National Smarties Day on October 2 celebrates the sweet legacy of an iconic candy and the smarty pants people who never stop learning.
#NationalSmartiesDay
Smarties have been around since 1949. That’s over 70 years of celebrating this sweet candy wafer roll. In honor of National Smarties Day, we invite everyone to take a walk down memory lane and enjoy this nostalgic candy. If you’ve never tried Smarties, this is your chance to become a new member of the smarty pants club.
What are Smarties? Smarties are rolls of a small pastel colored candy tablets that are sweet and a little bit sour. Unlike most candy, Smarties have only 6 ingredients, too. There are six different flavors in a Smarties package. Flavors are randomly mixed together for each individual Smarties roll.
Smarties Original Flavor Lineup
White = Orange cream
Yellow = Pineapple
Pink = Cherry
Green = Strawberry
Purple = Grape
Orange = Orange
A Smart Choice
When it comes to candy, Smarties are considered a smart choice. For starters, Smarties are free from the nine major food allergies: milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy and sesame.
If you are at a loss for classic gluten‑free candy, Smarties products are your delicious solution. The sweet treat is also gluten-free. Interestingly, the ingredients found in Smarties candy contains no animal products, making them a tasty and cruelty-free choice for anyone looking for delicious vegan candy. Did we mention they are only 25 calories in each roll of Smarties?
SMARTIE PANTS CELEBRATIONS
There are an endless number of ways to celebrate today. If your candy cravings are keeping you from thinking straight, here’s a list of ideas to get you started:
Incorporate some Smarties in your favorite sweet treat. Use as a topping on ice cream, jello, or cake. You can even bake them in cookies, brownies or mix into homemade jam!
Create a DIY “Smartie Pants” Halloween costume.
Craft a thank you note for teachers and tape a Smarties roll to it.
Use Smarties as a teaching tool to learn to count, identify colors, match items, and build shapes to help with motor skills.
Make up your best Smarties pun or go with the classic, “Thanks for making me a Smartie!”
Eat a roll of Smarties, of course. Or maybe two.
Pick up some Smarties Mega Lollies for a friend.
Tag and post your Smarties celebration using #NationalSmartiesDay.
CLASSIC HISTORY
In 2022, National Day Calendar welcomed the Smarties Candy Company to our list of Founders. Beginning October 2 and every year after, we will be celebrating National Smarties Day in sweet style. The October 2 date also pays a beautiful tribute to the birthday of company Founder and Smarties creator Edward Dee, who was born on this day.
Edward Dee, Smarties Founder 1924-2019
Iconic Legacy
Edward Dee (1924-2019) came to the U.S. from England with his family in 1949. As a third-generation candy maker, Dee arrived with a candy idea that would build his legacy. Beginning in a factory in Bloomfield, N.J., Dee began Ce De Candy Inc. in a rental property with two machines–a wrapping machine and a candy pellet-making machine. Dee would move his company to Elizabeth, N.J. in 1959 and finally to Union, N.J. in 1967, where the business remains today.
Co-Presidents Sarah Dee, Jessica Dee Sawyer and Liz Dee
In 2011, the company decided to change their name from Ce De Candy Inc. to Smarties Candy Company. The Dee family has always been sole owners of the company, keeping their family tradition alive. In the 1970s, Dee’s sons Jonathan and Michael joined the business. The company is now led by the founder’s granddaughters, Co-Presidents Sarah Dee, Jessica Dee Sawyer and Liz Dee, making it a woman run company for the first time in its history.
There have been many updates over the years including improving manufacturing facilities, adding solar power to their NJ candy factory which offsets half of their energy usage, and releasing new candy products including Mega Smarties – the largest Smarties roll available!
A Sweet Future
Education was an important aspect in Dee’s life long before he would immigrate to the U.S. He was a Cambridge University graduate and he knew the value of education. Because of this, he decided to name his candy Smarties as a way to encourage others to never stop learning. In 2013 the company began the “Smarties Think” initiative to continue his vision. Since then, Smarties has given more than $250,000 to classrooms in need.
The early days of Edward Dee going door-to-door to make candy sales clearly paid off. Today, the Smarties brand continues to be a leader in the candy industry producing billions of Smarties rolls per year. With factories in New Jersey and Ontario, the Dee family continues the tradition of providing an iconic candy for smarty pants people everywhere.
NATIONAL COMPASSIONATE LEADERSHIP WEEK | SECOND Full Week in September
The second full week in September celebrates National Compassionate Leadership Week to create a more compassionate world.
#NationalCompassionateLeadershipWeek
Our lives are unpredictable because of constant disruption in our daily routines. As we shuffle our family life with our professional life, we often feel overwhelmed and uncertain. As adults, we look towards other adults as a source of inspiration and reassurance. Oftentimes, we turn to our colleagues for leadership and guidance. Management and other organization leaders everywhere are more than just employers, they are becoming a source of compassion for their employees.
Leading with Compassion
Companies today are faced with the decision to become more active in employee lives. In fact, employees, consumers, and stakeholders are demanding that companies take care of their people, their communities, and the world around them, too. Old expectations of working for the bottom line no longer exists as a company goal. In fact, successful companies today work towards a double bottom line, a balance between strengthening the business and the employees that work there.
Company culture today consists of a new kind of employee. Studies show that people entering into the workforce are too young, too diverse, too disengaged, too tired of not being heard and respected. Companies that include compassion in their leadership achieve success quickly because performance is always at a peak.
Can you deliver a strong, successful business using compassion? Absolutely. The most successful companies can be compassionate and deliver strong results in business, education, politics and in our communities. Companies that produce compassionate leaders provide unspoken benefits of increased leadership and productivity, not to mention an increase in morale in the work place.
How can companies show compassion for their employees? There are many things a company can do for their employees to show more compassion. Opening communication is a perfect way to learn about company values, expectations, and goals. Most importantly, it’s a great opportunity to give and receive praise and acknowledgement. Forming important bonds within a company helps leaders identify whether an employee is having problems outside of work. In return, knowing those problems is an opportunity to show compassion and offer extra support.
The TramutoPorter Foundation
For over 20 years, the TramutoPorter Foundation has been a leader in expanding compassionate leadership in the workplace. Their mission to create a more compassionate world has allowed them to form partnerships to help solve challenges in business, education, politics, and within families.
The TramutoPorter Foundation has been working on behalf of several compassionate causes. They have implemented a scholarship fund to support students who have lived through and risen above adversity. The foundation formed a partnership with the RFK Human Rights Organization to create a program to promote workplace dignity. In addition, they have been working together to gather life-saving supplies for refugees feeling Ukraine. The foundation also announced a new partnership with Boston University that includes an endowment for scholarships in its school of public health. The endowment will support more compassionate approaches to solving global health challenges. Most importantly, it will create programming that will deliver a compassionate leadership curriculum to be delivered digitally.
JOIN THE COMPASSIONATE LEADERSHIP MOVEMENT
Offer and attend training to encourage compassionate leadership skills.
Check in with employees often and take time to listen to them.
Schedule workshops for employees through human resources.
Attend the Compassionate Leadership Conference in 2023 during Compassionate Leadership Week.
Nominate a leader who has demonstrated by example empathy in action for the Compassionate Leadership Award to be awarded each year during the Compassionate Leadership Week.
HISTORY
Donato Tramuto and National Day Calendar created National Compassionate Leadership Week to be celebrated the second full week of September each year.
The TramutoPorter Foundation was created in 2001 by Donato Tramuto and his longtime partner and Co-Founder Jeffrey Porter, after Donato lost two close friends and their son on 9/11 after visiting him in Maine. Donato was planning to join his friends on that day and a last-minute dental emergency prevented him from joining his friends and decided to return to Los Angeles the night before. Sadly, Donato’s friends perished in the plane that hit the South Tower of the World Trade Center that day.
Donato was devastated by the tragic event and the loss of his friends. Instead of letting grief and anger consume him, he decided to create the foundation in their memory. Today, the memory of his friends and those who lost their lives that tragic day lives in Donato’s heart. He continues to dedicate his life to spreading compassion and understanding in the world to help solve problems, particularly in areas of health, education, and human rights.
Compassion Movement
Tramuto and Porter continue to spread its message of compassion through Compassionate Leadership Week. This week celebrates compassionate leaders by bringing attention to the proven benefits of compassionate leadership. It shows through their own example and many other leaders, that it’s possible to be compassionate while delivering strong results whether it be in business, education, politics or in our own families and communities.
In 2021, the TramutoPorter Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary by pledging to expand its compassionate work envisioning compassion movement. In April 2022, the foundation launched a new book, authored by Tramuto, called The Double Bottom Line: How Compassionate Leaders Captivate Hearts and Deliver Results. The book and Tramuto were featured in Fortune, Forbes, Fast Company, Investors Business Daily, Katie Couric Media and many other media outlets.
About
Donato Tramuto
Founder & Chairman, Health eVillages
Founder & Chairman, TramutoPorter Foundation
Author & Healthcare Activist
Donato J. Tramuto, is the former CEO of Tivity Health® , Inc., (Nasdaq: TVTY), and is widely recognized for his commitment to social change and transformational leadership in healthcare innovation. The New York Times deemed him “a global health activist.” Tramuto is also the founder and chair of The Tramuto Foundation, which advances rights to education and healthcare access for young people. In addition, the foundation combats human right violations. He launched the foundation in memory his two friends and their 3 year old son who lost their lives on 9/11 when United Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower. Tramuto was scheduled to be on that flight. However, and due to a toothache, he never boarded the plane.
Since the launch of the foundation, over 100 young adults have received a TramutoPorter Foundation Scholarship. All scholarships awarded help young adults pursue their dream of a college education. With the financial support from other organizations, the TramutoPorter Foundation delivers on their promise to make the world a more compassionate place. Tramuto is a sitting member of the board for the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization and their Leadership Council Chairman. In fact, his commitment has led to funding a three-year, $1 million grant addressing workplace bullying in the U.S. and Europe. Amazingly, this leading national initiative also addresses workplace dignity and inclusion.
A Compassionate Leadership Task Force, launched in September 2021 will initiate a pilot with a number of Boston colleges and universities to address the significant epidemic around loneliness and social isolation among our young and older adults. The task force will implement existing interventions by integrating them into community-centered organizations, like faith-based organizations. In addition, they will assist colleges and universities to address the compassionate leadership umbrella and how intergenerational connections can reduce the loss sense of relevancy among young and older adults.
Published Author
Tramuto is a successful published author. His works include:
Life’s Bulldozer Moments: How Adversity Leads to Success in Life and Business
The Double Bottom Line: How Compassionate Leaders Captivate Hearts and Deliver Results
Awards
Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope (2014)
RFK Embracing His Legacy Awards (2016)
PharmaVoice RedJacet Recipient Award
Tramuto is also a passionate champion of cutting-edge approaches to healthcare access, drug safety, and addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH), defined by the World Health Organization as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. Under his tenure as CEO of Tivity Health and following his execution of a successful turnaround, he transformed the business business model to center around partnering progressively, profitably and collaboratively with consumers, payers, healthcare practitioners and employers in cutting-edge approaches to SDOH conditions including nutrition, fitness and social connection, that improve health outcomes and reduce medical costs.
Before joining Tivity Health, Tramuto’s record of bringing together social commitment with healthcare innovation included his founding of Physicians Interactive Holdings (Aptus Health sold to WebMD in 2019). As a global provider of insight-driven digital engagement solutions for healthcare professionals and consumers. Reflecting a conviction that universal healthcare is a basic human right for all people, he launched Health eVillages in 2011, a non-profit organization providing state-of-the-art mobile health technology in the most challenging clinical environments and working to broaden healthcare access.
Boards
Brown University Healthcare Leadership Board
Advisory Board of Boston University School of Public Health
Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Europe
Health eVillages
Zeel Health
Esperta Health
Gryphon Investment Executive Advisory Board
Executive in Residence at Promerica Health, Concierge Health, Sharecare, Gento Health, and Skyscape
Honorary Scholar in Residence at St. Joseph’s College, Maine
Achievements
Honorary Doctorate: University of Massachusetts at Lowell
Traveling through the Corn Husker State you might not be aware of the amazing sandwich creations waiting for you. For one, the state is known for the Cheese Frenchee (a deep-fried grilled cheese sandwich!) and massive pork tenderloin sandwiches. But this article isn’t about either of those mouth-watering creations. It’s about the Reuben — layers of thinly sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on toasted rye. We’ll wait while you wipe your chin and remind you that this delicacy was created in—NEBRASKA! At least, that’s what folklore tells us, or maybe it was made in New York. But, since we’re in Nebraska and there are other things we can talk about in New York, we scouted out the 10 most tasty Nebraska Reuben sandwiches so you can get to chowing down as fast as possible.
1. The Chicken Coop – Grand Island & Kearney
It shouldn’t be too surprising to find a restaurant called The Chicken Coop in the middle of farm country. Travelers along the Lincoln Highway can stop in for their delicious Reuben, pizzas, quesadillas, and various sides. The Lincoln Highway is better known as I-80 which follows the Great Platte River and the Oregon Trail. In 2000, the Great Platte River Road Archway opened, spanning the interstate and offering a historical perspective on this iconic trail.
2. Murphy’s Wagon Wheel – Hastings
Choose from a Reuben burger or sandwich (or both since you’ll be super hungry after exploring the Bigfoot Crossroads of America Museum) when you stop in at Murphy’s Wagon Wheel. Their sides include a variety of nachos and breaded jalapeno and onion spears.
3. Bullseyes – Hastings
Did you know that Hastings is the birthplace of Kool-Aid? We don’t know if that’s the drink to wash down The Running Back Reuben on Bullseye’s sports-themed dinner menu or not but you could try. Instead of rye, they use pumpernickel for a delicious variation on the Reuben. Start your meal off with some fantastic Batter Up Cauliflower.
4. Penny’s Diner – North Platte
Penny’s Diner is a classic retro diner that brings the 1950s to neon life. Their menu not only features a juicy Reuben but it also offers some sweet treats on the dessert menu. Top your pie or brownie with ice cream or order up a milkshake for a real 1950s meal. Walk off the calories of that tasty Reuben by traveling further back in time to Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park.
5. Lincoln Highway Diner – North Platte
The only highway in Nebraska that crosses the entire state from east to west is The Lincoln Highway, so discovering a diner with that name should be expected. And there is! If you have a hankering for some homestyle cooking, this is the diner for you. But we also recommend their Reuben.
6. Dusters & Gottberg Brew Pub – Columbus
After enjoying a thrilling race or two at Columbus Races Thoroughbred Track, relive some of Columbus history in the historic Gottberg Automobile Supply where Dusters & Gottberg Brew Pub is located. It features a menu of mouthwatering dishes including their Gottberg Reuben.
7. The Good Life – Omaha, Elkhorn, and Papillion
At The Good Life, they serve their Reuben with homemade dressing. And remember that pork tenderloin sandwich we mentioned before? You can order that, too! While you’re in Omaha, explore the SAC Aerospace Museum, visit Boys Town or Lauritzen Gardens.
8. Café Diem – Papillion
Serving breakfast and lunch, the Café Diem‘s menu speaks to the sandwich lover. Their Reuben is just one of their delicious choices. Get your meal to go and explore the many outdoor recreational sites in and around Papillion.
9. McKinney’s – Lincoln and Grand Island
Reubens come in many forms and at McKinney’s you can order up Reuben sliders or paninis. Take your pick or order both! While you’re there, explore the state’s capital or explore Grand Island’s Stolley Park.
10. Goonie’s Sports Bar and Grill – Scottsbluff
Scottsbluff is named after Scotts Bluff National Monument located along the Oregon Trail. It served as an important landmark to pioneers on their journey west. A fifteen-minute drive will bring you to Goonies and their homemade corned beef that makes their Reuben shine! Another tasty sandwich choice is their Cuban.
National Day Calendar® is protected under the copyright laws of the United States. All information on this page, including design, audio, video, text, photographs, and graphics, is owned and controlled by National Day Calendar. Duplicating, plagiarizing, or falsely claiming creative ownership, printed or digital, without consent of National Day Calendar, is considered a violation of United States copyright laws. See full description of National Day Calendar copyright rules.
Traveling outside of Las Vegas and Reno, you might get the idea that everything else in Nevada is out of the way. And that might be true, especially when you look over this list of 7 Nevada Day Trips. If you’re looking to get away from manufactured tourism and explore the Sagebrush State from a different perspective, this list is for you.
1. Fly Ranch
The 3,800-acre ranch is located in Nevada’s Hualapai Geothermal Flats and supports three magnificent geysers resulting from well drilling. The first began to form in 1916 after attempts to bring agriculture to the area through well-drilling. The water supplied by the geyser was both too hot and mineral-rich and began to form colorful cones. Two other geysers were created from similar attempts. In 2016, Burning Man purchased the land and private nature walks can be scheduled to see the geysers and hot springs.
2. Tonopah, Nevada
Located smack dab between Reno and Las Vegas, Tonopah honors Nevada’s mining history. Explore the Old Cemetery and Tonopah Historic Mining Park. As you meander around town, take in the many murals that decorate historic walls and depict the history of the town and the nation. Not far from the cemetery you can visit the Clown Museum located in the Mizpah Hotel. At night, be sure to gaze up at the night sky. You’ll see more stars than ever before!
3. Rhyolite Ghost Town & Beatty, Nevada
Up the road from Tonopah, stop to visit Rhyolite. The town became a victim of the boom and bust era of silver mining and eventually became a dusty, lonely ghost town. One of the most interesting remains is the house completely made from glass bottles and is no longer in Rhyolite but in the neighboring town of Beatty. Beatty is also home to the Goldwell Open Air Museum where you will find several permanent outdoor art displays. Beatty also boasts Death Valley Nut and Candy, the largest candy store in the United States.
4. Route 50 – Loneliest Road in America
U.S. Route 50 crosses some of the most barren landscapes in Nevada and earned the title “Loneliest Road in America.” Along Route 50 you’ll encounter remnants of the Sand Springs Pony Express Station, several wildlife areas including Lahontan State Recreation Area, Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, Mt. Hamilton, and Great Basin National Park, and other historic locations such as Nevada Northern Railway National Historic Landmark. The highway also connects Carson City, Austin (home to the Paradise Ranch Castle B&B), Eureka, Ely, and Baker, Nevada. If you’re looking for a coast-to-coast trip, U.S. Route 50 connects California and Maryland with some desolate spots on the trail’s western half.
5. Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park
One of the most notable stops along Route 50 is Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park. Nestled in the Egan Mountain Range, six beehive-shaped charcoal ovens remain from the silver mining era. The park is also host to camping, hiking, and fishing.
6. Metropolis Ghost Town
Just outside of Wells, Nevada, this ghost town began as a shining beacon of hope in the early part of the 20th century. The Pacific Reclamation Company began developing plans for an agricultural community through irrigation called Metropolis. Even the name of the town suggests a thriving, vibrant community. The expectation of a true metropolis in the northeastern part of the state seemed more than possible as streets were graded and businesses were built. A school and post office seemed to be a mark of a bustling and growing town. However, lawsuits regarding the diversion of water from other communities created issues for investors and farmers alike. As a result, explorers can find many remnants of the town and no residents.
7. Valley of Fire State Park
Overton, Nevada is located just outside Valley of Fire State Park. Drive through or hike in Nevada’s oldest state park and take in the sandstone and red rock scenery. The wind-carved red rock formations give the park its name. Some of the most unique formations are located the Beehives and Atlatl Rock petroglyphs. When you return to Overton, be sure to check out the Lost City Museum.
There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®!
National Day Calendar® is protected under the copyright laws of the United States. All information on this page, including design, audio, video, text, photographs, and graphics, is owned and controlled by National Day Calendar. Duplicating, plagiarizing, or falsely claiming creative ownership, printed or digital, without consent of National Day Calendar, is considered a violation of United States copyright laws. See full description of National Day Calendar copyright rules.
One simple way for parents to show love to their children is to buy them something special. But if you’re like most families, your children probably already have enough stuff! Don’t worry, though, as there are plenty of other ways to show your children you love them. This article catalogs 9 ways to love your children without buying them things.
1. Shower Them with Affection
Don’t be shy about hugging, kissing, and cuddling with your child. Numerous studies prove the importance of affection on a child’s wellbeing. Showing affection toward your child is a way to bond with them. When you shower your child with affection, it will also help them feel secure and confident.
2. Spend Quality Time with Them
Do you rush your children to school and extracurricular activities? Do you feel like you’re always on the go? If so, try to slow things down and spend quality time with your children. Just 10 to 15 minutes of one-on-one time with your child will make them feel loved and valued. You could also schedule weekly or monthly outings with each of your children.
3. Pass Down a Favorite Hobby
What are some of your favorite hobbies? Stamp collecting? Photography? Gardening? Fishing? No matter what it is, try to pass a favorite hobby of yours down to your child. This is a great way to gain common ground with your child and open up the lines of communication.
4. Make Them Something
It doesn’t have to be your child’s birthday or a holiday to make them something. You could make them a handmade “just because” card. If they have recently met a goal or received good grades, you could print out a certificate of achievement and get it framed. You could also make a photo album for your child to look at. No matter what you choose, making something for your child will give them something to treasure for years to come.
5. Be a Good Parent
Nobody wants to be a bad parent. But to be a good parent, you need to be intentional about it. As a good parent, you should strive to set limits, be consistent with discipline, encourage communication, provide support, and show them unconditional love.
6. Cook Their Favorite Meal
Number six on our list of 9 ways to love your children takes you to the kitchen. For some parents, it’s a tradition to make their child’s favorite meal for their birthday. But why not cook up their fave food just because? You could also do it as a way to reward good behavior or celebrate an accomplishment.
7. Write Them a Letter
You don’t have to be an awesome writer for this one. All you really need to say in a letter is that you are proud of them. You could even list some reasons for that. You could also point out some things your child is good at doing. The letter doesn’t have to be long, just enough words to get the point across. Handwritten letters are lovely, but even a text or e-mail works, too.
8. Express Interest in Their Life
As a parent, you probably love hearing all about your child’s day at school. Or maybe you like hearing about how they feel about certain topics. Some children may not be so open, but there are other ways to express interest in their life. One way is to ask if you can join them in their favorite activities. Ask them to teach you how to play their favorite video game or use a social media app.
9. Tell Them
This last one might seem obvious. You’d be surprised, however, by how many parents find it difficult to say, “I love you.” Maybe your parents never said these words to you. Or you have a hard time being vulnerable. Whatever the case, telling your children you love them will help them feel safe and secure. It will also make it easier for them to tell their own children, “I love you.”
There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®!
National Day Calendar® is protected under the copyright laws of the United States. All information on this page, including design, audio, video, text, photographs, and graphics, is owned and controlled by National Day Calendar. Duplicating, plagiarizing, or falsely claiming creative ownership, printed or digital, without consent of National Day Calendar, is considered a violation of United States copyright laws. See full description of National Day Calendar copyright rules.
Weeds are those unwanted plants that grow where they aren’t supposed to. However, it might surprise you to learn that some weeds offer nutritional and even medical benefits. We cultivated a list of 5 Edible and Medicinal Weeds to help you learn more.
1. Yellow Dock/Burdock
The taproot of young burdock plants can be harvested and eaten as a root vegetable. We may also harvest immature flower stalks in late spring before flowers appear. The flavor of the young stem resembles that of an artichoke. It is a good source of dietary fiber and certain minerals, including calcium and potassium. It is also used as a medicinal herb.
2. Lambsquarter (also known as goosefoot)
The leaves of lambsquarter are excellent added to lettuce salads or cooked and used as a replacement for spinach. Lambsquarter seeds are also edible. They are a good source of protein and vitamin A.
3. Amaranth (also known as pigweed)
Amaranth species are cultivated and consumed as a leaf vegetable in many parts of the world. The leaves can be cooked, and their seeds can be harvested and cooked the same as quinoa. The root of mature amaranth is a popular vegetable. It is white and usually cooked with tomatoes or tamarind gravy. The plant has a milky taste and is alkaline. It is also high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, K, B6, calcium, iron, and the seeds are a good protein source.
4. Purslane
It may be eaten as a leaf vegetable but is considered a weed in the United States. While the plant has a slightly sour and salty taste when eaten, the stems, leaves, and flower buds are all edible. Purslane may be used fresh as a salad, stir-fried, or cooked as spinach is. Because of its sticky quality, it also is suitable for soups and stews. Nutritionally, it is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Purslane also grows in all 50 states.
5. Dollarweed (also known as pennywort)
This aquatic plant thrives in a wet, sandy habitat. It is native to North America and parts of South America. However, it also grows as an introduced species and sometimes a noxious weed on other continents. As an edible weed, it can be used in salads or as a potherb.
There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®!
West Virginia blends the perfect combination of breathtaking, panoramic views, deeply-rooted heritage, and historical significance. Almost anywhere you visit, West Virginia will encompass all these elements. We’ve narrowed them down to 9 Beautiful West Virginia Places to Visit.
Wheeling
Tucked between Ohio and Pennsylvania on the Ohio border, Wheeling offers plenty to see and do. Everyone will find what they’re looking for: shopping, history, adventure, or culture. For starters, Oglebay Institute has been a cultural center of Wheeling for nearly 100 years. The institute supports fine arts, museums, and environmental education.
Capitol Theatre and Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum also offer history and entertainment. Also, make sure to check out the Wheeling Suspension Bridge that crosses the Ohio River.
Charleston
Home to West Virginia’s state capital and nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, Charleston boasts scenic views, historic trails, and plenty of art and culture to go around. Visit the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences and gaze at the stars from the planetarium. Next, explore the gold-domed capital or the Governor’s Mansion. Discover history and nature at Kanawha State Forest. Finally, sample the flavor of Charleston by visiting Capitol Street.
Morgantown
Nestled in mountaineer country, the city boasts a full complement of historic tours and events, including Cannon Hill, Dent’s Run Covered Bridge, and the West Virginia University Tomchin Planetarium & Observatory.
Morgantown’s merchants also celebrate National Chocolate Lover’s Day each year in April, and the city hosts numerous festivals and activities all year long.
Matewan
West Virginia is also known for its mining heritage. The town of Matewan remembers the rich and often dark history of mining. The Mine Wars Museum tells the story of tragedy and a battle for labor rights.
Weston
West Virginia is historically known for its glass-making, and Weston is one of the hotspots on the glass trail. Home to the Museum of American Glass, Weston demonstrates the beauty and craft of glass-making. It’s also the boyhood home of Stonewall Jackson. Visit the pastoral beauty of Jackson’s Mill Farmstead or the Mountaineer Military Museum.
Logan County
Located along the southern border, Logan County whispers the tales of the Hatfields & McCoys, labor’s largest uprising in Blair and the county’s namesake. Explore the Hatfield & McCoys trails, Blair Mountain, and Chief Logan State Park.
Lewisburg
West Virginia has some of the most beautiful small towns in the country, including Lewisburg. Located near the Greenbrier River, Lewisburg was one of Andrew Carnegie’s beneficiaries. In 1902, he built Carnegie Hall, which today brings events, exhibits, and performances to the community.
A short trip beyond city limits will bring you to Lost World Cavern. There you can explore the underground caverns. History also thrives in the city. Visit the Old Stone Presbyterian Church that served as a hospital during the American Civil War or tour the Greenbrier Historical Society and North House Museum.
Fayetteville
Located next to the nation’s newest national park, Fayetteville may be small, but it has a big presence. Visit New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, where you can walk across the New River Gorge Bridge for a panoramic view of the gorge. Or attend the Historic Fayette Theater for special events, plays, and more.
Harpers Ferry
Tucked between the Shenandoah River and the Potomac River, Harpers Ferry boasts historic trails and breathtaking scenery. Be sure to visit all things John Brown-related, including the John Brown Fort, John Brown Wax Museum, and Harpers Ferry National Historic Park. Trails take you to Civil War battlefields, the Lockwood House, Jefferson Rock, and exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains.
There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®!
National Day Calendar® is protected under the copyright laws of the United States. All information on this page, including design, audio, video, text, photographs, and graphics, is owned and controlled by National Day Calendar. Duplicating, plagiarizing, or falsely claiming creative ownership, printed or digital, without consent of National Day Calendar, is considered a violation of United States copyright laws. See full description of National Day Calendar copyright rules.
Kids and fun go hand in hand. The adults in a child’s life fuel their creativity and imagination. Sometimes, though, it can be challenging to come up with fun ideas. Goofing off is just one way to break up the monotony of a day or add some interest to the weekend. Check out these 5 Great Ways to Goof Off with Your Kids.
Sock Races
When things have gotten mind-numbingly boring, this goofy game will bring about some giggles and definitely burn off some boredom. Empty out the sock drawers. Preferably mom’s and dad’s because the bigger the better. Make a pile on the floor. Each child starts with bare feet and the goal is to put as many socks on their feet before the sock pile is gone. They’ll look goofy doing it and goofy when they’re done, too. And, all the while they were playing, they were goofing off.
Play Dress-Up
It doesn’t matter what age our kids are, playing dress-up allows them to act out. Bring out some old makeup, old clothes and use a hairbrush as a microphone. Crank up the music and let the lipsyncing begin. Share a few videos, laugh, and make some memories, too.
Charades
Play an old-fashioned game of charades. Set a few parameters by selecting a set topic that will keep your children on course. For example, you may want to only act out one of these topics: Disney movies, international travel, or national days.
Blanket Fort
This classic way to goof off can lead to naps, reading books or playing with other toys. But it’s also a surefire memory maker, too. All you need are a few blankets, furniture to drape them over, and some pillows. Fortify your blanket fort with snacks, games, and books. Oh, and don’t forget the secret password.
Write a Song
Take a song the whole family likes and write a new verse to it. Bring out the kazoo, chopstick drumsticks, and the shoebox guitar and play it like it was meant to be played.
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Getting our 5 servings of fruit and vegetables may seem daunting. But imagine trying 7 ways to sneak spinach into your meals. Spinach, surprisingly, is a great place to start to increase your fruit and veggie intake.
Do you remember the cartoon, Popeye? The character was a sailor, who after eating a can of spinach, suddenly became very strong. The cartoon wasn’t too far off. Spinach contains compound nitrates, which helps to boost muscle strength. Spinach also contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, fiber, folate, potassium, and Vitamin K. Health experts recommend eating 2 cups of spinach a day. But what if you (or your kids) don’t like the taste of spinach salad? The good news is, there are ways to still get adequate amounts of this healthy vegetable.
Try these 7 ways to sneak spinach into your meals.
1. Add Spinach To Eggs
Do you like scrambled eggs? What about an egg bake or omelet? If so, you can easily throw in some fresh spinach leaves. When combined, eggs and spinach taste really good. If it wasn’t for seeing green bits in your eggs, you would have a hard time believing the spinach was there!
2. Toss Spinach Into a Casserole
Casseroles are famous for including all kinds of veggies. One vegetable you might not have thought about, however, is spinach. One of the most popular dishes is a creamed spinach casserole. Along with fresh spinach, this casserole contains other ingredients, such as chopped artichokes, butter crackers, sour cream, cheese, garlic, and onion.
3. Blend Spinach Into a Smoothie
Have you ever wondered what gives a green smoothie its color? It’s usually the spinach! Even though this might not be the sneakiest idea, there are lots of health benefits for drinking green smoothies. Some of these benefits:
Helps improve mental clarity
Aids digestion
Improves mood
Promotes natural weight loss
Hydrates the body
Along with spinach, you can also add fresh fruit, almond milk, flaxseed, and plain Greek yogurt to your green smoothie.
4. Add Frozen Spinach to Soup
Nothing beats a warm bowl of soup on a cold day. And if you want your comfort food to be healthy, too, just add frozen spinach. The best part is, you don’t even have to thaw the spinach first! There are lots of different soups that contain frozen spinach. Some of them include lentil spinach soup, sausage & spinach soup, Italian spinach soup, and chunky tomato spinach soup.
5. Make Meatloaf or Meatballs with Spinach
It’s super easy to add meatloaf to your spinach. Simply add it to your meatloaf mixture, form it into a loaf, and bake. You can even make meatballs with spinach! Depending on the recipe, you can use either fresh spinach leaves or frozen spinach.
6. Stir Spinach Into a Stir-Fry
When done right, stir-fry recipes contain a little bit of meat and a lot of veggies. Most people use vegetables, such as asparagus, celery, onions, and broccoli. However, for something a little different, try using spinach. For something totally different (but not very sneaky), you could try making a spinach stir-fry with garlic.
7. Top Pizza with Spinach
Covering the spinach with cheese is probably the best way to sneak spinach on your pizza. If you are going to top your pizza with spinach, you might also want to use feta cheese along with mushrooms.
There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®!
National Day Calendar® is protected under the copyright laws of the United States. All information on this page, including design, audio, video, text, photographs, and graphics, is owned and controlled by National Day Calendar. Duplicating, plagiarizing, or falsely claiming creative ownership, printed or digital, without consent of National Day Calendar, is considered a violation of United States copyright laws. See full description of National Day Calendar copyright rules.
When you’re hungry the first thing to come to mind probably isn’t the word “bierock.” It doesn’t even sound like food. But it is. A cross between a sandwich and a hand pie, this tasty Eastern European stuffed roll is a Kansas staple. It’s made with ground beef, cabbage, and onions stuffed inside a yeast roll. An ethnic group known as the Volga Germans settled along the Volga River in western Russia and began immigrating to North and South America around 1875. Many of them settled in Kansas, and they brought with them the bierock. Whether you live in Kansas, are visiting, or just passing through, you’ll want to try these 11 Best Bierocks Across Kansas.
1. Friendship House – Wamego
On your way through the Land of Oz and the Oz Museum, stop in on a Saturday at the Friendship House in Wamego for their made-from-scratch and made fresh bierocks and soup.
2. Becky’s Bierocks – St. Francis
Fuel up on Becky’s Bierocks in St. Francis before heading out to the Arikaree Breaks. Drive along the public roads and explore the rugged territory of ravines and loess. The bakery offers three kinds of bierocks by the dozen. So, order ahead and for a crowd.
3. M&M Bierock – Wichita
Once known as the Bierock Kitchen, this little drive-thru restaurant harkens back to the days of Big Boy. Re-opened in 2007 by Mary Moran, the restaurant offers three kinds of bierocks including a ham and cheese version.
4. Want Bierock – Wichita
When bierock is in the name of the restaurant, you expect to see some specialty bierocks. And Want Bierock offers exactly that! Along with their piping hot coffee and espressos, they offer a breakfast bierock stuffed with potatoes, sausage, and sharp cheddar cheese. They also offer beef, chicken, and pork bierocks.
5. Prost – Wichita
For a complete German gastro experience, visit Prost. Spatzle, sauerkraut, pretzels, schnitzels and of course, a classic bierock. Enjoy the meal with choice German biers and wine.
6. Gella’s (lbbrewing.com) -Hays
Hays and Wichita seem to be bierock havens. Gella’s offers an eclectic mix of menu items including the Smothered Bierock. The diner is set inside LB Brewing and offers other German side dishes, including unique grebble.
7. Augustine’s Bakery – Hays
Besides offering a variety of cakes, pies, and rolls, Augustine’s Bakery also offers several German favorites including kuchen, spitzbuben, and of course, bierocks.
8. Runza – St. Lawrence
Bierocks are also known as runzas in some parts of the Midwest. At Runza, the menu offers nine different bierock/runza sandwiches plus miniture runzas. The business began in 1949 and has since grown into a franchise with several locations across Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, and Iowa.
9. CB Baked Goods – Marion
Offering traditional bierocks as part of their menu, CB Baked Goods also offers one of its own creations called a bolso. After spending an afternoon at the Marion Reservoir, a bierock from CB Baked Goods will hit the spot!
10. Amanda’s – Abilene
While in Abilene, visit the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum and then stop by Amanda’s Bakery & Bistro to fuel up on delicious soup, sandwiches, and salads. And don’t forget to order a classic bierock.
11. Bierocks Babe – Andover
If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly bierock, then head to Andover, KS. Bierocks Babe offers both a traditional and vegan bierock. And don’t forget to order baklava, too.
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