Kohlrabi Good For You

Kohlrabi is related to the cabbage. The name comes from German word Kohl meaning cabbage. The small kohlrabi bulbs have a taste and texture much like broccoli stem but a bit milder and sweeter. Larger bulbs can taste like radish. 

To store Kohlrabi remove leaves and stems. The leafy stalks are edible and should be kept. The leaf and stalk can be used much like kale or collard greens. The leaves should be used within a few days but the bulbs can be stored for several weeks in fridge.

Kohlrabi offers a great variety of vitamin C as well as potassium, fiber and vitamin B6, They also contain anti cancerous compounds. 

Kohlrabi can be enjoyed raw by simply cutting in wedges and eat them for snacks with dip or soy sauce. Kohlrabi also goes great and gives a bite to salads and slaws. Chop it up and add to soups and stews or boil and share in mashed potatoes. Roastin kohlrabi results in a very sweet dish. Simply peel the bulbs cut in wedges, toss with oil, season with salt and roast in hot oven til brown and tender. 

Make Up Some Yummy Cupcakes for WOrld UFO day

July 2nd 1947 is a date well known to UFO believers It is the date of the great Roswell Incident. Mac Brazel a rancher in northwest Roswell New Mexico was the individual to discover wreckage of a metallic object on his ranch. The wreckage and the metal it was made of was strange. Military authorities investigated the site, removed the wreckage and defined the object as a Unidentified Flying Object. The incident was later changed and reports were hiden leading to one of the largest cover ups. The incident sparked fear of a UFO invasion and rumors of other incidents that led to thoughts that are still alive and well today. 

So tonight, as you look to the skies to watch the stars keep an eye out for those UFO's that may just appear. The World UFO day started officially on July 2nd 2001. Those that believe in UFO's think that the existence of intelligent beings from outer space dates further back than believed. They would love to see government files to "declassify" the knowledge about sightings throughout the history. 

Author: Love and Olive Oil | Martha Stewart | Donna Hay magazine, Kids' Issue 2010

Recipe type: Dessert

Serves: 12 cupcakes

• For the cupcakes:
• 1 cup coconut milk
• ⅓ cup canola oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons almond meal
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• For the frosting:
• 6 ounces (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• green food coloring – paste, gel, powder or liquid is fine

1. For the cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, whisk together, by hand, the coconut milk, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, almond meal, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. With the mixer on low-speed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the coconut milk mixture until it is uniform and smooth (do not overmix).
3. Pour batter in liners, filling cups no more than ⅔ full (3 tablespoons of batter). Bake 18-20 inutes, or until cake tester comes out clean. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
4. For the frosting: Beat butter with a mixer on medium-high speed until pale and creamy, about 2 minutes.
5. Reduce speed to medium. Add sugar, ½ cup at a time, beating after each addition, about 5 minutes. (After every 2 additions, increase speed to high, and beat for 10 seconds, then reduce speed to medium-high). Add vanilla and enough food coloring to turn the frosting a bright pastel green, and beat until buttercream is smooth.

NOTES

Use M&M's or Smarties to decorate around the outside of the cupcake to make UFO lights. For the "alien" inside the UFO, use a green lollipop and just place the stick down into the cupcake (trim stick with the scissors if necessary). To make the UFO dome, use small plastic shot glasses. Be sure to use silver foil cupcake liners to make the cupcakes look like shiny little UFOs!

National Postal Workers Day

Today, July 1st is National Postal Worker Day. It is a day that is observed each year on the same date. The day is a great time to appreciate and thank the men and women who all work to get our mail and parcels to us. 

Postal delivery individuals will walk an average of 4 to 8 miles carrying a full load of letters and packages a day. There are approximately 490,000 postal workers across the U.S. Through the heat, snow and rain the mail must be delivered in all types of weather. The storms that would keep us home has them on our doorsteps bringing mail. 


My dad worked for the postal service for over 25 years. He was a rural route carrier and made sure that all those outside city limits received their mail. I can remember in the earlier days being able to travel with him on the route. This was some great time and made great memories

What is the oddest thing you recieved in the mail?? In the early 1900s postal rules were that they would deliver anything under 11 lbs. The oddest thing recorded was a young child being delivered to the grand-parents

Baked Bean Casserole

1 lb large lima beans
2-3 medium onions, cut up
Approx. ¼ cup oil (to sauté the onions and carrots)
1 large carrot, cut up
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
1 Tbsp paprika seasoning
Ground black pepper
Salt
1 Tbsp of flour


Boil beans for about 10-15 min., and then drain completely, and add fresh boiling water, bay leaf, salt to taste, and then cook beans for 2 – 2 ½ hours over low heat. By then it will be cooked, and most water will evaporate, check occasionally to make sure you don’t completely dry them out. Drain, but save the water, don’t discard.

In a separate pan, sauté onions and carrots, and when nice and caramelized add paprika seasoning, garlic, black pepper, and a tablespoon of flour, and mix it all into cooked beans. Carefully combine, and put in a baking dish of your choice. Pour the water you saved, over the beans, top with bacon or sausages, and bake. I bake it for about 20 minutes @ 425 F.

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Creative Ice Cream Flavor Blueberry Ginger Snap Ice cream recipe

I scream you scream we all scream for ice cream. What a great month July is with so many holidays that are related to ice cream. In 1984 Ronald Reagan deemed July to be "National Ice Cream Month." The third sunday of July is "National Ice Cream Day" The best holiday of all falls on July 1st and is National Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day. 

There are so many delicious ice cream flavors out there. Just take a look at this list that only offers part of the great flavors available 

One of the newest flavors I recently found was for blueberry ginger snaps ice cream. Check it out, try it out let me kinow if you like it

Blueberry Ginger Snap Ice Cream

1 pint heavy cream
1 c. milk
2/3 c. sugar
1t vanilla extract
2 c. blueberries
3T wild blueberry preserves (like Bonne Maman)
12 ginger snaps

Freeze ice cream “freezer bowl” at least overnight, or according to your machine’s directions. The machine I used holds up to 1½ quarts.

Pulse blueberries in a food processor, set aside. Scald milk, cream and sugar (heat over medium heat in a saucepan until just before boiling). Stir to make sure sugar dissolves. Turn off the heat. Add half of the chunky blueberry puree to the hot cream mixture. To the other half, stir in the blueberry preserves.

When cream mixture has cooled to room temperature, stir in the reserved blueberry mixture and chill further in the refrigerator until cold.  Pour mixture into ice cream maker and make according to your machine’s directions.

While the ice cream churns, break ginger snaps by hand into small pieces or smash in a plastic bag with a meat tenderizer or rolling pin. Just before turning off the ice cream maker, add in cookie pieces and mix until incorporated.  Transfer the ice cream to a plastic container and freeze for at least a few hours, or until firm.

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Thankful Thursday

This week has been very promising. I always love that when we talk about our future. To start with:

My grand-son never lost his smile. It went a way for a bit when he was hurt but came right back. This week we returned to the dr. to get an update. Everything looks great. and in 2 weeks we return to get cast off

My son who was having leagel problems had problem disolved. He proved he did nothing wrong and won the battle. Goes to show if you know you are in the right keep fighting the battle no matter how hard it gets

What has your week been like?? These are just a few things that I am thankful for the list is many and I stay in a mind of thankfulness as I know life is not always easy but we have to stay in a good mood and believe. Share what you are thankful for here

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grace moments

National Handshake Day

One of the oldest greetings the handshake is honored on the last thursday of June each year. It is not quite sure where the handshage originates. The non verbal mode of communication may exist even before written records were kept. Stories of medieval knights from Rome as well as other weapon carrying men to check for hidden daggers by grasping each other's forearms in greeting. 

Records in Egypt suggests the handshake hosted the power of giving. Kings would grasp the hand of the statue of the god Marduk before taking the throne. This was a Babylonian custom and was repeated yearly during the festival of Zagmuk. 

Modern day handshakes carry different customs with them as well. Around the world handshakes have different customs held within. Women were often omited in handshakes. The U.S. , Russia, Australia, Brazil and the U.K. handshakes tend to be firm. China, Japan and South Korea handshakes are with a lighter grip and no direct eye contact. The handshake in Philippines is light with direct eye contact. 

Secret handshakes exist as well. Greeting between members of groups, clubs and societies may all be different with only members knowing the secret handshake. 

Today take a moment and shake hands with those you meet along your p

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social media day

In the old days keeping up with friends was not as easy as it is today. Social Media has made so much more possible in getting in touch with and keeping touch with others. It is also a great way to share our stories. Social Media has changed the world as we know it and is observed annually on June 30th. Social Media has redifined how peopl interact, cummunicate and share with family, friends and the world. 

Reconnecting with old friends, classmates, past work associates and more makes social media very valuable. The family tree has also become a social media platform reconnecting and connecting with family members. Pinterest helps all food lovers and diy'ers to find even more to make and do. Blogger, WordPress and so many others allow writers to share and socialize. Twitter helps spread the message in a quick wit matter. Snapchat-Instagram offer you a chance to share pictures of where you are and what you are doing. 

Meteor Watch Day

Do you ever take time to gaze at the stars?? It seems to be a past time of ours, we love to sit out look at the stars, catch lightning bugs and enjoy being together. Tonight take note and watch for meteors as well. June 30th is National Meteor Watch Day. I was not aware of it til now but it seems that it occurs every year on the same date. Another fact I was unaware of is that there are millions of meteors that occur in Earth's Atmosphere. 

Meteors are created when space debris enter the earth's atmosphere it causes friction in the sorrounding air. This air becomes scorching hot and looks like a "shooting star"  Most of the meteoroids that cause meteors are no bigger than the size of a pebble. Sometimes meteors occur in showers. The meteors that we observe at night are visible when they are 34 to 70 miles above the earth and can only be seen for about a second. About 31 to 51 miles above the earth meteors will disintegrate. 

To participate all you need is a clear dark night and your eyes. I can remember as a kid going into the country to watch the stars. Here in our town our backyard is dark enough but if you can not find a dark space this adventure may be a bit tough for you but still possible. The brightest meteors should still be able to be seen. If you do decide to go out and about to find a good spot take a friend and be safe. 

Since the meteors will be up above us one of the favorite ways to watch for meteors and stars is to lay down on the ground face up. Plan on staying a while and one good idea is to bring along a red flashligh rather than white. the white light will bother our eyes you can simply paint the lens of a regular flashlight with red nailpolish to create the effect. 

Since the plan is to stay for a while you may want to bring a few things with you:

• a blanket and pillow to make your lay on the ground comfortable
• warm clothes as the ground may be cool and the night air may make it cooler
• your favorite snack and drink
• buddy to watch the stars with you
• star chart is also a good idea as well

Relax and have a bit of fun creating memories. This is a great idea for families to do together as well 

Hodge Podge Wednesday

1. It's officially summer (in the northern hemisphere anyway). Which summer month is best and why? 

I would go with September as well. Was always my favorite as a kid as well. Still warm enough to have fun outside. Not to mention, my birthday month as well. 

2. Can you swim? How did you learn? June 27th is National Sunglasses Day. How many pair do you own? 

nope can not swim scared of water when it gets above my mid section have always been scared even though I have had many swim lessons. I own a pair of sunglasses but in this house are many dozen that belong to the other family members here. 

3.What characteristic do you judge most harshly in yourself? How about in others? 

I judge myself rather hard I am a perfectionist in sorts. Others are judged no different if I expect myself to do something I expect others to do it as well

4. Robert Frost wrote the now well known poem entitled The Road Not Taken. What's a road (literal or figurative) you've always wanted to travel, and where do you hope it takes you? 

I have always wanted to travel any where really. I have been in my state, the states down to florida as well as the states that sorround the state I live in There are many other roads to take.

The path our family takes is more figuratively. As they marry the love of their lives and starts families of their own the road will stretch and I will love watching it all

5. Popsicles-yay or nay? If you answered yay, what's your favorite flavor? 

yay grape is my favorite 

6.Brexit-on a scale of 1-10 how knowledgeable are you on what's involved here? (1=very knowledgeable and 10=what's Brexit) Is this news you'll follow or is it something you think won't impact your life in any way shape or form? 

I would say 10 and would love if any one would tell me what Brexit is

7.Share a favorite song on your summer play list. 

always lots of songs but recently I'm A Traveler has been added  

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

My current thought is on sleep. I worked mid night shift last night and was up 24 hours. I normally get around 6 to 7 hours today I have had about 3 My question is how many hours of sleep a night do you normally get

National Hug Holiday

One simple action a hug can speak louder than words. It can change a person's day, emotions and life. The simple act is a hug. Today you may want to give someone an extra special hug to someone having a bad day. National Hugs Holiday was created to do just that . To the person in need of help, sick, sad or elderly a hug may mean everything.

Hugs for Health Foundation created the National Hug Holiday Day. The day was created to offer special care hugs to the elderly. It has turned into a day that anyone that needs a hug can get one.

The Huggers Creed is:\

“We believe HUGS nurture the human spirit, promote a more positive outlook and enhance the quality of one’s life”

Do you ever just need a hug?? Someone to acknowledge that you are having a moment?? The best way this can be done is by offering someone a hug. There are those individuals that have a bubble of sorts up and do not like their personal space invaded. You may want to ask permission before giving someone a hug. 

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Waffle Iron Day

My grand-babies love waffles. My daughter has made home=made ones for them since they were old enough to eat. A waffle iron (a kitchen gadget) makes this possible The waffle iron is made up of two metal plates where the waffles cook and is powered by electricity that heats the plates.

Waffles can be enjoyed at every meal of the day. The original waffles were from Greece. The Greeks would cook flat cakes between two pans. These cakes would be topped with cheese and herbs.

• Waffle Irons can be used to make more than waffles

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International Mud Day

As a young experienced mom I remember my children often sneaking and making mud pies. Perhaps it was that I let them more than it was sneacking. There were 5 children with 3 under the age of 3 I had my hands full. The older two and at times the oldest of the youngest would head outside to play and end up in the water. It was summer time, it was hot and they loved the feel of the mud. Many must love the feel of the mud as today is International Mud Day. So it's time for us all to have a bit of fun getting dirty and playing in the mud.

It is easy enough to celebrate the day. Simply find some water and dirt and when you mix them together you will get the honoree of the day a bit of fun old mud. I can remember when I was younger my sister was 4 years older than me and always tried to get away with somehow being mean. Her friends and her one day decided that I would be able to join the gang if I would drink a glass of muddy water. The trick did not work and that day I decided they were not as cool as I thought they were

Making muddy water is not the only fun thing about mud You could

• play or wrestle in the mud pit
•  take a mud bath
•  make mud pies 
• create art out of mud

International Mud Day originated in Nepal. It was a day that a group of orphans could get outside and forget their troubles for the day. They were to enjoy nature and the outdoors. The mud and fun in it actually improved their moods and attitudes. This yearly event is sponsored by the World Forum Foundation.



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Body Piercing Day

Body modification and body piercings around the world have been used for many purposes. Self expression being the top here in the U.S. Other reasons would include a rite of passage, shock value, religious observances. Where body piercing actually started is unknown but it has become a popular form of expressing thoughts. Practiced by both men and women since before records were kept body piercing is part of history. Body Piercing day is an opportunity for you to find a new way to express yourself with this age old practice

For at least the past couple of hundred years ear piercing has been well known in western cultures. Ears and nose being pierced have been discovered in graves of many cultures tracking back to 5,000 years. Body piercing was often a way to send wealth with those that have passed as well as honoring them at their burial site.

African and American tribal cultures have long been known to have both the lip and tongue pierced. Nipple piercings can be tracked back to ancient Romans. Ancient India may have debuted the genital piercing.

A man by the name of Jim Ward created Body Piercing Day. He has been known as the "grandaddy of the body piercing movement" He is a influential part of the new body modification movement with focus on body piercing.

Ever thought of getting a piercing?? Well today Body Piercing day is a great opportunity to take the plunge and jump into the world of those with body piercings. From ear piercings, nose piercings, lip, tongue and cheek piercings. Great way to show off who you are or want to be. Of course there are other piercings that are not always shown but have personality as well.

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Coconut Chocolate Tapioca Trifle

• Coconut Tapioca Pudding:
• 1/3 cup small pearl tapioca
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sugar, divided
• 2 eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup shredded coconut
• Chocolate Pudding:
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 3 egg yolks
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Chocolate for garnish

For Chocolate Pudding:

1) Combine 1 1/2 cups milk, sugar, and cocoa powder in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk and bring to a slight simmer.

2) In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup milk, corn starch, egg yolks, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.

3) Slowly whisk in about 1 cup of the hot liquid mixture into the egg yolk mixture in a steady stream. Then whisk the hot, tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture. Return to low heat.

4) Heat the pudding over low heat, stirring regularly, scraping the bottom to ensure it isn't sticking. Continue to heat until the mixture is thick, 3-4 minutes.

5) Remove from heat and let cool until room temperature, whisking occasionally to prevent a skin from forming. Layer into jars or chill, covered with plastic wrap.

For Tapioca:
1) Combine tapioca with water in a medium saucepan. Let sit for 30 minutes off the heat.

2) Add coconut milk, milk, 1/4 cup sugar, salt, and egg yolks. Stir over low heat until mixture is simmering. Simmer, uncovered, stirring regularly, 10-15 minutes until pudding is thick.

3) Using a stand mixer or a whisk, beat the egg whites from the eggs with the sugar until they form soft peaks. Fold about a cup of the tapioca mixture into the egg whites, being careful not to over-stir the mixture. Then fold the egg white mixture back into the tapioca. Return to low heat and stir regularly for 3-4 minutes while mixture thickens.

4) When pudding is really thick, remove from heat and stir in shredded coconut and vanilla.

Layer puddings in jars, starting with chocolate and store in the fridge. Optionally garnish with shaved chocolate

recipe source here

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tasty tuesday

Myth of Poison Tomatoes and Margarita Pizza Recipe

There have been movies, video games, and many other entertainment bits about killer tomatos. There is a story behind all of these. The tomato was feared by those in the Eropean elite circle for centuries after the vegetable was introduced to the continent. There may have been a bit of truth in the myth as the plates that the elite would eat on including nobility ate their foods from pewter flatware. These dishes had 30% lead which is a poisin when ingested. Tomatoes and other high acidity foods leeched through and became poisonous. 

It tood a farmer by the name of Colonel Johnson to prove that tomatoes were not poison. On June 28, 1820 the tomato farmer climbed the courthouse steps in Salem Massachusetts and ate a bucketful of tomatoes. He did not get sick and suffered no ill effects this move started to make individuals think. 

Those from Southern Eurpope as well as the less well off all ready knew and understood that tomatoes were not poison. Italy created tomato based dish and brought popularity to the tomato. Margarite pizzas were created to brng honor to the Queen Margarita Flatbread piled on with the three colors of the Italian flag red (tomato sauce), white (mozzarella) and green (basil) 

flatbread pizza crust - 12-inch, (store bought)

olive oil - 1 tsp, (or less)

mozzarella cheese

tomatoes - 2

basil - fresh, (thinly sliced)

clove garlics - 2

salt - (optional)

black pepper - (optional)

red pepper flakes - (optional)

Preheat oven to 450 F degrees. Brush or spray olive oil over flatbread. Sprinkle the garlic slices over flatbread. Top with mozzarella cheese and sliced tomatoes and 6-7 pieces of basil and then top with mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper (This is optional). Bake for 10 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle fresh basil on top. Serve with red pepper flakes (optional)

Raggedy Ann (my favorite doll)

As you should be able to tell I am a large raggedy ann fan. I have always been and I don't see that changing anytime soon. While my collection has been slimmed down over time I am still the largest Raggedy Ann collector that I personally know. Many of these dolls and items many years older than I am.

Raggedy Ann is not a doll like barbie that is concerned with her image and adventures that only Barbie could dream about. Raggedy Ann and Andy was the heroine of 25 children's books. The author of these great books Johny Gruelle. Gruelle was a newspaper cartoonist around the early 1900s. Raggedy Ann was inspired by Gruelle's daughter.

The first Raggedy Ann doll was based on the library character that Gruelle created. The doll was created and changed the lives of little girls everywhere. 

Helen Keller Birthday

My sister being 4 years older than me often found out about the school stuff before I did. One great hero of mine that she read all about before I even knew about was Helen Keller. Now we knew a Mrs. Keller that lived in our hometown and I loved her to death she was the nice old lady that always talked to kids and have us sit down and tell us all about our day. Not many adults did that back then and not enough take time to pay atteniong to kids now days (my own opinion).

With the last name of my favorite neighbor I reckoned that Helen Keller had to be awesome. I was right in many aspects. She did teach me many great lessons. The first deaf-blind person to earn a bachelor of arts degree, has her name down as an author, a political activist and teacher. This hero of mine taught me the great lesson to never quit. The movie The Miracle Worker told Helen's story about who she was and started the story at her birthplace in West Tuscumbia Alabama. In the home town also stands a museum where an annual "Helen Keller Day" is held. 

Helen Keller never let her disability get her down. She was a fighter and often fought for the rights of the masses. From being involved in campaigns for women's suffrage, labor rights, socialism, antimitarism and other causes. In 1971 Keller was inducted into the Alabama Women's Hall of Fame. 

Helen Keller Day is the same as her birthday June 27th. Tuscumbia Alabama welcomed a fighter in the year of 1880 to a family that lived in the home that the grandfather had built decades before. Helen had two siblings a sister and a brother, she also had two older half brothers who belonged to her father.

Helen's father Arthur spent many years as an editior for the Tuscumbia North Alabamian. He had also been a captain in the confederate Army. Helen's grandmother was the second cousin of Robert E.Lee. Helen's mother Kate was the daughter of a confederate general. 

Helen was born with the ability to see and hear but at 19 months old she came down with an infection some think similiar to scarlet fever or meningitis. The illness would leaver her blind and deaf. She would learn home signs to try to communicate with others as she grew. The family would reach out for help and find many that would help including Alezander Graham Bell. Anne Sullivan would become Helen's instructor as well as friend. 

Anne would come to live with the family when Helen was 7 years old. The work of understanding new language practices started at once. The break through point would be the word water. 

Read much more about her life here

National Sunglasses Day

National Sunglasses Day occurs each year on June 27th. The Vision Council is the group that sponsors the holiday and it shares the day with a day that celebrates the importance of wearing UV protective sunwear. 

Sunglasses may be shady for your eyes but the holiday is very important that everyone takes note of. Summer is in full swing and the sun is high in the sky and giving off a very bring blindingly light. Sunglasses that have a UV protective wear should be worn to protect eyes. 

While there are many reasons why sunglasses or shades as they are commonly called are worn. These reasons include:
Have the appearnace of a movie star
you want to travel unseen like a spy who wants to hide behind those big dark sunglasses
part of a fashion statement

the most important reason is to protect our eyes from the UV rays. On a sunny or cloudy day the most important decision about your eyes you can make is to wear sunglasses or other UV protective eyewear.

UV radiation has long been believed to be the reason for sunburns and skin cancer. In the same nature that many believe that they do not recognize the dangers of UV rays for their eyes. Unprotected eyes can be burned just like skin. Spending a day outside without eye protection can lead to temporary symptoms like swollen or red eyes as well as eyes that are hypersensitivity to light. Long term exposure can result in cancer of the eye or eyelid, cataracts growth as well as age related macular degeneration.