TopicWell

International Culinarians Day

Posted on July 25, 2023 by Liz Yuki

What is a Culinarian?

A culinarian is someone who is good at making food! This can be a meal, as with chefs, or a cake from a baker! Anyone who has cooking skills can be considered a culinarian! I won’t say I’m the best cook, but I can make a chicken pot pie that will turn heads. Anyone with a mixing bowl, a recipe, and a dream can be a culinarian if they put their minds to it. Today, we’re celebrating such people!

Famous Culinarians

Now, my favorite chef is fictional, but he represents the expanse of culinarians in the media today. That chef is Remy from Pixar’s Ratatouille. This little guy captured hearts with his friend Linguini as they fought to bring delicious meals to food critics and beyond! This heartwarming animated movie inspires me to test the waters of new recipes from time to time. Maybe it could inspire you, too!

Pastry chefs like the famous “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro and “Ace of Cakes” Duff Goldman are renowned for their decorative and delicious confections! Valastro and his family create mind-boggling cakes at Carlo’s Bakery that emulate real-life objects, are decorated to the nines, and look scrumptious! One of my favorites from his show is an aquarium cake with colorful, realistic coral! Goldman makes some impressive creations too, including a giant fast-food cake that looks like a hamburger, hot dog, and french fries stacked on top of each other! His bakery is called Charm City Cakes.

Whenever I hear the word chef (or idiot sandwich), one particularly memorable British chef comes to mind. Yes, I mean Gordon Ramsay! He’s another favorite of mine because his cooking shows are amusing to watch, and he’s very talented! He has a multitude of television shows, restaurants, and books to back up this claim! Ramsay has been a head chef since the youthful age of 27, and he has many Michelin stars.

This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but it showcases just how wide the range of culinarians can be! From wedding cakes to scrambled eggs, every cook counts!

Celebrate Cuisine!

So, how can we celebrate International Culinarians Day? Pick up your chef’s hat and let’s get cooking with some ideas!

Thank a chef! If you go to a restaurant, or if you know a culinarian personally, thank them with kind words of appreciation and let them know how yummy their food is!
Try out some new recipes! Pick up a spatula and test your culinary skills.
Watch cooking shows! Get inspired by experienced chefs and thrilling competitions.
Check out a new bakery or restaurant! Expand your tasty horizons and try out some local eateries.

I hope you enjoyed this article on International Culinarians Day! It sure made me hungry! Before you head out to grab a slice, feel free to share your favorite chefs, recipes, and culinary experiences below! Consider donating to the blog if you’d like to see more content like this, and thank you so much for reading!

International Self Care Day

Posted on July 24, 2023 by Liz Yuki

3 Comments

Prioritize Your Well-being and Embrace Life’s Joys!

It’s July 24, meaning it’s time to treat yourself to a day of rejuvenation and self-nurturing! Join us as we celebrate International Self Care Day. Put yourself first, embrace self-compassion, embark on a journey of soul care and emotional well-being.

Life has thrown its fair share of challenges, especially with the changes brought by COVID-19, but now is the perfect moment to hit the reset button and indulge in some much-needed self-love.

Self care and self love has become increasingly crucial as our lives grow stressful and more fast-paced. As such, International Self Care Day acts as a reminder to take care of ourselves in these trying days. It’s a reminder that self-care is not self-indulgence or selfishness.

It’s a crucial cornerstone of a healthy, fulfilling life.

Practicing Self Love

Though the concept of self care has floated around for ages, it didn’t always get the attention it deserved. For years, society brushed it off as unnecessary, leaving many struggling to cope with the demands of daily life.

Thankfully, this mindset has changed for the better over the years. Thanks to the International Self-Care Foundation, we now have an entire day dedicated to the power of self-nurturing and soul care.

Mental health is at the forefront of self-care, and it’s time to harness its benefits. Practicing self care can reduce stress, anxiety, and burnout, allowing you to embrace life with a refreshed outlook. Here are five acts of self-care you can incorporate into your daily routine:

Me-Time Magic: Carve out a few minutes each day to do something you truly enjoy. It could be reading a book, gardening, or simply savoring a cup of your favorite coffee or tea.
Embrace Emotional Self-Care: Connect with your emotions and acknowledge them without judgment. Engage in activities that make your heart sing and give yourself permission to express your feelings, such as art, singing, or playing a favorite sport.
Soulful Escapades: Spend time in nature, take a peaceful walk, or indulge in meditation to reconnect with your inner self and find tranquility.
A Dash of Self-Compassion: Be kind; treat yourself with the same care and love you offer to others. Practice self-compassion, especially during challenging times.
The Love Language of Self-Love: Prioritize physical well-being through exercise, proper nutrition, and sufficient rest. Show your body the love it deserves, and it will reward you with vitality.

Begin Your Soul Care Journey

Starting a self-care routine is easier than many believe. Start by identifying activities that make you feel good, relaxed, and centered. Incorporate them into your daily life, no matter how busy you are. Believe us: Your body, mind, and spirit will appreciate it.

Remember, self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant; even small acts of self-compassion can have a profound impact on your overall well-being. As we celebrate this wonderful day of self-love, let’s make a commitment to cherish ourselves not just today, but every day.

Take a moment to pause, breathe, and indulge in life’s simple pleasures. Reconnect with your inner child, laugh heartily, and cherish the precious moments life offers. We appreciate you and hope you’ll come to love yourself just as much.

Let’s seize the opportunity to celebrate International Self-Care Day, prioritize our well-being, and spread the joy of self-compassion far and wide. Make every day an ode to self love and soul care, embracing the magic of life with open hearts!

As you embark on this journey of self-care, consider supporting TopicWell so we can continue providing fun and encouraging content to uplift spirits.

National Craft for Your Local Shelters Day

Posted on July 21, 2023 by Liz Yuki

Unleash Your Creativity for a Pawsitive Cause!

Embark on a heartwarming adventure as we celebrate National Craft for Your Local Shelters Day on July 21! This delightful holiday invites crafters, DIY enthusiasts, and all animal lovers to come together and make a difference in the lives of shelter dogs and cats.

The summer months often bring an influx of animals to shelters across the country. As such, your support will prove crucial! Let’s channel our creative energy and show some love to our furry friends with homemade toys and supplies to brighten their days. Join us on this special day and let compassion and creativity collide!

Animals have suffered a long history of cruelty. Over time, dedicated individuals and organizations have worked tirelessly to change the narrative. In 1824, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) emerged in Britain, challenging societal norms and advocating for better treatment of dogs.

In 1866, this compassionate movement reached the United States. We thank Henry Burgh for his efforts to make this happen. Despite the ridicule and criticism attacking his beliefs, he inspired kindness and compassion, leaving a profound impact on those around him.

His perseverance paved the way for the SPCA to establish its roots and continue evolving.

Support Local Shelters:

Our local animal shelters and animal sanctuaries are the lifelines for countless animals in need, and they rely on our support to make a difference. By lending a helping hand, you can act as the voice for shelter dogs, cats, and other rescue animals. You could become an animal’s hope and saving grace.

Here are a few ways you can make a difference:

Volunteer: Reach out to local animal shelters and rescue groups to discover volunteer opportunities. Whether it’s walking dogs, socializing cats, or assisting with administrative tasks, your time and dedication can make a world of difference in their daily operations.
Donate: Monetary contributions are invaluable in supporting shelters. Your donations can help cover essential expenses, such as supplies, staff training, veterinary care, and community outreach programs. Every dollar counts and contributes to creating a safe haven for our furry friends.
Spread the Word: Become an advocate for local shelters by raising awareness in your community. Share their stories and initiatives on social media, attend adoption events, or organize fundraisers to support their cause. By being a voice for the voiceless, you inspire others to join the mission of compassion.

Make a Difference with DIY Pet Toys:

If you have the time and enjoy arts and crafts, consider crafting pet toys for animal shelters. This is an inexpensive and creative way to make rescue animals’ lives more enjoyable.

Here are some simple DIY projects for both dogs and cats:

For Dogs:

Towel Tug Toys: Upcycle old t-shirts, towels, or rags into durable rope toys. Knot and braid the fabric to create a fun toy that withstands playful tugging.
Flirt Poles: Attach a plush toy or fabric to a long stick or pole with a string. Engage dogs in interactive play, satisfying their natural instincts to chase and capture prey.
Rope and Tennis Ball Toy: Combine a tennis ball with braided ropes to create a toy that dogs can chew and fetch to their heart’s content.

For Cats:

Plastic Eggs Surprise: Fill plastic eggs with unpopped popcorn kernels, dry beans, or grains of dry rice. The rattling sound will captivate curious felines, providing hours of entertainment.
Cat Fishing Poles: Attach feathers or bells to a string and tie it securely to a stick or rod. Cats love to chase this toy, as it mimics the movement of prey and keeps them agile and entertained.
Pom Poms Galore: Craft colorful pom poms using yarn or tissue paper. Cats will delight in batting them around, satisfying their natural hunting instincts.

Let your love for animals and creativity shine on National Craft for Your Local Shelters Day. By supporting local shelters through volunteering, donations, and spreading awareness, we can create a safer and more compassionate world for our furry friends.

Crafting homemade pet toys not only provides enrichment for shelter animals but also symbolizes the joy and warmth they bring to our lives. Join us in celebrating this special day and let’s make a positive impact together!

Remember, there are countless ways to support animal shelters beyond this holiday. Consider donating to local charities that help cover vet bills for people in need. Together, we can ensure that animals receive the care and love they deserve.

And don’t forget to continue your journey of discovery by visiting Topicwell for more engaging content that celebrates our furry companions and the bond we share. Happy National Craft for Your Local Shelters Day!