Grab your favorite toppings because National Soft Pretzel Month in April will give you 30 days to celebrate!
Soft pretzel dough offers a delicious way to make sandwiches and snacks with a twist! The salty, chewy goodness is a perfect vehicle for bringing dips and spreads to our lips. Whether you’re a mustard fan or have a hankering for something sweeter, there’s no limit to what the pretzel goes well with. Pretzel buns, logs and even the standard twist taste great with marinara or honey. How about hummus or caramel? Peanut butter, chocolate or Nutella? All of the above anyone?
Stress Awareness Month is an annual designation observed in April. Have you ever been in a situation that was a little (or a lot) overwhelming, you had deadlines approaching and a mile-long to do list, and you were just in way over your head?! Well, you’re definitely not alone. Everyone feels stressed from time to time, especially as we get older and the responsibilities really pile onto our plate. The thing about stress is, a little bit of it isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but too much of it can be detrimental to our emotional and physical health. Learning to find that healthy balance is the best way to live a productive, happy life.
A small amount of stress once in a while is a good thing, because it means you’re working hard and you care about what you’re doing. If you were never stressed, that would probably mean you’re living a lethargic lifestyle without a whole lot of work involved. However, too much stress doesn’t allow us to think straight, and is overbearing and counterproductive. Prolonged stress even leads to real physical problems and can cause strokes, IBS, ulcers, diabetes, muscle and joint pain, miscarriages, and many more.
This month, recognize the difference between good and bad stress and try to find your happy place within the madness.
HISTORY
Stress Awareness Month is supported every year by the Stress Management Society
HOW TO OBSERVE
Use #NationalStressAwarenessMonth or #StressAwarenessMonth to post on social media. This month, we are all challenged to keep our stress levels low, and our peace levels high. Here are some great ways to keep your mind clear and de-stress if you find yourself getting too overwhelmed.
Exercise. You’ve probably heard this one before, and even though it’s probably not exactly what you want to do when you’re feeling stressed (because laying on the couch and watching movies sounds more appealing), exercising gets endorphins pumping through your brain, which triggers a happy feeling. Exercise lowers your body’s stress hormones like cortisol, and releases chemicals that make you feel more at peace.
Think about taking natural supplements to help you feel more at ease. Natural remedies like lemon balm, omega-3 fatty acids, ashwagandha, green tea, and essential oils are very helpful.
Light a candle or turn on the oil diffusers, put on some soft, soothing music and dim the lights. Take a deep breath and count your blessings.
Caffeine intake reduction can help (even though it’s tough to kick the coffee!) because caffeine tends to make us jittery, which can cause stress and anxiety.
Spend time laughing with friends and family. Let yourself have a good time and get your mind off the busyness of the real world.
All during April, enjoy the buttery taste of pecans. It’s National Pecan Month!
Pecans add a delicious crunch to salads and make a perfect afternoon snack. Included with fresh fruit and yogurt, pecans become part of a bright start to your breakfast routine. Viewing the pecan’s nutrition benefits, unroasted, unsalted pecan offer the best impact on our health.
When comparing nut varieties, pecans have more antioxidants than any other. Pecans can help to reduce cholesterol levels and heart disease risk, too. They are also naturally a high-quality source of protein.
While preparing dinner this month, look for recipes that include pecans. Add a crusted pork recipe to the menu or pecan quiche. Sprinkle pecans over your favorite soup or pasta.
Jazz has many forms and is the ultimate listening music. April is Jazz Appreciation Month, so celebrate people like Louis Armstrong, Glen Miller, The Dorsey’s, Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, some of the well known artists, singers and musicians.
Bunny Berigan, Herb Albert, Duke Ellington, Gene Krupa, Etta James, and countless more who contributed to the beginnings of jazz. Todays artists like Big Bad Vodoo Daddy, Norah Jones, Micheal Buble, Rod Stewart, Winton Marsalis, Diana Krall, among others, who help keep the art alive and continue to help it evolve.
Like what you hear? Check out your local community for Jazz Fests,Satchmo Summerfest, and smooth jazz brunch. Try your local radio dial or stream from an online one. Support local real artists as well, to keep it alive for future generations. Encourage exploration, and learning through churches, schools and local live musicians to keep the music playing.
Afternoon tea once was a meal that filled a gap and infused itself into daily routines and social rituals. National Afternoon Tea Month in April celebrates the history, food, and culture surrounding this nostalgic pastime.
Afternoon tea is a nearly 200-year-old tradition that began in the United Kingdom. In the 1830s, only the upper class enjoyed afternoon tea due mainly to the price of tea leaves. The upper class also enjoyed more leisure time than the working class, allowing them to enjoy a social moment over tea and biscuits. What began as a light snack turned into a meal with rituals and traditions carried over from high society.
During the 19th century, the day’s last meal was often served between 8 and 9 pm, creating a long gap between meals. The afternoon tea offered a light, casual meal to help tide people over until supper. But the afternoon tea was more than a way to stave off hunger for a few hours. It was a time to dust off the day’s troubles and enjoy the company of loved ones. Over time, the meal became more than a necessity; it became a social occasion and part of the culture. The meal filtered into public places like restaurants and tea gardens, developing into a social event.
The Meal
Afternoon tea consists of light, small portions—crustless finger sandwiches, scones, small cakes and pastries, and of course, tea. Various spreads, such as clotted cream, lemon curd, jams, and jellies, are also served. Usually, English Breakfast tea and Earl Grey are served, but other teas find their way to the serving tray, too. Teas such as Lapsang Souchong, lavender, mint, Darjeeling, and chamomile bring a variety of flavors to the table.
Reviving a Fading Tradition
As our routines changed, we began to eat the supper meal earlier and earlier. Busy lifestyles, travel, and two-income households have all but eliminated the afternoon tea. However, afternoon tea parties are still hosted around the world. They serve as casual occasions to celebrate friends and family and inspire us to interact and commune with each other.
National Afternoon Tea Month is a chance to reignite interest in the ritual and give tools for planning the perfect Afternoon Tea Parties at home. Today, teahouses, tea gardens, tearooms, bed and breakfasts, and other locations also offer afternoon tea and an opportunity to revive a culture that has been slowly fading away.
Tea Tea and Company founded National Afternoon Tea Month to celebrate the culture surrounding tea and as a way to inspire a rival of the afternoon tea traditions. Tea Tea and Company specializes in tea, tea parties, tea education, and custom blends. In addition, they offer experienced guidance on choosing, drinking, and serving tea.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalAfternoonTeaMonth
Celebrate National Afternoon Tea Month by organizing an afternoon tea in your home. You can also attend afternoon teas at local restaurants, teahouses, and many other locations. Explore a variety of menus and bring the tradition of afternoon tea into your life. Learn everything you need to know about hosting afternoon tea by visiting Tea Tea and Company.
Use #NationalAfternoonTeaDay when you share your experiences on social media or visit the website afternoonteamonth.com for more ways to celebrate.
