Another month has passes! Yikes! Well, I guess this means you should check out the July Monthly Poll! To vote, click here!
As always, the poll will be opened until the end of the month following (August). The results of the poll will be shared soon after. Can't wait to see what you all have to say!
Flowing quite well from the last post, July is also National Parks and Recreation Month!
National Parks and Recreation Month began in 1985 in the United States, although it wasn't officially recognized until 2009. The official designation was the result of the National Recreation and Park Association and the U.S. House of Representatives. The purpose of both the original and formally recognized theme is "to recognize the importance of parks and recreation in establishing and maintaining the quality of life for, and contributing to the physical, economic and environmental well-being of communities." Each year a new theme is established, as the focus of that particular month. This year (2014), boasts the title of "Out is In" where the focus is on "setting trends instead of following them, making 2014 the year people go outside, change their outlook, and get involved in their community through parks and recreation."
As we have seen over the last year and a half through DailyTastyNugget, there are endless activities and reasons to head outside. Walking, biking, running, frisbee, family time, hanging out with friends, the benefits of the sun and/or fresh air, and the freedom to just get out of the house are some of the possibilities of taking advantage of the outdoors. So, do yourself a favour, since there are only a few days left of this month, why not step outside and do something different each day! And, do you know what the best part of enjoying the outdoors is? It's FREE! So, get out there!
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Not unlike or previous celebration, this theme comes in the form of both a month and day event! Happy National Picnic Month, everyone! National Picnic Day, however, takes place in April for some reason, but July is also home to National Teddy Bear's Picnic Day, so I suppose that makes up for it!
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National Picnic Month was created to "celebrate the love of being outside enjoying each others company by having a nice relaxing picnic. It's a time to celebrate the open air, nature all it has to offer." Although there doesn't seem to be anything to indicate when this became a thing, it certainly makes sense to have July as the celebrating month. After all, this is generally when the weather begins to get nice, the kiddies are out of school, and ants are in abundance ready to steal your crumbs upon arrival.
The thing about picnics, though, is that you have to be awfully keen on the out of doors in order to participate. There are many critters that like to stumble onto your blanket, into your containers, and well, some even end up in your tummy! I think the best picnics are the one's born out of spontaneity. You know the ones...it's a summer morning, you look out, it's beautiful, so you pack a bag and head out. This in and of itself is pretty terrific, but then the sun begins to fade behind some dark clouds and you rush to pack up your things and book 'er to the car, only to be caught in a magical rainstorm, where the only thing you can do is laugh and release your inner-child! Okay, so this has literally never happened to me, but, don't you think it sounds fun?
Picnics usually come with some pretty tasty food, as well. Picnic staples include, sandwiches, various salads, lemonade, fruit, cheese and crackers, etc. Basically, it kind of becomes a mish-mash of whatever you can conjure up, unless you preplan it. And, since most of the items you require for a picnic are in season at this time, it also becomes a fresh and refreshing potluck, of sorts.
Whatever you pack, and wherever you park, one of the best parts of a picnic (besides the amazing food you will consume, or the scenery and natural settings you generally surround whilst partaking in picnics) is the time you get to share with the people you are with! Maybe it's your family, maybe it's a good group of friends? Or, maybe it's a special someone? Regardless, there is nothing better than relaxing, having a good laugh, and enjoying all the wonders of a picnic! May you have plenty of opportunity this month to engage in an afternoon of picnicking!
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I scream, you scream, all month long eat ice cream! Yep! That's right! The second tasty celebration for July - National Ice Cream Month!
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Thanks to former President Ronald Reagan, National Ice Cream Month was declared in 1984. Apparently this was the result of the frozen treat's substantial growth, and overall consumption by Americans. National Ice Cream Day also falls under the month of July, and is meant to be celebrated in conjunction with the month-long theme, as well.
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What's not to love about a month dedicated to ice creamy goodness?! Lactose intolerant? Can't have cow products due to allergies or veganism? No problem - there are so many alternatives out there! My personal favourite is coconut-based ice cream. It's super rich, and mighty tasty! Even better, why not plop a scoop or two into your favourite glass along with a nice healthy dose of root beer? The possibilities for enjoying ice cream are endless!
Yummy! July marks National Blueberry Month!
National Blueberry Month was designated in 2003 by the United States Department of Agriculture.
As you can see from the official Proclamation of the month-long celebration, blueberries are found in many States, and have produced (no pun intended) a significant industry. Blueberries are in such high-demand there's even a North American Blueberry Council! I mean, who can blame them? Blueberries are one of my favourite fruits. I have many memories both from my childhood, and early adult years picking blueberries (although not in the U.S.). There's just something so satisfying about it all! But, what makes blueberries so great? Well...
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What other reasons do you actually need? I mean just look at how beautiful they are!
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So, eat up, folks! Mash as many of these delightful little fruits into your mouth while you can! It's blueberry time!
Information for this post was found using the following sites: http://www.nabcblues.org/, http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=8, http://www.2020site.org/fun-facts/Blueberry-Fun-Facts.html, http://www.freshforkids.com.au/fruit_pages/blueberry/blueberry.html
So the first theme of July is Anti-Bordom Month! Hmmm... considering my boredom is been removed by my completing this post, I think, is fitting!
What is boredom, anyway? Well, boredom can be defined as "an emotional state experienced when an individual is left without anything in particular to do, and not interested in their surroundings." Apparently there are three known types of boredom:
1. Prevention from engaging in an activity we want to
2. Being forced to participate in an activity we don't want to
3. An inability to maintain engagement in a particular activity, for whatever reason
Interestingly, 'cures' for boredom include sleeping and thinking creatively, or daydreaming. (I must be bored a lot, because I daydream constantly...) Another cure for boredom is to try something new! When we find ourselves in routine, it makes it difficult to find motivation to continue with the activity in question. However, if we can switch things up a bit, it can renew a sense of excitement, and thus, remove our boredom!
Listen, there are countless ways to remove the boredom from our lives, but this is something that is personal and that varies from person to person! I like to watch a movie, read, or go for a drive. I also like to sleep. The point is, everyone's different. So, this month, I challenge you to find new ways to remove the boredom from your life!
Here's a fun anti-boredom campaign commercial!
Note: We do not recommend you try this 'cure' for boredom, despite how much fun it looks like it would be.
