NATIONAL CHERRIES JUBILEE DAY

On September 24th National Cherries Jubilee Day serves up a tasty dessert. Smitten with this simply elegant dessert, cherry lovers celebrate this sweet holiday with delight.

Auguste Escoffier receives the credit for the Cherries Jubilee recipe. Since he knew Queen Victoria’s fondness for cherries, Escoffier prepared the dish for one of her Jubilee celebrations. However, his original method didn’t include ice cream. Instead, the chef poached the cherries in a simple syrup and poured warm brandy over them. Then just before serving, dramatically set the alcohol aflame.

Later recipes added the liqueur Kirschwasser and ice cream.

The word jubilee means many things. However, in reference to the vibrant dessert featuring plump cherries, it means a celebration. As we all know, desserts often accompany celebrations.  And cherries jubilee is no exception. The excitement associated with the grand presentation accentuated the event, too.

Escoffier had a knack for simplicity and elegance. He also created the Peach Melba in honor of Nellie Melba. The famous chef even named a macaron after Sarah Bernhardt. (Though there’s no day on the calendar for it, yet.)

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HOW TO OBSERVE #CherriesJubileeDay

Find a restaurant near you that serves cherries jubilee. As part of the celebration, order dessert first. Or, try making it yourself. At the same time, be sure to share a photo of your masterpiece!

Don’t forget to use #CherriesJubileeDay to post on social media.

INNERGIZE DAY

Innergize Day on the day after the Autumnal Equinox offers an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate. This is a day for you!

Since fall has officially arrived, it’s time to shift gears. The fast pace of summer activities passes by now. Languid autumn days provide tranquil sunsets and peaceful moments. These are the times to focus on your personal well-being. Do things you enjoy that make you feel good about yourself. Let stress and worry fade away for the day.

The day is an excellent time to look inward. Whether you rejuvenate your spiritual connections or develop mindfulness, refocusing your energy can have huge benefits. After trying to cram every activity into a few short months, we sometimes lose focus. Fall allows us to take a deep breath and be more mindful of our bodies, spirits, and the world around us. 

INNERGIZE DAY HISTORY

Michelle Porchia of Inner Dimensions created Innergize Day.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #InnergizeDay

The ideas for this synergy-related day are limitless. Try these ideas to celebrate!

  • Take a long bath.
  • Read a good book.
  • Go for a walk.
  • Focus on a hobby.
  • Listen to your favorite music.
  • Tune out the digital.
  • Write a letter.
  • Dance around the house.
  • Take a nap.
  • Cuddle with a pet or family member.
  • Watch the sunset or sunrise.
  • Get a massage.
  • Meditate.

No matter how you celebrate, be sure to use #InnergizeDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL STATES AND CAPITALS DAY

September 22 focuses on raising awareness and sharing education about all 50 states and their capitals on National States and Capitals Day.

As children, we learn about the 50 states and their capitals in the U.S. But as we get older, we tend to forget those important cities and their role in crafting policy and influencing the economy. And, while everybody knows their own state capital, many do not even remember the capital of the state next door. Today, let’s take the time to remind ourselves how important every state and capital is to our nation.

Learning about States and Capitals

Remember those paper maps we were given to learn about states and capitals? Our worksheet had blank states with star indicating where the capital was supposed to be. The agony of naming each state and capital was definitely stressful! We spent time memorizing names, where the state was and naming each capital. Not to mention spelling everything correctly. Some of us were lucky to have a teacher that would play a game to help us remember.

Typically, we learn about states and capitals between the grades 3-6, starting with the state we live in. From there, we learn our country has 50 states and 50 capitals within each state. All 50 capitals have a unique history, which means there are 50 reasons why a specific city or town was chosen to be a state capital. In addition, we eventually learn how governments operate and the vital roll each state plays in our national government.

Looking for an adventure?  Take a road trip for your next vacation.  Chances are you’ll find a lot more than 50 reasons to enjoy the scenery.  Whether visiting family and friends or another specific spot, do some road tripping to some scenic vistas and appreciate the history, flavor and cultures along the way.

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Are state capitals found in the largest cities of each states? No. The first state capitals were built according the where the majority of the population lived in a state, or near a main access hub. For example,  in North Dakota the state capital is Bismarck, but was once the capital of the Dakota Territory. The Northern Pacific Railroad was built to transfer goods from eastern U.S. to the west, making Bismarck the prime location for state government. Bismarck became the official state capital only after the territory was split into 2 states–North and South Dakota.

Huh?

  • The letter Q is the only letter NOT found in any of the state names
  • Sweet Home, Alabama is a real place.
  • It’s illegal to bury people in San Francisco, California.
  • New Jersey has a volcano.
  • South Carolina has a place called Monkey Island, that has over 4,000 rhesus monkeys.
  • The state bird for Wisconsin is a plastic flamingo.
  • There are more chickens in Delaware than there are people.
  • The Empire State Building in New York has it’s own zip code.

State Capitals in Small Cities

  • Juneau, Alaska, population est. 32,300.
  • Dover, Delaware, population est. 39,400.
  • Frankfort, Kentucky, population est. 28,600.
  • Augusta, Maine, population est. 18,900.
  • Annapolis, Maryland, population est. 40,800.
  • Jefferson City, Missouri, population est. 43,230.
  • Helena, Montana, population est. 32,100.
  • Concord, New Hampshire, population est. 4,000.
  • Pierre, South Dakota, population est. 14,100.
  • Montpelier, Vermont, population est. 8,100.

BEHIND NATIONAL STATES AND CAPITALS DAY

Dick & Jane Educational Snacks receives credit for the idea to celebrate National States and Capitals Day on September 22. Not only does it raise awareness about the importance of knowing all 50 states and capitals, it reminds people to have fun while learning.

LEARN YOUR STATES AND CAPITALS

  • Divide learning about states into regions to learn each region before moving on to the next.
  • Check out a book from the library each week on a specific state to learn facts. Return the book and pick another state until all states have been covered.
  • Learn fun facts about states. What famous people are from there? What kind of tourist attractions might be fun to visit?
  • Fix a puzzle with all 50 states and capitals.
  • Draw a map of the United States with the states and fill in the capitals, too.
  • Use Dick & Jane Educational Snacks to help your kids learn about states and capitals.
  • Tag your videos learning states and capitals on social media #NationalStatesandCapitalsDay.

NATIONAL GUACAMOLE DAY

National Guacamole Day on September 16 brings fresh flavors together for the perfect celebration. What a great way to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month!

Avocados shine as the star of this dip! Lime juice, tomatoes, onion, and seasonings make guacamole a guilt-free addition to any snack or meal.

Since avocados fall under the superfood category, feel free to indulge. Packed full of good fats and nutrients, along with the fresh taste of lime and hint of spice, the dip is flavorful. It’s easy to make, too. Take it to work or use it for a party dish.

Guacamole is versatile, too. For example, add it as a topping on a quesadilla or even add it to a salad. Of course, the simplest way to enjoy is by dipping your favorite tortilla chip.

Originating with the Aztecs in Mexico, guacamole is an avocado-based sauce that has become popular in American cuisine as a dip, condiment, and salad ingredient. 

Using a mortar and pestle, mash ripe avocados and then mixing in sea salt.  Beyond the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and lemon juice, hot sauce, yogurt or other seasonings can be added.  If a celebration calls for spicier guacamole, add jalapenos, chilis, cumin, or red pepper. 

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGuacamoleDay

Mix up your favorite recipe for guacamole. Go to your favorite restaurant and order some fresh guacamole. While there, give a shout out to the restaurants with the best guacamole around.  Be sure to invite friends. As we say around here, why #CelebrateEveryDay if you don’t do it with friends? Share your recipes and find the best combination. Use #NationalGuacamoleDay to share on social media.

Feelings of Fall Movies

As the air turns crisp and leaves transition into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, it’s the perfect time to snuggle up with a cozy blanket and immerse yourself in movies that capture the essence of fall. Our “Feelings of Fall” movie list brings you a delightful assortment of films that evoke the cozy and nostalgic atmosphere of the season. From heartwarming stories set against the backdrop of autumn landscapes to thrilling football games that celebrate the spirit of school pride, these movies offer a perfect escape into the world of fall festivities.

In addition to cozy scenes and football excitement, our selection includes school-themed movies that bring back memories of new beginnings, friendships, and the excitement of a new academic year. And with fall also being a significant time for elections, we’ve included films that delve into the political arena, capturing the drama, humor, and intensity of election campaigns. Whether you’re in the mood for a sentimental journey or a thrilling adventure, our curated list of fall-themed movies promises to bring warmth and joy to your autumn days.