Ever since 1943, March has officially been designated as "Red Cross Month," which means these following weeks are the perfect time to volunteer or make a donation to the organization. March 28 is Giving Day, a 24-hour fundraising campaign, and until then, Red Cross will be working to raise awareness about its humanitarian efforts and how the public can help support them. 

This year, Red Cross asks heroes across the country to help out by committing to any of the following: 

• Donating blood or platelets. Every year, Red Cross collects more than 4.9 million units of blood in an effort to supply hospitals and transfusion centers across the country. On average, they provide about 40 percent of the nation's blood, and they can use all of the donations they can get from willing volunteers. Keep an eye out for blood donation centers and drives near you. 
  
  
• Volunteering to help with victims of a disaster. Fires, floods, shootings, tornados: whatever the disaster may be, Red Cross does its best to shelter and provide for the people affected. However, they can only do so if the American people generously provide resources, both physical and financial. If you can, donate money to disaster relief. If you're nearby, see if you can volunteer your time. 
  
  
• Assist a veteran or member of the military. Red Cross strives to support nearly 391,000 military members, veterans, and their families. Even a little bit of support goes a long way towards this cause. 
  
  
• Take a first aid or CPR class. Money and volunteer services aren't the only ways you can help. Getting trained in emergency skills is an excellent way to support the Red Cross and make a difference in your community. 
  
  
• Pledge financial support, even if it's just a little. By visiting the Red Cross website, you can donate as much or as little money as you can. You can also text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to easily give $10. Feel confident in your donation because an average of 91 cents of every dollar the American Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs.

To learn more about the American Red Cross organization and how you can help, visit www.redcross.org today. 

What's the perfect companion for February's dreary weather? An amazing new literary release, of course. Here are ten of the most popular, well-reviewed novels that hit the shelves over the past few weeks. Be warned: once you pick up one of these, you won't be able to put it down. 

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah 

Set in 1974 in the harsh, untamed landscape of Alaska, this novel follows a family on the brink of change. A former prisoner of war comes home from Vietnam, and he's not the man he once was. In hopes of healing his family and starting a new life, he takes his wife and daughter to the last true frontier in America. They find themselves in a community of fiercely strong men and women, and things seem to be getting better... until they aren't. Fraught with tension and drama, this story will have you just as hooked as Hannah's other beloved tales. 

"Hannah turns the written word into wonderful prose... Times are difficult for so many in this novel and Hannah captures their suffering with sensitivity. The author expertly shows how love, death and birth run the full circle of life." - RT Book Reviews 

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert 

If you're looking for a read that's creepy, haunting, and downright magical, then this is the book for you. Seventeen-year-old Alice's grandmother wrote a book full of dark fairytales back in the 1960s, but she's never met her. Ever since she was young, Alice's mother has kept her daughter far away from her grandmother's wealth and stories, but when someone kidnaps Alice's mom, Alice must venture into the one mystical place she's been warned to avoid: The Hazel Wood. Can Alice take charge of her own story, or will she be swept into yet another grim fairytale? 

”Highly literary, occasionally surreal, and grounded by Alice’s clipped, matter-of-fact voice, The Hazel Wood is a dark story that readers will have trouble leaving behind. The buzz for this debut is deafening, and the fact that the film adaption is already in the works doesn’t hurt.” - ALA Booklist, starred review 

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones 

Celestial and Roy are your classic newlyweds. Roy's a young executive, and Celestial's a successful artist on the rise, and they're wonderfully in love. Everything seems to be going swimmingly, until Roy is arrested and sentenced to prison for twelve years for a crime his wife knows he didn't commit. In his absence, Celestial finds herself taking comfort in her husband's best friend, Andre. However, when her husband is unexpectedly released from prison early, Celestial realizes that things can't just go back to normal. 

“Brilliant, timely... heartbreaking... With spare and shimmering prose that can strike with the shock of a shiv, Jones captures the life-altering losses Roy and Celestial endure in this unforgettable American marriage.” - USA Today 

How to Stop Time by Matt Haig 

Tom Hazard may look like a regular 41-year-old, but in reality, he's been alive for centuries. He's done hundreds of incredible things, from performing with Shakespeare to sailing the seas with pirates, but now, he's ready for a normal life. When he moves back to London, he meets a French teacher who seems fascinated by him. Is it possible that a woman can save him from a life out of time, even if he's always forbidden himself from falling in love? 

"A wry, intriguing meditation on time and an eternal human challenge: how to relinquish the past and live fully in the present.” - People

The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton 

In Orléans, beauty is traded a commodity. If you have beauty, then you have power, and the Belles are the most powerful of all because they can bestow their beauty upon others. When the royal family takes an interest in the talents of a certain Belle, Camellia, she moves to court and finds out that beauty can be dangerous. In fact, she'll have to risk her life to save those she loves the most. 

"Told in gorgeous prose, Dhonielle Clayton's novel sweeps readers away into an alluring and dangerous fantasy world that shrewdly examines our obsession with beauty... Don't miss out." - Bookish.com

As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner 

When the Spanish flu invaded the streets of America in 1918, thousands were killed. Pauline Bright and her husband, had hoped to find a better life in Philadelphia, but they are soon terrified of a disease sweeping the area. Amidst the numerous death, a child is orphaned, and the couple decides to take the baby in. Full of heart and spirit, this story follows a mother who must battle a harsh world in order to protect her children. 

“A fascinating historical novel and a beautifully written story of love, loss, and family. A gorgeous, unforgettable book.” - Jillian Cantor, author of Margot and The Lost Letter

Tempests and Slaughter by Tamora Pierce 

The first book in Pierce's newest series, Tempests and Slaughter, follows a young man named Arram Draper. He's got a gift, and many think he will become the most powerful mage in the realm. Follow his story as he learns where to place his loyalties, how to channel his powers, and where his future will take him. As always, Pierce's writing is packed with fantasy and adventure, so you won't be disappointed. 

"Tamora Pierce didn't just blaze a trail. Her heroines cut a swath through the fantasy world with wit, strength, and savvy. Her stories still lead the vanguard today. Pierce is the real lioness, and we're all just running to keep pace."- Leigh Bardugo, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover 

As a young child raised on an isolated compound in Idaho, Westover was unlike children in many ways. Her family members were devoutly Mormon, they lived in a secluded area, and most significantly, none of the children went to school. She learned about things like midwifery and survival techniques, and she never really questioned the lifestyle she was raised in. That is until her brother went away to college, then returned with stories of a world outside the compound. Lyrical and inspiring, Westover's story of self-preservation and discovery is incredible. 

“One of the best, most absorbing memoirs I’ve ever read.”- Sylist

I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes With Death by Maggie O'Farrell 

As you might expect, this memoir takes seventeen in-depth looks at Maggie O'Farrell's life and her many brushes with death. Emotional and illuminating, the book details her experiences with childhood illness, worldly dangers, and her worries as a mother. Somehow, her close calls with death have brought O'Farrell closer to life, and her words will leave you breathless. 

“Gripping… this breathtaking memoir weaves together the author's near-death experiences to create a fully realized picture of what it means to fully live a life… O'Farrell's memoir contemplates not just the frailty of life, but the fortitude of the human spirit in the face of it all.” - Bustle

Only Killers and Thieves by Paul Howarth 

In many ways, this novel is a classic Western. It takes place on the Australian frontier and contains plenty of wilderness and tough men. However, Howarth makes the adventurous tale even more impressive by weaving in themes of race, faith, guilt, family, and morality. Follow two young men as they survive in the harsh environment of 19th-century-Queensland and highlight one of the country's most shameful periods of racism.

"Howarth manages to infuse the old tropes with a depth of emotion and moral complication that will stay with readers long after closing the book." - BookPage 

Even after several days have passed, most American citizens are still struggling to deal with the horror of the shooting that occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. If you want to make a difference in the lives of those affected by the tragedy, there are safe, legitimate ways to do so, even all the way from Texas. 

Donating to The Broward Education Foundation will help the county public schools in Parkland deal with the aftermath of this terrible event. Your contributions will fund relief efforts and support of the victims and their families. The organization has been around since 1983 and is held in high esteem, so you can feel confident that your donations will truly be used to help those who need it. 

Unfortunately, there are many who would take advantage of this situation by setting up scams via GoFundMe. If you'd like to donate directly to the Broward Education Foundation, which is the only direct support organization solely dedicated to raising funds for the public schools in Broward County, please visit their official GoFundMe or Public Good accounts. So far, their official GoFundMe has raised more than $1,720,000 for the victims, but their goal is $2.2 million, so give if you can. Don't enter your credit or debit card information with any accounts that are not deemed to be official. GoFundMe is being very vigilant about protecting donators from scams, but it's always a good idea to double check so you know you're funding the right cause. 

You can also donate to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, which is making visits to the victims of the shooting to provide emotional support in the form of furry friends. They accept donations on their main site. 

According to the federal government, February is officially American Heart Month! National organizations and medical personnel use this month as an opportunity to spread awareness about heart diseases, as well as to promote better understanding about prevention and treatment. 

Cardiovascular diseases lead to 17.9 million deaths worldwide each year, and according to recent studies, that number is expected to rise to 23.6 million by 2030. In today's society, roughly one in every four deaths in the United States can be attributed to heart disease. Therefore, regardless of your age or gender, it's a smart idea to learn more about your own heart's health and what you can do to better it in 2018. 

Here are some of the best ways to care for your heart and lower your risk of dangerous diseases. 

Engage in Plenty of Physical Activity Every Week  

Staying active isn't just about maintaining a trim figure or building muscle; it's a fantastic way to protect your body from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and the risk of heart attacks and strokes. You don't have to be a marathon runner to reap the heart benefits of physical activity. According to the American Heart Association, getting at least 150 minutes per week of at least moderate exercise is enough. This year, make an effort to take the stairs more often and adopt a hobby that gets you moving. Swimming, biking, walking, running, and stretching are just a few types of aerobic exercise that will benefit your heart. Remind yourself that any level of physical activity is better than none at all. 

Get Plenty of Sleep Each Night 

Countless studies have shown that Americans generally don't get the appropriate sleep, which is detrimental in a variety of ways. People who fail to sleep enough are typically at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease, regardless of how much they work out, eat right, or watch their weight. Even adolescents who are staying up too late and waking up too early can develop heart problems, despite their young age. According to the National Sleep Foundation, young adults and teens should be getting between eight and ten hours of sleep. Adults should be sleeping for a minimum of seven hours most nights, regardless of their overall health or busy schedules. 

Switch Out the Bad Fats for Good Ones

Not all fats are unhealthy, and sorting between the good and bad ones can seriously improve the condition of your heart. Your body needs monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in order to function properly. To make sure you're consuming plenty of healthy fats, try to include foods like avocados, olive oil, salmon, nuts, and lean meat in your diet. 

Saturated and trans fats, on the other hand, are firmly on the "evil" side of the fat chart. These bad fats can raise your cholesterol levels and increase your chances of developing heart disease, diabetes, and strokes. Unfortunately, bad fats are found in many of our favorite foods, like desserts, frozen pizzas, margarine, fatty beef, pork, butter, cheese, and dairy products. You probably won't avoid these foods all of the time, but make a conscious effort to eat more good fats than bad if you want to live a long, healthy life. 

Monitor Your Cholesterol Levels 

As was just stated, bad fats can increase your cholesterol levels and put you at risk of serious heart problems. You might also experience problems with your cholesterol levels if you are overweight, have diabetes, are pregnant, or are dealing with other health concerns. To make sure you're not putting your heart in jeopardy, pay attention to your cholesterol levels and work to keep them in a healthy range. Eating foods like oats, nuts, beans, whole grains, fatty fish, and fruits can help lower your levels if they get too high. Try not to indulge in red meat or baked goods too often as they are known to increase your levels significantly. 

Watch Your Sugar Intake 

No matter how old you are, eating too much sugar on a regular basis is a bad idea. Even if you work out and maintain a healthy weight, a sugar-laden diet can seriously increase your risk of heart disease, according to studies conducted at Harvard. Unfortunately, Americans ingest plenty of sugar in their favorite drinks, yogurts, cereals, and desserts. Although indulging in the occasional sweet treat isn't a bad idea, try to ensure that your diet consists of more heart-healthy foods than it does sugary, empty-calorie meals. 

Quit Smoking (For Good This Time) 

You've probably been told time and time again that smoking increases your risk of lung and throat cancer, but did you know that it can also up your chances of developing cardiovascular diseases? The chemicals in cigarette smoke line your blood vessels, which then become swollen and inflamed. This can lead to strokes, coronary heart diseases aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, and other extremely serious health concerns. 

The good news? Even if you've been smoking for years, quitting now can improve your health drastically. The key is to stop smoking completely. Even the occasional cigarette can leave bad side effects, so kick the habit for good. 


To learn more about American Heart Month and what you can do for your health, visit this page by the American Heart Association. 

Fat Tuesday is just around the corner, and you know what that means: it's time to eat yummy food and celebrate with Louisiana flair. Although you can always bring home a store-bought King's Cake to mark the occasion, why not get a little more creative this year? Here are ten festive recipes to try next week. 

King Cake Monkey Bread

Trisha from MomDot found the best way to make a King Cake: with cinnamon rolls! Pack a couple of ready-to-bake cinnamon roll packs into a bundt cake pan, pop it in the oven, and drizzle plenty of cream cheese frosting over the creation. The results are Instagram-worthy and downright delicious. 

Easy Skillet Jambalaya Dip 

In just fifteen minutes, you can whip up this Louisana Creole Dish in a skillet. Marion from Our Life Tastes Good concocted a simple recipe that's bursting with veggies, shrimp, sausage, cheese, and spicy flavor. All you have to do is plop the ingredients in the skillet, then adjust the temperature as needed. 

Mardis Gras Cookies 

If you're looking to keep things simple, these cookies are the perfect holiday baking project for you. You'll just need some ready-to-bake sugar cookies from the store, frosting, and Mardi Gras-colored sprinkles. Rope your kids into helping decorate the sweet snacks, then serve them with a little Louisiana style. 

Bananas Foster Upside Down Cupcakes 

These mini desserts by Flavor Mosaic are bursting with banana and caramel. Although they might seem complicated to make, the steps are actually pretty simple, and the results will impress the whole family. Plus, you won't even have to feel guilty about indulging in such sweet cupcakes; it's Fat Tuesday, after all! 

King Cake Dip 

You may like King Cake, but you've never tasted it quite like this. Chrisy at Homemade Hooplah decided to kick things up a notch with a decadent dessert dip topped with caramel and pecans. She suggests dipping sprinkle-covered pretzels into this cake batter dip for a treat that's absolutely perfect for the indulgent occasion. 

Mardis Gras Beignets

You'll feel like you stepped right into Cafe du Monde with these homemade beignets. Wonderfully crunchy on the outside but soft on the inside, the treats are one of the best parts of this New Orleans-inspired holiday. Remember to cover your creations with plenty of powdered sugar! 

Easy Hurricane Cocktail

If you were to meander through a Mardis Gras celebration in New Orleans, someone would probably thrust a Hurricane into your hands at some point. It's one of the cities' most famous drinks, and it's easy to see why. Partiers love the mixed fruit juice and rum, so give it a try by following the recipe from Grits and Pinecones. 

New Orleans Gumbo 

What Cajun celebration is complete without a batch of spicy gumbo? Marzia from Little Spice Jar can show you how to make a roux from scratch and bring out every ounce of flavor. Serve with rice for a meal that's both festive and scrumptious. 

Carnival Queen Cocktail 

In the mood for something sweet and fizzy? This adult beverage is a showy blend of lemon, dark berry liquor, sparkling wine, and Crown Royal Regal Apple. Check out Style on Main to see how the creator, Greta, suggests serving it to guests. 

VooDoo Punch (Non-Alcoholic) 

Kids will certainly get a kick out of this colorful, tasty punch. Wheel'N Deal Mama mixed ginger ale, Lime Kool-Aid, raspberry syrup, and Sprite together to make a family-friendly drink that's as yummy as it is creepy-looking.