NATIONAL OYSTER DAY

Get slurping on August 5th with National Oyster Day! Oysters are enjoyed as a seafood in many parts of the world.

Did you know there are over 100 different species of oysters?  Interestingly, oysters tend to take on the characteristics of the water in which they live. Because of this, they’re typically named after the body of water in which they grow.

While many people enjoy fresh oysters raw, the shellfish can also be savored in multiple other ways. As a side dish, oysters add immense flavor to Thanksgiving dressing. They also make delicious stews, soups, and chowders. Other recipes will bake, grill or broil the oysters with or without the shell.

These mollusks provide valuable nutrients whether eaten cooked or raw. Since oysters supply a high amount of vitamins B12 and A, they may benefit heart, skin, and brain health. These vitamins also support lung and kidney function. Additionally, oysters benefit the environment since their valves are capable of cleansing an ecosystem of pollutants.

Here are some other exciting oyster facts:

  • The Chesapeake Bay produces more oysters in the world than any other body of water. 
  • The world loves oysters! We consume almost two billion pounds of oysters each year around the world.
  • Illustrating how the body of water influences the flavor of the oysters, the east and west coast U.S. oysters taste very different from each other. On the east coast, oysters tend to be smaller, milder and saltier. However, west coast oysters take on a creamy texture and a sweet flavor.  
  • Only one out of every 10,000 oysters will produce a pearl.

Want more seafood delicacies try some of these…National Seafood Month, National Fried Scallops Day, National Shrimp Day, National Baked Scallops Day, National Crab Meat Day, Clams on the Half Shell Day, National Shrimp Scampi Day, National Lobster Day, National Go Fishing Day, National Catfish Day, National Catfish Month, National Caviar Day, French Fried Shrimp  Day,  National Oyster Day, Oysters Rockefeller Day,  National Seafood Bisque Day, Lobster Newburgh Day, National Deep Fried Clams Day, Crab Stuffed Flounder Day, National Sardines Day

HOW TO OBSERVE #NATIONALOYSTERDAY

Make or order a dish that uses oyster as one of its main ingredients. You can celebrate in other ways, too.

Use #NationalOysterDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL COAST GUARD DAY

National Coast Guard Day on August 4th celebrates and honors the courageous work of the service members of Coast Guard. 

The United States Coast Guard is one of the five US Armed Forces. While this maritime service is a branch of the military, they are a multi-missioned service. During peacetime, it operates under the Department of Homeland Security. However, their responsibilities can be transferred to the US Navy by the President of the United States any time deemed necessary, or by Congress during war times.

Always ready, The United States Coast Guard’s official motto in Latin reads Semper Paratus.

Since 1790, the Coast Guard’s missions have changed. As the nation and the military services grew, maritime needs evolved. In 1917, the first Coast Guard aviators graduated from Pensacola Naval Aviation Training School. Today, aviation is a large part of the Coast Guard’s security, enforcement, and defense readiness.

Always ready to protect our shores and waterways, the Coast Guard provides more than search and rescue. They are a large part of the nation’s navigation system and Marine Environmental Protection.

When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast of America, the US Coast Guard saved over 33,500 lives. Their maritime efforts rescued an estimated 24,000 lives from peril in severely dangerous conditions.

Since 1790, service members have been at the ready to provide support whatever the mission. Their commitment continues today. 

Explore More….

NATIONAL COAST GUARD HISTORY

The United States Coast Guard traces its founding to an act of Congress on August 4, 1790.  The Coast Guard consisted of 10 vessels that carried out the enforcement of various trade and humanitarian duties.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCoastGuardDay

In America, thousands of events nationwide honor the Coast Guard. Get involved and show your support. Other ways to celebrate the day include:

  • Taking a tour of one of the many Coast Guard museums in the country.
  • Share stories of Coast Guard experiences.
  • Listen to the U.S. Coast Guard Band.
  • Watch movies featuring the Coast Guard. Find a complete list here.
  • Read about the Coast Guard in The Coast Guard by José Hanson and Tom Beard or So Others May Live: Coast Guard’s Rescue Swimmers: Saving Lives, Defying Death by Marth J. Laguardia-Kotite and Tome Ridge

Post on social media using #NationalCoastGuardDay.

College Life

While some students attending college will stay at home. The vast majority will be moving into a dorm room, first apartment, or another living arrangement; some close by, others across the country, I’ve compiled a list of things you will need. Some of these are obvious, some not so much. Make sure you double-check the amenities of your new home.  Get great savings on everything you need.  Students can get a 6 months free trial of Amazon Prime. Just click here.

One last note.  If you are traveling make sure you have your important papers in a safe, easy to access place.   Take pictures on your phone and put in secure hidden storage.  Things like Drivers license, insurance papers, bank information, school administration paperwork, and dorm assignment papers. You might need a copy of your birth certificate or your social security card. You should also have a master list of credit card numbers, insurance policy numbers, important emergency contact numbers, and vehicle plate and vin number. Everyone should have this information in a safe place. Travel or disasters natural or man made can happen anywhere or time. This information will make everything easier to deal with. We keep a second copy.


School Needs

Dorm Life

Dinning

Decorating

Cleaning Stuff

Bathroom

Personal Items

Other Stuff you will need

Off to College shopping
College shopping

National Decorating Month

Brighten up your home during National Decorating Month in April! A fresh coat of paint, stylish fabrics, and furnishings give a tired space a fresh look and make something old look new again.

It’s amazing what we can do with a few strategically placed items. Whether a decorator’s trained eye or a natural sense of color and space leads to a beautiful new space, the achievement is always satisfying.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to decorating projects around the home. No matter where you decide to update, be sure to do your research and prepare. The do-it-yourself handbook has been written multiple times. If you’re hesitant, help can be found in the form of videos, the service counters of hardware stores and decorators, too.

HISTORY

National Decorating Month originated in 1968 as National Home Decorating Month. The National Decorating Products Association (now known as the Paint & Wallpaper Association of America) in association with House and Garden Magazine launch the event.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Decorating Tips and Ideas

  • Form a painting club. Each member gets a room painted by the club. An ideal size would be six members. If you paint one room every other month, everyone gets a room painted in a year. The member whose room is being painted provides snacks and painting supplies.
  • If you smoke in your home and are trying to quit smoking, a great motivator is to paint the interior of your home. The freshly painted (and possibly decorated) home may be a deterrent from smoking in the home.
  • If you’re uncertain of a color choice, purchase a small amount of the paint or swatch of fabric. Paint a small patch or leave the swatch in the room where it will be used.  Let the sun rise and set in that room so you can see how the color changes.  You will soon know if you love it or hate it.
  • When choosing furniture for a room, be sure to measure more than just the space for the furniture when deciding on a piece. Measure the openings and corners leading into the room even if there are no stairs. If you cannot get the furniture into the room, you may have to return your new furniture.

Don’t settle for a plain square room. Add your personality to it with some expert advice or do-it-yourself redesign.  Use #NationalDecoratingMonth to share on social media.