Informative
How to Celebrate Senior Citizen's Day The Thoughtful Way 0
Read any magazine or watch an infomercial these days, and you'll think that the world is tailored to the needs of millennials. But, here's a fun fact: Senior citizens, a.k.a. all those folks who have been on this planet for more than 65 years, are the fastest-growing demographic in the world(1) because they're expected to outnumber children by the year 2030 (at least, in the U.S.A.).
And even though that means we'll get to spend more time with them in the future, we often neglect to pick up the phone and call them. If you think it's high time you made some time for the older people in your life, there's no better day to start caring than on Senior Citizen's Day. If you can't think of a fun way to celebrate this day, these 8 thoughtful ideas are a great place to start.
Friendly reminder: “Nothing is more beautiful than a smile that has struggled through years and tears”; whatever you do on August 21st, make some time and visit your grandparents. After all, they're the reason you're here today!
Generation S (As In Senior) – The Need-to-Know
Celebrated on August 21st, Senior Citizen's Day is an annual celebration that honors the people of the Third Age, and their contribution to the world. Specifically, the purpose of this holiday is to raise awareness on all the issues that affect the elderly, from their naturally deteriorating health (both mental and physical) to the way they're treated by others (yes, elderly abuse is a thing, and we should all address it).
More than that, the celebration's goal is to remind us that past generations have accomplished a lot throughout their youth, and that's why they deserve to be treated with respect. Sure, this holiday is not as old as Father's Day since it dates back to the 80s (1988, in particular) when President Ronald Reagan declared August 21st as Senior Citizen's Day(2). But, in our opinion, it's just as important.
1. Make Them Dinner
As simple as it sounds, sharing a meal with your grandparents (or any senior, for that matter) means the world to them. From getting to spend time around you to trying out new flavors, they always enjoy a meal out with the family. Of course, if you're thinking of going the fancy restaurant route, we're here to remind you that nothing beats the comfort and coziness of a home-cooked meal.
And if you think prepping a wow-worth dinner is time consuming and, well, exhausting, good news: it's not! Why? Simply because you can easily ditch all those dishes with the double digit ingredients and opt for these five easy freeze dried veggie recipes that take the hours long prepping out of the picture.
Fun idea: If they're up for it, you could always ask them to help you around in the kitchen or let them take the lead and treat you to their specialty.
2. Make A Photo Album Together
With digital photos being the new norm these days, it's often hard to keep the tradition of photo albums alive. So, this is your chance to bring the nostalgic habit back to the spotlight by taking advantage of the seniors' photo album making wisdom.
All you have to do is buy yourself a beautiful photo book, gather all their photos, and have them sit by your side. You can sort the pics by chronological order or any way you/they like. The best part is that you'll get to know more about them as they tell you the story behind each pic.
Oh, and one more thing: This activity is not a one-day task. It may take days or even weeks to put the photos in the right order, so make sure you have enough time to spend on them as letting them finish it on their own isn't an option.
3. Play Games
Between their basic daily schedule and the lack of new stimuli, it's no wonder the elderly's brain health grows weaker by the day. Of course, that doesn't mean your grandparents are stuck in an Alzheimer's bound path. Studies(3) show that you can help older people sharpen their brain simply by playing games with them. Cards, board games, chess - you name it! Any game that recruits their short term memory and thinking is fair game.
4. Get Them Acquainted With Technology
It's true: Technology plays a massive role in our lives these days, but that doesn't mean seniors are as familiar with it as we are. That said, you can give them a one-on-one “lesson” on technology this Senior Citizen's Day and teach them how to use a modern-day gadget, whether that's a PC, a laptop, a tablet, or their smartphone. Fun fact: Research(4) suggests that computer games (and truthfully, any technology-based activity) can increase their cognitive skills down the line. So, it's a win-win no matter how you see it.
5. Go For A Walk
We hear doctors(5) say over and over again that physical exercise (even low-intensity) is synonymous to a healthy heart. So, why not take your older friends/relatives on a walk and give their heart a much needed boost? Stroll through the nearest mall, visit your local park, or take a walk by the beach. And don't forget: This whole thing isn't about taking them outside the house, it's also about enjoying each other's company without the distractions of the modern world, and that's priceless!
6. Watch A Movie Together
Watching a movie with your grandpa, grandma, or even the friendly lady from next door may not sound that appealing (after all, their idea of fun could be different from what you have in mind). But, you can readily turn an otherwise awkward evening into a fun experience if you just pick the right movie. Pick something that you'll both like, perhaps a classic like “Back to the Future,” or back even further into the era of black and white movies. Hint: 1939 had some great movies that your elderly loved one might remember and love.
7. Take Them to a Local Coffee Shop
If there's one thing all generations can agree on is that coffee is awesome! If the seniors in your life share the same passion for the beverage as you do, treat them to a cup of Joe at your favorite coffee shop. And if they're up for it, you could take them to a fancy coffee chain like, say, Starbucks, and have them try one of those fancy blends. Who knows? Maybe they'll find their new go-to brew in that pile of lattes.
8. Throw A Picnic Party
Sure, throwing a picnic party ain't no... well, picnic, but since Senior Citizen's Day is celebrated in August, it's the perfect chance to gather the whole family and spend some precious time outside the house. And since you'll have to mind the diets of everyone present (from children to golden-agers), these healthy eating tips will definitely come in handy.
How do you plan to celebrate Senior Citizen's Day? Let us know in the comments down below!
References:
- https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2018/cb18-41-population-projections.html
- https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/national-senior-citizens-day-how-celebrate-day-history-inspirational-quotes-1462022
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3256163/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4130645/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3098122/
National Culinary Arts Month - Celebrating Chefs in an Exceptional Way 0
Food and dining have experienced drastic changes and have metamorphosed from pure necessity into a creative expression. Culinary art is a delicate balance of taste, science, and the food presentation. It's the unique way of transforming simple ingredients into an elaborate dish with unique flavors.
All you need to know about the National Culinary Arts Month
The National Culinary Arts Month has been celebrated since 2002. Every year, the month of July is set aside to acknowledge superb meals and celebrate chefs, bakers, and cooks who come up with innovative cuisine.1 Most culinary artists use natural spices obtained locally and make fresh foods available to individuals. Through their expertise, experiments, and love for cooking, they make the world a better place for all; therefore, it’s no surprise that restaurants, culinary institutions, and kitchens devote the whole month to honor all the chefs for their accomplishments.2
What are the fascinating realities of culinary arts?
People know that culinary arts revolve around food and include multiple things, such as: restaurant management, food science, and food safety. Anyone working in these areas is referred to as a "culinarian," which includes food service employees to the inventors of the beautiful pastry arts.
Historical facts
The history of culinary arts is quite long; some historical facts concerning culinary arts include fantastic facts. For instance, in the U.S.A., the first school for culinary arts opened in the 1800s.4 However, culinary art has been present in Europe since the Medieval Period; there are various books published from then. Even in modern times, collecting recipes, publishing recipe magazines, cookbooks, and cooking institutions have continued to gain fame.
Cooking schools
One of the best places to learn intriguing facts about culinary arts is some of best cooking schools. Apart from preparing students for careers in food and beverage, they also provide various opportunities for learning. They extend lessons to homes to make them more accessible and have online and evening classes to enable students to learn as they pursue other careers. Some prestigious cooking institutions include the Le Cordon Blue Schools and the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). John & Wales University is also popular.
A Career in Culinary Arts
If you wish to study more about culinary arts, you can join a class at your local cooking institution or watch the Food Network. They both provide instructions for all levels on how to start and see if a career in the culinary arts is the best for you. If you're interested in the culinary arts, it's worth noting that a career in culinary arts is much more than food and beverage. The best chefs host cooking shows, write cookbooks, and even travel all over the world in the quest of culinary adventures.
How best can you celebrate the national culinary arts month?
The best way to commemorate chefs is to send shoutouts to your favorite chef or cook and let them know that you appreciate their efforts and skills, and which of their meals you fancy the most and why you keep coming back for more.2 If you are a chef, you can use this chance to show off your skills, because food lovers want to see your best food selfies.
What are some of the helpful hints for beginner chefs during the holiday?
If you're not a pro in kitchen matters, the holiday gives you an excellent opportunity to try your hand at cooking. Here are some helpful tips for new chefs:
1. Have the necessary kitchen appliances - Invest in several sharp knives and remember to maintain them. Also, you'll need quality pots, pans, glass baking bowls, and measuring spoons and cups. Smaller appliances, like a hand blender, will come in handy as you master the tricks of food preparation.
2. Try out new recipes - Begin with easy recipes and start small by choosing a recipe with a few ingredients. You can incorporate freeze dried strawberries, sweet potatoes, pineapple, mangoes or apples in your recipes, since they take less time to prepare.
3. Familiarize yourself with standard cooking terms - Research and learn different cooking terms. For instance: if you're not sure of the difference among boiling, roasting, poaching, and braising, an online dictionary will come in handy.
3. Ask for assistance - Don't shy away from requesting help from friends, loved ones, or any master chef you know. Take time to observe them as they prepare meals. Consider taking some classes at any community college.
4. Have fun! - If you make mistakes along the way, don't stress. Keep trying. Besides, all chefs need assistance. Allow your children, friends, spouse, or neighbor to help you. Also, listen to your favorite music as you chop, cut, chop, or dice.
What are some of the culinary travel activities for kids for the National Culinary Arts month?
Introduce your kid's palate to a world of flavors than with a culinary travel event! Kids are attached to the food cultures surrounding them as they learn how food is grown, produced, and prepared. Here are some of the kid-friendly activities for this holiday:
1. City food tours - Food tours are famous and an excellent way to view various stops you might be interested in. Furthermore, an expert can share his/her opinions on the vendors or restaurants you may not be aware of.
2. Cooking classes - If your family is the type that likes to get their hands dirty in the kitchen, then a cooking class may be suitable. Many luxury resorts offer kid friendly cooking lessons, and this is an excellent way to have your kids enjoy the holiday.
3. Market experiences -You can plan a local market experience. Since guides are not necessary for this activity, you can organize an outing with your loved ones and allow them to make purchases according to their preferences. Also, you can invite your friends and prepare delicious meals using the ingredients sourced from the market.
4. Foraging for food - You can opt to skip the market and go straight to the source for your favorite meals. You can try a truffle hunting tour, or go fishing for the catch of the day. Furthermore, some of the hotels permit you to help in the garden where you can take gardening lessons and greenhouse tours.
Happy National Culinary Arts Month from us at Mother Earth Products. Don’t forget to try our freeze dried fruits and vegetables in your recipes this creative month!
References
2. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-culinary-arts-month-july/
3. https://cobornsdelivers.wordpress.com/tag/national-culinary-arts-awareness-month/
4. https://www.lincolntech.edu/news/culinary/culinary-arts/national-culinary-arts-appreciation-month
Introducing Discounts for Military, First Responders, and Teachers! 0
We are proud to announce that we are offering discounts for Military, First Responders, and Teachers. Mother Earth Products is a veteran owned company and we really appreciate the work of our military, first responders, and teachers. Our military keeps our country safe, our first responders make sure we all get the help we need in an emergency, and our teachers make sure our children develop into good world citizens. We love the work all of you do.
The discount is 10% and is underwritten by VerifyPass. There is a link on the footer of our website or click here to go to our registration page. Just create an account from the pop-up window. You can use your Facebook or Google+ login, or you can simply create an account using your email address. The discount cannot be combined with other discounts or offers.
The Military discount eligibility includes Active Duty, Veteran, Retired, Disabled, and Dependents.
First Responders, eligibility includes Law Enforcement, Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician/Service.
Teachers eligibility includes K-12, University, and Pre-K.
To all of you, thank you for your service!
Sincerely,The Mother Earth Products Team
The Surprising History of Father's Day 0
From whipping up all kinds of healthy treats to searching for a wow-worthy gift weeks in advance, Mother's Day is the perfect chance to thank our mothers for all the hard work they've done raising us and teaching us right from wrong. But, let's be honest: Even though moms are the best, it's high time we gave the unsung heroes of every family, a.k.a. the dads, the attention they deserve, amirite?
Celebrated annually on the third Sunday of June (in most countries), Father's Day is a celebration dedicated to dads everywhere, honoring them for protecting, providing, and caring for their families. Of course, the holiday these days has nothing to do with how it all started back in the 20th century. So, if you want to let your dad know how come he's being pampered and showered with gifts every June, this brief history of Father's Day will do just the trick.
Moms Paved The Way For Dads
Considering most aspects of society were dominated by men during the 19th century, it was pretty tough for women to stand out. However, their role as mothers inspired many to dedicate a day solely to them and that's how Mother's Day came to be (in its unofficial form, at least). But what does this have to do with Father's Day?
Well, seeing that mothers get the lion's share of attention compared to dads, a woman from the state of Washington (her name was Sonora Smart Dodd(1) if you're curious) thought of honoring her father while listening to a Mother's Day sermon at church in 1909. She did that out of pure respect of him as he was a Civil War veteran and widower who managed to raise six children on his own after his wife passed away giving birth to their last one.
Lore has it that to guarantee the success of her quest, Sonora reached out to various local authorities, from churches and the YMCA to shop owners and government officials. That explains why her idea of "celebrating fathers and not just mothers" was a huge success. It's also worth noting that this concept may have resonated with a lot of people at the time, considering many had lost their parents (fathers, in particular) during the Civil War. So, coming 19th June 1910, Washington was the first state to officially celebrate Father's Day.
But, that wasn't the first time dads found themselves in the spotlight. A year before Sonora's praise-worthy attempt, in 1908, a Methodist church in West Virginia held a Sunday Sermon to commemorate 362 men (250 of them were fathers) who died in the previous December during an explosion at the Fairmont Coal Company mines in Monongah(2). This commemoration was initiated by Grace Golden Clayton, who shared her idea with the local church to honor the fathers lost due to this tragic incident.
However, the celebration was a one-time thing since it happened with the sole purpose of honoring these men. So, unlike Sonora's "campaign" (if we can call it that), this celebration didn't mean to last.
To sum up, Mother's Day (or at least the acclaim moms were receiving through this holiday) made many people think that fathers deserved just as much attention. And that's pretty much why more and more people embraced this holiday as the years passed by.
And Then Came Parent's Day... Or Maybe Not
But, it wasn't smooth sailing from there. You see, despite the purest of intentions to dedicate a day on dads alone, History.com states that several activists during the 1920s and 1930s tried to scrap both Mother's and Father's Day and instead create a celebration that honors both parents equally. Dubbed as Parent's Day, this new idea didn't hit home with most folks, and that's why it never really took off.
Making Things Official
So, for several decades, Father's Day was only celebrated locally, making a name for itself as a national institution rather an official holiday. In fact, it took more than 60 years for the government to recognize Father's Day as a federal holiday. To be exact, it was 1972 when Richard Nixon signed a proclamation that made Father's Day an official holiday. Fun fact: If we're being honest, Lyndon B. Johnson paved the way for this Nixon proclamation by designating the third Sunday of June as Father's Day in 1966 through an executive order.
Father's Day: Commercial Gimmick or A Sign of Affection?
While the holiday started out with the best of intentions (at least on behalf of some individuals), most Americans resisted it - especially during the first two decades- thinking it was more of a commercialized replica of Mother's Day. This way, merchants could cash in on the popularity of the celebration, all in the name of fatherhood.
Of course, that wasn't the only reason Father's Day was sort of... dissed back in the day. You see, stereotypes surrounding the macho, manly man were thriving back then and, thus, many guys saw this celebration as an attempt to squash their manliness by forcing them to show a rather affectionate side. Luckily, such beliefs aren't an issue these days because guys are more acceptive of their emotional side, which is why Father's Day has grown on us.
So, that was the history of Father's Day. What do you think? Do dads deserve all the attention or it's all just a commercial gimmick? Feel free to share your thoughts in the section down below!
References:
Introducing our New Earthling Subscribe Program! 0
Save time ordering the food you love and sign up for our Earthling Subscribe program! You can get your food when you want it, without the hassle of re-ordering each time you need your favorite food or snack, and at a lower price, too!
How does it work?
You can set up your scheduled orders and delivery of your favorite products however often you want them. You will immediately save 5% when you set up your subscription, and then 15% on each subsequent order for that particular product(s). Be aware that discounts may vary based on what food you choose.
You can set up your Earthling Subscribe account easily, and add in the food you want in your mailbox each week or month - You Choose! It’s all so easy and convenient. Once you’ve started the subscription, you can change the frequency or cancel the subscription (which you can do after you’ve ordered 3 total times, using our Earthling Subscribe program). You can also skip orders, up to 7 - in case you don’t need any that week or month, or if you need a little more time to eat what you have at home.
Our new Earthling Subscribe program will automatically create a new order, based on how often you want your fruits and veggies, according to your delivery schedule (which you set up yourself), until you cancel.
All the details aside, it’s exciting that we can now offer you a program that can allow you to order the food you want, when you want it, and without the hassle of sitting down and ordering each time you want it. It’s all done automatically to save you time, money, and hunger. Get what you crave without all the hassle! Get your spices without waiting! Get your hiking and outdoors food without wondering if it’s in stock!
The Origin of Memorial Day 0
Memorial Day is set aside to remember the soldiers who lost their lives in dedication for the service to their country. Memorial Day [1] can be traced back to May 30, 1868, where it was first observed after a proclamation by General John A. Logan.
General Logan was a member of the organization of former soldiers and sailors of the Grand Army of the Republic. During the first commemoration, or Decoration Day, the first speech was made by Ohio Congressman, James Garfield. James also happened to be a former Union General. After the speech, more than 5,000 people who had attended the proceedings helped to decorate more than 20,000 the graves of former Confederate soldiers that day.
Inspiration Behind its Observance
Various towns across the United States of America had been observing the Memorial Day for the past 3 years after the end of the Civil War. New York was the first state in the country to officially recognize this day as a holiday in 1873. A few years later, more communities and cities started to observe the day as well. By the late 1800s, more states had already declared it as an official holiday. By the end of the World War I, Memorial Day became a day used to honor all the soldiers who had died in serving the USA military in different wars.
When Is Memorial Day?
Congress established Memorial Day in 1971 through the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, meaning that Memorial Day was now an official holiday in the USA. The holiday is celebrated on the last Monday in May[2]; however, there are a few southern states that have set aside an additional day to honor the Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War.
Confederate Memorial Day
Confederate Memorial Day is celebrated on January 19 in Texas. Arkansas honor it on the 3rd Monday in January, while Alabama honors it on the 4th Monday in April. Florida and Georgia have set aside April 26th to honor this day, while North Carolina and South Carolina honor it on May 10th. Virginia honors it on the last Monday in May, while Tennessee and Louisiana honor it in June 3rd.
Memorial Day is officially commemorated at Arlington National Cemetery in a ceremony presided over by the Vice President or President of the United States. The leader in attendance places a flag on the grave of an unknown soldier. Participants in the ceremony place a small American flag on each grave at the cemetery. It is estimated that more than 5,000 people attend the event each year.
Some Things You May Not Know About the Origin of Memorial Day
- It May Have Some Ancient Roots
Although the very first commemorative event was not held until the late 19th century, the practice to honor [3] those who have died in battle can be traced back to thousands of years ago. Ancient Romans and Greeks held annual remembrance days to remember their loved ones, including soldiers. They held the events once a year and placed flowers on the graves. They also held public feasts and festivals each year on the day set aside for these festivities. In Athens, the populace would hold public funerals for their fallen soldiers at the end of each battle.
The remains of those who had passed away in battle would be displayed in public for mourning before they could be taken for internment through a public procession.
- One of the Earliest Memorial Day Commemorations Was Organized by Recently Freed Slaves
When the Civil War ended, soldiers, who had been held as prisoners, assembled in camps spread all over Charleston, South Carolina. The conditions in some of these hastily assembled camps were so bad that more than 250 prisoners eventually died, caused by disease and exposure. They were later on buried in a mass grave located behind the camp. Less than 3 weeks later, an unusual procession made its way into the former prisoner camp. On May 1, 1865, more than a 1,000 recently freed slaves, a handful of white Charlestonians, and regiments of U.S colored troops gathered at the camp to give the deceased a proper burial. During the burial, the recently freed slaves distributed flowers, gave readings, and sang hymns.
The Foundation of the Memorial Day
As mentioned earlier, Memorial Day’s beginning can be traced back to General John A Logan. He meant to honor the lives of the more than 620,000[4] soldiers who had died or had been killed in the Civil War.
Legend has it that General Logan chose this day because it was a day that did not fall on any anniversary used to commemorate the Civil War. But, some historians believe this day was selected because it was when flowers across the country would be in full bloom.
When the Civil War ended, General Logan, a war veteran, returned back to his former political career. It is worth noting that he had earlier on served as a US congressman before resigning to rejoin the army. He would later be elected to serve in both the Senate and House. He passed away in 1886, after unsuccessfully vying for Republican Vice President 2 years earlier. His body was laid in state at the Rotunda in the U.S Capitol. Logan Circle in Washington D.C., together with other towns spread across the country, has been named in honor of this legend who issued the celebrated Memorial Day.
References
