Hello friends! With the holidays over, we all hope for a minute to stop and catch our breath! This recipe helps with that, an easy, four ingredient one pan meal ready in fifteen minutes! It serves six, and like most of my recipes, it can always be down or upsized, depending on your needs! This particular recipe is another family-favorite, kid-approved meal when an Asian-inspired flavor is the craving of the evening! With stir-fry sauce, a pack of Ramen noodles, a bag of frozen stir-fry veggies, and your choice of stew meat, the air fills with a scent that makes your stomach growl! This recipe is flexible with sauce amounts, pre-cooked minute rice instead of Ramen noodles, and your choice of veggies! It’s a must try, especially in a pinch!
Now serving, Asian Stir-Fry!
One 12oz bottle Stir-Fry sauce
One pack of Oriental or Beef flavored Ramen
One 52oz bag of Stir-Fry frozen Asian Style veggies with sauce pouch included
One pound beef stew meat
1. Break up the noodles in the pack of Ramen. Prepare Ramen as directed on package, with two cups of water and the seasoning packet in a large frying pan. Do not cook yet.
2. Add the desired amount of frozen veggies to the Ramen noodles. Add the included sauce packet, one or two depending on your desired strength of flavor.
3. Add the beef on top, and additional Stir-Fry bottled sauce if desired. Mix all ingredients well to combine. Cover and cook about 15 minutes, stirring once in the middle, until beef and veggies are cooked to desired texture and color. Serve immediately, or store leftovers in refrigerator.
This recipe may also be served over a bed of rice and soy sauce!
Continuing in the same vein as the adult pick, a children’s book that I’ve always seen but never read before is the middle grade book Spy School, by Stuart Gibbs. It came out in 2012 and is book #1 in the series of the same name. Gibbs has written ten more books in the series since then, as well as three graphic novel versions.
In this first book, Ben Ripley is a 12-year-old math whiz who has been invited to attend the Academy of Espionage of the CIA in Washington, DC to learn how to become a spy. He is put to the test from the very second he arrives on campus, and the pressure rarely lets up afterwards. Ben soon discovers, with the help of a classmate, Erica, that he has been brought to the Academy as bait to lure in the enemy. When a meeting is called for the heads of all the espionage organizations, bringing everyone together in the same place, Ben, Erica, and their classmates must find out who the mole is before a bomb takes out the entire leadership.
Spy School is a fun, fast-paced book – though I evidently need to go to spy school myself since I suspected the wrong person the whole time. There are good messages throughout about friendship and teamwork, as well as plenty of jokes for kids too. Erica is written just as well as Ben, so boys and girls both can connect with the story. I know I certainly enjoyed reading this first book, and I look forward to reading the next ones in the series.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of Spy School today!
2023 was one of the most challenging years in recent history for animal welfare. Thank you to all who donated time or resources to the ESPCA in 2023! We couldn’t have done it without you. Nine months of very few, if any, spays and neuters during the pandemic led to a massive increase in the companion animal population. Additionally, 1 in 8 households suffered financially, forcing them to make decisions based on need over want. As a result, many families made the heart-wrenching decision to surrender their beloved family pets.
The rescue and adopt strategy of the past is not enough to change the tragic future for our furry friends. We must unite as a community, advocating for our animals and the ones in our neighborhoods. One way you can help is by making sure pets are properly tagged. This single task will allow stray pets to return home faster, possibly avoiding a stay in a shelter. Another option is microchipping. There is a cost for microchipping, but the peace of mind is worth it.
Many identification methods are inexpensive. You can start by writing your contact information inside your pet’s collar with a permanent marker. The ESPCA can engrave a pet ID tag for as little as $5.00. If you need a collar for your pet, we often have used collars that we clean and are happy to supply to pet owners.
Another way to help reduce the overabundance of unwanted pets is ensuring that companion animals are spayed or neutered. There is currently a veterinary shortage in the US, which makes it difficult for nonprofits like the ESPCA to meet the spay/neuter needs of the community. With the overwhelming number of requests for discounted services, most low-cost programs have wait times of 4 to 12 weeks. If you can afford to go to a veterinary practice, please consider this option.
Although the situation may seem impossible, we can brighten the future for all companion animals together. You can help today by sharing adoptable animal posts, opening your home and heart to foster, donating money and supplies to help life-saving programs, donating time to enhance the lives of shelter animals, or contributing to programs that serve our community. You are the solution, and we are grateful for your support! Find out more at enidspca.org.
All ESPCA dogs and cats are up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations, microchipped, and spayed or neutered when they reach their target age and weight. An approved adopter can foster to adopt a pet that has not been spayed or neutered, and the adoption will finalize after this step is complete. These important services are all included in your adoption fee.
Helen Davis was born in 1968 in Oklahoma City. She grew up with two sisters in the Duncan and Pauls Valley area where she graduated from in 1991. Ultimately, she moved to Enid to be part of the state school until moving out into a more independent living environment with roommates in a group home. She likes spending time with her sister, Brenda, who comes and visits her from Moore and takes her on special outings, and she misses her other sister, Heather, who has passed. Helen’s supervisor Crystal Buller said, “Helen is a super hard worker, is super fun to be around, and just has the best personality. She loves to meet new people, and she calls all the people she really likes “bro.” She’s just a special person.”
4RKids Executive Director Rachel McVay echoes the sentiment. “Helen is so friendly and the first person to say hello in the morning. She knows everyone’s name, and we just love having her around.”
Helen currently works at 4RKids in the recycling center, but she really wanted to talk all about the “Night to Unite” Prom for those with special needs. “I really love the dance,” Helen said “I love to dance, take pictures with my buddy, see everyone, eat junk food, and sing karaoke. I got a black and gold dress from the YWCA or prom shop, and I got my hair and makeup done. I also really want to dance with the minion again!”
The “Night to Unite” will be held on February 2, 2024, at Oakwood Christian Church. Registration is now open for both “Kings and Queens” and Volunteers at nightuniteenid.com. Kings and Queens are limited to 175 participants and must be 14 or older and Volunteers must be 16 and older and pass a background check. Volunteers are needed for setup, cleanup, red carpet cheering, buddies, and other important areas.
“This is the social event of the entire year for most of our workers,” said McVay, “they talk about it nonstop, and Helen especially loves talking about it both before and after. We could not do it without all the sponsors and volunteers, and I know she would love to see anyone that wants to help!”
Whether dancing with a minion or making people laugh, Helen Davis is a true Local Legend, bro.
As we welcome the New Year, many of us tend to set goals and lay out plans. Whether your goals relate to fitness, finances, relationships, work, or personal things, the one thing we all have in common is that we want to better ourselves. To keep with the theme of self-improvement, our cover story this month talks about fitness and finance goals. We got the ‘how to’ and ‘how not to’ for all things fitness and finance to help you set and reach those goals for the new year! As we plan and aspire, remember to be kind, patient, forgiving, and considerate as we’re all planning and setting goals for the new year. And on behalf of us here at Enid Monthly, Happy New Year! We hope your year is full of happiness, love, and success!
The dawn of a new year tends to incite a wave of determination towards health and wellness goals. Yet, within this fervor lies the potential for missteps that could significantly impede progress and undermine well-intentioned aspirations. Certified personal trainer Kat Kannberg provides insights on navigating these pitfalls to foster a successful journey towards improved health.
Fitness Mistakes:
1. Skipping the Warm-Up: The eagerness to dive headfirst into a workout often leads to neglecting a proper warm-up routine. Warm-ups are not merely a routine formality; they serve as a critical preparation for the body’s impending physical activity. A well-structured warm-up session, lasting approximately 5-10 minutes, stimulates blood flow, elevates body temperature, and loosens muscles, significantly reducing the risk of injury.
Solution: Dedicate specific pre-workout time to dynamic stretches, light cardio, or mobility exercises. These preparatory movements gradually prime the body for the upcoming workout session.
2. Lifting Too Heavy Too Soon: Aspirations to lift heavier weights right from the onset can lead to improper form and heightened injury risks. The mastery of proper form precedes any endeavor to conquer heavier weights.
Solution: Commence your weightlifting journey with lighter weights, emphasizing the mastery of correct form. Gradually progress to heavier weights as strength and proficiency in executing the exercises improve.
3. Ignoring Proper Form: Sacrificing form for the sake of heavier lifts or more repetitions is a common error. Incorrect form not only diminishes the effectiveness of the exercise but also significantly heightens the risk of injury.
Solution: Educate yourself thoroughly on the correct form for each exercise in your routine. Seek guidance from certified trainers or reliable resources. Focus intently on maintaining proper alignment, engaging the targeted muscles, and executing controlled movements throughout the entire range of motion.
Dietary Pitfalls:
1. Falling for the ‘Less is Better’ Myth: A prevalent misconception links healthy eating with consuming less food. However, undereating or drastically reducing caloric intake can lead to nutrient deficiencies, decreased energy levels, and disruptions in metabolic functions.
Solution: Shift the focus from quantity to quality by prioritizing nutrient-dense foods. Whole grains, lean proteins, and a variety of fruits and vegetables should constitute the foundation of a balanced diet.
2. Carb Aversion: Carbohydrates often become the primary target of dietary modifications. However, eliminating carbs entirely can deprive the body of essential energy sources and vital nutrients.
Solution: Embrace complex carbohydrates derived from whole grains, legumes, and fruits in moderation. Quality sourcing and moderation are key in maintaining a well-rounded diet.
3. Neglecting Hydration: Amidst dietary shifts and lifestyle changes, the significance of adequate hydration often takes a back seat. Dehydration can impede bodily functions, hinder digestion, and even lead to false hunger cues.
Solution: Prioritize hydration by consuming at least 8-10 cups (64-80 ounces) of water daily. Infused water or herbal teas can add variety to your hydration routine. Pay attention to your body’s signals for thirst and hydrate accordingly.
Gym Etiquette for a Harmonious Space:
1. Respectful Equipment Use: The simple act of asking, *”Is anyone using this?”* before using equipment can prevent a multitude of workout disruptions. Respect others’ space and avoid conflicts by acknowledging and respecting their ongoing use of equipment.
2. Cleanliness: The ambiance and hygiene of the gym space greatly depends on its cleanliness. Disarray and neglect can compromise the overall workout experience for everyone.
Solution: Cultivate the habit of cleaning up after yourself. Wipe down equipment post-use, return weights to their designated racks, and dispose of any trash or used accessories appropriately.
3. Engage, Don’t Distract: The allure of technology is undeniable, but the gym isn’t the ideal place for extended phone usage. Sitting idly on equipment engrossed in your phone disrupts the flow of gym traffic and inconveniences others.
Solution: Utilize rest periods effectively by stepping aside from active equipment. Limit phone usage to essential workout tools like fitness apps or music playlists. Remain engaged in your workout routine and be considerate of others’ needs for equipment access.
Remember, achieving optimal health and fitness is a journey that demands patience, consistency, and a steadfast commitment to mastering the fundamentals of fitness and nutrition. Prioritize safety, make informed dietary choices, and contribute to a respectful gym environment. The pursuit of better health isn’t just about the destination, but the mindful steps taken along the way. Here’s to a healthier, happier, and more harmonious journey in the new year and beyond.
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Your Finances in 2024: Simple Strategies for Financial Prosperity
Amidst the ever-evolving economic landscape, inflation, and high grocery prices, starting the new year with a robust financial plan is key to short- and long-term futures. While resolutions often focus on health and personal goals, it’s vital to recognize that financial well-being is intricately tied to overall wellness. Here are six straightforward yet impactful steps to fortify your financial stability in the year ahead.
1. Reassess Your Financial Blueprint
Kickstart the year by revisiting your financial plans. Analyze your regular income, fixed expenses, and fluctuating costs. Given the ongoing inflationary pressures, adjusting your budget to accommodate rising essentials like groceries and fuel is crucial.
2. Strengthen Your Safety Net
In uncertain economic times, shoring up your emergency fund is paramount. Unforeseen situations can arise, and having a financial cushion equivalent to three to six months of living expenses ensures stability during unexpected turns in your life or career.
3. Strategically Manage Debt
Taking proactive steps to manage and diminish debt is a prudent move. Consider allocating additional income, such as bonuses or salary increases, towards high-interest debts. Exploring consolidation options can streamline repayments and potentially lower interest rates, providing a clearer path to financial freedom.
4. Review and Realign Goals
Regularly reviewing your financial goals is essential. Market fluctuations or personal changes might temporarily derail your progress. Collaborate with a Financial Advisor to realign your goals or set new ones, ensuring a focused approach towards savings and investments.
5. Fine-Tune Your Investment Mix
Assess your asset allocation to align it with your life stages and financial objectives. As retirement approaches, consider transitioning to a more conservative investment mix to mitigate market volatility. Rebalancing your portfolio ensures it stays aligned with your risk tolerance and long-term goals.
6. Update Your Protection Plans
The new year is an opportune time to ensure your estate and insurance plans are up to date. Review and update legal documents, such as Wills, Powers of Attorney, or Health Care Directives, to reflect your current wishes. Evaluate life insurance coverage to match your family’s current financial needs, providing them with comprehensive protection.
By taking these proactive steps, you can fortify your financial position and navigate the uncertainties of 2024 with confidence. Remember, securing your financial future isn’t just a resolution—it’s a commitment to your peace of mind and long-term stability.
The only connection this book has to Christmas is that it would probably make for a pretty great gift to the cowboys and cowgirls in your life this holiday season. The Last Ride of the Pony Express tells of horseman and journalist Will Grant’s 2,000-mile, 142-day ride from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, in the summer of 2019. With his two horses, Chicken Fry and Badger, Grant explores the history of the Pony Express Trail, as well as the spirit and the condition of the American West today.
There are so many different components that Grant fits into this tale. For instance, early on, he explains his process of finding the two horses, what qualities he was looking for, the places he went to look, and why he ultimately settled on the two he did. Later on, when he’s staying the night at a dairy farm or in corn country, he explains what those industries are like today and all the ways they’ve changed over the years. He talks about rangeland management, sage grouse habitats, the Onaqui wild horse herd – while interweaving the story of the Pony Express, how the waystations worked, and what the riders must have experienced.
The Last Ride of the Pony Express is Grant’s first book, and it certainly doesn’t have the same overall spark as, say, a Bill Bryson travelogue. There are some dry, choppy parts, but the prologue has a strong enough hook, and the adventure itself, over all those miles, is really interesting and impressive by Grant. For the friends and family in your life with a fascination of the West and its ethos, The Last Ride of the Pony Express will be a welcome gift.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of The Last Ride of the Pony Express today!
Hey guys!! And welcome to the December Teen Scene column in ENID MONTHLY. It’s the last month of the year 2023!! I hope you are very excited for the new year to start because I know I am. This past November my dad and I took a 5 day trip to Orlando, Florida, and I would love to share with you about everything we did. I hope it gives the parents reading this an idea of a trip for their teens or the teens an idea for a recommendation to your parents for a vacation. Let’s Go!!
Every year from now on my dad wants to go to one Oklahoma State Football away game a season. This year we chose OSU vs. UCF & last year we went to OSU vs. TCU!! On November 8th, we started our journey to the airport, but first we had to stop at one of my favorite places to get amazing deals on name-brand clothing. DAISY EXCHANGE!! I found a few cute things and even $20 Lululemon leggings. Then we headed to the airport. Our flight was only 2 and a half hours long and took us directly to Orlando. When we arrived, we had to wait AN HOUR for our bus to Cabana Bay Resort at Universal Studios. When we finally got to our hotel, we noticed how mid-century modern the theme was and LOVED it!! We were very hungry, so we got all dressed up and headed to CityWalk. CityWalk is the area/entrance before the 2 parks (Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure). We ate at this very popular Steakhouse called Bigfire. It was pretty good; the steaks were cooked over real wood from trees, which gave them a little bit of extra flavor!! After we ate, we went back to our hotel and went to sleep so we were energized for a long day ahead.
On Thursday, we woke up bright and early ready for our full day at Universal Studios. When we got there, there were SO many people!! We couldn’t believe it. It didn’t take THAT long to get into the park, even though there were thousands of people, so that was nice. We were notified that almost all of the rides were down right as we got in, so we were hoping they weren’t the smaller ones. Someone had recommended going to Diagon Alley first, so we headed that way. Now I have never seen any of the movies or read any of the books about Harry Potter, but that did not stop how breathtakingly cool Diagon Alley was. My dad said it felt like you were really there. We rode there, and it was so amazing. The graphics, and 4D & 3D elements were just unbelievable. The other rides were pretty similar, but the Escape from Gringotts was by far the best on Day 1. We hung out by the pool at our hotel and then later got dinner.
The next morning, we woke up even EARLIER to start our day at Islands of Adventure. We went to Hogwarts and rode another really cool ride. On most of the rides, you are sitting in a big thing depending on the theme and it’s kind of like a roller coaster. We rode some more rides then came back to the 2nd ride at Hogwarts, which we waited an hour and a half for, but it was totally worth it. It was a real rollercoaster. We found out you can put these little boosters to make the coaster speed up A LOT without having to slowly chug up a hill. If I had to choose my favorite ride it would have to be that one (Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure). It didn’t go upside down or anything, but it was still the craziest roller coaster I had ever been on. Both Harry Potter areas at both of the parks sold the most delicious drink ever, BUTTERBEER!! It was so good that we had to get one on both days. We had lunch at the Chocolate Emporium, and it was really good. I had the best Bruschetta I have ever had. We went back to our hotel and chilled by the pool again and then went to dinner at Bubba Gump.
On Saturday, I finally got to sleep in!! We got picked up to go to the UCF campus at 11 and saw a little bit of the city on the way there. The campus was really big, but I still LOVE OSU’s campus way more. We met some really nice people while waiting for the game to start. Now I am sure all of you know by now, but OSU didn’t do too hot, so we didn’t stick around for very long. That was pretty much the end of our trip. On Sunday at the airport, I did get to meet Warren the Cowboy, which was pretty cool. I had a really fun trip but was definitely excited to get home.
Thank you so much for reading this month’s article. I hope you enjoyed it!! If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for upcoming articles, email me at tweensceneenid@gmail.com. Have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and December!! See you next year!!
As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, flu season is upon us once again. While this time of year brings joy with holidays and cozy sweaters, it also ushers in the unwelcome guest: the flu virus. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Dr. Renah Gibson, DO, family medicine physician with St. Mary’s Physician Associates, will provide you with essential tips to stay healthy during flu season.
1. Get Your Flu Shot
The flu vaccine is your best defense against the flu virus. It not only protects you but also helps prevent the spread of the virus to others. Flu shots are widely available at pharmacies, clinics, and even some workplaces. It’s a quick, painless way to boost your immunity and reduce your risk of falling ill.
2. Maintain Good Hygiene
Proper handwashing is a simple yet highly effective way to prevent the spread of the flu. Make sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, especially before eating or touching your face. Carry hand sanitizer for those times when you can’t access soap and water.
3. Cover Your Cough and Sneeze
Cough and sneeze etiquette is crucial during flu season. Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. This prevents the release of viral particles into the air, reducing the risk of infecting others.
4. Boost Your Immune System
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can bolster your immune system. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Stay active and get regular exercise, and ensure you’re getting enough sleep. Staying well-hydrated also plays a key role in keeping your immune system strong.
5. Avoid Close Contact with Sick Individuals
If you know someone who’s sick with the flu, try to limit your contact with them. The flu spreads through respiratory droplets, so maintaining some distance can reduce your chances of getting infected.
6. Clean and Disinfect
Flu viruses can survive on surfaces for several hours. Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops. This is especially important in shared spaces and offices.
7. Stay Informed
Keep an eye on flu activity in your area. Local health departments and the CDC regularly provide updates. If an outbreak occurs, you’ll be better prepared to protect yourself and your family.
8. Know When to Seek Medical Attention
If you start to experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, or fatigue, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. Early treatment with antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and duration of the illness.
This flu season, arm yourself with knowledge and the right practices to stay healthy and protect your loved ones. The flu may be a seasonal visitor, but with these tips, you can confidently navigate through this time of year with good health and peace of mind. Remember, prevention is the best medicine. Get your flu shot, practice good hygiene, and take care of your overall well-being. Together, we can beat the flu bug!
To find a doctor and schedule an appointment online, visit stmaryphysicianassociates.com.
For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.
One of my favorite Christmas books ever isn’t even technically a Christmas book –it’s actually a middle grade World War II story. But you’d certainly be hard-pressed to find a more precious, heart-warming Christmas scene in a book. A Place to Hang the Moon is author Kate Albus’s debut novel from 2021, and it is an utterly magical story with the most charming main characters.
William, Edmund, and Anna are three siblings who have been evacuated out of wartime London and sent to the countryside to stay with a family. William is the more mature sibling, out of necessity, with all the weight on his shoulders, while Edmund is the ornery, funny one, and Anna is the smart, adorable youngest one. They are first housed with the Forresters, but the host family’s conniving twin boys get the three unjustly kicked out. Next is Mrs. Griffith and her children, but it is an even more inhospitable place. As Christmas Eve comes around, William, Edmund, and Anna have no family to call upon and no home to spend the night in. Things are certainly not looking merry and bright – until the local librarian extends to the children more love and compassion than they’ve had in years.
No matter how many times you read A Place to Hang the Moon, it is just as beautiful and perfect every time. You will want to root for the three children from the very first page, and the final few chapters have all of the themes of the Christmas season – love and warmth and kindness.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of A Place to Hang the Moon today!
