NATIONAL PICNIC MONTH

July is an excellent time for National Picnic Month. The fresh air stirs the appetite, and garden vegetables and fruits make outdoor eating easier.

Picnics hearken back to mid-18th-century al fresco French dining. A bottle of wine, a loaf of bread, some cheese and fruit made for an instant meal under the sky. The word picnic is derived from the French word piquenique.

Extra Large Picnic & Outdoor Blanket Dual Layers for Outdoor Water-Resistant Handy Mat Tote Spring Summer Blue and White Striped Great for The Beach,Camping on Grass Waterproof Sandproof (SC-CM-01)

by Scuddles
Extra Large Picnic & Outdoor Blanket Dual Layers for Outdoor Water-Resistant Handy Mat Tote Spring Summer Blue and White Striped Great for The Beach,Camping on Grass Waterproof Sandproof (SC-CM-01)

by Scuddles

Whether we pack meals for tailgating at sporting events, an afternoon get-away or a weekend of camping, picnics provide an excellent way to enjoy the company of friends and family away from home.

Tirrinia Large Insulated Picnic Basket, 26L Leakproof Collapsible Portable Cooler Basket Set with Aluminium Handle for Travel, Shopping, Camping, Attach with a Free Foldable Grocery Bag, Blue

by Tirrinia
Tirrinia Large Insulated Picnic Basket, 26L Leakproof Collapsible Portable Cooler Basket Set with Aluminium Handle for Travel, Shopping, Camping, Attach with a Free Foldable Grocery Bag, Blue

by Tirrinia

It’s important to keep the meals simple and focus on the company. Sandwiches, finger foods, and beverages may seem plain, but it’s more about spending time with each other and being in nature.

apollo walker Picnic Backpack Bag for 2 Person with Cooler Compartment, Detachable Bottle/Wine Holder, Fleece Blanket, Plates and Cutlery (Blue)

by apollo walker
apollo walker Picnic Backpack Bag for 2 Person with Cooler Compartment, Detachable Bottle/Wine Holder, Fleece Blanket, Plates and Cutlery (Blue)

by apollo walker

HISTORY

The American Bakers’ Association founded National Picnic Month in 1952.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Pack up the picnic basket and head out to your favorite park. Bring juice, wine, fruit, cheese, bread and some smoked meats and you’re all set. Use #NationalPicnicMonth to share on social media.

National Accordion Awareness Month

A one and a two and a three…! June is National Accordion Awareness Month.

Through a complex construction of bellows and reeds, the accordion (also known as a concertina) produces its mournful timbre when air is forced over the reeds. While the accordion accompanies traditional polka music, the instrument has found its way into many classical and modern works of music.

For generations the accordion complimented many genres in American music. From jazz and zydeco to folk and Gospel and Blues, musicians found the accordion a fit a variety of musical styles.

The instrument changed, too. Manufactured in several different sizes, the smaller squeeze boxes became popular. The accordion fit well into country music, and when Rock and Roll made the scene, the accordion followed. Today, the instrument is no stranger to the recording studio.

Musicians such as Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, and Mumford and Sons all have recorded hit songs with the accordion playing a supporting role.

HISTORY

Since 1989, National Accordion Awareness Month has been educating the public about the musical stamina of this outstanding instrument.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Learn about the history and kinds of accordions. Each one produces a different quality sound. The sophisticated instrument is not only beautiful to hear but to witness being played. Find a local performance near you or watch a video. Take up lessons. Use #NtionalAccordionAwarenessMonth to share on social media.

Hohner Accordions - Full Manufacturer Warranty
Hohner Accordions - Full Manufacturer Warranty#NtionalAccordionAwarenessMonth
Hohner Accordions – Full Manufacturer Warranty
Kids Accordion Instrument Toys
Kids Accordion Instrument Toys#NtionalAccordionAwarenessMonth
Kids Accordion Instrument Toys

NATIONAL CHOPSTICKS DAY

Each year on National Chopsticks Day, people worldwide celebrate the humble and ancient utensils on February 6th.

Around 1200 B.C., Chinese cooks began using chopsticks to prepare food. These tools were likely long enough to reach into hot cooking pots. Then about 400 B.C., when fuels for cooking became scarce, food was prepared in smaller pieces reducing the number of resources needed to cook it. At the same time, the need for sharp eating utensils faded, and shorter chopsticks entered the scene.

The Chinese term for chopsticks is kuai-tzu.

Once these handy eating tools found their way to the dinner table, they spread around the world. Portable and elegant in their design, they also vary in style from region to region.

Today chopsticks may be made from wood such as bamboo or aspen. Elaborately carved chopsticks may be cut from jade, ivory, or wood, and artisans may ornately paint some chopsticks with miniature scenes.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalChopsticksDay

Use chopsticks to eat your meals. Practice using chopsticks or teach someone how to use them. Share your favorite set of chopsticks or your favorite meal to eat with chopsticks. Visit your favorite restaurant where chopsticks are provided. Make sure you give them a shoutout, too! Of course, you should invite someone to celebrate with you, also! Maybe ask them to join you in a chopstick competition to see who is the most proficient using them. Be sure to use #NationalChopsticksDay to share on social media.

NATIONAL GRANOLA BAR DAY

Each year on January 21st, National Granola Bar Day recognizes the considerable nutrition and energy found in one wholesome granola bar. 

A basic granola bar includes whole grain (usually oats, though quinoa and barley can be used as well), fruit or nuts and honey, molasses, agave nectar, or syrup. The bar can also include butter or nut butter. Flavor and nutrition benefit from a variety of combinations.

When making granola bars, mix the ingredients, and press them into a pan. When the ingredients set, cut them into bars. For a crispy bar, the mixture is baked. Softer, more chewy versions are left raw or only partially cooked. Additionally, they can be stored in sealed containers and frozen for long-term use.

Granola bars are packed with energy and their convenience is undeniable. Easily stored in a pocket while on a hiking or biking trail, the wrapper goes out with you. While considered a health food by some, the bars are high in calories. Hikers, bicyclists, and fitness enthusiasts add granola bars to their diet as a way to give a boost of energy. Despite their high calories, they offer a more healthful alternative to a candy bar for those of us who don’t hit the trails very often.

Outside of the United States, granola bars are called by various names; flapjack, muesli bar, and a cereal bar.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGranolaBarDay

While mixing up a pan of granola bars, try some variety. Mix up the nuts, grains, and fruit. Don’t hesitate to try agave in place of honey. Try quinoa, millet, and buckwheat. They will add another level of texture and nuttiness to your granola. Dried cranberries, coconut, dates, apricots offer a variety of natural sweetness without adding sugar. Share your favorite combinations. Check out several Keto friendly versions of nuts and seeds too.

Use #NationalGranolaBarDay to post on social media.