How Did Father's Day Come About?

Where did Father’s Day Originate? While there are about seven renditions relating to the origin of Father’s Day, the most widely held version is this:

Father's Day originated through a young girl named Sonora Louise Smart, who lived in Spokane, Washington. Apparently, after listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909, she wondered why fathers weren’t celebrated as well. At 16, Sonora lost her mother in childbirth and her dad, a civil war veteran, raised Sonora and her five siblings. Determined to have Father’s Day recognized as a special day, Sonora finally witnessed the first Father’s Day celebration on June 19, 1910. Subsequently, the idea gained popularity all over the US and thus Father’s Day became a national day of celebration.

In fact, President Woodrow Wilson, noticing the depth to which this day became so popular, approved the idea in 1916. Furthermore, it was President Calvin Coolidge, who also loved this idea, proclaimed Father’s Day as a national celebration in 1924. Interestingly enough, in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation stating the third Sunday in June would be officially declared Father’s Day. It didn’t end there! President Richard Nixon permanently established the observance of Father’s Day in 1972.

What happened to the young girl who started it all? You will be happy to hear that Sonora Smart Dodd was honored at the World’s Fair in Spokane in 1974 for her contribution in making Father’s Day a national day of recognition.

Today, Father’s Day is celebrated around the world; however, not all countries celebrate it on the same day. In fact, in Australia and New Zealand, for example, it is celebrated on the first Sunday of September.

Beginning with an idea and the determination to see it through, Sonora Louise Smart was the catalyst who brought recognition to make Father’s Day a day of celebration. It’s amazing what one person can do, isn’t it?

Unique Father's Day Ideas

What? Father's Day is coming soon?

Can you believe it? Half the year is almost gone...and yes, it is time to honor your Dad. If he's sick of receiving that same old tie as a present...check this cool stuff out!

Delightfuldeliveries.com is a cool new site I discovered with some unique ideas for Father's Day!





Hit the Sauce - This cool gourmet basket (shown left) has a great assortment of grilling and barbecue sauces from Jack Daniels, Maker's Mark, Jim Beam and Beefeater. There are also some flavored coffees in there for good measure!

Cigar Sampler - This 20 piece sampler contains 4 each of some of the highest rated cigars produced today.

Beer of the Month* - Each month, dad could receive a 12-pack of 4 different types of hand-crafted microbrewed beer in 12 ounce bottles.

Tour of the Wine Country Gift Basket* - Is your dad a wine lover? This basket is a great choice that includes 3 different California wines, meats, cheeses, crackers and some Ghirardelli chocolate to top it off!

These are just a few of the cool gifts that are available from delightfuldeliveries.com. These gifts are unique and convenient for you too!

* Alcohol related purchases can only be shipped to certain states, please make sure you make sure dad is able to receive this great gift before you purchase!

The History of Memorial Day

Memorial Day was first celebrated on May 5, 1866 at Waterloo, New York. This was due to the fact that the town commemorated Memorial Day yearly with the entire community engaged in events, including decorating the graves of soldiers with flags and flowers.

Originally named Decoration Day in honor of the soldiers who died in the Civil War, it was John A. Logan, General of the Army of the Republic who, on May 5, 1868, declared that May 30th would be a day in which flowers who decorate the graves of those who died in defense of their country. In fact, at the first celebration of Decoration Day, then General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. honoring the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers who fought and died. It is said that over 5000 people helped to decorate these graves with flags and flowers.

Since then, Memorial Day has since become a day of reflection and observance. All businesses are closed for the day, as well as government buildings. In addition, all members of the armed services, from World War I to today, have been so honored. Memorial Day spawned Veteran’s Day, which is observed on November 11th. Subsequently, Congress declared Memorial Day as a national holiday and is celebrated during a solemn ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. One of the most important events is the placing of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, which is usually done by the President or the Vice-President.

The tomb contains the remains of unknown American soldiers from all of the wars American fought. Moreover, every solider was given the Medal of Honor at the time they were interred, and you can see these medals at the Memorial Amphitheater. In addition, the tomb is guarded every day of every year by special members of the Old Guard. It is a fitting tribute to these men, and every year thousands of people visit this site to pay homage to these great men.

Memorial Day has become especially significant, as we have our troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Honoring them and those who died before them is not only fitting, but reminds us that freedom comes at a price, and any soldier would tell you that fighting for their country is worth the sacrifice. Remember the men and women who are in far away lands protecting the freedom of others, as well as our own. Light a candle in their honor; send them a message of thanks or a care package of homemade cookies; let them know you are thinking and praying for them. It’s the least we can do to ensure our Memorial Day history is not merely read from a book, but practiced every day.

Mother's Day Coconut Coated Chicken Strips

NOW you've got enough information to make a complete Mother's Day Dinner. Print off all of the recipes that I've posted throughout the week and give them to your husband or kids who are old enough to cook and...ENJOY!

Ingredients:
3/4 cup pineapple juice, divided
1 cup cream of coconut, divided
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup rice-wine vinegar
2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 cup flour
salt and pepper to taste
6 eggs, beaten
1 (2 pound) bag shredded coconut
3/4 to 1 cup peanut oil
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions:
In a large bowl mix 1/4 cup of pineapple juice, 1/4 cup of cream of cocunut, soy sauce, brown sugar and wine vinegar. Add chicken strips and allow to marinate, covered in refrigerator a minimum of 4 hours or overnight. In a pie plate, combine flour, salt and pepper. In a bowl beat eggs and mix with 1/4 cup cream of coconut. In another bowl pour shredded coconut. Coat chicken strips first in flour, next in egg mixture and finally in shredded coconut. In a deep skillet, heat peanut oil (enough to just cover the bottom of skillet) over medium heat. Once oil is hot, cook chicken for 5 minutes on each side, taking care not to over cook coconut. Remove chicken and drain any leftover oil. Place 1/2 cup pineapple juice and 1/2 cup cream of coconut and heavy whipping cream in pan. Cook until thick, scraping drippings from bottom of the skillet. Pour sauce over chicken strips.

Mother's Day Fruit Salad

Ingredients:
1 can prepared lemon pie filling
12 oz. frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 - 15 oz. can tropical fruit salad, drained
1 - 15 oz. can pineapple tidbits, drained
2 - 11 oz. cans mandarin oranges, drained
2 cups fresh strawberries

Instructions:
Mix lemon pie filling and whipped topping together in a large bowl. Add fruit to mixture and chill in refrigerator from 4 hours to overnight. When ready to serve, top with fresh strawberries or fruit of your choice and whipped topping.
Serves: 8

Mother's Day Roasted Carrots

Ingredients:
9 medium-sized carrots, peeled and trimmed
2 Tablespoons olive oil
dash of pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves (2 teaspoons dried)
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves (1 1/2 teaspoons dried)
1/4 cup pulp free orange juice

Instructions:
Cut carrots in half. Take the bigger half and cut again from top to bottom. Heat oil in a skillet on high. Lay carrots side by side in a layer in skillet. Sprinkle carrots with the onion and pepper. Reduce heat to medium low and cover. Cook carrots for 30 minutes, turning at 15 minutes. Once carrots begin to carmelize and the liquid evaporates, remove from skillet. Place carrots in a bowl and sprinkle with thyme, rosemary and orange juice. Toss together coating well and serve.

Mother's Day Coleslaw

Okay, okay - Mother's Day doesn't have to be all about breakfast in bed, does it? Here's a great coleslaw recipe...

Ingredients:
2 heads cabbage, shredded
1 small head red cabbage, shredded
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 - 2 large carrots, peeled and grated
2 cups mayonnaise
2 Tablespoon mustard
2 Tablespoon sugar
4 Tablespoon wine vinegar
2 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoon dried cilantro
2 teaspoon basil
2 teaspoon parsley

Instructions:
In a large sized bowl, mix cabbage, red cabbage, bell peppers, onion and carrots. Combine mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, vinegar, pepper, cilantro, basil, and parsley in another bowl. Pour mayonnaise mixture over vegetable mixture and stir well, coating vegetables completely. Cover coleslaw and chill overnight.
Serves: 16-20

20 Gifts from the Heart for Mother's Day

Unless your kids have been saving their allowance religiously, they may not be able to afford to buy an expensive gift for Mother’s Day.

However, there are inexpensive ideas for Mother’s Day gifts which they can utilize. Here are 20 gifts that come from the heart and not necessarily the piggy bank:

1. Set the table for dinner
2. Give her a red rose and place it in her favorite vase
3. Make her a special breakfast
4. Take her to the park for a picnic lunch
5. Bake her a cake and sing Happy Mother’s Day To You
6. Buy her favorite scented candles
7. Burn her favorite CD
8. Offer to do a specific chore for a week such as washing the dishes
9. Make a huge Happy Mother’s Day Sign
10. Give her a picture of you in a specially decorated frame
11. Make a bag of potpourri using dried flowers from the garden
12. Put together a scrapbook with her favorite recipes
13. Make a jewelry box for her using spring ornaments
14. Buy packs of herbs or flower seeds your mom could plant in the garden
15. Clear out the flower bed for mom to prepare for spring planting
16. Rake the leaves and make a compost pile
17. Make mom a bracelet using beads from a craft store
18. Make a sign for a t-shire that says “I love my mom” with an arrow pointing to the right or left
19. Wash the car
20. Clean your room

There are so many inexpensive ideas for Mother’s Day gifts, all of which will be appreciated no matter how small. The fact that you took the time to make a present or buy something really special says it all. So whatever you decide to do, know that it will be a keepsake mom will treasure forever.

Mother's Day Breakfast Muffins

Go ahead Mom, take the morning off and enjoy these wonderful breakfast muffins!

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
8 oz. can crushed pineapple, undrained
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2/3 cup finely chopped Canadian bacon (about 3 1/2 oz.)

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375 degress. Coat muffin tins with cooking spray. Mix flour, baking powder and salt in medium bowl and set to the side. Beat eggs, oil and sugar in a bowl. Stir in previously set aside mixture, pineapple, cheese and bacon. Fill muffin tins 3/4 full and bake until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center of muffins (approximately 30 minutes). Serve while still warm for best results. Makes 12 muffins.

Mother's Day Oatmeal

Hope you're hungry Mom! Here's a great oatmeal recipe to make for her this Mother's Day.

Ingredients:
3 1/2 cups skim milk
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 Tablespoon butter
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup chopped, unpeeled apple

Instructions:
Boil milk in a saucepan and stir in oats. Once oats and milk are mixed well, add the butter and salt and continue cooking over medium heat for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally. Remove oatmeal from stove and add the maple syrup, raisins, walnuts and apples. Stir to mix well. Serve with a tablespoon of brown sugar.

Mother's Day Strawberry French Toast

Over the next week, I'm going to give you some recipes that you can treat Mom with on Mother's Day...enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
8 slices bread, white or whole wheat
3 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
3 eggs, beaten
2 Tablespoon milk
4 Tablespoon butter, optional
2 Tablespoon powdered sugar

Instructions:
Mix until smooth cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. Spread on one side of bread. Top with sliced strawberries, covering the spread completely. Spread more of the mixture on another piece of bread and place on top. Press sandwich together gently to enclose strawberries inside. Mix eggs and milk together and set aside. Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray and place in oven. Melt 1 Tablespoon of butter in a skillet. Take sandwiches and place in egg and milk mixture covering both sides. Lay sandwich in the skillet and cook until the first side is lightly brown. Flip sandwich and cook the other side. Once both sides have browned, place it on the baking sheet in warm oven. Before serving, top french toast with remaining strawberries and powdered sugar. Drizzle with maple syrup or Strawberry topping below.
Serves: 4

Strawberry French Toast Topping
Ingredients:
1/2 C. maple syrup
2 T. orange juice or Grand Marnier
3/4 C. pureed strawberries

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a small pan. Stirring constantly, heat mixture over medium heat until it begins to thicken (approximately 5 minutes). While still warm, pour over french toast and serve immediately.

Easy Easter Brownie Cupcakes

Ingredients:
1 (19.5oz) package chocolate brownie mix
36 milk-chocolate mini eggs
12 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups flaked coconut
2 drops green food coloring

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350° F. Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners. Prepare brownie mix according to package instructions. Stir in 9 unwrapped mini chocolate eggs and stir well. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups. Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 to 17 minutes or until the edges start to firm but the center is still slightly soft. Remove from oven and cool in pan for approximately 10 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

In a separate bowl beat the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla using an electric mixer until smooth. Set aside.

Combine the shredded coconut and food coloring in a small bowl and mix well. Now top each cupcake with a tablespoon full of the cream cheese mixture and smooth the mixture flat. Then sprinkle the “green grass” shredded coconut over the cupcakes. Top each cupcake with one unwrapped chocolate egg.

Make Your Own Easter Baskets

There use to be a time when buying Easter baskets was affordable. With the exception of the dollar store variety, it seems everything but the kitchen sink is included, making them a bit high in price.

Here are some tips for making your own Easter baskets using your creativity!

A basket can come in any size and shape. Traditionally, an Easter basket is made of wicker, filled with brightly colored cellophane and, of course, the handle. You can make a basket out of things in your home.

• How about a gallon milk jug? Cut it right above the handle to open it up. Wrap it with brightly colored cellophane or tissue paper and decorate the handle.
• Paper plate and ribbon. Make holes on each side of the paper plate; use a bright colored ribbon to insert through the holes; make a bow and you have a basket, similar to one you would use to carry flowers! There are so many designed plates available in your local supermarket. You can dress it up however you choose.
• How about buying a plain basket at the dollar store and weaving pink or blue ribbon through the basket? You can cover the handle of the basket with ribbon as well. Instead of buying the cellophane grass; line the bottom of the basket with colorful tissue paper cut into strips – make a nest, so to speak. Fill the basket with whatever you choose.

It is doubtful you will run out of ideas, but just in case, check out these links for some other creative ideas!
Paper Bag Easter Bunny
Can Easter Basket

These tips for making your own Easter basket are just the tip of the iceberg. Get your creative juices flowing and start working...if for some reason those juices won't start, just ask your kids - they are always FULL of creativity!

Want Some Cool Easter Crafts and Activities...You Found the Right Place!

Easter is coming soon...are you ready? I'm always on the lookout for new and fun things to do with the kids at Easter. I came across this Easter Fun Pack the other day and was so excited about it! It has some really cool and useful stuff like:

* Easter Games and Activities

* Easter Crafts to do with the Kids

* 6 Step-by-step face painting instructions to turn your little cutie into an Easter Bunny!! (photos come with it - makes it a snap)

* 16 Coloring and Activity pages that you can print out for your child to create an Easter masterpiece!

It's fun and affordable - $7 for the entire pack! Click here to check it out. It's an immediate download, so you and your kids can start the fun right now!

Happy Easter!

p.s. Do you want a FREE preview?? Here's a coloring page from the Easter Fun Pack. Just click on the "Easter Bunny with Basket" under the Coloring Pages category. It's our special gift to you!

Easter Ice Cream Nests

This is the perfect kid-friendly dessert. Guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients:
20 milk chocolate mini-eggs unwrapped
½ cup miniature marshmallows
1 tablespoon Light corn syrup
1 tablespoon butter
1 ½ cups corn flakes (crushed)
Vanilla ice cream
Chocolate syrup for topping

Directions:
Lightly grease 6 muffin cups and set aside. Microwave 12 of the 18 chocolate eggs (make sure they’re uncovered) in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute (or a little less) and stir. If not fully melted microwave another 10 seconds.

Combine the butter, corn syrup and marshmallows in another bowl and microwave for about 15 seconds, stir until melted and add the melted chocolate and cereal to it. Mix the mixture well. Press mixture into the bottom and sides of the muffin cups to form a “nest” shape. Refrigerate for approximately 1 hour. Remove the nests from the muffin cups very carefully and let stand at room temperate for approximately 15 minutes.

Place a small scoop of vanilla ice cream inside each nest, top with another unwrapped chocolate egg and drizzle with chocolate syrup.

Happy Rotten Sneaker Day!

Today is National Rotten Sneaker Day.

WHOOPEE! EVERY day at my house is Rotten Sneaker Day...and it's not just the boys, mind you...the girls contribute their share too.

We have the best time with the youngest - when she was a baby and I would change her diaper, I would grab her feet, put them to my nose and say "Pee-You!" When she was really young, she would smile...as she got a little bit older, she would giggle...and a little bit older, she would let out a huge guffaw! Now, she is forever taking her socks and shoes off (she comes by that honestly - I love walking around in my bare feet too), she lays down on her back and sticks her feet in the air..."Smell my feet mama!"

What does this lovely little anecdote have to do with Rotten Sneaker Day? She has REALLY SMELLY FEET! No doubt due to her REALLY SMELLY SNEAKERS!

So, as a tribute to this lovely holiday, I will take all of the yucky sneakers in our house and put them in the washing machine. If that doesn't help - I will have to resort to throwing them away in the trash ...I couldn't subject anyone else to the nasty hand-me-downs.

PEE-YOU!

Need Some Alternatives to Easter Candy?

Every year moms try to decide what to give their kids for Easter. No doubt the kids would prefer candy and chocolate, but if you're feeling that the kids are getting too much of a bad thing on a daily or weekly basis, there are some other alternatives to put in Easter baskets this year.

Fill their baskets with some of these:

• Fruits and cookies
• Mini boxes of raisins and low fat candies
• Hand puppets - they can make their own play!
• Stuffed bunny rabbits and jelly beans (no fat and low in calories)
• Brightly colored plastic eggs with coins inside each egg (kids love money!)
• Coloring books and crayons
• Small toys from the dollar store
• Bubbles
• Books (all ages love these)
• Puzzles
• Scrapbooking kit and disposable camera
• Snack size packages of Goldfish crackers
• Play-Doh (brings back memories, doesn't it?)
• Sugarfree gum for the older ones
• Packages of baseball cards (or in my house Yu-Gi-Oh! cards)

There are lots of alternatives to filling the baskets high with unhealthy candy...be creative and use your imagination!

Inexpensive Easter Gift Ideas for Kids

As kids, we loved Easter, right? It was especially fun not only coloring Easter eggs but hunting for them in the morning. Mom always found neat places to hide them.

We used to have baskets every year - the Easter Bunny would hide them and we would have a ball trying to figure out where they were hidden.

Easter has come a long way since we were kids! Everything seems to be large and very expensive! It doesn't have to be that way. You can still provide a really good time for the kids without breaking the bank. I've put together 7 inexpensive ideas that will bring a smile to the little ones' faces on Easter morning:

1. For your younger children, you can put together an Easter basket filled with homemade cookies; Easter coloring books and crayons; and, of course, a small and inexpensive chocolate Easter Bunny.

2. Another favorite treat for kids is the very popular marshmallow chicks. These have been around since we were kids, and these are sure to be a hit with yours, too! You can add these to a small basket; take different colored tissue paper and cut them into strips to make a nest; line the basket; add the chicks along with a small bag of jelly beans, and some chocolate Easter eggs.

3. If you want to cut down on the number of sweets your child eats, you can buy an Easter basket and some straw, and fill it with little toys from the dollar store. You may even want to include a few kids’ books as well.

4. How about an Easter basket filled with cookies shaped like eggs and bunnies. You can use different color icing to decorate the eggs and bunnies. This is one gift your kids will love!

5. How about making a bunny cake! Have the entire family participate in molding, shaping and icing the bunny. Let your imagination run wild with this fun activity. Or you could make girl and boy bunny cakes for the kids and present it to them on Easter morning. What a surprise that would be!

6. String up jelly bean necklaces and bracelets for your kids to wear. Tell your kids there is an island where visitors are greeted with jellybean jewelry.

7. You can purchase inexpensive bunny ears for your kids to wear. They can hop around the house while hunting for those Easter eggs. Make a game of it.

Okay, I've started with the first 7 ideas - now it's YOUR turn. Leave some comments and let's build this list to help all moms out this Easter!

This is all lots of fun, but please remember to share the REAL REASON why we celebrate Easter!

Valentine's Day Cake

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Are you looking for that special dessert to make this evening for your family? Here's a great recipe, light and fruity and fun!!

Ingredients:
1 package white cake mix
1 package strawberry gelatine
4 eggs
¾ cup vegetable oil
½ cup water
1 cup fresh sliced strawberries
Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease two 8-inch square baking pans. Combine cake mix and gelatin in large mixing bowl. Add eggs, oil, water and half of the strawberries. Beat on for a few minutes until well blended.

Divide batter evenly and pour batter into baking pans. Bake for approximately 35 minutes or until golden and baked through. Cool for 5 minutes in pans before turning over to wire racks to cool completely.

Top with remaining sliced strawberries and dust with powdered sugar.

Have a Romantic Evening With Your Spouse on Valentine's Day

Do you want to put the "spark" back in your romance? What better place to start this Valentine's Day than the bedroom?

Let's take a look at a few easy steps to set the romantic mood in the place where we spend 1/3 of our lives!


Step #1 - (my husband would KILL me for writing this)...Get rid of the TV!...or at least hide the remote for the evening. Unplug the telephone and rid the room of anything that may distract you and your spouse. Put away anything that’s out of place.

Step #2 - Buy some romantic decor...buy a red comforter and/or red satin sheets. Pick up some soft plush pillows also. Buy some scented aromatherapy candles in different scents.

Step #3 - Get some other fun essentials! Pick up some strawberries and chocolate and some whipped cream while you're out. One more thing...if you can pick up some rose petals, add those to your shopping cart.

Step #4 - Set the mood. Make some chocolate fondue for later. Place the scented candles around the room. Turn down the comforter, and place rose petals on the pillows. Either soften the lights or turn them off. Ensure there are no sounds coming into the room via the windows by closing them shut. Set up a bottle of wine near the bed. Put your favorite music on nice and low. Lay out your favorite night wear for you and your spouse.

Now stand by the door, and take a look! Is this a romantic bedroom or what? No matter what mood your husband comes home in, once he sees the bedroom his mood will quickly change. While these are some decorating tips, you may come up with your own imaginative style. Whatever you choose, the key to keeping your bedroom romantic and inviting is to get rid of all the distractions which would interfere with maintaining the ambience and mood of the room.
You can be certain that one night spent in this romantic setting will help the two of you remember why you married each other in the first place ;)