National Gingerbread Cookie Day Review

Gingerbread Cookies (source: Pixabay)

November 21st is National Gingerbread Cookie Day.  There is no real reason for the establishment of this fun food holiday, except perhaps the approaching Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays around which these rolled cookies have become favorites.

Gingerbread cookies are traditionally made in shapes such as flowers, hearts, and trees.  They can be made in different sizes and can be iced and decorated. 

The Gingerbread Man shape probably goes back to the time of Queen Elizabeth I.  History tells us that her palace baker during her reign (1558 to 1603) baked and decorated gingerbread men in the likenesses of important court visitors for Her Majesty to present to them.

The tale of Hansel and Gretel of Grimm’s Fairy Tales (1812) increased the popularity of gingerbread cookies and other treats. Later, Gingerbread men and animals became popular Christmas tree ornaments.

Gingerbread Cookie Recipes

There are lots of gingerbread cookie recipes online.



For a different and a bit unusual Gingerbread Cookie recipe, I found this one in a gingerbread crafts leaflet:

Gingerbread Cutout Cookies 

by Shelly Vaughan

Source: Pixabay

Touch of Pineapple Gingerbread People Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup dark molasses
• 1 cup pineapple juice or more as needed
• 5 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Miniature candy-coated chocolate candies (M&Ms) and/or raisins

Icing:

• 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons pineapple juice:

Instructions:

1. For cookies, combine shortening, sugar and molasses in large bowl.  Stir in pineapple juice.  In another bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.  Gradually stir into molasses mixture until thoroughly incorporated (Dough will be stiff.)  Cover and chill for 2 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray once.
3. On floured surface, roll dough out 1/3 inch thick.  Cut into desired shapes with floured cookie cutter, using gingerbread people cutter or other cutter.  Place cookies 1"-2" apart on prepared cookie sheet.  Decorate with candies and/or raisins as desired.  Bake for 10 minutes, or until light finger indentation springs back.  Cool completely.
4. Store cookies in single layer in airtight container, or layer cookies with waxed paper separating layers.

*Makes 3 dozen.

Decorating Gingerbread Cookies

Source: Pixabay

Decorating Tips

• Gently press decorating candies or other items into cookies before baking.
• Pipe icing onto warm cookies with a small decorating tip.
• Icing is quick and easy to make. If you prefer convenience items, however, you may use tubes of decorating icing with decorating tips.
• If you would like to add some color to your cookies, lightly spinkle colored sugars, sprinkles, nonpareils or flaked coconut over wet icing.  Gently shake off excess, if necessary.

Gingerbread People Parts

It's fun to personalize your gingerbread people.  When baking with children, this is the part they like the best.  Here are a few suggestions:

• Eyes -- raisins, dried blueberries, miniature M&Ms.
• Noses -- cinnamon red-hot candies, M&Ms, dried cranberries.
• Buttons -- raisins, cinnamon-coated raisins or golden raisins, small jelly beans, decorating stars, miniature M&Ms, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, walnut pieces, pecan pieces, macadamia nut pieces.
• Mouths -- licorice strings, almond slivers, red or pink decorating icing.

Currently Available on Etsy

*The gingerbread cutout cookie recipe and decorating tips are by Shelly Vaugham and was printed in the craft leaflet "Easy Gingerbread Crafts" published by House of White Birches in 1999.  Available on Etsy on sale at the present time.

And, in addition to the above recipe, Coletta Teske of Review This! included a yummy looking gingerbread cookie recipe in her blog post food review of Simple Snacks for Santa.

Other Forms of Gingerbread Cookies

Besides edible gingerbread cookies, other forms of this  cookie have become popular.

Gingerbread toys are fun too

 

Plush Gingerbread Cookie Doll

Adorable gingerbread man plush doll handmade in crochet. He measures about 8 inches high.

He will look great with your holiday décor or in your kitchen year!

Created by Jackie of Pittsburgh, PA and available in her Etsy Shop Jackie Draz Art. 

Gingerbread Holiday Decor 

Gingerbread Cookie Coasters

Add to the decoration of your home for the holidays with this set of Gingerbread Cookie Coasters.

This is a set of 4 drink coasters with a gingerbread cookie design. Two coasters have a gingerbread boy with a candy cane. Two coasters have a gingerbread boy with a heart.

Gingerbread Cookie Coasters are handmade in needlepoint using acrylic yarn and plastic canvas.  They measure 3.5 x 3.75 inches.


Gingerbread Cookie Playset

Christmas Gingerbread Men Cookies Playset 

This Miniature 18 inch doll playset includes 3 Gingerbread Cookie Men with a Lovely Silver Tray! This is the Perfect set of cookies for your 18 inch Dolls; American Girl Dolls, Baby Dolls or any other toy around that size! Each Cookie is approximately 1 3/8 inch (3.5cm) across! 

Gingerbread Holidays Throughout the Year

November 21st isn't the only gingerbread holiday.  Besides this 'cookie' day, we have:

• National Gingerbread Day on June 5.
• Gingerbread Decorating Day on December 9.
• Gingerbread House Day on December 12.

For more cookie reviews, check out Review This Reviews: Cookies

Happy Gingerbread Cookie Day!

(c) Wednesday Elf 11/21/2017

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Two Holiday Accessories to Deck Out Your Christmas Dinner Table

Start the Christmas Holiday season by addressing all the little things early.

Too often, we leave those small decorative items we've always wanted until the last minute, then think, 'nah,' maybe next year.

Don't do that this year. Life is short.

Christmas Chair Covers

Chair covers are a lovely addition to a Christmas table setting; they complete the festive look and feel when you aim for a red-green setting.

They're not a one-trick pony: Chair covers can also be used for home Christmas parties or even holiday birthdays.

Holiday Wine Bottle Cover Decorations

Accessorize the table with funky Santa and Snowman wine bottle sleeves. Place them anywhere the wine is on display. Use them and re-use them as need be during the holiday season; they'll add whimsy to your holiday party.

Give them out as a Hostess or holiday gift. When bagging or wrapping a bottle of wine isn't your thing, these decorations do the job.

If you're hosting a non-alcoholic dinner, place these around other bottles on the table, and when dinner is done, hand them out to the kids.

These types of accessories serve multiple purposes. Collect a variety of whimsical decorations so they're handy for additional table décor or occasional gifts to hand out during the holidays.

Get planning; the Holidays are around the corner - beat the rush this year!

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Eat, Drink and Be Scary – A Halloween Review

Eat, Drink & Be Scary Sign

A local news story recently reported on an upcoming event in my area called 'Eat, Drink and Be Scary'. It appears to be a regular event around the country, but the story reminded me of the many Halloween reviews I've read in the past by Review This! Contributors on food and drinks and 'scary' costumes.  

Today, I'd like to share some of them with you to give you some ideas for your own Halloween party or community event you may be attending this October 31st. 


*Eat, Drink & Be Scary Sign is a downloadable printable created by Happy Life Printables on Etsy.

Halloween Eats

Source: Pixabay

Start your Halloween party buffet with some spooky appetizers by Sylvestermouse.  


Her appetizer blog post includes recipe links for fun 'eats' such as Jack-O-Lantern Sandwich Bites, Wonton Bats, and a Halloween Veggie Platter with a Cauliflower Skull in the center.



 

Blood Shot Deviled Eggs Photo by Mandee Sears

The appetizers could be 'scary', like these Blood Shot Deviled Eggs (recipe by Mandee Sears).  They  may LOOK icky, but are really tasty deviled eggs with black olives and red gel cake icing for the decorations. 

Mandee's recipe and suggestions for serving can be found at Halloween Haven.

 

 

Halloween Drinks

Source: Pixabay

Concoct some wicked brews and beverages for your Halloween get-togethers using some suggestions from Review This writer Cynthia Sylvestermouse. 

From Halloween cocktails for the adults who imbibe, to Eyeball Punch and Shrunken Heads in Cider, which the kids will love, you're sure to find a Halloween 'brew' everyone will enjoy.

Be Scary for Halloween 

Source: Pixabay

The scary part of your Halloween party or event will most likely be your costume.  There are many, many to choose from. I have selected a few ideas to get you started on your search for the perfect one to suit your personality.

For a themed party, you could dress up in a group with these suggestions from RT writer Louanne Cox.  Star Wars and Avengers are among this season's top favorites.

Louanne is also our Zombie expert. Check out these Celebrity Zombie costumes for a scary outfit. 

Halloween Skeleton! T-Shirt

by rattlebrained

For kids who might want to be just a little 'scary' for a school Halloween party or an at home event, a simple T-shirt with a sort-of-scary design would be perfect.

So, this Halloween, enjoy your favorite event with 

Eat, Drink and Be Scary!

Funny Halloween Eat Drink and Be Scary Typography Card

by whimsydesigns

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Trick or Treat Pumpkin Tote Bags for Halloween

North American Bear Co. Pumpkin Goody Bag
Click to Purchase

Halloween and trick or treating are definitely special times in a child's life.  Having a unique Halloween trick or treat tote bag is really cool, especially if you consider how they can be used after Halloween. 
 
I remember trick or treating as a child and the fun that I had with my siblings on Halloween.  We loved going door to door and receiving candy treats from our neighbors.

Then, as a young mother, I loved taking our children trick or treating.  The years flew by too fast, but I cherish those memories. 

Each year my children would choose new costumes and each year, we searched for Halloween candy tote bags for them to carry.  They were always so adorable!  Of course, the trick or treat candy tote bags were often as big as my little trick or treaters and by the end of the night, their trick or treat bags seemed to weigh more than they did.  But, we had fun and the collection of Halloween trick or treat tote bags are great reminders of our annual neighborhood walks.

Either of my children would have loved the soft sided plush fabric pumpkin shown on the right.  I really hate they were not available when we needed them.

Choosing the Right Trick or Treat Tote Bag

When I was a little girl, just about everyone carried a plastic pumpkin or a pillow case for their candy on Halloween.  After years of carrying plastic pumpkins that would bump my knees when I walked or having the little handle break and spill all of my candy in someone's front lawn, I finally resorted to carrying a pillowcase.  It wasn't as pretty as my little pumpkins, but it sure was easier on the knees and it held more candy. 

Then came the plastic bags with pictures printed on the front.  They were okay.  The looked better than the old pillowcases, but the sticks on the suckers and lollipops would poke through the bags.  As the bag got heavy with candy, the holes would get bigger.  By the time I had finished trick or treating for the night, I was leaving a trail of candy that was, unbeknownst to me, dropping piece by piece from my plastic bag. 

When my daughter started trick or treating, she also carried the little pumpkins or the plastic bags.  By the time her little brother started trick or treating a few years later, we had discovered canvas bags.  

Back then, we decorated our own canvas bags, but now Halloween trick or treat canvas tote bags are pre-made and readily available.  If I had to choose just one, I do believe I would have a very difficult time selecting a Halloween trick or treat tote bag.  Fortunately for me, I do not have to choose just one, because now I use my tote bags to carry groceries, magazines, books, and craft supplies.  I even use a tote bag as a carry-on bag when I fly or as an overnight bag. 

Here are just a few that I have found and really like.  I thought it might be fun to share my favorites with you!

 Ghost & Pumpkin Tote BagCheck Price Welcome Autumn Fox Tote BagCheck Price

Check Out More Halloween Fun Reviews at
Halloween on Review This!

 

 Trick or Treat Pumpkin Tote Bags for Halloween Written by:

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The Best Halloween Treats for Trick-or-Treaters & Halloween Parties

Bethany Lowe Trick or Treat Time Figurine

Trick or Treat, then Trade 

When I was a little child trick or treating with my siblings, there was a wide variety of Halloween treats that we would receive.  Some were coveted by almost everyone in our home and others seemed to be rejected by almost everyone.  If you happened to be the one who loved the unpopular treat, you really had it made.  Other kids would just hand it over to you.  No trade necessary.  They didn't want it and you were the happy recipient of their "trash."  To my fortune, I was the only one in our family who loved "Smarties".  Do you remember those? 

I had a brother who wanted all the jaw breakers. That was pretty cool for me because I certainly did not want them and he didn't like the "girly" candies.  Even as an adult, he would still give me candy corn, even though he had developed a bit of a sweet tooth himself and enjoyed his fair share of the little morsels. 

Everyone has a favorite treat and I hope you will each take a moment to tell us about your preferred Halloween "treat." 
 

Rice Krispie Treats

In our neighborhood, we always had the "June Cleaver" types who must have spent days baking the treats to hand out on Halloween.  One of my favorite Mrs. Cleaver treats were the Rice Krispie Treats.  Oh how I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I found the "Mother of Halloween" home.  I often considered running back to my home, changing costumes and returning for seconds.  I never did that though because my siblings would have gotten way ahead of me and who knew what other treats were waiting just around the corner. 

The Original Rice Krispie Treat Recipe 

 

Candy Apples

Another Mrs. Cleaver treats were the Candied Apples. 

No one ever gave those away!  We might only be able to eat 3 or 4 bits of it before we were either sick or full, but they would not be open for barter.  Thinking back now, I honestly don't know why we liked them so well because they would stick to our teeth and fingers.  Perhaps it was because they really were such a rare treat.  

If I made them now, I would cut them up into bite-size pieces, but I have no doubt, they would still stick to my teeth.

How To Make Candy Apples

Caramel Popcorn Balls 

To this day, I love Caramel Popcorn.  When I would see that Saran Wrapped Ball of Heaven about to be dropped in my bag, I would reach out and tenderly receive it in my hand.  I couldn't possibly risk having my glorious gift battered in that bag of less desired, envious pieces of tooth rotting contraband. 

Oh, the howl that would have ensued if the wrapping had come off and it had to be thrown away.  I can just imagine how we would have sounded like a pack of wolves moaning to the moon about our lost treasure. 

Recipe for Caramel Popcorn Balls

Halloween Cupcakes 

The mother who made cupcakes would have to receive my "Mother of All Holidays" Award.  I cannot even begin to imagine having the time or the temperament to create such delicacies to hand out to children on Halloween. 

I don't know, maybe they only gave them to their favorite neighborhood goblins or maybe we received them because our Mother was the PTA president for so many years.  Whatever the reason, we all loved the payoff.

Okay, full disclosure.  I confess that I do make Halloween Cupcakes for my favorite trick-or-treaters.  Even the big kids (adults) who won't dress up and go door to door for Halloween are recipients of my Halloween cupcakes.

How to Stencil Halloween Cupcakes Tutorial 

 

Dubble Bubble Tub, Original Flavor, 380-Count, 60.3 Oz(3.7 lb)Check PriceBubble Gum 

Bubble Gum was fun for the whole family.  We had the Biggest Bubble Contests and there was always someone (usually the sweet, timid one of the group) who would try to pop the bubbles by jabbing their fingers toward your mouth.  Half of the time, they would pull their finger away with your whole ball of gum.  

It was always interesting when we returned to school after Halloween to discover who had the new hair bob.  Everyone knew she was the one who had not listened when her parents said "Don't fall asleep with that Bubble Gum in your mouth."

 

Candy Sucker Lollipop Assortment (144 pc)Check PriceSuckers 

Now I ask you, what child doesn't like a sucker? 

The green ones were especially popular.  For some reason, my brothers always associated the green suckers with flatulence.  I swear they ate those suckers just so they could have an excuse to do what they wanted to do.  Around our house, if you saw a green sucker, you knew what was about to happen. 

My parents wore stern faces while the rest of us roared with laughter.
 

Taffy wrapped in Black and Orange Wrappers

5 LB. Halloween Mix (Assorted) Salt Water Taffy - Gourmet Taffy by Taffy TownCheck Price
This was the candy I grew to hate.  For days after Halloween, you didn't know when you would have a taffy torpedo aimed at your head.  The harder they got, the more dangerous they became. 

I truly believe we had a few neighbors in cahoots with my brothers.  It seemed like every year they received a ton of these diabolical disks.

The taffy is no longer wrapped in the plain black or orange wrappers, but I bet the pieces still pack a punch when hurled through the air. 

 

Halloween Candy Bars 

MARS Halloween Candy Bars Variety Mix 96.2-Ounce 250-Piece BagCheck PriceIf you can't have homemade treats, this was the next best thing.  It was obvious which neighbor was handing out candy bars by the huge gathering of ghosts, witches and goblins at their door.  Back in the 60's, it just wasn't as common for people to splurge on store bought treats as it is today.  No, they were few and far between.

Candy Bars were definitely the best bargaining chip.  Amazingly, I could get my brothers to trade at least 3 or 4 Smarties for one candy bar!  Well, at the time I thought it was a great deal.  We were all happy with the trade so what did it really matter.
 

Trick-or-Treating Fun

I would be the first to admit that I was blessed to grow up in a large family.  It had, and still has, many advantages.  The Halloween candy in-house traders market always made trick-or-treating more fun.  It is wonderful to look back on those memories and laugh.  Just remember, in a large family like ours, anything bad that ever happened was the dog's fault and I had 5 built-in witnesses to testify to that fact!

You don't have to have 5 siblings to start your own Halloween candy trader's market.  Simply grab a few friends to trick-or-treat with and meet up at someone's home afterwards.  Then, let the candy trading begin! For those of you trick-or-treating with me this year, I have dibs on the Smarties!

 House-Mouse Designs® - Jumbo ToteCheck Price

 

Check Out More Halloween Fun Reviews at
Halloween on Review This!

 

 The Best Halloween Treats for Trick-or-Treaters & Halloween Parties Written by:

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Top Three Group Costume Ideas for Halloween

Let's review some group costumes ideas that I know you'll love.   Group costumes can be a great idea for Halloween or indeed any fancy dress occasion, but first you need to agree on what everyone dresses up as.

You can check out the big list of group costumes for a plethora of ideas or you could just have a look at this years top three group costume ideas...

The best group costume ideas for 2017 (according to industry insiders) are the Avengers, Star Wars and the Flintstones.

The Avengers Group Costume Ideas

I would say choose your favorite Avengers character and dress up as that, but with any group costume you will need to make sure you don't end up with five of you dressing up as Thor!  Remember the Big Bang Theory (albeit they were dressing up as DC Comics superheros and someone had to be Aquaman, they couldn't all be The Flash!) and decide on who is dressing up as who!

With the Avengers there are lots of different options for a costume including -

• Thor
• Iron Man
• Captain America
• The Hulk
• Black Widow
• Hawkeye
• Ant Man
• Daredevil
• Doctor Strange
• Elektra
• Spider Man

and that's just a few of the superheroes.  An Avengers group costume could also include Nick Fury, Agent Coulson and other characters from the comics and/or movies including some of the villains.

Star Wars, a Classic Group Costume Idea

Star Wars has been a classic group costume idea since 1977 and as the fans seem to increase every year I can't see this group costume idea diminishing any time soon!  Now obviously you can't have more than one Darth Vader or Princess Leia, but it is a group costume where you can have some double ups in the form of stormtroopers for example.

I must admit when I think of Star Wars I always think of the original trilogy so Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, Hans Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO and R2-D2 along with Darth Vader are the initial costumes that come to mind.

With the expansion of the Star Wars Empire there are even more costume ideas to explore, so who will you be Rey or Leia, R2-D2 or BB-8?  You could even mix them up and have a selection of Star Wars era costumes on show!

I have a few friends who echo the statement below -

What do you think of this rather bold statement?  Personally I think I'd prefer the Flintstones, but I'm completely ready to be out voted in which case "bags I be a wookie!"

The Flintstones Group Costume Ideas

Who doesn't love the Flintstones?  It's great to see that these costumes are having a bit of a surge in popularity again as a few years ago you couldn't go to a fancy dress event without seeing at least one Flintstones costume (whether it was Fred or Barney or several).  I fancy being Dino myself, what about you?

I do have a couple of friends who have dressed up as Barney & Betty Rubble on a couple of occasions, but for some reason I've never had a Flintstone's costume.  Dino does have my name on it though so maybe I need to convince a group of friends to join me in the Flintstone's group costumes this Halloween!

Of course there are lots of other ideas that come to mind including The Village People, Abba, even the Addams Family.   Whichever costumes you decide on going as a group is always fun!

Have you ever participated with friends in a group costume?  If so what did you go as, I'd love to know.

More Halloween Costume Ideas

Here on Review This we have a few other ideas which would be perfect for a group costume idea.  I have written a review on Harley Quinn Costumes and you could take these costumes and either dress as Harley through the ages or dress up as members of the Suicide Squad or just Batman Villains.

Susan has reviewed how to create a Hobo Costume.  If you're looking for an inexpensive DIY group costume then I think a group of Hobos would be awesome.

Heather reviews the best animal costumes for Halloween and this really is a great group costume idea.  You could get one of your group to dress up as a zookeeper or farmer depending on what animals the rest of you wanted to dress up as.  Another idea (which is especially great if your group is made up of couples) is a Noah's Ark style of group costumes where you have two of every animal you want!

You can check out a lot of other Halloween costume ideas along with other Halloween fun by following our Halloween board on Pinterest - you won't be sorry!

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Happy Labor Day from the Contributors at Review This!

Today, in the United States, many are celebrating Labor Day.  This federal holiday originated from the increasing need to address the terrible working conditions during America's industrial revolution in the 19th century. A march in New York city took place on September 5th, 1882  - thus becoming known as the first Labor Day parade. Not until 1894 did it become a federal holiday. Today, Labor Day continues as a holiday to celebrate and recognize the hard-working people in the workforce and to enjoy a three day weekend as summer ends.

The Brief History of Labor Day

On the History website, there is a nice little synopsis of how Labor Day came to be. It is where I obtained the dates in the opening paragraph. I could recall why Labor Day came to be, but I could not recall exactly when.

In reading historical fiction, I've always been struck with how children were laborers in early American history and how working conditions were so very unsafe for both adults and those children. I am in awe of the rich history of how newcomers to the United States worked so extremely hard to create a life for themselves and their families.

Thoughts about Labor Day

Labor Day has a special place in my life for several reasons. I love the changing seasons that I've experienced living in both the midwest and on the east coast of our great country.  Labor Day weekend often signifies the cooling air and water temperatures - summer is winding down. I begin to think of autumn.

Across the Labor Day weekend, I often marvel at things such as train tracks (and the people who built them), the full roadside fruit stands (and the farmers who grew that food), and all of the truck drivers I see on the roads (the people who transport our goods). It is impressive to me how things have been created and invented through the hard work of others.

Most importantly to me, I notice the schools that are opening, the school buses that are practicing their routes, and the notices to drive safely to protect our children who are returning to school. I believe hard work is an important part of raising our children into responsible adults. But only a part. And I'm glad that our children are being sent to school rather than working long hours, at extremely young ages, to earn only pennies as they did in the past. Working with my father in his business and working on the farm at an early age was an extremely important part of my development. Experiences that I am thankful for. But those experiences were nothing like the children depicted in the photographs of Lewis Hine.

A look at child labor - by Russell Freedman and photography of Lewis Hine 

Happy Labor Day to You

Labor Day has morphed from a march to address unsafe working conditions in the 1800's to a long weekend with parades, picnics, travel, and back-to-school sales. Whether you celebrate Labor Day or not, the contributors at Review This! wish you a happy Monday on this day. And we thank you for your work and contributions to our lives.

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Go Bananas! Reviewing Banana Treats & Toys for Banana Day

Source: Pixabay

Banana Day is held annually on the third Wednesday of April.  And August 27 is Banana Lovers Day. 

Many colleges and universities celebrate 'Banana Day' with a variety of events, including games, trivia, a bunch of banana concoctions to eat and drink, and students dressing up as a banana or a gorilla.

West Chester University in Pennsylvania began an annual BANANA DAY in 1996.  That year 3,000 bananas were given to people on campus and over 50 hours of service contributed to the community. Since then it has become a morale and school pride booster for everyone. 

Fine Art Print Available on Etsy

Banana Facts

Bananas can give an instant and sustained boost of energy to your body.   It is the reason it  has become the number one fruit for today's leading athletes.  Three small bananas can provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout.  It's also good for many health reasons, making it the perfect staple in our daily diets.

There are almost 1000 varieties of bananas in the world, with the most well known one being the Cavendish banana, which is the one grown for export.  Bananas are grown in some 150 countries and produce about 105 million tons of fruit every year.  Did you know that bananas are botanically a berry?

Banana Costume

Banana Costume by The Costume Cafe

If you want to dress up as a banana for National Banana Day,  Sara Carter makes adorable costumes in many styles and sizes.  Here's her banana costume for kids.


Sara, a midwestern girl now living in Austin, Texas, loves to create unique costumes for kids that fit well and allow them to move freely.  She thinks most costumes should be able to come on and off easily and be layered over street clothes.  Her specialty is costumes that look good enough to eat... 

Sara's food-related costumes from infant size to adult can be found in her Etsy Shop she calls The Costume Cafe.

Banana Play Food

Besides being a delicious fruit to eat, bananas can also be fun as a plush toy.

Kawaii Plush Bananas on Etsy

Monkeys Love Banana Day

Cute Crochet Monkey

When you think of bananas, one's thoughts naturally turn to monkeys who love bananas.  My crochet monkey would love to eat a banana if he were real.  Instead, he'd enjoy joining a child playing with soft toy bananas at a playtime tea party.

Mark the monkey measures 12 inches tall (8 inches tall in a sitting position) and about 3 inches across. His tail is 6 inches long. He is crocheted with tan and a variegated yarn called Artist Print in shades of brown, green, purple, blue and burgundy.  Monkey is available in my eBay Shop.

Other Banana Days

April brings us National Banana Day, but that's not the only day we celebrate the banana fruit.

• February 23 is National  Banana Bread Day.  With this delicious homemade banana bread recipe from Sylvestermouse, you don't have to wait until February every year to enjoy this tasty banana treat.
• And Mary Beth of MBGPhoto here on Review This shares a different banana bread recipe using sour cream and frozen bananas.
• Olivia Morris tells us all about National Banana Day in her article here on Review This
• March 2 is National Banana Cream Pie Day. 
• And.... August 27 is National Banana Lovers Day

So be sure and enjoy bananas in ALL its forms on these special days.... and every day!

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Library Lovers Day Review

Courtesy of Pixabay

February 14th is more than just Valentine's Day - it's also Library Lovers Day.  

This is a day to honor libraries, librarians and all us bookworms who love libraries and the books they hold. 

Some say that the whole month of February is a time to celebrate libraries.  I say ANY day is a time to visit a library!

Celebrate Library Lovers Day on February 14th

Libraries excitement mug

by Philbradley

With vast knowledge available at your fingertips on the internet, and with the invention of e-readers, one might think that public libraries are on their way out. But wait.... libraries are more than just places with books to borrow. They are places for meetings for groups of hobbyists or shared-interest groups.  There are regular story hours for toddlers. There are magazines and periodicals, movies and music, and the availability of microfiche of local newspapers for research purposes.  And, in keeping up with today's technology, most libraries have computers available for use.  

Librarians

Librarian Original Search Engine Coffee Mug

by empireofthecat

Librarians must have a degree in Library Science, thus making them invaluable in helping you find everything from obscure information to the latest best seller.  

And just as borrowing a book is free, so is a librarian's assistance. 

Children and Libraries

Many libraries have a section just for children where they can play quietly while older siblings and parents look for books to read.  

Tyler at the library 
Photo by Wednesday Elf

In a Cincinnati suburb near my son's house, such a play area at their local library is a favorite of my grandsons. There are small tables & chairs where they can read a book or play with jigsaw puzzles.

Library Play Area (c) Elf

There are also computers set up just for children.  The play area is light and airy located near big windows and also has comfy soft chairs for the parents to sit with a book while the children play.  

On a recent visit, I enjoyed a wonderful hour there with my grandsons.  Their mom takes them to this library at least once a week.  The library even has a coffee bar for adults to enjoy.

  

Did You Know....

 

Library of Congress. Image Source: Pixabay

The Library of Congress in Washington, DC is the largest library in the world. Within its collections, there are literally millions of books, recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps and manuscripts.  The 164 million items are stored on some 838 miles of bookshelves.  It also has the world's largest law library, with more than 2.9 million volumes, and contains United States congressional publications dating back to the nation's founding. 

Library of Congress (Image Source: Pixabay)

The Library of Congress was founded in 1800 and is the oldest federal cultural institution in the nation.

It also is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office.

Books, Books, and More Books....

New Library Near Me (c) Elf

If you are looking for a good book to check out at the library and read, you'll find a wide range of Book Reviews to aid you in your selection from the following sources:

*Our own BarbRad reviews books here on Review This!  Barb also talks about educational and children's books on her blog Books to Remember.

*Other members of Review This! frequently review books for ReviewThisBooks.com

*Reading is a pleasure beyond words.  I described how much my family loves books and reading in "For Love of Reading", along with a list of our favorite books.

Dog and Cat in the Library Coffee Mug

by friendlyspirit

 

How to Celebrate!

There are many ways to celebrate Library Lovers Day:

• Visit your local library and check out a book.
• Volunteer at a library book sale.
• Take your child or grandchild to a library story hour or help a child get their very first library card. You will open a magical world to them through the joy of reading.

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.

– Marcus Tullius Cicero

Library Lovers Day Review by:

~Wednesday Elf~

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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