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carol@inkwellcoaching.com

Crown Point, IN

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September 9, 2026

The Beauty in the Cracks

Have you ever had one of those moments when you just know you were supposed to hear something? I had one recently. I was having a conversation with a

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Fun, Health, Hope, Personal Development
September 3, 2026

Too Hot to Cook Eat This

Well, friends…Mother Nature has apparently decided we need to be reminded that summer is still here. It is HOT. Really hot. The kind of hot where wa

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Food, Fun, Health
September 3, 2026

Savory Chicken Salad

This one is a staple in my kitchen. Rotisserie chicken, a creamy dressing, and just enough crunch from the celery and onion make it endlessly versatil

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Recipes, Salads
August 27, 2026

Apparently, There’s a Day for That

Have you ever noticed how there seems to be a “National Day” for just about everything? National Donut Day. National Gardening Day. National Lefto

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Food, Fun
August 20, 2026

The Scoop on Coffee

For my coffee lovers, here are some interesting tidbits. Light roast coffee tends to be slightly higher in caffeine content than dark roast when measu

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Health
August 13, 2026

A Kitchen Lesson from Julia Child

In honor of Julia Child’s birthday, I want to share one of her most repeated kitchen philosophies, because it is one I highly endorse. Do not ap

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Food, Fun
August 5, 2026

Part One: Fun Facts About Julia Child

August 15 marks the birthday of one of my favorite kitchen icons, Julia Child. If you have never seen an old episode of The French Chef, do yourself a

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Food, Fun
July 30, 2026

My Kitchen Counter Has a Problem

If your garden is anything like mine, the tomatoes are coming in fast right now. And if you’re growing zucchini too, you know it has a way of sh

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Food, Health, In the Garden
July 21, 2026

Sweet Corn Season is Here in Indiana

If you drive anywhere in Indiana right now, you know the scene. Fresh corn, roadside stands, and that first bite of butter-dripping corn on the cob th

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Family, Food, Health
July 15, 2026

Better, Not Perfect

I have a confession. This week I was completely overwhelmed, by my own house. I had been traveling and busy with life, and when I looked around all I

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Health, Hope, Personal Development

Celebrate Sweetness: Happy Rainier Cherry Day!

July 11, 2024
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Food, Fun, Health

Today, July 11, is National Rainier Cherry Day. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Cherish the Cherry Bliss.”

This delightful celebration is all about savoring the exquisite sweetness and unique flavor of Rainier cherries, a true gem of the fruit world.

Rainier cherries, a variety of sweet cherry, were first developed in 1952 at Washington State University by crossing the Bing and Van cherry varieties. Named after Mount Rainier, these cherries are renowned for their beautiful golden-yellow skin with a blush of red and their incredibly sweet, juicy flesh. 

Harvested primarily in Washington state, Rainier cherries have a relatively short season, typically June to August, making them a cherished summer treat.

Why We Love Rainier Cherries

  • Exceptional Flavor: Rainier cherries are prized for their unique taste—a perfect balance of sweetness with a hint of tartness. Each bite is a burst of summer’s essence.
  • Nutritional Benefits: These cherries are delicious and packed with nutrients. They are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and support overall health.
  • A Good Night’s Sleep: Like their darker cherry cousins, Rainier cherries are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep cycles. A handful of these cherries can be a delicious way to promote a restful night’s sleep.
  • Versatility in the Kitchen: Whether enjoyed fresh, added to salads, incorporated into desserts, or made into preserves, Rainier cherries bring a touch of elegance and sweetness to any dish.

Ways to Celebrate Rainier Cherry Day

  • Enjoy Fresh Rainier Cherries: The simplest way to celebrate is by indulging in a bowl of fresh Rainier cherries. Their sweet and juicy flavor is best enjoyed raw, making them a perfect snack on a warm summer day. 
  • Create Cherry-Inspired Recipes: Experiment with Rainier cherries in your kitchen. Try making a refreshing cherry salsa, a vibrant cherry salad, or a decadent cherry pie or cobbler. The possibilities are endless, and the results are always delicious.
  • Host a Cherry Tasting Party: Invite friends and family over for a cherry-themed gathering. Offer a variety of cherry dishes, including fresh Rainier cherries, cherry-infused beverages, and cherry-based desserts. It’s a delightful way to share the love for this summer fruit.
  • Create Cherry Cocktails: Mix up some refreshing cherry cocktails or mocktails. Muddle them into lemonades and sparkling water. A Rainier cherry mojito or a cherry sangria can be the perfect addition to your summer festivities or relaxing evening.

As you celebrate Rainier Cherry Day, take a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures of summer.

Here’s to a day filled with sweet, juicy bliss~

Much love,
Health Coach Carol

“Under a cherry tree, all burdens of life fly away!” – Mehmet Murat Ildan

Tomatoes are Summer Superstars

July 4, 2024
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Food, Health

The best tomatoes are the ones you grow in your garden.

If you don’t have a garden or some patio tomatoes, head to the nearest farm stand or farmer’s market and grab some—quick!

The season is way too short, and NOW is the time to enjoy tomato sandwiches, tomato pie (Tomato pie recipe), tomato salsa, gazpacho, tomato avocado toast, stuffed tomatoes, bruschetta, tomato frittata, tomato cucumber salad…you get the idea.

My plants are finally producing a few small, ripe tomatoes. I’m waiting for the perfect tomato to make an amazing tomato sandwich.

By the way, tomatoes are delicious AND healthy! 

Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. Vitamin C is essential for the immune system, skin health, and wound healing, while vitamin A supports vision, immune function, and cell growth. Vitamin K is important for bone health and blood clotting. Tomatoes also provide potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.

They are one of the richest sources of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of chronic diseases (like cancer, particularly prostate cancer) and protection against sunburn. Generally, the redder the tomato, the higher the lycopene content.

Tomatoes have a high water content and are a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes a healthy gut.

They have anti-inflammatory properties, a low glycemic index (so minimal effect on blood sugar) and are low in calories.

Tips for Maximizing Health Benefits:

  • Cooked vs. Raw: Cooking tomatoes can increase the bioavailability of lycopene, making it easier for the body to absorb. However, raw tomatoes still offer significant health benefits.
  • Pair with Healthy Fats: Eating tomatoes with healthy fats like olive oil or avocado can enhance the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients like lycopene and vitamin A.

The Perfect Tomato Sandwich According to Health Coach Carol

My love of tomato sandwiches began when I read Harriet the Spy as a kid. Harriet ate a tomato sandwich every day, and she turned out okay.

This is a summer indulgence and although it is lacking in protein, it tastes amazing and is simple to make. No judgment, please.

Take 2 pieces of your favorite white bread. Slather with mayonnaise. Add tomatoes. Lightly salt. Have lots of napkins handy because it’s very messy. Enjoy.

Happy Independence Day!

As we celebrate Independence Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on the values of freedom and unity that define our nation. Whether you’re enjoying a festive barbecue, watching fireworks, or spending time with loved ones, I hope you find joy and inspiration in this special day. 

Wishing you a wonderful Fourth of July filled with tomatoes, tradition, and togetherness.

Much love,
Health Coach Carol

“A world without tomatoes is like a string quartet without violins.” –Laurie Colwin

Time to Get Grounded

June 27, 2024
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Health

There are times when these lazy days of summer are anything but. I’m hearing how busy many of you are, how quickly time seems to pass, and oh my goodness, it’ll be Christmas before we know it.

STOP!!!

While it’s impossible to shirk all your responsibilities, a bit of grounding will do you some good.

Grounding, also known as earthing, is a practice that involves reconnecting with the Earth’s natural energy by making direct contact with the ground.

This can be done by walking or standing barefoot on grass, sand, or soil. 

Connecting directly with the earth helps reduce anxiety, stress, and offers healing in the form of boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, improving sleep, and feeling good. About 30-40 minutes a day brings benefits.

Other forms of grounding include gardening and swimming in natural waters. (Yes, there are grounding sheets and mats, but it’s summer. Go outdoors.)

The Earth’s surface has a natural, subtle electric charge. When you make direct contact with the ground, you absorb these electrons, which can act as antioxidants and reduce inflammation.

While you’re grounding, focus on what you hear, see, smell. This means no listening to music or podcasts on your airpods. Practice the challenge of being fully present. Do the best you can to let go of your “shoulds” for this brief period of time.

Everything on your “To Do” list will still be waiting for you, but you’ll have a much better attitude and feel calmer.

Be consistent. Make grounding a regular part of your routine to experience the most benefits.

Enhance the effects of grounding by combining it with other wellness practices such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. 

You may also like to try Forest Bathing. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing involves immersing yourself in a forest environment, engaging all your senses, and experiencing the healing benefits of nature.

By incorporating grounding practices into your daily life, you can foster a deeper connection with nature, improve your overall well-being, and enjoy the numerous health benefits associated with this simple yet powerful practice.

Sending you love,
Health Coach Carol

“Feeling rooted in the earth is soothing to the body, and it is our connection to the earth that gives us our most basic sense of belonging, home, resilience, and safety.” ― Jessica Moore

Embrace the Splendor of Summer Solstice

June 20, 2024
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Fun, Hope, Personal Development

Happy Summer Solstice!

Today, June 20th at 3:50 pm CDT, we welcome the Summer Solstice. It is the official beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring when Earth arrives at the point in its orbit where the North Pole is at its maximum tilt toward the Sun, resulting in the day with the most daylight of the calendar year. 

Fun fact to impress your friends and family: It’s the earliest solstice since June 20, 1796, when George Washington was president and there were only 16 states in the Union.

The summer solstice celebrates the return of the light of the sun and that same light that shines within all of humanity. Traditionally, people also celebrated renewal, life, the potential for a good harvest, inner and outer abundance, and ascension.

Summer nights spark my memories of catching lightening bugs as a kid and putting then in a jar. I’d punch holes in the lid so they could breathe, and they’d twinkle in my room as I fell asleep.

I’m still fascinated by those little creatures, but now I leave them twinkling outside.

Here are some ways you could celebrate the beginning of summer:

  • Plant a small herb or flower garden
  • Go to the beach
  • Build a bonfire and make S’mores
  • Do yoga and include some sun salutations
  • Enjoy being outdoors and do nothing at all
  • Review and renew goals then set intentions to build upon
  • Begin something new
  • Reread a favorite book
  • Include a Salmon Dill Niçoise Salad in your special feast
  • Be happy and grateful
  • Hang out with your favorite people and enjoy much laughter

In many ways, June 20th can take on the feel of a New Year.

May you be abundantly blessed,
Health Coach Carol

 “It is the Summer Solstice. The earth rejoices in abundance and light, and so do we.”–Deborah Blake

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