On my path to healing from breast cancer and treatment, I've done a lot of research on anti-inflammatory recipes. Dates are an ingredient that I've seen many times as a healthy alternative in sweet treats.

I MUST have my sweets, so I put my own spin on a "Snickers Date." They're quick, easy, and I'd choose to eat them over a real Snickers!

There are many different ways to make these using peanut butter, dark chocolate, peanuts, etc., but I used what I had, and the combination was yummy.

What I Used:

• Flat Pan with Parchment Paper
• Medjool Dates
• Almond Butter
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• Walnuts

Start by cutting the dates in half and laying them out on a parchment-lined pan. I prefer fresh dates, but this Joolies brand is good when I can't make it to Natural Grocers.

Use a spoon to place a bit of almond butter down the middle of each halved date.

I melt about a 1/4 cup of chocolate chips, heating in the microwave in 30 second intervals until I get to the texture I want. Then I drizzle the chocolate over the dates.

Break up walnuts and place on top of the warm chocolate.

Place pan of dates in the fridge until the chocolate solidifies. I usually forget about them...so maybe 30 to 60 minutes!

Once chilled, place in an airtight container and store in the fridge. I like to reuse the parchment paper from the pan and stack the dates inside a small container.

If you give these a try, let me know if you like them! They won't last long.

I have been on a breast cancer journey over the past year and self-care has needed to be put front and center. I had two surgeries, which brought new scars. There was a lot of mental and emotional weight to carry, which brought new wrinkles.

Reducing use of harmful chemicals in our house is something I'm trying to do in small ways. This is one of them. I created two healing essential oil serums, one for scar repair and one for anti-aging. I have enjoyed using these and feel that they have been effective for me.

​Scar Repair Serum Recipe

Place the following essential oils into an amber bottle FIRST:

• 2 drops Helichrysum (Skin regeneration, repair damaged skin)
• 2 drops Frankincense (Reduce inflammation, aid healing)
• 2 drops Lavender (Tissue regeneration, calms skin)
• 2 drops Patchouli (Skin health, healing)
• 2 drops Carrot Seed (Good for older scars)

Place the following carrier oils into the same amber bottle SECOND:

• 1 tbsp Rosehip Seed Oil (Rich in Vitamin A/Retinol)
• 1 tbsp Golden Jojoba Oil (Mimics skin sebum for deep absorption)

Close the bottle and roll it between your palms to mix without creating air bubbles.

How to Use
Before using, patch test on your inner forearm for 24 hours before wider use.

Use 3-5 drops at a time, 2-3 times daily. Warm the oil in your palms and massage into scars. This is the massage technique I have been using:

​Place the following essential oils into an amber bottle FIRST:

• 2 drops Helichrysum (Tissue remodeling, healing)
• 2 drops Frankincense (Firms, lifts aging skin)
• 2 drops Geranium (Restore elasticity, hydration)
• 1/4 tsp Vitamin E (Antioxidant that preserves serum, repairs skin)

Place the following carrier oils into the same amber bottle SECOND:

• 1 tbsp Rosehip Seed Oil (Rich in Vitamin A/Retinol)
• 1 tbsp Golden Jojoba Oil (Mimics skin sebum for deep absorption)

Close the bottle and roll it between your palms to mix without creating air bubbles.

How to Use
Before using, patch test on your inner forearm for 24 hours before wider use.

Apply at night after washing face.

Use 3-5 drops at a time. Warm the oil in your palms and gently press into deep lines around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.