How to Cook Healthy Meals at Home When You’re Busy AF

Working full time AND eating healthy, homemade meals can feel impossible, which is why you may want to turn to this YogaGlo series Better Than Takeout, created by yoga instructor Kathryn Budig. She shows you how to make six delicious, plant-based recipes that you can realistically cook up on weeknights. Here are her tips on how to eat well (and at home) even when you have zero time.

“The easiest way to take care of yourself is learning how to cook,” says Budig. “You get to see every single ingredient that goes into your meal, [you] avoid processed food, [and] you always have the option to add something green.” If cooking after a long day of work feels incredibly daunting, it’s time to reconsider. The Aim True author believes if you keep your kitchen stocked with staples, you can whip up a meal faster than it takes to order delivery. She suggests always having the following five essentials stocked up your kitchen:

  1. Cooking and Finishing Oils: Budig explains you need “a solid neutral oil for high heat cooking and a beautiful extra virgin oil for sautéing and finishing dishes.”
  2. Grains and Beans: Keep an assortment stocked “so you can make a big pot of grains and beans, and then you have the base for a quick and delicious meal. You just need to add fresh veg, protein, and an epic sauce,” she says.
  3. Flavorful Toppers: No meal is complete without pickled or punchy additions. “Think capers (instant flavor upgrade), preserved lemons (which amplifies any kind of protein or salad), kimchi (mix into fried rice or serve with eggs), or pickle your own assortment of veggies. Fermented food is great for the gut and makes any boring dish special. And hot sauce or dried chili peppers,” she says.
  4. Canned Light Coconut Milk: “I used this for everything. It’s my go-to dairy replacement, and is a wonderful addition to soups, sauces, and quick curries,” Budig tells us.
  5. Nutritional Yeast: “This might be random, but it’s a great way to get your B vitamins, the perfect dairy-free ‘cheesy’ flavor, and one of my favorite salad dressings when mixed with lemon, olive oil, and sea salt,” adds Budig.

If you do finally make it to that afterwork yoga class (go you!), here’s what to eat when you find yourself getting home around 9pm and having to wake up for work in less than 10 hours. “I’m a fan of coconut water, which packs the extra electrolytes,” she says. “I like to eat something with protein after my practice… I don’t recommend eating late, because you’re kicking your digestion into gear (high gear if it’s something heavy), which will mess with your ability to sleep soundly (and often results in some seriously odd dreams).”

When you do come home from a workout at a reasonable hour, Budig has two easy go to protein packed meals ideas. “I whip up grain-free pancakes. It’s basically egg, nut butter, and banana — filling and who doesn’t love pancakes?! I’m also a big fan of anything in a tortilla. Siete makes my favorite grain-free tortillas, and I warm them up filled with organic, local eggs, pickled red onions, and a quick sauté of whatever veggies I have on hand,” explains Budig.

Follow us on Pinterest for more easy weeknight meal recipes.

(Photos via YogaGlo)

Christmas cookie decorating is holiday tradition for us here at B+C, so we were so stoked to find this recipe for paleo cookies that adds a healthy twist to this classic holiday dessert. These sweet treats will shine among the rest of your Christmastime tablescape, and they are super easy to make. Plus, they'll pair well with just about any Christmas dessert. Just combine your paleo-friendly ingredients to prep the dough, let it sit overnight, then bake for ten minutes! The best part about this recipe is of course, all of the fun holiday-time shapes you can cut. Consider this recipe your go-to for healthy cookies, though, since you can make them year-round in any shape you like. Let's get to decorating!

Ingredients for Paleo Christmas Cookies

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For the cookies:

  • 1/2 cup grass-fed salted butter, softened
  • 6 tablespoons raw honey
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the frosting:

  • 6 tablespoons coconut butter or coconut manna
  • 1/4 cup cacao butter
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey
  • Plant-based food coloring
  • Vegetable-dyed sprinkles, for topping*
* Look for vegetable and fruit-dyed food coloring and sprinkles in natural grocery stores or online, and avoid artificial colors to keep these cookies Paleo friendly!

How to Make Paleo Christmas Cookies

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  1. Add the softened butter and honey to a large mixing bowl. Cream the mixture together using a handheld mixer until it is smooth. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract and whisk until they are well combined. Pour in the almond flour, coconut flour, and baking soda, and continue mixing until the batter has come together smoothly.
  2. Separate the dough into two, and place each one on top of a piece of plastic wrap. Roll each dough into a ball, then flatten to a thick disk, cover completely with the plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to firm up for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove one of the dough discs from the refrigerator, unwrap the plastic and place the dough on top of a piece of parchment paper, then top it with another piece of parchment paper. Use a roller to flatten out the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch thick. Work quickly with your favorite Christmas cookie cutters, and use a thin spatula to lift the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake the cookies in the oven for 10 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes, then place on a wire rack for further cooling. Gather the leftover scraps back into a ball in the plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it back in the refrigerator, while working with the other piece of dough. Do this in batches to keep the dough from getting too warm and so you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
  5. While the batches of cookies are baking, use a small saucepan to lightly melt the coconut butter and cacao butter together over low heat on the stovetop. Remove the pan from the heat when the ingredients have just melted together. Stir in the desired amount of honey, then set aside to cool and thicken up slightly. If you are using food coloring, add in the desired amount into the frosting mixture (1-2 teaspoons of green or red should do the trick). If you plan on only using white frosting, only use a small amount of honey, as it can make the frosting an off-white or light brown color.
  6. After the cookies have completely cooled, decorate them with the frosting and sprinkles as desired. If you don’t have any professional piping tools, an easy fix is to place the frosting in a plastic sandwich bag and remove all the air when sealing the top. Cut a tiny tip off one corner of the plastic bag, then gently squeeze and pipe over the cookies. Use one plastic bag or piping bag for each color of frosting. Top with corresponding sprinkles and enjoy!

Is your mouth watering yet? Check out our newsletter for more delicious holiday recipe ideas!

Recipe development and photography by Sarah Anderson.

Emma Stone made waves when she showed up to the A Real Pain premiere in September with a wig (fans are convinced she shaved her head for Yorgos Lanthimos' new movie Bugonia) — but she made an even bigger statement when she showed up to the 2025 Golden Globes with a chic new pixie cut! The bold hair choice is equal parts chic and edgy, and basically confirms 2025 will be a year of vintage style. I'm totally here for it!

Keep reading to see Emma Stone's brand "nutmeg" new pixie cut.

Emma Stone rocked a chic new hairstyle on the Golden Globes red carpet.

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Emma Stone paired her new 'do with a strapless, bright red, custom Louis Vuitton dress, complete with a belt featuring a bow detail. Considering red was THE color of 2024, I think this was the perfect shade to welcome the new year, and it complements her auburn hair and natural lip super nicely!

"Emma Stone’s gorgeous Nutmeg Pixie! 💃We wanted to keep her natural and close to her own color, and just like natural hair, cameras and lighting will change how its photographed," hairstylist Tracey Cunningham says on Instagram. "I glossed her with @schwarzkopfusa vibrance allover 8-0/10 + 7-55/10 + 7-57/10 + 9-7/10 with 6 vol for 20 mins and then on top I layered another gloss 0-77+0-55+0-77 with 6 vol for 5 mins. And afterwards she washed it out to with @olaplex No 4 and No 5!"

Emma Stone reportedly shaved her head for her new movie.

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- YouTube

At the premiere of A Real Pain, Emma Stone showed off the edge of her wig to Kieran Culkin's wife Jazz Charton, but it's not the first time in 2024 Emma's hair (or lack thereof) was the center of attention.

The actress was seen walking around London in August of 2024 with a beanie hiding her buzzcut, and all the secrecy has really got me wondering — will her hair in the movie be a totally new color? Or will it feature funky patterns? Only time will tell.

What kind of hair does Emma Stone have?

Despite being known for her red hair, Emma Stone is actually a natural blonde. "Weirdly, I identify myself with
red hair a bit more," she told Elle Canada in 2013. "I felt like myself for a while when I first dyed it blond, but the grass is always greener, you know? – or always redder or blonder on the other side...Studios are paying to change it, so it’s a fantasy to have all these different hair colours."

“When I dyed my hair red again, my best friend since I was 11 walked into my apartment and said, ‘You know, you look funnier as a redhead — you looked like such a b—ch when you were blonde,’” Emma joked in a 2011 interview with NJ.com.

What do you think of Emma Stone's new pixie cut? It wasn't the only memorable moment from the awards show, either. Demi Moore's acceptance speech brought us to tears and Zendaya showed off her new engagement ring! 2025 is already off to a very good start.

Minimal effort — that's our favorite phrase. Do a bit of arranging, brushing, and drizzling, then let the oven take care of the rest of the work for a dinner that's sure to end up on your regular recipe rotation. We use chopped potatoes, carrots, and red onion in this honey mustard chicken recipe, but you could easily replace 'em with baby new potatoes, baby carrots, and shallots (or scallions) to skip the knife work!

Bonus: Throw a bit of cooked couscous or quinoa in the leftovers (maybe a cheeky sprinkling of goat cheese too), and tomorrow's lunch is sorted. If you love the sheet-pan method, take a look at some of these veggie sheet pan dinners.

Now onto our delicious honey mustard chicken recipe!

Ingredients for Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Chicken

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  • 3 large red-skinned potatoes, chopped into bite-size chunks
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-size chunks
  • 1 large red onion, peeled and sliced into chunky wedges
  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 medium head of broccoli, broken into florets
  • 20 asparagus spears
  • Small bunch of parsley, finely chopped

Directions for Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Chicken

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Arrange the potatoes, carrots, onion, and chicken breasts on a large sheet pan.

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3. Mix together the honey, mustard, and brown sugar. Brush this mixture on the chicken breasts. Drizzle two tablespoons of the oil over the chicken and vegetables, then sprinkle on the salt and pepper. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes.

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4. Take the sheet pan out of the oven. Use a spatula to turn the vegetables over, then add the broccoli and asparagus. Drizzle on the remaining oil and sprinkle on another pinch of salt and pepper. Place back in the oven to cook for a further 5-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

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5. Sprinkle with parsley and serve!

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This post has been updated.

Trader Joe’s is pure proof that you don’t need to spend big bucks to find amazingly satisfying foods to stock your fridge and pantry. TJ’s has a ton of goodies under $5 – from cult-favorite snacks to filling frozen meals! These affordable Trader Joe’s finds are undeniably packed with flavor and value.

Get ready to shop the best Trader Joe’s finds under $5!

Trader Joe's

Creamy Dreamy Hummus

Made with double the amount of tahini as your traditional hummus would be, this $2.50 dip boasts a "luxuriously smooth" texture and the perfect amount of savory-ness for dunking in veggie sticks and crackers.

Trader Joe's

Spicy Honey Sauce

Trader Joe's $5 take on hot honey is so good. Put it on sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, or pastas, and you def won't regret it.

Trader Joe's

Soft & Juicy Mango

Even though these $2 strips of mango are dried, they still have a soft and juicy feel to them. This makes the ultimate hiking or camping snack for someone with a sweet tooth!

Trader Joe's

Crunchy Curls

The unique shape of this $3 snack alone makes it feel super fancy. The little curls have a ncie savory taste, thanks to the lentil flour and potato starch they're made of.

Trader Joe's

Mirepoix

Why go through all of the work picking a good onion, celery stalk, and carrots and chopping 'em up for a soup or stew when you can snag this pre-cut $3 mirepoix from Trader Joe's? It still tastes just as fresh and delicious, plus you didn't have to whip out the cutting board once.

Trader Joe's

Super Chocolatey Chocolate Chunk Cookie Dough

The most luxurious cookies always have a ton of chocolate chips in them. This $5 pre-made cookie dough is chockfull of chocolate – per TJ's, it makes up over 25% of the recipe! Sprinkle some flaky sea salt over the freshly baked goods to amp up the flavors even more.

Trader Joe's

Mini Quiche Duo

This $5 pack of mini quiches includes two elevated flavors: Mushroom & Swiss Cheese Mini Quiches and Uncured Bacon & Sweet Onion Mini Quiches. Snag a box to perfect the easiest hosting hack around.

Trader Joe's

Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings

The hype surrounding TJ's soup dumplings is so real. One $3.49 box gives you half a dozen broth- and chicken-filled dumplings that turn out so tasty, even though they're just made in the microwave. Pair this plate with some chili crunch and soy sauce if you're craving lotsa good flavor.

Trader Joe's

Dark Chocolate Covered Mini Pretzels

Dark chocolate is the best chocolate... we don't make the rules. This $3.49 bag of dipped pretzels gives you the best of both worlds when it comes to sweet and savory treats!

Trader Joe's

Perfect Bar Peanut Butter Protein Bar

We don't know about you, but 17 grams of protein for $2.29 is too good of a deal to pass up! The Perfect Bar is quite literally perfect for fueling any activity.

Trader Joe's

Spinach & Ricotta Raviolini

Trader Joe's selection of pre-made pastas is pretty solid, and most of them are easily under $5. This spinach and ricotta combo is the bomb. With or without pasta sauce, it's sure to please for an easy lunch or dinner.

Trader Joe's

Ranch Seasoned Cashews

We're always hunting for Trader Joe's snacks under $5 as an excuse to bulk up our shopping carts and have a lil' somethin' to munch on during the workweek. These $4 cashews are perfectly seasoned with ranch flavoring for a savory escape.

Trader Joe's

Dark Chocolate Ganache Mini Sheet Cake

Because who can resist cake?! Trader Joe's $5 sheet cake is shoppable in this delectable dark chocolate flavor or even an impressive chantilly cream vanilla bean variety. You can choose to jazz either of them up with chopped nuts, fresh berries, birthday candles, edible flowers – or all of the above!

Trader Joe's

Sweet Chili Sauce

This $1.69 bottle of sweet chili sauce tastes exactly like the sauce you'd get with crab and cream cheese rangoons when you order takeout. Stock up for cheap and have it easily on-hand to enjoy with stir fries, fried rice dishes, and homemade (or TJ's ready-made) dumplings!

Trader Joe's

Meyer Lemon & Cream Yogurt

This $3 4-pack of "rich" and "creamy" yogurt is crafted with real Meyer lemon juice concentrate, cream, and natural flavorings. Its yellow-y color comes from turmeric, so you won't find any artificial food dyes here. Fancyyy.

Trader Joe's

Milk Chocolate Covered Honeycomb Candy

You've never seen a $4 candy like this before – crunchy, airy, and light honeycomb crisps covered in silky milk chocolate. Be careful, because one bag will go quick. You won't want to share.

Trader Joe's

Parmesan, Garlic & Herb Butter

Made of 25% Parmesan cheese, this $3 brick of salted butter is perfect for easily elevating your dishes. The cheese is worked in alongside some dried garlic and parsley for extra yum. TJ's recommends trying it on baked potatoes, scrambled eggs, popcorn, and roasted veggies!

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more of the latest and greatest Trader Joe's finds!

The astrology for this week will reflect sensitive, dreamy, unfocused energy and yet it also stimulates a real pathway to our personal evolution through creativity, spirituality, and sensuality. On January 11, the nodes of the Moon, representing our collective transformation will change from the dynamic paradox of Aries and Libra to the dreamy manifesting axis of Pisces and Virgo. We are collectively encouraged to let go of our need to control and release tendencies of perfectionism. Instead, trust and faith are emphasized. I will talk more about this in future writings.

Keep reading to see your lucky weekly horoscope for the week of January 5-12, 2025.

What's happening astrologically during January 5-12, 2025?

Destiny Buchman/Dupe Photos

Mars, the planet of action, is traversing the tender, family-oriented sign of Cancer on its retrograde track this week. Memories will likely surface that either make us nostalgic for better times or remind us of painful times we thought were safely in the past. Use this energy to face whatever comes up, learn from the lessons your memories provide, and move forward to create the life you desire.

Mars has a lot of power, and while it is retrograde, it is wise to take things slowly, try not to rush, but also to take action to harness what you need to grow. Look back in your journal or photo library in October through early November 2024, when Mars was direct in Cancer. Did something become evident during that time that tugged at your heartstrings? We will all yearn for a simpler time. Mars will turn direct again in February 2025 and will remain in Cancer until mid-April. These months will likely be bittersweet. Practice self-care and self-compassion.

Daisy Davis/Dupe Photos

Our reflections of the past are a catalyst to healing. If we can face, accept, and own our vulnerabilities, we can rise above any self-limiting beliefs. The energies support exercising our capacity for resilience. On January 8th, Chiron, the wounded healer and Shaman of the Zodiac in Aries, is squaring the Sun in Capricorn.

Don’t believe everything you think, as Mercury in Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces on January 6th. Events will likely be dramatic on the world stage, and unless you thrive in a dramatic environment, it is best to lay low until Mercury moves into the stable, practical sign of Capricorn on January 8th. Use the early part of the week to get creative, practice your art, or spend time meditating, doing yoga, or walking in nature. Stay clear of mind-altering drugs or alcohol as things will be hazy or confusing. If you must engage in important business or legal matters, be sure to consult a professional to get advice or to review important documents before signing the bottom line.

Jenna Langford/Dupe Photos

Acts of kindness, courage, and standing up for the underdog will fulfill an essential need to be part of your community. This week is an excellent time to volunteer at the local food bank or to walk dogs at the local shelter. Ask yourself, “How can I make the world a better place?” and act on every chance you get to be courteous, kind, and generous as Mars forms a trine with Neptune, exact on January 12.

If you would like to know more about how these and other transits affect you personally, contact me at SevenSistersAstrology.com for a reading.

Read Your Weekly Horoscope For Your Sun & Rising Signs

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Aries (March 21 – April 19)

You will likely crave anything that provides a new experience or an expanded viewpoint. It is a perfect time to broaden your horizons, be it through travel or learning. Make sure you are motivated by more than boredom but by a true desire to grow and learn. Take advantage of this opportunity to synthesize your life by joining together seemingly disparate parts. The big picture will become clear if you consciously seek ways to learn and grow.

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Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Your emotions will be heightened this week. You might find yourself attracted to intense people and a desire to experience life on more soulful or profound levels. Allow yourself to explore these emotions. Spend time in quiet contemplation to get clear about what it means to live life in a more profound way. Take advantage of any opportunity to express yourself about topics that are usually taboo or not easy to discuss.

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Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

In your personal life, you can successfully broach sensitive topics with your loved ones to create more harmonious relationships. Use compassionate language and approach each opportunity to get closer with patience and kindness. In your professional life, negotiations are favored if you meet each occasion with respect and a desire for long-term collaboration. Communicate with a desire for reciprocity and fairness for all concerned.

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Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Focus on details, stay organized, and be ready for any mutually beneficial encounters as you actively pursue your goals. Your intellect will be keen, and you will have an eye toward practical, achievable solutions. Strive to maintain an energetic balance in your activities and tend to your mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. This is potentially a busy week; keep any anxieties in check and practice mindfulness daily.

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Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Take advantage of every opportunity to express yourself creatively and clearly. Don’t forget to interject playfulness and joyfulness in your life. Connect with your natural child-like enthusiasm and approach everything you can with curiosity and wonder. Engage in lively conversations whenever you can. Interactions with strangers, through social media or in direct conversations, will illuminate your strengths and unique attributes. You are an essential part of the greater fabric of life, and the more you express yourself, the clearer that becomes to you.

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Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Dig deep to access your courage this week. Don’t let a fear of criticism or failure keep you from pursuing your goals. Seek like-minded allies and use family connections for support. Rely on your sharp intellect to communicate. Focus on solid solutions and practical proposals. Keep in mind that what you actively strive for needs to benefit not only yourself but those around you, as well. You are entering a powerful time to align your desires with the zeitgeist.

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Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Your mental abilities are strong. Use your sharp intellect to maintain curiosity and keep an open mind to learn new things. Listen more than talk as your conversations will broaden your horizons; challenge the status quo by expanding your understanding. This is a time for gathering information and knowledge from a wide variety of sources to tap into solutions that apply to a wide audience. Remain adaptable, flexible, and open-minded.

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Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

This is a critical time to integrate your internal value system with the outer manifestations of your life. How do your financial and material realities reflect your deeper beliefs? It is a time to align these parts of your life. Use your strong rational mind in balance with your acute inner intuition when faced with making choices and decisions. Our bodies hold accumulated wisdom from our lives and our ancestors’ lives. Tap into how a choice feels in your body before acting.

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Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Conversations this week offer a chance to not only articulate your ideas but to refine them. The seeds you plant, if properly tended to, will likely result in successful endeavors. Use this time to expand your ideas by engaging with people who may not think or believe as you do. Travel during this time will be especially fruitful as you will be forced to see life from a fresh perspective. You might also be interested in changing your appearance and the way you present yourself to the world. Observe any reactions to these changes from a curious viewpoint.

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Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Solitude is essential as you connect with the deep layers of your essence. Hidden facets of your nature are yearning to come to your awareness, and as you take time for introspection, these obscure elements of yourself can be revealed. A clear mind and heart will allow these new parts of yourself to be released. Refrain from judging whatever is uncovered. Try expressing any newfound awareness with written words or through music or poetry. Connect with your spiritual side as often as you can.

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Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

Use this week to network and engage in community activities. You might find yourself questioning if your social networks and friends share your dreams and aspirations. If they do, use the time to strengthen, nurture, and honor those connections. If you feel disconnected, engage in honest and truthful conversations about your priorities and visions, and listen to their dreams on an equal level. Be willing to envelop their ideas into yours to enhance compassion and inclusivity. This is not a time to go it alone but to find strength in numbers and diversity.

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Pisces (February 20 – March 20)

Your career is in focus. It is a good time for strategic, long-term planning. Envision a way to expand your skills through education or training. Invest in yourself to achieve your ambitions. Make every effort to keep the big picture in mind and not get lost in the small details. Focus on your core values as you strive for your ideals. If sacrifices need to be made to reach your goals, any short-term discomfort will be worth the effort. Emphasize your unique talents when making decisions.

Looking for a more thorough reading? Reach out to Tina at SevenSistersAstrology.com!

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