Tag germanic

ROMANCE AWARENESS MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

February isn’t the only romantic month on the calendar.  Check your relationship’s pulse during Romance Awareness in August. If it needs a jump start, there are lots of ways to put some spark back into the relationship. 

Add excitement by planning the unexpected. Surprise your significant other with a date night with only a few clues as to the destination. None of it needs to be expensive or elaborate, but making an effort to make the evening fun, spontaneous and memorable will be worthwhile. Maybe it’s a note clipped to a single flower saying you’ll pick her up at 7 PM and to wear sandals. It ends up with a picnic on the beach; or it could be a text to him that you’re in the mood for takeout, be ready in an hour – a three-hour road trip later and you’re at the nearest drive-in theater eating hot wings under the stars.

Life Sutra – Couple Reconnect Game – Couples Game for Married Couples – 200 Couples Conversation Cards – Speak Your Love Language – Card Game for Couples – Designed by an American Psychologist
Romantic Couples Gift - Fun & Adventurous Date Night Box - Scratch Off Card Game with Exciting Date Ideas for Couple: Girlfriend, Boyfriend, Newlywed, Wife or Husband.
Romantic Couples Gift – Fun & Adventurous Date Night Box – Scratch Off Card Game with Exciting Date Ideas for Couple: Girlfriend, Boyfriend, Newlywed, Wife or Husband.
Bath and Body Gift Basket For Women and Men – 9 Piece Set of Vanilla Coconut Home Spa Set, Includes Fragrant Lotions, Extra Large Bath Bombs, Coconut Oil, Luxurious Bath Towel & More
Bath and Body Gift Basket For Women and Men – 9 Piece Set of Vanilla Coconut Home Spa Set, Includes Fragrant Lotions, Extra Large Bath Bombs, Coconut Oil, Luxurious Bath Towel & More

The simple things mean so much more than elaborate gifts. A wrapped mint slipped into a pocket with an encouraging message on the day of big presentation sends waves of support and love when it’s needed most. Sharing our successes with those we love is another way of enhancing the romance. Toast each other’s success and bask in the glow.  

Spend quiet time with each other. Read books, do chores, sleep. Just be. Sometimes, just being together in the same room generates energy that may have been missing. 

Cultivate activities as a couple you enjoy doing together. Whether you enjoy games, biking, sports, antiquing, travel, music or haven’t discovered your interest yet, get out there and explore.  

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Visit the SMIRLY Store
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 16,340Reviews
SMIRLY Charcuterie Boards Gift Set: Large Charcuterie Board Set, Bamboo Cheese Board Set – Unique Mothers Day Gifts for Mom – House Warming Gifts New Home, Wedding Gifts for Couple, Bridal Shower Gift

HISTORY

Celebrate Romance founder, Eileen Buchheim, created Romance Awareness Month to encourage couples to improve their relationships through romance all year long.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Being aware of and adding more romance into your relationship will be a win-win for both you and your significant other. Passion has always been an essential part of relationships. Sometimes it is the little things that make a big difference, such as; holding hands, a shoulder rub, a flower, making dinner together, playing your favorite song, leaving a personal note, or watching a movie together.

Romance Awareness Month is also a great time to catch up on some reading with the wide selection of romance novels that are available. 

If posting on social media use #RomanceAwarenessMonth.

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Don’t forget to subscribe to Jen’s Perspective Magazine for more special times..

NATIONAL EGG DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

June 3rd is time to get a crack on the annual observance of National Egg Day!

The nutrient-rich food has gone back and forth with science and nutritionists over the decades as to just how many eggs are too many for a healthy diet. However, one egg provides an excellent source of protein and vitamin D. At 75 calories and 5 grams of fat, it’s an easy choice to satisfy hunger, too. Eggs are easily seasoned and pair well with vegetables to increase the nutritional value of a meal.

Eggs are an essential ingredient to baked goods and are a part of our everyday diets. There’s so much to celebrate in these small packages.

Don’t forget National Egg Month, Better Breakfast Month, and Eggs Benedict Day.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalEggDay

Fried, scrambled, poached, hard boiled, over easy, or whatever way you prefer, breakfast, lunch, snack or dinner, this versatile food is a perfect fit. They even make a great late night dinner.

Enjoy eggs for breakfast.  How about a fried egg sandwich for lunch? What’s your favorite way to enjoy an egg?  Use #NationalEggDay when posting on social media.

National Egg Day: National Egg Day Significance, History And Celebration#NationalEggDay
National Egg Day: National Egg Day Significance, History And Celebration
The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook: Over 100 Fabulous Recipes to Use Eggs in Unexpected Ways #NationalEggDay
The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook: Over 100 Fabulous Recipes to Use Eggs in Unexpected Ways
DASH Rapid Egg Cooker: 6 Egg Capacity Electric Egg Cooker for Hard Boiled Eggs, Poached Eggs, Scrambled Eggs, or Omelets with Auto Shut Off Feature - Red#NationalEggDay
DASH Rapid Egg Cooker: 6 Egg Capacity Electric Egg Cooker for Hard Boiled Eggs, Poached Eggs, Scrambled Eggs, or Omelets with Auto Shut Off Feature – Red
Egglettes Egg Cooker - Hard Boiled Eggs without the Shell, 4 Egg Cups#NationalEggDay
Egglettes Egg Cooker – Hard Boiled Eggs without the Shell, 4 Egg Cups

National Egg Month

Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

National Egg Month in May reminds us all the egg is cracked up to be!

It sure beats many other foods and whips up a great meal. We rely on eggs for a variety of uses, too. They’re essential for baked goods, but on their own, eggs make an eggcellent meal.

Whether boiled, baked, basted or fried, eggs are full of protein. They go well with vegetables and herbs, too.

One of the world’s most affordable food sources, eggs contain all the nutrients a body needs except vitamin C. So if you’re on a budget and want to stay healthy, add eggs to your superfood list.

The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook: Over 100 Fabulous Recipes to Use Eggs in Unexpected Ways#NationalEggMonth
The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook: Over 100 Fabulous Recipes to Use Eggs in Unexpected Ways
The Perfect Egg: A Fresh Take on Recipes for Morning, Noon, and Night [A Cookbook]#NationalEggMonth
The Perfect Egg: A Fresh Take on Recipes for Morning, Noon, and Night [A Cookbook]
Eggs: 50 Tried & True Recipes (Nature's Favorite Foods Cookbooks)#NationalEggMonth
Eggs: 50 Tried & True Recipes (Nature’s Favorite Foods Cookbooks)
The Ultimate Egg Bites Cookbook: Delicious Egg Bites You Can Make at Home Using an Egg Bite Maker#NationalEggMonth
The Ultimate Egg Bites Cookbook: Delicious Egg Bites You Can Make at Home Using an Egg Bite Maker

HISTORY

National Egg Month has been observed since the 1960s. Different months had the honor, however, as the reputation of the egg soured for a period of time, so did National Egg Month. But in the 1990s, the American Egg Board re-established National Egg Month in May. Since then, studies have been shining a light on good and bad egg nutrition, we have come a long way to understanding more about the differences in cholesterol and what it means for our health.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Try new recipes throughout the month. Eggs are versatile and can be incorporated into every meal of the day.  They’re also portable. Use #NationalEggMonth to share all the incredible ways eggs make your life and health better.

Hamilton Beach Sous Vide Style Electric Egg Bite Maker, Hard Boiled Egg Cooker & Poacher with Removable Nonstick Tray, Makes 2 in Under 10 Minutes, #NationalEggMonth
Hamilton Beach Sous Vide Style Electric Egg Bite Maker, Hard Boiled Egg Cooker & Poacher with Removable Nonstick Tray, Makes 2 in Under 10 Minutes,
DASH Rapid Egg Cooker: 6 Egg Capacity Electric Egg Cooker for Hard Boiled Eggs, Poached Eggs, Scrambled Eggs, or Omelets with Auto Shut Off Feature - Red#NationalEggMonth
DASH Rapid Egg Cooker: 6 Egg Capacity Electric Egg Cooker for Hard Boiled Eggs, Poached Eggs, Scrambled Eggs, or Omelets with Auto Shut Off Feature – Red
Buecmue Rustless Egg Frying Pan | 4-Cup Nonstick Easy Clean Egg Cooker Omelet Pan For Breakfast Swedish Pancake, Plett, Crepe Pan Gas Stove and Other Stoves Cookware#NationalEggMonth
Buecmue Rustless Egg Frying Pan | 4-Cup Nonstick Easy Clean Egg Cooker Omelet Pan For Breakfast Swedish Pancake, Plett, Crepe Pan Gas Stove and Other Stoves Cookware
Egg Poacher Pan - Stainless Steel Poached Egg Cooker – Perfect Poached Egg Maker – Induction Cooktop Egg Poachers Cookware Set with 6 Nonstick Large PFOA FREE Egg Poacher Cups and Silicone Spatula#NationalEggMonth
Egg Poacher Pan – Stainless Steel Poached Egg Cooker – Perfect Poached Egg Maker – Induction Cooktop Egg Poachers Cookware Set with 6 Nonstick Large PFOA FREE Egg Poacher Cups and Silicone Spatula

NATIONAL EGGS BENEDICT DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

On April 16th, National Eggs Benedict Day celebrates a long favored breakfast or brunch dish. Eggs Benedict consists of poached eggs with Hollandaise sauce and Canadian bacon or ham on English muffin halves.

There are two different stories as to how Eggs Benedict came to be.

  • In 1894 stockbroker Lemuel Benedict ordered “buttered toast, poached eggs, crisp bacon, and a side of Hollandaise”  at the Waldorf Hotel. They were so impressed with the dish that they put it on the menu substituting ham and English muffins in place of the bacon and toast.
  • In the early 18th century, Pope Benedict XIII liked an egg dish so much that he requested it time and time again. It is also believed that Pope Benedict XIII had an illness which added to his desire for this particular egg dish, hence the name Eggs Benedict.

Some restaurants serve their own versions of Eggs Benedict. Mix it up by substituting the ham for salmon or corned beef. Add sliced tomatoes or steamed asparagus. Replace the English muffin with thick, crusty toast or thin, crisp bagels. There are so many ways to be creative in the kitchen. The important elements with Eggs Benedict are properly poached eggs and a perfect hollandaise sauce. When the yolk and sauce blend with all the other ingredients, this meal is divine. 

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalEggsBenedictDay

Treat yourself to a delicious breakfast of Eggs Benedict at home or your favorite breakfast restaurant. Learn how to poach the perfect egg. You can even poach eggs in the microwave. Then whip up a delicious hollandaise sauce, too. It’s one of Mother Sauces used in cooking. Find out more about the types of sauces used and how to make them.

Use #NationalEggsBenedictDay to post on social media.

he Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook: Over 100 Fabulous Recipes to Use Eggs in Unexpected Ways#NationalEggsBenedictDay
he Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook: Over 100 Fabulous Recipes to Use Eggs in Unexpected Ways
EXCELSTEEL Non Stick Easy Use Rust Resistant Home Kitchen Breakfast Brunch Induction Cooktop Egg Poacher, 6 Cup, Stainless Steel, Round#NationalEggsBenedictDay
EXCELSTEEL Non Stick Easy Use Rust Resistant Home Kitchen Breakfast Brunch Induction Cooktop Egg Poacher, 6 Cup, Stainless Steel, Round
Knorr Sauce Mix Sauces For Simple Meals and Sides Hollandaise No Artificial Flavors#NationalEggsBenedictDay
Knorr Sauce Mix Sauces For Simple Meals and Sides Hollandaise No Artificial Flavors
REESE SAUCE HOLLANDAISE 7.5 OZ#NationalEggsBenedictDay
REESE SAUCE HOLLANDAISE 7.5 OZ

YULE – Day of Winter Solstice

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

On the arrival of the Winter Solstice, we observe Yule.  December 21, 2025.

Also known as Jul, Yule predates the Christmas holiday by thousands of years. Linguists debate the origin of the word of the word Yule. Some suggest the word is derived from “Iul,” the Anglo-Saxon word for wheel. This makes a connection to a Celtic calendar, the Wheel of the Year. However, in the Norse culture, “Jul” refers to the god, Odin. Odin was celebrated during Yule as well.

Yule celebrations included bonfires, decorating with holly, mistletoe and the boughs of evergreen trees, ritual sacrifices, feasts, and gift-giving.

Many Christmas Traditions Borrowed From Yule

Many of the traditions we use at Christmastime were borrowed from Yule traditions of old. Whether they are from myths, feasts, folklore, ancient beliefs, oral stories told, or festivals, we have woven them into the fabric of our modern-day customs. Do you recognize any Christmas traditions borrowed from Yule?

  • The midwinter feast usually lasted 12 days.
  • Vikings decorated evergreen trees with gifts such as food, carvings, and food for the tree spirits to encourage them to return in the spring.
  • Mistletoe combined with a mother’s tears resurrected her son, the God of Light and Goodness, in a Viking myth. The Celts believe Mistletoe possessed healing powers as well and would ward off evil spirits.
  • In Norse tradition, Old Man Winter visited homes to join the festivities. The Viking god, Odin was described as a wanderer with a long white beard and is considered the first Father Christmas.
  • Viking children left their shoes out by the hearth on the eve of the winter solstice with sugar and hay for Odin’s eight-legged horse, Sleipnir.
  • Children traipsed from house to house with gifts of apples and oranges spiked with cloves and resting in baskets lined with evergreen boughs.
  • The Yule log was a whole tree meant to be burned for 12 days in the hearth. The Celts believed the sun stood still during the winter solstice. They thought by keeping the Yule log burning for these 12 days encouraged the sun to move, making the days longer. The largest end would be fed into the hearth, wine poured over it. They lit it with the remains of the previous year’s Yule log. Everyone took turns feeding the length of timber into the fire as it burned. Letting it burn out would bring bad luck.

YULE HISTORY

While we observe the winter solstice around the world, Germanic cultures of northern and western Europe primarily celebrated Yule. At the midpoint of winter, they celebrated the rebirth of the sun and the light it would bring to the Earth.

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  • Yule
  • Christmas
  • Kwanzaa
  • Winter Solstice
  • Festivus
  • Hanukkah

HOW TO OBSERVE #Yule

Share your observations, stories, and traditions related to the holiday. Examine your holiday traditions and compare them to those of yuletide. Where do they cross and blend? Explore the history and lore of Yule. Read Yule: A Celebration of Light and Warmth by Dorothy Morrison for more insight. 

Share other traditions we missed and use #Yule to post on social media.