Stuff We Like - A Healthier Upstate

Curated lists of reads, recipes, travel spots, trivia and more from those bringing you “A Healthier Upstate”.

I joined a meeting and found my new best friend

“It has been common for me in other workplaces to be the only brown person or Indian person,” notes Archana ...
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Tia cares about wellbeing

With the support of my leader, I found time in my busy schedule for development

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Customer Care supervisor Malerie Serley’s development journey began shortly after joining the company in 2019. “I joined ...
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Leigh Ann can do it and have fun!

Richard models inclusion, diversity, equity and access.

‘Working here had a hand in saving my life,’ says Excellus BCBS employee

Since the age of 12, type 1 diabetes has been a part of Tayla Riccio’s life, often altering the course ...
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The pursuit of a decade-long dream

“I always wanted to go back to college,” recalls Alex Levi, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield vice president of Customer Care. Alex ...
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National Doctors’ Day 2024

A message from Lisa Harris, Excellus BCBS Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Happy National Doctors’ Day to our ...
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Meghan Cares About Wellbeing

Empowering Excellence: Leadership Development Success

“In our organization, professional development and community engagement are highly valued, and employees have opportunities to expand their knowledge, enhance ...
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Scott is empowered to do his best work

Through tough times and happy moments, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) was there for me

Sometimes we all need an outlet, a safe space where we can share our feelings without judgement. Whether we are ...
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Brittany is accountable for her actions

Finding beauty and compassion volunteering at Francis House

Partnerships with community-based organizations are vital to the mission of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. We have been proud to support the ...
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Stay Interviews Help to Increase Trust and Transparency

“I started doing stay interviews in 2018, so it has been five years! I have probably conducted around 40 or ...
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Craig passionately serves our customers

Farah thinks and acts differently

Leading the way to employee development

“In my experience, when you have a supportive leadership team and you know what you want to do, your leadership ...
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From Intern To Employee

You may be aware that Excellus BlueCross BlueShield offers a well-designed intern program that provides a structured learning experience for ...
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Allie cares about wellbeing

Jimmi thinks and acts differently

Excellus BCBS Inspires Volunteerism Among Employees

Brent Bish, Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary for Actuarial Services at Excellus BCBS, volunteers for the American Diabetes Association ...
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Ask the Expert: Q&A with BJ Adigun of Excellus BCBS

BJ Adigun How a recent change may impact upstate New Yorkers with Medicaid, Essential Plan or Child Health Plus. If ...
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Starting off right in a hybrid work environment

Starting a new job, at a new organization, typically comes with some nervousness and uncertainty. But what if you were ...
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Peter is empowered to do his best work

Overcoming challenges and reaping the benefits of a hybrid work environment

Carla Fantauzzo, business consultant in the Strategic Programs department, has spent the last 20 years of her career with the ...
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Volunteering at the heart of one of the area’s largest races

“It is only a few hours out of your day to make people happy.” These are the words that drive ...
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Kelly can do it and have fun

My LifeTime Story: Balancing Caregiving with Work

“I am very lucky that I work for a company that recognizes me as a person and not just a ...
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No Meeting Thursdays

Love them or hate them, I am sure that we all can agree that meetings take up a big block ...
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The Road to Leadership One Step at A Time

“Going to school as an adult, working in the industry that I’m studying in college is a whole different experience ...
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Carolyn passionately serves our customers

Ankit thinks and acts differently

Changing the stigma around disability

When she began her career in 2017 as an intern in safety net and individual market sales at the Health ...
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Michelle is accountable for achieving results

Employee-veterans guide development of new vet-focused Medicare offering

When US Army Veterans Rick Jennejahn, Chad Tooke, Brian Brady, and Rob Contestabile left active military service, one might’ve assumed ...
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Jonathan cares about wellbeing…

Using development tools to grow from intern to executive

When Melissa Gardner began her career with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield 18 years ago, she didn’t set out to become executive ...
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Building tomorrow’s future today

What do I want to be when I grow up? What do I want to study? What are my options? ...
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A great corporate culture / A great place to work

How does a company maintain an engaged and collaborative corporate culture when it no longer has hundreds of employees under ...
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How personal development led to professional gains

Is a college degree in your future? For Juan Munoz, what started as an idea quickly became a reality as ...
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Caring for Our Customers

Our Customer Care Advocates are often the first point of contact for our members and consistently demonstrate our corporate value ...
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Healthy Snacking Tips from a Football Party Veteran

Watching the big game can be grueling when you've got a super-sized buffet to celebrate. But you can approach kickoff ...
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Success at Excellus BCBS: A veteran’s story

"I started at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield on Sept 23, 2002," recalls Provider Network and Strategy Manager Chad Tooke. Shortly after ...
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Volunteering Virtually and a Fulfilling New Hobby

Grateful to work for a company that gives employees one paid volunteer day per year, I was straining to find ...
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Hidden Gems: Winter in the Mohawk Valley

Those of us who choose to live in upstate New York do so for a variety of reasons. For many ...
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Expert Q&A: How Has Dentistry Been Impacted By COVID-19?

Our expert: Dr. William Zugner has been a clinical peer review consultant for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for more than six years. He ...
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Woman using telehealth to talk to doctor

Telehealth Is Here to Stay

The COVID-19 pandemic is shedding new light on telehealth. Telehealth is when a patient and a provider communicate by audio, ...
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Hidden Gems: Southwick Beach State Park

Ever since I can remember, I have always been drawn to the water. Whether it be a pool, creek, lake ...
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5 Ways to Set and Keep Your New Year’s Resolution

Many of us start the year by setting New Year’s resolutions or making plans for what we want to accomplish ...
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Gym Closed? Build Your Own – It’s Easier Than You Think!

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things in our lives, and many activities that directly contribute to our personal mental ...
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Picture of a hand reaching toward the sun

(VIDEO) Why We Need Resilience and How to Build It

“Resilience is knowing that you are the only one that has the power and responsibility to pick yourself up.” - ...
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After Dinner Snacking: How To Be Smart About It

Many of us have after dinner cravings, especially at this time of year. The good news is with some caution ...
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Try Some Incredible, Edible Seeds

Edible seeds are nutrition powerhouses. Add them to your meals to put the fun in food instead of fixating on ...
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Picture of a woman walking alone in the woods

Celebrating National Gratitude Month with a New Habit

According to Greater Good Science Center at University of California, Berkeley, gratitude’s amazing powers can shift us from focusing on ...
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Picture of a man sitting at a table with an ipad

Change the Channel, Change Your Mood

When I first started working from home full-time in March, I developed a new routine for watching the news. I ...
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Picture of someone holding an American flag

Veterans: Stories of Bravery, Freedom, and Service

This Veterans Day - and every day – it’s important to reflect upon and celebrate the true meaning of this ...
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The Truth About ‘An Apple A Day’

Does an apple a day REALLY keep the doctor away? A 2015 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine was unable ...
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10 Pumpkin Patches To Visit in Upstate New York

Fall has arrived and you're ready to hit the pumpkin patches. But which ones should you visit? To help, we've ...
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Picture of a peanut butter and fruit sandwich

The Sandwich Generation

We have been eating them as did our parents and we have made them for our children. They entered the ...
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Picture of a bowl of yogurt with granola and fruit

Healthy Snacking As You Work From Home

For many people working from home, it is hard to resist the constant cravings to snack throughout the day. When ...
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Keeping Your Cool While Working From Home

Working from home has been a bit of an emotional roller coaster for me. For the first couple of weeks ...
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Picture of a plate with grilled chicken and grilled vegetables

Tips for a Healthier Cookout

When we think of summer grilling, we may automatically think of hot dogs and hamburgers. But there are healthier options ...
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Change Up That Grilling Menu!

Zucchini, potatoes, and even peaches are all amazing on that summertime grill. Sound strange to you lovers of hot dogs ...
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Picture of a person sitting at a kitchen table working at a laptop.

Tips for Working From Home This Summer

Many employers have made it official: Their employees will be working from home this summer. Now that you know the ...
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Picture of a woman lacing up her sneakers on a track

Virtual Races: Connect, Support, and Get Moving

As we take precautions and physically distance ourselves, people are finding new ways to stay connected, support their community, and ...
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Juneteenth: A Celebration of Culture and Change That Can Bring Us Together

Growing up in Rochester, Theo Adams always celebrated Juneteenth with family and friends. “There have always been different community organizations ...
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Introvert, Extrovert… or Both. How Social Distancing Has Impacted Us All

Social Distancing is an Introvert’s Dream Come True Right? Not exactly. Patrick McDaniels, a self-described introvert and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield ...
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Picture of a family on top of a mountain

Get Outdoors: Nature for Stress Management

Whether it’s hiking Bald Mountain, kayaking on First Lake, or just relaxing by the fire at their Old Forge camp, ...
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Get Up and Move!

Chances are that you are reading this article sitting down. Try standing up while you read the rest of this ...
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Hidden Gems: Center shares the healing power of laughter

Most of us could use a good laugh right now. Fortunately, now you can enjoy comedy virtually thanks to the ...
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Picture of a man lying in the grass listening to music

Mindfulness: Being Present is the Best Present to Give Yourself

With all of the uncertainty we have in the world at this time, it’s even more important to practice mindfulness ...
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Picture of young child sitting at table looking puzzled

Are You Really Hungry or Just Bored or Stressed?

Before mindlessly eating potato chips or chocolate chips straight out of the bag, ask yourself, “Am I really hungry or is ...
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Connecting and Lifting Spirits

No doubt, our world has seen dramatic change recently. What we’ve come to take for granted – visiting with friends, ...
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Oatmeal Applesauce Bread

Oatmeal Applesauce Bread - - Olive oil spray ((or oil and 1 tsp. flour for pan)), quick oats, all-purpose flour ...
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Tomato Rice

Tomato Rice - - water ((or low/no-salt added chicken broth)), brown rice ((or whatever rice is in your pantry, barley, ...
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Dog sitting on the floor beside couch with sneaker laces in mouth

Snuggles, Physical Activity and Companionship: Pets offer Health Benefits While Working from Home

Decreased blood pressure, increased feelings of companionship and opportunities for exercise – all these benefits and more come with owning ...
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14 Ways to Spend Your Leisure Time

Even though going out to movies, concerts, large social gatherings, restaurants are on hold while we practice social distancing, there ...
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Tales of Sleep Transformation

Getting a good night’s sleep can be one of the biggest hurdles of the day. We may stay up late ...
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Need a new running spot? Look no further!

“Remember, the feeling you get from a good run is far better than the feeling you get from sitting around ...
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Make Use of That Bike Share!

If you haven’t ridden a bike in what seems like forever, this fall could be the perfect time to go ...
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A Healthier Take on Takeout Food

Takeout food. Greasy, delicious and convenient. Americans love getting takeout, whether picking it up or having it delivered. And it's ...
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Ins and Outs of a Volunteer Vacation

Planning a summer vacation? Why not take a trip that makes a difference and lets you explore the world? Consider ...
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11 Places to Picnic in Upstate NY

Summer is a short season in upstate NY. That's why it's the perfect time to exchange your usual lunch out ...
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5 Ways to Be Healthier with a Plant-Based Diet

I ate healthy. But I knew I could do better. I ate a lot of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean ...
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How to Add a Little Adventure To Your Life

If you’re looking to add a little adventure to your life, Meetup may be the app for you. The Meetup ...
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Bunny Tales: The Squirrels Ate my Eggs and Other Easter Stories

As with most holidays, there are favorite (and unusual) stories – and plenty of bloopers. Here are some of our ...
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A Sweet Family Activity: NY Maple Weekends are Here!

It's just about time for my favorite family activity. As we anticipate our annual tradition of visiting a local maple farm, ...
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Operation Puppy Rescue: Bringing Noah Home

When my daughter showed me a picture of a little pup found under a storage container in Afghanistan last fall, ...
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What You Might Not Know about the Festival of Holi

It's almost spring! For me, that means it's almost time to celebrate Holi, the Hindu celebration marked by a festival ...
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Thank you, Henrietta Lacks

Earlier in my public health career, I lived in Baltimore, Maryland. There I met a successful nurse practitioner with whom ...
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8 Last-Minute Healthy Gifts For The Holidays

If you’re scrambling to find the perfect gift for that special someone, it’s not too late to give the gift ...
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How to Build a Backyard Ice Rink

Given that current weather forecasts for our part of the Northeast are including numbers below the magical 32 degrees Fahrenheit, ...
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11 Easy Snacks to Help You Sleep Better

Almost everyone loves to grab a snack before they go to sleep. But what you choose to eat could determine ...
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Flavorful Escarole and Pastina Soup

This delicious Escarole and Pastina soup includes many Italian flavors that remind me of my childhood. What little Ragazzo or Ragazzi didn't ...
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I Stand – A Lot. But why does it make others uneasy?

I have an odd habit that’s good for my health, but seems to make others uneasy. I have a tendency ...
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Five Pumpkin Breakfast Recipes for Fall

(Just about) everybody loves fall. But do you ever get tired of the leaves, the brisk morning air or the ...
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How to Stop Work from Killing Your Gym Motivation

It’s 8 p.m. on a gloomy Monday and you just had a long day at work. You finally finished cleaning ...
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5 Tips for Cutting Soda from Your Diet

You drink over 38 gallons of soda each year. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), ...
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4 Tested Ways to Break a Caffeine Addiction

Americans consume 400 million cups a day of a very addicting drink. Coffee! Latte, macchiato, black, iced, hot, cappuccino; there are ...
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Hidden Gems: Sonnenberg Gardens

(Photos courtesy of Sonnenberg Gardens) My aunt and uncle recently visited from out of state, and I was deputized family ...
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How I Came to Love These Zucchini Bread Recipes

I didn’t care much for my first-ever attempt at making zucchini bread. I didn’t want to make it, but my ...
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15 Ways to Stop Stress Now

You’re stressed. But you don’t have to cruise to a tropical island to relieve your stress or anxiety. Here are ...
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New To Medicare? This Cheat Sheet Should Help

You may not have given much thought to choosing a health insurance plan if you always obtained a plan from ...
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Hidden Gems: Salem Art Works

If you are in the Albany-Lake George area and have a taste for outdoor sculpture, then Salem Art Works in ...
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A Peach of A Summer Salad!

Last summer, I was looking for something new to add to the traditional cookout menu. The fresh peaches sitting in ...
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Hidden Gems: Sterling Renaissance Festival

No summer is complete for my family without a trip to 16th century Warwick, England; or the closest we can ...
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6 Fresh Ways to Get Fresh Air

Fresh air. We all know what it is, yet we don’t get nearly enough of it. Nowadays, it seems like ...
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15 Foods You’re Not Eating (But Should!)

My approach to healthy eating focuses on eating more, not less. Feast more on certain “nutritional rock stars” that are ...
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A surprisingly delicious summer salad

I didn’t expect this “farro” salad to be tasty. Farro is a kind of super-healthy whole grain that at first ...
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Could Whole30 Help My Migraines?

I get migraines. Lie in bed all day, can’t think, light-and-sound-sensitive, pounding migraines. Since elementary school, I’d get such bad ...
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10 Inspiring Stories about Women’s Health

For many bloggers at AHealthierUpstate.org, it’s been an honor to have chronicled the lives of so many women who’ve overcome ...
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Picture of a woman holding a handful of almonds.

Snack Your Way to Your Summer Weight

Healthy snacking might sound like an oxymoron. But there are a lot of benefits to snacking – especially if you ...
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Sage Advice: 7 Tips for Your Herb Garden (Recipes Included!)

I’d rather be cooking than gardening, but there’s something about growing and using my own herbs that’s satisfying to the ...
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Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Bake

Buffalo chicken. Is there anything better? I'd submit to you that there is not. However, it is generally not a ...
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This Tasty Recipe Won the “Chompionship!”

Congrats to the big winner of our Munch Madness "Chompionship." The Winter Squash Bake recipe "squashed" the competition to earn ...
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18 Fabulous Fiction Books for 2018

“Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth.” This quote from Albert Camus is why I love fiction ...
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Homemade Sauerkraut is Easier Than You Think

I’m mostly Irish and German and my wife is mostly Polish and Irish. Thus, explaining why we make our own ...
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Tasty Winter Squash Bake with Feta

There are a few dishes in my cooking rotation that I can make in my sleep. This winter squash bake ...
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5 New Ways to Enjoy Chocolate This Valentine’s Day

Chocolate and Valentine’s Day go together like socks and shoes or peanut butter and jelly. Wooing your sweetheart with a ...
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18 Great Non-Fiction Books for 2018

If you’re looking for an inspirational, uplifting or funny book for the New Year, here are a few of my ...
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The excuse you might need to finally take days off

“Take two vacation days…and call me in the morning.” Sounds kind of strange, but a “vacation” might be a real ...
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Meal Delivery Services: Our Review of Home Chef & Kitchen Verde

Is meal delivery in a box for you? Maybe. These semi-prepared meals definitely get you out of a “cooking rut” ...
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Meal Delivery Services: Our Review of Martha & Marley Spoon™

Is meal delivery in a box for you? Maybe. These semi-prepared meals definitely get you out of a “cooking rut” ...
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Meal Delivery Services: Our Review of Sun Basket

Is meal delivery in a box for you? Maybe. These semi-prepared meals definitely get you out of a “cooking rut” ...
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Meal Delivery Services: Our Review of Blue Apron

Is meal delivery in a box for you? Maybe. These semi-prepared meals definitely get you out of a “cooking rut” ...
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Yogurt… Is it Really Healthy?

Back in college, I didn’t have a lot of healthy habits. But I thought I was doing one thing right ...
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Binghamton High Poverty Area Gets Healthier

The north side of Binghamton, New York, was in desperate need. Not only does it have a high rate of ...
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12 Tips for Using a Bike Share

Bike shares are popping up in cities like mine (Rochester, NY). They’re great for quick trips to the neighborhood store, ...
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Hidden Gems: Wall Therapy in Rochester

I recently went on a slow bicycle ride through the streets of Rochester, stopping at notable city spots, such as ...
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Build Your Own Trail Mix

Trail mix is my go-to afternoon snack. It’s the perfect blend of salty and sweet that keeps me going from ...
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Overwhelmed with Life? Try Making Your Bed

My parents passed on many a piece of advice to my brother and me over the years. Like most children, ...
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Your Back-To-College Health Checklist

I’ve never been as sick as I was my first year at college. I was barely sleeping and living off ...
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Ready to Run? Learn to Love Hills

Hills kinda have a bad rep among runners. Something about gravity and sweatiness and REALLY HARD WORK! It’s true. Hills ...
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O Canada! International Travel Right Next Door

For a fun family vacation or couple’s getaway, think Canada. You can say you’ve been abroad without traveling far. Four ...
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Indoor Fun: Beat the Heat (Or Those Rainy Summer Days)

I can’t stand the heat. I’ll take brushing snow off my car over 90+ degree weather any day. I disliked ...
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Ready to Run? The Hardest Part is Starting

The hardest part about running is starting. The best part is when it’s over. If you’d asked me about a ...
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Hidden Gem: Corning Museum of Glass

THE WORLD OF GLASS When I mentioned to others I was headed to The Corning Museum of Glass, I heard ...
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22 Ice Cream Shops to Check Out This Summer

When I was a kid, my favorite ice cream shop was always the one closest to my house. It was ...
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Hidden Gems: Cornell Botanic Gardens

The rhododendrons and azaleas were in full bloom, from magenta to pale pinks and creamy whites, when my work colleague, ...
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Hidden Gems: Washington Grove

What’s the secret? A “forest in the city,” Washington Grove is a unique, oak-hickory forest. It's located on the eastern ...
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Personal Spotlight on Tim Reed, the Man Behind the Boilermaker

Tim Reed is the president of the world renowned Utica Boilermaker Road Race, which will be celebrating its 40th running ...
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7 Tips for Choosing the Best Sunglasses

Certain slices of Americana are just ingrained into our culture. You know, things like mom, apple pie, pizza, and yes, ...
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Hidden Gems: Letchworth’s 1,000 Steps

Letchworth State Park lends its beauty to the Rochester area, and if you’ve ever been there you know just how ...
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A Big Brother Aims to Make the Rochester Tour de Cure the #1 Ride in the U.S.

Chris Gorecki is about to tackle his seventh straight Tour de Cure. He doesn’t participate in the diabetes fundraiser because ...
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How I Learned to Ballroom Dance (Etiquette Tips Included!)

A “Learn to Dance Ballroom, No Partner Required” headline caught my eye in a catalog I was flipping through 18 ...
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Healthy Quinoa Summer Salad

There are a lot of great things about the return of warm weather: more sunshine, more time outside, and of ...
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Hidden Gems: Lamberton Conservatory

As a born and raised Western New Yorker, I fully understand that snow and wintry weather can live anywhere from ...
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Personal Spotlight on Nicole Kazimer of Hikyoga

Nicole Kazimer is the founder of Hikyoga, a hiking-infused yoga class in Rochester. Born and raised in Webster, NY, Nicole ...
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MyFitnessPal, My New Best Friend

MyFitnessPal is a food diary, calorie and nutrient tracker and exercise journal rolled into one easy-to-use app. I use the ...
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Freezer Meal: Prepare-ahead Chicken Parmesan

Prepare this Crock-Pot meal ahead of time. Freeze the food in gallon Ziploc bags for future chow-downs. -Ted Byrnes ...
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Super Easy Chicken Tacos Recipe

Consider pairing these soft tacos with a side of steamed broccoli or another delicious vegetable. –Ted Byrnes ...
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F is for Fridays, Food, and Family

After a long week at work, there’s nothing more comforting than coming home on a Friday night and having some ...
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Energizing PB Date Bites

These energy bites make the perfect snack or healthier dessert. Packed with protein, fiber and flavor, these will satisfy your ...
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Tasty Crock-Pot Beef Stroganoff

I love this recipe because I can prepare most of it the night before and still provide my family with ...
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Southwestern Two-Bean Chicken Soup

I love this recipe because it's packed with flavor without being packed with hidden fats. I typically toss some avocado ...
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Sleep Cycle App Will Kick You Out of Bed, But Gently

The Sleep Cycle app is listed as “essential” in the app store, and for good reason! Sleep Cycle is an ...
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Stealthy Zucchini Meatballs

Place the meatballs in a crock-pot and have them cook all day while you're at work. I’ve never been the ...
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Twinkle, Twinkle Little UGH. Solutions for Parents who Hate Kids’ Music.

Becoming a parent stirs up a lot of fears. Will I be a good caretaker? Who will take care of ...
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Hidden Gems: Corbett’s Glen Nature Park

What’s the Secret? You can find me at Cobb’s Hill Park in Rochester, N.Y., on the regular, so it was ...
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Must-see Sculptures - Stone Quarry Hill Art Park

Hidden Gems: Stone Quarry Hill Art Park

What’s The Secret? We “discovered” the park during one of our impulsive drives along Route 20, just south of Syracuse, ...
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It’s Not Too Late! 5 Tips for Starting a Blessings Jar

A pale, purple-colored vase that sits year-round on Kesha Carter’s kitchen counter is the centerpiece of her family’s annual New ...
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When in Snow Country, Snowshoe

Some of my friends think I’m odd because I’m one of those people who genuinely look forward to winter. I ...
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A Crock-Pot Saved My Sanity and My Marriage

God bless the Crock-Pot. Yes, it’s that cauldron-type electronic countertop cooking device made of inch-thick ceramics and a heavy glass ...
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18 Places to Ski & Snowboard in Upstate New York

Living in upstate New York, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll end up trying to learn to ski or snowboard at ...
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Hidden Gems: CoreLife Eatery Review

What’s the secret? I was intrigued by the idea of a fast food place that served healthier food. That’s why ...
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12 Family-Friendly Apple Farms in Upstate New York

My toddler began his first apple picking trip by collecting the rotten fruit off the grass, offering them to me ...
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Good Libations: Beer, Cider or Wine?

“Too much work, and no vacation, Deserves at least a small libation. So hail! my friends, and raise your glasses; Work's ...
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Angling for a Great Spot: 12 Fantastic Places to Fish in New York

My 5-year-old, armed with his brand-new Spider-Man fishing rod, peppered me with questions about his first-ever fishing trip. Could he ...
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