year rider, Brandt recommends that riders build skills through diligent practice and training. With training, riders will be able to avoid dangerous situations and prevent themselves from getting hurt, or worse.

Risk takers, who deliberately break rules, is another serious issue when riding. Lack of compliance to regulatory guidance is a main area of concern. Riding under the influence, riding with no personal protective equipment or proper training, directly leads to unsafe practices. When a member does break the rules, they are subject to a Line of Duty determination where they could lose benefits or must pay their own mishap costs.

Proper training gives Airman and Guardian riders an avenue to acquire skills, build a rider’s mentality, and educate other riders on current standards and techniques. Every DAF Rider should be physically capable, mechanically sound and mentally prepared to mitigate risks before riding a motorcycle.

Brandt’s top tip for riders is learn how to brake effectively.

“With all the data and research we have, effective braking could solve 75% of all motorcycle mishaps,” Brandt said. “Emergency braking and learning to trail brake in the corners would completely change the way you ride.”

The DAF Rider website is a one-stop shop for all things motorcycle in the Department of the Air Force. For questions that aren’t answered on the site, each unit also has a motorcycle safety representative who is knowledgeable of all requirements. Riders can also contact their Wing or MAJCOM Safety offices with questions. The Traffic Safety branch here at the Air Force Safety Center is also here to help answer any questions you may have. There is no reason a DAF member should be lost regarding motorcycle requirements.

For more information see the DAF Rider page at https://www.safety.af.mil/Divisions/Occupational-Safety-Division/Air-Force-Rider/ or contact your motorcycle safety representative

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The Brandon Act is critical health care guidance implemented to support service members on their path to mental health. The policy is in accordance with federal law (Section 704 of Public Law 117-81) and a Congressional bill named in honor of Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta who died by suicide in 2018. Legislation came to pass as a result of Caserta’s passing and his parents valiant efforts to get better access to mental healthcare for service members. The Brandon Act legislation is a step toward preventing military suicide.

Ultimately, the legislation aims to streamline access to mental healthcare as well as reduce the stigma associated with mental health by keeping the process confidential.

Under the Brandon Act, if a service member feels they need help, the only thing they need to do is ask their supervisor. No explanation is necessary. At any time and any place the request can be made. The service member will be provided a mental health evaluation. These efforts offer a more expeditious and efficient process for the service member that may be struggling.

Additionally, service members continue to have the option to contact a mental health care provider directly, without the involvement of their unit.

The Brandon Act is another way the military aims to take care of those who serve.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, reach out.

Anyone in crisis should immediately call 911 or the 988 Military Crisis Line. For non-crisis situations, there are numerous medical and non-medical mental health resources available to assist service members in need of mental health support. Find more information on available resources at health.mil/mentalhealth.

Recently, the VA announced it’s goal to house 41,000 homeless veterans across the United States. Ultimately, the Department of Veterans Affairs aims to prevent and end veteran homelessness and housing those currently without homes is part of that objective.

Specifically, in fiscal year 2024, VA will:

• Place at least 41,000 Veterans experiencing homelessness into permanent housing.
• Ensure that at least 95% of the Veterans housed in FY 2024 do not return to homelessness during the year.
• Engage with at least 40,000 unsheltered Veterans to help them obtain housing and other wraparound services.

VA Deputy Secretary Tanya Bradsher said “Even one Veteran experiencing homelessness is a tragedy,” and goes on to say, “We’ve made progress in recent years in tackling this problem, but there’s still a long way to go — and that’s why we’re setting these aggressive goals. We will not rest until every Veteran has a safe, stable place to call home in this country they swore to defend.”

“Whenever we get into contact with a homeless Veteran, our first priority is to get them into the housing they deserve,” added Bradsher. “Then we work to provide them with the tools they need to stay housed — including health care, job training, legal and education assistance, and more. That’s how we’ll meet and exceed these goals in 2024.”

Reaching homeless veterans is paramount in the Department of Veterans Affairs goal to obtain permanent housing for unsheltered vets.

If you are a Veteran who is experiencing homelessness or at risk for homelessness, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838). Visit the VA Homeless Programs website to learn about housing initiatives and other programs for Veterans exiting homelessness.

For more information about VA’s comprehensive efforts to end Veteran homelessness, visit VA.gov/homeless.

Easter this year falls on Sunday, March 31^st, just a few short days after the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Your military installation is not missing out on celebrations to offer. From brunches to easter egg hunts, there are activities appealing to all ages.

Check out your base MWR, FSS or MCCS for activities like these.

Fort Bliss is advertising their Easter Brunch at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center, complete with pictures with the Easter Bunny and complimentary wine, champagne, or mimosas.

Fort Liberty is advertising its Easter Brunch at the Iron Mike Conference Center on March 31^st, with a reservation deadline of March 27^th.

Port Hueneme is hosting the 2024 Easter Egg Hunt at Stingers Park, with egg hunts at different times for each age group, ensuring age-appropriate hunting along with free activities like pictures with the Easter Bunny, petting zoo, crafts, and face painting. MWR will be selling food for purchase at the event. There are even golden eggs inside some of the regular eggs!

FSS at MacDill AFB is holding a Easter Extravaganza with egg hunts for babies to adults on March 23rd! The hunt is complete with food trucks, face painting, crafts and more.

Navy MWR Jacksonville will hold its Underwater Egg Hunt on March 30^th. The hunt is broken into age categories, complete with an adult category. Photos with the Easter Bunny, cupcakes and snow cones will also be on offer at the free event.

Camp Foster Okinawa is holding a Underwater Eggstravaganza for hunters age 3 to 15 with no pre-registration required.

NAVSTA Norfolk MWR is hosting their Easter Eggspedition on Saturday, March 30th, with an egg hunt, free game of bowling, face painting, a bounce house, raffles, and more. Preregistration is required here.

Bases around the world provide unique opportunities to celebrate while enjoying the climate and culture of the local area. Enjoy sumptuous brunches without having to cook or wash dishes, and often showcase local fare. Take the young kids to the library for Storytime and craft time. Even teens, and probably adults, will enjoy the egg hunts that are opening to all ages this year at various bases. Watch your base social media pages of MWR (Navy and Army bases), FSS (Air Force Bases), and MCCS (Marine Corps bases) for local seasonal activities as they begin to post their plans.

What’s the most memorable Easter activity you have participated in on base?

Saint Patrick’s Day began its celebratory roots in Ireland in honor of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick. When Irish immigrants immigrated to America, they brought with them the celebration, which has now morphed into an annual celebration of the culture of Ireland. Now, cities like San Antonio, Chicago, and Tampa use non-toxic dye to dye their rivers green in honor of the holiday, and elementary schools across the nation set up leprechaun traps to get the elusive leprechaun that visits on St Patrick’s Day. Don’t forget to check out your local base for seasonal gatherings and celebrations.

Navy MWR Key West has a planned St. Patrick’s Day on March 15th at the Sunset Lounge Bar on Sigsbee Park, complete with a 3-piece Irish Folk Acoustic band, themed dinner and drink specials, and celebratory games. There is even a free T-shirt for the first 100 patrons.

Navy MWR Saratoga Springs has a seasonal craft planned on March 8^th – a DIY St. Patrick’s Day coasters. Register by March 6^th to ensure a spot. This is open to all eligible MWR patrons, with priority to Liberty Members.

The panhandle of Florida is not to be outdone with Navy MWR Whiting Field’s St. Patrick’s themed Fun Run and Pet Party. Run in all green gear and enjoy puppy challenges throughout the day with prizes for different categories.

NAVSTA Norfolk MWR is also holding a St. Patricks Day fun – a 5k! Registration ends on March 4^th.

The Marine Corps Air Station at Camp Pendleton is holding its annual Shamrock Stampede – s 10K, 5K, and 2K kids run on the air station runway. The entry fee depends on the category of patron participating. Enjoy Get Your Green On free mini golf at Lake O’Neill.

Fort Liberty is promoting a Shamrock Skate at Cleland Ice Rink – show up in all things green, and well, shamrocks, to skate away with Irish-themed music. Cost is $10.

MCCS Hawaii has several St. Patrick’s Day-themed fun – the 5K Fun Run, a Block Party, and a meal cooked by Chef Robert Irvine. Check out the information for registration and activities here.

Most, if not every, library on military post will offer some St. Patrick’s Day themed activity – Storytime and/or craft. The chow halls will offer Irish fare of corned beef and cabbage or Irish Stew, and check out the bakery at the commissary for green goodies.

The beauty of each military base is the unique features and offerings of the bases. The activities showcase what there is to offer and how to celebrate the season with some fun local fun.

What are you doing this St. Patrick’s Day? Is your base holding a fun event?

The digital world allows for connection for anyone, no matter the distance, and that is a key variable for every military family. Resources and connections can be achieved through applications. There is a bevvy of digital applications online. These are the best applications for military families to stay informed and connected.

Sesame For Military Families

The application provides topical resources to assist military families navigating birthdays, homecomings, routines, relocations, self-expression, transition to civilian life, family health and wellness, and so much more. Each topic has downloadable coloring sheets and activity sheets to bridge the gap of information for adults and children. There are videos and topical information available.

The Big Moving Adventure

The Sesame Street application walks through the moving process for a Sesame Character whose parent is a military service member. It starts with being informed about the move, then saying goodbye to friends and school, packing, and then the adventure of moving and unpacking. It is a fun and colorful game that is engaging to preschool and early elementary school-age children, putting the movie into understandable language for children of these ages. Available in English and Spanish.

Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame

The Sesame Street character has periods of frustration that the user has to help him walk through calming down. This helps children focus on calming down when they have big feelings through breathing and thinking through their feelings. Available in English and Spanish.

Sesame Street: Divorce

This application has tools for parents to help children ages 2-8 navigate divorce or separation. Available in English and Spanish.

United Through Reading

The application is an extension of the United Through Reading program, connecting military service members and their families through reading. The service members can record a story via video and then share the story with the family, no matter the distance.

Military News

Stay up-to-date with policy changes, and any military-related information with the Military.com application. The application allows for the customization of news for specific military branches or specific news topics.

Military Pay

The application powered by Military.com provides a calculator to calculate service pay. The calculator is updated with the current military pay rate and special pay, including BAH, BAS, and any special pay for complete monthly pay, providing the best estimation for military members’ awareness.

My Military One Source

Military One Source is an online website with resources and services for military service members and their families. The application is a mobile extension of the website, putting military-related information at military families’ fingertips.

For Army Families: Digital Garrison App

The new application from the Army and the Army and Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES) provides real-time information for Soldiers’ and their families about their Army communities. The application contains information on local services, including movie times and dining, exchange deals, and a Military Star card link.

For Air Force Families: AF Connect App

This application connects airmen to unit information, Air Force News, and base events. In addition, it sends notifications about the base, including road conditions and delayed reporting through the app.

The 2024 Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) has an addition to include a benefit to pet owners. The Defense Travel Management Office, or TMO, updates the JTR annually. This year includes a win for pet owners. Their furry family members are now specifically mentioned in the JTR with a reimbursement for the costs related to moving with the military.

The 37 U.S.C. 453 was amended in June of 2023 and specifically authorizes “reimbursement of costs related to the relocation of a pet that arise during a permanent change of station (PCS). Under this new policy, a Uniformed Service member may be authorized reimbursement of up to $550 for a PCS within the continental United States and up to $2,000 for a PCS to or from a location outside the continental United States to cover expenses directly related to pet transportation, such as pet shipping and quarantine fees.” The amendment became effective January 1, 2024. The amendment comes from section 624 of the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

This inclusion is a win for pet-owning military families. PCSing with pets has long been an added expense. Providing reimbursement lessens the financial burden of PCSing with their furry family members, especially for those military families moving to OCONUS who have to pay for pet travel and quarantine their pets when moving to the new country.  The cost of moving OCONUS can easily exceed the $2,000 reimbursement, with some families paying upwards of $5,000.

Prior to the inclusion of pets in the NDAA, each military service branch has slowly been addressing this issue. The US Army stated in December of 2022 that the pet reimbursement would take place 180 days from the signing of the NDAA – which was January 1, 2024, since the amendment occurred in June of 2023. The Marine Corps made an official statement about the NDAA, noting they would begin reimbursement on January 1, 2024, noting that no retroactive reimbursement would occur.

Military branch aid societies have been spanning the gap for pet reimbursement for years. Per the Army Emergency Relief and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, an average of $3,000 was loaned to each client. The Air Force Aid Society reported an average amount per client of $1,000.

While the reimbursement will likely not cover the total costs of moving pets for all military members, it is a step toward supporting military families. The furry family member is a member of the family, a support to family members when the service member is away, and a support to the active-duty service member. The burden of frequent moves with high costs is a financial drain, and the reimbursement will lessen that financial burden.

Have you utilized the pet reimbursement in 2024? How was the process? Let us know!

Valentine’s Day is here and while the candy aisle is tempting, there are simple make your own treats you can make at home – and some may have health benefits! Whether you are gifting or enjoying something sweet yourself, here are some sweet treats you can make at home for Valentine’s Day.

Chocolate Covered-Fruit

While chocolate covered strawberries are the most associated with Valentine’s Day, there are many fruits that are delicious dipped in chocolate. Try dipping your friend or families’ favorite fruits as a gift. Pineapple, kiwi, blueberries, cherries, even pomegranate seed clusters are delicious when accompanied by chocolate. Consider dried fruits like apricots, dried pineapple, or even dried persimmons. The antioxidants in fruit prevent oxidative stress to brain cells, in other words, maintain a healthy brain.

Dark chocolate is also rich in antioxidants, so dipping the fruit in dark chocolate provides a double dose of antioxidants. Per Johns Hopkins Medicine, “the antioxidants in dark chocolate have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of clotting and increase blood circulation to the heart, thus lowering the risks of stroke, coronary heart disease and death from heart disease.”  The flavanols in chocolate that protect the heart are also found in milk chocolate, so dip away in your favorite chocolate.

Before dipping any fruit in chocolate, be sure to wash and fully dry the fruit so the chocolate sticks to the fruit. Chill the fruits to ensure the chocolate fully hardens to the fruit before gifting. Or, enjoy with the slightly warmed chocolate and fruit as a treat at home.

Hot Cocoa

The cooler temperatures outside, even in Florida!, mean warm drinks inside. Hot cocoa is a drink that can be enjoyed by most. Prepare them in bomb form or a mix.

Mix

            Making a hot cocoa mix is surprisingly easy. Mix together 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 cup of cocoa powder (dark or regular – we prefer dark), 2 cups of powdered milk and 1 tsp of kosher salt. Mix until well-combined. Add the mix to mason jars. You can mix in marshmallows or chocolate chips, or even peppermint chip pieces to taste. If gifting, add a ribbon to the jar with a note to use 3 TBL of powder for every 8 oz water.

Bomb

            For a hot chocolate bomb, you need a mold for the outside chocolate shell.  Melt down your favorite chocolate and coat the mold with the chocolate, allowing for full cooling before popping the chocolate out of the shell.  Smooth out the shells with a warm dish to ensure for smooth connection once filled. Fill one shell with the hot chocolate mix desired, and perhaps some marshmallows. To connect the two sides, warm one shell’s edge on a warm plate and attach to the filled bomb. If needed, add some melted chocolate to the shell seam. You can add colored sprinkles to this area for extra Valentine’s pizzaz.

Yogurt Parfaits

The beauty of parfaits is the personalization to individual tastes, what you have on hand or desire, and can be made ahead. Make these the night before Valentine’s Day to have a sweet start to your day.

Layer in seasonal fruit, yogurt and granola. Yogurt has natural bacteria which can aid in digestion and contains vitamin D and calcium which are key nutrients in maintaining bone health. Fruits, as previously mentioned, contain antioxidants which are involved in cardiovascular health. Consider sweetening plain yogurt with maple syrup or honey to taste – this lessens what extra stuff is in your yogurt. Other things to consider mixing or layering: nuts, chia seeds, dark chocolate pieces, raisins, or craisins. Get creative with what you have on hand, all while making breakfast, lunch or snacktime tasty and easy.

Chocolate Truffles

The BBC shared a simple chocolate truffle recipe using only three ingredients several years ago, and it still stands today as one of the best sweet treats at home. Use dark chocolate to keep all the health benefits of chocolate, all while enjoying both making and eating these sweet morsels. If you have a food scale, melt 50 g of unsalted butter with 300 g of heavy cream in a saucepan. Once the mix is melted, combine with 300 g of melted dark chocolate. Mix until a smooth mixture is formed. If you do not have a food scale, 300 g is 1 ¼ cups and 50 g is 1/3 cup.  Cool the mixture for at least 4 hours.

To form the truffle balls, dip a melon baller in warm water so it can easily scoop up the chocolate mixture and form into balls. Dip the truffles in the desired coating. Consider dark cocoa, nuts, candy pieces, peppermint pieces or even orange peel for different flavored truffles.

These are great for gifting but can also be stored in the fridge to enjoy when desired.

Raspberry Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seeds are packed full of protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Protein and fiber keeps you full longer, promoting healthy eating. Fiber also helps with healthy digestion.

To make the chia seed pudding, mix together 3 TBL chia seeds, 1 TBL maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla and ¾ cup milk of choice. Leave the mixture on the counter for 15 minutes to allow it to thicken. The pudding mixture can then be stored in the fridge to be eaten the next day or enjoyed right away. Top with fresh raspberries for a pop of red color.

Enjoy these sweet treats this February or all year long!