• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 medium carrot
• 1 small zucchini
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Set Up Your Workstation:
   • Place a damp towel under your cutting board to prevent slipping.
   • If possible, use two boards—one for the chicken and one for the vegetables—to prevent cross-contamination.
2. Prep the Chicken:
   • On your designated meat board, slice the chicken into thin strips. Set aside on a clean plate and wash your hands, knife, and cutting board thoroughly with hot, soapy water.
3. Prep the Vegetables:
   • On a separate board, slice the bell pepper, carrot, and zucchini into thin, even strips. Mince the garlic. Keep your fingers tucked in using the “claw grip” for safety.
4. Cook:
   • Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
   • Add vegetables and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. Return the chicken to the pan, stir in soy sauce, and cook for 1–2 minutes more.
5. Serve:
   • Season with salt and pepper and serve hot over rice or noodles.

This stir-fry emphasizes safe food handling—separating raw meat from fresh produce—and helps practice efficient chopping, organization, and cleaning. It’s a flavorful, hands-on way to reinforce cutting board basics while creating a quick, balanced meal.

The post Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

First, always keep your device software up to date. Updates often include important security patches that protect against new threats. If possible, turn on automatic updates so you don’t have to remember.

Next, be cautious with links and downloads. Only open attachments or click on links if you trust the sender. Even if something looks like it’s from a familiar company or friend, double-check the email address or phone number. Scammers often disguise themselves to trick you into downloading harmful software.

Using strong, unique passwords is another key defense. Consider a password manager to help keep track of them. If your device offers two-factor authentication, turn it on—it’s an extra layer of protection that’s well worth it.

Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s not always safe. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or making purchases on open networks unless you’re using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Finally, install trusted antivirus software. It can help detect and remove threats before they become a problem.

Taking a few minutes to adjust your settings and review your habits can go a long way in keeping your devices secure.

The post Stay Protected: Easy Ways to Safeguard Your Devices first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

1. Start with the Kitchen: Since the kitchen is the heart of Thanksgiving, give it extra attention. Clean out your refrigerator to make room for all the holiday ingredients, and wipe down shelves and drawers. Scrub the stovetop and oven, and don’t forget to shine up your sink—it’ll be working overtime!
2. Refresh Guest Spaces: If loved ones are staying over, prepare guest rooms with clean sheets, fluffed pillows, and a cozy throw. Add a small touch like a candle or vase of seasonal flowers for that warm Bedford hospitality.
3. Tidy Common Areas: Vacuum rugs, dust furniture, and polish tables where your guests will gather. A quick declutter—like straightening bookshelves or organizing coffee tables—instantly makes your home feel more inviting.
4. Clean the Bathrooms: Make sure bathrooms are spotless and well-stocked with soap, towels, and tissues. A few drops of essential oil or a lightly scented candle can add a refreshing touch.
5. Finish with Fragrance: Simmer cinnamon sticks, apple peels, and cloves on the stove for a natural fall scent that fills your home with warmth.

With these simple cleaning tips, your Bedford home will shine with comfort and love—ready for Thanksgiving memories to be made!

The post November Cleaning Tips to Prepare Your Bedford Home for Thanksgiving first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The post Food For Thought, Vol. 39 — Self-Assessment first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

♉ Taurus: Venus in Libra makes your daily routines feel like art, but Mercury’s mischief could tangle shared finances. Double-check details. Mars lights up home life—expect tempers or renovations. Seek harmony in chaos.

♊ Gemini: Miscommunications may arise in love thanks to Mercury retrograde. Mars ignites bold creativity—just don’t burn bridges in the process. Venus sweetens flirtation and spontaneous joy. Keep things light but honest.

♋ Cancer: Venus beautifies your home, but Mercury unearths hidden feelings. Mars turns up the heat in finances—splurging is tempting, but risky. Tidy your emotional drawers before inviting new energies to move in.

♌ Leo: Mars in your sign gives you the spotlight—own it. But Mercury stirs confusion in conversations. Clarify intentions before acting. Venus charms your words, but stay grounded. Less sparkle, more sincerity.

♍ Virgo: Mercury retrograde may trip up your schedule or travel plans. Mars demands rest—but you’ll resist. Venus in Libra urges fiscal balance. Treat yourself to something small and lovely. Clarity comes in quiet moments.

♎ Libra: Venus in your sign makes you magnetic and graceful. Mars energizes friendships—but Mercury may stir drama behind the scenes. Speak with care. Secrets may slip, but you can stay elegantly composed.

♏ Scorpio: Mercury retrograde in your sign sends déjà vu vibes. Past decisions resurface for review. Mars pushes ambition, but don’t bulldoze allies. Venus aids professional charm—use it to smooth over recent stings.

♐ Sagittarius: Mars activates wanderlust while Mercury fogs legal or travel matters. Delay big moves. Venus opens your heart to new networks—surprising invitations arrive. Be bold, but don’t overpromise. Read fine print twice.

♑ Capricorn: Mars intensifies shared ventures—just make sure everyone’s on the same page. Mercury retrograde may confuse contractual matters. Venus grants grace with authority figures. Ask for what you need—charm over force wins.

♒ Aquarius: Venus beautifies your public image—perfect for presentations or negotiations. But Mercury may twist words in partnerships. Mars energizes romance or rivalry. Listen more than you speak. Intention matters as much as action.

♓ Pisces: Mars fires up daily demands—pace yourself. Venus soothes your deeper emotional waters, offering gentle connection. Mercury retrograde highlights health or miscommunications with colleagues. Streamline tasks, and don’t volunteer for chaos. You’re not a sponge.

The post Horoscope for the Week of November 9, 2025 – November 15, 2025 first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Start with stability. A cutting board that slips while you’re chopping is a major safety hazard. To prevent movement, place a damp paper towel or kitchen towel underneath the board to grip the counter. This simple step ensures that your board stays firmly in place, no matter how vigorously you chop.

Next, practice proper organization. Always use separate boards for raw meat and fresh produce to avoid cross-contamination. If you only have one board, wash it thoroughly with hot, soapy water between uses.

Material matters, too. Wooden and bamboo boards are gentle on knives and ideal for most cutting tasks, while plastic boards are best for meats since they can be easily sanitized in the dishwasher. Avoid glass cutting boards—they dull knives and increase the risk of slipping.

Finally, maintain your cutting board by cleaning it promptly and occasionally conditioning wooden boards with food-safe mineral oil.

By mastering these small habits—stability, organization, and maintenance—you’ll not only work more safely but also extend the life of your tools. Going back to cutting board basics ensures smoother prep, cleaner cuts, and a more efficient cooking experience.

The post Back to Basics: Getting the Most Out of Your Cutting Board first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

1. Winterize Your Plumbing:
   Learn how to drain outdoor faucets, disconnect hoses, and insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing and costly bursts. This simple task can save thousands in repairs.
2. Maintain Your Heating System:
   Replace or clean furnace filters and vacuum dust from vents. Learning how to safely check your thermostat and inspect visible ductwork ensures your system runs efficiently all winter long.
3. Seal Drafts and Weatherproof Doors:
   Practice applying weatherstripping or caulk around windows and doors to prevent heat loss and lower your energy bills. It’s a quick and valuable DIY skill for every homeowner.
4. Inspect Roof and Gutters:
   Safely check your roof for loose shingles and clean out gutters to prevent ice dams and leaks. Use a sturdy ladder and gloves for protection while working outdoors.
5. Check Safety Devices:
   Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. These simple steps help keep your family safe as heating systems work harder during colder months.

By mastering these practical skills in November, Bedford homeowners can keep their homes warm, safe, and energy-efficient all winter long—while gaining confidence in their own DIY abilities.

The post DIY Home Maintenance Tips for Bedford: Preparing Your Home for Winter in November first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

The post Food For Thought, Vol. 38 — How To Overcome Financial Struggles first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Essential Gardening Tasks for November

• Mulch Perennials and Shrubs: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of perennials, roses, and shrubs to insulate roots from winter temperature swings.
• Plant Spring Bulbs: If the ground hasn’t frozen yet, there’s still time to get tulips, daffodils, and other bulbs into the soil.
• Final Harvest and Cleanup: Pull up any remaining vegetables or annuals. Compost healthy plant debris and dispose of diseased material to prevent overwintering pests.
• Protect Trees and Shrubs: Use burlap or protective wraps to shield younger trees and tender shrubs from windburn and heavy snow.
• Tool Maintenance: Clean, oil, and store garden tools for the winter. Drain hoses and irrigation systems to prevent freeze damage.

Creating a Garden Memory Box

Preserve the spirit of your 2025 garden by starting a garden memory box. Include dried flowers, photos of your favorite blooms, garden tags, notes on what you grew, and any lessons learned. This tactile, visual keepsake can be a great planning tool and a way to celebrate your progress. You can even add seed packets for next spring’s ideas.

November in Bedford is a time for slowing down and reflecting. By completing these tasks and starting small, meaningful projects, you’ll head into winter with your garden resting peacefully—and your gardener’s heart full.

The post November Gardening in Bedford: Tucking in the Garden and Savoring the Season first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

♉ Taurus: Venus enhances daily routines with a sweet touch. Mercury’s depth in Scorpio encourages emotional truth with a partner. This week’s energy demands clarity—no more pretending comfort in chaos.

♊ Gemini: Creativity soars as Venus flirts through your romance zone. Mercury intensifies your to-do list—look for details you’ve missed. You’re charming with a bite this week. Use it wisely.

♋ Cancer: Home is your glamour stage now. Venus adds beauty, Mercury reveals family shadows. The Moon urges emotional release—let go of old patterns so softness can bloom. Nurture, don’t over-nest.

♌ Leo: Mercury sharpens your intuition, while Venus sweetens conversations. A sibling or neighbor may hold unexpected insight. The Moon moves you to speak your heart—just remember to listen, too.

♍ Virgo: Venus in your money zone brings grace to finances—but Mercury whispers warnings about overspending. Seek depth, not distraction. The Moon encourages letting go of outdated material attachments.

♎ Libra: You’re cosmically radiant as Venus struts through your sign. Mercury unveils hidden talents—especially those involving persuasion. Say less, glow more. Power is in your presence this week.

♏ Scorpio: Mercury in your sign gives you X-ray vision. Venus stirs introspection and makes you crave solitude laced with poetry. The Moon draws secrets to the surface. Handle with elegance.

♐ Sagittarius: Venus brings harmony to your friendships, but Mercury probes private fears. A friend’s comment may hit deeper than expected. Use your fire to grow, not scorch. Transform, darling.

♑ Capricorn: Career conversations take on a sultry edge as Mercury probes ambition. Venus smooths your path with charm. The Moon illuminates a long-term goal—rework the plan with vision.

♒ Aquarius: Venus wants beauty in big ideas—lean into learning that feels like art. Mercury awakens career secrets. Be ready for a surprise revelation. The Moon whispers: broaden your stage.

♓ Pisces: Deep waters this week! Venus brings ease in joint ventures. Mercury dives into mystical truths—rituals and revelations are likely. Let the Moon guide emotional healing. You’re swimming toward strength.

The post Horoscope for the Week of November 2, 2025 – November 8, 2025 first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.