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Veterans Day History and Its Significance 0

Veterans Day History
Photo by Craig Adderley from Pexels

Veterans Day is an opportunity to celebrate the U.S veterans who fought hard in the world wars, or any other wars, with sacrifice and bravery. It was originally called “Armistice Day,” and it was first celebrated on November 11, 1919.1 Congress passed a resolution to have Veterans Day as a holiday in 1926, and it became a national holiday in 1938.2

Currently, it is celebrated annually on November 11 to honor the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” of 1918 when the World War I ended.3 It is crucial that all Americans understand the Veterans Day history and know why it is important to celebrate it every year in honor of former service members.

Veterans Day History

Veterans Day was formerly known as Armistice Day. It was a U.S holiday that was set aside to commemorate the end of World War 1. 1 Although World War 1 officially ended on June 28, 1919, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, the actual cease fire between the Allies and Germany was on November 11, 1918.4

It became a holiday in the United States in 1926. It was commemorated as Armistice Day in honor of World War I veterans. The date was dedicated to the cause of world peace. On 1st June 1954, the name was changed from Armistice Day to Veterans Day by the 83rd U.S Congress strike out the word “Armistice” and inserted “Veterans” by amending the Act of 1938.2 The move was because the country had been through both World War II and the Korean War after the veterans' service organizations pushed for the change.

After the approval of the legislation on June 1, 1954, on November 11, it became a holiday to honor American veterans who had fought in all wars. However, in 1968, in a bid to have three day weekends for federal employees, who saw that all four national holidays (Washington’s Birthday, Columbus Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day) were celebrated on Mondays, the Veterans Day commemoration was moved to the fourth Monday of October via the Uniforms Holiday Bill by the Congress.1

 The first Veterans Day under the new law was celebrated on October 25th, 1971. Many states of America did not approve of this move, and they continued to observe the holiday on the original date. On September 20, 1975, the Veterans Day commemoration was returned to its original date when President Gerald Ford signed a law a bill that reverted the holiday to November 11. 1 In 1978, Congress approved the change to the original date in 1978. The change was because November 11 had historical significance to most Americans. From then forward, Veterans Day is observed on November 11.3

The difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day

Most Americans confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day.  Veterans Day commemorates all veterans, living or dead, who served in the military with special gratitude to living veterans who have served the country during war or peacetime, while Memorial Day celebrates military service members who died while in service to their country or due to the injuries sustained during battle

Celebrating the Veterans Day in America

Currently Veterans Day is commemorated every November 11th. If the holiday falls on Saturday, the federal government observes the holiday on Friday, while if it falls on Sunday, the government celebrates it on Monday. State governments decide when to close for the holiday. However, for non-governmental institutions and businesses, they can close or remain open at their discretion without the influence of the federal, state, or local government operation.

The Senate passed Resolution 143 on August 4, 2001, and established the week of November 11 until November 17, 2001, as the National Veterans Awareness Week. The resolutions seek to increased awareness at elementary and secondary school students about the sacrifice and effort of the veterans to the United States.2

Celebrating Veterans Day in other countries

November 11th is a national holiday in France and most allied nation’s countries. Countries that celebrate veterans include Britain, France, and Australia. These countries celebrate the veterans who fought during World War I and World War II on November 11th or any close date to it.2

In France and Belgium, it is celebrated as Armistice Day. In Britain and most commonwealth nations, it is celebrated as Remembrance Sunday on the second Sunday of November, while in Canada, they celebrate Remembrance Day.3 In Europe, including Britain as well as commonwealth counties, people observe two minutes of silence at 11.am every November 11. However, it is not a public holiday.4

Interesting Veterans Facts

Veterans include men and women who have served in the US military to protect the country and its people. They are from all economic classes and are an important parts of their communities.  Currently, there are 18.2 million veterans who are alive and served in at least one war as of 2018; nine percent of them are women. Seven percent of them served during the Vietnam War, seven million of them served during the Persian Gulf War, and two million of them served during the Korean War. Most veterans are from Connecticut as of 2018, and they make up the highest percentage of World War II veterans.3

It is important to note that 496,777 out of the 16 million veterans who fought during World War II were still alive as of 2018. The top three states with the highest percentage of veterans as of 2017 include Alaska, Maine, and Montana.3 

Veterans Day celebrations are an important holiday in the U.S. to celebrate all veterans who serve or have served in the military. It includes ceremonies, parades and speeches, and community events. Most restaurants, food stores, and companies, including Mother Earth Products, also honor the veterans and the families with special offers and discounts and at times, free meals.

References

  1. https://www.military.com/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day.html
  2. https://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp
  3. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/veterans-day-facts
  4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterans_Day

15 Best Autumn Produce To Enjoy This Season 0

Autumn Produce
Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

Autumn brings a bountiful harvest of healthy and delicious products, such as apples, pears, and sweet potatoes. The cool temperatures during autumn is ideal for baking, stewing, or braising; cooking methods that you probably shun in hot summer weather. Autumn brings seasonal goodies like squash, cranberries, crispy apples, and juicy pears.

Buying fruits or vegetables when they are in season is the best way to ensure that you get more nutritious produce. However, you can use dehydrated or freeze dried products all year long, because they are harvested at their peak maturity and freeze dried or dried to prolong their shelf life. Make the most of autumn produce in the market this season with this guide for buying the best autumn produce.

Apples

Apple is delicious autumn fruit that is rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins like vitamin C, which slows down the aging process and reduce the risk of cancer.1 Apples are good sources of fiber, vitamin B6, and manganese. Use apples to make jam, in desserts, or eat them as a snack. Buy apples that are firm and have no bruises or blemishes. Once you’ve purchased them, let the apples soften at room temperature, then store them in the refrigerator for two to four days.

Cruciferous vegetables

Cabbage is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C and also contains glucosinolates, which have cancer-fighting potential.2 Other cruciferous vegetables with the same benefit include Brussels sprouts. These vegetables are low in sodium and cholesterol and have low caloric value; they are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and folate.1 Buy cabbage that has firm and dense heads. Their leaves should be crisp and have no blemishes, cracks, or yellow patches, which are signs of decay. Store cabbage in perforated plastic bags on the lowest drawer in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Buy Brussels sprouts that are firm and with bright green heads. Buy Brussel sprouts with their stalks so that they can stay fresh for longer and avoid those that have yellow outer leaves.  Store them for up to one week in the refrigerator in plastic bags. You can use Brussels sprouts in salads, roast them, or add them to sauces.

Squash

Squash has beta-carotene, which promotes good eyesight. It is also rich in vitamin C and low in sodium, fat, and cholesterol.1 Buy squash that is firm and heavy for their size and free from spots, wrinkled skin, or cracks. Store squash in a cool and dry area away from heat and sunlight for up to three months. Use squash to make soups or add them to the main dishes.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a low-fat food abundant with vitamin C and folate. It is a good source of dietary fiber and potassium.2 When buying broccoli, check for bluish-green florets tight heads. You can refrigerate broccoli and use within five days. Broccoli is perfect for salads, soups, vegetable rice, or fried to make an omelet.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is plentiful in Autumn. Select firm and dense cauliflower with crisp leaves. Avoid cauliflower with bruises, blemishes, or brown spots. Store cauliflower in perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator for up to two days. Once cooked, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to three days. It can be eaten raw or cooked. Add them to salads or roast them.

Beetroot

Beets are available all year round, but they are their best quality during Autumn. When shopping for beets, look out for firm bulb with bright green leaves. When you use beets to make salads, roast them to activate betaine, which is a compound that helps to prevent the risk of heart disease and liver issues. It also has nitrate, which increases the flow of blood to the brain and reduces the risk of dementia.2

Cranberries

Cranberries are abundant from September to November. Most of it is dried and canned or turned into juice concentrate. Cranberries are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. They have no fats or cholesterol and are low in sodium.  Fresh cranberry juice prevents oral diseases and also slows down the growth of cancer. Cranberry juice concentrate helps to prevent urinary tract infections and can prevent recurrent infections in women.1 Select firm cranberries that have not withered and refrigerate them up to two months, or freeze them for longer. Use cranberries to make salads, guacamole, smoothies, or sauces.

Pears

Pears are excellent sources of fiber and contain vitamin C. They are free from fat, sodium, and cholesterol.2 Select firm pears and store them in a plastic bag at room temperature. To know if the pear is ripe, apply gentle pressure to the end of the stem with your thumb. If it gives in to pressure, it is ripe, and you can refrigerate them to slow down ripening. Eat pears whole or add them to salads, sauces,  or fruit compote.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes boast a high content of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.1  Vitamin A promotes healthy vision and healthy skin, especially for young children.2 They are low in sodium and free from cholesterol and fat. They are also rich in dietary fiber. Buy sweet potatoes that have firm skin with no cracks or blemishes. Store them in a cool and dark place and use them within three weeks. When possible, buy them shortly before you want to use them. Don’t refrigerate uncooked sweet potatoes because the cold temperature will make them toughen and affect their flavor.  Their natural sweetness makes them great for desserts, but they can also be roasted, added to soup, or baked.

Pumpkin

Pumpkins are an excellent source of vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, which promotes healthy vision and growth of cells.  They are rich in vitamin C and are free from fat, cholesterol, and sodium.1 Pumpkin seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids that are good for people with heart diseases, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Buy firm and heavy pumpkins and store them in a cool and dark place for up to two months.

Persimmons

Persimmons are rich in fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C.1  They are free from cholesterol, sodium, and fat.2 Look out for smooth, bright, and plump persimmons that have their leaf still attached. Avoid buying them if they have cracks or bruises. If they have yellow patches the fruit is not ripe. Store persimmons at room temperature until they soften. Refrigerate ripe persimmons for up to three days.

Pineapple

Pineapples are rich in vitamin C, have low sodium content, and free from fat.1 Select pineapples that have dark green leaves and are heavy. Avoid pineapples with soft or dark spots, and if their leaves look dry. Eat ripe pineapples as soon as possible. Refrigerate cut chunks of ripe pineapple for up to three days. Use pineapple slices in salads, and add them to smoothies or fruit compote.

Pomegranate

Pomegranates are an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. They are rich in potassium, folate, and copper.2 They are free from sodium, cholesterol, and are low in fat.1 Select the fruit that’s plump, round, and heavy for its size. Store whole pomegranates in a cool and dry place for up to one month, or up to two months in the refrigerator.

Grapes

Grapes are a good source of vitamin C. They are cholesterol and fat-free and have negligible sodium content. Select plump and firm grapes attached to the stem. Avoid wrinkled or soft stems. Store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.  Add grapes to salads, smoothies, cocktails, sauces, or eat them as a snack.

Guava

Guava is an excellent autumn produce that is an excellent source of Vitamin C; it also contains potassium, vitamin A, folate, and fiber.1 It is free from cholesterol and sodium and low in fat. Buy guavas without blemishes and only those that give in to gentle pressure. Store them at room temperature until they soften. Refrigerate soft ripen guavas for up to four days.

Autumn does seem to have all the best fruits and vegetables that we do our best to eat year round. Eating these delicious fruits and vegetables not only benefit the body, but taste delicious, wonderful, and add variety to our lives and kitchens. If you’re unable to get any of these items or even are unable to rotate fresh produce through your kitchens and fridges fast enough, consider buying the freeze dried and dried versions of them to ensure that you get the best of autumn produce all year round, and to eliminate the need for worrying about rotting produce - Mother Earth Products.

References

  1. https://fruitsandveggies.org/stories/whats-in-season-fall/
  2. https://greatist.com/health/healthiest-fruits-and-vegetables-fall#6

National School Success Month: 6 Tips for a Successful School Year 0

National School Success Month
Photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi from Pexels

September is the National School Success Month. It’s the perfect opportunity to plan for the goals for the commencing school year. This month is ideal for preparing for the success of the student. But it doesn’t mean that you will only focus on student success in September. It is good to have a clear road map of success that outlines goals to be achieved every month so that you can have a successful school year.

There are different ways to measure a successful school year. It could be learning a new language or achieving a good GPA. But all the goals differ for every student. They should set achievable goals with a clear roadmap for success. This article gives you tips to help your child achieve their goals throughout the school year and how you can support them. Read on to find tips and tricks to help your child set and achieve goals this school year.

Help your child set achievable goals

September is National School Success Month, and it’s a great time to help your child decide on the goals to achieve this school year. Setting goals is a significant motivator for working hard. It also helps to boost confidence and self-esteem. When children achieve goals, whether small or big, it helps them develop a sense of discipline, even when they grow older.

As a parent, you can help your child set both short term and long term goals, and talk through their strengths and weaknesses to help them set those goals. They should come up with a list of goals, because writing down the targets makes it easier to achieve them.

Goals must be specific and have a timeline. The goals can be for classwork or athletics. If your child wants to be a ballet dancer in the future, help her set both short term and long term goals that will guide her on the right path. Help her set smaller goals that she can manage, and then have a training plan that keeps pushing her confidence and poise as she practices every day.

Having clear goals will help your child manage any obstacles, too. Remember not to push them too hard so they don’t suffer burnout. Keep checking in with them and keep them accountable for their goals. You can review the goals periodically and offer help where they are stuck.

Establish a routine

Children perform better with a routine at home. In school, the routine is pretty much already decided, and the children abide by it. A consistent routine at home helps to create good habits and ensures the success of the child. Children thrive on set routines, because they get comfortable and secure. It also prepares them to follow the routine set in their school.

Set routines that have a consistent time for when they wake up, do their homework, have their meals, and go to sleep. Establish rules regarding TV, phone, and computer usage to avoid over-dependency. Every time the child is watching TV, it takes attention off family time and time needed for physical activity and homework. You can limit watching time to, at most, an hour every day. As a parent, put away your phone when you get home. Children need attention. If you stay for too long with your phone, they may take up the habit, as well.

Review progress reports

Avoid focusing too much on the grades. Encourage your child to maximize their gifts and talents. Discourage too much competitiveness since every child is unique, and you should not compare them to their siblings or classmates.

Be their motivator and express positive views about school and show that you’re confident in your child. Express your excitement that they are going to a new grade this school year and that you believe in their abilities to achieve the goals they have for this school year. Let your messages about school be positive and hopeful.

Children adopt the environment they live in. Make it positive and optimistic. Ensure that they do their homework or coursework as required by the teacher. Expose your child to art, music, and drama depending on their talents, since it boosts performance in math and reading. It also helps your child have high self-esteem and in learning to work with others.

Encourage healthy eating

Ensure that your child eats breakfast every morning. It is the most important meal to jump-start the metabolism and fuel up the body for the day’s tasks. Eating breakfast helps children have better memory and concentration, which helps them to achieve good grades. Pack them healthy snacks and discourage eating highly processed foods. Breakfast ideas include scrambled egg with toast or smoothies made with yogurt, mangos, and bananas. Have a weekly plan of the food your child will eat at home and in school.

Connect with your child teachers

Make a point to attend parent-teacher meetings in school or orientation events. Introduce yourself to your kids’ teachers and ask about the activities for the year. You can follow up with an email or phone call or make visit appointments. Attending meetings is a great chance to see how your child is performing in school and plan how to help them achieve more.

Ensure your child has a restful night

Children need a good night’s sleep for excellent performance in school the next day. Ensure that they get to bed early so that they can wake up early the following day, but so they will also have rested well. A good night’s sleep also helps to boost energy and alertness for the next day’s learning.

To prevent the rush the next morning, have your child pick the clothes to wear the night before. It will help to save time in the morning. Being organized will reduce stress and having to rush to finish up the activities.  Limit the activities that they have to do when they come home so they can sleep early.

The start of school is exciting for students. It is time to catch up with their friends after the holiday break. They’ll also need your help to perform when in class and co-curricular activities. With these six tips and tricks, you definitely are ready to help your child have a successful school year.

We wish you a happy National School Success Month from Mother Earth Products.

References

  1. https://www.learningliftoff.com/national-school-success-month/
  2. https://www.ed.gov/parents/countdown-success
  3. https://www.carlsbaded.org/5-tips-for-a-successful-school-year/
  4. https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/blog/2018/september/it-s-national-school-success-month-how-to-help-y/

10 Exciting Grandparents’ Day Ideas To Do With Your Children 0

Grandparents Day Ideas
Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

September 8th is National Grandparents’ Day. Grandparents play a crucial role in raising their grandchildren. About four million children are raised by their grandparents, while five million children live with their grandparents at their parents’ home.1

The purpose of National Grandparents’ Day is to honor them for their immense contributions in raising their children and grandchildren. It also creates an opportunity for grandparents to express their love for their grandchildren. Children also get insights and guidance from their elders. Celebrating National Grandparents’ Day is a great way to bring the family together and affirm the value that children bring to their parents.

Observance of National Grandparents’ Day is essential. It can be celebrated at school or in a  private family gathering where grandparents can have time to share their favorite stories and pass wisdom to their grandchildren. If you’re looking for fun National Grandparents’ Day ideas that children can do you are in the right place. These ideas can be used by teachers, parents, and children to appreciate their grandparents.

Make their favorite food

Treat your parents to their favorite food with the help of your children. Help your child make their treat, preferably a sweet dessert with sprinkles, nuts, or fruits to sweeten National Grandparents’ Day. The National Grandparents’ Day idea works perfectly even if you live away from them. If you travel, choose a recipe that will put that into consideration. Let your children cook with their grandma a special dessert or a healthy meal. It will be fun, and your children can learn new recipes to make for you during Mother’s day or Father’s Day.

Take your children to visit them

Most grandparents would love to have their grandchildren home with them on National Grandparents’ Day. Preplan the best day for your parents and children. They can sleepover at grandpa or grandma’s place, and you can pick them the next day. In case they cannot sleep over, you can plan for a lunch date or picnic at the park. It is the perfect day for your child to learn about grannie’s hobbies and do it with her. You never know, it could be the chance for your child to discover new interests and talents.

Plan an interview for grandparents

Most grandparents have fascinating stories to share, and they love telling stories. Help your child come up with a list of questions they can ask their grandparents.  The questions will help your children know more about their grandparents: where they were born, or where they went to school. They can share their experiences with school and work. They can share their favorite memories about their lives and share their advice on life. You can record the interview so that the children can keep this memorable conversation.

Play fun games

Your child and their grandpa or grandma can play puzzles that have word searches or crosswords with National Grandparents’ Day words. They can also spend time together outside and play soccer, go fishing, or visit a park.

Accompany your parents for grandparent’s day at school.

You can frame the coloring pages that your children and their grandparents made so that they can all remember the special day.  If the school celebrates National Grandparents’ Day, it is a great idea to join your parents at the school. The grandparents can share historical events before the children were born. There can be a contest where children write essays on why their grandparents are the best. The writer of the winning essay can get an award for their grandparent.

Create a family tree

It’s an excellent time for students to learn about their family tree. It is a great activity that children can do with their grandparents.  It involves drawing a tree on a large paper. Then put up the branches with the names of their family members, according to their age. The children can organize their relatives to illustrate their ancestral history. Cut out the names of every family member and then pin it in the tree. You can help your child to do this.

Create a photo book

Make a scrapbook that includes your child photos with their grandma or grandpa. Your child can select their favorite images to add to the book and present it to their grandparent. It is a memorable gift that they can make in little time. Get a simple photo album and print the favorite photos with date stamps. Then let your child add a note on the first page of the album.  It is a good practice, because you can keep updating it every year with new family members with the oldest and latest grandchild.

Singing

Teach your child one of the favorite songs of their grandparents that you can sing along with them, and serenade them. Record the performance for memory. The video will be a beautiful memory in years to come.

Give them customized gifts

Design t-shirts with the drawing that your child made of their grandparents and present to them together. There are useful sites like cafepress.com and customInk.com, where you can check out. You can also purchase a personalized mug, phone case, or pillow with a photo of your child and their grandparents.

Make them a card

You can design a card together with your child and present it to the grandparent. Alternatively, the children can decorate the cards with their grandparents. They can print a poem or a personalized message to appreciate the support of their grandparents and pin it to the card; then they will read it together. Writing poems is good practice for your child to learn how to express themselves.

Create a family tradition for National Grandparents’ Day where you set the activities and games to play. Then, later on, you can exchange gifts.  These National Grandparents’ Day ideas are fun and exciting. It will open the eyes of your children of the contributions of their grandparents. We wish you and your family an exciting National Grandparents’ Day from Mother Earth Products.

References

  1. http://www.childfun.com/themes/people/grandparents/
  2. https://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson/grandparents_day.shtml
  3. https://pickanytwo.net/thoughtful-ideas-for-grandparents-day-2014/
  4. https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/free-grandparents-day-activities-1357628

How to Celebrate Senior Citizen's Day The Thoughtful Way 0

Senior Citizen's Day

Read any magazine or watch an infomercial these days, and you'll think that the world is tailored to the needs of millennials. But, here's a fun fact: Senior citizens, a.k.a. all those folks who have been on this planet for more than 65 years, are the fastest-growing demographic in the world(1) because they're expected to outnumber children by the year 2030 (at least, in the U.S.A.).

And even though that means we'll get to spend more time with them in the future, we often neglect to pick up the phone and call them. If you think it's high time you made some time for the older people in your life, there's no better day to start caring than on Senior Citizen's Day. If you can't think of a fun way to celebrate this day, these 8 thoughtful ideas are a great place to start.

Friendly reminder: “Nothing is more beautiful than a smile that has struggled through years and tears”; whatever you do on August 21st, make some time and visit your grandparents. After all, they're the reason you're here today!

Generation S (As In Senior) – The Need-to-Know

Celebrated on August 21st, Senior Citizen's Day is an annual celebration that honors the people of the Third Age, and their contribution to the world. Specifically, the purpose of this holiday is to raise awareness on all the issues that affect the elderly, from their naturally deteriorating health (both mental and physical) to the way they're treated by others (yes, elderly abuse is a thing, and we should all address it).

More than that, the celebration's goal is to remind us that past generations have accomplished a lot throughout their youth, and that's why they deserve to be treated with respect. Sure, this holiday is not as old as Father's Day since it dates back to the 80s (1988, in particular) when President Ronald Reagan declared August 21st as Senior Citizen's Day(2). But, in our opinion, it's just as important.

1. Make Them Dinner

As simple as it sounds, sharing a meal with your grandparents (or any senior, for that matter) means the world to them. From getting to spend time around you to trying out new flavors, they always enjoy a meal out with the family. Of course, if you're thinking of going the fancy restaurant route, we're here to remind you that nothing beats the comfort and coziness of a home-cooked meal.

And if you think prepping a wow-worth dinner is time consuming and, well, exhausting, good news: it's not! Why? Simply because you can easily ditch all those dishes with the double digit ingredients and opt for these five easy freeze dried veggie recipes that take the hours long prepping out of the picture.

Fun idea: If they're up for it, you could always ask them to help you around in the kitchen or let them take the lead and treat you to their specialty.

2. Make A Photo Album Together

With digital photos being the new norm these days, it's often hard to keep the tradition of photo albums alive. So, this is your chance to bring the nostalgic habit back to the spotlight by taking advantage of the seniors' photo album making wisdom.

All you have to do is buy yourself a beautiful photo book, gather all their photos, and have them sit by your side. You can sort the pics by chronological order or any way you/they like. The best part is that you'll get to know more about them as they tell you the story behind each pic.

Oh, and one more thing: This activity is not a one-day task. It may take days or even weeks to put the photos in the right order, so make sure you have enough time to spend on them as letting them finish it on their own isn't an option.

3. Play Games

Between their basic daily schedule and the lack of new stimuli, it's no wonder the elderly's brain health grows weaker by the day. Of course, that doesn't mean your grandparents are stuck in an Alzheimer's bound path. Studies(3) show that you can help older people sharpen their brain simply by playing games with them. Cards, board games, chess - you name it! Any game that recruits their short term memory and thinking is fair game.

4. Get Them Acquainted With Technology

It's true: Technology plays a massive role in our lives these days, but that doesn't mean seniors are as familiar with it as we are. That said, you can give them a one-on-one “lesson” on technology this Senior Citizen's Day and teach them how to use a modern-day gadget, whether that's a PC, a laptop, a tablet, or their smartphone. Fun fact: Research(4) suggests that computer games (and truthfully, any technology-based activity) can increase their cognitive skills down the line. So, it's a win-win no matter how you see it.

5. Go For A Walk

We hear doctors(5) say over and over again that physical exercise (even low-intensity) is synonymous to a healthy heart. So, why not take your older friends/relatives on a walk and give their heart a much needed boost? Stroll through the nearest mall, visit your local park, or take a walk by the beach. And don't forget: This whole thing isn't about taking them outside the house, it's also about enjoying each other's company without the distractions of the modern world, and that's priceless!

6. Watch A Movie Together

Watching a movie with your grandpa, grandma, or even the friendly lady from next door may not sound that appealing (after all, their idea of fun could be different from what you have in mind). But, you can readily turn an otherwise awkward evening into a fun experience if you just pick the right movie. Pick something that you'll both like, perhaps a classic like “Back to the Future,” or back even further into the era of black and white movies. Hint: 1939 had some great movies that your elderly loved one might remember and love.

7. Take Them to a Local Coffee Shop

If there's one thing all generations can agree on is that coffee is awesome! If the seniors in your life share the same passion for the beverage as you do, treat them to a cup of Joe at your favorite coffee shop. And if they're up for it, you could take them to a fancy coffee chain like, say, Starbucks, and have them try one of those fancy blends. Who knows? Maybe they'll find their new go-to brew in that pile of lattes.

8. Throw A Picnic Party

Sure, throwing a picnic party ain't no... well, picnic, but since Senior Citizen's Day is celebrated in August, it's the perfect chance to gather the whole family and spend some precious time outside the house. And since you'll have to mind the diets of everyone present (from children to golden-agers), these healthy eating tips will definitely come in handy.

How do you plan to celebrate Senior Citizen's Day? Let us know in the comments down below!

References:

  1. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2018/cb18-41-population-projections.html
  2. https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/national-senior-citizens-day-how-celebrate-day-history-inspirational-quotes-1462022
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3256163/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4130645/
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3098122/

National Culinary Arts Month - Celebrating Chefs in an Exceptional Way 0

National Culinary Arts Month

Food and dining have experienced drastic changes and have metamorphosed from pure necessity into a creative expression. Culinary art is a delicate balance of  taste, science, and the food presentation. It's the unique way of transforming simple ingredients into an elaborate dish with unique flavors.

All you need to know about the National Culinary Arts Month

The National Culinary Arts Month has been celebrated since 2002. Every year, the month of July is set aside to acknowledge superb meals and celebrate chefs, bakers, and cooks who come up with innovative cuisine.1 Most culinary artists use natural spices obtained locally and make fresh foods available to individuals. Through their expertise, experiments, and love for cooking, they make the world a better place for all; therefore, it’s no surprise that restaurants, culinary institutions, and kitchens devote the whole month to honor all the chefs for their accomplishments.2

What are the fascinating realities of culinary arts?

People know that culinary arts revolve around food and include multiple things, such as: restaurant management, food science, and food safety. Anyone working in these areas is referred to as a "culinarian," which includes food service employees to the inventors of the beautiful pastry arts.

Historical facts

The history of culinary arts is quite long; some historical facts concerning culinary arts include fantastic facts. For instance, in the U.S.A., the first school for culinary arts opened in the 1800s.4 However, culinary art has been present in Europe since the Medieval Period; there are various books published from then. Even in modern times, collecting recipes, publishing recipe magazines, cookbooks, and cooking institutions have continued to gain fame.

Cooking schools

One of the best places to learn intriguing facts about culinary arts is some of best cooking schools. Apart from preparing students for careers in food and beverage, they also provide various opportunities for learning. They extend lessons to homes to make them more accessible and have online and evening classes to enable students to learn as they pursue other careers. Some prestigious cooking institutions include the Le Cordon Blue Schools and the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). John & Wales University is also popular.

A Career in Culinary Arts

If you wish to study more about culinary arts, you can join a class at your local cooking institution or watch the Food Network. They both provide instructions for all levels on how to start and see if a career in the culinary arts is the best for you. If you're interested in the culinary arts, it's worth noting that a career in culinary arts is much more than food and beverage. The best chefs host cooking shows, write cookbooks, and even travel all over the world in the quest of culinary adventures.

How best can you celebrate the national culinary arts month?

The best way to commemorate chefs is to send shoutouts to your favorite chef or cook and let them know that you appreciate their efforts and skills, and which of their meals you fancy the most and why you keep coming back for more.2  If you are a chef, you can use this chance to show off your skills, because food lovers want to see your best food selfies.

What are some of the helpful hints for beginner chefs during the holiday?

If you're not a pro in kitchen matters, the holiday gives you an excellent opportunity to try your hand at cooking. Here are some helpful tips for new chefs:

1. Have the necessary kitchen appliances - Invest in several sharp knives and remember to maintain them. Also, you'll need quality pots, pans, glass baking bowls, and measuring spoons and cups. Smaller appliances, like a hand blender, will come in handy as you master the tricks of food preparation.

2. Try out new recipes - Begin with easy recipes and start small by choosing a recipe with a few ingredients. You can incorporate freeze dried strawberries, sweet potatoes, pineapple, mangoes or apples in your recipes, since they take less time to prepare.

3. Familiarize yourself with standard cooking terms - Research and learn different cooking terms. For instance: if you're not sure of the difference among boiling, roasting, poaching, and braising, an online dictionary will come in handy.

3. Ask for assistance - Don't shy away from requesting help from friends, loved ones, or any master chef you know. Take time to observe them as they prepare meals. Consider taking some classes at any community college.

4. Have fun! - If you make mistakes along the way, don't stress. Keep trying. Besides, all chefs need assistance. Allow your children, friends, spouse, or neighbor to help you. Also, listen to your favorite music as you chop, cut, chop, or dice.

What are some of the culinary travel activities for kids for the National Culinary Arts month?

Introduce your kid's palate to a world of flavors than with a culinary travel event!  Kids are attached to the food cultures surrounding them as they learn how food is grown, produced, and prepared. Here are some of the kid-friendly activities for this holiday:

1. City food tours - Food tours are famous and an excellent way to view various stops you might be interested in. Furthermore, an expert can share his/her opinions on the vendors or restaurants you may not be aware of.

2. Cooking classes - If your family is the type that likes to get their hands dirty in the kitchen, then a cooking class may be suitable. Many luxury resorts offer kid friendly cooking lessons, and this is an excellent way to have your kids enjoy the holiday.

3. Market experiences -You can plan a local market experience. Since guides are not necessary for this activity, you can organize an outing with your loved ones and allow them to make purchases according to their preferences. Also, you can invite your friends and prepare delicious meals using the ingredients sourced from the market.

4. Foraging for food - You can opt to skip the market and go straight to the source for your favorite meals. You can try a truffle hunting tour, or go fishing for the catch of the day. Furthermore, some of the hotels permit you to help in the garden where you can take gardening lessons and greenhouse tours.

Happy National Culinary Arts Month from us at Mother Earth Products. Don’t forget to try our freeze dried fruits and vegetables in your recipes this creative month!

References

1. https://www.proimprint.com/blog/july-is-national-culinary-arts-month-celebrate-with-appropriate-custom-gifts/

2. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-culinary-arts-month-july/

3. https://cobornsdelivers.wordpress.com/tag/national-culinary-arts-awareness-month/

4. https://www.lincolntech.edu/news/culinary/culinary-arts/national-culinary-arts-appreciation-month