Where did the colored Easter eggs come from? The egg is a symbol of new life, rebirth, and the celebration of spring. The early Christians describe the egg as a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus.
After a long hard winter with small amounts of food, an egg for Easter was quite a treasure. Later, Christians abstained from eating meat during Lent. Easter was the first chance to enjoy eggs and meat after the long abstinence.
Nutrition Facts
A medium-sized chicken egg is only 70 calories and rich in protein. Check the chocolate eggs below and compare.
Holly: The Beagle Who Howled Her Way Into Our Hearts
Holly came into our lives on Christmas Day, 2013. We met her at the Broward County Animal Shelter. Jake was immediately drawn to her—something just clicked. We had never owned a beagle before and didn’t know much about them, but that didn’t matter. Holly had already chosen us.
On the drive home, she looked around, then let out a long, loud howl. Jake and I jumped, startled, then burst into laughter. “So that’s what a beagle sounds like,” we said. It was her way of saying thank you—and announcing that life with Holly would never be boring.
At home, we quickly learned a few more things. Holly loves people, does not love other dogs, and has a habit of running off to explore. Fortunately, we had put her name and phone number on her collar, which turned out to be a blessing—we’ve met over 75 neighbors thanks to her little adventures. Holly may not like other dogs, but she brought our community together in her own way.
She tolerated the other dogs in our home, as long as they gave her space. And they learned quickly: Holly was the queen of her domain.
Over the years, she’s stood by us through so much—devastating hurricanes, a house fire, hard times and healing. She didn’t need to say much; her presence was enough.
When we learned Holly had Epitheliotrophic Cancer, I felt a lump in my heart. We always knew this day would come, but knowing doesn’t make it easier. She’s now on palliative care, and we’re making the most of every moment—soaking in her howls, her stubbornness, her warmth.
Whatever time we have left, it will be full of love, gratitude, and the sound of a beagle who changed everything just by being herself.
Celebrating World Art Day Through Edible Expression
#WorldArtDay #FoodArt #EdibleArt
Art isn’t limited to canvases and galleries—it’s also found in our kitchens, bakeries, and dinner tables. This World Art Day celebrates creativity in one of its most delicious forms: food.
Whether it’s a beautifully styled salad, a hand-painted cake, or a sculpted charcuterie board, food has become a powerful and accessible medium for artistic expression. It blends color, shape, texture, and even emotion, inviting us not just to eat—but to experience.
A Plate Is a Canvas
Artistic food isn't just for chefs or professionals. Anyone can turn a dish into a masterpiece. From the swirl of a sauce to the placement of a garnish, each detail adds to the visual impact of the meal. Think:
Rainbow sushi rolls arranged like a mosaic
Layered smoothie bowls that look like abstract paintings
Charcuterie boards that resemble still-life arrangements
Decorated cookies and cakes that rival fine art
Food art brings joy, surprise, and wonder before you even take the first bite.
Why Food Art Matters
Creating food art invites us to slow down, appreciate ingredients, and find beauty in the everyday. It engages all the senses and connects us to culture, tradition, and memory. And let’s be honest—nothing sparks conversation like a cake that looks too pretty to eat!
Get Inspired
This World Art Day, try creating your own edible masterpiece. You don’t need fancy tools—just imagination and a few ingredients. Try:
Styling a colorful breakfast bowl
Designing your own cupcake toppers
Arranging a fruit platter with geometric flair
Turning leftover veggies into a vibrant stir-fry display
Snap a photo before you dig in—tag it with #FoodArt and #EdibleArt to share your creation.
Art Is Everywhere—Even on Your Plate
World Art Day is about honoring creativity in all its forms. Today, let’s celebrate by recognizing the beauty in the bites we create and share. Whether it’s a family recipe or a fun experiment, food is more than nourishment—it’s a chance to make art every day.
The ground has thawed from the winter, at least in most areas. Many people decide whether to start a garden or what crops to plant this year.
Plant a Seed, Grow a Dream
Gardening is a passion of mine. I initially started my studies in agronomy and later changed to nutrition. The cooperative extension became an important part of my education and a wonderful resource. It was also my first job as a dietitian, teaching nutrition in a summer program through Cornell University Extension.
What is the Cooperative Extension?
The Cooperative Extension, also known as the Extension Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, is a research-based educational program designed to help people in the areas of agriculture and food, home and family, the environment, community economic development, and youth and 4-H. The service is provided in every state's designated land-grant universities.
NIFA is the federal partner in the Cooperative Extension System. It provides federal funding to the system and, through program leadership, helps the system identify and address current issues and problems.
History
The Morrill Act of 1862 established land-grant universities to educate citizens in agriculture, home economics, mechanical arts, and other practical professions. Extension was formalized in 1914 with the Smith-Lever Act. It partnered with agricultural colleges and the USDA to provide cooperative agricultural extension work.
Over the last century, the extension has adapted to changing times and continues to address a wide range of human, plant, and animal needs in urban and rural areas. The Cooperative Extension focuses on education in six major areas:
1. 4-H Youth Development 2. Agriculture
3. Leadership Development 4. Natural Resources
5. Family and Consumer Sciences 6. Community and Economic Development
Below are educational videos prepared by various Cooperative Extensions across the United States.
