[[{“value”:” Surf Brigade just wrapped up its fall class in the heart of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, where a team of veterans spent five weeks learning to surf together. Surf Brigade, a non-profit organization founded by veterans for veterans, harnesses the healing powers of the ocean and the camaraderie of surfing to address the unique challenges faced by those who have served. Through its 5-week evidence-based surf therapy program, Surf Brigade is helping veterans redefine their purpose, write their narratives, and build a supportive community along the stunning Emerald Coast. The Program: More Than Just Surfing Surf Brigade’s program is not solely about riding the waves; it encompasses a holistic approach to mental health and well-being. Each week, veterans participate in group discussions facilitated by licensed professional counselors, focusing on three critical challenges: Defining Your Purpose: Transitioning from military to civilian life can leave veterans feeling adrift. Through guided conversations, participants explore their passions and values, helping them reconnect with their sense of purpose. Writing Your Narrative: Every veteran has a unique story, often filled with experiences that can be difficult to articulate. The program encourages veterans to share their journeys, fostering self-reflection and personal growth while reinforcing the importance of their experiences. Finding Your Community: Isolation is a common struggle for many veterans. Surf Brigade aims to cultivate a sense of belonging by connecting participants with others who understand their journey. This community aspect is crucial for ongoing support and camaraderie. Surf Therapy: A Unique Healing Approach At the... Read More

 [[{“value”:” By Lori Leath Smith, Publisher You know that saying, “Not your mama’s [insert something here]”? It’s often used to describe things that are modern, edgy or reimagined. But at Pies & Provisions, that idea is beautifully portrayed. Here, you want exactly what your mama used to make. It’s a joyful celebration of everything comforting and nostalgic—pies, desserts, honey and more that bring back the warmest memories of home. Pies & Provisions lovingly honors the timeless traditions, flavors and care that make you think, “Yes, this is my mama’s.” When you add a little Texas tradition to that recipe, you get an irresistible mix of love and flavor, perfect for warming any heart. Founded by a mother-son duo, Julie and Ryan Robinson from Texas, Pies & Provisions in Santa Rosa Beach brings together family, passion and a commitment to quality. Their handcrafted pies are made with natural ingredients—a throwback to simpler times when everything tasted like a hug from someone you love. Ryan Robinson, co-founder, put it beautifully: “Our vision for Pies & Provisions was simple – to share our love for pies with the community and create moments of joy and indulgence,” said Ryan Robinson, co-founder of Pies & Provisions. “We believe that every pie should not just taste delicious, but also evoke memories and emotions. Pie has always been more than just dessert for us—it’s a connection to our past, a way to share joy with others.” I recently had the chance to visit Pies & Provisions and... Read More

 [[{“value”:” From Susan Benton, 30aEats.com My father has made sausage balls for Christmas morning as long as I can remember. I often wonder why he did not get recipe credit for this amazing comfort food as he has been making them for 50 + years! Sausage balls are wonderful for tailgating and a delicious cocktail appetizer, but most of all as a breakfast snack on Christmas morning. The ingredients are simple and the prep and cleanup are easy. If selecting regular sausage, then add about 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper. I prefer to grate my own cheese rather than buying pre-shredded, as I do not like the caking ingredients used in packaging. I also prefer not to use low-fat cheddar as it does not melt well and the sausage balls will be dry. You will be surprised at how quickly they disappear! Ingredients: 1 lb. ground hot breakfast sausage 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded 2 cups Bisquick baking mix 3 tablespoons water Preparation: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine sausage, cheese, and baking mix using hands to mix well. Only add water if portions of the mix are too dry, and just drops until it gets to the consistency where you can roll into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 18-22 minutes (depending on your oven) until golden brown. Remove and cool on rack or parchment paper. Quickly move to sealed container or Ziploc storage bags. These keep for up to... Read More