Introducing Antarctica

Antarctica is the southernmost continent as well as the fifth largest. The South Pole is located in the Antarctic region. A

The Antarctica Treaty came into effect in 1961. The treaty was created as a combined effort of 12 countries that was interested in the continent. The countries that agreed Antarctica would be used for peaceful purposes only included

• Argentina                    Australia 
• Belgium                      Chile
• France                          Japan
• New Zealand                Norway
• South Africa                 USSR
• USA 

Antarctica is the home of the penguins with eight of the eighteen species of penguins in the world call the Antarctic and subantartic regions home. 

Antarctica is as dry as any dessert. Most desserts are sandy and hot but that does not define a dessert. A dessert is defined as a landscape that receives little precipitation. It does not rain or snow in Antarctica helping to define Antarctica as a polar desert. Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, highest and driest continent on Earth. The extreme temperatures stay cold enough constantly to freeze water. Thus making Antarctica a forest of ice sheets, glaciers and icebergs.

Only about 1 % of Antarctica is permanently ice free. The continent is primarily covered in ice with an average thickness of 1.6 km. This ice accounts for about 90% of the world's fresh water.

Unlike many other places on Earth there are no indigenous population. Scientists are stationed at research bases across the continent but no one has a permanent home in Antarctica. Summer months may see a population of four to five thousand residents during summer but that number decreases  to around 1000 residents during the harsher winter months. Summer months share continuous sunlight and winter will bring no sunlight at all. All though some scientists will stay in Antarctica for years.

The South Pole sits right in the middle of Antarctica. The longitude lines meet at this point and forces the area to be inclusive all time zones. There are no permanent residents in Antarctica with one of its two season having more residents than the other. Those that live and travel to the continent follow the time zones of their own countries.

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AIDS awareness

World AIDS Day was celebrated on the 1st of December. Since being created in 1988 it has been a global phenomenon. The day aims to unite worldwide  in the battle against HIV. By promoting awareness and testing for STDs as well as showing support for those suffering with HIV and remembering those lost to the virus the world hopefully will stand up and take note against this terrible illness.

Millions upon millions of individuals around the world suffer from HIV. It has become one of the most serious pandemics today. Much is known about HIV treatment and laws for protection there is still much more to learn and understand about how to protect against the virus. Standing in the way is discrimination and a bit of fear. AIDS awareness helps to remind everyone from the average Joe to those with government positions that HIV is still present in all societies around the world.

Few Facts about HIV the virus that leads to AIDS

• Over 90% of all those with HIV were infected through sexual contact
• The HIV test now allows the use of a saliva sample. However, HIV is not passed via spitting, biting or sharing of utensils
• Only 1% of all babies born to HIV infected moms will have HIV
• There is no vaccine and no cure for HIV

World AIDS day is the brain child of Thomas Netter and James Bunn. Born during the summer of 1987 together the men wanted to bring about a day to help bring attention to the HIV virus and help dispel some myths about the disease. Dr. Jonathan Mann acting as the current Director of Global Program on AIDS approved the idea and set the date of December 1st 1988 to be the first AIDS awareness day. 

Early days brought much criticism It did however bring about much awareness and help share facts about the virus that the public may not have known. World AIDS day is now an independent organization. 

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Snowman Decorated Sandwich Cookies

Dip Oreos (holiday ones in my case) in melted white chocolate and decorate with candy corn and miniature chocolate chips.  I think this would be a really fun project to do with the kids. In my case, Noble is still a little too young to help out in the kitchen, but hopefully he will be baking with me next Christmas.

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Overnight French Toast ----- Christmas flavored

Overnight French Toast (Eggnog and Gingerbread)
recipe from Baked Perfection

Eggnog French Toast

1 loaf hearty white bread (Italian, Challah, Brioche)
5 large eggs
1 1/2 cups eggnog
3/4 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Gingerbread French Toast

1 loaf Gingerbread
5 large eggs
2 1/4 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Generously butter the sides and bottom of an 8-inch square baking pan. Slice the loaf into 1 inch slices and arrange them in the pan, overlapping.

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the eggnog (if using), milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until combined. Pour the mixture over the bread slices. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Flip bread and rearrange in the pan, making sure to coat the entire surface with the liquid.  Bake for 35 - 45 minutes or until the French toast is golden brown and puffy.
Set aside to cool slightly, serve warm with maple syrup and butter.

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DIY gift --- Butterscotch Pecan Cookie Mix in Jar

Butterscotch Pecan Cookie Mix in a Jar
recipe from C&H® / Domino® Sugar 

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup firmly packed Brown Sugar
1 cup butterscotch chips
3/4 cup chopped pecans

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. Spoon into 1 quart, widemouthed canning jar. Layer remaining ingredients in order given, making sure to pack down each layer firmly. Clean inside of jar with a dry paper towel after each layer. Decorate lid by cutting fabric into a 7-inch wide square or circle. Secure with a rubber band and tie with a decorative ribbon and accents. Attach these instructions to the jar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 2/3 cup softened butter or margarine, 1 egg and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until combined. Slowly add contents of jar and mix well. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375°F for 9-11 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes 3 dozen.

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Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

1 3/4 c. flour
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. peanut butter
1 egg
2 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 pkg. Hershey's Kisses, unwrapped (any kind, but Maria used Caramel Kisses and Hugs)

Preheat oven to 350 degree Fahrenheit. Combine ingredients. Roll into 1" balls, roll balls in sugar. Bake on cookie sheet for about 10-12 minutes. Top with chocolate Kiss immediately upon removal from oven.

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Cream Cheese Spritz Cookie #Recipe

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup butter
1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Mix together the flour, salt, and cinnamon; set aside.
In a medium bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese. Add sugar and egg yolk; beat until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. If desired, decide the dough in half and add food coloring to the halves until you reach the desired color (I used about 8 drops of green food dye). Fill a cookie press or pastry bag with dough, and form cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles to decorate.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the cookies are golden brown on the peaks and on the bottoms. Remove from cookie sheets at once to cool on wire racks.

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Make The House Smell Like Christmas ---- Stove Top Potpourri Mix

Holiday Stove Top Potpourri Mix

one whole orange or just the orange peel
1/2 cup cranberries
1 Tbsp. whole cloves
3 sticks of cinnamon or a small handful of small pieces of cinnamon
a bit of grated nutmeg if desired

Quarter the orange.  Put all the ingredients into a saucepan.  Fill pan with water.  Place on the stove on the smallest burner, on the lowest setting.  Refill water as needed.

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Merry Christmas to You and You and You

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Healthy Pecan Pie without Corn Syrup

1/2 cup raw honey
2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
3 eggs
1/2 tsp fresh orange zest
1/8 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
1 tsp ground ground cinnamon
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
3 tbsp whole wheat pastry flour
2 cups raw pecans
1 bottom pie crust

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
In a large bowl, combine raw honey, coconut oil, eggs, fresh orange zest, sea salt, unsweetened almond milk, ground cinnamon, pure vanilla extract, and whole wheat pastry flour. Stir to combine.
Arrange the raw pecans into the prepared 9-inch pie crust.
Pour the liquid filling mixture over the pecans, spreading some with a spoon if necessary.
Place into the oven and bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees, then reduce the temperature to 350 degrees and bake for 20-25 minutes.
The pie will rise in the oven. You’ll know it’s done when it has small cracks in the top and is no longer giggly.
Remove from oven and allow to cool, preferably overnight.

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DIY Gift Idea for that Person on The List with Sweet Tooth

To make the fun candy bouquet you will need

4 boxes of sugar babies or any rectangle shaped box candy

8 regular size candy bars

flower Styrofoam and wooden sticks or dowels

HOW TO:::

Start by gluing the large boxes around the Styrofoam base

hot glue the sticks to the regular candy bars

Now make the arrangement however you like

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Easy Craft: Beaded Wreath Ornament

This is a great craft for family night or a child's group

First you will need to gather supplies. 

To make these cute wreaths you will need the above supplies After gathering supplies you will thread a red bead on the pipe cleaner. Then follow up with three green beads. Continue to repeat threading beads in this pattern

Near the end of the pipe cleaner connect the ends so that it turns into a wreath shape. Twist off the ends of the pipe cleaners.

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Worlds Largest Catsup Bottle

Illinois is home to the world's largest catsup bottle. It can be found next to Route 159 south of downtown Collinsville Illinois. The bottle of catsup stands 170 feet tall and is used as a water tower. The catsup bottle was built in 1949 by the W.E. Caldwell company for the G.S. Suppiger catsup bottling plant. The bottlers of Brooks old original rich & tangy catsup.

In 1995 the Catsup Bottle Preservation group saved the bottle tower from demolition. The group restored the landmark roadside attraction to its original appearance. The roadside attraction hosts visitors and tourists to see the bottle every day. In 2002 it was named to the National Register of Historic Places.

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The Little Drummer Boy

Christmas is full of music of all types from religious to funny. When I was a kid me and my sister would spend hours listening to records in our room. Yes, I said records, way before they had cd's or any electronic music Christmas time was no different, or perhaps it was as we loved to listed to Christmas songs. One of our all time favorites was the "Little Drummer Boy " Perhaps you have heard of this song before??

One of the most popular holiday songs, "Little Drummer Boy" is loved by people around the world. But who wrote it?? What is the story behind it?? What does a Drummer boy have to do with Christmas??

Th name of the song about the drummer boy was first called "Carol of the Drums" The original name came from the repeating line in the song "pa rum pum pum pum" I am not sure that helps tell the story of the little drummer boy or not. We know most likely he was a drummer. However, what does his story have to do with Christmas.

The author of the song "Little Drummer Boy" is not completely known. It is believed that Katherine K. Davis wrote the song in 1941. It is also believed that the song lyrics are based on an old Czech carol.  Another thought is perhaps the author of the song was Henry Onorati and Harry Simeone. While it is not certain who the author was it is also not sure who composed the song as well.

Jack Halloran may have been the author of the choral arrangement in 1957 for Dot Records. However, it was Simeone was credited with composing the music in the song.  No matter the author of the music or words the story of why it is a Christmas song is clear if you listen to the words

First of all, we all ready know that the song is about a drummer with the lines that imitate a drum. Look a bit deeper and you will also see it is a story of the birth of Jesus Christ and the gifts presented to the newborn king. Jesus was born a gift to all the world. He was born to die for sins, yours and mind. Jesus was a gift given knowing that we can never repay. He is there for us no matter what and the best thing is he knows who we are inside and out. In the song a little shepherd boy came with the only gift he had. He had talent to play his drum so he did he played his best for him. Jesus smiled at him as he accepted the gift the little drummer boy had given from his heart.

What gift are you given to Jesus this year?? Do you rush to buy your gifts or are they bought from that heart for the special individual.




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Christmas Cranberry Salad

10 ounce bag of cranberries
1 cup sugar
20 can of crushed pineapple, well drained
1½ -2 cups mini marshmallows
1 cup heavy cream

Using a food processor or blender, grind the bag of cranberries. Pulse button works well. I like them to to be ground but with some large pieces mixed in.
Drain the can of crushed pineapple very well. It yields approximately 1⅓ cups after drained.
Add the drained pineapple and sugar to the cranberries and mix well. Stir in the marshmallows.
Whip the heavy cream until medium to stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into the cranberry mixture.
Refrigerate until serving (at least several hours or up to a day early).
Enjoy!

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Make Some Candy Canes To Hang On Tree

Beady candy cane ornaments have been made by me since a child. I carried this tradition over to my children and now my grand-children as well. They are simple and quick ornaments to make for the tree or add them to a present for an extra bonus.

Red and white pipe cleaners
Red and white pony beads (or any other type of bead with a large hole in the middle)

Twist a small loop at one end of the pipe cleaner. This is to keep the beads from slipping off the end.
Have your child string the beads onto the pipe cleaner, alternating red and white beads. This part also makes a good sorting exercise with younger kids.
When you get to the other end of the pipe cleaner, twist a small loop in that end as well.
Bend the beaded pipe cleaner into a candy cane shape and hang on your Christmas tree!

The entire family can make a candy cane ornament to hang on the tree. They are easy enough to store from year to year as well. Younger kids can work on their fine motor skills by making these candy canes.

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College Students Return Home During Christmas

Those of us with children that go away for college have been looking forward to them coming home for winter break since the beginning of the semester. The hope and excitement has built up in many different ways. You hope for a good visit without expecting to much, asking to much or saying to much. Perhaps the visit is one that will go over smoothly without any issues or at least that is the hope of the season.

We sent our students away children and they are coming back home young adults. They are not used to asking when or how to do something as for the last bit of time this has been up to them to make such decisions. What, when, where and with who they do things with has all been up to them. Little at home has changed. The rules are still present and in order but the laundry and food bills have seen a slight increase. Because of the family environment the need for keeping the ordinary the same is important.

We do enjoy our student at home and want them to come visit again so the balance between enforcing rules and going overboard is delicate to say the least.
Some areas to put your attention when your student comes home are:

• Allow them to get plenty of sleep. Late nights, noise, and being sleep deprived are all part of living in the dorm. 
• Stock the house with lots of good food. The food that is ate at college is never as good as home made
• Allow them some space of their own
• Help them if they ask but their newly learned independence may just need to break out
• It is better to listen more and talk less you may be surprised what you find out

When they get ready to go back to school it is the time for that present you have been hanging onto. The Ultimate Care Package. Here are some great ideas to help you out as well.

   Some ideas for care packages include:
Entertainment: include some great games , Mad Libs, and party food.

                               
Bath and Beauty Essential gift box for college student may include everything from a girls needs of nail polish and hair ties to that of a boys shaving cream and razors.                                                                                                                                                     

                                                     

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History of the Christmas Tree

In ancient Egypt during winter solstice the citizens would decorate the temples and homes with evergreen trees and wreaths as part of the celebration. Evergreens represented everlasting life, peace ad opulence. During winter the Egyptian sun god Ra. During winter solstice it was believed that Ra would become ill and weak unable to shine for as long as it had on the warmer days. The evergreen's immortality symbolized triumph of life over death.

The Vikings that reigned in Scandinavia were also finding favor with evergreens. It was believed that Balder, their god of light and peace would bring evergreens as a special gift. Druids brought evergreens into the home around 8th century. The Druids had also been known to worship the oak tree as their idol. It was an English monk that used the evergreen tree as a symbol of the trinity to help spread the story of Christ

Credit is given to the German priest Martin Luther for bringing the Christmas tree to Germany and introducing it to the world of Christianity. German Christians built pyramids of wood and adorned them with evergreens and candles outside as part of the celebration of Jesus birth. Luther went a step forward and brought the tree inside and covered it with wire and candles. However, most Americans during the 18th and 19th century thought the activity was a bit odd.

Perhaps it was thought to be a bit pagan like to bring the evergreen tree into the house. The Plymouth colony governor called it a "pagan mockery" and the general court of Massachusetts implemented a law in 1659 that banned any observance of December 25 that was not a church service. Thus the law even banned decorations.

In 1846 Queen Victoria was sketched with her children and husband beside a Christmas tree in Windsor Castle. Queen Victoria's popularity helped change the mind on a Christmas tree. Trees became popular in Germany, Britain and the United States. Ornaments were also becoming quite popular. By the early 20th century Americans had large floor to ceiling trees that were decorated with homemade items like popcorn strings, marzipan cookies, nuts, apples and candles.

The invention of electricity not only made it easier to see but also brought more decoration to the Christmas tree. Strings of lights replaced candles. Edison himself created the first strand of electric lights in 1880. He strung the lights on the wall directly outside of his lab. Shortly after another inventor Edward Johnson would wire red, white and blue lights around the Christmas tree Never the less, it would not be til 1903 before General Electric had pre-assembled light kits for the every day home. The National Christmas Tree was not lit until 1923 when President Calvin Coolidge had it decorated with 3,000 electric lights. Following shortly behind in 1931 was the very first Rockefeller Center

The Christmas tree has came a long way. With most homes hosting a decorated Christmas tree it has became part of Christmas tradition. The tree itself is meant to resemble peace and prosperity something it seems we all could use more of.



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Illinois State Flower=== The Violet

One thing you may notice if you take a walk in the park in Illinois are violets. They seem to be very present. It is also the official state flower and has been since 1908. School children selected the violet out of a lineup including goldenrod and wild rose. Inspiration of selecting a state flower was the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. However Illinois is not the only state that selected the violet as state flower as New Jersey, Rhode Island and Wisconsin also host the violet as state flower.

While common in Illinois the violet or Viola sororia is native to most of central an eastern North America. They re found in yards, gardens, sidewalk cracks and along trails in the woods. Southeastern part of the United States may notice the Viola sororia has white flowers with blue streaks. No matter the look of the violet did you know that the plants flowers and leaves are edible and hold many medicinal properties.

The sweet violet or Viola odorata can be found in many medicinal and culinary specialties in Europe. There are 550 species of violets found around the world. Beware that while many violets are edible the yellow flowered species is not.

The heart shaped leaves of the violet are familiar to most of us. There are many look alike violets and many of them are inedible or poisonous. It is best to wait til the flower of the violet is present so that you can be sure they are violets. Violet leaves along with flowers can be found in salads, pesto and sandwiches. The root of the violet should not be eaten. Violet leaves can be sauteed or steamed or stirred into soups to offer a bit of thickener. The violet flower can be used as garnish on salads, cakes or pancakes. Perhaps you would love them candied or frozen in ice cubes.

Violet leaves contains soluble fiber and are helpful in lowering cholesterol levels and helps the intestines. The leaves are high in vitamins A and C as well as contains Rutin. Offering an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood thinner. Rutin also can work as remedy for hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

Violets are used internally as a blood cleanser and lymphatic stimulant. Often served in tea or a syrup with no worry as violets can be consumed in large quantities. Violets are safe for elders as well as children. Violets have been used to soothe hacking cough such as bronchitis as well as whooping cough. Violets are traditionally used in the treatment of cancer of the lymphatic system.


Was you aware that violets held so much useful power?? I was quite surprised myself as I simply saw them as pretty flowers

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The Meaning of the Bells

On Christmas days many churches will ring their bells in the morning. But why?? How did bells become part of the Christmas celebration

The Anglican and Catholic churches often have a Christmas Eve celebration. The church bell or bells are often rung to signal the start of the Christmas service. In the UK a tradition exist that the largest bell in the church must be rung 4 times in the the hour before midnight and then at midnight all the bells are rung to celebrate Christmas day. Whenever the bells are rang before the service at Christmas eve, an hour before Christmas day or both it seems the bell is very significant in the ceremony.

The Catholic church strictly resist midnight service except for two services a year. Christmas day and Easter are the only times that Mass is allowed at midnight. The altar bells at those services are rung while the Priest says the "Gloria". .It is believed that Christ was born at midnight. Many countries including France, Spain and Italy the midnight mass is very important and everyone tries to give to a service.

The bell was also included during Victorian days as well. With carolers traveling here and fro the small handbells helped play the tune of the carol. At times the bells were played without singing. Today the handbells are still part of Christmas. Perhaps you have heard the handbells during the famous song "Jingle Bells"

"Jingle Bells" was not the original name of the famous Christmas carol. The original name of the song was "One Horse Open Sleigh". The song was published in 1857 in the United States . One other thing you may not know it was not written as a Christmas song but rather aimed at Thanksgiving. Perhaps you are not aware that the ending verses of the song that are not often sang speak of the sleigh going to fast and crashing.






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Ideas To Spend Memorable Moments With Family at Home

“December's wintery breath is already clouding the pond, frosting the pane, obscuring summer's memory...”

The busy summer months are gone and now most of us have been forced inside. Oh what fun we have enjoyed the last several months of spending time outside. Now that we are spending more time inside what will we do?? How about some fun activities that helps hold the kids attention span. The best part is many of these ideas are inexpensive.

• How about a slumber party for the entire family?? When I was a kid we would spend at least one night sleeping under the Christmas tree. Make it a special night for all by putting out the sleeping bags, making up some hot chocolate and singing Christmas songs. 
• Make it a surprise for the entire family with a special drive at night. Going out to see the lights is something that we have participated in every year. Take along some hot chocolate and popcorn as a treat
• We do not give our children allowance money in the month of December. Rather this becomes their Christmas shopping money. It makes them feel part of the celebration and is lots of fun as well. Shopping day for the kids will either be done at school as they have Santa Shop as well as a special day of shopping with the family. The most important part is making memories so make it fun and a bit special is the goal. 
• A trip to the local library is always a must do. Checking out a handful of Christmas related books One idea is to read a book a night as a count down to Christmas. 

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