Mud. It seems like a nuisance, doesn’t it? As soon as it rains, mud is everywhere, and it literally gets all over everything. There are definitely no benefits this slippery, sticky dirty substance could offer, right? Wrong. And the creators of International Mud Day are out to prove it! After all, mud is quintessential to the outdoors, and the outdoors mean fresh air and exercise, two of the best things for people. And so what if we get a little dirty? Plenty of research has shown that coming into contact with a certain amount of bacteria is good for us, as it helps build up immunity, as opposed to living in a virtually sterile environment, which makes our bodies very vulnerable. Not to mention how many minerals mud can—there’s a reason why people pay hundreds of dollars for mud masks and baths at spas. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get dirty!
The creators of International Mud Day wanted to find a way to help all of the children of the Earth feel closer to each other…and what a better way to do it than through the Earth itself? International Mud Day began in 2009 at a World Forum event, when Gillian McAuliffe from Australia and Bishnu Bhatta from Nepal got together to talk about ways to encourage feelings of community and appreciation for the world around us. The collaboration that followed has inspired educators, children,and families across the globe, from Holland to Nepal to the United States, to celebrate International Mud Day together each year on June 29. Regardless of age, race and religion, covered in mud, we all look the same!
As American botanist Luther Burbank said,
“Every child should have mud pies, grasshoppers,water bugs, tadpoles, frogs, mud turtles, wild strawberries, acorns, chestnuts, trees to climb. Brooks to wade…bees, butterflies, various animals to pet, hay fields, pine-cones, rocks to toll, sand, snakes and hornets; any child who has been deprives of these has been deprived of the best part of…education.”
thanks for the stunning pics, Barbara
Idiom of the Day
insofar as -
To such an extent that; to the degree that.
Giraffes at dusk
Word of the Day
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| Definition: | (adjective) Lacking grace or ease of movement or form. | ||
| Synonyms: | clumsy, clunky, gawky, unwieldy | ||
| Usage: | He was a gawky lad with long ungainly legs, but she thought he was the most handsome boy she had ever seen. | ||
History
Giacomo Leopardi (1798)
Leopardi was an Italian poet and scholar who suffered throughout his life from chronic physical ailments and dashed hopes. Despite these challenges, he was devoted to philosophy and the classics from early childhood and became one of the most formidable linguists and writers of his time. His pessimistic poetry is admired for its brilliance, intensity, and musicality. He is considered among the great Italian poets of the 19th century.
Reports of Side Effects with Cosmetics Increasing
Reports of adverse events associated with cosmetics and personal care products sold in the U.S. more than doubled last year, due in large part to complaints about WEN by Chaz Dean Cleansing Conditioners, a new study suggests.READ MORE:
Reports of side effects with cosmetics increasing
1652 - Massachusetts declared itself an independent commonwealth.
1860 - The first iron-pile lighthouse was completed at Minot’s Ledge, MA.
1888 - Professor Frederick Treves performed the first appendectomy in England.
1925 - Marvin Pipkin filed for a patent for the frosted electric light bulb.
1953 - The Federal Highway Act authorized the construction of 42,500 miles of freeway from coast to coast.
1972 - The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty could constitute "cruel and unusual punishment." The ruling prompted states to revise their capital punishment laws.
1987 - Vincent Van Gogh’s "Le Pont de Trinquetaille" was bought for $20.4 million at an auction in London, England.
1995 - The shuttle Atlantis and the Russian space station Mir docked, forming the largest man-made satellite ever to orbit the Earth.
2000 - In Santa Rosa, CA, the official groundbreaking ceremony took place for the Charles M. Schulz Museum.
2007 - The first generation Apple iPhone went on sale
DAILY SQU-EEK
READERS INFO
1.Sioux City Saturday in the Park 2017
Jul 1, 2017 | Sioux City, IA
Grandview Park|301 24th Street
Thousands flock to Sioux City’s Saturday in the Park for an annual community celebration complete with music and fireworks. Gathering together in a beautiful outdoor arena, guests can listen to popular musical acts at stages around Grandview Park or shop through a variety of vendors offering handmade goods. There is also a Kid's Zone with lots of fun activities for children.
further information: Home - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino's Saturday in the Park
2.
Burnhearts/Pabst Street Party 2017
Jul 1, 2017 | Milwaukee, WI
Outside Burnhearts Bar|2599 S Logan Ave
Burnhearts/Pabst Street Party won’t necessarily burn your heart, but it might leave great memories burned in your brain. And it might leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Along with live music, there are food vendors, craft vendors and plenty of that ice-cold, economical, light-colored beer you can probably guess the name of at this point.
further information: Check out the 9th annual Burnhearts/Pabst Street Party lineup
3.
Rockport Art Festival 2017
Jul 1-2, 2017 | Rockport, TX
Rockport Center for the Arts|902 Navigation Circle
The Rockport Art Festival is a two-day, juried festival highlighting master crafts and fine art around the July 4th weekend in Rockport, TX. Held near the Rockport Beach Park and Rockport Center for the arts, the show features more than 120 artists, and proceeds help support exhibitions at the Art Center year round.
further information: Art Festival | ROCKPORT CENTER for the ARTS
Pictures of the day
Wilbert Robinson (1863–1934) was an American catcher, coach and manager in Major League Baseball. Robinson made it to the major leagues in 1886 with the Philadelphia Athletics of the American Association, transferring to the Baltimore Orioles in 1890. After the Orioles, by then playing in the National League, folded in 1899, he played one season with the St. Louis Cardinals before spending his final season with a new Baltimore Orioles team in the American League. (That team later moved to New York. The present Baltimore Orioles are yet another team.) Robinson played 1,316 games as a catcher, compiled a career batting average of .273, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1945. He is shown here in 1916 as the manager of the Brooklyn Robins or Dodgers (now the Los Angeles Dodgers).
Onboard with the Fastest Lap Ever at the Isle of Man TT Race
The race has been held annually since 1907.
knit
thanks, Marilyn
knit
thanks, Connie
knit
knit
crochet
thanks, Jennifer
Crochet star baby blanket
crochet
thanks, Gabby
crochet
crochet
thanks, Helen
Donuts...yay! These fun donut scrubbies are super simple to make and perfect for both bath and kitchen! Work a few up to make a set for your home and they also make great gifts too!
Materials:
Sizing:
Abbreviations and Tutorial Links:
Instructions for donut bottom (worked in tan):
Ch 10, join in the chain furthest from the hook with a slip stitch to create a circle
Note: If you prefer to use the Magic Ring technique, please feel free to do this instead.
Round 1: ch 4, then work 32 treble crochet into the center of the ring. Join with a sl st to close the round.
Round 2: ch 4, work a tr in the first space, then 2 tr in each space around. Join with a sl st to close the round.
To make a hanging loop, ch 8 then work a slip stitch into the stitch at the base of the chain.
Fasten off and weave in any ends that remain.
Instructions for donut icing top (worked in blue or pink):
Ch 12, join in the chain furthest from the hook with a slip stitch to create a circle.
Note: If you prefer to use the Magic Ring technique, please feel free to do this instead.
Round 1: ch 3, then work 32 dc into the center of the ring. Join with a sl st to close the round.
Round 2: ch 3, work a dc in the first space, then 2 dc in each space around. Join with a sl st to close the round.
Fasten off and weave in any ends that remain.
Assembly & Finishing:
Add sprinkles with different colors of yarn with a tapestry needle using the running stitch. Try to make them go in different directions and make them look as random as possible for a more realistic look. Sandwich both layers together and sew layers together using a matching piece of icing yarn. Weave in any ends that remain.
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thanks, Shelley
thanks, Joanne
SWEETS
thanks, Vicky
ADULT COLORING
Vases
Paint a ball of yarn and insert a small container of water in the middle.
Canal Boat Grass Jigsaw Puzzle
| amazed aversion beard beige break brook bunch | conspirator detest drift eagle exist facility force | glade grate knack lingers magic | power rear repugnance reside shunt site skill | sojourn stab stand stream tarry when wrench |
solution:
QUOTE
EASY PEASY JULY 4th DECORATION
7 Tips For Living With Less Plastics at Home
theladyprefers2save
Here are 7 Tips to Live With With fewer Plastics:
1. Avoid 3, 6, and 7 plastics: There is no need to be eating or drinking toxic plastic residues. Identify the type of plastic your product is by looking at the recycling symbol molded on the item. Every plastic product hosts a number from 1 to 7, which is surrounded by three chasing arrows that form a triangle, that helps you to indentify it’s molecular makeup; these symbols are often located along the bottom of the product itself. The three following plastics are both very damaging to your health and the environment. Here’s why:
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC #3): An extremely toxic plastic often containing multiple unsafe additives, including lead and phthalates. Still used for some toys, clear food and non-food packaging, including all forms of cling wrap, squeeze bottles, cooking oils, and many peanut butter jars.
- Polystyrene (PS #6): Contains styrene, which is toxic to the brain, nervous system, and various organs. This chemical is used in Styrofoam containers, egg cartons, disposable cups and bowls, take-out food containers, and plastic cutlery.
- Polycarbonate (Other #7): Contains bisphenol A (BPA), which has been linked to numerous health problems. This chemical is used in some baby bottles, sippy cups, sports water bottles, juice and ketchup containers, large water storage containers, most metal food can liners, and all plastic resins. Including patio furniture!
When I first became a low-plastic household a year ago, these products were the first to be recycled as I couldn’t donate these products in good conscious. I replaced many of these items with glass replacements, including mixing bowls, measuring cups, and all plastic cups with a plethora of mason jars. I haven’t regretted this decision once.
2. Refuse plastic bags: This goes for grocery shopping and refusing all single-use disposable plastics. Remember, plastic bags are often used for minutes only before being discarded. Bags which are rarely recycled. Bags which ultimately end up in landfills where they take hundreds of years to break down. Bags which cause soil and water table toxicity while decomposing. A simple way to remedy this? Use reusable bags. Especially for produce.
This is such a simple way to reduce your household’s carbon footprint as there are tons of reusable bags on the market, including uber cute, affordable ones. Another bonus? Many stores, including Target, will give shoppers a small discount on purchases for using reusable bags. I personally use a myriad of bags, everything from canvas bags to mesh produce bags, which gives me peace in knowing that with each trip to the store I’m not adding to the world’s plastic waste epidemic.
3. Avoid bottled water: This is one of my favorite ways we’ve reduced plastics at home. As a family, we no longer purchase bottled water. Instead, we use our own reusable water bottles or mason jars when we go out and about. This has helped out family avoid chemicals such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET #1) – which contains the toxic metal antimony. It has also allowed us to prevent 1,065 plastic bottles (3 bottles per 3 family members, per day) from landfills and downcycling last year alone. My bottle of choice? Reusable glass bottles.
4. Use non-plastic containers for food: One of the biggest changes we’ve made as a low-plastic family is replacing all plastic ware with mason jars. We love them! We use them for everything. This includes lunches, leftovers, freezing, storage, take-out, traveling. Everything. I can’t stress how much I love mason jars and want you all to not underestimate the utility of the ubiquitous mason jar. They are affordable, come in all sizes, and are truly one of the best reusable food storage options on the market!
5. Carry your own non-plastic cutlery and straw with you: Plastic disposable cutlery and straws are among the worst plastic pollution culprits. Like bags, single-use utensils are usually used and quickly thrown away. Plus, common plastic cutlery, especially at take-out places, is made of polystyrene, known human hormone disruptors.
As a family, we’ve had to get into the habit of carrying your own cutlery with us in lunches and even leaving a set in the car for spontaneous snack sessions. Again, lots of options are available on the market, with everything from stainless steel straws to antimicrobial reusable chopsticks and cutlery set, often priced under $7.00 on Amazon!
6. Buy in bulk: This might surprise you coming from a zero-waste minimalist, that I live in a very, very small town (think Mayberry) without any co-ops, health food stores, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Fresh Markets, or Targets. Literally, we are three hours removed from any such store. So living an intentional and sustainable life has been quite the challenge for us as a family when it comes to buying foods at our local grocery store.
One of our workarounds for this has been buying food in bulk from our local Sam’s Club. Foods which contain plastic wrappings, though much less in comparison of purchasing single-use products locally. We make every effort to buy items in bulk including products such as baking goods, cleaning supplies, personal care products, hardware items – anything that may come in single-use plastic packaging. Our local club even allows us to buy ground coffee in bulk using mason jars!
While this isn’t plastic-free shopping, as we recycle all our product packaging from most bulk shopping trips, we have reduced our plastics by ninety percent while shopping, and at bulk buying centers you can purchase goods sans any sort of bag at all, which is perfectly in line with our low-plastic household ideal. It’s still a win in my book!
Now for those who do live in areas with more bulk shopping options you’re in luck! You can check with your respective stores to see if you can bring your own jars with you to be tarred and refilled in-store to eliminate plastics entirely. Also, some stores may be hesitant to allow you to do so. Just remain persistent.
7. Replace what you can: My biggest tip for living a low-plastic lifestyle? Simply look around your home and see what plastics you can replace easily and affordably. Do you have a slew of plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles sitting by the tub or in the shower? Find a brand you like and try and get it in bulk. You can eliminate plastic deodorant containers by using baking soda for deodorant. What about your toothbrush, comb, and hairbrush? Wooden options exist with bristles made of bamboo. Plastic razors? Replace with safety razors that over time can save you upwards of 95% over retail pricing! Every little bit helps!
EYE OPENER great article .. lots of unknown facts to me. thank you
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