Finding Comfort After a Hectic Weekend

I recently returned home on Sunday after an incredibly engaging, yet utterly exhausting, couple of days at the BYB Conference in vibrant Salt Lake City. The experience was fantastic, filled with learning and networking, but it took a surprising turn almost immediately. Within just a few hours of arriving on Friday, I found myself nearly completely losing my voice. For anyone attending a conference, this is certainly not the ideal scenario, especially when you’re there to connect and share. However, I managed to push through the weekend, navigating conversations with minimal talking – a monumental task for those who know my usual chatty self! Despite the hoarseness, the insights gained and connections made were well worth the effort.

As Sunday afternoon rolled around and I began preparing for my journey home, a persistent cough started to develop, and a general feeling of weariness washed over me. The sickness, it seemed, had finally caught up. I was immensely grateful for the relatively short flight between Salt Lake City and Sacramento, allowing me to get back to my sanctuary quickly. Upon arriving home, I was met with the most wonderful welcome: numerous hugs and kisses from my boys. After a much-needed, albeit brief, rest on the couch, my thoughts invariably turned to dinner. What could possibly soothe this emerging illness and provide genuine comfort?

My mind immediately craved something warm, deeply comforting, and undeniably delicious. There was only one answer: soup! Fortunately, I had all the necessary ingredients on hand to whip up one of my all-time favorite recipes: my Mom’s Creamy Asparagus Soup. This simple yet profound dish has been a staple in our family for years, cherished for its incredible flavor and ability to bring warmth and joy, especially when you’re feeling under the weather. It felt like the perfect remedy, both for my body and my spirit, a true taste of home when I needed it most.

The Healing Power of Mom’s Creamy Asparagus Soup

This Creamy Asparagus Soup was truly just what the doctor ordered! Each spoonful was packed with such wonderful flavor, making it incredibly satisfying. But perhaps even more gratifying was watching my boys eagerly slurp it up – and yes, that includes the asparagus too! The beauty of this recipe lies in how the asparagus is cooked to a perfect crisp-tender texture, ensuring it retains a delightful, fresh bite rather than becoming mushy. This makes it appealing even to picky eaters, who often shy away from vegetables. The vibrant green of the asparagus also adds a lovely visual appeal, hinting at the freshness within.

While the bacon in this homemade asparagus soup recipe is entirely optional, I wholeheartedly recommend including it. Its smoky notes add an incredible depth of flavor that complements the delicate sweetness of the asparagus and the richness of the cream base beautifully. The crispy bacon bits offer a textural contrast that elevates the soup from simply delicious to truly extraordinary. There’s no denying that being sick is a real drag, draining your energy and enthusiasm. However, if there’s any silver lining to feeling under the weather, it’s having a perfectly valid excuse to indulge in a big, comforting bowl of this yummy, homemade asparagus soup. It’s a simple pleasure that can make even the toughest days a little brighter and more bearable.

Beyond the Bowl: Prioritizing Home Health and Indoor Air Quality

Getting sick can be incredibly frustrating, especially as a parent. I make every effort to shield my family and home from the onslaught of cold and flu season. If I had a nickel for every time I’ve said, “Boys! Go wash your hands!”, I’d probably be well on my way to early retirement! Despite our best efforts with hand hygiene and surface cleaning, it feels like there’s always another battle to fight against unseen germs and irritants. This ongoing struggle often makes me think about our living environment and what more we can do to protect our loved ones.

Did you know that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air? This startling fact truly highlights why when people exclaim, “I need a breath of fresh air!”, they rarely mean stepping inside a building. Our homes, while places of comfort, can trap allergens, dust, pet dander, mold spores, and even airborne viruses, contributing to respiratory issues and exacerbating allergies. Recognizing this, improving indoor air quality has become a significant focus for our family’s overall well-being. It’s not just about what you can see; it’s about the invisible elements that impact our health every single day.

Years ago, we understood the importance of clean air and had an air purifier in our home. With Chris’s severe allergies, it was an indispensable tool, and we could genuinely discern a difference in the air quality. It made breathing easier and significantly reduced his allergy symptoms. Unfortunately, one of the boys had an unfortunate mishap and knocked it over, rendering it unusable. We never got around to replacing it until a few weeks ago when I was fortunate enough to receive the Fellowes AeraMax™ DX-55 Air Purifier.

Experience the Difference with Fellowes AeraMax™ DX-55

From the moment I unboxed the Fellowes AeraMax™ DX-55, I was thoroughly impressed with its aesthetic appeal and thoughtful design. It boasts a very sleek, modern look that seamlessly blends into any home decor, and its small footprint means it doesn’t take up much valuable space. But beyond its appearance, the technology within is what truly shines. The AeraMax DX-55 features ultra-quiet operation, which is a blessing, especially in a busy household where you don’t want added noise pollution. Its intelligent sensor technology automatically monitors the surrounding air quality and adjusts its settings accordingly, taking the guesswork out of maintaining optimal air purification. The touch screen interface is remarkably user-friendly, making it simple to adjust settings manually if you ever desire more control. This combination of smart features and ease of use makes it an excellent addition to any home.

Just two days after I started running the air purifier, my husband came home from work and immediately noticed a significant difference in the air quality. It’s difficult to describe precisely, but he commented that not only did the air smell distinctly cleaner and fresher, it also felt “softer” to breathe. This noticeable improvement brought immense peace of mind. Knowing that there’s an active ally working tirelessly alongside me to help our family combat the pervasive threats of colds, flu, and allergens is incredibly reassuring. It’s an investment in health that pays dividends in clearer breathing and a healthier home environment.

To further enhance your family’s defense against illness, here’s a comprehensive 4-step process to significantly reduce the risk of cold and flu season affecting your home:

1. Ask about a Flu Shot: Consult with your healthcare provider about getting an annual flu shot. This simple preventive measure can significantly reduce your risk of contracting the flu or lessen the severity of symptoms if you do fall ill. It’s a proactive step for communal health.
2. Wash and Sanitize Hands Regularly: Reinforce the habit of frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. This is our first line of defense against germ transmission.
3. Wipe Down Surfaces with Powerful Disinfectants: Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home, such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and remote controls. Using effective disinfectants helps eliminate viruses and bacteria that can linger on surfaces.
4. Purify the Air Indoors: As highlighted, indoor air can harbor numerous pollutants. Utilizing a high-quality air purifier, like the Fellowes AeraMax DX-55, helps remove airborne particles, allergens, and even some viruses, contributing to a much healthier breathing environment.

You can purchase your very own Fellowes AeraMax™ DX-55 Air Purifier at BestBuy.com, with prices starting from $189.99. For our family, an air purifier is not merely a seasonal appliance; it’s something we intend to use year-round. Given Chris’s chronic seasonal allergies, it’s paramount that we consistently stay on top of the air quality within our home. This exceptional air purifier offers an effective and reliable solution to do just that, providing clean, fresh air for everyone, every day. It’s an essential tool for maintaining a healthy and comfortable living space, well beyond the confines of cold and flu season.

Mom’s Creamy Asparagus Soup Recipe

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Mom’s Creamy Asparagus Soup

My Mom’s Creamy Asparagus Soup is so delicious and is just bursting with fresh flavor! Comfort food at its best!

Course:

Entree, Side Dish, Soup

Cuisine:

American

Keyword:

asparagus soup

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

45 minutes

Total Time:

55 minutes

Servings:

4

Calories:

447 kcal

Author:

Trish – Mom On Timeout

Ingredients

• 6 slices lean bacon
• 6 tbsp butter
• 1 red onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp flour
• 2 cups half and half
• 1 cup water
• 1.8 oz Knorr Leek Soup mix (1 package)
• 2 bunches asparagus (about 40 spears, rinsed)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/8 tsp marjoram
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Snap off the tough bottoms of asparagus spears. Cut the tender tops into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
2. Cut bacon into bite-sized pieces and sauté in a large saucepan over medium heat until the fat has been rendered and the bacon is golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Drain most of the bacon fat from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add butter and the diced red onion to the pan. Sauté until the onions are soft and transparent, approximately 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in the flour, mixing it thoroughly with the butter and onion mixture to create a roux. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste.
5. Gradually whisk in the half and half, water, and the Knorr Leek Soup mix until well combined and smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
6. Add the prepared asparagus pieces to the simmering liquid.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and cook for 30 minutes, or until the asparagus is slightly tender but still retains a nice bite. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Stir in the dry white wine and marjoram. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with the reserved crispy bacon bits if desired.
10. This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.

Nutrition

Calories: 447kcal |
Carbohydrates: 31g |
Protein: 11g |
Fat: 32g |
Saturated Fat: 20g |
Cholesterol: 91mg |
Sodium: 1266mg |
Potassium: 755mg |
Fiber: 6g |
Sugar: 6g |
Vitamin A: 2662IU |
Vitamin C: 17mg |
Calcium: 213mg |
Iron: 5mg