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Thursday, June 12, 2025
June: On Being Green....
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Monday, June 09, 2025
Journaling #11: A Reading Journal
• Cupola Corner sells a selection of handmade and handbound journals that would be perfect for the Three-minute Mental Makeover.
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Saturday, May 31, 2025
Early Literacy #7: Print Awareness
Reference: https://www.clel.org/early-literacy/early-literacy-story-times/six-early-literacy-skills/
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Did you know? Summer Savory...
Summer savory’s flavour is often compared to oregano and thyme. It has a delicate peppery, almost minty taste. Summer savory is used to flavour many different foods, including meat, fish, eggs, soups and beans.
Since our move to the Niagara area, I have grown summer savory in a large pot. Summer savory can be used fresh or dried. It is more aromatic when dried. I harvest my summer savory in early summer before it flowers and dry it in a dehydrator.
Summer savory is one of the herbs that I use most. It is so versatile. You can quite literally, use it in almost anything that you are cooking. Sprinkle it on chicken or fish, mix it into scrambled eggs, add it to baked beans. The flavour is subtle and serves as an accent to whatever you are cooking.
Summer savory is a traditional herb in the Maritimes. It is used in dressings, stews and meat pies.
Summer savory is one of the signature ingredients in herbes de Provence.
Summer savory has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including cough and diarrhea, but so far there has been little scientific research to support these claims.
Summer savory’s claim to fame is its use in the culinary arts. If you haven’t tried this herb, now is the time to add a fresh sprig to your salad or a dash of dried summer savory to your baked chicken recipe. It might just become one of your favourite herbs, too.
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Saturday, May 24, 2025
Journaling #10: Three-minute Mental Makeover (3MMM)
The health care practitioner and the patient/family wrote at the same time, using the following prompts: “1. Write 3 things you are grateful for (be specific). 2. Write the story of your life in 6 words. 3. Write 3 wishes you have.” After writing, the practitioner invited the patient/family participants to join in sharing what they had written. Sharing was optional.
• Cupola Corner sells a selection of handmade and handbound journals that would be perfect for the Three-minute Mental Makeover.
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Saturday, May 17, 2025
Paper Palooza: Cardstock
Cardstock is made the same way that regular printer paper is made. The paper pulp is a combination of hardwood and softwood. Kraft cardstock is made from wood pulp that is unbleached and includes recycled wood fibres.
The paper pulp is spread onto a wire mesh and the water is pressed out of the paper by a machine called a Fourdrinier. Cardstock gets it thickness from more pulp being used than for printer paper. Sometimes, two or more sheets are glued together. Textures and coatings are added to create the finished product.
Cardstock can have a smooth, textured, glossy or metallic surface. It comes in lots of different colours and can have a solid core or a coloured/white core.
Cardstock can have a variety of weights and sizes. The lightest weight for cardstock is 65 lb. The heaviest weight is 110 lb. For cardmaking, an 80 lb weight is perfect for a card base. Your cards will be able to stand up for display. You will also be able to score and fold without breaking the paper. Lighter weight cardstocks are great for mats and as part of your card design.
You can easily use a 65 lb cardstock in a cutting machine (Cricut, Silhouette, etc.). It also takes an impression well and cuts easily in a manual die cutting and embossing machine (Sizzix, etc.).
Cardstock is the work horse of the paper crafting world. There are so many varieties and colours to choose from that you can almost always find what you are looking for. Use cardstock techniques like sanding, scoring, paper tearing or embossing to add a new dimension to your cardmaking. So many creative possibilities!
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Did you know? Oregano...
Oregano is part of the mint family. It originated in the Mediterranean area. Oregano has little purple-pink flowers. It is sometimes called wild marjoram.
Oregano oil has been used for centuries in herbal medicine. There is some evidence that it can help fight bacteria, relieve inflammation and even regulate blood sugar.
You can add fresh or dried oregano leaves to a variety of foods. If you are using fresh oregano, make sure that you are just using the leaves. The stems can be woody and pose a choking hazard. For maximum flavour, add oregano towards the end of the cooking process.
If you are going to dry your oregano, pick it just before it flowers. Hang to dry or use a dehydrator. Store in an airtight container.
Oregano doesn’t require a lot of care making it a great choice for the busy gardener or chef.
#didyouknow
Friday, May 02, 2025
Early Literacy #6: Literary Fiction & Empathy
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Sunday, April 06, 2025
Journaling #9: Quote, Unquote
If you are looking to take your quote journal to the next level, consider putting just one quote to a page and then write down your reflections about this quote. You can come back later and update your thoughts.
If you like to doodle or draw, be creative with your entries. Artsy isn’t your thing? Try using coloured pens, highlighters or calligraphy markers to add some flair to your quote journal.
I’m guessing that you’ll want to look back at your quote journal often. After all, these words mean something to you and as such they say something about you. They may be someone else’s words, but a favourite quote helps to express your thoughts and feelings.
What is your favourite quote?
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Did you know? Peppermint...
Did you know that peppermint is a cross between water mint and spearmint? It is just one of over 7000 varieties of mint.
Peppermint
is one of my favourite herbs. I use it to make jelly for toast and I love
peppermint patties.
Mint can be
grown outdoors or inside. In the garden it can be invasive. In fact, I've taken
to growing it in large pots that I overwinter in the garage. Inside, it
requires a pot with good drainage and some sunshine.
Mint is
popular in cooking. It is used to treat a myriad of health problems, such as
digestive issues and headaches. It is also a natural option for repelling mice
and insects. And, of course, who doesn't love peppermint candies?
Don't use
peppermint if you have GERD or are taking an acid reducing medication.
Peppermint may also make gallstones worse. If you are considering using
peppermint for medicinal purposes, remember to check with your doctor or
pharmacist about contraindications.
#didyouknow
Reference: https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/peppermint
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