BLACK CAT APPRECIATION DAY

Meet Leo (orange) and Hariett (black). They enjoy long naps together and anything catnip. Our YouTube channel. We accept Amazon donations to care for ferals. We provide food, water and veterinary along with TNR as we can manage it.

Black Cat Appreciation Day on August 17th aims to dispel all myths surrounding black cats. Additionally, the day shouldn’t be confused with National Black Cat Day.

Superstitions aside, cats are simply adorable, even black ones. These feline creatures in their sleek, black coats may carry an air of mystery. However, most cats do. Along with that, their ability to find mischief or to avoid you equals that of tabbys, cinnamons, gingers, calicos, whites or grays.

However, one black cat fact that holds true is they are less likely to be adopted. Just like black dogs, this variety of cat gets shunned at shelters. Despite this, black cats still respond to love and attention no differently than other felines.

Ahope Santa Rosa rescue

So, let a black cat cross your path. They aren’t witches. More than likely, adopting a black cat will help keep the mouse population down around the place. Expect the number of cuddles in your life to increase, too!

Charlie was abandoned by his previous owners. After a diligent search for his owners, we adopted him. He was already so socialized and sweet, we could not even consider consigning him to a shelter. We already had 3 cats but there was no way this personality would do well in a shelter.

He started out as my kitty, due to some health issues and a natural preference he now adores my husband. They talk, and Charlie will talk and lead you to his treats.

Sadly Charlie crossed the rainbow bridge 3 years ago. We have several Ferals that we care for including an Alfie, Righty, Kitten and Blackie. The latest ones that have become part of our feral group are Domino and Stripes.

Whiskas Temptations Mixups Treats for Cats - Backyard Cookout (Pack of 2)  by Whiskas
Whiskas Temptations Mixups Treats for Cats – Backyard Cookout (Pack of 2)

by Whiskas

HOW TO OBSERVE #BlackCatAppreciationDay

Consider adopting a black cat. Take photos of your black cat, too! Support your local shelters and volunteer. You can groom a black cat (or any cat for that matter), give him cuddles, and maybe even take one home.  Overcome your fears and use #BlackCatAppreciationDay while sharing your new-found love for those black cats on social media. 

SmartyKat Certified Organic Catnip  by SmartyKat
SmartyKat Certified Organic Catnip

by SmartyKat

100% certified organic catnip is safe, pure & potent without chemicals, pesticides or fillers

2 ounce canister allows you to shake or pour catnip

Catnip provides a burst of playful energy

Attracts cats like a magnet!

Use catnip to attract cats to toys, scratchers and bedding

BLACK CAT APPRECIATION DAY HISTORY

Celebrate this day to dispel myths and fears of Black Cats. Every home should have the privilege of a mini panther.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Super Premium Dry Cat Food, SuperFood Blends

by Rachael Ray Nutrish
Meet Harriet
Meet Harriet

NATIONAL PROSECCO DAY

National Prosecco Day on August 13th represents a time to raise a toast to the remaining days of the season. As we bask in the warmth of the resounding rays of summer, the day encourages people across the US to embrace life’s everyday celebrations.

A sparkling wine, Prosecco is made from a variety of grapes. One of the oldest is the Glera. However, Prosecco can also be made from Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. Primarily grown and bottled in the Veneto region of Italy, Prosecco’s draw is its elegant mousse. In wine-speak, the mousse is the lovely, persistent bubbles. These bubbles give Prosecco the sparkle that makes it so appealing for celebrations.

OWO Wine bottle Stopper with Stainless Steel, Wine Preserver, Decorative Wine Saver Vacuum Plug with Silicone, Expanding Beverage Bottle Stopper, Reusable Wine Cork Keeps Wine Fresh (Rose Gold)

by OWO
OWO Wine bottle Stopper with Stainless Steel, Wine Preserver, Decorative Wine Saver Vacuum Plug with Silicone, Expanding Beverage Bottle Stopper, Reusable Wine Cork Keeps Wine Fresh (Rose Gold)

by OWO

Along with that touch of sweetness (usually dry) and light-bodied, refreshing aromas, Prosecco exudes an easygoing sense of fun. Flavors of white spring flowers, citrus fruits, and green apples paired with a wallet-friendly price tag place Prosecco in the right place for any celebration.

LWF Tonight's Forecast Prosecco! Wine Alcohol Hanging Plaque Friendship Gift Sign

by LWF
LWF Tonight’s Forecast Prosecco! Wine Alcohol Hanging Plaque Friendship Gift Sign

by LWF

As the most sold sparkler in the U.S. – having surpassed the 4-million case mark (according to Impact Databank), it only fits that this long revered aperitivo of choice for Italians should earn its own ‘National Day’ of recognition. Some say no other beverage defines the Italian philosophy of la dolce vita, or the good life, quite like Prosecco.

I love an apple or pear. Peaches and raspberry are good too. It goes exceedingly well with both salmon filets or Creamy Shrimp Scampi. This light bubbly wine also goes very well with desserts like Super Easy Peach Cobbler.

Prosecco’s bubbles come in many forms. Spumante is the bubbliest of the proseccos followed by frizzante. Finally, the calmest is the tranquillo. As summer’s fun lulls into autumn’s social afterglow, National Prosecco Day reminds us of the fruits of our labors with its notes of apple and pear.

Mrs Bridges Peach and Prosecco Preserve, 12-Ounce

by Mrs Bridges
Mrs Bridges Peach and Prosecco Preserve, 12-Ounce

by Mrs Bridges

NATIONAL PROSECCO DAY HISTORY

Riondo Prosecco founded National Prosecco Day to celebrate the sparkling summer months. Riondo Prosecco earned #1 Prosecco in Italy in 2010 by Il Mio Vino magazine and Gold Medal Minner Vinitaly in 2011. Terlato Wines acquired the Riondo Prosecco brand on January 1, 2016.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalProseccoDay

Enjoy Prosecco with friends over crab cakes and scallops on the beach or with goat cheese, prosciutto, and fresh garden tomatoes at your summer table. This sparkling wine pairs well from aperitif to dessert and even brunch cocktails the next day.

The Answer is Always Prosecco Wine Glass - Funny Wine Glasses Women Woman - Gifts for Best Friend Mom Sister or Girlfriend - 15 oz Stemless - Fun Cute Birthday Presents - Her Rose Sparkling Champagne

by Humor Us Home Goods
The Answer is Always Prosecco Wine Glass – Funny Wine Glasses Women Woman – Gifts for Best Friend Mom Sister or Girlfriend – 15 oz Stemless – Fun Cute Birthday Presents – Her Rose Sparkling Champagne

by Humor Us Home Goods

It’s as simple as picking up a couple of bottles of Prosecco, inviting some friends over and savoring summer’s end. Share the sentiment on social media with #NationalProseccoDay.

Amazon Launchpad Brand Stories
Amazon Launchpad Brand Stories

NATIONAL RED ROSE DAY

Each year on June 12, people in the United States observe National Red Rose Day. It honors the flower that is a symbol of love and romance, the red rose.

The June birth flower is the rose.

Red roses were used in many early cultures as decorations in wedding ceremonies and wedding attire.  It was through this practice that, over the years, the red rose became known as a symbol of love and romance. The tradition of giving red roses as the strongest message of love is still practiced today.

GlobalRose 1 Dozen Red Roses- Fresh Flowers- Fast Delivery

by GlobalRose
GlobalRose 1 Dozen Red Roses- Fresh Flowers- Fast Delivery

by GlobalRose

In June, red roses are in bloom in flower gardens across the United States, and their beauty and sweet scent fill the air with happiness.

Raised Bed Gardening for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Start and Sustain a Thriving Garden Paperback – July 9, 2019

by Tammy Wylie  (Author)
Raised Bed Gardening for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Start and Sustain a Thriving Garden

by Tammy Wylie  (Author)
5-Tier Strawberry and Herb Garden Planter - Stackable Gardening Pots with 10 Inch Saucer (Terra-Cotta)

by Mr. Stacky
5-Tier Strawberry and Herb Garden Planter – Stackable Gardening Pots with 10 Inch Saucer (Terra-Cotta)

by Mr. Stacky

Perfect for porches, balconies and urban settings.

For a twist on red Roses try Steven King’s Rose Red. This spooky thriller will keep you entertained and is perfect for when craving things that go bump in the night.

Rose Red

Nancy Travis (Actor), Matt Keeslar (Actor)
Rose Red

Nancy Travis (Actor), Matt Keeslar (Actor)

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE

Enjoy the pleasant scent of a rose.  Use #NationalRedRoseDay to share on social media. 

Small Businesses
Products from US-based small business brands.
Small Businesses
Products from US-based small business brands.

Going Green, Emeralds it is!

Wether its the Emerald isles or the Emerald Coast, they both get their names from May’s beautiful birthstone….you guessed it Emeralds.  These precious stones have been coveted by humanity throughout history and its easy to see why.  If you have a May birthday this is your stone.  If not the allure and beauty of the stones gives all the reason needed to add these to your wardrobe.

Symbolically, emeralds have been treasured for millennia as stones of foresight and truth. Ancient Romans dedicated the gem to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, believing it protected lovers from infidelity and deepened the bonds of commitment. Cleopatra, history’s most famous emerald enthusiast, used them not just as adornment but as political and romantic statements—each green stone a promise of power and passion intertwined. In medieval lore, an emerald held before a serpent would blind it, but held to a lover’s lips, it revealed whether their vows were true. This dual symbolism of protection and honesty makes the emerald a profound choice for engagement rings or anniversary gifts.

Colors range from light Columbian to deep Emerald.  Most are determined by mine location.  The fewer inclusions the more valuable the stone.  In times gone by these stones were thought to have powers beyond matching a gown.  Some are rumored to be cursed, while some held curative powers if ingested.  Emeralds are so coveted they even have a shape of diamonds and gems named after them.

A symbol of unending love and honesty have encouraged favoritism as wedding stones of choice.  The Regency era in particular Irish and English girls received many.  Long seen as a symbol of hope and prophecy made them very popular.  Unlike the red ruby, a statement of passionate love, an emerald conveys a complex symbolism and emotions.  Cleopatra draped herself in Emerards.  Rich luscious green color beautifully played off the violet of Elizabeth Taylor’s eyes in the 1960’s. While being most calming color green, it reflexes growth, peace, balance, and reflection.  Healing and fertility are also attributed to these very rare gemstone.  Verdant tones and inside are tempered by cool blue within the stone symbolize a steadfast bond.

Beyond myth, the emerald’s physical character reinforces its romantic message. Known for its characteristic “jardin,” or garden-like inclusions, no two emeralds are exactly alike. These internal fissures and flecks, once considered flaws, are now celebrated as the stone’s fingerprint—proof that perfection is not the goal, but rather unique, resilient beauty. Gifting an emerald says, “I see your imperfections, and I love the whole garden they create.” It is a love that accepts depth and history, much like a long-term partnership that has weathered small storms and grown stronger for them.

Moreover, green itself is the color of the heart chakra in Eastern traditions, believed to govern love, compassion, and emotional balance. Wearing an emerald close to the skin is thought to soothe old wounds and open the wearer to genuine connection. For a May birthday, receiving this stone is more than a keepsake; it is a wish for a life filled with loyal friendships and a marriage rooted in mutual growth. Just as spring’s green deepens into summer’s abundance, so too does emerald love mature—from tender beginnings to a rich, unbreakable bond.

Emeralds are often associated with strong sexuality and fertility, it was historically believed to help with difficult births or the problems bearing children.  Linked to healing and balance within the nervous, respiratory and even aid digestion.     Ancient Romans, for example, felt that the very soul of an individual was restored when they wore emerald jewelry.
So whether for your Birthstone or you just love the color, I wish you any and all luck they may contain.

STRAW HAT MONTH

As the sun begins its ascent into the sky, signaling the arrival of warmer days, there’s one timeless accessory that effortlessly blends tradition with style: the straw hat. Originating from centuries-old craftsmanship and cultural heritage, the straw hat has transcended generations, becoming an emblem of laid-back elegance and summer sophistication. With the onset of April marking Straw Hat Month, it’s the perfect time to delve into the rich history and contemporary allure of this iconic headwear.

Throughout history, the straw hat has been more than just a piece of attire; it has been a symbol of identity and social status across cultures. From the classic Panama hat hailing from Ecuador to the chic boater hat popularized in the early 20th century, each style carries its own narrative and craftsmanship. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the straw hat serves a practical purpose, offering protection from the sun’s rays while allowing for optimal ventilation during hot summer days. Its versatility knows no bounds, seamlessly complementing both casual ensembles and formal attire with equal grace.

In today’s fashion landscape, the straw hat continues to reign supreme as a must-have accessory for the discerning individual. Whether lounging on a sandy beach, strolling through bustling city streets, or attending outdoor soirées, the straw hat effortlessly elevates any look with its timeless charm. With sustainable fashion practices gaining momentum, the straw hat’s eco-friendly materials and artisanal production methods further enhance its appeal, aligning with conscientious consumers’ values. This Straw Hat Month, let’s celebrate not only the sartorial splendor of this iconic accessory but also the enduring craftsmanship and cultural significance it embodies.

HISTORY

The Headwear Information Bureau sponsored Straw Hat month to remind everyone to put away their cloth and felt hats in exchange for the airier straw hats for spring and summer.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Wear your favorite straw hat or purchase a new one.   Use #Straw Hat Day to share on social media.