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A splendid, healthy smoothie

Culinary.net If you ever find yourself craving something healthy and easy to make, you’re not alone. Maybe you are constantly on the go, chasing after little ones or just started a new job. Whether you’re on the move or relaxing at home, smoothies are a simple way to add nutritious ingredients to your diet. From strawberries and mangos to blueberries and more, there are almost limitless smoothie options. You can use different combinations of greens and textures or even add something savory like peanut or almond butter. This Blueberry Banana Smoothie is simple with just a ...

A sweet seasonal shake

Culinary.net St. Patrick’s Day may call to mind hearty meals and pots o’ gold, but that doesn’t mean sweets can’t be part of the equation, too. Add dessert to your celebration with this green Minty Shake, a cold, refreshing way to honor the colorful tradition. Minty Shake Serves: 1 • 1 cup whipping cream • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract • 2 teaspoons powdered sugar • 1/2 cup milk • 1 3/4 ounces Baileys Irish Cream liqueur • 3 scoops mint chocolate chip ice cream chocolate syrup chopped sugar cookies, for garnish (optional) pistachios, for garnish ...

Smartphone addiction is taking its toll

Dear Annie: My husband is constantly on his phone, scrolling through social media, playing video games or chatting with friends. I feel like I’m always competing for his attention, and it’s driving me nuts. I have complained many times, and he promises to pay more attention to me, but his addiction to his smartphone takes priority every time. This past weekend was the worst, which is why I am writing. He promised to take me to a hotel by the sea as a romantic getaway, and I was so looking forward to it. The hotel was a two-hour drive from our home, and he drove, and we were able ...

Cipro is no longer the first-line treatment for UTIs

DEAR DR. ROACH: I was diagnosed with a UTI on my yearly physical urinalysis, but had no symptoms. I was prescribed Cipro. The five pages of warnings attached to the prescription scared me! So, I checked the FDA and Mayo Clinic websites. Both said that the “risks outweigh benefits” and it “should not be first choice to treat UTI.” But my doctor says to take it, so I will –– 500 mg twice a day for seven days. Possible side effects include tendon ruptures (including the aorta), nerve damage and more. Scary! I am 71 and in good health, with high blood pressure as my only problem, ...

Catching and reporting scammers 101

Dear Heloise: I received a notice several times in my email. It’s from a company I never used for tax preparation. Of course, I knew it was a scam; however, not all people will know this and might send them the money they are requesting. The notice read, “Dear Customer: Your invoice-RB-9617 for 349.99 is attached. Please remit payment at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your business –– we appreciate it very much.” Be warned that this is a scam. They’re after your money and/or your files. Always be careful when you get messages that say, “Deposit on Hold,” ...

Horoscope

ARIES (March 21-April 19). It will save you time, money and energy to rigorously check your facts. An opinion you took for fact might be nothing more than an unsubstantiated feeling, and to act on it would be a waste at best. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). The way things are now is how they have always been and not how they will always be. Slow change is change. Keep the faith and keep going, even if it’s a tiny step, or even just a lean in your desired direction. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Completion gives you energy because it reduces the amount of open loops running at the back of your ...