Tag carnation

NATIONAL LOLLIPOP DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

July 20th recognizes National Lollipop Day as a way to celebrate this enduring and ever-popular treat. Pick up your favorite flavor to savor! 

Ever delightful and sweet, lollipops have satisfied generations of sweet tooths. And it’s possible they’ve been doing that for centuries. However, no one is sure how old the lollipop is. During prehistoric times, a form of lollipop may have preserved nuts and berries in honey. As sugar became plentiful, lollipops appeared much later in 16th century Europe. 

In the United States, confectionaries and medicine shops as early as the 1860s sold lollipops in various forms. However, George Smith gave this sweet treat an official 20th-century story in 1908. Smith earns credit for inventing the modern style lollipop. In 1931, Smith trademarked the name which he claims came from his favorite racing horse, Lolly Pops.

JOLLY RANCHER Assorted Fruit Flavored Hard Candy Variety Bag, 46 oz Visit the Jolly Rancher Store
Ads by Amazon
JOLLY RANCHER Assorted Fruit Flavored Hard Candy Variety Bag, 46 oz
Visit the Jolly Rancher Store

Lollipops range in size. For variety, the smaller candies can be purchased by the bagful. Banks, barbershops, and vendors at parades give the sweet treat away to customers, too! Specialty candy shops make giant lollipops in a variety of bright colors, shapes, and sizes. While they are attractive, these lollipops can be cumbersome and often are more than we can handle!

Lollipops in Pop Culture

This candy made its mark in pop culture. Movies, TV, and commercials feature the lollipop in various ways.

  • 1934 – In the movie Bright Eyes, Shirley Temple sang the song “On the Good Ship Lollipop.”
  • 1939 – The Wizard of Oz brought us a world of characters, including the Lollipop Guild. Armed with a giant spiral sucker, The Lollipop Guild welcomed Dorothy to the Land of Oz.
  • 1969 – How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop. The Tootsie Pop (the trademark name for Tootsie Roll’s lollipop) commercial debuted on U.S. television. The 60-second advertisement included a boy, cow, fox, turtle, owl, and the narrator.
  • 1973-1978 – How do you make a lollipop look tough? Put it in the hands of Detective Lieutenant Theo Kojak. The lollipop-loving detective was played by Telli Savalis in the TV series Kojak. At the same time, the candy did no harm to the tough guy’s persona. 

NATIONAL LOLLIPOP DAY HISTORY

The National Confectioners Association founded National Lollipop Day. 

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalLollipopDay

“I want candy! I want candy!” Enjoy a lollipop today to celebrate. You can also explore the magic of candy making. Pick up a bagful and give them out to friends, neighbors, and customers, too. Give a shout out to your favorite candy shop using #NationalLollipopDay on social media.

Find a great assortment of lollipops for you, or get a jumpstart for trick or treat stock up.  Do you own a business?  If it works at banks maybe it will work for your too.

Dum Dums Original Mix 390 ct. Bag - All-Time Classic Flavors - Lollipops Bulk, Bulk Suckers, Individually Wrapped - Bulk Candy for Any Occasion! Visit the Dum Dums Store
Ads by Amazon
Dum Dums Original Mix 390 ct. Bag – All-Time Classic Flavors – Lollipops Bulk, Bulk Suckers, Individually Wrapped – Bulk Candy for Any Occasion!
Visit the Dum Dums Store
YumEarth Organic Fruit Flavored Pops, 50 Lollipops, Allergy Friendly, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Vegan, No Artificial Flavors or Dyes Visit the YumEarth Store
Ads by Amazon
YumEarth Organic Fruit Flavored Pops, 50 Lollipops, Allergy Friendly, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Vegan, No Artificial Flavors or Dyes
Visit the YumEarth Store
SmartSweets Lollipops, 3oz, Blue Raspberry & Watermelon Flavors, Hard Candy with Low Sugar (1g), Low Calorie (40), No Artificial Sweeteners, Plant-Based, Gluten-Free (Packaging May Vary)
Visit the SmartSweets Store

NATIONAL PINK DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

National Pink Day is observed annually on June 23rd.  This day is set aside for the color pink and all it represents.

First used as a color name in the late 17th century, pink is a pale red color which got its name from a flower of same name.

According to surveys in both the United States and Europe with results indicating that the color pink combined with white or pale blue is most commonly associated with femininity, sensitivity, tenderness, childhood and the romantic.  Pink, when combined with violet or black is associated with eroticism and seduction.

Dating back to the 14th century, “to pink” (the verb) means “to decorate with a perforated or punched pattern.”

It would have been curious to find pink used in fabric or decor during the Middle Ages.  Occasionally it was seen in women’s fashion and religious art.  In the 13th and 14th century, the Christ child was sometimes portrayed dressed in pink, the color associated with the body of Christ. Pink was mainly used for the flesh color of faces and hands during the Renaissance.

The Rococo Period (1720-1777) was the golden age for the color pink. Pastel colors became very fashionable in all the courts of Europe during this time.  Madame de Pompadour (1721-1764), the mistress of King Louis XV of France, was known for wearing the color pink, often combined with light blue.  At one point in time, Ms. Pompadour had a particular tint of pink made specifically for her.

Pink ribbons or decorations were worn by young boys in 19th century England.  The men in England wore red uniforms and since boys were considered small men, boys wore pink.

Pink became much bolder, brighter and more assertive in the 20th century and 1931, the color “Shocking Pink” was introduced.

As one of the most common colors of flowers, pink serves to attract the insects and birds that are necessary for pollination.

~~~~~~~~~~

  • In the pink – To be in top form, in good health, in good condition.
  • To see pink elephants – To hallucinate from alcoholism.
  • Pink slip – To be given a pink slip means to be fired or dismissed from a job. First recorded in 1915 in the United States.
  • Pink-collar worker – Persons working in jobs conventionally regarded as  “women’s work.”
  • Pink Money –  the pink pound or pink dollar is an economic term which refers to the spending power of the LGBT community.
  • Tickled pink – means extremely pleased.

~~~~~~~~~~

HOW TO OBSERVE

The most apparent way to celebrate is to wear pink.  Enjoy foods and beverages that are pink.  Give a donation to any of the charities that use the color pink.  Use #NationalPinkDay in social media.

In June We Wear Pink Cool Style - National Pink Day T-Shirt #NationalPinkDay
In June We Wear Pink Cool Style – National Pink Day T-Shirt
Pink Candy Buffet - Top Brands Pink Candy Buffet - Top Brands#NationalPinkDay
Pink Candy Buffet – Top Brands
BTFBM Women 2024 Summer Sleeveless Tank Dresses Crew Neck Slim Fit Short Casual Ruched Bodycon Party Club Mini Dress#NationalPinkDay
BTFBM Women 2024 Summer Sleeveless Tank Dresses Crew Neck Slim Fit Short Casual Ruched Bodycon Party Club Mini Dress
ANRABESS Women's Summer Casual Loose Short Sleeve Long T Shirt Dress Split Maxi Beach Sundress Travel Vacation Outfits#NationalPinkDay
ANRABESS Women’s Summer Casual Loose Short Sleeve Long T Shirt Dress Split Maxi Beach Sundress Travel Vacation Outfits

NATIONAL GARDENING DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

National Gardening Day on April 14th encourages gardeners and would-be gardeners to pick up a shovel, plant some seeds, and kick off a beautiful year of homegrown bounty.

Whether you want to grow vegetables, fruit, flowers, houseplants, or anything in between, National Gardening Day celebrates a satisfying pastime that you will enjoy for decades.

Growing your own food also provides fresh and natural nourishment for your family and saves you time and money at the grocery store.

As many gardeners know, the benefits of gardening come from more than the produce. Spending time in the garden also provides physical activity and an opportunity to join with nature.

The day is a call to action to get out and grow flower or vegetable gardens. No matter how you garden, plant in the ground, in containers, in straw bales or in a square foot gardening box. Just garden!

NATIONAL GARDENING DAY HISTORY

Cool Springs Press, an imprint of The Quarto Group, founded National Gardening Day on April 14 to celebrate gardening and to encourage home gardeners and students to learn more about how to garden.

About Cool Springs Press

Celebrating over twenty-five years of inspiring gardeners, Cool Springs Press is a leading publisher of best-selling gardening books with titles that cover all facets of plant cultivation and gardening techniques, both indoors and out.

Gardening Tools 9-Piece Heavy Duty Gardening Hand Tools with Fashion and Durable Garden Tools Organizer Handbag,Rust-Proof Garden Tool Set, Ideal Gardening Gifts for Women#NationalGardeningDay#gardening#garden
Gardening Tools 9-Piece Heavy Duty Gardening Hand Tools with Fashion and Durable Garden Tools Organizer Handbag,Rust-Proof Garden Tool Set, Ideal Gardening Gifts for Women
Complete Garden Tools Set - Durable Gardening Supplies Gifts for Women Men Mom or Dad | Ergonomic Gardening Hand Tools Kit Includes Weeder, Pruner, Transplanter, Rake, Bag, and More#NationalGardeningDay#gardening#garden
Complete Garden Tools Set – Durable Gardening Supplies Gifts for Women Men Mom or Dad | Ergonomic Gardening Hand Tools Kit Includes Weeder, Pruner, Transplanter, Rake, Bag, and More
TomCare Garden Kneeler Seat Garden Bench Garden Stools Foldable Stool with Tool Bag Pouch EVA Foam Pad Outdoor Portable Kneeler Gardening Gifts for Women Men, Large 21.65"x10.62"x18.89", Green #NationalGardeningDay#gardening#garden
TomCare Garden Kneeler Seat Garden Bench Garden Stools Foldable Stool with Tool Bag Pouch EVA Foam Pad Outdoor Portable Kneeler Gardening Gifts for Women Men, Large 21.65″x10.62″x18.89″, Green
Outland Living 6-Ft Raised Garden Bed - Vertical Garden Freestanding Elevated Planter with 4 Container Boxes - Good for Patio or Balcony Indoor and Outdoor - Perfect to Grow Vegetables Herbs Flowers#NationalGardeningDay#gardening#garden
Outland Living 6-Ft Raised Garden Bed – Vertical Garden Freestanding Elevated Planter with 4 Container Boxes – Good for Patio or Balcony Indoor and Outdoor – Perfect to Grow Vegetables Herbs Flowers

Explore More…

Green thumbs are not required to learn to garden. Attend gardening seminars to gain knowledge. Read up about the plants that thrive in your zone. Start with some easy plants to grow such as: Radishes, Lettuce, Potatoes. We always do Tomatoes, Herbs, Zinnias, Pansies, and Marigolds.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL GARDENING DAY

There are many ways that you can celebrate the day, including:

  • Find the right book, guide or resource for your needs at Cool Springs Press, county extension service, the local bookstore or library.
  • Look for a community garden in your area.
  • Organize a seed and perennial plant swap with neighbors and friends.
  • Join a garden club. There isn’t one near? Start one!
  • Visit your local nursery or garden center—you will be amazed and excited by all the beautiful options
  • Visit Quarto Homes on Facebook and Instagram for more gardening information
  • While you’re gardening, be sure to share your experience with others on social media using #NationalGardeningDay, #garden and #gardening.
Raised Garden Bed Galvanized Planter Box Outdoor, Oval Large Rot-Resistant Metal Garden Bed Planter for Vegetables Flower Herb#NationalGardeningDay#gardening#garden
Raised Garden Bed Galvanized Planter Box Outdoor, Oval Large Rot-Resistant Metal Garden Bed Planter for Vegetables Flower Herb
Burpee Bone Meal Fertilizer | Add to Potting Soil | Strong Root Development | OMRI Listed for Organic Gardening | for Tomatoes, Peppers, and Bulbs, 1-Pack, 3 lb (1 Pack)#NationalGardeningDay#gardening#garden
Burpee Bone Meal Fertilizer | Add to Potting Soil | Strong Root Development | OMRI Listed for Organic Gardening | for Tomatoes, Peppers, and Bulbs, 1-Pack, 3 lb (1 Pack)
VIVOSUN 5-Pack 25 Gallon Plant Grow Bags, Heavy Duty Thickened Nonwoven Fabric Pots with Handles#NationalGardeningDay#gardening#garden
VIVOSUN 5-Pack 25 Gallon Plant Grow Bags, Heavy Duty Thickened Nonwoven Fabric Pots with Handles
Amazing Creation Stackable Planter, Vertical Oasis Tiered Garden Planter, Grow Vegetables, Herbs, and Succulents with Ease #NationalGardeningDay#gardening#garden
Amazing Creation Stackable Planter, Vertical Oasis Tiered Garden Planter, Grow Vegetables, Herbs, and Succulents with Ease

NATIONAL PLANT A FLOWER DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 6 Comments

Spring is just around the corner, and March 12th is the day to participate in National Plant a Flower Day.  Each year this day is dedicated to the planting of flowers and looking forward to the spring season.  Flower gardening has become a hobby for many, young and old, and National Plant a Flower Day is a start to the new season each year.

Marigolds and Daffodils are the flowers of March.

It’s good to know the zone you live in to determine which flowers grow as perennials (those that grow back every year) in your area and which are considered annuals (those that require planting every year). To find out more, check out the USDA site for Hardiness Zones.  

Seeds can be started inside and set in a sunny window.  When the weather is nicer, move those plants outside. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and follow the seed package’s instructions for proper germination of the seedling. Those who can’t wait, get out those seed catalogs and start planning your next flower garden.  

J&B XpandaHose 50ft Expandable Garden Hose with Holder - Heavy Duty Superior Strength 3750D - 4 -Layer Latex Core - Extra Strong Brass Connectors and 10 Spray Nozzle w/Storage Bag (Black 50)#PlantAFlowerDay
J&B XpandaHose 50ft Expandable Garden Hose with Holder – Heavy Duty Superior Strength 3750D – 4 -Layer Latex Core – Extra Strong Brass Connectors and 10 Spray Nozzle w/Storage Bag (Black 50)
Gorilla Grip Extra Thick Kneeling Pad, Supportive Soft Foam Cushioning for Knee, Water Resistant Construction for Gardening, Bathing Baby, Workout Supplies, Lightweight, Garden Work Gifts #PlantAFlowerDay
Gorilla Grip Extra Thick Kneeling Pad, Supportive Soft Foam Cushioning for Knee, Water Resistant Construction for Gardening, Bathing Baby, Workout Supplies, Lightweight, Garden Work Gifts
Complete Garden Tools Set (22 Pcs) - Durable Gardening Supplies Gifts for Women Men Mom or Dad | Ergonomic Gardening Hand Tools Kit Includes Weeder, Pruner, Transplanter, Rake, Bag, and More#PlantAFlowerDay
Complete Garden Tools Set (22 Pcs) – Durable Gardening Supplies Gifts for Women Men Mom or Dad | Ergonomic Gardening Hand Tools Kit Includes Weeder, Pruner, Transplanter, Rake, Bag, and More
TONULAX Solar Garden Lights - New Upgraded Solar Swaying Light, Sway by Wind, Solar Outdoor Lights, Yard Patio Pathway Decoration, High Flexibility Iron Wire & Heavy Bulb Base, Warm White(2 Pack)#PlantAFlowerDay
TONULAX Solar Garden Lights – New Upgraded Solar Swaying Light, Sway by Wind, Solar Outdoor Lights, Yard Patio Pathway Decoration, High Flexibility Iron Wire & Heavy Bulb Base, Warm White(2 Pack)

Flowers always make people better, happier and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine to the soul.  ~Luther Burbank, botanist (1849-1926)

Are you in a warmer climate?  Then it’s time to get out the trowel and the garden gloves and start turning over some new soil.  Sow some new seeds, bulbs, or plants and nurture those blossoms into a brilliant blaze for the whole neighborhood to enjoy.

HOW TO OBSERVE #PlantAFlowerDay

Tips for Starting a Flower Garden

  • Start with a potted garden.  If you aren’t ready to tear up a patch of lawn, this is a good way to go. They do require more watering but less care overall.
  • Select plants that grow well in your spot. Some plants grow well in the shade, and others prefer the sun. Others love both!
  • Did you know gardeners who prefer perennial gardens have to thin their flower beds every couple of years?  They also like to share the extra bulbs and seeds with those who are new to gardening, so if you know someone with a green thumb, get to know them better. You might get some free plants, advice, and a budding friendship!
  • Local greenhouses stock plants that grow well in your area. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions and shop there frequently.

Let’s all work together by planting a flower and helping make the world a more beautiful place. Use #PlantAFlowerDay to post on social media.

Wildflower Seeds Shaker - Hummingbird and Butterfly Mix - 100,000+ Wild Flower Seeds - in Beautiful Easy to Sow Seed Shaker - Attract Pollinators with These 23 Pure Non-GMO Varieties#PlantAFlowerDay
Wildflower Seeds Shaker – Hummingbird and Butterfly Mix – 100,000+ Wild Flower Seeds – in Beautiful Easy to Sow Seed Shaker – Attract Pollinators with These 23 Pure Non-GMO Varieties
Pollinator Wildflower Seed Shaker Collection - ~300,000+ Wild Flower Seeds for Planting - Includes Hummingbird & Butterfly, Save The Monarchs, and Save The Bees Wildflower Mixes - Covers ~1,000 sq ft #PlantAFlowerDay
Pollinator Wildflower Seed Shaker Collection – ~300,000+ Wild Flower Seeds for Planting – Includes Hummingbird & Butterfly, Save The Monarchs, and Save The Bees Wildflower Mixes – Covers ~1,000 sq ft
Bearded Iris Flower Bulb Mix - 5 Bulb Value Pack of Assorted Colors - Easy to Grow Fall Planting Bulbs by Willard & May#PlantAFlowerDay
Bearded Iris Flower Bulb Mix – 5 Bulb Value Pack of Assorted Colors – Easy to Grow Fall Planting Bulbs by Willard & May
Grow Your Own Herbs Garden Kit - 12 Herb Seeds Variety Pack - Basil Seeds, Mint Seeds, Rosemary Seeds, Oregano Seeds, Parsley Seeds & More Packets in a Box with Herb Seeds Manual by Garden Pack #PlantAFlowerDay
Grow Your Own Herbs Garden Kit – 12 Herb Seeds Variety Pack – Basil Seeds, Mint Seeds, Rosemary Seeds, Oregano Seeds, Parsley Seeds & More Packets in a Box with Herb Seeds Manual by Garden Pack

NATIONAL GARDENING EXERCISE DAY

Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

National Gardening Exercise Day is observed each year on June 6 and encourages us to maximize the benefits we reap from gardening by adding some stretches and a few extra steps or squats.

Gardening on its own is therapeutic, builds muscles and burns calories. Some of the gardening activities that are excellent for working your muscles and for burning calories include weeding, digging, spading, planting, pruning, mowing, raking, and walking.

Gardening is an Exercise in Optimism: Gardening Gardener Blank Lined Journal Notebook#GardeningExerciseDay
Gardening is an Exercise in Optimism: Gardening Gardener Blank Lined Journal Notebook
Aerobic Gardening: An Hour to Learn, A Lifetime to Master#GardeningExerciseDay
Aerobic Gardening: An Hour to Learn, A Lifetime to Master

Many of us do not realize the amount of healthy exercise that we can get while working outside in the garden.  It involves a lot of walking back and forth as well as bending up and down along with other things. Being out in the fresh air and sunshine are also an added benefit. Incorporating stretching into a gardening routine may help to prevent injury, much like it does for any athletic endeavor.  Adding those squats will contribute to building or maintaining muscle, and extra steps may make gardening more aerobic if it increases the heart rate. Gardening and exercise are excellent stress relievers, too!

Other suggestions to get the most exercise out of your gardening:

  • Start slowly.  Just like any new workout program, small steps.
  • Use the right and left hands equally.  When raking or shoveling, switch hands every 5-10 minutes to give each side a good workout.
  • Make sure to breathe.  Deep, cleansing breaths bring oxygen to those working muscles.
  • Lift with your legs! When lifting, bend your knees.  Don’t lift with your back.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Enjoy your garden.  Visit it often!

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE

Pull those weeds, plant some seeds and get your muscles moving! Your garden will look great, and you will feel fantastic, too! Show us how you celebrate by using #GardeningExerciseDay on social media.

Gorilla Grip Extra Thick Kneeling Pad, Supportive Soft Foam Cushioning for Knee, Water Resistant Construction for Gardening, Bathing Baby, Workout Supplies, Lightweight, Garden Work Gifts#GardeningExerciseDay
Gorilla Grip Extra Thick Kneeling Pad, Supportive Soft Foam Cushioning for Knee, Water Resistant Construction for Gardening, Bathing Baby, Workout Supplies, Lightweight, Garden Work Gifts
Gaiam Yoga Mat - Premium 6mm Print Extra Thick Non Slip Exercise & Fitness Mat for All Types of Yoga, Pilates & Floor Workouts (68"L x 24"W x 6mm Thick)#GardeningExerciseDay
Gaiam Yoga Mat – Premium 6mm Print Extra Thick Non Slip Exercise & Fitness Mat for All Types of Yoga, Pilates & Floor Workouts (68″L x 24″W x 6mm Thick)