Author Jensperspectiveblog

October 4th, World Smile Day & Taco Day

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World Smile Day

The first Friday of October every year is celebrated around the globe as World Smile Day. The unofficial holiday encourages people to do acts of kindness to spread good will and cheer.

Smiley face
Smiley Face

First started in 1999 by the creator of the smiley, Harvey Ball, the holiday celebrates the intent behind the now universally recognized icon – to bring a smile of the faces of people around the world. The purpose of the holiday was the move away from the commercialization of the smiley and to use it as a symbol of kindness and affection.

Morale Booster

The smiley made its debut in 1963 as a way to increase the morale of the employees of a life insurance company. Today, it is one of the most popular nonverbal ways to convey joy, happiness and cheer. The smiley face began as a bright yellow circle with two dots to represent eyes and a black line that represents a smiling mouth.

Emoji, emoticons, smiley face
Emoji

Today, there are many different versions of the smiley, representing many other human emotions such a sadness, surprise, worry and laughter. In modern texting smileys are used to express emotions in online conversations on a smartphone or on a computer. The practice has its origin in Japan, and the smileys and other icons are known as emoji.

Women's Fun Colorful Crew Sock 6 Packs
Women’s Fun Colorful Crew Sock 6 Packs

How to Celebrate?

  • Make people around you smile.
  • Do a random act of kindness. Buy a stranger a coffee. Compliment someone. Give your seat up to someone on the bus.
  • Surprise someone in your family with a visit, cook a meal for them, or do something special for them.
  • Volunteer your time and/ or money at a local nonprofit organization.

Did you know?

…that babies are born with the ability to smile?

National Taco Day

National Smile day and national taco day
Smile for Tacos!
Our Family Taco Night Recipe
Our Family Taco Night Recipe

A Taco Day is a celebratory day that promotes to consumption of tacos. In the United StatesNational Taco Day is celebrated on October 4.

Taco Bell
Gift packs

The National Taco Day Gift Set is back. In Taco Bells all over the US – and that is a fact. It includes four tacos of the iconic variety: two crunchy and two with even more notoriety. We’re speaking, of course, of the beloved DLT. The gift set carries two that are flavored Nacho Cheese.

Eat it all up or bestow it upon a friend, because for only $5, there’s no wrong way to spend. If your loved one lives far, there’s no need to fret. We’ve got other ways to gift, on that you can bet. Send a digital gift card for five dollars plus tax, even add a personal message to include with the snacks.

Our taco recipe
Our Taco Night Recipe

Growing up and even just two days ago Tacos are a fun easy dinner. Get our homemade recipe here.

Hello October

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

Hello October. Well here we are coming to the end of another year. Aside from the Halloween preparations, I start reviewing what I need to get done when completing this year. It seems like I blinked after June and here we are.

October Birthdays

October birthdays get our unique birthstone of Opals. Opal is the birthstone for the month of October, along with pink tourmaline. It is also the stone given to celebrate the 14th year of marriage. The name opal is thought to be derived from the Sanskrit upala, meaning “precious stone,” and later the Greek derivative “Opallios,” meaning “to see a change of color.”

Opals for October birthstone
925 Sterling Silver Blue Opal Necklace – Dainty 12mm Round Opal Gemstone Pendant, October Birthstone, Delicate Handmade Vintage Jewelry for Classy Women

Among the ancients, opal was a symbol of fidelity and assurance, and in later history it became associated with religious emotional prayer. It was believed to have a strong therapeutic value for diseases of the eye, and when worn as an amulet, it would make the wearer immune from disease as well as increase the powers of the eyes and the mind. Furthermore, many believed that to the extent the colors of red and green were seen, the wearer would also enjoy the therapeutic powers of those stones: the power to stop bleeding from the ruby or the power to cure diseases from the emerald.

October Awareness

There are many chances to bring awareness this month. All are worthy of the attention so choose one closest to your heart or show out for more than one. Let your choice shine and help as it is needed.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Fire Prevention month and week
Fire Prevention Week. October 6 – 12
National Domestic Violence month
National Domestic Violence Month
Down Syndrome Awarness month
Down syndrome Awareness month
Sudden infant death syndrome
Sudden infant Death Syndrome Awareness
Pregnancy & infant loss awareness month
http://nationalshare.org/october-awareness/
National Bullying Prevention Month
National Bullying Prevention Month
Liver Cancer Awarness month
Liver Cancer Awareness

Trick or Treat

Fun costume parties and the ever popular past times of haunted houses and of course Trick or Treat. This month is sure to be extremely busy. For lots of us the mayhem will also include the county fair.

County fairs are a popular fall enjoyment.
Trick or Treat safety tips
Trick or Treat Safety Tips

With all the activities going on in October it’s a great time for freezer meal dinners. Get these easy favorites here or on the Recipes page.

Hello October

Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

Hello October. Well here we are coming to the end of another year. Aside from the Halloween preparations, I start reviewing what I need to get done when completing this year. It seems like I blinked after June and here we are.

October Birthdays

October birthdays get our unique birthstone of Opals. Opal is the birthstone for the month of October, along with pink tourmaline. It is also the stone given to celebrate the 14th year of marriage. The name opal is thought to be derived from the Sanskrit upala, meaning “precious stone,” and later the Greek derivative “Opallios,” meaning “to see a change of color.”

Opals for October birthstone
925 Sterling Silver Blue Opal Necklace – Dainty 12mm Round Opal Gemstone Pendant, October Birthstone, Delicate Handmade Vintage Jewelry for Classy Women

Among the ancients, opal was a symbol of fidelity and assurance, and in later history it became associated with religious emotional prayer. It was believed to have a strong therapeutic value for diseases of the eye, and when worn as an amulet, it would make the wearer immune from disease as well as increase the powers of the eyes and the mind. Furthermore, many believed that to the extent the colors of red and green were seen, the wearer would also enjoy the therapeutic powers of those stones: the power to stop bleeding from the ruby or the power to cure diseases from the emerald.

October Awareness

There are many chances to bring awareness this month. All are worthy of the attention so choose one closest to your heart or show out for more than one. Let your choice shine and help as it is needed.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Fire Prevention month and week
Fire Prevention Week. October 6 – 12
National Domestic Violence month
National Domestic Violence Month
Down Syndrome Awarness month
Down syndrome Awareness month
Sudden infant death syndrome
Sudden infant Death Syndrome Awareness
Pregnancy & infant loss awareness month
http://nationalshare.org/october-awareness/
National Bullying Prevention Month
National Bullying Prevention Month
Liver Cancer Awarness month
Liver Cancer Awareness

Trick or Treat

Fun costume parties and the ever popular past times of haunted houses and of course Trick or Treat. This month is sure to be extremely busy. For lots of us the mayhem will also include the county fair.

County fairs are a popular fall enjoyment.
Trick or Treat safety tips
Trick or Treat Safety Tips

With all the activities going on in October it’s a great time for freezer meal dinners. Get these easy favorites here or on the Recipes page.

Family Tacos Night

Jensperspectiveblog 27 Comments

Ingredients


  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 pkg taco seasoning
  • 1/4 c water
  • 1/4 medium onion diced
  • 1/4 medium green bell pepper diced
  • 1 – 2 tomatoes chopped
  • 1/2 head iceberg lettuce chopped
  • 1 pkg  flour tortillas
  • 1 pint sour cream 1 8oz jar of your favorite salsa.
  • Cheddar or Mexican blend shredded chesse
Tostitos Chunky Salsa - Mild, 15.5 Ounce by Tostitos Tostitos Chunky Salsa – Mild, 15.5 Ounce

Directions

  1. Brown fround beef over medium heat. Add pkg taco season and 1/4 c water. Cook another 5-7 minutes allowing water to evaporate.
  2. Cut all vegetable toppings and place in separate bowls.
  3. Open pkg of tortillas and warm for 1 minutes microwave.
  4. Leave spoons in each ingredient to add to tortillas.In our home each person layers the ingredients on the tortilla as they like it. (I like mine full of equal parts veggies and meat. Topped generously with salsa and sour cream. If available I enjoy a bit of guacamole as well.)
  5. If you fill tortilla to full, you will need a fork and plenty of napkins.
  6. Roll tortilla tucking ends as you go.  They are less likely to break or tear if warmed. 
  7. Enjoy.  We eat holding bottom firmly in place.  Be cautious when setting down or they can unroll.
  8. Juices may leak from seams so keep a napkin close by.
Mission Carb Balance Soft Taco Whole Wheat Tortillas | Low Carb, Keto, Whole Grains | High Fiber, No Sugar | Small Size | 8 Count by Mission Foods Mission Carb Balance Soft Taco Whole Wheat Tortillas | Low Carb, Keto, Whole Grains | High Fiber, No Sugar | Small Size | 8 Count
by Mission Foods

These are an easy substitute to go low carb or keto. 

There are so many options you can use with this basic idea. Substitute chicken, fish or steak, for ground beef.  Avocado, refried beans, black beans, corn salsa, rice, cabbage.  Any kind of cheese you like.  Or use tortilla chips, top and warn for ultimate loaded nachos.  Skip the tortillas entirely and add more lettuce for a great salad option.  These make a great party food as well.  Try some until you find your favorite.  Try a new variation for Cinco de Mayo, or make it a game day treat.  It’s really fun to try them all.

October 1, International Coffee Day. Balloons Around the World Day

Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

Most of us start our mornings with a good hot cup of coffee. Most of us go back for more. Hot, Iced, Latte, Breve, Cappuccino, or Frappe, chances are you’ve had some today. With it’s popular tastes and an extra boost to help us through our long days, is it any wonder how it has become such staple. Every year on October 1st, the world comes together to celebrate coffee and recognise the millions of people across the globe – from farmers, to roasters, baristas, coffee shop owners and more  – who work hard to create and serve the beverage we all love.

Ninja Coffee Maker for Hot/Iced/Frozen Coffee with 4 Brew Sizes, Programmable Auto-iQ, Milk Frother, 43oz Glass Carafe, and Tumbler (CF080Z) by Ninja
Ninja Coffee Maker for Hot/Iced/Frozen Coffee with 4 Brew Sizes, Programmable Auto-iQ, Milk Frother, 43oz Glass Carafe, and Tumbler (CF080Z)

by Ninja

With 3 billion cups consumed a day it’s easy to see that it’s quite popular. As that number continues to rise it’s can be said it’s one of the worlds most loved beverages.

Your morning coffee
Your morning get up and go.

Whilst this is a time for celebration, leading up to and during ICD each year, we also focus on how to continue to improve coffee’s future. At present, in spite of growing demand, coffee faces a dramatic issue, as the prices that producers receive today are more than 30% below the average of the last ten years, threatening the livelihoods of coffee farmers and their families. 

Death Wish Ground Coffee, The World's Strongest Coffee, Fair Trade and USDA Certified Organic, 16 Ounce by Death Wish Coffee Co.
Death Wish Ground Coffee, The World’s Strongest Coffee, Fair Trade and USDA Certified Organic, 16 Ounce

by Death Wish Coffee Co.

This year we’re on a collectivemission to help coffee farmers around the world receive a fair, living income.

Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer, 6 To 10 Oz. Brew Sizes, Black
Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer, 6 To 10 Oz. Brew Sizes, Black

So grab your regular or learn a new language from ordering at Starbucks. Maybe it’s a good enough reason to have an extra cup, just the way you like it, to celebrate. After all it’s International Coffee Day!

https://www.internationalcoffeeday.org/

Balloons Around the World Day

Balloons Around The World is a made-up holiday that aims to spread cheer around the world. It is celebrated annually on October 1.

WinkyBoom Balloons Assorted Color 12 inches 110 Count Premium Quality Latex for Birthday Party Decorations by WinkyBoom
WinkyBoom Balloons Assorted Color 12 inches 110 Count Premium Quality Latex for Birthday Party Decorations

by WinkyBoom

The unofficial holiday was created by Jeff Brown in 2000. The holiday encourages people to use balloons and the art of balloon twisting and decorating to bring smiles to the faces of those around them.

Balloon animal
Balloon animal

Balloons are bags, usually colorful and made of rubber or latex that can be filled with air or gases like Helium. Early balloons were made of animal bladders. While balloons are frequently used for decorative purposes, they can also be used for transportation, to gather atmospheric information, and by doctors to open up clogged arteries.

Balloon Garland Arch Kit 16Ft Long White and Gold Latex Balloons Pack for Baby Shower Weeding Birthday Bachelorette Party Backdrop Background Decorations
Balloon Garland Arch Kit 16Ft Long White and Gold Latex Balloons Pack for Baby Shower Weeding Birthday Bachelorette Party Backdrop Background Decorations

How to Celebrate?

  • Have a party and use balloons for decoration.
  • Learn how to make balloon animals and objects.
  • If you already know how to make balloon objects, make some and give out to random people on the street and see them smile.
  • What about taking that special one on a hot air balloon ride?

Did You Know…

…that rubber balloons were invented by scientist Michael Faraday in 1824?

https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/fun/balloons-around-the-world-day