The Legend of Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day has been a popular tradition in the United States for as long as most of us can remember. It is the day that the Groundhog comes out of his hole to look for his shadow.
If he sees his shadow, he considers it a sign of six more weeks of winter, and returns to his hole. However, if he doesn’t see his shadow, we will expect beautiful spring days ahead.
The groundhog tradition comes from similar beliefs associated Candlemas. This old European theory believes that a sunny Candlemas day would lead the winter to last another six weeks.
Gradually these traditions became associated with other different folklores. The Germans added the belief of an animal (originally a hedgehog). If the hedgehog was frightened by his shadow on Candlemas day, this would predict winter to last another six weeks.
This belief was then brought to America during the 18th Century by German settlers. These settlers then adopted the groundhog as their weather predictor.
Now, each year on February 2nd, we gather for fun events, crafts, stories, and other Groundhog Day celebrations as we await for the weather predictions.
Be sure to visit Long Island’s favorite groundhogs, the Malverne Mel and the Holtsville Hal as they predict what the rest of winter 2016 will have in store for us.
For more Groundhog Day celebrations and events on Long Island, visit http://www.longisland.com/news/01-12-16/groundhog-day-2016-events.html
Written by: Amanda Haase
DIY Home Projects for Cold Winter Days
How have you been spending your winter days? Maybe you’re spending them curled up on the couch reading a book, or watching your favorite TV program? Having a lazy day once in awhile isn’t a bad thing, but if you’re stuck indoors because of the cold, why not turn your lazy day into a “go day”?
Here are some home DIY projects to tackle during these cold winter days:
Do some painting. Cold weather is ideal for drying paint. Redo the color scheme of your bathroom, or add dimension to your living room or bedroom. If you are feeling creative, grab some painter’s tape and create a pattern on your walls.
Change your light bulbs. It can be a bit of an investment, however, going around your home and swapping your old light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs will save you money! Energy Star qualified light bulbs will save you more than $40 in electricity costs over its lifetime.
Install a backsplash to your kitchen’s countertop. A backsplash is a perfect way to spice up the look of your kitchen. If your kitchen is in need of color and life, a flashy or textured tile can spice up a plain scheme. For a more chic look, go with a neutral colored tile.
Give your closet a makeover. If organization is on your list for 2016, start by tackling your closet. There are so many ways to personalize your closet for your needs. Install shelves or purchase an over the door shoe rack to help cut down on clutter. Go through your clothes and donate the items that you no longer wear. This is an excellent way to help others in need while achieving a personal goal.
Do a Home Inventory. Prepare a written list of all your valuable belongings. In the event of a homeowners claim or loss, this list will be at your fingertips and will help expedite the claim process. Aside from preparing a written list, be sure to take detailed pictures of all your items listed in your inventory.
For more information on home inventories, visit: http://www.rmiia.org/homeowners/Walking_Through_Your_Policy/Home_Inventory.asp
These are just a few ideas to help you focus on the inside of your home while the weather is cold. Once spring time rolls around, you can focus your time on the outside!
For more inspirational DIY home projects, visit: http://www.countryliving.com/remodeling-renovation/expert-advice/g997/diy-weekend-home-decor-projects/?slide=1
Written by: Amanda Haase
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
The New Year has arrived and people all around the world will be making New Year’s Resolutions. Making a New Year’s Resolutions is the first step to achieving a new you, however, maintaining and following through with your goals can get tough.
Life gets busy and the objectives that you are hoping to reach can fall off of your priority list. If one of your resolutions this New Year is to maintain or get to a healthy weight, here are some easy, everyday tips that can help you stay on track during the chaos.
1. Exercise regularly. Even if it is just for 10 minutes a day, keeping your body moving will help maintain your goal.
2. Reduce your screen time. Put down the phone and remote control and get outside for a walk. Limiting your use of technology gives your mind a moment to rest and helps the body relax.
3. Watch your portions. There is no reason that you can’t enjoy the things you love while trying to eat better. It is all about portions. Instead of eating ten of your favorite cookies, try only having two. This goes for meal potions as well.
4. Eat five servings of fruits and veggies a day. Fruits and veggies are packed with fiber, which means they fill you up. When you fill up on fruits and veggies, you’re less likely to overeat.
5. Avoid skipping breakfast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This meal gives you the energy to kick start your day and also helps aid weight loss.
6. Join a gym. This option can open up many doors to your weight loss journey.
Do you own a gym or a fitness center? Join our family of satisfied fitness clients, and let us quote your gym today! Call our office at (516) 249-5200 or visit our website at www.chedwards.net. Don’t forget to mention us at your gym so we can help them as well.
Good luck with your New Year’s Resolution!
Written by: Amanda Haase
National Popcorn Day
Many years before movies were around, there was popcorn! Archeologist have made us believe that popcorn is actually a “stone age snack”.
Researchers found 80,000-year-old corn pollen below Mexico City. These corn pollens are exactly the same as modern corn pollen, meaning cave people most likely had popcorn.
The oldest corn pollen ever found was discovered in the “Bat Cave” of central New Mexico. This pollen is believed to be 5,600 years old. Archaeologists have found prehistoric kernels of popcorn that are so well preserved that they can still pop!
In fact, popcorn only became popular to Americans in the 19th century. It became a well-known snack food which is why you can now find it in parks, movie theaters, at sporting events, and even street vendors.
During World War II, when sugar was rationed, Americans were forced to change their snacking habits. Americans were now eating three times as much popcorn as they had before compared to other sugary treats.
Today, the perfect place to eat popcorn is at the movies. Back in the 1930’s and 1940’s, it was the exact same scenario. However, when television took off in the 1950s, popcorn sales dropped for a while.
Americans now consume more popcorn than could fill the Empire State Building. That is more than fifty popped quarts per person, per year. That’s a lot of popcorn!
Celebrate National Popcorn Day, today, and get popping.
Written By: Amanda Haase
