Global Day of Parents

All parents no matter race, religion, culture, or nationality love their children. They play many roles in life including primary caregivers, teachers and responsible for having their children lead a happy fulfilling and productive life. Parents are the anchors of the family and the foundation of our communities and societies. 


Global Day of Parents is a day observed on the first of June every year. Proclaimed by the UN in 2012 it honors parents around the world. It provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents and their selfless commitment to children. The lifelong sacrifices that parents offer their children as they nurture the relationship.

The U.N believes that the family has the primary responsibility to nurture and protect children. Children should grow up in a happy family that develops their personality and provides an environment that offers happiness, love and understanding.

Fireworks Safety

When I was growing up fireworks were displayed only on July 4th. Times have changed and now fireworks are more popular than ever. Firework shows are featured on New Year's Eve, Summer Picnics, weddings and even after sporting events. Lighting up the sky and adding nighttime sparkle to any celebration fireworks have become even more of a showstopper. 

When I was a kid we would travel out to the country on a dirt road where we could play with sparklers. Now every 4th of July me and my husband purchase our own fireworks to have a good time with the family. The fun with fireworks as well as the beauty is a sure thing. The most important thing is that safety must be on the forefront. 

In Illinois many fireworks are illegal. Nearby states though, allow the sale of many fireworks. Individuals should beware of fireworks packaged for professional use. When lighting fireworks a bucket of water should be kept close by. Likewise, when fireworks are disposed it should be sure that they are not lit so that no fire starts. When a firework is lit move back and give it plenty of room. In the case that it does not work after lit douse with fire and get rid of it.

Go Barefoot

I just love the summer time. It's time to kick off the shoes and go barefoot. June 1st is National Go Barefoot Day and a great opportunity to kick off your shoes and go barefoot. It also helps to provide those without shoes a chance to get a pair of shoes.

Enjoy going barefoot, doing good for someone else and getting a dreaded chore done all at the same time. Clean out your closets and donate a pair or two of your gently used shoes. Charitable organizations in your area or Soles4Souls organization. would be glad to have the shoes. 

Soles4Souls started in 2006 and since that time have collected and distributed 26 million pairs of shoes. There have been 127 countries around the world and all 50 states in the U.S. that have been helped. Without shoes children can not go to school, adults can not work, and it is hard to walk. Shoes provides a chance in developing nations around the globe. U.S. and Canada have been helped in times of disaster and in economic poor areas.

Have a Great Day

The world seems to go so fast these days that often I find myself lost in chaos. Never quite sure what comes next makes life unpredictable. Having a good attitude is not always easy when life is like this. I learned a few tricks in my career as a Nurse Aide working in the behavior ward. One of those things is to lie to myself be happy even when there is no possible way to be happy. 

One thing that I do and you can as well is to make a list of all your favorite things. I am a list maker no matter what it is budget, groceries, tasks to be done so making a list like this was something that came easy. It made me look at my list and see that my life was more stable than I believed it was.

On my list there were things like

• watching my grand-children play ball
• enjoying ice cream with my children
• having conversations with the ones I take care
• watching the stars with my husband.

What would be on your list?? As you go through your day pay attention to all the details that you love. Create a list and read them did it surprise you?? 

May Summer Travel Season Begin

After celebrating Memorial day weekend , summer unofficially is here. Yes, that is right time for some fun and refreshing time in the outdoors. The roads will be busier with all the summer time excitement. Cars will be traveling here and there and the best thing you can do is be safe. Will you be doing a lot of traveling this summer?? Here are a few tips that should open your mind to safety and summer time travel. 

It is not wise to follow a vehicle too closely. This puts you in line for someone else mistakes. If they find their self in need of getting in the other lane they may slow down or speed up and may inadvertently place you in danger of having an accident. Road rage may also result in following someone too close.

Not only is it illegal in many states to chat on the cell phone it is also dangerous. My daughter recently was ticketed for talking on a cell phone and the same may happen to anyone else. Talking on the cell phone diverts your attention to the cell phone rather to the road or driving.

Driving with headlights on at dusk or in bad weather is a safety matter as well. However, driving with your headlights on at inappropriate times is not wise either. There is nothing more distracting than driving towards someone with their headlights on high or on at a clear daylight time.

If you will driving long distance it is best to drive with a partner. Switching drivers during a long trip will allow you both to rest. Driving tired is not wise and has been known to cause accidents.

Paying attention to the weather in your area as well as the destination will alert you to any trouble ahead. Travel and weather web sites can help you avoid storms and other regional challenges. Weather can impact driving and place safety at an importance.

Be aware at where your fuel limit is. Do not let your vehicle gas tank get too low. You may want to carry a disaster supply kit or first aid kit in your vehicle as well. This is important for any accident that may happen. For safety sake let someone know where you are going, what route you will be taking and when you expect to arrive at your destination. In today's world cell phones are a great thing to have while traveling. The problem is if you get in a dead zone with no signal.

Be careful out there and be aware of the next guy as well. 

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Composting

Have you ever composted?? I believe that my in-laws composted before it was ever known how to or why. They did it because they knew that it would allow them to find fishing bait as well as provide material to help the garden. They would throw everything from coffee grounds to table scraps into it. While they may not have known that they were composting they actually were. Do you??

Composting is a simple way to add fuel to plant growth and restore vitality to depleted soil. It is a free and easy to make and does good for the environment as well. It conditions the soil and creates material that will help the lawn and garden. 

While my in laws used a special area in the yard to compost you may want to purchase a composting bin to use. No need for it to have any fancy gadgets or be on wheels. A simple, upright barrel will do just fine. I have seen friends use the barrel out of an old washing machine. Air needs to be able to get in and it needs a seal.

You can put anything that was once alive into the compost bin. Use potato peels, apple cores, egg shells, coffee grounds, paper towels, cooked and raw leftovers. Newspapers and brown bags can be added to the compost pile as well. The compost bin needs to stay slightly damp. If it seems dry add a bit of water or throw in the leftovers of your coffee pot.

The compost bin will seem to shrink. The reason is because decomposition has started. The winter weather may slow or stop the process but continue to add to the bin. When the spring thaw comes the decompose will begin again. It takes about a year for everything to decompose to where you can remove it from the base of your bin and use it to enrich your soil. or use in your household plants.


Never add in fats, dairy or animal waste. These items will attract critters. They will decompose but the critters are not desirable by everyone.

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Dreaming of A Garden and a Tea Time Sweet

With all the rain the good fortune of planting a garden has not been so fruitful. We have the pots ready and are ready to go get our plants but every day it seems to rain. The weather is getting warmer and the rain hopefully will hold off a bit this week to plant our container garden. I guess I could always hope for good luck using the technique that was very popular in the 1900's 

You simply put a pillow on your fridge. Well it may not have started that way but the 29th of each year in both Europe and the U.S. was a day that prosperity, good fortune and a bit of fun as well was found in this act. The early days of this good luck trick would find families placing a piece of cloth or linen that they had in the same place where their food was kept. It was hopes that there would be plentiful food and rich fertility to their home. Whether it works or not I am not sure but anything is worth a try. 

In the meantime we will enjoy a tea time treat. 

• 2 1/2 cups cake flour (see notes for substitute)
• 1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons freeze dried strawberries, blended into powder (I used my coffee grinder)
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberry puree (I pureed about 2 1/2 cups (1 pint) fresh strawberries)
• 8 strawberries, diced
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup buttermilk, room temperature (see notes for substitute)
• 1-2 drops of Red or Pink Food Color **optional if desired
• 7-8 strawberries, sliced for garnish if desired
• 
  Cream Cheese Frosting
• 2/3 cup butter, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a 9X13 baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang and set aside.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and freeze dried strawberry powder together and set aside. Cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes) in a large bowl using a mixer set at medium-high speed.
3. Add strawberry puree and eggs, one at a time, blending each addition thoroughly.
4. Scrape down sides of bowl and beat in vanilla extract and optional food coloring. Reduce mixer speed to low and add the flour mixture by thirds, alternating with the buttermilk and ending with a final addition of the dry ingredients. Fold in diced strawberries.
5. Pour batter in prepared pan and bake on the middle rack of oven until a tester inserted in the center of each cake layer comes out clean -- about 25 to 35 minutes.
6. Cool in pan for 30 minutes then lift cake out with parchment paper and cool completely on a wire rack before topping with frosting. Slice into squares and top with strawberry slices before serving if desired.
7. 
   For the icing:
8. In a large bowl with a hand mixer (or in a stand mixer) cream butter until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the vanilla and mix well. Turn mixer on low and slowly add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream and turn mixer back to medium and mix until light and fluffy. Add additional heavy cream or powdered sugar to reach desired consistency. Frost on cooled cake using an offset spatula.

recipe source here

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PReeclampsia

Finding out I was pregnant was always a time to celebrate. I did worry quite a bit as both my husbands mother and my own had lost their own babies. During my first pregnancy I did find myself with really high blood pressure and toxemia. Preeclampsia was very possible and worried me quite a bit. Our baby was born and is now 28 years old. Education is what helped the most knowing what the danger was and what to do. It is my hopes that if you are reading this that you will retain the knowledge I share if you shall ever need it. 

Preeclampsia is a disorder that occurs only during pregnancy. It occurs during the postpartum period and affects both mother and unborn child. An average of 5 to 8 percent of all pregnancies will be affected. Preeclampsia progresses rapidly. A high blood pressure and presence of protein in urine are both signs of trouble. Swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches, changes in vision are all symptoms as well. There are women who suffer preeclampsia but have few symptoms. 

Preeclampsia normally occurs in the 2nd to 3rd trimester. Prenatal care is very important to help diagnose and manage symptoms of preeclampsia Terms of the past no longer used were PIH and toxemia. Preeclampsia disorder of pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death. The disorder is responsible for 76,000 maternal and 500,000 infant deaths each year.

Pet Cancer Awareness

I can remember when our first neighbor got the devestating news. The vet called and told her that her beloved dog of 15 years had cancer. It was a terrible day very devastating to her. I myself was very unaware that our pets could get cancer. However, I was very wrong. Each year there are six million pets that will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Pet cancer, is the #1 disease related killer of our beloved pets. 

Early Detection is Key.

If cancer is detected early it can be treated more effectively, so it's important to check your pet regularly for the 10 Early Warning Signs as recommended by the Veterinary Cancer Society.

1. Swollen lymph nodes
2. An enlarging or changing lump
3. Abdominal distension
4. Chronic weight loss
5. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea

6. Unexplained bleeding
7. Cough
8. Lameness
9. Straining to urinate
10. Oral odor

If your pet has any of these early warning signs, you should take him or her to your veterinarian as soon as possible for a more complete examination. In addition, you should keep your pet away from environmental toxins like lawn fertilizers and surface and rug cleaners that have warning labels relative to children and pets. Many veterinarians see a link between environmental toxins and cancer.

Hamburger Day how do you like yours

This year National Hamburger Day is part of Memorial Day weekend. That is because today, May 28th is national hamburger day. As we celebrate the unofficial start of summer we can also celebrate grilling and best of all the hamburger. It seems that big juicy hamburgers and cheeseburgers find their ways to many outdoor barbq's. Not only delicious but also part of the American life the hamburger is a natural part of life. 

The hamburger originates from Hamburger Germany where it was first created. The bun started in America in Seymour Wisconsin. Each year to celebrate the burger the good people of Seymour Wisconsin celebrate the burger in a burger fest. In 2001 the festival created the largest hamburger weighing in at 8,266. 

How do you like your hamburger?? We love our burger served with one or more of these:

Another great choice for hamburger day is to try a new recipe like this one "

Mexican Hamburgers

ground beef: 1 pound
ground pork: 1/4 pound
chopped fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup
garlic , minced: 2 cloves
salt: 1/2 teaspoon
pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
oregano: 1/4 teaspoon
grated cheddar cheese: 1/4 cup
canned diced green chilies, drained: 3 tablespoons
cornmeal: 1/4 cup
salsa: 1/2 cup

Mix all together in bowl, do not over handle. Shape into patties and grill or pan fry to your liking


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The Sounds Of Jazz

The Saturday of Memorial Day weekend is also International Jazz Day. In 1991 D. Michael Denny a musician and bandleader created the day. Denny was on the board of directors of New Jersey Jazz Society. Congress declared the day to celebrate jazz music and history of the music as well. Jazz was developed in the 1800s. The unique American music known as jazz has become a highly celebrated art form. It is recognized and appreciated around the world. 

Recently the local high school jazz band was able to travel to Kings Island, a local amusement park, to participate in a jazz band contest. They were awarded first place in their class. What a wonderful job these young men and women did to keep jazz music alive.

Protect Yourself From The Sun and Enjoy a Cool Smooth Dessert

May 27th is a great time to help educate all on sun safety and the use of sun screen. Awareness of the use of sunscreen is important to educate not only ones self but also all those that we love. UV rays from the sun are very dangerous and harmful to our health. Right now is the perfect time before summer gets in full swing and vacation and visits to the beaches and swimming pools start up.

UV or ultraviolet rays from the sun are a serious risk one that we must be ready for. Overexposure to the sun can cause a number of health problems.Skin cancer as well as sunspots cam result in premature aging of your skin. Sunscreen is the protection that doctors and medical professionals recomend. The sun screen helps guard against health problems and the higher the number of skin protection factor (SPF) the more sun protection is offered. A sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or more is most often recommended.

Sunscreen should be used during all outdoor activities. Swimming is an activity that also requires a sunscreen that was water safety. Some may think that sunscreen is not needed on cloudy days but this is actually not true as UV rays are also present on cloudy days as they can penetrate through the clouds.

No better day to share a dessert that seems to be sunshine itself. Yummy!!! This Lemony "sunshine" dessert will please your taste buds if you love cheesecake and lemon flavor

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 whole crackers processed in food processor)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Pinch salt
• Pinch cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Ingredients (Filling):

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened at room temp
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• Sweet Vanilla Bean Sour Cream (recipe below)
• Lemon Curd (recipe below, or you can use store bought)
• Edible gold “dust”, for garnish, if desired

-Preheat the oven to 350°, and line a 11 x 7 x 1 ½” baking dish (or even a 9 x 9”) with enough foil so that there is an overhang (makes for easier lifting/removing of the cooled bars), and mist lightly with cooking spray.

-To prepare your crust, add all of the crust ingredients to a bowl, and using your fingers or a fork, combine until all the crumbs are well coated in the melted butter; pour the crumb mixture into the prepared foil-lined baking dish, and press them using the back of a measuring cup to create an even layer of crust; set aside.

-To prepare your filling, add the softened cream cheese, along with the lemon zest and juice, into the bowl of a food processor, and process until smooth; add the sugar, the eggs and the vanilla, and process again until completely blended and smooth; pour the filling over the prepared crust, and smooth out the top.

-Bake the cheesecake bar mixture for about 30-35 minutes, or just until the center of it still slightly jiggles; remove from oven and allow it to cool for 30 minutes.

-Place into the fridge and allow to completely chill for at least 3 hours (or even overnight, ideally) to set.

-Once cooled and set, lift the cheesecake out with the overhanging foil; spread the Sweet Vanilla Bean Sour Cream over the top, then cut into 12 equal bars. (You can let the sour cream “set” just a bit in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting into bars, if desired.)

-To finish, drizzle/pipe some of the Lemon Curd over the top of the bars decoratively, and sprinkle with a little edible gold “dust”, if desired.

-Serve bars cold.

Sweet Vanilla Bean Sour Cream Ingredients:

• ¾ cup sour cream
• ½ vanilla bean (alternately, you can substitute about ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Preparation:

-Add the sour cream to a bowl; next, split the vanilla bean pod down the center, and scrape the paste out of it; add it to the sour cream.

-Add in the powdered sugar, and gently whisk the ingredients together just until blended; cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Lemon Curd Ingredients:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 3 whole eggs
• 3 egg yolks
• 2/3 cups fresh lemon juice

Preparation:

-In a medium-size bowl, combine the sugar with the lemon zest, and using your fingers, work the zest into the sugar.

-Add the whole eggs, the yolks and the juice, and gently whisk to combine.

-Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method), and using a spatula, carefully and continually stir the mixture for about 6-8 minutes, scraping the sides and the bottom of the bowl to prevent scrambling (it’s alright if you have a little scrambling), or until it becomes thickened and has a pudding-like consistency.

-Strain the curd into a clean bowl, then cover with plastic wrap directly touching the curd, and cool completely in the fridge. (This recipe makes enough curd for the bars plus lots extra to enjoy swirled into plain Greek yogurt, spread on toast, spooned onto ice cream, etc. So delicious!! Keeps for about 2 weeks in fridge when covered.)

recipe source here 

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Friday Funday

Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes

Crust:

• 2 cups crushed graham crackers
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 3 T white sugar

Cheesecake:

• 2 bars of 8oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 t vanilla
• 1/2 t fine salt
• 1 21-oz can of blueberry pie filling/topping

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 175°C and line 3/4 oz mini muffin tins with paper cups.
2. To make crust, combine until evenly blended the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
3. Press around half a tablespoon of crumbs onto the bottoms of the muffin cups. Set aside.
4. To make the cheesecake, with the lowest speed setting, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
5. Gradually add sugar and salt while beating, scraping the sides of the bowl often.
6. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until incorporated.
7. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream and mix well.
8. Let the cheesecake batter rest for around 10 minutes to remove most of the air bubbles that were formed during the mixing process.
9. Scoop cheesecake batter into prepared crusts and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until firm but the centers of the cheesecakes still a bit jiggly. 
10. Remove from the oven and let coolthen refrigerate (a few hours or even overnight).
11. Serve with chilled blueberries (with sauce) on top.

Yield: 72 mini cheesecakes

This is just for a basic cheesecake recipe. There are hundreds of toppings you can use to suit the flavor you want. Make one today

recipe source here 

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what do you think

We often see cardinals in our yard and recently I heard a short story of how when we see birds like these that it means there is an angel near by. I personally hope that there is a bit of truth to it since I could use all the angels that want to be near.

What do you think??

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Missing Children's Day

May 25th is a day to remember Missing Children. Every year thousands of children are reported missing. The first National Missing Children's Day was established in 1983 when President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the day. The Department of Justice commemorates Missing Children's Day with a ceremony honoring the heroic and exemplary efforts of agencies, organizations, and individuals to protect children. 

Missing children's day is dedicated to encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers and others concerned with the well being of children to make child safety a priority. It reminds us all to continue our efforts to find these missing children and bring them back to their families. 

It only takes a moment for a child to disappear. I have had the scare happen a time or two only to find our children in the store in the next aisle or so. There are a few things that you can do to help your child from going missing.

First, sit down and talk to your children about safety and what they should do. Find out more on how to have that discussion here  

Give your time to be an advocate. When I was a kid there were homes with blue stars on the windows. These homes were ones we could go to and be safe there. Today, you can invite friends, schools, community organizations and businesses to learn more about child safety issues and be there for the kids. Helping to remind individuals about the missing children by displaying their photos or volunteer to help with the searches.

Have no time or ability to help in that manner then you may choose to donate money to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's programs and services. Pat attention to amber alerts and stay aware.

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