Bruce Littlefield's Life 101 » Holidays

Holidays – National Watermelon Month

Bruce Littlefield — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:01:37 +0000

July is National Watermelon Month, so proclaimed by Congress. Did you know that the United States produces 4,200,000,000 pounds of watermelon annually and it’s grown in 49 States? (I’m guessing Alaska is stuck on wolf hunting.) Read the House Proclamation here. Or enjoy these darn cute pictures of polar bears eating watermelon.
This weekend I’m making vivacious Paula Deen’s Watermelon Salad with Mint Leaves. Now, that’s a party in your mouth, y’all!

Dinner Party Talk – 4th of July Follow-Up

Bruce Littlefield — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:54:58 +0000

I had a great time over the weekend doing all things American–from fireworks to grilling. Realized it’s never too late for a good 4th of July history parody, and this one got the giant history nerd inside me excited. Some clever fellow history buff has rewritten the lyrics to One Republic’s Apologize and given us Too Late to Apologize: A Declaration. There’s nothing better than reflecting on America’s independence with a hit pop song. Or maybe you’d rather listen to Elvis’s amazing American Trilogy. And jumping from history to the present, here’s an academic ranking of our 43 presidents. Presidental scholars were asked about their faves, and, lo and behold, FDR is #1 and you may be surprised by the worst…

American Fun – Fireworks!

Bruce Littlefield — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 15:41:35 +0000

It’s 4th of July weekend, and what better way to celebrate than with sparkly explosions of fire? It’s an American tradition, but the Chinese were the ones to first use fireworks to scare away evil spirits as early as the 7th century. 2010′s displays are probably a little more elaborate, especially those on this list of the best fireworks displays in the country (one, of course, being NYC’s Macy’s Fireworks Display.) Of course, if you can’t make it to one of these cities, you can always make your own fireworks…with a fire marshall present…or just not.
Everybody have a happy 4th and be safe!

American Fun – Summer Solstice

Bruce Littlefield — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:42:20 +0000

June 21 (or 20, for argument’s sake) marks the summer solstice, the day when the sun is closest to the Northern hemisphere. Astrologically, it’s the first day of summer, and it’s also the longest day of the year. The Ancient Greeks would celebrate with a variety of sun-centered rituals, but here’s how I’m celebrating this evening: rooftop, sunglasses and a cold glass of something fruity. Maybe a twist on a classic, like Better Homes and Garden’s blackberry sangria, or one of their lemonade ideas. And Good Housekeeping has some boxed white wines that are perfect for summer (and actually good!). Of course, it isn’t summer in the south (my motherland) without sweet tea. Boil a couple of Lipton tea bags in a small pot of water, mix with clear, warm water to fill a large pitcher and add sugar to taste (I like about 2 cups). Be sure to stir the sugar constantly until totally dissolved. Enjoy with grandma and a porch swing. Happy summer!

American Fun – Happy Flag Day!

Bruce Littlefield — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:31:32 +0000

Newscom

June 14 commemorates the day in 1777 when the Continental Congress officially adopted the American flag. It’s not a national holiday (read: we all have to work anyway) but the patriotically-inclined will be flying their stars and stripes today. And hopefully everyone is following these flag rules! Before dinner tonight, memorize some random flag facts to impress your family, and remember, no Flag Day is complete without a crochet American flag hat. Start today and maybe you’ll be done by Flag Day 2014.

Happy Memorial Day

Bruce Littlefield — Mon, 31 May 2010 13:39:43 +0000

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. Did you know it was first enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War and was later expanded after World War I? Take a moment today to remember those who have served as well as those who stayed back and kept the home fires burning while their loved ones served. Both are great sacrifices.

Everyday heroes – Nurses

Bruce Littlefield — Mon, 10 May 2010 21:42:22 +0000

This week is National Nurses Week, culminating on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. During the Crimean War, Nurse Nightingale was dubbed “The Lady with the Lamp” after her habit of making rounds at night to tend injured soldiers. The Nightingale Pledge taken by new nurses (…”and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care”) was named in her honor.
If you’ve ever been in the hospital, you know we should all thank a nurse. Or at least listen to the nurse’s rap.

Holidays – Cinco de Mayo

Bruce Littlefield — Wed, 05 May 2010 15:36:18 +0000

Cinco de Mayo celebrates the 1862 battle between the victory of an under-manned, under-armed Mexican army against Napoleon III’s well-fortified French Army led by Napoleon III. We in America use it as an excuse to drink margaritas (Here’s a yummy recipe) and dance the salsa (Here are the basic steps.)
Celebrating 5/5 in the U.S. was started in 1967 by Cal State students who noticed there weren’t any Mexican holidays celebrated in America like there were for other nationalities (like St. Patrick’s Day, Oktoberfest, or Chinese New Year). My Web Grocer reports that sales of jalapeno peppers and cheese increased 70 percent in the last week. (Except in Arizona.)
At the very least, put on a mariachi song and make yourself a margarita, but don’t forget, amigos don’t let amigos drive drunk.

Holidays – Mother’s Day

Bruce Littlefield — Tue, 04 May 2010 14:13:23 +0000

Don’t forget it’s Mother’s Day week. You’ll want to find a way to appreciate the good way YOU turned out and thank your mom. She probably had a lot do… as Cher and Raquel explain.

Ideas that will make Mother’s Day Magic:
Fancy-up flowers (put flowers in unconventional containers like watering cans, crockery, and coffee mugs)
Write her something special (in a store bought card, a poem, a story)
Give sweet treats (homemade chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate chip cookies, or a gift certificate to her favorite restaurant)
Or think clever keepsakes (I’ve scored great stuff at Home Goods for under $20 for framing photos, hand print cloth napkins with your kids, make a bouquet of gardening tools, etc.)
Most of all, say “I love you!“

Life 101 – Earth Day

Bruce Littlefield — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:33:57 +0000

5 THINGS YOU CAN DO FOR THE PLANET
1. Plant a garden. (Going vegetarian is the easiest way to reduce your carbon footprint, but just becoming a “locavore” and eating food grown within a 100 miles from your home is a start.)
2. Cut down on plastic. (Make the Plastic Pledge. Did you know 8% of the world’s annual oil production is used to create plastic?)
3. Watch Food Inc. (A must see! It will change the way you eat.)
4. Drive less. (Walk, bike, carpool, take public transportation where available.)
5. Figure out ways to make your home more energy efficient. (Hint: It’s not just the light bulbs!)