Need help preparing for Thanksgiving dinner? We've got everything you need! This blog serves as a guide, offering the essential to-do list for the awaited dinner of the year.
Who are your guests?
Be sure to prepare a list of your invitees to avoid any confusion. Making a list will help you know the proper serving quantity based on confirmations received and properly setting up for Thanksgiving dinner with family and loved ones.
Don’t forget to ask if anyone has any dietary restrictions before planning the menu. We don't want anyone to feel left out or to barely eat anything!
Plan the menu in advance
The traditional Thanksgiving meal menu never ages out! Whether you're going the conventional way or looking for something a tad different this year, plan ahead of time.
Start thinking about what you'll serve, from the turkey to the sides, the snacks, the wine, and the dessert, to end the dinner on a sweet note. Keep your meals simple, easy to prepare, and delicious. Don't forget to consider your guests' dietary restrictions!
Let’s get into Thanksgiving décor!
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to decorate and make your home feel cosy!
Dressing up your mantel, banister, or doorway with a selection of themed garlands is now easier than ever! Nivas Collection provides luxurious home décor for the most magical time of the year!
All of our garlands are handmade with wool felt. You can hang them near the dessert section or anywhere in the house. The garlands are sure to have mouths watering guests in anticipation of a feast.
Our Pumpkin Spice Ball-Felt Garland adds a gorgeous fall palette to your indoor space, making it suitable for Thanksgiving dinner. This colorful ball garland brings in pumpkins, spice, and everything cozy.
Check out our Thanksgiving Turkey Garland. Each turkey on this vibrant garland is handmade and features earthy fall colors. Adults and children alike will love this fun fall-themed garland.
Aside from the decorative garlands, add some Faux Pumpkins around the house as a table centerpiece, shelf ornament, or even scattered across your table and mantel.
It's time to shop for dining room accessories!
This heartwarming gathering calls for brand-new dining table accessories.
After all, you don't want to be missing a gravy boat on this occasion now that you know what's on the menu. Take inventory of your Thanksgiving tablecloths, tableware, serving trays, and other items to determine whether you need to get new or replacements.
Try out a few recipes ahead of time
Is it your first thanksgiving dinner? Is your anxiety piling up? If it is, then practicing a few recipes ahead of time is always a wise idea, and it helps ease the stress! Do a practice run on some side dishes, classic stuffing, or even desserts. If you're adding a new meal to Thanksgiving dinner, it would be better to try and taste it before serving!
Preparations for Thanksgiving dinner can start a few weeks before the feast. Make sure you do the following a day or two before the big dinner; this will keep you from feeling overwhelmed!
Set up the table
Start your preparations a few days before the big show. You can start by setting the table and creating a pleasant, cozy ambiance for Thanksgiving dinner. Move the table or add some chairs if necessary.
Make sure you have enough room for all the serving items you'll be putting out the next day after arranging the tableware, silverware, and stemware.
Prepare some meals a few days before
Don't prepare all the meals on Thanksgiving Day. Many dishes, including gravy, mashed potatoes, and cornbread dressing, may be prepared ahead of time. These recipes can be frozen and defrosted just in time for the dinner!
Make it sweet for dessert!
Thanksgiving is a time to splurge on delicious dishes and sweet treats! The dinner is never complete without pie, and there’s always room for dessert, no?
Serve your guests the most delicious pies such as pumpkin, pecan, or apple pie. Find your favorite Thanksgiving pie recipes on our blog. Even if prepared the day before, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and apple pie will taste excellent on Thanksgiving Day.
May it be a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner!
]]>Building a gender-neutral nursery for your newborn baby has become quite the trend lately: there are so many lovely ideas for gender-neutral spaces! These days, moms are moving away from gendered decor and simply embracing stylish design.
Add Wallpaper to your Accent Wall
Simply painting the walls has become too monotonous! It is becoming trendy to add a special touch to the nursery by hanging a wallpaper design. The wallpaper does not have to be strictly infantile. Not only do the shapes and colors attract the baby's attention, but they also add a decorative element to the space.
Incorporate Natural Elements
Leave the pastel accents at home and go for more earthy ones. Wood, bamboo, and rattan are beautiful in nurseries because they give texture and warmth. Natural unisex nursery ideas frequently include indoor plants and soft organic materials such as wool and cotton.
As an added feature, these textured components will provide a fun experience for your child. They also get to experiment with and improve their touch sense.
Add Playful Mobiles
Few gender-neutral baby décor elements are as incredible as a mobile. Mobiles have a functional and decorative role in nurseries. Nivas Collection offers plenty of alternatives to pick from; shop around until you discover one that completely matches your aesthetic.
From the Jungle mobile to the Fox on Moon mobile, the Elephant mobile, the Hot Air Balloon mobile, the Lighthouse mobile, and many more.
Now that we’ve covered a few tips to set up a gender-neutral baby room, let’s get inspired by adorable unisex nursery themes!
Did you know that neutral nursery themes are more prevalent than others? Many are choosing to stray away from the traditional nursery idea of a blue nursery for a boy and a pink nursery for a girl.
Let’s start off with a Dreamy Monochrome Nursery
Black, white, and gray are definitely for everyone! They are appropriate for almost any environment, including a neutral nursery. Use light gray or white as the dominant color to keep the area feeling uplifting, bright, and airy, with black serving as an accent to add depth.
Decorate your child's room with some paintings and décor to keep the baby happy and healthy. Adding our Alphabet Banner in monochrome is a simple way to capture their attention. Keeping it for your children or storing it for your baby for later use can make it a treasured item for them, even as they grow up.
A soft blanket to complement the room would be ideal! Check out our Pure Cashmere Baby Blanket Set in grey.
Featuring a beautifully knitted blanket, hat, and booties, it is also a heartfelt heirloom gift set suitable for any gender.
Safari Themed Nursery Room
When it comes to a safari-themed nursery, focus on fresh and serene green. It is now a trendy color due to its calming and refreshing effect. Also, it looks incredible in any shade – from dark forest green to soft mint.
For the décor you can get creative by adding giant stuffed animals, our Jungle Animals Banner with our soft hand-felted lions, elephants, monkeys, zebras, and giraffes.
Decorate with our Jungle Mobile to complement the banner for bold safari vibes! Keep it light with bright pastel shades for a perfect animal-themed gender-neutral nursery!
Woodland Themed Nursery Room
A woodland-themed nursery has fanciful creatures as well as dreamy nature features. Decorate your baby nursery with woodland animals like foxes, owls, bears, and greenery such as pine trees and oaks. With a woodland nursery theme, your baby will learn so much!
Decorate your nursery with Nivas’ Woodland Bear Mobile and our Woodland Tree Garland to create an enchanting forest. Your little one will be intrigued by the daring bear prowling between pine trees and mountains!
Got a few inspirations? Don't forget to check our wide collection of luxury products that are ideal for a gender-neutral nursery!
]]>Anyone with babies and kids will tell you how tough it is to keep a child's mess under control - whether they have one child or four, there are always toys all over the place, no matter how many times you put them back.
That's where a playroom comes in handy. Aside from the obvious advantages of a playroom, it can significantly contribute to your child's development.
How? Let's delve deeper and help you set up the most adorable playroom for your children!
Benefits of a playroom
Generally speaking, growing up is a crucial stage in natural development where parents can observe, learn from, and advise their children – especially in their early years. Since kids spend most of their time playing at this age, it plays a significant role in their growth.
Here are four benefits of having a separate playroom for the kids.
When children use their bedrooms to play and have fun, it might be difficult for them to link the room with calm and serenity at night. However, it has been proved that children sleep better for extended periods when bedrooms are only used at night.
A playroom stores all the toys in the same place. This allows your kids to share and have two or three times more toys to play with than they would when alone. Your children will eventually learn to collaborate and include one another in their play.
Kids enjoy playing in their rooms but also all around the house. Of course, this leads to a mess if toys aren't cleaned up after them daily, right? But when you have a designated playroom, the rule will be that all toys stay in that area, keeping the rest of your house neat.
Other children will want to play with your children if they know you have a playroom. You can put the kids in that room while you talk to their parents in the other room without them crying or screaming.
Playrooms provide a safe space for children to enjoy, where they're calm, at ease, and proud when their friends come to play.
What about Montessori playrooms? Have you heard of it?
They are terrific play spaces for children, creating a simple, clean, and enjoyable environment for children to learn while playing. A Montessori playroom, when done correctly, will assist your child in improving their focus skills and begin to achieve independence at a young age.
So, how can you create the ideal playroom for your children?
Always keep it as simple as possible. Stick to a limited number of toys and activities for your kids. It is advised and preferred to choose 8-10 activities. This will help your children to concentrate on a few things and master them rather than bouncing from different toys and activities.
A cozy and distinctive playroom will make it more enjoyable to stay in and play. Use a lovely, relaxing hue on the walls, add some garlands and consider letting in some natural light.
Consider our Rainbow Alphabet Banner if you want to add a colorful, educative décor to the playroom. Playful and educational, the Alphabet Garland features the letters of the alphabet made with high-quality wool felt. As your child grows, cut the letters from the string to use the letters as educational toys.
Our Rainbow Alphabet Banner is handmade with love by artisan women in Kathmandu, Nepal with 100% natural wool felt and ready to decorate your playroom.
Make it accessible by using child-height furniture
Ensure that everything your child uses is at their level so they can easily reach it and see it. This way, your child can take everything they want and put it back when they're done. Thus, teaching them responsibility and organization.
Some artwork and plants will also help to bring life to the room. Keep in mind that everything should be within your child's reach. If you have any lovely artwork on display, ensure it is at your child's level so they can fully appreciate it.
Create an open space allowing kids to move freely
A playroom with open space is ideal for developing motor skills. Leave enough room for kids to walk around, climb, and jump, which is necessary for their development. Place a table in the middle, if possible, so your child can do their activities in the same area. You can also buy a few soft pillows that kids can move around.
Now you’re all ready to set up the most cozy and safe playroom for your kids!
]]>Every culture, and even every family, has its own set of newborn gift traditions. One of these traditions is the collection of heirlooms.
What is a family heirloom?
A family heirloom is a precious item passed down through generations with tremendous sentimental value. These heartfelt gestures are sure to leave an impact, connect future generations with previous ones, and help build and keep a legacy.
Gifts of sentiment, even the personalized ones, are the ones we keep forever. It's a lovely way to bring back so many memories, from initiating rituals with your children to handing items from your youth to them.
Jewelry, knitwear, home décor, clocks and watches, art pieces, letters, and even recipes are family heirlooms - we all have delicious, secret recipes from our grandma or great-grandmother that we enjoy preparing over and over again!
If you’re looking for some adorable heirloom keepsakes, our dreamy luxury collection will warm your heart!
Let’s start off with our Cashmere Baby Jumpsuit in Lilac
Suitable for play and sleep, our Lilac Cashmere Baby Jumper is 100% made of cashmere and warm and cozy. There’s no better gift than a high-quality baby jumper since it can be passed on to other kids and future generations. To ensure its longevity, it is highly advisable to handwash it in tepid water, not wring, and lay it flat to dry.
Gift newborn babies our adorable Cashmere Baby Jumpsuit in Lilac!
Also, under the apparel category is our Newborn White Cashmere Booties
100% made from pure cashmere, our Nivas Newborn White Cashmere Booties are suitable for boys and girls making it easier to pass it down from generation to generation. It is a thoughtful present for a baby shower or an heirloom keepsake for a newborn. You can be sure to pass this down because the quality will last you a lifetime. Cashmere will only get softer with each wash.
Our Cashmere Baby Blanket Set to keep the baby warm and safe
The right blanket is not just a safe security object for when they are away from their moms but the perfect bedtime buddy that is easy to manage. We use the softest cashmere to ensure your baby has something comfortable to hold on to.
As a set of baby booties and blankets, it is a practical gift for a new baby. Handmade with quality that can last a lifetime with the most versatile color for babies. It only gets softer with each wear and washes.
It is 100% made from cashmere, 31.5 inches by 31.5 inches (80 cm by 80 cm), and comes in taupe.
Last but not least our Nivas Hot Air Mobile
Add magnificent decor to the newborn’s room with Nivas Hot Air Mobile!
100% made of wood felt with wool stuffing. As part of our Adventure Collection, this dreamy Hot Air Mobile has a unique touch of white and a variety of muted colors. It brings a peaceful balance, allowing your baby to feel calm as they look at wool-stuffed hot air balloons hovering above their heads.
Hang our mobile above the baby’s crib and out of reach of the children.
Newborn gifting traditions from different cultures
Now, let’s travel around the world to learn about some of the new gift-giving traditions and get a sneak peek into various cultures across the globe. *Keep in mind these gifts are different than the usual clothes/toys gifts*
Newborn babies in Australia receive Dreamtime storybooks as gifts. Besides describing how people and animals interact, the books also discuss cultural values and beliefs.
To protect newborn babies from evil eyes and other harm, newborn babies are gifted red-knitted shoes. There are two sides to this tradition. First, some think babies should wear those knitted baby shoes when leaving the hospital. Others believe it should be the first gift a mother receives after giving birth.
Traditionally, newborn babies receive a red envelope filled with money. Most of the time, the envelopes include the word “fortune” or “luck” to attract wealth and bring great joy to their future.
In Egypt, newborn babies receive a palm with a blue eye. It is generally attached to their clothing to protect them from the evil eye. The evil eye is a supernatural belief in a curse caused by an evil stare, which is usually bestowed onto a person when they are unaware.
When baby girls are born in India, they are gifted silver anklets. India has a long tradition of body decorating throughout all ages. Silver is supposed to symbolize strength and optimism that the baby will grow up to be strong and healthy.
Newborn boys are often gifted gold jewelry, golden neck chains, gold finger rings, or gold bracelets. Usually, the gifting process happens during the cradle ceremony or the naming ceremony.
As traditions in other countries, Russians gift silver spoons to attract future luck and wealth to newborn babies.
When it comes to newborn baby gifting traditions, the American and British cultures are similar. In the United Kingdom, jewelry, decor, keepsake boxes, rattles, and art pieces are the most common newborn baby gifts.
In the United States, newborn giftings traditions are flowers, toys, and clothes. Pachira plants, known as money trees, are now more common in the U.S. for giving luck and good fortune to newborns; Also seen in other cultural traditions previously stated.
]]>But, just as cleaning, decluttering, and preparing for spring are a must, so is preparing for fall!
To make it simpler on you, we've listed a few to-do tasks to get your house ready for the upcoming season. Also, read to the end for some fun ideas to get ready for fall with your children!
Declutter, deep clean the house and the gutters
Let's begin with decluttering!
Decluttering will help you have a decluttered, organized home with plenty of space to use this fall season and create a clean, comfortable, and cozy setting.
Next comes the deep cleaning. Start with the most used room, for example, the living room or the kitchen, then move around the house.
Finally, clean the gutters. It is an essential thing to do before the fall/winter season. Clogged rain gutters can overflow and cause water damage to your house, including the foundation and basement. So, to avoid that, get your ladder and clean the gutters from any leaves and debris.
Clean the fireplace and decorate your mantel!
If you plan to use your fireplace this autumn, line the area with newspaper and remove all loose ashes and dust with a shovel and broom. Then, use a wire brush to clean the soot from the brick, and use baking soda and warm water on a sponge to clean the remaining soot and dust off.
Now that the fireplace is clean and ready, you can decorate the mantel with autumn decorations from Autumn Collection!
Keep it traditional and neutral with our Black and White Ball Felt Garland. You could also hang our Fall Colors Ball Felt Garland to add warm fall colors.
Made of wool felt, our garlands are easy to hang and store for the following years. The Faux Pumpkins Set and our Autumn Leaves Décor will add a touch of Autumn/Halloween to your home.
Set a cozy and warm atmosphere
How about creating a snuggly and cozy atmosphere in a room this autumn? Start by placing a few candles around the room. Candles and diffusers offer the ideal snug atmosphere for a relaxed night. Choose from scented and unscented candles. For an additional snug feeling, add a few dotted tea lights or pillar candles.
On a rainy evening, nothing is more pleasant than the smell of fall in the air and the cozy and warm vibes. Decorate your house or one specific area with rich smells that create a warm feeling.
Incorporate fall colors into your decor by combining delicate yellows, rich oranges, and deep red tones with earthy browns to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Last, let's kick off the autumn season in a fun and exciting way with the kids!
As per ISAFYI, it would be a fantastic idea to include the children and get ready for fall. Aside from back-to-school, there's Halloween and the long-awaited sweater weather!
Is there anything better than a BBQ Day/Night in the garden as the summer draws to an end? This would be a great time to catch up with your loved ones, friends, and family! If you’re organizing a plant-based BBQ party, we’ve got you covered! Salads, bean burgers, skewers, and grilled eggplant will leave you wanting more!
Ready to drool your invitees with these delicious recipes?
Total time: 20 min – Serves: 4
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Total time: 30 min – Serves: 4
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Here's a delicious side dish, perfect with any meal!
Total time: 35 min
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Total time: 20 min – Serves: 4-6
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Total time: 45 min – Serves: 4-6
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But don't worry! The following are helpful tips to prepare you and your children for a successful, happy, and productive school year!
According to Kids Health, “Kids might develop lower and upper back pain and strain their shoulders and neck. Improper backpack use can also lead to improper posture. Also, backpacks with tight, narrow straps that dig into the shoulders can cause tingling, numbness, and weakness in the arms and hands.” So, follow the below tips to avoid that.
It may not be that exciting to start a new school year. However, you can guarantee that it starts well and that your children attend a productive and safe school! Understand your children, assist them, pay attention to unhealthy habits they are developing - and seek help when necessary.
One of the most well-known folklores in the world is that of the tooth fairies. And we all have pleasant memories of when we were kids and waited impatiently for these fairies to pass by at night!
On this National Tooth Fairy Day, let's reminisce about our fondest childhood memories! Have your children enjoy some fun activities and give them a gift to encourage them to take care of their teeth. This will encourage them to visit the dentist and be excited for the tooth fairy!
The history behind National Tooth Fairy Day
Gervase of Tilbary described fairies for the first time in the 13th century in England. The tradition of giving a kid a gift from a fairy in exchange for a missing tooth dates back to medieval Europe.
The 18th century French fairytale "La Bonne Petite Souris" is when tooth fairies first made an appearance in contemporary times.
As early as the 1920s, parents started reading their kids fairy tales stories to encourage them to eat more vegetables, get to bed on time, wash their teeth. And just like that, people began telling children the tooth fairy tale, which quickly gained popularity as tooth fairies started to appear in media and classroom plays.
This is a very effective way to teach your kids the importance of healthy teeth. It also motivates kids to wash their teeth thoroughly and take proper care of them.
And it is a long tradition which has been followed since a long time and this day is also celebrated to honor this tradition and also encourages parents to carry forward this tradition without thinking it to be lame and cheesy but only as fun for their children. Below are some fun activities to do and gifts for the kids!
Ideas to celebrate National Tooth Fairy Day
On this national tooth fairy day, allow your kids to have fun by first scheduling some fun activities throughout the day and then getting them a special gift!
All kids wait impatiently for the tooth fairy to come at night to exchange some money for the fallen tooth.
To make it more special and avoid having their tooth during all the tossing and turning during sleep time, get them our handmade Nivas Tooth Fairy Pouch/Pillow! Made from wool and in a dinosaur shape the pillow is a practical and adorable way for kids to receive money while sleeping at night waiting for the tooth fairy to pass by!
Yes, most kids are fascinated by the tooth fairy. However, some of them are scared either by the idea of a tooth fairy coming at night or generally by having their teeth fall.
So, one of the most helpful ways to make it less scary is to organize some fun activities to enjoy on National Tooth Fairy Day. This will encourage them to always take care of their teeth!
A really fun activity, to make kids love and be fascinated by the tooth fairy is by organizing a tooth fairy themed move night. Some of the must watch movies are Tooth Fairy 1 & 2, Rise of the Guardians.
Another exciting way to celebrate National Tooth Fairy Day is by having a themed bedtime story. If you’re creative and want to create your own story, make sure it’s fun, pointing out the positive and kind features of the tooth fairy.
But, if you would rather read them a book here are a few suggestions (found on Amazon): The Berenstain Bears & the Tooth Fairy, How to Catch the Tooth Fairy by Adam Wallace and The Night Before the Tooth Fairy by Natasha Wing
For all the kids that enjoy coloring, these coloring pages are a fun activity for kids to do on National Tooth Fairy Day. It also encourages them to brush their teeth, visit the dentist and be fascinated by the tooth fairy!
]]>Did you know that Friendship Day is an international day celebrated annually on the 30th of July? It was officially launched by the United Nations in 2011 and focuses on how people from different cultures and backgrounds worldwide can build bridges and promote peace!
We all know the value of beautiful friendships, so why not set aside a day to celebrate it with those we care about the most? You can spend a night out with your friends, exchange gifts, or recall some of the funniest and most precious moments you've shared. Also, friendship day is a perfect chance for kids to celebrate and express kindness and appreciation while having fun!
Here are some fun friendship day activities kids can do with their friends to celebrate Friendship Day.
This game can be played in different ways. Children can sit in a circle and toss a beanbag to each other, or they can just pick the person who will take their turn. Regardless, the purpose of this game is for each child to have the opportunity to compliment one of their friends.
This teaches children both how to give and accept compliments. It also helps in the bonding of the children.
Friendship Bracelets and Necklaces
Express you love with handmade bracelets and necklaces! There are several ways to create your own personalized friendship bracelets using materials found in your house. Stringing beads on a thread is the simplest way to make a friendship bracelet. Kids can play with various color combinations to make a lovely accessory for a friend.
Have some fun and do it with spaghetti or drinking straws! Or make it even more personalized by having children use letter beads to spell out their friend's name.
Parents can help their children tie the knots or connect the clasp to the bracelet. Why not make your own beads for a little extra fun and celebrating friendship?
Compliment cards are an excellent way to teach kids kindness. Compliments are an exceptional gift and an amazing method to express your appreciation to a friend.
Ask your children to come up with a couple of praises for their pals and put one on a card. You can be creative or think together while also teaching your kids new adjectives and phrases!
Last, have kids write the name of the friend to whom they want to deliver each compliment to and pass the card to them.
Friendship day worksheets by Kidskonnect
If your children enjoy worksheets, then these friendship day worksheets are ideal! "Friendship Day Facts, Fact or Bluff, Friends, Friends Acrostic, Friendship Customs, Word Search, Friendship Day Poem, Sentence Building, Friendship Band, How Can I be a Pal" are the ten friendship worksheets.
Download the worksheets here!
What You'll Need:
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Chocolate Sorbet by Delicious.
Serves: 8
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Lemon sorbet and burn orange sandwiches by Delicious.
Serves: 4
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Hazelnut Dacquoise
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Key lime pie with whipped cream by Taste.com.au
Total time: 55 min – Serves: 10
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Whipped coconut cream
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Rockmelon Granita by Taste.au.com
Total time: 15 min – Serves: 4
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Frozen Margarita Mousse by Taste of Home
Total time: 20 min + freezing – Serves: 6
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No matter what the weather is, a nice glass of wine combined with delectable appetizers would be wonderful! With summer in full flow, many people are taking advantage of the beautiful weather by grilling and relaxing on their patios or garden.
Pairing a refreshing glass of wine with a delicious dish of food can be the combination that satisfy your taste buds! But how do you pair it perfectly? We have the ultimate guide for you, with a few delectable dishes to try! (Make sure to follow the below guide when preparing the food!)
All about Food and Wine Pairing
Yes, wine goes well with every meal, but for an incredible experience, pair specific dishes with specific wines. Consider this your wine pairing guide. In case you’ve never thought of tasty wine pairings here are a few suggestions as per The Wine Cellar Group:
Chardonnay and Salmon (or fish and light meat)Meal suggestions to enjoy with your favorite wine during summer
Watercress and Orange Salad by Sugar and Spice
Total time: 30 min
Try it out with a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or an Albariño.
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Creamy Crab Stuffed Mushroom by Sugar with Spice
Total time: 35 min – Servings: 6 people
Try it out with either a Viognier or a bubbly Champagne
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Tortilla Pinwheels by Food Meanderings
Total time: 1 hour 30 min - Serves: 16 pinwheels
Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese and Cucumber by Melanie Cooks
Total time: 15 min - Serves: 12
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We've rounded up some of the best new beach books, ranging from romance novels to pack in your tote bag before heading to the beach, to young adult novels to read on vacation, and riveting thriller novels to hook you up!
Here are 6 light book recommendations for this summer!
4.06 stars – GoodReads
“FROM THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION AND BOOK LOVERS!
A romance writer who no longer believes in love and a literary writer stuck in a rut engage in a summer-long challenge that may just upend everything they believe about happily ever afters.
Augustus Everett is an acclaimed author of literary fiction. January Andrews writes bestselling romance. When she pens a happily ever after, he kills off his entire cast.
They’re polar opposites.
In fact, the only thing they have in common is that for the next three months, they're living in neighboring beach houses, broke, and bogged down with writer's block.
Until, one hazy evening, one thing leads to another and they strike a deal designed to force them out of their creative ruts: Augustus will spend the summer writing something happy, and January will pen the next Great American Novel. She’ll take him on field trips worthy of any rom-com montage, and he’ll take her to interview surviving members of a backwoods death cult (obviously). Everyone will finish a book and no one will fall in love. Really.”
Cover Story: A Novel by Susan Rigetti
3.85 stars - GoodReads
“Netflix’s Inventing Anna and Hulu’s The Dropout meets Catch Me If You Can in this captivating novel about an ambitious young woman who gets trapped in a charismatic con artist’s scam.
A Most Anticipated Book by Entertainment Weekly, Marie Claire, Parade, New York Post, Shondaland, E!, Fortune, PopSugar, and more!"
After a rough year at NYU, aspiring writer Lora Ricci is thrilled to land a summer internship at ELLE magazine where she meets Cat Wolff, contributing editor and enigmatic daughter of a clean-energy mogul. Cat takes Lora under her wing, soliciting her help with side projects and encouraging her writing.
As a friendship emerges between the two women, Lora opens up to Cat about her financial struggles and lost scholarship. Cat’s solution: Drop out of NYU and become her ghostwriter. Lora agrees and, when the internship ends, she moves into Cat’s suite at the opulent Plaza Hotel. Writing during the day and accompanying Cat to extravagant parties at night, Lora’s life quickly shifts from looming nightmare to dream-come-true. But as Lora is drawn into Cat’s glamorous lifestyle, Cat’s perfect exterior cracks, exposing an illicit, shady world.”
Pretty Things by Janelle Brown
3.92 stars - GoodReads
“NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Who’s really following you on social media? The scam of a lifetime brings together two wildly different women in this page-turning thriller about greed, legacy, and betrayal from the New York Times best selling author of Watch Me Disappear.
Nina once bought into the idea that her fancy liberal arts degree would lead to a fulfilling career. When that dream crashed, she turned to stealing from rich kids in L.A. alongside her wily Irish boyfriend, Lachlan. Nina learned from the best: Her mother was the original con artist, hustling to give her daughter a decent childhood despite their wayward life. But when her mom gets sick, Nina puts everything on the line to help her, even if it means running her most audacious, dangerous scam yet.
Vanessa is a privileged young heiress who wanted to make her mark in the world. Instead she becomes an Instagram influencer—traveling the globe, receiving free clothes and products, and posing for pictures in exotic locales. But behind the covetable façade is a life marked by tragedy.”
Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
3.61 stars – GoodReads
“Alice, a novelist, meets Felix, who works in a warehouse, and asks him if he’d like to travel to Rome with her. In Dublin, her best friend, Eileen, is getting over a break-up and slips back into flirting with Simon, a man she has known since childhood. Alice, Felix, Eileen, and Simon are still young—but life is catching up with them.
They desire each other, they delude each other, they get together, they break apart. They have sex, they worry about sex, they worry about their friendships and the world they live in. Are they standing in the last lighted room before the darkness, bearing witness to something? Will they find a way to believe in a beautiful world?”
People We Meet on a Vacation by Emily Henry
4.00 stars – GoodReads
“Two best friends. Ten summer trips. One last chance to fall in love.
Poppy and Alex. Alex and Poppy. They have nothing in common. She’s a wild child; he wears khakis. She has insatiable wanderlust; he prefers to stay home with a book. And somehow, ever since a fateful car share home from college many years ago, they are the very best of friends. For most of the year they live far apart—she’s in New York City, and he’s in their small hometown—but every summer, for a decade, they have taken one glorious week of vacation together.
Until two years ago, when they ruined everything. They haven’t spoken since.
Poppy has everything she should want, but she’s stuck in a rut. When someone asks when she was last truly happy, she knows, without a doubt, it was on that ill-fated, final trip with Alex. And so, she decides to convince her best friend to take one more vacation together—lay everything on the table, make it all right. Miraculously, he agrees.
Now she has a week to fix everything. If only she can get around the one big truth that has always stood quietly in the middle of their seemingly perfect relationship. What could possibly go wrong?”
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
3.90 stars – GoodReads
“The instant #1 New York Times bestselling mystery and Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick that’s captivated more than a million readers about a woman searching for the truth about her husband’s disappearance…at any cost.
Before Owen Michaels disappears, he manages to smuggle a note to his beloved wife of one year: Protect her. Despite her confusion and fear, Hannah Hall knows exactly to whom the note refers: Owen’s sixteen-year-old daughter, Bailey. Bailey, who lost her mother tragically as a child. Bailey, who wants absolutely nothing to do with her new stepmother.
As Hannah’s increasingly desperate calls to Owen go unanswered; as the FBI arrests Owen’s boss; as a US Marshal and FBI agents arrive at her Sausalito home unannounced, Hannah quickly realizes her husband isn’t who he said he was. And that Bailey just may hold the key to figuring out Owen’s true identity—and why he really disappeared.
Hannah and Bailey set out to discover the truth, together. But as they start putting together the pieces of Owen’s past, they soon realize they are also building a new future. One neither Hannah nor Bailey could have anticipated.”
Enjoying some 4th of July DIY decoration ideas is always an option, but if you don't have the time, we've included a few garland alternatives that will bring a unique touch to your home!
Here's how to decorate your home for a spectacular 4th of July celebration!
Some 4th of July decorations you can buy from our shop:
The traditional red, white, and blue garland is a must-have not just for the 4th of July, but also for Memorial Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, or simply to honor our wonderful country! This garland, skillfully handmade with natural wool felt, is a splendid addition to any tabletop, window, mantle, wall, or doorway. It is strung by hand on 5-5.5 feet of crimson thread.
Click on the link and purchase it right away!
Similar to our classic Patriotic Flag Garland, but with a star shaped twist. The Patriotic Star Garland will look great in your decor. It is simple to hang on a mantle, window, or doorway, and is made of natural wool felt. It is ideal for any event to commemorate our country!
Get your hands on yours now!
Summer and the 4th of July? We have the ideal decoration for you! Our Patriotic Ice Cream Garland is just what you're looking for. It comes in vivid blue, red, and white hues, is created with natural wool felt, and may be hung near a window, entryway, or tabletop to give charm and an American feel.
Order yours today and have it hung on any occasion to honor America and all those who have made sacrifices for the country!
With this red, white, and blue ball garland, you can keep it simple yet lovely. You can either hang it on the wall over a table or use it as a decoration on the table between beverages or a little appetizers table. These garlands are simple to hang, skillfully handmade with natural wool felt, and can be stored and reused for other events such as Memorial Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, or the following 4th of July!
Order through our website now!
Ready to craft some DIY 4th of July decoration?
DIY Planter Rockets by Better Homes & Gardens
What you’ll need:
Steps:
Having some barbecue? Add this DIY 4th of July BBQ Station by Somewhat Simple
What you’ll need:
Steps:
Tie Dye Firework Napkin by Freutcake
What you’ll need:
Steps:
Happy 4th of July!
]]>We've all wrote down or wanted to have a summer bucket list, right? A dream trip, a summer romance, reading a list of our books, and have the time of your life with our best friends and maybe lover. Get ready for the season of chances and carefree excitement. We're going to make the most of Summer 2022!
What should you add on your summer bucket list? Summer bucket list ideas might involve visiting new cities, going on adventurous trips, or just spending time with family. The below summer bucket list activities will provide you with the ideas and inspiration you need to plan memorable trips, enchanting mornings, and fascinating nights during summer.
1. Sleep under the stars
If you have the chance, try sleeping under the stars in the Northern Hemisphere. The Northern Lights are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But you might succeed right in your own backyard? On those lovely summer days, gather a group of friends or call your loved one and camp out under the stars.
2. Host a movie marathon
Whether you prefer beach movies or films that transport you back to summer camp, some horror/thriller movies, or ones that take you on a magical romantic trip, throw a movie marathon with your favorite summer or all-time favorite.
Another summer theme is travel, like watching Mamma Mia! and Eat, Pray, Love. So, all you need for your own outdoor movie night is a projector, a white sheet (or any white background), and some popcorn and snacks.
3. Learn a watersport such as surfing
Surfing allows you to enjoy the warm weather while learning how to do it. It is challenging but definitely so exciting, do not miss it out. Beginner surfing classes are available near almost every surf beach, so head out and let us start surfing.
4. Go camping by the beach
5. Visit a winery and enjoy a wine tasting
6. Go zip-lining
7. Go fishing
8. Detox from technology
Did anyone say "digital detox"? Have you tried it before? Whether you previously did or not, take a few days off from technology this summer. For two or three days, turn off your phone and allow yourself to connect more profoundly with yourself, your family, and your friends. It's time to try something new!
9. Ride in a hot air balloon
10. Organize a campfire
A campfire can bring a lot of ambiance to any gathering, especially on a hot summer night. So, gather your friends, fill your cooler with refreshments, get plenty of wood, a guitar (why not?), a good playlist, and plenty of your favorite snacks.]]>To satisfy all your cravings give the iced tea recipes below a shot. They are freshly prepared at home using natural and nutritious ingredients! Whether you prefer a simple iced tea or a flavorful one, here are a few SUPER EASY recipes to try right away! Cheers!
Basic Iced Tea by Fred Thompson, Fine Cooking
Serves: around 2 quarts
Ingredients:
Instructions:
4 delicious ice tea recipes to try by A Sweet Pea Chef
Total time: 20 min – Serves: 1
Lemon Basil Iced Tea
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Coconut Lime Iced Tea
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Iced Peach Ginger Tea
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Blackberry Mint Iced Tea
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Thai Iced Tea by The Forked Spoon
Total time: 1 hour 20 min - Serves: 6
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Mint Iced Tea by The Food Network
Total time: 2 hours 20 min (2 hours 10 min resting) – Serves: 4
Ingredients:
Instructions:
This is why, this Father’s Day get crafty and make it personalized! The level of these DIY gift ideas are mostly easy and simple for kids to make with supervision.
Write a thoughtful note, add your family's greatest images/memories, or attach a handcrafted Father's Day card to any of these ideas. He will certainly value this gift for many years to come! You can either prepare these ahead of time or craft them with your father!
Have fun crafting!
DIY Grilling Apron by Country Living
What you’ll need:
Steps to follow:
DIY Pre-Shave Oil by The Merry Thought
What you’ll need:
Steps to follow:
Father’s Day Bunting Card by Craft Project Ideas
What you’ll need:
Steps to follow:
A Monster Hug Father’s Day Card by Kids Craft Room
What you’ll need:
Steps to follow:
Father’s Day Upcycled Record Coasters by Craft Project Ideas
What you’ll need:
Steps to follow:
But who said fruits have to be boring? We've compiled this list of sweet and salty fruit snack recipes for you to enjoy at any time - they can also be served as part of the dessert at a lunch/dinner or on any special occasion. Bon Appetit!
Let’s start with some sweet fruit snacks recipes!
Chocolate Kiwi Pops by ShowFood Chef
Ingredients:
Directions:
Vanilla Roasted Strawberries by Simply Recipes
Total time: 5 min - Serves: 1/2 - 1 cup
Ingredients:
Directions:
Banana Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bites by The Baker Mama
Total time: 3 hours – Serves: 24
Ingredients:
Directions:
Now, moving on to salty fruit snack recipes!
Strawberry and Goat Cheese Bruschetta by Homemade Hooplah
Total time: 20 min – Serves: 10
Ingredients:
Directions:
Creamy Summer Fruit Pizza by The Frugal Foodie Mama
Total time: around 30 min – Serves: 2 (personal sized pizzas)
Ingredients:
Directions:
Melon, Prosciutto and Mozzarella Skewers by The Comfort Cooking
Total time: - Serves: 12
Ingredients:
Directions:
To have a great day at the beach, you should have all the essential beach items. You wouldn't want to get to the beach and discover that you left some of your things at home, would you? Rushing back home to get them can take some time. To avoid that, we've included some essentials for every beach trip.
Are you ready to start the summer? Save this beach essentials list and go through it before your next beach trip!
Arriving at the beach without a towel is just a real bummer. You might be wondering how someone might forget a towel when heading to the beach, but it happens more frequently than you might imagine. So, pack that towel right away!
The worst thing to happen is to forget your sunscreen and suntan block for your lips. Coming home highly sunburned and red is never pleasant, and you do not want to damage your skin. Have a face (recommended SPF 50) and body sunscreen on hand and a suntan block for your lips. Make sure to have it with you all the time and put it on now and then!
You do not want to end up dehydrated when enjoying the beach! Keep your favorite water bottle nearby and take a sip from time to time. You can carry one of those cooling water bottles with you to keep your water cool and cold; if you do not have a cooling water bottle, make sure to purchase it as it is perfect for any trip or outing.
If you are going to eat at the beach's restaurant, bring a cover-up to tie around your waist or a dress to wear. You can wear it also before heading to get a few items from a beachside shop.
No one will forget to bring their sunglasses to the pool or beach, especially on a hot and sunny day. However, in a hurry, you may overlook it. Shades are summer essentials to keep in your beach bag to protect your eyes from the sun.
Reading your favorite book on the beach is the ultimate way to relax and have a pleasant time. If you're planning to relax by the beach rather than engage in beach sports, bring along a good book to read!
EXTREMELY essential to have it in your beach bag!! Going to the beach and sitting in the sun for hours without a hat could harm you and result in a sunburnt scalp or the possibility of feeling unwell and sick after the beach day.
You might be sick of hearing the word "hand sanitizer,", especially after the pandemic, and we understand, but if you're going to the beach and there aren't any nearby bathrooms, you should add a hand sanitizer or wipes to your beach bag.
When the weather is hot or windy, having a scrunchy or hair tie on you is ideal to avoid having your hair all over your face or getting hotter. You may or may not use it, but keep it on hand or in your beach bay. You never know when you'll need it!
Finally, here are our summer beach bag essentials. If you're not into beach activities, you can always bring some cards to play with your family and friends and some food and beverages if there's no access to a nearby restaurant.
Save this checklist and go through it before heading to the beach. Don't forget to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen to protect your skin!
Have a wonderful summer!
]]>We’re ready to make all your summer occasions even more special, with delicious drinks at hand. That’s why we gathered for you some delicious drinks to try and freshen up this summer!
Make sure to try them out! Cheers!
Honey Blackberry Mint Mocktail by Bowl of Delicious
Total time: 10 min – Servings: 4
Ingredients:
Directions:
Kiwi Mojito Mocktail by Lincy’s Cook Art
Total time: 20 min – Servings: 2-3
Ingredients:
Directions:
Note:
Virgin Piña Colada by High Heels and Grills
Total time: 5 min – Servings: 4
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
Mexican Strawberry Water by AllRecipes
Total time: 4h 25min – Servings: 10
Ingredients:
Directions:
Total time: 40 min – Servings: 6
Ingredients:
Watermelon Lime:
Honeydew Ginger Mint:
Cantaloupe Basil:
Directions:
Ginger Peach Soda by Woman’s Day
Total time: 45 min – Servings: 8
Ingredients:
Directions:
Spicy Lemon Ginger Switchel by AllRecipes
Total time: 10 min – Servings: 1
Ingredients:
Directions:
Place water, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, fresh ginger, and cayenne pepper in a glass jar. Stir or shake well to combine.]]>Now that the weather has changed and the sun is out, let's get into gardening with the best plants to plant in May!
For all those highly invested in gardening but are still a bit clueless and those interested in getting into gardening, we've gathered a few tips on which plants are good to plant in May and a few steps to help get you started!
Let's plant and harvest!
First, here are briefly 10 basic steps by Common Sense Home for all beginners! To know more about each step, make sure to check their helpful website!
May Planting Guide:
As per BBC Gardeners World Magazine and House Beautiful here are a few plants, flowers and vegetables that you can plant during the month of May!
Let's start with the vegetables:
Moving on next to the flowers:
Finally, two delicious fruits to harvest!
Tomato & Fresh Basil Frittata by Country Living
Total time: 45 min - Serves 6
Ingredients:
Directions:
Country Ham French Toast - Country Living
Total time: 25 min - Serves: 6-8
Ingredients:
Directions:
Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes by Delish
Total time: 25 min - Serves: 4
Ingredients:
Directions:
Jelly Donut French Toast by Delish
Total time: 30 min - Serves: 6
Ingredients:
Directions:
Triple Berry Smoothie by Delish
Total time: 10 min - Serves: 2
Ingredients:
Directions:
Broccoli Salad by Love & Lemons
Total time: 25 min - Serves: 4 to 6
Ingredients:
Smoky tamari almonds
Directions:
Healthy Taco Salad by Love & Lemons
Total time: 25 min - Serves: 2 to 3
Ingredients:
Directions:
Watermelon and Spinach Salad by Taste of Home
Total time: 30 min - Serves: 8
Ingredients:
For the salad:
For the dressing:
Directions:
In a small bowl, whisk the first nine ingredients. In a large bowl, combine salad ingredients. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat; serve immediately.
Total time: 10 min - Serves: 8
Ingredients:
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the bananas and berries. In a small bowl, combine the honey, lemon juice and poppy seeds. Pour over fruit and toss to coat.
BLT Pasta Salad by Good Housekeeping
Total time: 20 min - Serves: 6
Ingredients:
Directions:
Grilled Halloumi Salad by Good House Keeping
Total time: 45 min - Serves: 4
Directions:
Summer Panzanella Salad by Delish
Total time: 25 min - Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
Directions:
Russian Tuscan Pepper Bruschetta by Taste of Home
Total time: 30 min - Serving: 10
Ingredients:
Directions:
Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers by Taste of Home
Total time: 20 min - Serving: 32
Ingredients:
Directions:
Greek Sandwich Bites by Taste of Home
Total time: 25 min - Serving: 16
Ingredients:
Directions:
Portabella Mushroom Fries by MyFoodBook
Total time: 25 min - Serving: 4-6
Ingredients:
Mushroom Fries:
Harissa Yoghurt:
Directions:
Total Time: 55 min - Serving: around 4 dozen
Ingredients:
Directions:
Banana Splits On A Stick by Spruce Eats Staff
Total time: 88 min - Serving: 3 servings
Ingredients:
1 large banana, cut into bite-size slices
1/4 pound fresh pineapple, cut into bite-size pieces
4 large strawberries, halved
1 cup chocolate candy melts, or melted chocolate
1/4 cup coarsely chopped nuts of choice
Directions:
Line a large baking sheet or tray with parchment paper.
Take each stick and skewer 1 pineapple bite, 1 banana round, and 1 strawberry half.
Place them on the tray and set in freezer for 10 minutes.
Put the nuts into a small dish.
Melt the chocolate in a wide small bowl or plate according to the bag instructions.
Dip the bottom of the fruit skewers in the melted chocolate and then right into the nuts to coat.
As each one is done, place them back on the prepared sheet to rest and set.
Mini Lemon Drop Cakes by Lil' Luna
Total Time: 27 min - Serving: 48
Ingredients:
Lemon Glaze:
Directions:
Lemon Glaze
Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries by Dessert Now Dinner Later
Total time: 1 hour 15 min - Serving: 24
Ingredients:
Directions:
Have you ever wondered where the idea of spring cleaning and decluttering originated? Initially, it was a religious and cultural ritual, but it later became a habit to clear away all the filth and welcome the spring after the winter.
Here are some tips in time for the spring cleaning and decluttering season!
Plan it ahead and set your priorities.
Cleaning and decluttering can be overwhelming, especially if you don't know where to begin. First, decide when to start and focus on a small spot. You don't have to finish everything in two days! When deciding on a place, you might focus on one part of the space. Rather than doing your whole wardrobe, you might focus on the shoes.
Start with decluttering and then go for cleaning.
Aside from the time and work required, decluttering makes cleaning easier for you. The more you remove items from the surface, the simpler and faster cleaning will be. After decluttering and putting things away, make sure to use natural, non toxic cleaning supplies.
A closer look into decluttering and cleaning with tips shared by Just Energy
Throwing out outdated and expired goods such as canned food, spices, packaged food, and more is essential in the kitchen, but don't stop there. Examine your appliances and dispose of the old ones while recycling or donating the ones you have never used and will never use. Make room for new, more useful ones!
When it comes time to clean out your closet, donate the clothes that don't fit you anymore or that you no longer wear. Keeping them will only degrade them, so give them to someone else who can wear them.
Moving on to the bathroom, dispose of any old bottles that have expired or are no longer in use. If there is any shampoo, conditioner, or cream left, add them to smaller bottles and save up some space. Check out the shaving machines you have if they're still functioning properly.
Cleaning and decluttering can be more enjoyable by listening to lively and vibrant music to keep you motivated and active. Manage your time so that you don't feel overwhelmed and despise it, and don't forget that your house will be clean and fresh once done. Happy spring cleaning and decluttering!
]]>To cool down during spring and the hot summer days, check these nutritious and refreshing smoothie recipes. Gather your ingredients and get ready to blend!
The following recipes are by Modern Honey. Make sure to check the website to know more about the benefits of lots of greens and fruits.
Babe Ruth Strawberry Pineapple Banana Smoothie:
Add ingredients into the blender and blend until smooth and creamy. The ice can be added after blending or crushed and blend with the ingredients.
Lovely Greens Smoothie:
Are you looking for a protein-rich, nutritious smoothie? The smoothie below will give you the energy and power you need to start your training!
Chocolate Powerhouse Smoothie:
A morning smoothie can be the perfect meal for anyone, especially when the weather is hot and you need something to cool you down and revitalize you to start your day! These smoothies by Prevention are filling and delicious so make sure to check them out and try them.
Peach Blueberry Smoothie:
Ingredients:
Combine them all and blend until smooth. Ice can be added, either crushed or cubes.
Pineapple Passion Smoothie:
A small fact before going into the recipe, pineapples contains an enzyme that helps in reducing bloating.
Ingredients:
Combine them all and blend until smooth.
Orange Dream Smoothie:
Ingredients:
Add them all in the blender and blend till it's smooth.
]]>
Throughout April, several activities are happening to promote and celebrate it. An exclusive poster will be distributed free of charge to schools, libraries, and community centers is among the initiatives offered by the Academy of American Poets. In addition, students will be introduced to different poetic forms and poets from various schools, among other things.
On this day, we've compiled a collection of some of the most beautiful poems to celebrate poetry and art.
Hope” is the thing with feathers, by Emily Dickinson
“Hope” is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all
And sweetest in the Gale is heard
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm
I’ve heard it in the chillest land
And on the strangest Sea
Yet never in Extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.
"Love and Friendship" by Emily Brontë
Love is like the wild rose-briar,
Friendship is like the holly-tree —
The olly is dark when the rose-briar blooms
But which will bloom more constantly?
What Is Our Life? By Sir Walter Raleigh
What is our life? The play of passion.
Our mirth? The music of division:
Our mothers’ wombs the tiring-houses be,
Where we are dressed for life’s short comedy.
The earth the stage; Heaven the spectator is,
Who sits and views whosoe’er doth act amiss.
The graves which hide us from the scorching sun
Are like drawn curtains when the play is done.
Thus playing post we to our latest rest,
And then we die in earnest, not in jest.
Leisure by W.H. Davies
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
#34 from Milk and Honey, by Rupi Kaur
most importantly love
like it’s the only thing you know how
at the end of the day all this
means nothing
this page
where you’re sitting
your degree
your job
the money
nothing even matters
except love and human connection
who you loved
and how deeply you loved them
how you touched the people around you
and how much you gave them
Love After Love by Derek Walcott
The time will come
when, with elation
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror
and each will smile at the other’s welcome,
and say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self,
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you
all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love-letters from the bookshelf,
the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.
If you want to learn more about National Poetry Month, visit their website via this link. You'll learn about all of the activities, initiatives, and resources available for you to take part in National Poetry Month.
]]>As you may know, the theme for this year's Women's Day was "Breaking the Bias," but this theme applies to celebrating Women's history throughout the entire month.Aside from honoring all women of all races and ages, we will be honoring Women in STEM who have not only made significant contributions but are also regarded as role models for other women and a source of motivation for them to pursue their dreams and fight for their rights.
Several women in STEM impacted history over the years, here are a few as mentioned in 12 Historical Women in STEM You’ve Probably Never Heard Of by The College of St. Scholastica and Women in STEM: 2021 by Sigma XI.
Cecilia Payne (1900 -1972)
Cecilia Payne graduated from Cambridge University around the 1920s, traveled to the US, and was the first among both men and women to earn a doctorate in Astronomy from Harvard and then was the first woman to get the position of Chair of Astronomy Department. Cecilia Payne was known for the doctoral thesis she worked on, in which she answered the question of “What are stars made of?”
Katherine Johnson (1918 - 2020)
Katherine Johnson enrolled at West Virginia State University in 1933 and graduated with a degree in mathematics. In 1953, she was assigned to the National Advisory Committee as a Research Mathematician at the Langley Research Center. She worked on an all-male flight research team, and her efforts were recognized in several major space programs.
Missy Cummings (1966 - Present)
Missy Cummings is an electrical and computer engineering professor at Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering. She was the country's first female fighter pilot who joined the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2021. Her hard work and determination to achieve her goals pushed her to break down stereotypes and change academia to recognize the study of human interaction with technology as a legitimate field for both men and women.
Gilda Barabino (1956 - Present)
Gilda Barabino earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1978, with minors in Biology and Mathematics. She was elected president of Olin College, one of the top engineering schools in the United States. With that accomplished, she rose to become one of the most remarkable women of color, particularly in STEM.
Several women are inspired by her position to become engineers and pursue their dreams despite all odds. Gilda Barabino has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, the most recent being the National Academy of Engineering Fellow in 2019.
Marlene De La Cruz
Marlene De La Cruz is a Hispanic woman, which adds to her challenges and barriers. Despite this, Marlene De La Cruz overcame all obstacles and became the Director of Student Academic Development at the University of California, Irvine's Minority Science Programs. She resisted and persisted in a challenging environment, and was motivated to keep going despite everything. She believes that all women understand their values and can succeed; they need to remind themselves of this and pursue their goals and dreams.
Several women have done and accomplished a lot. It is important to note that women supporting women is an essential aspect of a woman's success. Don't let anyone diminish your talent or skills, regardless of your age or race. Pursue your dreams, fight for your rights, and achieve everything you desire. Here's to all the strong women we know!
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Check out this beautiful Tulle St. Patrick’s Day Wreath by A Night Owl to decorate your front door with.
What you’ll need:
Steps to follow:
Into collage? Check out this cute St. Patrick’s day Mosaic Paper Shamrocks by Happiness is Homemade.
What you’ll need:
Steps to follow:
Want to add a special centerpiece for your gathering on St. Patrick’s Day? Check out this elegant yet unique St. Patrick’s Day centerpiece by Two Twenty One.
What you’ll need:
Steps to follow:
Adding to your centerpiece and to make the whole table setting beautiful and perfectly themed for St. Patrick’s Day, check this DIY Round Mass Covered Placemats.
What you’ll need:
Steps to follow:
Banners are always in style and are the most perfect and ideal decoration to be added either around your mantel, on your doors or on the wall. Here’s how to make your own Mini St. Patrick’s Day Banner by Landee See Landee Do.
What you’ll need:
Steps to follow:
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It's normal for our bodies to take some time to adjust to daylight savings time. Indeed, the time change can affect our sleep and circadian cycles for 5-7 days. To help you prevent this and adjust appropriately, we've included a few tips to make the transition go more smoothly.
How will it impact us?
Before we get into the tips, let's look at how losing an hour of sleep might affect your health. According to an article on Everyday Health by Dr. Awad, one lost hour of sleep might have negative effects on our health, especially for people who aren't already getting enough sleep.
How can you avoid all that and adapt your body to the daylight-saving time?
As mentioned by Huberman Lab in the Toolkit For Sleep, the first step is to expose yourself to sunlight by going outside within 30-60 minutes of waking up. Repeat in the late afternoon, just before sunset. Begin your day with some sunlight and notice the difference.
Second, while this may not be a new addition to your routine, make sure you wake up at the same time every day and go to bed as soon as you feel sleepy, rather than putting it off until later. Caffeine should be avoided 8–10 hours before bedtime. Avoid checking your phone in the middle of the night as well.
Next, as mentioned in an article written on Al Manac, eat dinner at approximately the same time every day, with more protein than carbs, because our sleeping and eating patterns affect each other. Before going to bed, try to relax by dimming the lights.
Those who already have a messed up sleeping schedule or who consume large amounts of alcohol or caffeine before going to bed will be particularly affected by the daylight-saving time change. Try to avoid that. Maintain a healthy sleeping schedule/routine and get plenty of light.
Now that the daylight-saving time has started stick to these tips and you'll be fine, and hopefully not too affected.
]]>
It is certainly not enough to honor women on a single day, but rather on a daily basis. She's a mother, a daughter, a sister, a lover, a friend, but most importantly, she's a woman who does everything for herself first. We've all heard how women have long suffered inequities in employment positions, pay, and being acknowledged for their efforts and achievements.
Even if women have not achieved perfect equality, there are still positive statistics on gender equality. So let us take a minute to rejoice in the encouraging numbers and the progress women have achieved!
Women are currently playing an increasingly crucial role in business. Despite the fact that they are still a long way from gender equality and moving at a slower pace, many women have founded their own enterprises to be self-sufficient, while others have advanced to high positions. In fact, as mentioned in Women in The Workplace 2021 by McKinskey, “compared with men at the same level, women are doing more to support their teams and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.”
According to KPMG’s Women Study Report, 69% of women want to be part of initiatives and push themselves at work. Also, did you know that women make up the majority of social workers? According to the Department of Labor, 98% of speech-language pathologists, 60% of pharmacists, and 69 percent of physical therapists are female.
When we talk about working women, we can't help but think about working mothers. We've recently observed an upsurge in the number of mothers working, particularly as a result of the pandemic. Many women can now care for their children and families while also pursuing their careers. In reality, 70% of moms with children under the age of 18 are employed, and 75% of mothers with children under the age of 18 have full-time jobs. Not only that, but as per The Department of Labor's Women's Bureau, the major or single earners in 40% of homes with children under the age of 18 are women. In 1960, that percentage was only 11%.
What a difference it is now, compared to years ago, to see women working and pursuing their education, whether it be a bachelor's, master's, or PhD. Many women have started their own businesses, risen through the hierarchy, and attained positions that were formerly reserved for men.
On this Women's Day, rest assured that you are capable of attaining all of your goals. Be are aware and remind yourself of your own strength, capability, and accountability. Continue to be inspired and motivated to fight for your rights. May we celebrate you today and every day. Happy International Women’s Day!
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