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Some sharing, some crackers and cheese and some smiles make me happy. I recently wrote about the weekly 4 p.m. happy hour at the senior center where my aunt lived in Katy.

She’s moving to be closer to her daughter’s family. Boy, did all her friends there and at church say some emotional goodbyes. It’s easy to see how people gravitate to her light and spirit.

So this particular happy hour always drew families in to visit and they spread out your  basic sweet and savory bites of pretzels, supermarket platters of cheese and meats and maybe some individual guacamole packets. Easy and good. I love to get all fancy, but sometimes you just don’t have the time. My personal favorite picnics often include canned fish and dolmas with fresh bread. Point being, it’s the company that often makes a gathering happy. But also, I’m

perfectly pleased to have a happy hour with my own self. If I’m overlooking the water, even better.

 

Good Dee’s – Good Dee’s Carrot Muffin & Cake Mix, as a cake, was a hit at the senior happy hour. Especially since I pointed out this gluten-free treat was also low carb, it went fast. People love a carrot cake flavor. Now Good Dee’s Corn Free Bread, a keto-friendly mix, is something I kept for myself! Just add eggs, butter and apple cider vinegar to this quickie. Both were very easy to produce and enjoy. Read about the creator’s journey at www.gooddees.com

 

Sipping Streams – Put some matcha in your lip balm and discover Alaskan Fireweed in your creamed honey. Who says tea is boring? There are so many flavors and varieties from Sipping Streams you may be choosing by color and texture. The little buds are colorful and the flavor is supreme. Their site, www.sippingstreams.com, will take novice tea lovers to another level and

I’m betting tea fanatics can also learn a thing or two. Excuse me, I’ve got to get back to the  creamed honey. It’s sooo smooth.

 

SVRY Nutrition – Cheddar & Jalapeno is a count-me-in flavor. Tired of sticky-sweet health  bars? Go savory with satisfying Cheddar & Chive, Parmesan & Black Pepper, Tomato & Basil, etc. These are great for road trips and desk drawers. I don’t climb rocks like people on the site do, but everyone needs a nutritious pick-me-up and these flavors are “designed to fuel your taste

buds, body and goals.” Get a tasting order with ready-to-mic bone Bone Broth, Coffee and Rooibos Tea for a protein boost. Not every company is proud of their healthy stuff and can offer  such a wide variety. These guys are champs. I enjoyed the flavor and ease of the products. In fact, I kept one in my purse during a trip and just had a nibble at a time over days for delicious sustenance. www.svrynutrition.com

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie working toward a Lenten season heavy on the beans and rice. darraghcastillo@icloud.com