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Savoring September

August 31, 2026August 31, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

As summer gently fades into autumn, September invites us to savor the beauty and warmth of this transitional month. With its crisp air, vibrant foliage, and comforting traditions, September is a time to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with ourselves and our loved ones.

Weather and Changing Seasons

September is a month of contrasts. In many places, warm days linger, allowing us to bask in the sun’s glow before the chill of winter sets in. As the leaves begin to change, we witness nature’s stunning transformation:

Early September: Expect warm, sunny days with temperatures often in the 70s and 80s (Fahrenheit). It’s perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying the last of summer’s bounty.
Late September: The air cools significantly, often dipping into the 50s and 60s. Sweaters and cozy blankets make their return as we prepare for the autumn chill.

This month serves as a gentle reminder to embrace change, both in nature and within ourselves.

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Celebrating All Month Long

Alopecia Areata Awareness Month
Baby Safety Month
Better Breakfast Month
Classical Music Month
Fall Hat Month
Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
Hispanic Heritage Month – September 15 to October 15
Intergeneration Month
International Update Your Resume Month
Little League Month
National Americana Month
National Blood Cancer Awareness Month
National Disease Literacy Month
National Square Dance Month
National Blueberry Popsicle Month
National Chicken Month
National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
National Courtesy Month
National Honey Month
National Italian Cheese Month
National Library Card Sign Up Month
National Neonatal Intensive Care Awareness Month
National Mortgage Professional Month
National Mushroom Month
National Pain Awareness Month
National Piano Month
National Potato Month
National Preparedness Month
National Recovery Month
National Rice Month
National Self Improvement Month
National Self-Care Awareness Month
National Sewing Month
National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
Sourdough September
National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month
National Suicide Awareness Month
Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Awareness Month
Prostate Health Month
Save Your Photos Month
Savoring Sapphires, September Birthstone
Self Improvement Month
Whole Grains Month

Birthday Symbols and Famous Birthdays

September is rich with symbolism, particularly in its birthstones and zodiac signs:

Birthstone: The sapphire, symbolizing wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. Its deep blue hue is reminiscent of the clear autumn sky.
Zodiac Signs: Virgo (August 23 – September 22) and Libra (September 23 – October 22). Virgos are known for their practicality and attention to detail, while Libras epitomize harmony and balance.

Famous birthdays this month include:

Freddie Mercury (September 5)
Beyoncé (September 4)
Agatha Christie (September 15)
Stephen King (September 21)

Each of these figures has left an indelible mark on their respective fields, reminding us of the creativity and inspiration that can blossom in this month.

Cozy Activities to Embrace September

As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, it’s the perfect time to indulge in some cozy activities. Here are a few ideas to make the most of September:

Nature Walks: Take a leisurely stroll through a local park or nature reserve to witness the changing leaves. Bring along a thermos of hot cider for an extra touch of warmth.
Baking Days: September is ideal for baking seasonal treats. Try your hand at apple pies or pumpkin bread, filling your home with comforting aromas.
Book Nook: Create a cozy reading corner with soft blankets and pillows. Dive into a good book, perhaps one by a beloved September birthday author.
Crafting: Start a DIY autumn project, whether it’s creating decorative wreaths from fallen leaves or knitting scarves to prepare for the colder months.
Movie Nights: Host a movie marathon featuring fall-themed films. Snuggle up with popcorn, hot chocolate, and your favorite cozy blankets.
Harvest Festivals: If possible, attend local harvest festivals or farmer’s markets. Enjoy the seasonal produce and connect with your community.
Mindfulness Moments: Take time for reflection and mindfulness. Consider journaling about your hopes and goals for the coming months or simply enjoy a moment of stillness outdoors.

Embracing the Spirit of September

September is a month that encourages us to slow down, appreciate the beauty around us, and indulge in the simple joys of life. Whether it’s through the warmth of family gatherings, the thrill of birthdays, or the serenity of nature, let this month be a reminder to savor every moment. As we transition into autumn, may we carry the light of summer in our hearts and embrace the cozy changes ahead.

What cozy activity are you looking forward to this September?

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WHOLE GRAINS MONTH

August 31, 2026August 24, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 6 Comments

Throughout September, Whole Grains Month promotes the benefits and flavors of whole grains in a healthy diet.

Whole grains include the entire seed of a plant. A grain seed is composed of three parts.

Bran – The outer shell of a seed or kernel is hard and contains important minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
Endosperm – The next layer of a seed or kernel (or the middle layer) contains most of the carbohydrates found in grains.
Germ – The center layer provides vitamins, minerals, and necessary protein.

Whole grains are a vital part of a healthy diet. Not only do whole grains help reduce heart disease and diabetes, but it also helps improve bowel health. Maintaining a regular bowel movement is at the top of everyone’s list! (Yes, we went there.)

Adding whole grains to your meals is easier than many people think it is. These whole grains can be added to every meal with ease.

A few kinds of whole grains to start incorporating in your diet include:

Oats or oatmeal
Brown or wild rice
Popcorn
Whole rye, barley, corn
Quinoa
Buckwheat
Bulgar

Whole Grain Month also promotes recipes and shopping tips all month long.

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WHOLE GRAIN MONTH HISTORY

The Whole Grains Council has been promoting Whole Grain Month since 2006. Their mission is to share the importance of whole grains and how to incorporate them into a healthy diet.

HOW TO OBSERVE #WholeGrainMonth

Add whole grains to your meals throughout September! Try these delicious ways to incorporate whole grains:

Add granola to your yogurt.
Switch to 100% whole grain bread – this includes 100% whole wheat breads.
Replace refined pasta with whole-grain versions.
Replace refined pasta with whole grain rice.
Add quinoa to your smoothie.
Enjoy a bowl of air-popped popcorn.
Switch to whole-grain tortillas.
Add whole grains to your baking. Replace a portion of a recipe that calls for all-purpose flour with a whole-grain version.

After a month of adding whole grains to your diet, check-in with your body and see how you feel. Use #WholeGrainsMonth to share your favorite ways to cook with whole grains.

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NATIONAL CHOP SUEY DAY

August 28, 2026August 21, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

Get your chopsticks ready! National Chop Suey Day recognizes this American Chinese culinary cuisine each year on August 29.

Chop suey, which means assorted pieces, is a dish in American Chinese cuisine. The main ingredients include meat (chicken, fish, beef, prawns or pork) and eggs. As the meat cooks over high heat, add vegetables (usually bean sprouts, cabbage, and celery). The dish is bound in a starch-thickened sauce. Typically, rice accompanies the flavorful dish.

According to food historian Alan Davidson, chop suey is “A prime example of culinary mythology.” These food myths happen with popular foods. Illustrated below, several colorful and conflicting stories tell of chop suey’s possible origin.

Chop Suey Stories

Some believe chop suey was invented in America by Chinese Americans. However, anthropologist E.N. Anderson finds another conclusion. According to Anderson, the word tsap seui means miscellaneous leftovers and hails from Taishan, a district of Guangdong Province. Many early Chinese immigrants traveled from their home in Taishan to the United States.

Another account claims Chinese American cooks who were working on the transcontinental railroad invented chop suey in the 19th century.

A prime example of culinary mythology. ~ Alan Davidson on the origin of chop suey.

One tale stemming from the Quing Dynasty connects to premier Li Hongzhang’s visit in 1896. According to the story, his chef wanted to create a meal suitable for both the Chinese and American palates. Another version of the story tells that Li wandered to a local Chinese restaurant after the hotel kitchen closed. Even though the chef was embarrassed because he had nothing prepared to offer, he made a dish for Li. Comprised of leftover scraps, the chef created the new “chop suey” dish.

Still another myth tells of an 1860s Chinese restaurant cook in San Francisco. After hours, the chef was forced to serve something to the drunken miners. He had nothing fresh to offer. However, to avoid a beating, he threw leftovers in a wok, providing a makeshift meal to the miners. The miners loved the dish, asking him for the name of the dish. To which the chef replied, “Chopped Sui.”

Traveling to the United States in 1903, Liang Oichao, a Guangdong native, wrote that there existed a food item called chop suey. While regularly served by Chinese restaurateurs, the local Chinese people did not eat this dish.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalChopSueyDay

Of course, the directive of the day would be to enjoy some chop suey. But why stop there?

Take a cooking class and learn to make it yourself.
Pick up a Chinese American cookbook and find a new recipe.
Share your favorite chop suey recipe.
Give a shout out to the restaurant that cooks it best. We love it when you do that!

Be sure to use #NationalChopSueyDay to post on social media.

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NATIONAL LEMON JUICE DAY

August 28, 2026August 21, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

When the sun is blazing high in the sky, National Lemon Juice Day comes along just in time to bring a refreshing squeeze to just about anything. On August 29th, celebrate with a tart drop of lemon juice in your cooking, beverages, or freshen up the world around you.

These brightly colored sour fruits originated in the Himalayan Mountains millions of years ago. However, they have evolved since then, and today the citrus fruit is grown commercially in temperate climates. In the United States, California and Arizona produce more lemons than any other state.

Why Lemon Juice?

Why do we love lemons so much? Is it because we enjoy watching a baby’s face scrunch up at their first taste of the lemon juice? Well, we do, but that’s not the only reason. In cooking, the acid in lemon juice enhances the flavors. Add lemon juice to a salad dressing, and suddenly your salad goes from ho-hum to wow! In a sauce, the addition of lemon juice will transform it from being something that drowns a meal to something that brightens it. This one ingredient can save an entire dish.

The same applies to beverages. Lemon juice adds punch to teas, soda, and even water. But it also adds an extra level of flavor for mixed drinks. Bourbon, tequila, gin, cognac, vodka. They all have recipes that call for lemon juice, and that’s because, without it, the drink would be missing a vital element to the cocktail. Every bartender worth their salt has fresh lemons behind the bar. Alternatively, when paired with honey and a hot beverage, lemon juice soothes a sore throat and cough.

But lemon juice doesn’t stop there. No way. This powerhouse also makes us and our homes look good, too. Everything from home remedies to cleansers using lemon juice can be found on the internet. While you might not want to use fresh lemons (save those for the cooking and beverages), you can use bottled to save a few pennies. The fresh scent of lemon will also lift your mood as you brighten your pots and pans, clean your pores and windows and make your garbage disposal smell fresh again. While you’re at it, you should probably pour yourself a chilled glass of lemonade, too.

Explore More…

National Lemon Day
National Lemon Juice Day
National Lemon Meringue Pie Day
National Lemonade Day
National Sunkist® Citrus Day

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL LEMON JUICE DAY

Squeeze yourself some lemons. Reap the benefits of this refreshingly versatile fruit. There are so many ways to celebrate, too! Where will you start?

Give a baby a slice of lemon. Stop by your favorite bakery for the best lemon baked goods. You know, lemon meringue pie, lemon poppy seed muffins, or lemon pound cake with a lip-puckering icing.Try your hand at making limoncello. It takes time and patience, but it is also one very satisfying experience when done correctly. If you start now and make enough, you can give some of it away as Christmas gifts!

Celebrate the bright, beautiful freshness of lemon juice by using #NationalLemonJuiceDay on social media.

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Lemon Juice FAQ

Q. When are lemons in season?
A. Most lemon trees produce fruit all year long.

Q. How many calories are in lemon juice?
A. One tablespoon of lemon juice contains 3 calories.

Q. How does lemon juice prevent fruits from browning?
A. The acid in lemon juice neutralizes an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase that causes fruit to brown.

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.

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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.

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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!