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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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NATIONAL FRUIT COCKTAIL DAY

May 12, 2026May 6, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

If you’ve been celebrating the food holidays routinely, National Fruit Cocktail Day on May 13th may be a way to improve the calorie count. Many of us have childhood memories of a dish of fruit cocktail regularly served with a meal.

Fruit cocktail consists of various kinds of fruit served in a liquid of its juices or syrup. While we purchase it in cans and individual serving cups, we can also make it fresh with berries and other fruits. Cafeterias serve fruit cocktail as a healthy fruit option in schools and at buffets, too.

Even though the word cocktail is in the name, fruit cocktail contains no alcohol. The term itself refers to a mixture and can be food or spirits. For example, the secondary definition of a cocktail is “An appetizer made by combining pieces of food, such as fruit or seafood.”

In the United States, the USDA stipulates that canned fruit cocktail must contain certain percentages of pears, grapes, cherries, peaches, and pineapples.

William Vere Cruess of the University of California, Berkeley, and also Herbert Gray of the Barron-Gray Packing Company, San Jose, California have both been credited with the invention of fruit cocktail.

HOW TO OBSERVE #FruitCocktailDay

Serve some fruit cocktail with your meals or snack to celebrate. You could even make your own. Another way to celebrate is by developing your own. Be sure to share your favorite combination using #FruitCocktailDay to post on social media.

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NATIONAL ZUCCHINI BREAD DAY

April 24, 2026April 5, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 5 Comments

Each year on April 25th each year, National Zucchini Bread Day encourages bakers to make this delicious bread.

Many explorers who came to the Americas brought back what they considered strange foods, including the zucchini. The zucchini eventually found its way to Italy, where it was named zucchino. Native Americans referred to zucchini as “something eaten raw.” However, we all know that zucchini tastes best cooked, especially in bread.

Zucchini bread is similar to other quick breads like banana bread. Other quick breads you might be familiar with making include muffins, scones, and biscuits. When baked, Zucchini and banana bread go into the oven in loaf pans. When finished, slice and serve with butter, peanut butter, jam, or just plain.

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Basic Ingredients of a Quick Bread

Fat – Bakers use shortening, butter, margarine, or vegetable oils depending on the texture they wish to achieve. Follow recipes and use only the fat called for to achieve the desired results.
Sugar – Granular sugar, brown sugar, and some sugar substitutes are used. Many bakers add fruit for sweetness, substituting a portion of the sugar in the recipe.
Eggs – As an emulsifier and a binding ingredient, eggs add volume and texture to quick bread
Flour – Most bakers use all-purpose flour, but other recipes will use alternative flours. Always follow the recipe because other ingredients have been adjusted to improve texture when using an alternative flour.
Liquid – Usually, milk or water moisten the mixture, activate the gluten in the flour, and dissolve the sugar.
Leavening agent – Either baking powder or baking soda + an acid (such as cream of tartar) are used. Baking powder is baking soda with the acid already added.
Flavoring ingredient – Bakers incorporate a variety of spices, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and extracts. Each one complements the flavor of the main ingredient. In a quick bread, bakers often use vanilla to enhance the flavor.

When mixing your ingredients, be sure to follow the recipe instructions. Over mixing prevents the bread from rising while baking causing the bread to be dense.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalZucchiniBreadDay

Celebrate the day by making fresh zucchini bread for yourself. Dip into your freezer stash from last year’s bumper crop and bake the day away. Be sure to plant more zucchini so you can celebrate this day next year, too!

Use #NationalZucchiniBreadDay to share on social media.

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Gluten-Free Zucchini Bread Mix
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NATIONAL ARTICHOKE HEARTS DAY

March 15, 2026February 3, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

On March 16th, National Artichoke Hearts Day offers a tasty option to add flavor to any dish.

According to the California Artichoke Advisory Board, artichokes are a good source of antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, and magnesium. The antioxidants in artichokes are very good for your liver and help promote healthy skin. Artichokes are also high in fiber, calcium, and protein while low in calories. These reasons, plus being fat-free and cholesterol-free, make artichokes a healthy and delicious food to celebrate!

The total antioxidant capacity of an artichoke flower head is one of the highest reported for vegetables.
The fleshy base of the artichoke is perhaps the most enjoyably edible part of this oddly-shaped vegetable.
California is known as the artichoke capital of the world. They supply nearly 100% of North American fresh artichokes.

While artichokes may be a little difficult to prepare, you can find artichoke hearts packed in vinegar, oil, or marinade. Don’t let the artichoke heart fool you. They’re more versatile than they seem. Eat them as a snack or add them to dips or sauces. They also make excellent toppings on pizzas and flatbread. Toss them into the skillet for a savory sauté or infuse them into a broth. Artichoke hearts just might turn into a healthy addition to your cooking routine!

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HOW TO OBSERVE #ArtichokeHeartsDay

Pick up some fresh artichokes or canned artichoke hearts to make your favorite recipes. You can even test out a few new recipes with friends and family. Be sure to save and share your best ones. We offer a few techniques for you to try with your artichoke hearts, too.

Roast artichoke hearts with your potatoes and carrots. Season them lightly with olive oil and salt and pepper.
Try grilling fresh artichoke hearts for a smoky addition to your meal.
Create an artichoke salad or an artichoke dressing.
Make an artichoke heart and grilled cheese sandwich with smoked provolone.
Warm-up with this Lemony Artichoke Soup.
Another hearty recipe is this Artichoke Hearts Gratin.
Make a variety of dips and sauces, too.

Use #ArtichokeHeartsDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL COOK A SWEET POTATO DAY

February 21, 2024February 21, 2024Jensperspectiveblog

Across the United States, National Cook A Sweet Potato Day on February 22nd celebrates a root vegetable packed with flavor and a bit of history, too. The sweet potato is eaten and loved, each day, by millions of people across the nation.

Either Central America or South America is thought to be the center of origin and domestication of sweet potatoes. In Central America, sweet potatoes were domesticated at least 5,000 years ago. Peruvian sweet potato remnants dating as far back as 8,000 BC have been found in South America.

The sweet potato is an excellent source of vitamin A, which supports good vision, the immune system, and bone growth. Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin B-6, magnesium, and vitamin C. It’s also great for the complexion.

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The Sweet Potato Cookbook#CookASweetPotatoDay — The Sweet Potato Lover’s Cookbook: More than 100 ways to enjoy one of the world’s healthiest foods

While many Americans confuse the sweet potato with a yam, the two are different. A yam is a starchy tuber while the sweet potato is truly a sweet root vegetable. The sweet potato also comes in a variety of sizes and colors, including pale to bright orange, white and purple. High in fiber and low in fat and calories, this root vegetable is a healthful alternative to snack foods when prepared without added butter, sugar or salt.

Unlike other potatoes, sweet potatoes like long, hot growing seasons. This might explain why it is the state vegetable of North Carolina.

When storing your sweet potatoes, keep them in a cool, dry place. However, don’t refrigerate them unless they’re cooked. Refrigeration will give them a bitter taste, ruining their sweet flavor. Cooks find numerous ways to experiment with sweet potatoes, too!

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HOW TO OBSERVE #CookASweetPotatoDay

No matter how you cook a sweet potato, be sure to invite someone to share it with you. What’s your favorite meal of the day? Then make a sweet potato dish! Breakfast, lunch, supper or dessert call for sweet potatoes in some form. While you’re celebrating, share your favorite dishes with us. We even have a few for you to try:

Sweet Potato Pecan Pie
Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet Potato Pineapple Casserole
Louisiana Sweet Potato Pancakes Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Pecan Topping Sweet Potato Cake

Use #CookASweetPotatoDay to post on social media.

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