The Relaxation Response

Deep-breathing techniques such as "circle breathing" and "counting" can help you deal with stressful situations in positive, healthy ways. Kari Smith, University of Michigan exercise physiologist, demonstrates how the right techniques can help you begin to melt your stress away in a matter of minutes.

Photos: Watch Spring Bloom Before Your Eyes | National Geographic

Photographer Jim Brandenburg takes a photograph a day as spring arrives in his home state of Minnesota. The project began on the 2014 vernal equinox and ended on the day before summer solstice.

How to Relax Your Mind | Stress Management

One of the ways to know that you are stressed is when your mind is not focused when your mind is stuck in a negative feedback loop of trying to figure out the same problem over and over again without coming to any resolution. One of the first things to do when you become unfocused like that is to stop focusing, stop what you're doing, walk away, leave your task.

Recipe: Dump-and-Bake Spring Pasta

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup diced cooked chicken (optional)
1 14 ounce can quartered artichokes, drained
1 cup diced fresh asparagus about 10 spears
½ cup grated carrots I used a bag of “matchstick carrots” from the produce section as a shortcut
1 ½ cups uncooked penne pasta
1 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
½ cup loosely-packed chopped fresh chives or green onions divided
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley divided
2 teaspoons minced garlic
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup fresh or frozen peas
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220C). Spray an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In the prepared dish (or in a separate bowl), stir together cooked chicken, artichoke hearts, asparagus, carrots, uncooked pasta, chicken broth, about half of the chives, half of the parsley, minced garlic, and salt, and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan. 
3. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
4. Uncover; stir. At this point you should check the pasta to make sure that it is al dente (firm but just about finished cooking). If it’s still too hard, cover the dish and return to the oven until pasta is al dente. Then move on to the next step.
5. Stir in the frozen peas and sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan over the top. Bake uncovered for 5-10 more minutes (or until pasta is tender).
6. Garnish with remaining chives and parsley just before serving.

Recipe source

A Message About Coronavirus

Dear 36 Oaks Friends,

For 16 years, 36 Oaks has been a place for pampering, healing, reconnecting with Nature and so much more. We are concerned for your health and well-being as well as for our staff. With the impacts of COVID-19, we hope you are taking care of yourselves and loved ones.

Due to the public health concerns regarding the spread of the virus, we have made a difficult decision to close 36 Oaks until we are confident it is safe to reopen. We will keep you posted with our opening date as soon as we can.

I am still taking phone calls, making future appointments for you and selling Gift Certificates on-line. The purchases you make today will help support 36 Oaks and our dedicated staff during this challenging time. Gift certificates have no expiration date and can be purchased HERE.

Please take care of yourself and stay in touch. We are looking forward to your visit as soon as possible. The gardens are blooming and lovely and will be ready for you.

For more information about COVID-19 and what you can do to keep healthy and safe, visit the Centers for Disease Control at cdc.gov or your local health department's website.

Take care,

Linda
36 Oaks Country Retreat

Lacey Hooded Tee Offer!

Go ahead, spoil yourself. You deserve it. No guilt - this is a health modality. Treat yourself and a few friends to a relaxing day guaranteed to enrich the lives of everyone involved. 

Let 36 Oaks be your next destination for your pending girls' getaway.

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March, 2020 Birthdays

Wishing you health, well being and happiness.

Take some time for some birthday pampering - relax - unwind and rejuvenate. We look forward to seeing you soon!

$15.00 off any package

OR

$10.00 off an hour massage

PLUS

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