Showing posts with label Holiday Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holiday Reviews. Show all posts

Saturday, February 4, 2023

National Chopsticks Day Review

 The Mid-Winter month of February is famous for the holidays of Groundhog's Day, Valentine's Day and President's Day. But lots of other unusual, different, strange or wacky days occur in February to give us lots to celebrate. 



Chopsticks Day


National Chopsticks Day is celebrated each year on February 6. It is not a recognized 'national'  holiday, but somehow the national name was tacked onto the day. No one really knows why this holiday was begun as the creator is anonymous, but it can be a fun day to celebrate. 


Approximately one-fourth of the world's population use chopsticks for every meal. In fact, Asian children quickly learn to use them and think forks are an 'odd' utensil. 


My son's wife is from South Korea and the family uses chopsticks for most every meal. In fact, last night my darling daughter-in-law was even using chopsticks to feed leftover dinner tidbits to their poodle one bite at a time. A new-to-me use for chopsticks! LOL.


Image Source: Pixabay

Chopsticks come in many forms. They can be made of wood, bamboo, plastic, bone, fine china, or metal. Wooden or bamboo chopsticks are the choice in my son's family. 


  • In China, chopsticks are called “Kuaizi”, which means “quick little bamboo fellows”. 
  • In Korea, the word for chopsticks is “jeosgalag”. 
  • In Japan, chopsticks are known as “Hashi”.


A Bit of Chopsticks History


Image Source: Pixabay

Definition: A pair of slender sticks held between thumb and fingers and used chiefly in Asian countries to lift food to the mouth. 


According to research, chopsticks were developed in China about 5,000 years ago.  The earliest versions were probably twigs used to retrieve food from cooking pots. 


In China, chopsticks symbolize heaven and earth. The round end is the eating end (heaven) and the square end symbolizes earth. This came about because the greatest concern between heaven and earth is maintaining an adequate food supply. 


Cultural hint: Never use chopsticks the wrong way round, i.e., invert them, to avoid losing face. 


How to Use Chopsticks




Summary


So, on February 6, be sure and use chopsticks ~ perhaps for a Chinese meal. 


National Chopstick Day
February 6


Bamboo Chopsticks available on Amazon


For more holiday reviews, check out


*National Chopsticks Day Review written by Wednesday Elf 










Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


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Thursday, January 12, 2023

National Bird Holidays and Awareness Days- First Quarter

 

Male Finch

Did you know that bird watching is enjoyed by over 73 million Americans?  It is no wonder than that there are many different bird days listed on special days lists.

I count myself as an ardent bird watcher and photographer and on this post, I will share with you some of the national bird days I found interesting.  This post will be part 1 of 4 so I will include bird days in the first quarter of the year.  I will also share photos of birds I have watched and photographed in my backyard. For more information on national bird days check out www.birdtipper.com. 

Jan 5 - National Bird Day

National Bird Day is celebrated on January 5th.  Here is some information that I found on the website nationaldaystoday.com/national-bird-day.
  • According to the US Census more American bird watchers (73 million) than baseball and football players.
  • Birders fund the economy, including feed, supplies, traveling and donations by spending $40 billion a year on their hobby.
  • Worldwide there are 9800 species of birds; 850 are in the U.S.
  • The National Bird Day takes place after an annual survey that tracks American wild birds to get an accurate bird population count at the three weeks long December count.
  • According to Born Free USA, nearly 12% of the world's bird population is threatened with extinction.
Here are just a few of the birds I photographed in my backyard.



Jan 20- Penguin Awareness Day

Penguins are an interesting bird that we all love.  In my part of the world, we have to go to the zoo to see Penguins, but my sister recently traveled to Antartica where she was delighted to see hundreds of Penguins.  Here is a photo she took.



In researching Penguin Day, I found the following interesting Penguin facts.
  1. They kidnap chicks

    When a female emperor penguin's baby dies, she will often "kidnap" an unrelated chick.

  2. They're down south

    There are 17 species of penguins and all of them live in the Southern Hemisphere.

  3. Macaroni penguins rule

    The penguin species with the highest population is the macaroni penguin with 11 million pairs.

  4. The fastest penguin

    The gentoo Penguin is the fastest swimmer — reaching speeds up to 22 mph.

  5. They're all wet (usually)

    An average penguin might spend up to 75 percent of its life in the water — where it also hunts for prey.



Feb- National Wild Bird Feeding Month

I love feeding birds and feed them in my backyard all year long.  In 1994 congressman John Porter announced that February would be National Wild Bird Feeding Month.  This month is one of the hardest for birds to obtain food and the emphasis on this special month encourages people to feed birds and put out water for them.  I encourage you to celebrate this month by helping to feed our wild birds.  They will reward you with many hours of birdwatching and if you are like me, some great models for your photography.   Here are a couple of birdfeeders that I thought look interesting.





Feb 17-20, 2023, Great Backyard Bird Count

Each year in February, bird watchers throughout the world take time to count birds.  Here is a few thoughts on what is involved.

Spend time in your favorite places watching birds–then tell us about them! In as little as 15 minutes notice the birds around you. Identify them, count them, and submit them to help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world.


If you have a few minutes to spare, plan on participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count.

March 20th- World Sparrow Day

Sparrows are everywhere and yet sometimes we fail to appreciate these delightful little birds.  A day was set up to appreciate sparrows and it is celebrated worldwide on March 20th each year.  The Bird Tipper website gives the following tips to celebrate Sparrow Day.


How to Celebrate World Sparrow Day

The best way to celebrate World Sparrow Day is by taking action to help these birds.

One of the biggest threats to sparrow populations is loss of habitat, so consider planting native trees and shrubs in your yard or community garden. You can also put up a birdhouse or two; tree cavities are perfect homes for nesting sparrows.

Also, be sure to keep your cat indoors—birds of all kinds, including sparrows, are killed each year by outdoor cats.

Finally, fill your bird feeder with seeds that sparrows love, such as sunflower seeds and millet, and sit back and enjoy watching these busy little birds at work!

On World Sparrow Day, take a moment to think about one of the most common birds in the world: the humble sparrow. This holiday is a chance for us to learn more about these fascinating birds and take action to help them thrive!

Here are some photos I have taken of sparrows in my backyard. They are all Eurasian Tree Sparrows.





These are but a few of the specified bird days in the first quarter of the year.  You can find a larger list online at www.birdtipper.com.  Stay tuned for future posts on bird days for the rest of the year.  Happy Birding!!



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


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Saturday, January 7, 2023

Bubble Bath Day – A January Holiday

 Reviewing a bubbly holiday observed every year on January 8th.




Bubble Bath Day


No one knows who originally decided that January 8th should be a day to celebrate the 'Bubble Bath'. It was probably created by someone who needed to relax after a tough day.


If you are wondering how to celebrate this 'bubbly' day, it depends on how old you are.


  • Kids find it simple - fill the tub with bubbles and some water toys - then hop in and play! 
  • For the ladies, a bubble bath is a time to relax! Fill the tub with your favorite bubbles and just enjoy the soothing waters.  You can also set the mood with candles, some soft music and perhaps a glass of wine. 
  • Guys don't need to feel left out on Bubble Bath day either.  It's a good way to get in touch with your feminine side, as well as relaxing sore muscles! 


*Interesting side note: Bubble Bath Day takes place within the same month (January) that is designated as Bath Safety Month


A Few Bubbly Products


Most kids today know about and have used the original bubble bath for kids. Bath time is more fun with these biggest, longest-lasting bubbles with the original bubblegum scent. Bring back memories of your childhood and create new  memories with your own family.  

 Mr. Bubble was invented in 1961 and has been popular ever since. In fact, it celebrated it's 50th anniversary in 2011.



For guys who need to soak in a tub of hot water and use Epson Salts to try and relax their muscles and relieve pain and discomfort, these bath bombs for men are marvelous and so much nicer than just Epson Salts alone. 

Handmade by Natalia and Irina in Florida, these bath bombs for men are made with all natural ingredients using Relaxing Epsom Salt, Moisturizing Apricot Kernel Oil, and Scents for Aromatherapy! Check them out at the Relaxcation Etsy Shop.



And as a self-care gift for HER, this Cocoa Butter Milk Bubble Bath Powder foams, fizzes and bubbles while releasing the benefits of cocoa butter into the water and fragrance into the air. Handmade by Valerie in Kentucky and available in her Etsy Shop SwankOnYa.


Benefits of a Bubble Bath


Most of us never take the time for this relaxing way of pampering ourselves. A quick shower in the morning – and it's off to work or school. Showers may be convenient and quick, but you can't relax standing up! 

There are benefits to taking a bubble bath – or even a long soak in hot water. It relaxes your muscles and refreshes your skin. It can even help with any congestion you might have. 

So allow yourself the luxury of a sudsy soak because everybody deserves a little me-time now and then. 

Oh, and don’t forget your rubber duckie!




For more Holiday Reviews, Click on ReviewThisReviews: Holidays


*Bubble Bath Day review written by Wednesday Elf






Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


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Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Halloween Sweaters and Accessories ~ A Holiday Review

 I am in a Holiday kind of mind because for the last few years many of our holidays have been put on hold due to the world wide COVID precautions and restrictions.  Well, the good news is that those many restrictions have been lifted and we can all celebrate together again.  That for me, is a big deal and I'm not alone!  Everyone is ready to have some fun and just kick back and enjoy the season and the holidays that are contained in there! 


Full Moon photo



What I love the most about a website that I happen to promote, is that there are so many things available to make your Halloween complete.

It's not just about the costumes (although that's the part I enjoy the most).  It's about all the other little things that make this holiday so much fun.

I happen to love the accessories page of HalloweenCostumes.com,  You have everything there that you haven't found anywhere else!  Accessories can sometimes even be the inspiration for the rest of your costume.  Starting off with a set of horns may become the impetus for one heck of a spooky or devilishly wonderful costume.  Tridents and Wands or Swords and Spears could send your costume look in a totally different direction.  The best part is that if you start now, you can tweak your costume for the next month and come out with something really wonderful and unique to you!  TIME is of the utmost importance and NOW is a great time to get started.

If you are not really into dressing the part of a Halloween ghoul or character, you can get into the Halloween spirit with a great Halloween Sweater.   Here in the north, Halloween can be quite chilly, so a warmer Halloween Sweater is perfect, especially when you are standing at an open doorway or maybe just opening and closing the door constantly.  The last thing you want as a Halloween treat is the first cold of the season.  So keep yourself ready by having a nice (scary or ugly) Halloween Sweater to compliment the night!  Some of their styles are already "Sold Out" , you don't want to miss out, so getting this done early is the best thing you can do!

If you live in the south, you might check out some lighter Halloween shirts at this ReviewThisReviews page! 

My hope for you and for me, is that after such a long absence of fun, we will all go out of our way to make the first big Holiday a fun time for all!   Then we can follow Halloween up with the best for Thanksgiving and Christmas that follow so shortly afterward.

Have a great time checking out all the good things to make your Halloween a "Spooktacliarly Good Time"

You can find everything you need right here at HalloweenCostumes.com!










Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


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Saturday, July 30, 2022

Paperback Book Day – A Holiday Review

Paperback Book Day is celebrated yearly on July 30. 



Back in the 1930s, the only paperback books were cheap pulp novels. Popular novels were in hardback. These hard cover books were attractive and more durable than the paperbacks we know today, but they were also very heavy and quite expensive.


In 1935, Allen Lane, owner of the English publishing house, Penguin, was in financial straits. Even though he published very good authors, such as Agatha Christie, his publishing business was going broke due to the Depression.


One day, while waiting for his train, he was browsing through a station stall for something to read. Finding nothing good except for magazines and low-quality paperback fiction, he suddenly realized that he could publish his authors' good novels in high-quality paperbacks. This would automatically raise profits because more people could access good fiction at lower prices. 


Thus, Paperback Book Day is observed as the anniversary of the date that the first Penguin paperbacks were published in England in 1935.  The first paperback published and released in the United States was titled “The Good Earth” by Pearl S. Buck. 


Reasons for Reading Paperbacks vs. Hardbacks


  • Easy to carry them with you anywhere
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Inexpensive
  • Many of your favorite books, including the most recent best sellers, are now available in paperback. 


Summary


Image Source: Pixabay
We are all aware that with today's E-readers and books downloaded to our cell phones, books, even paperbacks, are not as popular as they once were. 

But, there’s still just nothing quite as satisfying as holding a book in your hands. A small lightweight paperback allows you to curl up on the couch on a rainy afternoon, or laze in a backyard hammock on a soft summer day. It is still a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. So pick up a new paperback today for just such a moment of relaxation. It's a good way to spend Paperback Book Day!


Paperback Book Day
July 30


Recommended Links


If you need help choosing your next 'read' in paperback, ReviewThisBooks.com has a collection of excellent book reviews for you to peruse to help you with your selections.


A Selection of Paperback Books:  Paperback Book Day Holiday Review written by Wednesday Elf




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


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Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Holidays Celebrating Peanut Butter

Reviewing Peanut Butter Holidays


Source: Pixabay

People submit dates on several holiday sites to celebrate something they love or are passionate about. It may be a food, an animal, an event or to give recognition to a cause. Thus, over time, we have ended up with literally hundreds of these fun, interesting, sometimes wacky or weird, holidays to enjoy.


Peanut Butter, a solid staple in most kitchen cupboards, has seemingly produced several holidays. People must really love Peanut Butter!


Let's talk a bit about peanut butter and review these peanut butter celebrations.


What is Peanut Butter?


Source: Pixabay

Peanut butter is a spread made from ground up dry-roasted peanuts, with a bit of salt and sweeteners added. It was invented by
Marcellus Gilmore Edson in 1848. Today it is a spread used on crackers, bread, toast or celery, and as a tasty ingredient in desserts and other dishes. The most popular sandwich, especially in children's school lunches, is a PB&J.


Peanut Butter Dates to Celebrate


The whole month of November every year has been designated National Peanut Butter Lover’s Month.


  • January 24th is National Peanut Butter Day
  • March 1st is National Peanut Butter Lover's Day
  • April 2nd has been set aside to celebrate National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day.
  • May 18th – I Love Reese’s Day – a day to celebrate those sweet peanut butter candies loved by many.
  • June 12th is a day to bake some peanut butter cookies to celebrate Peanut Butter Cookie Day.
  • November 20th is another 'tasty' day for those with a sweet tooth as we celebrate National Peanut Butter Fudge Day.


Peanut Butter Reviews


Our behind-the-scenes writers love Peanut Butter as seen by the fun and fascinating reviews and recipes written on this blog by several of our ReviewThis! Contributors.


Coconut Peanut Butter No Bake Bliss BallsPeanut Butter Bliss Balls
Dawn Rae gives us her recipe for Easy No-Bake Bliss Balls with delicious coconut and peanut butter in the ingredients.


Peanut Butter M&MsPeanut Butter M&Ms
Dawn Rae reviews the many flavors of M&Ms, including one with peanut butter.


Peanut Butter Magic Spoon CerealMagic Spoon Cereal
For Keto diet followers, Brite-Ideas reviews Magic Spoon Cereal. These cereals come in four flavors, one of which is peanut butter.


Reeses Peanut Butter Christmas TreesReeses Peanut Butter Christmas Trees
Reeses peanut butter cups have long been a favorite candy. Seasonally, Reeses brings out these peanut butter cups in holiday shapes. Wednesday Elf reviews the Peanut Butter Christmas Trees.


Peanut Butter Keto Cookie Dough SnackSnack Better With The Best Healthy Keto Cookie Dough Bites
Margaret Schindel reviews Bhu Keto Bites mini protein bars perfect for Keto snacks. They come in a variety of flavors, one of which is Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.


So, pick a day from this list of holidays to celebrate this wholesome food we call PEANUT BUTTER! 


Source: Pixabay


*Peanut Butter Holidays written and compiled by Wednesday Elf.





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


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