June: On Being Green....

June is my favourite month of the year. The colour green has a lot to do with that. I love seeing all of the beautiful shades of green as nature bursts forth with such verdant enthusiasm. Fresh colours not yet suppressed by the heat and dust of summer.

It turns out that spring leaves don't just look more green, they actually are. During new growth, chlorophyll, the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis, is the predominant influence on leaf colour. Young leaves are also more translucent, allowing the light to shine through the leaves making them brilliantly green. As the leaves mature, other pigments influence the colour of the leaf and the summer colours settle in.

Even for leaves, it's not easy being green.

When I first heard Kermit the Frog singing "It's Not Easy Being Green", the lyrics got stuck in my head and they are still there fifty-five years later. As I grew up and grew into myself, "It's not easy being green." became one of my favourite quotes. 

It's not easy being green, or being different. It doesn't matter what age you are, we all feel different and overlooked at times throughout our lives. Unfortunately, some people feel different or are made to feel different because they don't fit into other people's expectations. 

Kermit's song reminds us that green is "important like a mountain" and "beautiful" and in the end, "it's what [he/Kermit] wants to be."

Everyone struggles at some point with their sense of self and with trying to determine who they are. For those facing gender identity or sexual orientation questions, the struggle is not only dealing with their own thoughts and feelings, but also coping with the ideas and expectations of others. Facing family, friends, the church, schools, the medical community, government and the judicial system is overwhelming when you are different.

June is Pride Month. Supporting LGBTQ friends and family is not just something we celebrate thirty days of the year. It's a year round commitment. Being different is not easy. Being a friend should be. 

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Journaling #11: A Reading Journal

Have you ever thought about keeping a list of the books that you have read? If you have, then a reading journal is for you. Choose a notebook, pick a pen and get started. 

Recording the basic information about the books that you have read is a good place to start. Include things like title, author and publication information. You could also add information about when you read the book and possibly where you were (e.g.: on vacation, on the subway, in the backyard, etc.). Beyond that it’s up to you what other information you want to include. 
 
Some people like to record what they have learned from a book or how it has changed them. Others keep track of quotes from the book that they like. Some will include a brief plot summary. A review of the books that you have read is another possibility for a reading journal. You could also include whether you bought the book or borrowed it.
 
Creative responses can be part of your reading journal. Perhaps you like to doodle or draw. Go for it! Maybe you like stickers or maybe you like to experiment with watercolours. Adding your own personal artistic touches will really help to personalize your reading journal.
 
If you are into personal analysis, a reading journal can be part of your personal reflections on life. It can also be a great motivator if you want to read more. Best of all, remember that #readingisFUNdamental and who doesn’t want more fun in life?

• Cupola Corner sells a selection of handmade and handbound journals that would be perfect for the Three-minute Mental Makeover.

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Early Literacy #7: Print Awareness

 Print awareness is one of the key skills in early literacy. It involves understanding that print carries meaning and that it is used in different ways.
 
Children need to be aware of words before they can read them. Understanding how a book works is part of print awareness.
 
Board books and cloth books are a great resource for helping an infant or toddler understand that books have a front cover and that the story starts at that end of the book. Pointing to words as you read helps to demonstrate that we read from left to right.
 
Talking about print is also important. Help little ones recognize that print exists in our environment in lots of different places (signs, labels, lists, advertising, etc.).
 
Helping your little become aware of print is a basic building block for literacy. Early literacy is important and it's never too early.

The Cupola Corner Literacy Project promotes early literacy and helping young children learn to love reading because #readingisFUNdamental. 

The Cupola Corner Literacy Project purchases books for young children. When you buy a product that generates funds for The Cupola Corner Literacy Project you are helping to promote early literacy and helping young children learn to love reading. #readingisFUNdamental 

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Reference: https://www.clel.org/early-literacy/early-literacy-story-times/six-early-literacy-skills/

Did you know? Summer Savory...

Summer savory is an annual herb that grows well in southern Canada and in the Maritimes. It likes rich, well drained soil and is easy to grow from seeds or seedlings.

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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Journaling #10: Three-minute Mental Makeover (3MMM)

 Have you ever thought about using expressive writing to help you cope with stress, but never felt like you had the time? Have you got three minutes? 

The Three-minute Mental Makeover (3MMM) is an expressive writing activity that was developed at a Chicago area children’s hospital. The goal of the program was to “reduce perceived stress and improve communication for patients, family members, and health care practitioners.”
 
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.
 
A study was conducted with some of the 3MMM participants, and it found that individuals reported a significant reduction in stress and an improvement in communication with the other participants. The study supported previous findings that expressive writing can improve mental health and decrease stress.
 
The Three-minute Mental Makeover stands out as an example of an expressive writing activity that does not require a huge investment of time but demonstrates a high level of efficacy. In other words, you don’t have to commit to writing ad infinitum to reap the mental health benefits of writing.
 
So, have you got three minutes?

• Cupola Corner sells a selection of handmade and handbound journals that would be perfect for the Three-minute Mental Makeover.

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Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6907914/

Paper Palooza: Cardstock

Cardstock is essentially a thick, heavy paper. It is very durable and is used in printing and crafting. Most home printers can handle a 65 lb cardstock, but anything heavier will require commercial printing. Cardstock is used in cardmaking, scrapbooking and other paper crafts.

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!

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Did you know? Oregano...

 

Oregano is one of my favourite herbs. I grow it every summer and dry most of it for winter use. It’s great in pasta sauce or on pizza.

Oregano is a hardy perennial in my zone (6b). Since we moved, I have been growing it in large pots and treating it like an annual. This winter I am experimenting with over-wintering it in the garage. I am hopeful that it will revive in the spring.

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.

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#didyouknow

Early Literacy #6: Literary Fiction & Empathy

There is recent evidence to suggest that children who read literary fiction are more likely to demonstrate empathy towards others. Literary fiction is fiction that focuses on character development and theme, as opposed to genre or popular fiction which follows a formula, and characters develop according to the expectations of the genre.
 
The findings have implications not only for the socialization of children, but also for other groups as well. It was suggested that reading programs in prisons could help improve the ability of inmates to understand others and demonstrate empathy. The authors also hoped that their findings will encourage autistic individuals to read literary fiction in the hope it could improve their ability to empathize without the side effects of medication.
 
When choosing literary fiction for children, look for books that focus on theme as opposed to plot. Theme is the message of the story. It is often thought of as a universal truth that is expressed in the story. Some common themes in children’s literature include, friendship, self-discovery, self-acceptance, overcoming challenges, growing up, courage/bravery, loss/grief and school.

The Cupola Corner Literacy Project promotes early literacy and helping young children learn to love reading because #readingisFUNdamental. 

The Cupola Corner Literacy Project purchases books for young children. When you buy a product that generates funds for The Cupola Corner Literacy Project you are helping to promote early literacy and helping young children learn to love reading. 

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Journaling #9: Quote, Unquote

Do you have a favourite quote? Or maybe two or three? If so, keeping a quote journal is a great idea for you. Record quotes that you find inspirational or memorable. Perhaps it was something that you read, maybe something said by someone famous or even words from a song. If it resonates with you, write it in your quote journal. It’s as easy as that. 

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?

• Cupola Corner sells a curated selection of handmade and handbound journals that would be perfect for recording your favourite quotes.

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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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Paper Palooza: Washi Tape

Yes, it’s true! Washi tape is made from paper. The paper used can be made from a variety of materials, including mulberry bark and hemp. Washi tape is typically made from Japanese rice paper.
Washi tape was originally a masking tape that was produced by a Japanese company. They received requests for different colours and the washi tape phenomenon took off.
 
The glue on the back of washi tape is made from rubber that has been kneaded and heated. It is mixed with a resin and then applied to the back of the tape. Next, the decorative designs are printed onto the tape.
 
Washi tape is semi-translucent and comes in a wide range of designs and patterns. It is easy to reposition. You can tear it. You can write on it and it works on many different surfaces.
 
Washi tape is used in scrapbooking, journaling, crafting, home décor and cardmaking. Because it is easily repositionable, it’s perfect for your own designs and creations. It you don’t like the look, simply lift off the tape and try it in another spot.
 
Lots of people have tried to make their own washi tapes. Some of them look lovely, but none of them have that “je ne sais quoi” of a true washi tape.
 
A word of warning: Washi tape can be highly addictive. I mean, really, it’s just so gorgeous. Maybe it’s not really an addiction, though, but rather a curated collection. Yes, that’s it!

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Early Literacy #5: Read, Speak, Sing

The Canadian Paediatric Society states that Early (or emergent) literacy development happens when adults are reading, speaking, or singing with babies and children - regardless of the language or skill level of the adult. Imagine the possibilities!

Paediatricians are eager to promote early literacy because according to research, early literacy and life-long heath are intrinsically connected. Low literacy is associated with chronic illness, low physical and mental health status, and high rates of acute health service use. (1)

When you read, speak and sing to your babies and grandbabies, you are not only helping them develop literacy skills, but you are also facilitating a healthy and happy life for them as they grow and learn.

The Cupola Corner Literacy Project promotes early literacy and helping young children learn to love reading because #readingisFUNdamental. 

The Cupola Corner Literacy Project purchases books for young children. When you buy a product that generates funds for The Cupola Corner Literacy Project you are helping to promote early literacy and helping young children learn to love reading. 

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References:
1. Navsaria D, Sanders LM. Early literacy promotion in the digital age. Pediatr Clin N Am 2015;62(5):1273-95.

Journaling #8: Winter Blues

Writing in a journal can help with the winter blues.

 According to the Canadian Psychological Association, approximately 15% of Canadians will report at least a mild case of SAD in their lifetime.

Taking steps to manage symptoms may help to prevent them from getting worse over time (Mayo Clinic). Journaling can be one of those steps.

Researchers at Glasgow University have suggested that writing a letter to Winter might be a good place to start. Whether you chronicle the good, the bad or the ugly (or all the above), writing can help you to cope with your symptoms. 

Journaling is just one technique for managing SAD. If you experience the winter blues and think that you may have symptoms of SAD, seek a medical opinion about treatment options. 

• Cupola Corner sells a curated selection of handmade and handbound journals.

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Did you know? Rosemary...

Wow! In one study, rosemary oil was found to be as effective as Rogaine for stimulating hair growth and preventing hair loss. Rosemary oil was also used in a study as a treatment for androgenic alopecia.

You can mix a few drops of rosemary essential oil with a carrier oil and massage it into your scalp a couple of times a week, or you can just buy some rosemary hair oil.

Always use caution when experimenting with essential oils. They are very concentrated and will irritate sensitive skin. Also, pregnant and nursing women should not use rosemary products. If you have concerns, speak to a health professional.

#didyouknow

Early Literacy #4: Once upon a time...

The National Library of Medicine reviewed seventeen studies about traditional children’s literature (fairy tales, folktales, myths and fables). The authors considered the role of culture and oral storytelling in their analysis. 

The authors concluded that children’s literature and storytelling offers young people the possibility to acquire a system of values, to be engaged in motivating learning activities, and to deal with inner conflicts and life difficulties. 

Storybooks can provide children with new information about the world, enrich vocabulary and enhance language skills.

The Cupola Corner Literacy Project promotes early literacy and helping young children learn to love reading because #readingisFUNdamental. 

The Cupola Corner Literacy Project purchases books for young children. When you buy a product that generates funds for The Cupola Corner Literacy Project you are helping to promote early literacy and helping young children learn to love reading. 

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Journaling #7: Pick Up a Pen

It turns out that writing on paper with a pencil or pen is better than using a smartphone or stylus and tablet if you need to learn or memorize information. That seems somewhat intuitive, in that writing and rewriting study notes by hand is a successful study technique used by many students.

A recent study indicated that individuals who used pen and paper had better recall and showed more brain activity in a functional MRI than the participants who used digital methods to record information. The researchers felt that these significant differences were due to the unique, complex, spatial and tactile information associated with writing by hand on physical paper.

Using pen and paper for journal writing is a tactile experience that can be motivating, inspiring and cathartic. Writing with a good pen in a nice journal can be very satisfying, but writing with a pencil on a notepad will still get those brain cells firing. So, pick up that pen and give your brain a boost.

• Cupola Corner sells a curated selection of handmade and handbound journals that would be perfect for writing and brain boosting. 

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Reference: Keita Umejima, Takuya Ibaraki, Takahiro Yamazaki, Kuniyoshi L. Sakai. Paper Notebooks vs. Mobile Devices: Brain Activation Differences During Memory Retrieval. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 2021; 15 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.634158