A Quick Quote

"When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts.  A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child".     ~Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty

A History of Mother's Day

The beginning of mother's day is said to be traced back to spring celebrations of ancient Greece in honor of Rhea, the Mother of the Gods. During the 1600's, England celebrated a day called "Mothering Sunday". Celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Lent, "Mothering Sunday" honored the mothers of England. The tribute to celebration of the mother's day should be given to Anna Jarvis who first decided to raise awareness of poor health conditions in her community, a cause she believed would be best advocated by mothers. She called it "Mother's Work Day.

At this time many of the England's poor worked as servants for the wealthy. As most jobs were located far from their homes, the servants would live at the houses of their employers. On Mothering Sunday the servants would have the day off and were encouraged to return home and spend the day with their mothers. A special cake, called the mothering cake, was often brought along to provide a festive touch.

As Christianity spread throughout Europe the celebration changed to honor the "Mother Church" – the spiritual power that gave them life and protected them from harm. Over time the church festival blended with the Mothering Sunday celebration . People began honoring their mothers as well as the church.

In the U.S.A. Mother's Day was first suggested in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe (who wrote the words to the Battle hymn of the Republic) as a day dedicated to peace. Ms. Howe would hold organized Mother's Day meetings in Boston, Mass ever year. 

It was recorded that in 1907 Ana Jarvis, from Philadelphia, began a campaign to establish a national Mother's Day. Ms. Jarvis persuaded her mother's church in Grafton, West Virginia to celebrate Mother's Day on the second anniversary of her mother's death, the 2nd Sunday of May. By the next year Mother's Day was also celebrated in Philadelphia.

Ms. Jarvis and her supporters began to write to ministers, businessman, and politicians in their quest to establish a national Mother's Day. It was successful as by 1911 Mother's Day was celebrated in almost every state. President Woodrow Wilson, in 1914, made the official announcement proclaiming Mother's Day as a national holiday that was to be held each year on the 2nd Sunday of May. 

As many countries of the world celebrate their own Mother's Day at different times throughout the year, there are some countries such as Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, and Belgium which also celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May.

For helpful or inspirational gift ideas to enhance your mother's lifestyle browse through these eBooks and Audios below. Maybe your mum would like to develop a new hobby or interest, find a new career path, get advice on health issues, maybe recipe ideas, or just get some answers to a problem.

The Best Poem For Mum 

Happy Mothers Day Means More

"Happy Mother's Day" means more
Than have a happy day.
Within those words lie lots of things
We never get to say. 
It means I love you first of all,
Then thanks for all you do.
It means you mean a lot to me,
And that I honor you. 

 If You Would Like To Give A Gift Of Knowledge and Inspiration, then browse these lasting helpful  gift ideas to enhance your mother's lifestyle through eBooks and Audios. Maybe your mum would like to develop a new hobby or interest, find a new career path, get advice on health issues, maybe recipe ideas, or just get some answers to a problem. There are videos to watch and many free bonus gifts also.

Wellness	Self Improvement	Pregnancy & Baby Care
Hobbies & Crafts	Special Family Celebrations	Raising Families
Home & Garden Improvements	Cooking & Food Recipes	Your Diet & Your Body
Environment & Wildlife Care	Travel The World	Pet Care
Relationship Happiness	Internet Marketing	Web Business Success
Women Love Life

We have some great outdoor ideas including recipe and activity books for those of you looking for some extra inspiration.

Don't forget to print off your favourite recipes, put them in a plastic sleeve AND TAKE THEM WITH YOU when you go away.

Happy Easter! I love to get your feedback, talk soon

Kind regards, Catherine

I have experienced with recipe books or informative guides we often take just a handful of the ideas we like, then make them our favorites by adding our own personal twist to them.

Well I just HAD to add some of my favorite recipes. Hope you like them.

Savoury French Toast

sliced bread

beaten eggs

salt

pepper

B.B.Q. seasoning (optional)

Break eggs into a bowl or flat tin. Add BBQ seasoning, salt and pepper to taste. Beat or stir mixture with a fork. Saturate slices of bread, then put them in a hot frying pan with oil. Fry to a golden brown on both sides. Turn with a spatula.

Serve on own or with fried tomato, bacon and mushroom for the full breakfast feast after a night of fishing or hunting.

Another goodie is this delicious stew. Following all those outdoor activities have left you starving you will love this hearty meal which can be cooked over the campfire in a ditch oven or heavy pot. Slow cooking is preferable, so preparation could be done before you go out for the day plus this way you come back to camp knowing your meal will be ready to eat.

Hungarian Goulash

Approximately 1-2 kg. of diced beef, goat or venison

5 heaped teaspoons of Paprika

1 large fried Onion, sliced

2 Bay leaves, optional

1 teaspoon Marjoram

Pinch of Carraway seeds, or carraway seed water, optional

1 red Capsicum, sliced

Approximately 4 large Potatoes, cut into halves

Small tin or fresh tomatoes, optional

Oi l- approximately  5  tspns.

Salt

Pepper

Chilli

BBQ Seasoning

Water

Fry onion in oil until golden brown. Add paprika and stir for a few seconds before adding meat. Stir until slightly cooked on the outside, then add about 1/2 cup of water, spices to taste, and remaining ingredients. Add enough water to just cover meat, about 2 cups. Cover with lid and slowly cook until meat is tender, around 2-4 hours. Easy!

Tweak this recipe to make it your own. You can add or take out certain vegetables and spices to your own liking. I use chuck beef for added flavour.

Check this out below.

101 Camping & Outdoor Recipes provides you with 101 delicious, and easy-to-prepare recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner that are sure to make you a hit around the campfire.

A dutch oven or heavy pot, preferably cast iron with a lid may be used for slower cooking and a smaller skillet or frying pan for other cooking. Depending on the heat and hot coals the fire has will determine how close you place the pot or pan over the fire. If you don't have a metal frame you can use rocks, or similar to prop the pot in the desired position. Isn't that some of the fun of outdoor challenges, being resourceful?

It's a fact that food just tastes better outdoors. Now with 101 Camping & Outdoor Recipes, even campers who have never cooked anything more complicated than S'mores can make great meals and snacks over the campfire. You no longer need to sacrifice eating well just because you are not in your home kitchen. 101 Camping & Outdoor Recipes provides you with 101 delicious, and easy-to-prepare recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that are sure to make you a hit around the campfire.

http://www.betterlifestyleebooks.com/cooking/camping/

http://www.betterlifestyleebooks.com/family-occasions/easter/ 

Tips – For the Hungarian Goulash – Do not over fry and burn onions or paprika as the dish will be bitter. If you are going to be away from camp longer, then cut the meat and vegetables up into larger sizes. Play around and have fun. Remember, if you don't like a "sweet" flavour to your stew, you must fry the onions until golden and don't add carrot to the dish.

Before you travel, a little pre planning makes your time away enjoyable.

Before you go away prepare a box with your ingredients you need. Don't forget the matches and can opener! Freeze the meat and use it as a "cooler" for other food while you travel, and it thaws out.Do the same with water bottles. Make sure you take some plastic bags so you can remove your rubbish.

When cooking eggs  – Cracked eggs can still be boiled if wrapped in aluminium foil to prevent the egg white from escaping.Don't overcook eggs or they'll turn out rubbery.

CAMPING SAFETY TIPS

Examine the ground for ants' nests prior to pitching your tent or spreading out your picnic blanket.

Ensure your tent is zipped at all times to stop creatures entering.

Don't leave shoes, socks, hats and gloves lying around outside as they can provide a warm spot for spiders to hide. Always check items if they have been left outside.

Wear gloves when collecting firewood.

Always re-seal food receptacles immediately.

Dispose of your rubbish thoughtfully to prevent ants and flies descending in droves. It will also stop possums clattering around your camp at night.

Burn a citronella candle to discourage mosquitoes.

If hiking, wear ankle-high boots, thick socks and trousers to reduce the risk of snake bites and leech attacks.

Leeches will not bite skin covered with insect repellent or tea-tree oil.

Don't attempt to handle the wildlife that may be dangerous. If out walking wait until they pass.

STORM SAFETY

Heavy rain and high winds can cause havoc to your camp site. Here are some safety measures to help minimise the danger:

Don't camp under trees with large boughs, especially gums. Often called 'widow makers', they tend to snap off in strong winds and lightning strikes.

If you're looking for shade try medium size leafy trees which filter the light well. Most rainforest trees are pretty sturdy. Most people set up their own shelter (tarps and annexes etc) for protection from the midday sun.

Ensure your tent is secured firmly using the correct pegs for soil type.

Use an extra tent fly or tarpaulin to add strength. It will also act as an extra rain barrier.

Remove items that can become missiles and pierce your tent in strong winds. Collect fallen branches and place them in a sheltered area such as an outbuilding, fireplace enclosure or a natural wind break (see below). Pack camping accessories in your vehicle.

Use natural land formations such as a lee of a hill, base of a valley or rock formations to act as wind breaks. If in an open area use your vehicle.

If heavy rain is expected, dig a small trench on the high side of your tent that is longer than your tent to divert water flow away from your camp.

If a storm is severe, leave the area. Never try and 'ride it out'.

Seek advice from local rangers on camping during the summer storm season.

ELECTRICAL STORMS

Although lightning strikes seem random you can take precautions to avoid being struck.

Take shelter in your vehicle or a building if possible. If you are in your vehicle don't touch the metal framework because the lightning passes through this – not you and not the rubber tyres.

Avoid being the tallest object around. Get as low as you can by squatting (not lying down). Remove your backpack – especially if it has metal frames.

Avoid sheltering under the tallest object or the tallest tree in a group. Sheltering under trees should be avoided.

Stay away from metal fences and water – don't go swimming – as both conduct electricity over long distances.

If the threat of lightning strikes is great, do not huddle in a group – spread out at least 30 metres apart. Keep track of each other by numbering off in loud voices. If one member of your crew is struck, give assistance.

Mountain summits and exposed ridges are extremely hazardous during lightning storms. If you are caught here, quickly descend to a lower point away from the direction of the approaching storm.

Exposed tents may provide shelter from rain but metal frames provide no lightning protection. If you shelter in the tent, ground currents can run through you from head to foot as you lie in contact with the ground. Seek alternative shelter.

Have a Safe Trip and above all have FUN!

Search our range of food recipe and cooking ebooks and audio programs to help make your kitchen life a whole lot easier – everything from Cake Decorating to Culinary Delights, Smoothie Recipes to Building Your Own Wine Cellar are available for instant download. Create cheesecake recipes X cookies and biscuit recipes X coffee recipes X crockpot recipes X outdoor recipes X apple recipes X desserts X appertizers X camping and outdoor recipes plus videos. 

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