NATIONAL BOOK LOVERS DAY

National Book Lovers Day on August 9th harnesses all the excitement bibliophiles feel about books into one celebration. 

A day for all those who love to read, National Book Lovers Day encourages you to find your favorite reading place, a good book (whether it be fiction or non-fiction) and read the day away.

As we are celebrating Romance Awareness in August, try a romance novel. I know, once upon a time I made that face too. I’m not talking about your grandmother’s books. There are a great many romance authors out there. With so many genres available picking just one might become a challenge. I listed some of my favorites below. This is in no way a complete list of what’s out there.

Romance

Julia Quinn
Diana Galbaldon
Suzanne Brockmann
Sherrilyn McQueen (a.k.a  Kenyon)
Lisa Kleypas
J.M. Madden
Suzanne Enoch

Fiction

James Patterson
Patricia Cornwell
David Balducci
Janet Evanovich

Steven King
John Grisham
Dean Koontz
J D Robb
Michael Connelly
Agatha Christie
Tolkien
George R. R. Martin
Harper Lee

Bibliophile – a person who has a great appreciation for or collects books.

Step back in time
  • The very first books used parchment or vellum (calf-skin) for the book pages.
  • The book covers were made of wood and often covered with leather.
  • Clasps or straps kept the books closed.
  • Public libraries appeared in the Middle Ages.
  • Public libraries often chained the books to a shelf or a desk to prevent theft.
Moving forward

Along with several recent developments, book manufacturers use digital printing. Book pages are printed using toner rather than ink. As a result of digital printing, print-on-demand opens up a whole new realm of publishing. In this case, distributors don’t print the books until the customer places the order.

Related Days to Celebrate

More and more, people read E-books. E-book (electronic book) refers to a book-length publication in digital form. They are usually available through the internet. However, they can also be found on CD-ROM and other systems. Read an E-book on a computer or via a portable book display device known as an e-book reader, such as a Kindle.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalBookLoversDay

Sit back, relax and READ! Don’t forget to share the joy of reading with young people in your life. Inspire them with your favorite novel or find out about the last book they took off the shelf. Read to the littlest of the up and coming readers, too. And share what your reading with us, too! Need more ways to celebrate? We’ve got them!

  • Shop for a new title to read or explore the shelves for one you would like to give.
  • Explore the shelves of used book stores. You might find an out of print tome that might become the highlight of your collection.
  • Discover the world of online book stores. Their stock includes a variety of subjects and collectible items, too. 
  • Record a video of you reading a story for a child in your life. 
  • Randomly give a book to someone. 

Use #NationalBookLoversDay to post on social media and spread the word.

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NATIONAL LIPSTICK DAY

National Lipstick Day on July 29th encourages you to wear your best color. For some, lipstick is the only makeup requirement. Whether sheer and light, dark or bright, July 29th calls for all kinds of lipstick.

Throughout the ages, controversy surrounded lipstick. British Parliament banned it in 1770 calling it a devilish attempt to trick men into marriage. In some circles, lipstick was associated with witchcraft. Occasionally, lipstick contained poisonous materials.

It is said Sarah Bernhardt created a scandal by applying “lip rouge” in public. Surprisingly, George Washington supposedly wore lipstick. While Queen Victoria considered wearing lipstick impolite, one of her statesmen had a different opinion. During World War II, Winston Churchill thought the lip color boosted morale in an excellent way.

Of course, versatility is lipstick’s brand. It changes with a mood or with the scenery. Whether lipstick defines your attitude or channels your inner spirit, wear it on July 29th. No matter your style, lipstick adds a subtle accent or a bold statement. Let your lips speak. However, punctuate it with your lipstick.

NATIONAL LIPSTICK DAY HISTORY

In prior years, National Lipstick Day celebrations occurred on an annual basis with no declaration. As of 2016, beauty blogger, entrepreneur and International Businesswoman, Huda Kattan was named the modern-day founder.  Follow Huda on Instagram for expert beauty tips and use #nationalipstickday.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalLipstickDay

While you flaunt your favorite lip color, pucker up. Take a photo. Give us your best tips and tricks. What’s your favorite color or brand? Share what you love about lipstick on social media using #NationalLipstickDay.

Just Enjoy June

Celebrating the Joys of Summer’s Kickoff

June bursts onto the scene as a month brimming with sunshine, longer days, and endless opportunities to celebrate.

As the official gateway to summer, June brings longer days, blooming gardens, and the perfect excuse to trade our busy schedules for a little bit of fun. While we often think of June for weddings and school letting out.  This month is packed with quirky holidays and heartfelt observances designed to help us savor the season. So, grab a glass of iced tea, put your feet up, and let’s dive into why this month deserves to be celebrated.

Wedding Season

Fun facts abound: June beetles make their appearance, and no other month starts on the same weekday as June in quite the same way. Flag Day honors patriotism in the U.S., while outdoor activities beckon everyone to get moving.

National Months in June encourage meaningful awareness alongside the fun.

National Give a Bunch of Balloons Month
National DJ Month                        
National Portuguese Heritage Month
African-American Music Appreciation Month
National Zoo and Aquarium Month
LGBTQIA Pride Month
Men’s Health Month
National Accordion Month
National Adopt a Cat Month
National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month
National Candy Month
National Camping Month
National Caribbean American Month
National Country Cooking Month
National Dairy Month
National Great Outdoors Month
National Headache and Migraine Awareness Month
National Homeownership Month
National Iced Tea Month
National Papaya Month
National Pollinators Month
National PTSD Awareness Month
National Safety Month
National Soul Food Month
Rose Month
Turkey Lovers Month                
June’s Birthstone;Why the Pearl is the Ultimate Gem of Romance and Grace                                                         Hurricane Readiness

With something for everyone turn ordinary dates into mini-festivals. Try National Say Something Nice Day, National Go Barefoot Day. Don’t forget to include National Hug Your Cat Day, National Cheese Day, Flag Day on the 14th, and National Go Fishing Day on the 18th. From National Game Show Day to celebrations honoring ice cream, donuts, and more, there’s truly something for every interest and personality.

June shines for sports enthusiasts too, with NBA Finals, Stanley Cup playoffs, baseball in full swing, and the NBA Draft.

Famous June birthdays—from Marilyn Monroe and Paul McCartney to Michael Phelps and Elon Musk—add star power.

Zodiac signs Gemini and Cancer add a touch of curiosity and emotional depth, while birth flowers like the rose and honeysuckle, along with stones such as pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone, celebrate love, devotion, and generosity.

This June, embrace the spirit of “Just Enjoy.” Whether you’re marking personal milestones, joining community events, or simply taking time to appreciate longer evenings and blooming gardens, the month offers countless ways to create memories. Gather with friends, try new recipes tied to food-themed days, explore nature, or reflect on what brings you joy. Here’s to making June unforgettable—happy celebrating!

Motivation In March is here!

As I look out the window, the world is shaking off the last of winter’s chill. We know that the first signs of spring aren’t always pretty—they’re often muddy—but they are always a promise. That promise is what this March issue is all about. It’s a tapestry woven with the golden threads of transition, remembrance, and celebration…