Take a Coffee Break with a Snack Recipe

 Did you take a coffee break today?? Many workers will take a short break as a daily occurrence. The small break is known by many as a coffee break. However, can you imagin if that small break never occurred?? A coffee break came about not in the usual easy way but it involved a few different steps: 

Coffee is a beverage that has been enjoyed by individuals for centuries. In fact, there has been signs found in Ethiopia that coffee was present in the 15th century. A few hundred years later and coffee would become popular in Europe as well. In the beginning though coffee was not for everyone in fact it was for the elite and was normally sold in the larger European cities. Thus, the businesses that sold coffee known as coffee houses became known as places where important news of social stance and political means could be found. 

Since that time coffee has branched out through out the world. There are millions of Americans drinking coffee either black, with sugar or cream or however else they wish. That is still alot of coffee drinkers. One place in particular where coffee is drunk is the office. But when and how does one find time?? 

The term "coffee break" entered  the situation to allow time for workers to refuel, recharge and chat with fellow workers. But when did this event occur and why??? 

It appears in 1955 a court case involving the United States and Phil Greinetz who owned a Denver tie factory known as Los Wigwam Weavers. The story goes that the owner had implemented two 15 minute coffee breaks that must take place. It seems the breaks were not to favor the workers but the owners. He had noticed that the coffee drinking had kept the workers energized and productive and needed in his opinion. However, these two mandated coffee breaks were not payable in other words they were required but the workers were also off the clock when the breaks occurred. However, there are other stories of how the coffee break first came about but in the end they were allowed and now are paid time as well. So go ahead take a coffee break keep busy and succesful. 

Next time you are on a coffee break why not share a little snack with the others

Peanut Butter Energy Balls

• 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats*
• 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (roughly 10–12 dates)
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or honey if not vegan)
• 3/4 cup natural peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (only add if using unsalted nut butter)
• 2 tbsp  milk
• 1 cup puffed brown rice cereal*

Chocolate and Toppings (optional)

• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips 
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
• Add the oats, dates, maple syrup, peanut butter, vanilla, salt, and milk to a food processor and blend into a really thick paste 
• Next, add the puffed rice cereal and work it into the peanut butter mixture with your hands. You can either do this inside the food processor container with the blade removed, or transfer the dough to a bowl and work it in there.
• Once well distributed, roll the dough into 2 tablespoon sized balls. Place onto a large plate or pan lined with parchment paper if you plan to add the chocolate. Otherwise, just place them into whichever container you plan to store them in. You should end up with about 20-22 energy balls total. 
• For the chocolate, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a heat safe container in the microwave. Heat in 30 second intervals, mixing between each time, until smooth (it should only take 60 seconds total).
• You can either drizzle the chocolate on top or dunk half of each ball in the chocolate. Top with chopped peanuts if desired. 
• Let the balls chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to set. Then transfer to a storage container and enjoy! 
• Store the energy balls in the refrigerator where they will keep for up to 10 days. recipe source here
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Types of Athletic Pants

 it's cold out there today. Perhaps you should wear sweatpants to keep warm. 

sweatpants were created for a comfortable athletic purpose. Now days sweatpants are wore often more for comfort than they are for the purpose created in the United States. Sweatpants in other parts of the country sweatpants are known as tracksuit bottoms. However, that may be what Emile Camuset was intended for these pants to be. The first pair of sweatpants were created as I said by Emile Camuset in the 1920s. They were a pair of simply knitted gray jersey pants. They were intended to allow the athlete to stretch and run in comfort.  Sweatpants seemed to be the stylish thing to wear at the 1930s Olympics. It was Adidas that introduced the first tracksuit which had sweatpants with a matching track top during the 1960s. Athletic fashion would gain in popularity when the fitness culture and hip hop music came on the scene during the 1980s. After this time sweatpants would become more popular for both leisurewear and streetwear. However, during the Covid outbreak the sales of sweatpants would greatly increase. 

There are many styles of sweatpants on the market these include:

fashion pants for fashion conscious sportswear that were made from materials such as velvet or satin. The colors and patterns in these pants. These fashion pants often have elastic bands at the ankles. 

Windpants are similar to sweatpants but are made of lighter material and shields the individual wearing them from cold wind. Normally made of polyester or nylon with an inside liner made of cotton or polyester. Pants often make a swooshing noise while walking. Zippers are normally at the bottom of each pantleg around the ankle. 

Tearaway pants aka breakaway pants or rip off pants. These pants are like wind pants that have snap fasteners that run up and down the entire length of pants. These snaps allow the wearer to tear off the pants quickly that helps with competing in some sports such as basketball and track. 

My personal opinion 

I like the traditional sweat pants for comfort and warmth. With Illinois temps being super low they are great to wear inside or out, Do you prefer this style of pants?? shared at

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cold weather food -- Cheeseburger Soup recipe for slow cooker

 

4 small russet potatoes peeled and diced
1 small white or yellow onion chopped
1 cup shredded carrots
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
3 cups chicken broth
1 pound lean ground beef
8 slices cooked bacon chopped
3 Tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk I use 2%
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded pepper-jack cheese or cheddar cheese
Green onion chopped (for garnish)

Place potatoes, onions, carrots, dried basil and parsley in a large crock pot. Pour chicken broth over vegetables. Cover with lid. Cook on low heat 6 to 8 hours OR on high heat 4 to 5 hours or until potatoes are tender. About 45 minutes before serving, cook and crumble ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any grease. Pour cooked ground beef into crock pot. Add in the cooked, chopped bacon as well. Carefully wipe out hot skillet with a paper towel then add butter. When butter is melted whisk in flour and cook until golden brown and bubbly (about 1 minute.) Whisk in the milk, salt and pepper. Pour mixture into the crock pot and stir to combine everything. Add shredded pepper jack cheese to crock pot. Stir again. Cover with lid and cook another 20 minutes or until cheese is melted. recipe source

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In the Snow and Ice Walk Like a Penguin

 Penguins are aquatic flightless birds that live in the Southern Hemisphere. Like everything else there is an exception and the exception to the penguins are the Galapagos penguins that can be found north of the equator. Penguins have flippers that they use for swimming. Penguins dine on sea life like fish, squid and other small species of sea life. Penguins spend their lifetime on both land and sea. Penguins normally stand approximately 3ft 7 inches tall and weigh and average of 77lbs. The tallest breed of penguin is the Emperor Penguin and the smallest is the little blue penguin (fairy Penguin). 

If you have not heard the state of Illinois has snow on the ground. Perhaps there are places without snow but for the most part the state is frigid and walking can be tricky. Walking takes more care and concern in making sure the muscles, bones, joints, eyes, inner ear, nerves, heart and blood vessels are all working together. Without all working together problems can occur. Perhaps that is why you have heard of the statement "Walk Like a Penguin" 

As I stated it is cold out there so be sure to dress properly and that should include a pair of gloves. Gloves protect and keep our hands warm which means that they do not have to be stuck in our pockets. Our hands and arms are very important when it comes to walking balanced as they can improve our balance so we dont lean to much on either side. Likewise, our feet aid in balance as well. Walking in winter weather we should be aware that ice and snow can cover hidden dangers. Walking a bit slower with shorter more careful steps are called for or walk like a penguin. Penguins walk with the point of their feet slightly outward, with the center of the body's gravity directly over the feet as much as possible. 

Some other tips to help you walk in the slippery mess known as winter:

Backpacks can be used easily by being carrying needed items on your back will keep your hands open. If this is not possible or you have more than one bag to carry be sure to take your time carry one at a time is easier and may save more time than dropping bags. 

The shoes you wear on your feet makes a difference as well. Grippers or treads on shoes will help keep you from sliding around and possibly falling. When you come inside be sure to wipe the bottom of your shoes off as the texture could be slick if they have snow or ice on them. It is best to keep from texting when walking on snow or ice This will allow you to pay more attention to what you are doing so that you will not have an accident. In addition, when going from one stance to another hold, like going from sitting in car to standing, hold onto something and avoid stepping on slippery surfaces. 

In the case that you may slip and fall make sure that you are ok. Take your time and ensure you do not need medical help

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Popcorn plain or dressed up great for snacking

 Do you enjoy a bucket of popcorn when you go to the movies?? How about when you need a quick snack?? Popcorn in many ways can be a healthy snack alternative. Popcorn is rich in fiber and without adding tons of butter or salt is a much better choice of snack than other items like potato chips. Popcorn is also high in antioxidants, lower in calories and fat and free of sugar. However, while popcorn by itself is a rather good choice it is what we decide to add to the popcorn when we eat it that makes it more of a difficult choice. 

There are many ways you can dress up your popcorn, so it is both healthy and tasty.

(1) chili powder can both lower cholesterol and the risk of heart disease as well as improve circulation. Simply adding a 1/4 tsp of chili powder to your popcorn will offer a kick of spice and make it a bit healthier as well. 

(2) cinnamon is another simple way to change taste of popcorn a bit. Cinnamon adds anti-oxidants as well as anti-inflammatory with no calories being added. 

 (3) simply adding some seeds, nuts, cheese or chocolate chips and mixing with popcorn offers you aot u bit of different taste and will seem like a treat 

For all counting calories popcorn may seem like the perfect snack as well. Having approx. only 30 calories per cup you can get filled and not use all of the day's calories. Keep in mind though that ts the extra toppings that add the extra calories. Microwave popcorn may seem the easiest but looks can be deceiving. Microwave popcorn often has more salt than needed, flavors are often artificial, and the bag is often too big of portion. However, in defense in Microwave popcorn the consumer has to be the judge and make sure what they are buying there are alternatives that are better than others. 

Adding butter is something else that is often done by the fans of popcorn. First of all that is not always good for the body and you may like the taste you may not like what it does to the body. Extra butter at the movie theater should be totally avoided. Like wise to much butter added to popcorn is not good, the best choice is an average of 3 Spoonfuls. Kettle corn is often a bad alternative as well adding to much butter and sodium.

Easy Tasty Popcorn recipe

1 cup broken up freeze dried apples

5 cups popped popcorn

1 cup pecan halves

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

sprinkling salt to taste

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Mix apple pieces, popcorn, and nuts on a large rimmed baking sheet. In a small bowl combine coconut oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Drizzle the cinnamon sauce over the popcorn mix, stirring well. Spread out evenly on the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Check that apples are golden. If they are, remove from oven. If not golden yet, give the popcorn mix a stir and bake another 5-10 minutes. recipe resource

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Robert E. Lee a confederate Hero

Today, January 19th is a day that is celebrated by some in the great state of Texas. Today is the day that honors Confederate Heroes. This day became a state holiday in 1973. It was determined to take 2 present day holidays and to make them into just the one that they could be celebrated on the same day. January 19th was Robert E. Lees birthday and Jefferson Davis birthday came around on June 3rd. State workers get the day after Martin Luther King Jr day off with pay allowing all to celebrate "Confederate Hero Day. "

Robert E. Lee was born in Stratford Hall, Westmoreland County Virginia on January 19th 1807. He was both a good student as well as a good soldier. Graduating from the United States Military Academy as an exceptional and military engineer. Lee would serve a total of 32 years across the Unted States in both peace and war times. Serving during the Mexican - American war prior to serving in the American Civil War. Lee also enjoyed making good soldiers out of other men and served as Superintendent of the U.S. military academy. Perhaps his fondest moments occurred when Lee led the confederacy's most powerful army from 1862 to 1865. However, he did not lead the army because of his stance on slavery as Robert E Lee opposed how slaves were treated but believed in the legality and held hundreds of slaves himself. 

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Kid inventors

Watching kids play could give you a sense that they never run out of energy and have to run it out as where else would all that energy go. The other side of this is a child's wonder, imagination and how they see what is out there. Similar to an inventor the qualities some children hold are awesome to say the least. Perhaps that is why children have helped invent some of today's inventions that you would never have thought possible by a child let alone a child inventor

One such invention came from an 11 year old during the winter of 1905. His name was Frank Epperson. His invention occurred as a result of nature but became one that was loved then and now both. One night Frank mixed a combo of soda water powder and water placed the stirring stick inside to stir and got sidetracked as many kids and children do and forgot the mix outside where it froze. What happened next was the first ever popsicle. 

It did not become a sensation overnight but rather it would take a few years under Epperson belt to grow up a little and share his fortunate error at a firemans ball. The name popsicle came about from his children 

Another kid inventor came up with this system as a need to communicate. Louis Braille at the young age of 3 caught an eye infection that would leave him blind. He tried his best to read via running his finger over raised letters. This as you can imagine was terribly difficult. Later when Louis was 12 years of age he heard about a method of communication that was used by the French military. From this pre-established system Louis Braille would simplify and come up with a system that would allow him to read a bit easier. He would present his work in 1924 from there it would gain popularity as the braille system that allowed blind to communicate world why

Third kid inventor I want to introduce to you goes by the name of Albert Sadacca. He was the son of a couple who owned novelty light shop. During the 1920s and earlier years individuals who decorate christmas tree using candles for light. There were a few that had started to decorate with electric Christmas lights but it was very expensive to do so. Thus many stayed with candles lighting the Christmas tree. This is where Albert came in due to his invention of a version of electrical lights that were affordable. Today Christmas trees with lights are very common during the season. 

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Happy Birthday Ben

 

Today, January 17th would have been Benjamin Franklins 218th birthday. Born in 1706 Mr. Franklin would become a very important individual in the United States. Ben served as ambassador to both France and Sweden and would get France to back America against the British. Shortly after that Benjamin Franklin would be the only individual to sign all 3 papers that would give America freedom against England. In fact, he would have helped draft the Deceleration of Independence. 

During the life of Benjamin Franklin he would become governor of Pennsylvania as well as serve as the first Postmaster General. Believe it or not Ben quit school at the age of 10 and go to work with his brother as a printer. Much of Franklin's worth would be from the many books he published under penn names as well as the newspaper in Philadelphia that he was the editor of. 

If you would ever choose to visit the grave site of his you can find his true place of bury in Philadelphia while he has a stone in Virginia as well. Benjamin Franklin truly was a good man and worked hard for what he wanted in life. In fact, he was an inventor of sorts inventing the lightning rod, bifocals, swim fins, and urinary cath among a great number of other things. 

While he is not the inventor of the lightbulb he did share what he learned about electricity that helped Thomas Edison later to invent  a way to get electricity in the homes today. Perhaps other kid inventors were inspired by Mr. Franklin to follow suit. In a soon to be posted blog post I will share with you about other inventors that shared their inventions before they were adults. 

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celebrate dry January with a mocktail

 

The second week in January is also known as National Mocktail Week. This week recognizes the choice of those that choose not to drink alcohol for whatever reason. Mocktails are drinks that offers that would rather have alcohol the same fun with a alcohol free substitution. One of the favorites out there is a strawberry daiquiri. While it omits the rum it replaces it with more citrus. 

• 12 ounces (2 cups) frozen strawberries
• 3 tablespoons lime juice, fresh squeezed
• 1 cup  lemon lime soda (Sprite), plus more for serving
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup water
• 1 cup ice
• 
  
• Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until a smooth, thick puree forms, adding just enough water and stopping and scraping as necessary. (All blenders are different, so start at the low end of the water and work up.)If desired, serve with a small splash of lemon lime soda in each glass (this can make a more drinkable texture, depending on how much liquid you use). Garnish with fresh strawberries and lime wheels, if desired.

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Hot and Spicy Sicilian Pizza

 The 16th of January is a special day for all those that like a flare of hot and spicy in their food. This event will take place around the world and will feature hot chili eating contest as well as cooking competitions to show off your favorite hot and spicy recipe. After all for over 6000 years the flavors of hot and spicy have been included in a variety of foods. 

Spicy food offers that flare of heat and many recipes still include that taste in their recipes. Simply think about that flaming bag of doritos that you recently enjoyed. However did you know that spicy food is good for your health as well 

Hot spices like cumin and turmeric  can help kill bacteria as well as offer powerful antioxidant properties. That inflammation that has bothered you lately can be helped by eating some hot spices of garlic and ginger. Thus complaints such as headaches, autoimmune disorders and arthritis can all be helped to some extent by enjoying recipes that include spices that offer a bit of heat. Moreover enjoying hot pepper chilies, turmeric, cinnamon and cumin offer the body a chance to slow down on how much of an appetite it has. 

Hot peppers also come in a great variety an they all offer different amounts of spicy heat. 

To offer a bit of heat in a great recipe I have selected this pizza recipe to enjoy and share. 

• 1 cup DIVINA Mushrooms Marinated with Hot Peppers
• 1 cup Peppadew Sweet Piquante Peppers
• 1 Pizza dough, pre-made
• 1 cup Marinara sauce
• 6 oz Pepperoni, sliced
• 6 oz Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Semolina or all-purpose flour

1. For crispy crust, position pizza stone, or large cast iron pan, 4-5 inches below broiler and heat for 30
2. Dust work surface with semolina or flour and with lightly oiled finger tips press and gently stretch dough into a 10-12” circle about ¼” thick
3. Pull stone or skillet from oven and drape dough across, carefully re-shaping as necessary
4. Quickly top with sauce, mushrooms, peppadew, pepperoni, and mozzarella
5. Return to oven and broil until cheese is melted and crust is cooked through
6. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, slice, and serve

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First Superbowl and Treats for the Party

January 15 of 1j967  was the day that the first Superbowl was played. The teams facing each other should sound familiar as they are still popular today as they ever were. The Green Bay Packers and Kansas city chiefs played the game as the leaders of both branches of football. The winner would be Green Bay at a score to 35/10 and the winning Quarter Back for the Packers was Bart Starr. However, as we all know there is more to football than the game for its the great snacks that come about that all will love as well. 

Among the list of dishes served at the party celebrating the first SuperBowl was chicken wings,,, onion soup dip,,,, grape jelly meatballs,,,,, and watergate salad. 

1 medium-size sweet onion

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 16 ounces sour cream

• 2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup)

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

• Chips, for serving

1. Slice the onion crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rings. Brush onion rings evenly with olive oil. Grill the slices on unoiled grates over medium-high heat (400°F to 450°F) until grill marks appear, about 5 minutes per side.

2. Remove from grill. Cool 10 minutes, and chop.

3. Stir together chopped onion, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, and hot sauce in a bowl. Sprinkle with chopped chives. Serve with chips.

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• 1 squeeze bottle (or 2½ cups) Welch's Concord Grape Jelly
• 1 18 oz. bottle of SWEET BABY RAY'S® Barbecue Sauce
• 1 package (2 lb) frozen prepared meatballs

1. Add grape jelly and SWEET BABY RAY'S® Barbecue Sauce to a slow cooker; stir to blend well. Stir in meatballs to coat. Cover and cook, on high for 3 to 3 1/2 hours, stirring halfway during the cook time, until meatballs are thoroughly heated and sauce is simmering. Tip: For a spicy kick, add Sriracha hot sauce.

recipe from Welches

Enjoy a bit of football and have the goodies ready for the fans as well Go Football!!!!

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Martin Luther King Worked to Get all Human Rights that we all deserve

 

Today January 15 is the birthday of what many consider a great man in history. Martin Luther King born January 15th 1929. While the date is not the day that is celebrated it is the third Monday of January that is celebrated for his birthday. This year, the date we celebrate the federal holiday on is also his day and month that he was born on. However the process of getting his birthday registered as a national holiday was not easy. 

One of the last states to recognize Martin Luther King day was South Carolina. In fact Alabama and Mississippi celebrate the old day that honored both King and Robert E. Lee. That combination may make some shake their head as King fought for human rights and Lee was a general for the southern states during the American Civil War. In the end President Ronald Reagan would sign the bill that made the day that honors the baptist preacher who became activist for human rights a national holiday in 1983 some 200 years after slavery as we knew in in the United States ended. 

Many states still consider his birthday to also be alongside the Human Rights day, In fact there is a special day, week and month celebrating human rights. Human rights that many think of and state all are entitled to are right to life and liberty, freedom of opinion and the right to be able to work and get an education. These rights are sadly stolen from individuals often. Thus it is important to have conversations and learn all we can on how to recognize human trafficking. 

Martin Luther King fought for the rights of many not only his own. He would work tirelessly  to help those he would meet along the way. However, his battle to help others would come to an end when marching through Memphis Tennessee he would be shot and die on April 4, 1968 

Those who could find their selves to be drawn easily into human trafficking are

• immigrants far from the home they knew
• substance abuse can lead to troubles that include human trafficking
• individuals with mental health also can find their selves drawn into human trafficking easily
• runaways or homeless that have no where to go and noone to help them are easily offered just a bit of hope that can land them in the hands of human traffickers

If you suspect that human trafficking is going on don't be afraid to say something to someone. Physical abuse and individuals scared of those they are with can both be signs that something is not right. The four largest states that see human trafficking are California, New York, Texas and Florida. 

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The Day of the Ass Festival

 

Many bible stories including the Israelites flight to Egypt as well as Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus included one animal the donkey or other wise known as ass. The day of the ass has been celebrated since 1000 but it is not without controversy, The Catholics have publicly denounced the day of awareness in 1460. 

Early in history donkeys were domesticated and used to make many journeys seem shorter and help in many domesticated chores. It was not until the late 1920s that miniature donkeys were bought to the United States. 

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Kite Flying as a National Hobby

 

January is national hobbies month. Hobbies can help us all by taking pressure off of work and worries. For just a moment escape from reality and participate in a hobby. Hobbies can include exercising at the gym, working in the garden or with plants that are inside, cooking and discovering new recipes, getting out meeting others and volunteering, writing in a journal of your life like a diary or spending time reading a good book, and one of my favorites  traveling either local or longer distances. 

Here in this post I will share with you about a hobby that many around the world have listed as their hobby. Today, January 14 is national kite day. 

Kites were originally only enjoyed by the wealthy and royalty In the world today most that want to can enjoy flying kites. Hindus around the world believe that this day of kites helps to wake the God spirits from winter slumber. Early kites made in China for years before Christ kites were made from leaves of plants. 

Americans have celebrated flying kites by Ben Franklin since his discovery of Electricity in 1752. Th Notional day of kite flying has been around since the first one in 1989. Kites were also involved in historical means in Britain as well when they were used during their independence battle. The civil war in the United States to deliver newspapers and mail. However the debate of kites has went on both sides as they had been made illegal in Germany as many thought they would be used to escape the great wall. 

Take some time and look into kite flying today.  Perhaps it will become a new hobby for you. 

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Pastrami Day

 Enjoy a pastrami sandwich on National Pastrami day on January 14th. 

Pastrami meat is normally made from beef. But some use pork, mutton or turkey. It matters not whether you enjoy your sandwich hot or cold. However, it is said when ate hot the true taste of Pastrami shines thru. 

Recipe for Pastrami Sandwich

• 1/2 pound peppered pastrami
• 2 thin slices of provolone cheese
• Handful of arugula
• 2 slices of rye bread
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 1/2 tbsp horseradish
• 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1. Melt butter in skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
2. Whisk horseradish and balsamic vinegar together and set aside.
3. Assemble sandwich: horseradish mixture on both pieces of bread, one slice of provolone cheese on the bottom slice of bread, followed by pastrami, arugula and final provolone slice.
4. Place sandwich in skillet and grill on both sides until bread is golden brown and has a nice crust.

while the pastrami sandwich has gained popularity and in fact is one of my favorites it has not always been this way. The Jewish immigrants from Romania brought this delicious idea with them. Pastrami was first created by butchers in the late 1800s to help preserve other popular meats of the time. It was not until 1887 in New York that the first pastrami sandwich was created and made popular first by a butcher then a little sidewalk cafe. 

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January birthstone and flower

 Here we are in the middles of January. To be specific it is the 14th of the month. Today I thought it would be nice to discuss January's  birth tone and the months flower. Januarys birthstone is the garnett.  The flower of the month is considered by some to be the white carnation and others consider the snowdrop flower to be the flower of the month. 

The white carnation was once used by Greeks during Roman times in a variety of ways. Everything from garlands, at and decor were created via the white carnation. Carnations have also been used in the medical world by Europeans who dabbled in herbal meds. The carnation has come to mean innocence, pure love and remembrances. 

snowdrops are the earliest to bloom in late winter or early spring. 

c

The garnett actually comes in a great many colors but the red is the stone of choice in January. It is believed the stone stands for friendship, trust, commitment and love. Garnetts have been around and used in a great many ways for centuries. Early warriors would wear garnetts into battle and Native Americans believed the stones to protect them from injury and poison. The Egyptians  believed that the garnett stone would protect them from bad dreams and cure depression. In addition, the stones were also believed to be able to cure disease and remedy angry hearts by many. 

Our family member who has the flower and birthstone as their birthday falls at the end of January is my beautiful mother. 

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