Friday, August 1, 2025

My Sunflower's Journey

My First Sunflower

This year, my garden witnessed a little miracle—my very first sunflower bloomed. 

For years, I had tried and failed to grow sunflowers. Each season brought hope, effort, and no sunflower -  but I never gave up. My persistence was rewarded this year with a flower that feels nothing short of magical.

The sunflower stands tall and proud in my garden, its delicate yellow petals radiating against the sun. At its center lies the intricate disc florets—a stunning spiral of tiny flowers holding male and female reproductive organs. These florets will mature into seeds and fruit, completing the sunflower’s life cycle.


One of the most captivating moments was watching the bees dance around the sunflower, drawn to its abundant pollen and nectar. These hardworking pollinators are vital in transferring pollen from one flower to another to ensure the sunflower produces seeds. The synergy between the sunflower and the bees is a beautiful reminder of nature’s interconnectedness and harmony.

This sunflower is more than just a plant; it symbolizes resilience and hope. It taught me that the most extraordinary beauty sometimes comes from the patience to keep trying, even when success feels out of reach.

Every time I look at its vibrant petals and elegant grace, I’m reminded of the magic that perseverance can bring. 

If you’ve ever doubted your ability to grow or achieve something, let this sunflower be your reminder: don’t give up. The bloom is worth the wait.





National Mustard Day - All About Mustard



Mustard is a condiment made from the seeds of a mustard plant (white or yellow mustard; brown or Indian mustard; or black mustard). Whole, ground, cracked, or bruised mustard seeds are mixed with water, salt, lemon juice or other liquids, and sometimes other flavorings and spices to create mustard ranging in color from bright yellow to dark brown. Mustard often has a sharp, pungent flavor.

There are many varieties of mustard, which come in a wide range of strengths and flavors. The basic taste and heat of the mustard are largely determined by seed type, preparation, and ingredients. Black-seed mustard is usually the hottest type. Preparation also plays a key role in the outcome.

The National Mustard Museumlocated in Middleton, Wisconsin was founded by Barry Levenson in 1986. The Museum has a collection of more than 5,300 mustards and hundreds of mustard memorabilia.

The Mustard Museum hosts the Annual National Mustard Day festival in Middleton, Wisconsin. The festival is considered the "world's largest condiment party." There will be mustard tastings, mustard-themed games, kid's activities, live music, and special treats. Last year, some 6,000 people turned out and the festival raised more than $3,500 for charity.


The world's foremost collection of mustards and mustard memorabilia
with curator Barry Levenson in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin.

Culinary Uses

Mustard is often used at the table as a condiment. It is also used as an ingredient in mayonnaise, vinaigrette, marinades, barbecue sauce, and salad dressing. Mustard is popular with hot dogs, pretzels, and sausages. Mustard is also an emulsifier which can stabilize a mixture of two or more unblendable liquids such as oil and water.

Weight Control Tip. Mustard is low in calories and depending on the brand contains a moderate amount of sodium (see table below). Instead of mayonnaise, tartar sauce or other high fat-high caloric dressings try mustard. Use prepared mustard with fish, instead of tartar sauce to create a wonderful flavor that saves 50 calories per tablespoon.

Mustard Nutrition Information

A strong mustard can cause the eyes to water and inflame the nasal passages and throat. Mustard can also cause allergic reactions: since 2005, products in the European Union must be labeled as potential allergens if they contain mustard.

How Mustard is Made
Discovery Channel


Resources:
National Mustard Museum
Mustard (condiment), Wikipedia

Thursday, July 31, 2025

August Wellness News

 




Monthly Events

National Breastfeeding Month
National Catfish Month
Get Acquainted with Kiwifruit Month
Eat Dessert First Month
Goat Cheese Month
National Panini Month
National Peach Month
National Sandwich Month

Kid's Eat Right Month
National Water Quality Month
Get Ready for Kindergarten Month
National Back-to-School Month
National Immunization Awareness Month
Children's Eye Health & Safety Month

Happiness Happens Month
Rye Month  

 

Weekly Events

1-7 World Breastfeeding Week
1-7 Simplify Your Life Week
4-10 Exercise with Your Child Week
4-10 National Farmers' Market Week
12-18 National Safe at Home Week
25-24 World Water Week

25-31 Be Kind to Humankind Week
26-30 National Composites Week

Daily

1 World Wide Web Day;  Colorado, 38th state; National Raspberry Cream Pie Day  

2  National Ice Cream Sandwich Day; National Coloring Book Day
3  National Watermelon Day; Grab Some Nuts Day; Mustard Day; Hangover Day; Jamaican Patty Day;  Play Outside Day    
4  National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day; Single Working Women's Day; White Wine Day; American Family Day; Raisin Bran Day
5 National Oyster Day  
6  National Fresh Breath (Halitosis) Day; Root Beer Float Day 
7  Professional Speakers Day;  National Raspberries N’ Cream Day
8  National Frozen Custard Day; Happiness Happens Day; Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbors’ Porch Night; National CBD Day; National Fried Chicken & Waffles Day
9  Intl Day of the World's Indigenous People;  Natl Rice Pudding Day; National Book Lovers Day; Shop Online for Groceries Day 
10  National S'mores Day; Missouri 24th State; Smithsonian Day; National Garage Sale Day   
11 National Sandwich Month; National Raspberry Bombe Day  
12  International Youth Day; National Julienne Fries Day
13  National Filet Mignon Day; National Prosecco Day; Left-Handers Day
14  National Creamsicle Day
15  Relaxation Day;  Julia Child Birthday (1912); National Lemon Meringue Pie Day
16  National Rum Day
17  National Thrift Shop Day; National Vanilla Custard Day; National Nonprofit Day, Honey Bee Day, Chef Appreciation Day  
18  National Ice Cream Pie Day; National Fajita Day; Mail Order Catalog Day
19   UN World Humanitarian Day;  Soft Ice Cream Day; Potato Day
20 Chocolate Pecan Pie Day 
21  Senior Citizen's Day; Hawaii 50th State; National Spumoni Day
22  Pecan Torte Day; Eat a Peach Day; Tooth Fairy Day; Bao Day
23  National Sponge Cake Day; National Cuban Sandwich Day
24  National Waffle Iron Day; National Peach Pie Day
25 National Banana Split Day
26  Women's Equality Day; Cherry Popsicle Day    
27 Pots du Crème Day; Banana Lover's Day
28  National Cherry Turnovers Day; National Red Wine Day
29  Lemon Juice Day;   Chop Suey Day; More Herbs, Less Salt Day
30   National Toasted Marshmallow Day
31  National Trail Mix Day; Eat Outside Day, International Bacon Day




The holidays and events listed in the calendar come from numerous resources, such as:
United States Department of Agriculture; Food and Drug Administration; Presidential Declaration; Federal, State, or City Governments; American Dietetic Association; Food Associations; American Medical Association; Medical Affiliations; Private Organizations and Companies; Retail Promotions. The events have been verified. However, you should confirm the dates before making plans. Some events may vary from one state to another.






Discover the Wonders of Avocados - From Farm to Table

Avocados offer nearly 20 vitamins and minerals in every serving, including potassium (which helps control blood pressure), lutein (which is good for your eyes), and folate (which is crucial for cell repair and during pregnancy).


Avocados are a good source of B vitamins, which help you fight off disease and infection. They also give you vitamins C and E, plus natural plant chemicals that may help prevent cancer.



Avocados are low in sugar. And they contain fiber, which helps you feel full longer. In one study, people who added a fresh avocado half to their lunch were less interested in eating during the next three hours.

Fat and Calories

Avocados are high in fat. But it's monounsaturated fat, which is a "good" fat that helps lower bad cholesterol, as long as you eat them in moderation. 

Avocados have a lot of calories. The recommended serving size is smaller than you’d expect: 1/5 of a medium avocado (or 1 ounce) is 50 calories.


Recipe: California Avocado Super Summer Wrap Recipe,
Fruits & Veggies— More Matters  



How to Prepare Avocados

Store avocados at room temperature, keeping in mind that they can take 4 to 5 days to ripen. To speed up the ripening process, put them in a paper bag along with an apple or banana. When the outside skins are black or dark purple and yield to gentle pressure, they’re ready to eat or refrigerate.

Wash them before cutting so dirt and bacteria aren’t transferred from the knife onto the pulp.

While guacamole is arguably the most popular way to eat avocado, you can also puree and toss with pasta, substitute for butter or oil in your favorite baked good recipes, or spread or slice onto sandwiches. Try adding avocado to salad, pizza, soup, salsa, eggs, and sandwiches.


When ordering at a restaurant, remember that not all avocado dishes are created equal. Some items -- like avocado fries and avocado egg rolls -- are coated in batter and fried, making them much higher in both calories and fat.



Top Ways to Enjoy Avocados

1. Skip the Mayo! Mash 1/3 an avocado and spread it on your sandwich instead of mayonnaise. Rich in monounsaturated fat, avocados are a healthy substitute for mayonnaise, cream cheese, butter, or sour cream.  

2. Avocado is a deliciously rich, healthy, and filling addition to salads. Just dice and toss!

3. Add some avocado slices to your sandwiches! This tasty fruit adds a delicious flavor but it also adds substance to an otherwise meager concoction. 

4. Enjoy avocado as part of a healthy stir-fry dish.

5. Grab a Spoon. Halve avocados, remove the pit and start spooning. Want a little kick? Add some low-sodium soy sauce in that little dip in the middle.

6. Avocados are perfect in fish and seafood sauces.

7. Halve avocados then use a small ice-cream scoop to fill the little dip in the middle with your favorite chicken, tuna, or ham salad recipe.

8. Mix together one mashed avocado, 1/2 cup of non-instant oatmeal, and one tablespoon of honey. Apply to your face, wait 15 minutes then rinse.

9. Prepare Guacamole 

Allergic to Latex?
If you have a latex allergy, talk to your doctor before adding avocado to your diet. People with a serious allergy to latex may also experience symptoms after eating an avocado.

Resources
Top 10 Ways To Enjoy Avocados, Fruits, and Veggies More Matters







Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Watermelon Wonderland: Fun Creations for all ages

Watermelon Wonderland: Fun Creations for all ages. 









The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) is a non-profit organization formed in 1989 by watermelon growers and shippers. Their goal is to increase consumer demand for watermelon through promotion, research, and educational programs. The NWPB has developed marketing programs to boost watermelon sales in supermarkets throughout the U.S. and Canada. Their site contains recipes, nutrition facts, fun games for children, lessons for educators, and information for health professionals and the media.

Watermelon and Food Safety
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before cutting watermelons.
2. Wash the outer surface of the melon with clean running water and dry to remove any dirt. If you purchase a pre-cut piece of watermelon, you should rinse the rind portion in fresh water and dry it.
3. Wash cutting boards, countertops, scoops, knives, and other equipment or utensils with hot water and soap to avoid cross-contamination.
4. If you refrigerate the watermelon after purchasing, be sure to keep the watermelon cool.
5.
Always refrigerate watermelon once you have cut into it. Place in a covered container or cover the cut surface with plastic wrap to prevent the melon from becoming mushy.

Nutrition Facts about Watermelon

Watermelon is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, contains no Trans Fatty Acid, no Cholesterol, very low in sodium, and has only 46 calories in One Cup. Watermelon contains lycopene, an antioxidant which may reduce the risk of cancer.

Watermelon contains about 6% sugar and 92% water by weight. It is a great way to get additional fluids.

Creating Snacks or a
Light Meal using Watermelon



Shrimp Cocktail Watermelon

Watermelon Fruit Cup

Watermelon Stuffed Sushi

Watermelon Stuffed Chicken Salad
with Crackers, Raspberries & Mango


Watermelon Stuffed Tabouli with Goat Cheese

Watermelon Stuffed Granola with Seasonal Fruit

Watermelon Circles with Feta Cheese and Lentil Salad

Fun with Fruit



Watermelon and Feta Cheese Salad


Selecting a Watermelon

How to Grow Watermelons


Carving Watermelon
 



Monday, July 28, 2025

The Ultimate Balancing Act: Meet the Sandwich Generation





The Sandwich Generation refers to a group of individuals who find themselves in a unique position, caring for their elderly parents while also supporting their own children. This generation embodies dedication, patience, and compassion, making it a cause for celebration and recognition. The primary aim is to raise awareness about the unwavering efforts of these individuals and ensure they receive the support they need.

Sandwich Generation Month is observed annually in July in honor of this extraordinary group. During this time, the community comes together to better understand the specific challenges faced by this generation and highlight the various support systems available to them as they navigate the complexities of maintaining multi-generational households.

According to data from the Pew Research Center, slightly over one in eight Americans aged 40 to 60 finds themselves in this dual role of raising their own children while caring for aging parents. This statistic underscores the growing significance of the Sandwich Generation and the importance of acknowledging their remarkable contributions.



Sandwich Generation


Reference.
1. Learn more about the Sandwich Generation
2. Sandwich generation moms feeling the squeeze, American Psychological Association.






Saturday, July 26, 2025

Creme Brûlée, Low Fat

Creme Brûlée, Low Fat



INGREDIENTS
2 cups nonfat milk
2 tablespoons nonfat powdered milk
3⁄4 cup egg substitute
1⁄3 cup Splenda sugar substitute
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 teaspoons sugar
1 cup fresh berries

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 325.
2. Gradually stir milk into milk powder.
3. Stir in egg substitute, 1/3 cup Splenda, and vanilla.
4. Pour mixture into custard cups.
5. Bake in a pan filled with hot water to 1" deep about 35 minutes, until custard is set.
6. Chill.
7. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp sugar over the top of each custard and place cups on a baking sheet.
8. Broil 4" from heat until sugar is caramelized.
9. Serve with fresh berries.


Nutrition Profile
Yield: 4 servings
Analysis per Serving
108 Calories (kcal)                 
10 Protein (g)  
16 Carbohydrates (g) 
1 Total Dietary Fiber (g) 
14 Total Sugars (g)
3 Added Sugar (g) 
0 Fat (g)                 
0 Saturated Fat (g)
3 Cholesterol (mg)
334 Calcium (mg)
174 Sodium (mg)

April Wellness News

 



Monthly

National Autism Awareness Month
National Volunteer Month
Alcohol Awareness Month
Cancer Control Month
Celebrate Diversity Month 
Child Abuse Prevention Month
Month of the Military Child
Defeat Diabetes Month
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) Awareness Month
Medical Cannabis Education & Awareness Month 
African American Women's Fitness Month
National Donate Life Month
National Occupational Therapy Month
National Parkinson's Awareness Month 
Stress Awareness Month
National Arab-American Heritage Month
Global Child Nutrition Month
Emotional Overeating Awareness Month
Fresh Florida Tomatoes Month
National BLT Sandwich Month
National Licorice Month
National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Month
National Garden Month

National Pecan Month 

National Soft Pretzel Month
National Soyfoods Month
National Youth Sports Safety Month
National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
National Social Security Month
Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month 
Jazz Appreciation Month

Keep America Beautiful (3/20 - 6/20)


Weekly

1-7 Medication Safety Week 
1-7 National Public Health Week
1-7 Egg Salad Week
21-27 National Volunteer Week
20-28 National Park Week
22-30 Passover
22-26 Every Kid Healthy™ Week
24-30 World Immunization Week
26
-28 Global Youth Service Day


Daily

1   April Fools or All Fools Day; National Sourdough Bread Day; Tater Day (sweet potato)
2   World Autism Day;   International Children's Book Day; National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day; National Love Your Produce Manager Day; National Walking Day
3  National Chocolate Mousse Day; Find A Rainbow Day; Burrito Day
4    Vit C discovered; National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day; International Carrot Day; International Kid’s Yoga Day
5    National Deep Dish Pizza Day; National Caramel Day; National Raisin and Spice Bar Day, Dandelion Day
6   Fresh Tomato Day; Charlie the Tuna Day; Hostess Twinkie Day; International Day of Sport for Development and Peace; National Student-Athlete Day; Teflon Day; National Caramel Popcorn Day
7 World Health Day; Coffee Cake Day; Metric System Day; National Beer Day; No Housework Day; WHO
8  National Empanada Day
9 Chinese Almond Cookie Day; National Cherish an Antique Day
10 Cinnamon Crescent Day; National Farm Animals Day
11  World Parkinson's Disease Day; National Cheese Fondue Day; National Pet Day; Clean Up Your Pantry Day  
12  Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day; National Licorice Day; Passover begins at sundown
13  National Peach Cobbler Day; National Make Lunch Count Day; National Scrabble Day, Palm Sunday
14 International Moment of Laughter Day; Natl Pecan Day; National Gardening Day
15   McDonald's Opens; Tax Day; National Glazed Spiral Ham Day; World Art Day
16   Day of the Mushroom;  Natl Eggs Benedict Day; Banana Day, Stress Awareness
17 National Cheeseball Day; World Hemophilia Day; National Ellis Island Family History Day; National Crawfish; Herbalist Day
18   National Animal Crackers Day; Adult Autism Day; Pinata Day, Good Friday
19   National Amaretto Day; National Garlic Day; Bicycle Day
20   National Cheddar Fries Day; National Lima Bean Respect Day; National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day, Easter  
21  Chocolate-Covered Cashews; National Kindergarten Day; International Hemp Day, Boston Marathon
22 Earth Day; National Jelly Bean Day
23 National Picnic Day; English Muffin Day; National Cherry Cheesecake Day
24  National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day
25  National Zucchini Bread Day;  Natl DNA Day; Zucchini Bread Day; Arbor Day
26  National Pretzel Day; National Kids and Pets Day; National Herb Day; National Sense of Smell Day
27 National Prime Rib Day; National Devil Dog Day; Teach Children to Save
28  World Day for Safety and Health at Work; National Blueberry Pie Day; National Superhero Day; Maryland, 7th State
29  National Shrimp Scampi Day
30  Louisiana 18th State; Potato Head Day; National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day;  Bugs Bunny Day; Oatmeal Cookie Day; National Raisin Day, Stop Food Waste Day






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