Camera Day - June 29th

Today is photo day and is a great reminder for all of us to slow down and capture the moment. We are so caught up in fast pace of daily life that sometimes we forget to enjoy the moment. Stop and breathe life in even if it is only for a pause while a photo is taken. Photos erupt emotion that create smiles and laughter. Many of the happiest moments in peoples' lives are remembered in a photo. Having a baby, getting married, celebrating birthdays or other special events. But why not take those special moments and make everyday life a lasting memory.

Say cheese - it is time for your next memory making moment; reading this post. (I couldn't help myself.)

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Flag Day - June 14th

I look around my neighborhood and as the sun starts to reappear for the summer months and the flowers are blooming with their inviting fragrance in the air, I also noticed something else reappearing; flags. It is a tradition to put out your flag in these spring and summer months, many people fly their flag all year long and others bring them inside during the winter months.

It was 233 years ago in 1777 on this day that Congress recognized Old Glory as the flag of the United States of America. At that time it had 13 red and white alternating stripes and 13 white stars in a blue square.

When looking around, I see ole' Red, White and Blue reappearing around Memorial Day and then a few more on Flag Day (June 14th) and another group on fourth of July weekend. So if you haven't already get your flag out and put it out today in honor of Flag Day.

For more information on the history of Flag Day and how it came to be visit, the National Flag Day Foundation website.

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Ice Tea Day - National Ice Tea Month

June 10th is Ice Tea Day. A definite favorite of mine and I take it with extra ice and one pink packet. Tea is like coffee, everyone has their own way of “taking” it and people tend to prefer it that one way. Some take their tea with sugar, honey, lemon, milk, cream or sweetener. Tea can provide health benefits and also a little caffeine when needed if you drink or one that is naturally decaffeinated. Where tea is comforting, warm and cozy, ice tea is very different by being refreshing and people tend to drink it more in warmer months. Ice tea is usually only sweetened with sugar, sweetener or lemon and sometimes has a fruit flavor added to it.

Enjoy a refreshing ice tea as today is not only Ice Tea day but the month of June is Ice Tea Month.

Link to article: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/health-benefits-tea
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First Drive-In Movie Opened Today in 1933

Here is a fun fact to take you through the day...

Back in 1933 on this day (June 6th) the first drive-in movie opened in Camden, New Jersey. Summer has been an important season for drive-in movies as they were sure to see a spike of interest. Living in Washington state, drive-in movies were seasonal at best and have started to disappear in the last 20 years due to property value increasing and younger generations flocking to malls instead of experiencing the drive-in. If you are lucky enough to still have a drive-in in town, make a note to visit it this summer and watch one of the many blockbusters that will be debuting on the big screen.

Looking for a drive-in in your area? Drive-in Movie is a website that lists them by state. Check it out to see how many are still up and running in your area.

Curious about the best type of car to take to the drive-in? Here is a posting on the top five cars to take to a drive-in movie from DriveOn.

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Recipe for Peanut Butter Lovers' Day (3/1)

In honor of Peanut Butter Lovers' Day (3/1) we are posting one of our favorite peanut butter recipes. This recipe happens to be one of Paula Deen's called Magical Peanut Butter Cookies.

Ingredients:
1 egg
1 cup sugar, or 1 1/3 cup sugar replacement (recommended: Splenda)
1 cup peanut butter, creamy or crunchy
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine the peanut butter, sugar (or sugar substitute), egg, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Stir until ingredients form dough. Roll the dough into balls the size of walnuts. Place the balls on a greased cookie sheet. With a fork, dipped in sugar/sugar substitute to prevent sticking, press a crisscross design on each cookie. Bake for 12 minutes, remove from the oven, and sprinkle the cookies with some of the remaining sugar/sugar substitute. Cool slightly before removing from pan.

Yields 18 cookies.

This recipe can be found online at Paula Deen's website or in Paula's Home Cooking/Lady and Sons Too! cookbook Pg. 229. Visit www.PaulaDeen.com for more peanut butter recipes.

Stay tuned for giveaways featuring Paula Deen's cookbooks and cooking accessories that we are hosting.


Photo courtesy of Photobucket.com

National Chocolate Cake Day - 1/27

Today is National Chocolate Cake Day!

Need I say more? Go have a slice and enjoy. It is the national holiday and all...


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National Pie Day - 1/23

I have so many fond memories of waking up on the weekends to the smell of something baking in the oven. My grandmother would get up early and make her pies for later that evening. After dinner we would whip the cream and then sit down at the table where we laughed until it was time for bed.

In honor of National Pie Day, this Saturday is the perfect day to bake a pie. There is always a huge sense of accomplishment when you make something and people sit down to enjoy it. Apple, cherry, pecan, key lime and chocolate are a few favorites but there are so many versions to choose from. For ideas and recipes, try www.allrecipes.com and type "pie" in the header for a large selection.

If you are not feeling sweet, try a homemade pot pie. A turkey or chicken pot pie would make a great Saturday night dinner if you are staying in. Or if you are limiting your sweets these days, you can still bake a pie but bring it to a neighbor or family member to brighten their day.

Enjoy pie day - it only comes but once a year.


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National Popcorn Day 1/19

Today is National Popcorn Day!

Pop up your favorite bowl and share it with family and friends. Or keep it all to yourself as you watch your TV show or curl with a good book.

Pop, pop, pop...


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