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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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 selection of handmade coil bound 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.

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 selection of handmade coil bound journals that would be perfect for journaling.

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You're Invited! Join Cupola Corner and discover the world of journaling as we explore a new journaling experience each month throughout the year. Every month two new cards will be released. Each month we will explore a new type of journaling or a journaling strategy. Try something new. Learn something new. Click Here!

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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.

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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 selection of handmade coil bound journals that would be perfect for writing and brain boosting.

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Check out other journaling posts here: Journaling Posts

You're Invited! Join Cupola Corner and discover the world of journaling as we explore a new journaling experience each month throughout the year. Every month two new cards will be released. Each month we will explore a new type of journaling or a journaling strategy. Try something new. Learn something new. Click Here!

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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