Tag back to school

NATIONAL READ A BOOK DAY

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National Read A Book Day is observed annually on September 6th.  On August 9th, we all celebrated National Book Lovers Day.  While these bookish days may seem similar, National Read a Book Day invites us ALL to grab a book we might enjoy and spend the day reading.  

Don’t keep it to yourself.  Share the experience!  Read aloud either to children or to grandparents.  Read to your pets or to your stuffed animals and plants.  

Reading improves memory and concentration as well as reduces stress. Older adults who spend time reading show a slower cognitive decline and tend to participate in more mentally stimulating activities over their lifetime.  Books are an inexpensive entertainment, educational tool and time machine too!

A Great way to enjoy reading even more are these:

Featured Books

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott – Set during the Civil War, Little Women follows the life of the March family. Loosely based on Alcott’s life, she cast herself as talented the Jo March. 

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens – David Copperfield tells the story of a young boy’s life as he struggles to become a writer. From an abusive start and many trials, the author relays the memories of his life. 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling – The 7th book in the Harry Potter series brings Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger back to Hogwarts for a final standoff with Voldemort and his Deatheaters.

Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George – This is the story of nine-year-old Miyax and her transition from an Inuit culture to an American one in San Francisco.

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls – Loved by generations, this classic story tells of the bond between a boy and his dog in the Ozarks. 

The Three Muskateers by Alexander Dumas When young d’Artagnan travels to Paris to join the ranks of the Musketeers, he soon finds himself challenged to three duels with Athos, Porthos and Aramis. However, the foursome is abruptly attacked by the evil Cardinal Richelieu’s guards, and d’Artagnan fights alongside them, proving his skills with a sword and his honour. The three Musketeers enfold d’Artagnan into their ranks, and what follows is a swashbuckling tale full of intrigue, friendship and revenge.

HOW TO OBSERVE #ReadABookDay

Sit back, relax and read a book. Whether you prefer to escape into the world of fiction or learn something new, celebrate with your favorite books. Visit the library or the local book store. Pick up a new book or read an old favorite. Explore the past in history books and memoirs or dive into the mean of terrific poetry. Read aloud to a child or give them a new book. Share the stories you’re reading using #ReadABookDay to post on social media.

If you need any suggestions or just looking for something new these are some of my favorite authors.

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

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

BETTER BREAKFAST MONTH

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There is no better time to celebrate breakfast than during the entire month of September. It’s Better Breakfast Month! Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. Eating breakfast has many health benefits. Eating a regular morning meal helps control weight and can guide us towards eating healthier meals regularly throughout the day.

It’s that time of year again. Kids are getting back to school, and everyone is beginning to prepare for the winter months ahead. It’s important to take stock of how to start off the day. Consuming a well-balanced breakfast in the morning gives our bodies energy to get our day started the right way. Kids who have a healthy meal before school starts consistently perform and behave better at school. Having breakfast as a family every morning to talk about daily plans and promotes healthy eating. Breakfast is essential, but don’t skip the fun of preparing breakfast with your kids!

Breakfast food can be anything you want it to be, within reason of course. Cereal is the most common breakfast food. However, if you wake up with a hankering for a slice of leftover pizza, enjoy it! Pizza is good for you when consumed in moderation.

For years, eggs got a bad rap on the food pyramid. Recently, eggs have been proven to provide essential vitamins and minerals needed to promote a healthy diet. Bacon, waffles, ice cream, pancakes, french toast, orange juice, are all popular breakfast foods. Oatmeal is a good healthy alternative to sugary cereals.

A complete breakfast should contain a balance of all the major food groups. Protein, dairy, fat, and carbohydrates. These elements are vital to maintaining stamina and fending off hunger throughout the day. Though carbs and fats are needed in the daily intake of nutrients, it’s important to not overindulge in these two areas. However, a little bit won’t hurt you.

There are also a great selection of keto friendly recipes and foods some like omelets and breakfast sandwiches can be found at your local grocery. Kodiak makes pancakes, waffles, syrups and more with protein power and more ketogenic diet friendly. If you cant find them local Amazon or ordering direct are good solutions.

HISTORY

Originating during World War I, the United States government encouraged citizens to eat a Better Breakfast. The program gained momentum again during World War II. Then, in 1951, the Cereal Institute promoted Better Breakfast Month for the first time in September. Research gathered by the institute suggested that breakfast was the most important meal of the day. They selected the month to coordinate with children returning to school and businesses gearing back up after the lull of summer vacation. As a result, September became the ideal time to promote the benefits of a healthful and delicious breakfast.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE

Start your day with a complete breakfast. Set a time aside for the family to grab a quick bite to eat before everyone heads out the door. Share recipes with friends and family on healthy ideas for breakfast. Don’t forget Better Breakfast Day on September 26th.

Try making some of these too. We made them and popped them in the freezer.

MUFFIN TIN EGGS WITH HAM & CHEESE – LOW CARB / KETO

These ham and egg cups are really good too.

Use #BetterBreakfastMonth in social media correspondence.

NATIONAL COURTESY MONTH

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It takes little effort to extend kindness. The entire month of September gives ample opportunity to practice being kind. It’s National Courtesy Month!

The word courteous comes from the Middle English word ‘kindness,’ which means ‘noble deeds’ or ‘courtesy’. One of the greatest novelists in the English Language, Henry James, once said: “Three things in human life are important: The first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; the third is to be kind.” So, what does it mean to be courteous?

Courtesy can mean several things to different people. To some, being courteous means to be helpful. To others, being courteous means to be polite and having good manners. Courtesy can be words spoken or an action towards someone. Courtesy is about manners and respect. How you choose to show someone courtesy is entirely up to you!

A single kind word keeps one warm for three winters – Chinese Proverb

Courtesy should never have limits for people you know. Showing a stranger common courtesy could be the defining factor of their day. Oftentimes, a small gesture, such as a compliment, can make a person feel appreciated. When people are considerate to one another, a positive effect happens. Moods improve and smiles are easily found. Starting your day with a polite demeanor will have a ripple effect for the people you encounter!

Though we were unable to find the founder of National Courtesy Month, we did find a National Courtesy Campaign launched in June 1979 by the Ministry of Culture of Singapore. The campaign aims to encourage Singaporeans to be more kind and considerate to each other.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE

There are so many ways to show kindness to people through courtesy. Hold the door open for the people behind you! Mow your elderly neighbor’s lawn! Compliment that shy person you see every day on the subway! Above all, SMILE at everyone you meet!

Use #NationalCourtesyMonth to share on social month.

How to Be a Lady: A Contemporary Guide to Common Courtesy (The GentleManners Series)#NationalCourtesyMonth
How to Be a Lady: A Contemporary Guide to Common Courtesy (The GentleManners Series)
How to Raise a Gentleman Revised and Expanded: A Civilized Guide to Helping Your Son Through His Uncivilized Childhood#NationalCourtesyMonth
How to Raise a Gentleman Revised and Expanded: A Civilized Guide to Helping Your Son Through His Uncivilized Childhood
Uncommon Courtesy: The Basics of Good Behavior for a Badly Behaved World#NationalCourtesyMonth
Uncommon Courtesy: The Basics of Good Behavior for a Badly Behaved World
Chivalry and Courtesy: Medieval Manners for a Modern World#NationalCourtesyMonth
Chivalry and Courtesy: Medieval Manners for a Modern World

NATIONAL HAPPINESS HAPPENS DAY

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Smile on August 8th to share in National Happiness Happens Day. On this day each year just let it happen. You know.  Happiness.  Because happiness happens. 

Happier Human: 53 Science-Backed Habits to Increase Your Happiness Kindle Edition by S.J. Scott  (Author), Amit A (Author)
Happier Human: 53 Science-Backed Habits to Increase Your Happiness Kindle Edition

by S.J. Scott  (Author), Amit A (Author)

The day encourages happiness all day. Recognize every moment of glee, joy, delight, and pleasure. Don’t let it pass. Most importantly, a flicker of a giggle should be given its due, and should it blossom into full-blown happiness, don’t be surprised. It happens!

Need a mood lift? Immerse yourself in music. It will be hard to have anything but a sunny smile during or after listening to this playlist. There is nothing special about the order of the songs so feel free to skip around and sing along.

The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life Paperback – June 5, 2019 by Shawn Achor  (Author)
The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life Paperback – June 5, 2019

by Shawn Achor  (Author)

Another element of the day prohibits the squashing of other people’s happiness. From time to time, we might find other’s happiness might seem irritating. Those moments happen when we have particularly rotten days. However, our bad days don’t give us the right to squash another person’s joy. Instead, allow their delight in the day to infect us. Perhaps, their ability to smile will blow the storm clouds away from your day.  

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.

Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Secret  (5,379)IMDb 5.61h 31min2007X-Ray7+ For the first time in history leading scientists, authors, and philosophers will reveal The Secret, a secret that utterly transformed the lives of those who lived it. Now YOU will know The Secret, and it can change your life forever.
The Secret

For the first time in history leading scientists, authors, and philosophers will reveal The Secret, a secret that utterly transformed the lives of those who lived it. Now YOU will know The Secret, and it can change your life forever.

HOW TO OBSERVE #HappinessHappensDay

Share your happiness and seek ways to infuse happiness in your life. Make it happen! Use #HappinessHappensDay to post on social media and let others know to do the same.

Here are some great ways to foster more happiness in your life.

NATIONAL HAPPINESS HAPPENS DAY HISTORY

Founded in 1999 by the Secret Society of Happy People as “Admit You’re Happy Day,” Happiness Happens Day was created to recognize and express happiness.  August 8th was chosen as it is the anniversary of the first membership in 1998.

The Secret Society of Happy People is an organization that was founded in August of 1998 and formed to celebrate the expression of happiness. The society encourages members to recognize their happy moments and think about happiness in their daily life.  They have two motto’s which include “Happiness Happens” and “Don’t Even Think of Raining on My Parade.”  Their purpose is to stimulate people’s right to express their happiness.

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HAPPINESS HAPPENS MONTH

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Once upon a time, a real group called the Secret Society of Happy People decided to dedicate a day to the pursuit of happiness. Members of the society wanted to let happy feelings linger inside them every day. In 2000, the Secret Society of Happy People expanded the celebration to Happiness Happens Month in August.

Power of Positive Thinking Hardcover – April 1, 2012 by Norman Vincent Peale  (Author)
Power of Positive Thinking

by Norman Vincent Peale  (Author)

Happiness is a choice. Remembering happiness does not mean you are problem free. That kind of life doesn’t exist. As the Stoics of Ancient Greece observed, happiness is all about the quality of your thoughts. Happiness is not a destination, but rather a life-long pursuit. Joy can be anywhere at any time. Don’t limit yourself to searching for pleasure. Enjoy everything and anything that makes you happy. Oprah Winfrey said it wasn’t until she learned to be happy that good things started happening to her.

Man's Search for Meaning Kindle Edition by Viktor E. Frankl  (Author), Harold S. Kushner (Foreword), & 1
Man’s Search for Meaning Kindle Edition

by Viktor E. Frankl  (Author), Harold S. Kushner (Foreword)

“Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”
― Abraham Lincoln

Need to get happy? Try out this playlist to lighten your day!

If you struggle with finding happiness, you can learn to be happy. There is plenty of helpful advice available to guide you in the right direction. Reading self-help material is an excellent place to start. Here are a few published works you might want to read to help you in your pursuit of happiness:

Meditations: The Philosophy Classic (Capstone Classics) 1st Edition by Marcus Aurelius (Author), & 2 more
Meditations: The Philosophy Classic

by Marcus Aurelius (Author), & 2 more

Most of the best “how to be happy” books and videos boil down to variations of the Ancient Greek philosophy of stoicism (not to be confused with the modern use of the word). The essence of stoicism is this: no matter what is wrong with the world in general, and your life in particular, you can choose to be happy if you learn how.

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any set of circumstances, to choose one’s way.”
-Viktor Frankl

HISTORY
The Secret Society of Happy People started celebrating happiness with “Admit You’re Happy Day,” on August 8, 1999.

HOW TO OBSERVE
Notice more happy moments and share them with others. Use #HappinessHappensMonth on social media.

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