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It’s summer and you know what that means? Barbecue season and even if you are a vegan or a vegetarian you don’t have to miss out on some delicious barbecue. These super easy chickpeas and tofu BBQ sandwiches and packed full of flavor and smothered in barbecue sauce. The McCormick smokehouse maple seasoning gives it a smokey maple flavor, but not too salty or sweet. It is one of my favorite seasonings and adds a smokey, spicy yet sweet flavor to pretty much anything you want to try it on. I’ve put it on pasta, soups, and potatoes. The next best thing if you don’t have the time to go out and fire up the grill so if you’re in the mood for barbecue give this recipe a try.

The Lights Festival

The lights festival is an experience where thousands of people gather to listen to music, fill up on good food, and light up the night sky. Its focus on creating a fun, safe, and unforgettable experience for all of their guest. Upon entry of the event, you’re given a lantern, marker, and lights festival wristband. While you wait for the sun to set you can draw on your lantern, enjoy food from local food trucks, and listen to live music. Once it gets dark and the local fire marshal gives the OK then the magic happens and thousands of paper lanterns ascend into the night sky. Check out their website to learn more here.

Over the years there’s been a lot of negative talk about video games but, playing video games is a great coping tool for dealing with stress. They can give us a safe and fun outlet for developing our emotional awareness and coping skills.

In most games, players are rewarded for being able to manage their emotions and work toward solutions when faced with stressful situations. When players meet a difficult task they must seek out a resolution to the negative feelings or seek support from other players. We can take the same strategies used in playing video games and use them in our own lives. Developing awareness and using it to support emotional balance which is a big part of healthy coping.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies like me spring is a season of misery dealing with itchy watery eyes, congestion, and the sniffles. With the temperatures rising and flowers blooming it’s that time of the year where you start reaching for your allergy medicine. Millions of people suffer hay fever every year in the spring. While medication can help there are other ways to help cope with allergies. Here are some ways to lower your exposure to pollen and manage your allergies.

Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri and is known for its jazz heritage, barbecue, and craft breweries. It has several neighborhoods that each has a variety of things to do. I moved back to the Kansas City area this past November. Due to the unusually cold winter, I hadn’t really gotten A chance to get out and explore the city. On my most recent day off from work, I decided to take a trip to the downtown Kansas City area and do some sightseeing. I visited three places near the Crossroads District of Kansas City area. While on my foot tour of the CIty I also played some Pokemon Go and really was able to explore and learn more about the city.