NATIONAL MASSACHUSETTS DAY

August 16, 2026August 10, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

National Massachusetts Day on August 17th recognizes the first New England colony and the sixth state to join the Union. Named after the indigenous people who populated the area when explorers (and later the pilgrims) first arrived, Massachusetts became an incubator for independence, education, and industry.

Cradle of Liberty

It should come as no surprise that the state earned the name of Cradle of Liberty. After all, Massachusetts hosted the founding of the Sons of Liberty and the Boston Tea Party. The list of notable names from history grows long from Massachusetts. Of course, their stories and the historic events leading up to the founding of a country make for fascinating tales.

Patriots come to mind first, but don’t stop there! Poets, inventors, authors, politicians, architects, activists, athletes and those who have managed the amazing. It’s much too long for these pages. So, we encourage you to explore them further during National Massachusetts Day!

With her numerous bays and abundant shorelines, Massachusetts offers many seaside escapes. Discover mountain exploration inland, and for those who seek urban adventure, encounter adventures there, too. Everywhere you go, there’s history, beauty, and perhaps a bit of an adjustment to the New England language. Either way, dive into the food, the past and the future of Massachusetts.

Explore More States

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMassachusettsDay

During National Massachusetts Day, explore all the adventures, history and more the state has to offer. Share your favorites by using #NationalMassachusettsDay on social media.

Massachusetts Flavor

Chocolate Chip Cookies
Boston Cream Pie
Cranberry Juice
Corn Muffin
Cod
Fried Clams
Fluffernutter
Boston Cream donut
Clam Chowder
Cranberry

Massachusetts Day Flavor

We’ll start with the obvious when the topic of Massachusetts food comes to the table: Boston Cream Pie. What other states would this layered, hot milk cake hail from? Well, to be specific, it was created in 1856 in the kitchen of the Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston and is still made there today.

Next, we turn to the salty sweet combination of Fluffernutter. A blended combination of marshmallow fluff and peanut butter, Fluffernutter became a household name in New England in the 1960s.

On July 3, 1916, Lawrence and Bessie Woodman fried the first clam at their roadside concession stand in Essex, Massachusetts. The rest, as they say, is history. Massachusetts has been in love ever since. Speaking of clams, don’t forget the chowder.

For those who like a less fishy flavor of the sea, cod is the way to go. Massachusetts celebrates the Sacred Cod. A notable cape is named after it. Also, it’s their state fish.

Finally, and tastefully, Massachusetts is one of five states known to grow cranberries. It’s their state berry and juice, too! Of course, each state has a wide list of favorite combinations of flavors. Share with us your Massachusetts favorites!

Massachusetts State Symbolism

State Capital – Boston
State Nickname – The Bay State
State Motto – Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem
State Bird – Black – Capped Chickodee
State Flower – Mayflower
State Animal –
State Folk Dance – Square Dance
State Fish – Cod
State Dessert – Boston Cream Pie
State Fossil – Dinosaur Tracks
State Mineral – Babingtonite
State Tree – American Elm
State Song – All Hail to Massachusetts
State Gemstone – Rhodonite
State Folk Hero – Johnny Appleseed
State Heroine – Deborah Samson Shurtleff
State Insect – Ladybug

Notable People

Squanto- Native American Guide – (c.1585 – November 1622)

Squanto (The Inside Guide: Famous Native Americans) Library Binding – August 15, 2020

by Ann Byers (Author) — Squanto (The Inside Guide: Famous Native Americans)

by Ann Byers (Author)

Benjamin Franklin – Founding Father – (January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790)

The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin Kindle Edition

by H. W. Brands (Author)

John Hancock- Patriot – (January 23, 1737 – October 8, 1793)

John Hancock: Merchant King and American Patriot Kindle Edition

by Harlow Giles Unger (Author)

Eli Whitney – Inventor – (December 8, 1765 – January 8, 1825)

Susan B. Anthony – Activist – (February 15, 1820 – March 13, 1906)

Susan B. Anthony (Illustrated) Kindle Edition

by Alma Lutz (Author)

Theodore Seuss Geisel – Author – (March 2, 1904 – September 24, 1991)

Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination Kindle Edition

by Brian Jay Jones (Author) — Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination

by Brian Jay Jones (Author)

Dr. Seuss's Beginner Book Collection (Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, Fox in Socks) Hardcover – Box set, September 22, 2009

by Dr. Seuss (Author) — Dr. Seuss’s Beginner Book Collection (Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, Fox in Socks) Hardcover – Box set, September 22, 2009

by Dr. Seuss (Author)

Dr. Seuss's Second Beginner Book Collection (Beginner Books(R)) Hardcover – Illustrated, September 27, 2011

by Dr. Seuss (Author), Random House (Illustrator) — Dr. Seuss’s Second Beginner Book Collection (Beginner Books(R)) Hardcover – Illustrated, September 27, 2011

by Dr. Seuss (Author), Random House (Illustrator)

John F. Kennedy -President – (May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963)

George H. W. Bush – President – (June 12, 1924 -)

George W. Bush: The American Presidents Series: The 43rd President, 2001-2009 Kindle Edition

by James Mann (Author), Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. (Editor), & 1 more

Donna Summer – Singer/Songwriter – (December 31, 1948 – May 17, 2012)

Ordinary Girl: The Journey Kindle Edition

by Marc Eliot (Author), Donna Summer (Author) Format: Kindle

Last Dance one of my favorites. — Last Dance
One of my favorites.

Emeril Lagasse – (October 15, 1959 -)

Eat the World with Emeril Lagasse

Season 1

Sizzling Skillets and Other One-Pot Wonders (Emeril's) Kindle Edition

by Emeril Lagasse (Author) — Sizzling Skillets and Other One-Pot Wonders (Emeril’s) Kindle Edition

by Emeril Lagasse (Author)

Martha Ballard – Midwife – (1735 – May 1812)

A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812 Kindle Edition
by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich (Author) — Midwife’s Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812 Kindle Edition

by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich (Author)

Hidden Treasures

Salem Witch House – Salem Hammond Castle Museum – Glouster Franklin Park’s Overlook Shelter Ruins – Boston (See National Connecticut Day Notable People, Frederick Olmsted for more information). Fort Standish – Hull Dr. Seuss Museum – Springfield

NATIONAL CONNECTICUT DAY

August 9, 2026August 2, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

Woven into the fabric of this state’s historic landscape, we find revolutionaries, innovators, and philosophers. On August 10th, National Connecticut Day recognizes the contributions of the fifth state to join the United States of America.

Connecticut Icons: Classic Symbols of the Nutmeg State Kindle Edition

by Charles Monagan (Author) — Connecticut Icons: Classic Symbols of the Nutmeg State

by Charles Monagan (Author)

Like other colonies of the region, the Dutch first explored and founded trading posts in Connecticut. In 1633, Puritans from Massachusetts established the first permanent settlement. From the outset, the industry established a means to prosperity in the colony. Production of brass buttons and munitions placed the colony in a position to later supply the Revolutionary Army. The colonial governor of Connecticut, Jonathan Trumbull, was the only governor who supported independence.

All three Connecticut delegates to the first Continental Congress continued their representation of the colony at the Second Congress and signed the Declaration of Independence.

Creating Connecticut: Critical Moments That Shaped a Great State Kindle Edition

by Walter W. Woodward (Author) — Creating Connecticut: Critical Moments That Shaped a Great State

by Walter W. Woodward (Author)

In fact, Roger Sherman is the only person to have signed the Continental Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution. Eliphalet Dyer served the state of Connecticut as chief justice after the revolution.

Silas Deane served as a spy during the war and was for a time branded a traitor along with another Connecticut native, Benedict Arnold. He died penniless, but decades later in 1840, his granddaughter would petition Congress to review his records. His name would be cleared.

Connecticut’s small but full landscape holds countless revolutionary stories and adventures along New England’s National Scenic Trail. Through every season and every era, there’s something for every generation to enjoy!

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalConnecticutDay

Explore all the adventures Connecticut has to offer and share your favorites by using #NationalConnecticutDay on social media.

Delectable Flovors of Connecticut

Apple Cider
Donuts
Chowders, My Clam Chowder
Apple Pie
Kettle Cooked Chips
Lobster Roll
Steamed Cheese Burgers
New Haven Style Clam Pie
Homemade Ice Cream

Hidden Treasures

Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library – New Haven

Wild Bill’s Nostalgia Store

Grave of XYZ – Deep River

Mystic Seaport – Mystic

Hogpen Hill – Woodbury

Louis’ Lunch – New Haven

Official State of Connecticut

State Capital – Hartford
State Flower – Mountain Laurel
State Nick Name – Constitution State
State Song – Yankee Doodle
State Tree –
State Mineral – Almondine
State Motto –
State Fish – American Shad
State Hero – Nathan Hale
State Heroine – Prudence Crandoll
State Bird – American Robin
State Insect – Praying Mantis
State Folk Dance – Square Dance
State Animal –

NOTABLE PEOPLE

Noah Webster – Educator – (October 16, 1758 – May 28, 1843)

Noah Webster: The Life and Times of an American Patriot Kindle Edition

by Harlow Giles Unger (Author)

Nathan Hale – Patriot – (June 6, 1755 – September 22, 1776)

Spies, Patriots, and Traitors: American Intelligence in the Revolutionary War Kindle Edition

by Kenneth A. Daigler (Author)

Charles Goodyear – Chemist – (December 29, 1800 – July 1, 1860)

PT Barnum – Entertainer – (July 5, 1810 – April 7, 1891)

The Life of P.T. Barnum (Collins Classics) Kindle Edition

by P. T. Barnum (Author)

Harriet Beecher Stowe – Author – (June 14, 1811 – July 1, 1896)

Harriet Beecher Stowe: A Life Reprint Edition

by Joan D. Hedrick (Author)

Uncle Tom's Cabin: With Original 1852 Illustrations by Hammett Billings
by Harriet Beecher Stowe (Author), Hammatt Billings (Illustrator) — Uncle Tom’s Cabin: With Original 1852 Illustrations by Hammett Billings

by Harriet Beecher Stowe (Author), Hammatt Billings (Illustrator)

Samuel Colt – Manufacturer – (July 19, 1814 – January 10, 1862)

Frederick Law Olmsted – (April 26, 1822 – August 28, 1903)

William Gillette – Actor and playwright – (July 24, 1853 – April 29, 1937)

William Gillette, America's Sherlock Holmes Kindle Edition

by Henry Zecher (Author) — William Gillette, America’s Sherlock Holmes Kindle Edition

by Henry Zecher (Author)

Edith Roosevelt – (August 6, 1861 – September 30, 1948)

Edith Kermit Roosevelt: Creating the Modern First Lady Kindle Edition

by Lewis L. Gould (Author)

Katharine Hepburn – Actress – (May 12, 1907 – June 29, 2003)

Me: Stories of My Life Kindle Edition

by Katharine Hepburn (Author)

The Philadelphia Story (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

Cary Grant (Actor), Katharine Hepburn (Actor), & 1 more

George W. Bush – President – (July 6, 1946 – )

Annie Leibovitz – Photographer – (October 2, 1949 -)

Annie Leibovitz. The Early Years, 1970–1983 Hardcover – Download: Adobe Reader, December 10, 2018

by Luc Sante (Author), Jann S. Wenner (Author), & 1 more

Going Green, Emeralds it is!

April 30, 2026April 9, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

Wether its the Emerald isles or the Emerald Coast, they both get their names from May’s beautiful birthstone….you guessed it Emeralds. These precious stones have been coveted by humanity throughout history and its easy to see why. If you have a May birthday this is your stone. If not the allure and beauty of the stones gives all the reason needed to add these to your wardrobe.

Symbolically, emeralds have been treasured for millennia as stones of foresight and truth. Ancient Romans dedicated the gem to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, believing it protected lovers from infidelity and deepened the bonds of commitment. Cleopatra, history’s most famous emerald enthusiast, used them not just as adornment but as political and romantic statements—each green stone a promise of power and passion intertwined. In medieval lore, an emerald held before a serpent would blind it, but held to a lover’s lips, it revealed whether their vows were true. This dual symbolism of protection and honesty makes the emerald a profound choice for engagement rings or anniversary gifts.

Colors range from light Columbian to deep Emerald. Most are determined by mine location. The fewer inclusions the more valuable the stone. In times gone by these stones were thought to have powers beyond matching a gown. Some are rumored to be cursed, while some held curative powers if ingested. Emeralds are so coveted they even have a shape of diamonds and gems named after them.

A symbol of unending love and honesty have encouraged favoritism as wedding stones of choice. The Regency era in particular Irish and English girls received many. Long seen as a symbol of hope and prophecy made them very popular. Unlike the red ruby, a statement of passionate love, an emerald conveys a complex symbolism and emotions. Cleopatra draped herself in Emerards. Rich luscious green color beautifully played off the violet of Elizabeth Taylor’s eyes in the 1960’s. While being most calming color green, it reflexes growth, peace, balance, and reflection. Healing and fertility are also attributed to these very rare gemstone. Verdant tones and inside are tempered by cool blue within the stone symbolize a steadfast bond.

Beyond myth, the emerald’s physical character reinforces its romantic message. Known for its characteristic “jardin,” or garden-like inclusions, no two emeralds are exactly alike. These internal fissures and flecks, once considered flaws, are now celebrated as the stone’s fingerprint—proof that perfection is not the goal, but rather unique, resilient beauty. Gifting an emerald says, “I see your imperfections, and I love the whole garden they create.” It is a love that accepts depth and history, much like a long-term partnership that has weathered small storms and grown stronger for them.

Moreover, green itself is the color of the heart chakra in Eastern traditions, believed to govern love, compassion, and emotional balance. Wearing an emerald close to the skin is thought to soothe old wounds and open the wearer to genuine connection. For a May birthday, receiving this stone is more than a keepsake; it is a wish for a life filled with loyal friendships and a marriage rooted in mutual growth. Just as spring’s green deepens into summer’s abundance, so too does emerald love mature—from tender beginnings to a rich, unbreakable bond.

Emeralds are often associated with strong sexuality and fertility, it was historically believed to help with difficult births or the problems bearing children. Linked to healing and balance within the nervous, respiratory and even aid digestion. Ancient Romans, for example, felt that the very soul of an individual was restored when they wore emerald jewelry.
So whether for your Birthstone or you just love the color, I wish you any and all luck they may contain.

Ross-Simons 4.40 Carat Emerald and .24 ct. t.w. Diamond Pendant Necklace in Sterling Silver. 18 inches

14k Rose White Yellow Gold Beautiful Natural Emerald — Ross-Simons 4.40 Carat Emerald and .24 ct. t.w. Diamond Pendant Necklace in Sterling Silver. 18 inches

NATIONAL HOT CHOCOLATE DAY

January 30, 2026December 27, 2025Jensperspectiveblog

Every year on January 31, National Hot Chocolate Day warms people up across the country. Try celebrating this, timeless cold-weather beverage.

Hot chocolate is a warm beverage made with ground chocolate, heated milk or water, and sugar. In America, we often use the terms hot chocolate and hot cocoa interchangeably. However, the two beverages are different. Try it with you favorite cookie or cake if you’re feeling really indulgent, and need a break from that New Years diet you started.

Cocoa vs Hot Chocolate

We make hot cocoa with cocoa powder, heated milk or water, and sugar. We’re able to do this thanks to a process developed by father and son chemists. The thicker, more flavorful beverage, we make hot chocolate from ground chocolate containing cocoa butter. It’s also called drinking chocolate. Hot chocolate has also been around longer than hot cocoa. In the early 1800s, Casparus van Houten Sr. developed a process to separate the cocoa solids from the butter. His son, Coenraad Johannes made those fats more soluble in water. Together their processes made cocoa powder possible.

But before then, everyone drank hot chocolate. This thicker, creamier beverage often offered medicinal benefits for stomach ailments during the 19th century. In the 17th and 18th centuries it was a rare treat. Especially in some European countries like Britian. Long before the beverage’s popularity in Victorian times, it served in ceremonial culture.

2000 years ago, the Mayans likely created the first chocolate beverage. A cocoa beverage was also an essential part of Aztec culture by 1400 AD. Europe popularized the drink after it was introduced from Mexico in the New World.

Nostalgia 30 Oz Electric Frother and Hot Chocolate Maker for Homemade Hot Cocoa, Cappuccinos, Lattes, Mochas, and Warm or Cold Milk Foam
#NationalHotChocolateDay — Nostalgia 30 Oz Electric Frother and Hot Chocolate Maker for Homemade Hot Cocoa, Cappuccinos, Lattes, Mochas, and Warm or Cold Milk Foam

Moss & Stone Electric Milk Frother For Making Latte, Cappuccino, Hot Chocolate, Automatic Cold Hot Milk Frother & Warmer, Foam Maker, Auto Shut-Off, Detachable Base & Non-Stick Interior.#NationalHotChocolateDay — Nostalgia 30 Oz Electric Frother and Hot Chocolate Maker for Homemade Hot Cocoa, Cappuccinos, Lattes, Mochas, and Warm or Cold Milk Foam

Make it and Benefit

Hot chocolate can be enjoyed in a variety of combinations, topped with whipped cream or marshmallows. Sometimes a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of peppermint makes the chocolate extra special. In the United States, an instant form of hot chocolate is popular. It is made with hot water or milk and a packet containing mostly cocoa powder, sugar, and dry milk. People enjoy topping it with marshmallows or whipped cream.

There are health benefits to drinking hot chocolate. Cocoa contains significant amounts of antioxidants that may help prevent cancer. It has also been shown that the cocoa beans help with digestion. The flavonoids that are found in the cocoa also have a positive effect on arterial health.

My favorite fact about chocolate is the way it effects your brain. Did you know it signals the pleasure center of your brain? This is why you get that warm contentment feeling after chocolate. One more reason to look forward to those boxes of chocolates at Valentine’s Day. Of course you can always just order your own year round.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalHotChocolateDay

Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. You can make it with dark or milk chocolate. While you’re at it, try experimenting, too. Add some cinnamon or other flavors to your chocolate. Of course, inviting a friend to join you is essential to the celebration, too. Try adding these toppings.

Whipped cream
Marshmallows
Sprinkles
Candied fruit

Take a photo and use #NationalHotChocolateDay to post on social media.

Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix, 0.85-Ounce Packets (Pack of 10)#NationalHotChocolateDay — Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix, 0.85-Ounce Packets (Pack of 10)

Valentine's Day Hot Chocolate Bombs with Marshmallows, Made with Belgium Chocolate, Milk Choco Melting Delights, 3 Count, Total 3 Bombs, Net 4.23 Oz
#NationalHotChocolateDay — Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix, 0.85-Ounce Packets (Pack of 10)

Christmas playlist

November 30, 2025November 30, 2025Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

Welcome to the ultimate Christmas music playlist, where the magic of the holiday season comes alive through timeless tunes and beloved carols. From heartwarming classics to fresh, upbeat jingles, this collection has been carefully curated to capture the joy, nostalgia, and warmth of the holidays. Whether you’re trimming the tree, hosting a festive gathering, or simply soaking in the spirit of the season, these songs are sure to bring cheer and fill the air with merriment.

As you press play, get ready to revisit old favorites and perhaps discover a few new ones that will quickly become a part of your annual celebration. This playlist is more than just music; it’s a soundtrack to moments spent with loved ones, cozy winter nights, and holiday traditions. Let each song remind you of the magic and wonder that makes Christmas the most wonderful time of the year.