Author: myaznook

  • Library resources you probably don’t know about that will change your life.

    Howdy!! All of these are online library resources available on Kindles, phones, and web browsers, so you can have some variety. I know you sometimes want to get rid of your phone altogether, too. For me, it’s always important for people to know exactly what resources are out there because I once was one of those people who did not!  

    Note: Some libraries may not offer all of the resources I list. If they do not, try chatting with your librarian to see if your local library has the funding to support the addition of the resources listed. If not, check with other county libraries and see if they offer them there. Branches are quite wide and enjoy extending resources.

    Where to find these online resources: Look up your local library website and then search E-media/ Online resources.


    Resource 1: Flipster is an online magazine app available on the web and phone. Here you can find a variety of magazines that date back to the early 2000s. On my current list, there’s Woodworking, Better Nutrition, Better Homes & Gardens, Astrology, and Bon Appétit. Whatever you’re into, they have it on here! If you enjoy bookmarking, they have tabs for note-taking and saving pages. Great if you enjoy magazines but don’t want them collected in your home.

    Resources 2: Rosetta Stone/ language learning: My personal Favorite!! A passion of mine is actually language learning! A goal of mine is to speak multiple languages to broaden my communication with people. So, to see the library offer this FOR FREE was honestly mindblowing! Different libraries offer different languages, but a few I’ve seen are: Arabic, Chinese, German, English, French, Greek, Irish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Tagalog, Swedish, Turkish, Vietnamese, and so much more. Personally, I’ve been using it to learn Mandarin Chinese and wow… I really enjoy it. They offer extensive classes that focus on pronunciation and grammar. and helps you build up context clues through multiple speech and text questions.

    Resource 3: Hoopla: Free web and phone app that gives you access to audiobooks, movies, TV shows, comics/ manga, and music! Depending on your library, you can access 5-7 borrows each month, and it resets each month! If you finish something, you can return it to get more borrows. I am currently reading: Braiding Sweetgrass and a Chinese medicine book.

    Resource 4: Libby: online library literally!! Amazing for newer book releases & audiobooks. Suitable with Kindle, which I find amazing! Has over 1 million books available.

    Resource 5: Kanopy: This one is for my movie watchers!! Kanopy is the place for you, especially if you enjoy older, historical, educational films, or just classic TV and movies! I was browsing the other day and came across one of my favorite childhood movies. CLUELESS!! Some categories they offer: the arts, business, education, global studies & languages, health, media, science, social science, and series.

    Resource 6: Universal class: Last but not least, and my ultimate favorite! Yes, still free. Universal class. Universal Class is an online learning resource with over 1,000 classes. I currently have a strong interest in nutrition and found a nutrition 101 class that offers 11 lessons with exams! I find that super cool. Some categories offered: accounting, business, finance, science, medicine, law, crafts & hobbies, personal development, writing, psychology, etc!!


    Bonus resources: In-person free clubs and activities within the library: check your local library’s calendars to see when they have group classes like yoga. Craft and yap, language classes, book clubs, and garden clubs. Archives: art prints + old stories + research papers

    That is all I have for you today!! Please remember, even in times of overconsumption, resources are out there that you can engage with that will bring fulfillment. With a balance of both online and in-person free resources, a nice shift can be made. If you wish to watch my related videos I will link them here! Happy Learning!

    Focuses on physical media within libraries, clubs, garden accessibility, and more!!

  • Coloring Sheet Printable!! Free

    Hi Mya here! I hope you enjoy these printables I made a year back! They are here when you want a free and fun craft <3

  • Black Sesame Cookie

    Black Sesame Cookie

    Prep Time 55 minutes
    Cook Time 14 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour 9 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Course: Dessert

    Ingredients
      

    Cookie ingredients:
    • 1/2 cup 113g unsalted butter softened
    • 1 cup 220g packed brown sugar light or dark
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1 1/2 cups 188g all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup 170g semi-sweet chocolate chips optional
    • Flaky sea salt for topping is optional
    Black sesame paste Ingredients:
    • 1 tbsp black sesame powder
    • 1 ½ tbsp honey
    • ¼ tsp water

    Method
     

    Black Sesame Recipe:
    1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and place in the fridge for about 5-10 minutes.
    Cookies Recipe:
    1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until creamy and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
    2. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
    3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
    4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
    5. Gently fold in black sesame paste (optional: chocolate chips) to create a slight marble effect. (see video @ 7:48-8:02:
    6. Scoop the dough into 1- or 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
    7. Drizzle the top of the dough with extra paste
    8. Freeze the dough balls for 30 minutes or until firm.
    9. Place frozen dough balls directly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–13 minutes, or until the edges are golden, and the centers are still slightly soft (I recommend baking on the top rack)

    Video

  • S’mores Cookie

    S’mores Cookie

    Prep Time 55 minutes
    Cook Time 14 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour 9 minutes
    Servings: 8

    Ingredients
      

    Cookie ingredients:
    • 1/2 cup 113g unsalted butter softened
    • 1 cup 220g packed brown sugar light or dark
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1 1/2 cups 188g all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup 170g semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • A pack of Graham crackers
    • 8 Jumbo Marshmallows or 1/2 cup vegan mini marshmallows
    • Flaky sea salt for topping is optional

    Method
     

    S’mores cookies:
    1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until creamy and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
    2. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
    3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
    4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
    5. Scoop the dough into 1- or 2-tablespoon-sized balls.
    6. On a parchment-lined pan, Option 1: place 1 graham cracker square, then top with a marshmallow. Carefully, lay cookie dough on top. Option 2: add vegan mini marshmallows (recommended to keep the design) to the center of the cookie dough and roll into dough balls. Top with 3 extra mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbles. See video @ 8:08- 8:35 )
    7. Freeze the dough balls for 30 minutes or until firm.
    8. Place frozen dough balls directly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–13 minutes, or until the edges are golden, and the centers are still slightly soft (I recommend baking on the top rack)

    Video

  • Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie

    Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie

    Prep Time 55 minutes
    Cook Time 14 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour 9 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Course: Dessert

    Ingredients
      

    Cookie ingredients:
    • 1/2 cup 113g unsalted butter softened
    • 1 cup 220g packed brown sugar light or dark
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1 1/2 cups 188g all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup 170g semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • Flaky sea salt for topping optional
    Toffee Ingredients:
    • ¼ cup salted butter
    • ½ cup brown sugar

    Method
     

    Toffee recipe:
    1. In a cold pot, add butter and sugar.
    2. Turn on the heat to about medium heat.
    3. Stir regularly (about 5–10 minutes) until it reaches a thick caramel texture (see video for reference @ 0:38-1:25 timestamp ).
    4. Turn off the heat and in a parchment-lined pan, pour the hot toffee to set. This should take about 15–20 minutes.
    5. Once cooled, place into a zip-lock bag and smash with a mallet or anything heavy.
    6. Done!
    Cookies recipe :
    1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until creamy and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
    2. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
    3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
    4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
    5. Fold in the chocolate and toffee brittle
    6. Scoop the dough into 1- or 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
    7. Top with 2–3 small toffee bits
    8. Freeze the dough balls for 30 minutes or until firm.
    9. Place frozen dough balls directly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–13 minutes, or until the edges are golden, and the centers are still slightly soft (I recommend baking on the top rack)

    Video

  • Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookie

    Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookie

    Prep Time 55 minutes
    Cook Time 14 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour 9 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Course: Dessert

    Ingredients
      

    Cookie Ingredients:
    • 1/2 cup 113g unsalted butter softened
    • 1 cup 220g packed brown sugar light or dark
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1 1/2 cups 188g all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup 170g semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • Flaky sea salt for topping is optional
    Strawberry candy/brittle Ingredients:
    • ¼ cup strawberry jam
    • 2 tbsp strawberry powder
    • ¼ cup water
    • ½ cup granulated sugar

    Method
     

    Strawberry Brittle Recipe:
    1. In a cold pot, add strawberry jam, powder, water, and sugar.
    2. Turn on the heat to medium.
    3. Mix for about 2-3 minutes until sugar is fully melted ( see video reference at @ 1:26-2:29 for in-depth tutorial )
    4. While stirring regularly, bring the candy to 300 Fahrenheit or 149 Celsius
    5. Turn off the heat, and in a parchment-lined pan, pour the hot candy to set. This should take about 15–20 minutes.
    6. Once cooled, place into a zip-lock bag and smash with a mallet or anything heavy.
    7. Done!
    Cookie Recipe:
    1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until creamy and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
    2. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
    3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
    4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
    5. Fold in the chocolate and strawberry brittle.
    6. Scoop the dough into 1- or 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
    7. Top with 2–3 small strawberry candy.
    8. Freeze the dough balls for 30 minutes or until firm.
    9. Place frozen dough balls directly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–13 minutes, or until the edges are golden, and the centers are still slightly soft (I recommend baking on the top rack)

    Video

  • How to immerse yourself in books & enjoy reading with a phone addicted mind | my annotation process ( Video)

    Along with my “How to Annotate a Book” blog post, I wanted to share a video that showcases everything in action. Enjoy!!

    Link to the free printable chapter summary!

    https://myascottage18.wordpress.com/2025/08/04/chapter-summary-annotation-printable/

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Yogurt Bites

    Chocolate-covered Strawberry Yogurt Bites

    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes
    Total Time 40 minutes
    Course: Dessert

    Ingredients
      

    • cup yogurt
    • 3 tbsp strawberry jam adjust to sweetness
    • 1 cup chocolate chips
    • 1 tbsp coconut oil for a crunchy chocolate coating

    Method
     

    Prepare the Yogurt Mixture
    1. In a medium-sized bowl, add the yogurt. Gently swirl in the strawberry jam to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to mix it in fully.
    Form the Popsicles
    1. On a non-stick flat plate or parchment paper, spoon small dollops of the yogurt mixture. Insert popsicle sticks into the dollops if desired. Place the plate in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the yogurt is completely frozen.
    Make the Chocolate Coating
    1. In a heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Melt the mixture using a double boiler: place the bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth and glossy.
    Dip the Popsicles
    1. Remove the frozen yogurt popsicles from the freezer. Quickly dip each one into the melted chocolate, ensuring all sides are coated. Work swiftly, as the yogurt melts quickly and the chocolate hardens fast upon contact.
    Freeze Again
    1. Place the coated popsicles back on the plate and return them to the freezer. Freeze until the chocolate is fully set, about 15-30 minutes.
    Store and Enjoy
    1. Transfer the popsicles to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Enjoy whenever you crave a refreshing, crunchy treat!

    Notes

    This has been my favorite sweet treat for a while and I’m very happy to share it with you all ❤️
  • Simple and Savory Chicken Salad Sandwich

    Simple and Savory Chicken Salad Sandwich

    Total Time 30 minutes
    Servings: 3
    Course: Main Course

    Ingredients
      

    For the Chicken:
    • 3 chicken breast tenders Trader Joe’s recommended
    • 2 tsp onion powder
    • 1-2 tsp coarse salt or enough to flavor the water.
    • 2-3 bay leaves
    • 2 cups water
    For the Salad Dressing:
    • 5 tbsp mayonnaise
    • 1 tsp mustard
    • ½ tsp lemon juice
    • tsp celery seed
    • tsp salt
    • ¼ tsp black pepper
    • ¼ tsp onion powder
    Additional Ingredients:
    • celery stalks finely diced
    For the Sandwich:
    • 1 large tomato thinly sliced
    • Lettuce leaves
    • Potato bread burger buns

    Method
     

    Cook the Chicken
    1. In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the onion powder, salt, and bay leaves. Carefully place the chicken tenders into the boiling water and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
    Shred and Cool
    1. Remove the chicken from the water and shred it using a fork. Place the shredded chicken in the fridge for about 10 minutes to cool.
    Prepare the Salad Dressing
    1. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, celery seed, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Mix until smooth and well combined. Add the diced celery and stir to incorporate.
    Mix the Chicken Salad
    1. Remove the cooled chicken from the fridge and add it to the dressing. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Return the chicken salad to the fridge for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
    Prepare Sandwich Ingredients
    1. While waiting, slice the tomato and wash the lettuce. Lightly toast the potato bread buns in a pan until golden and slightly crispy.
    Assemble the Sandwich
    1. Layer the sandwich with a slice of tomato, a generous scoop of chicken salad, and a leaf of lettuce. Top with the other half of the bun, and your sandwich is ready to serve!

    Notes

    So easy and tasty!
    I would seriously recommend trying this!! It’s one of my favorite recipes and always fills me up when I want something quick to eat. Plus you can make more of the chicken salad and store it in the fridge for later.

  • Refreshing Greek Pasta Salad Pasta

    Refreshing Greek Salad Pasta

    Total Time 25 minutes
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: Greek

    Ingredients
      

    • ¼ cucumber chopped
    • 6 cherry tomatoes halved
    • A small amount of red onion diced
    • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • A splash of red onion pickle juice
    • 6 tbsp feta cheese crumbled
    • ½ tsp black pepper
    • Pasta of your choice

    Method
     

    Cook the Pasta
    1. Boil your pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer the pasta to the fridge to cool for about 5 minutes.
    Prepare the Dressing
    1. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, feta cheese, black pepper, diced red onion, and a splash of red onion pickle juice. Mix well until evenly combined.
    Chop the Vegetables
    1. Dice the cucumber and cut the cherry tomatoes in half or quarters, depending on your preference. Add the chopped vegetables to the bowl with the dressing.
    Combine and Serve
    1. Add the chilled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and vegetables. Toss everything together until well-coated. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for a cold, refreshing salad.

    Video

    Notes

    This is honestly my FAVORITE pasta/ salad, and it’s so filling!! Especially as a breakfast dish! It will be featured in my newest “What I eat in a day” video!