JJC Blog

Did you know that volunteering can improve your health? According to the Huffington Post, 94 percent of people surveyed said that volunteering helped put them in a good mood.

With the holiday season right around the corner, now is the perfect time to start giving back to your community. If you're not sure where to start, we've compiled a list of five organizations below.

Want to see more?
Click here for additional opportunities (list organized by the JJC Office of Holistic Wellness)

Cinco De Mayo is only one week away! The popular Mexican holiday is celebrated in the United States and Mexico every May 5 to commemorate a battle between the Mexican army and the French forces of Napoleon III more than 150 years ago.

At JJC, we asked three of our chefs from the Culinary Arts Department to share their favorite Mexican dishes in celebration of the holiday.

Check them out below!

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, the gift giving season is upon us. Not sure what you want this year? Maybe you don't know what to buy/make your friends or significant other - or you're a parent struggling to come up with gift ideas for your son or daughter in college.

From just-for-fun to practical gifts and DIYs, here are a few ideas to get you in the gift giving spirit!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner (how did that happen?!), and a lot of our students are reflecting on the things they are most grateful for this holiday season. And why not be thankful for the things that we have? Studies have shown that gratitude improves happiness.

Are any of the things you're most thankful for the same as what our students have mentioned below?

January is almost over – how are your New Year’s resolutions coming along? If the answer is ‘not great’ or 'I don't want to talk about it,' don’t worry, it’s not too late to turn things around! Read on for helpful tips to keep your resolutions going all year long.

1. Tell your #Squad.

Individuals that let others know about their resolutions are more likely to keep them. So fill your family, friends – or if you’re feeling bold – Facebook community in on your 2016 goals. Having the backing of the people you care about can go a long way (and it really ups the accountability factor).

2. Try the 15 Minute Rule.

Doesn’t it seem like when you try to give something up, that’s the only thing you can think about? Next time the ‘craving’ hits, take note of the time, and then give yourself 15 minutes before giving in. In the meantime, do a task or activity that keeps you occupied – like scrolling through Facebook, going for a walk or calling a friend. Often, these cravings are a result of visual cues – example: watching a Pepsi commercial and then making a beeline for the vending machine. By giving your brain something else to do for those 15 minutes, you’ll likely forget all about the craving.

3. Visualize Your Success.

It’s been scientifically proven that individuals who physically see their resolutions are more likely to keep them. Try writing your goals down on paper, or printing out images of the people or places that inspired them in the first place – like a picture of your family. Put these items near spots that tempt you, like a family photo where you usually keep your cigarettes, or your written weight loss resolutions on the cabinet with the Girl Scout cookies.

4. Be Careful What You Wish For.

It’s easy to make a blanket resolution like “I want to lose 10 lbs.” But this type of resolution requires you to take multiple sub-steps in order to be successful.  For example, if you’re trying to lose weight, a few extra minutes on the treadmill every week isn’t going to cut it. You’ll likely need to cook and eat differently, start a consistent workout routine or even avoid certain places altogether. (Maybe stepping inside Starbucks without ordering a 400-cal. Frappuccino sounds like medieval torture). Those that think through the sub-steps and possible roadblocks associated with their resolutions are more likely to keep them.

5. Rework the Absolutes.

Think back to your last fight with a family member or significant other. Did you find yourself saying (or screaming) “You ALWAYS…” or “You NEVER...” The words ‘always’ and ‘never’ are absolutes, and while they typically don’t help you win arguments, they definitely don’t help you keep resolutions. If you made a resolution like, “I’m never smoking again,” try reworking it to instead include a limited restriction. “I’ll only smoke on the weekends.” Continue refining the resolution based on your progress, until you ultimately DO quit smoking.

Thanksgiving – a time for family, football and food….lots of food (and if you’re like me, a good pair of ‘after-dinner-fat-pants’). But before the eating comes the prepping, and that’s where we can help! Read on for a list of our best Thanksgiving Tips and Tricks. 

SPOILER ALERT: These tips won’t help you escape Aunt Millie’s ‘hilarious’ story about her cat, or your grandpa’s thoughts on the 2016 presidential race.  

1. Prep Like a Boss

Ever heard the saying, ‘However long you think it’s going to take, double it.’ Same goes for party prepping. Crossing a few items off your to-do list the day before will save you some serious scramble time the evening of the party – even if you think you’ll have ‘plenty of time to get it all done.’ Prep self-serve drinks, stick Post-It notes to empty platters and bowls indicating where the food should go or prepare a few fridge-friendly dips or desserts that you can pop into the oven an hour before guests arrive. 

2. Set the Mood

No, this step does not involve Marvin Gaye. Create a relaxed dinner vibe by dimming the lights, lighting a few candles, or turning on some dinner tunes using a custom playlist or Pandora. (Bonus: the first two suggestions will make any space look elegant and may hide any spots you missed while cleaning.)

3. Brine Baby Brine

When in doubt, follow the advice of JJC’s Chef Michael McGreal, “When roasting a turkey, let the meat rest in a homemade brine for 6-8 hours before cooking. Brining allows the protein to absorb moisture and retain it during the roasting process, making the meat moist, tender and flavorful.” 

Raise of hands - who's attempted a festive holiday Pin and had it go horribly, horribly wrong. Don't worry, you're not alone (myself included).

The JJC culinary department has the answer to your Pinterest-fail blues. ‘JJ-see how it’s done’ in this step-by-step Halloween cookie decorating video.

Step 1:
Buy icing – and no, Funfetti frosting won’t cut it here. You can purchase the good stuff at Michaels or off the Wilton website.

Step 2:
Fill your piping bag with icing. Where can you find the bags? You guessed it, also at Michaels or off the Wilton site. (Need a thriftier option? Try Walmart or your local dollar store.)