Independence day

The Fourth of July -- the day when we celebrate the United States' independence. We wave our flags, march in parades, watch fireworks, and dress in the familiar red, white, and blue. This year, take some time to talk to your preschooler about more than just the picnics and the parades. If you don't have a map of the USA in your house, take this opportunity to put one up! Talk to your preschooler about the original thirteen colonies, the different states where you have friends and family, and where the president lives. Your children will also be fascinated by more detailed road maps of the localities where you live and where you will be traveling -- so much so that you may want to give them one of their own so that they can follow along with markers and stickers. For the very first geography and history lessons, there is no better place to begin than at home. Let's show our kids what they are celebrating this Independence Day! Read More »

How exactly does one define "patriotism"? Webster's Dictionary labels it as “a love for or devotion to one's country.” Certainly, many of our Founding Fathers would fall into that category. Men like Thomas Jefferson and John Adams could be considered patriots. They spent large parts of their lives pursuing freedom for this country. And they exited this world with a flair for the patriotic as well: Both men died on the 4th of July in 1826. However, for all of their accomplishments, the two men still lack something from their illustrious careers: They never consumed 66 hot dogs in 12 minutes. One of the more bizarre displays of "patriotism" in this country can be found every 4th of July in Brooklyn, New York. Since 1916, the city has hosted Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. The event is believed to have started as a contest between two immigrants who wanted to prove who was more patriotic by the number of hot dogs they could eat. Or maybe they were just trying to impress the local Coney Island women. The historical record is a bit fuzzy. Regardless, the meaning of patriotism has now expanded. What was once relegated to flying flags and shooting fireworks has now grown to include one's penchant for stuffing vast amounts of processed meat in their bellies. Our Founding Fathers must be very proud. Read More »

This week we want you to celebrate your independence from fat, calories and all that other junk our bodies just do not need! Celebrate your freedom to choose delicious, satisfying foods that don’t wreck your diet or health, but rather support it. And, embrace your right as an American to fire up a grill on the 4th and enjoy the tempting burgers that rise from its flames. Read More »