NATIONAL ICE CREAM SODA DAY

June 19, 2026June 11, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

On June 20th enjoy a cool, frothy ice cream soda. It is National Ice Cream Soda Day!

There are many claims to the invention of this delicious treat. One such claim was made by a Mr. Robert McCay Green. According to Green, he created the beverage in 1874 in Philadelphia when he ran out of ice for his shaved ice treats. Substituting ice cream, he had a hit on his hands. Green even put in his will that his gravestone read “Here lies the originator of the ice cream soda.”

Anchor Hocking 12.5-oz Vintage Soda Glass, Set of 12 by Anchor Hocking — Anchor Hocking 12.5-oz Vintage Soda Glass, Set of 12

by Anchor Hocking

Philip Mohr of Elizabeth, New Jersey would mix soda water with ice cream to make the drink colder. This practice took place as earlier as 1862 beating out Mr. Green’s claim.

Advertisements in an 1862 Newport Daily News for Sheld’s Celebrated Ice Cream Soda encourages customers to “Try It, Try It, Try It, It.” By the looks of it, it was something new at the time.

SodaStream Jet Sparkling Water Maker (Black), with CO2 and BPA free Bottle by SodaStream — SodaStream Jet Sparkling Water Maker (Black), with CO2 and BPA free Bottle

by SodaStream

SodaStream Diet Cola, 14.8 Fl Oz, Pack of 4 by SodaStream — SodaStream Diet Cola, 14.8 Fl Oz, Pack of 4

by SodaStream

Whenever the ice cream soda was invented, it was certainly a winning combination. For generations, we have been enjoying these creamy carbonated desserts at pharmacies and soda fountains across the country.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Enjoy your favorite ice cream soda flavor with a friend. Use #NationalIceCreamSodaDay to share on social media.

VALENTINE’S DAY

February 13, 2026January 1, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

Valentine’s Day began as St. Valentine’s Day, a liturgical celebration of one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus. February 14th first became associated with romantic love during the High Middle Ages as the tradition of courtly love was then flourishing. During 18th century England, this day evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery and sending Valentine cards.

Ancient History

Mixed opinions prevail regarding who or what was celebrated in mid-February. Some point to martyred saints by the name of Valentine or Valentinus. The most popular story tells of the saint who defied a decree by Emperor Claudius II who outlawed marriage for young men because he believed single men made better soldiers. St. Valentine, preferring young lovers to be wed than have them sneaking around (or believing in the power of love), would marry them in secret. However, it may have been another Valentine who performed the marriages. Either way, at least two of them were beheaded for their actions.

Another possible origin for Valentine’s Day takes us back to a pagan festival called Lupercalia. As a way to discourage participation in the fertility festival, the Christian church placed St. Valentine’s Day in the middle of February.

Modern Celebrations

Since the Renaissance, we’ve been exchanging Valentine’s cards. These handmade missives of romance grew into a more commercial venture by the Victorian era. Today, school children exchange Valentine greetings, too. They prepare for the day by making unique boxes to receive their many hearts, cupids, and pun-filled rhymes.

Chocolates and candy have also become a part of the celebration. While couples tend to be the focus of the day, singles celebrate being single, too. Friends take each other out or reject the overall notion of Valentine’s Day. Dinner and a movie, candlelight, and flowers also fit the bill for couples. It’s one of the busiest days of the year for florists.

LEGO Cherry Blossoms Gift for Valentine's Day, Buildable Floral Display for Creative Kids, White and Pink Cherry Blossom, Spring Flower Gift for Girls and Boys

#ValentinesDay — LEGO Cherry Blossoms Gift for Valentine’s Day, Buildable Floral Display for Creative Kids, White and Pink Cherry Blossom, Spring Flower Gift for Girls and Boys

Valentines Day Gift Basket Set | Teddy Bear Plush (COLOR VARYS), Creme Savers Hard Candy, Individually Wrapped, Hershey Kisses Milk Chocolate, Heart Shape Elmer Chocolates Dark Chocolate or Hazelnut Pirouline Wafers, & Valentine Bag (Design Varies |#ValentinesDay — LEGO Cherry Blossoms Gift for Valentine’s Day, Buildable Floral Display for Creative Kids, White and Pink Cherry Blossom, Spring Flower Gift for Girls and Boys

VALENTINE’S DAY HISTORY

Credit is traditionally given to Pope Gelasius for declaring February 14th as Saint Valentine’s Day around the year 496 to separate the church from the Roman celebration of Lupercalia, an ancient pagan fertility festival that occurred on February 15th.

HOW TO OBSERVE #ValentinesDay

You can surprise your special someone with flowers, chocolate or a card. Bring a smile to their face with an original poem or homemade meal. So put on this playlist and enjoy some special time with your special Valentine.

Get something special for your Valentine and use #ValentinesDay to post on social media.

It's a Date!, 40 Fun and Romantic Scratch Off Date Ideas for Him, Her, Girlfriend, Boyfriend, Wife, or Husband, Perfect for Date Night, Special Couples Gift for Valentine's Day, Birthdays & More!#ValentinesDay — It’s a Date!, 40 Fun and Romantic Scratch Off Date Ideas for Him, Her, Girlfriend, Boyfriend, Wife, or Husband, Perfect for Date Night, Special Couples Gift for Valentine’s Day, Birthdays & More!

Valentines Day Gifts for Her,Birthday Gifts for Women,Valentines Flowers Gifts for Women,Valentine's Day Roses Gifts for Mom Girlfriend Wife,Colorful Rose In A Glass Dome Gifts for Valentine Day#ValentinesDay — It’s a Date!, 40 Fun and Romantic Scratch Off Date Ideas for Him, Her, Girlfriend, Boyfriend, Wife, or Husband, Perfect for Date Night, Special Couples Gift for Valentine’s Day, Birthdays & More!

Impress with these Date Night Ideas

January 31, 2026January 31, 2026Jensperspectiveblog

Turn your living room into an indoor picnic. You can even set it up like an intimate night on a beach, or make it a cozy night in front of a fireplace.

Okay most guys are visually stimulated. So if you want to turn up the heat, what’s his fantasy. Garter belt and stockings, French maid, his dress shirt with a loose necktie. For at home dates wear it to dinner. Make sure he’s knows it too.

After all National Kite Flying Day happens in February too!

Play miniature golf — Play Miniature Golf

Any of these ideas can be used for Birthdays, Anniversary, Valentines Day or A Just Because (these mean more than a regular date night.)

Men Make Dinner Recipes

November 6, 2025October 26, 2025Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

What’s for dinner. In my family growing up that question was primarily answered by mom. Dad made pancakes, and BBQ. The rest was left to mom to figure out 355 days a year. My dad did not know his way around a kitchen.

Flash forward to today and my loving husband Scott is the same way. To be a fly on the wall when I tried to teach him how to make spaghetti. (I found spaghetti noodles in interesting places for days)! Now he can assist me with simple tasks with very explicit directions. After my aneurysm left me unable to go to the kitchen, I give him lists of ingredients, utensils, supplies and I reach for the extra supply of patience needed for describing things I don’t think twice about. To bad this day is not celebrated everywhere.

To be fair to there are a lot of men who enjoy the task. Famous chefs include a large number of men, but for those who do not know what a colander is here are some easy recipes that impress with flavor.

Jen’s Lazy Lasagna

Jen’s Greek Cassarole Bake

Jen’s Super Sandwhich

Jen’s Keto Quiche

Jen’s Easy Chili

Turkey Bacon wraps

Be sure to check out all our recipes for more tasty delights that you are sure to enjoy.

CREATIVE ROMANCE MONTH

January 31, 2025January 31, 2025Jensperspectiveblog 6 Comments

February is a month of love and romance. So it’s no surprise it is also designated as National Creative Romance Month.

Psychologists tell us dating is vital to a relationship. A date is not something to be tolerated or suffered through. Instead, dating should be fun and pleasurable for both parties. Psychologists also stress the importance of trying new and different things to boost relationships to become more romantic and fun.

32 Creative Ways to Keep the Romance Alive in Your Relationship
#CreativeRomanceMonth — 32 Creative Ways to Keep the Romance Alive in Your Relationship

10,000 Ways to Say I Love You: 10th Anniversary Edition#CreativeRomanceMonth — 32 Creative Ways to Keep the Romance Alive in Your Relationship

A surprise getaway is a great way to get your partner excited about some alone time. Keep them guessing by making the surprise destination into a game. For example, cut up a brochure and have your partner assemble it like a jigsaw puzzle! You might even consider blindfolding your partner and then driving them to your destination as a surprise. A blindfold may not be feasible depending on how long it takes to arrive at your surprise, of course.

Movie nights are also a great way to bring some romance back into your relationship. Plan a night out at the movies. Make it extra special by finding a drive-in movie theater near you. Make the drive-in movie extra special by renting a classic car. Afterward, you might spend a little time stargazing together.

Planning a date during the day can also be special. Start by visiting your partner’s favorite museum or art gallery. Then, continue the date with a picnic in the park by filling a picnic basket with some of your partner’s favorite wines, cheeses, and fruits. Picnics are so much fun that July is designated as National Picnic Month. Plan your spread in front of a cozy fire for a winter picnic.

HOW TO OBSERVE #CreativeRomanceMonth

Use your imagination and have fun! Use #CreativeRomanceMonth in your social media.

Jen's Perspective Blog

Love, laugh, live! Life to the fullest.

Tag date night