What Shall We Bake Today?

Since we’re getting into those hotter summer months, I thought I’d bring some good desserts that need NO BAKING!

Philadelphia No-Bake Cheesecake

Ingredients

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese (softened)

1 cup sour cream

1⁄2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 (8-ounce) container nondairy whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 9-inch graham cracker pie crust

pie filling, for topping (optional)

Instructions

Beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla until you form a smooth mixture.

Gently fold in the Cool Whip.

Pour the cheesecake filling into a store-bought graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spoon or spatula.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow it to set–preferably overnight.

Just before serving, top with your favorite cheesecake topping.

Enjoy!

Butterfly Fish

The butterfly fish are a group of tropical marine fish belonging to the family Chaetodontidae. There are approximately 129 species of butterfly fish that are mostly found on the reefs of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Butterflyfish look like smaller versions of angelfish (Pomacanthidae), but lack preopercle spines at the gill covers.

Thanks to their beautiful colors and patterns and docile personality, many butterfly fish are popular aquarium fish, and they are often found as pets. The name Chaetodontidae is a combination of two Ancient Greek words: chaite, meaning hair, and odontos, meaning tooth. This is probably a reference to the rows of brush-like teeth in these fishes’ mouths.

This Chaetodontidae family should not be confused with the freshwater butterfly fish (also known as the African butterfly fish). Endemic to the West African region, the freshwater butterfly fish belongs to an entirely different order. The freshwater butterfly fish is more closely related to other African fish in the order of Osteoglossiformes.

Butterfly Fish Characteristics

Butterfly fish are closely related to angelfish and both groups are collectively known as coralfish. Butterfly fish are small fish and most do not exceed 12 to 22 9.7 to 8.7 inches in length. The largest of the species is the lined butterfly fish (Chaetodon lineolatus) and the saddle butterfly fish (Chaetodon ephippium) which grows to 12 inches in length. Butterfly fish are, in general, sexually monomorphic (meaning males and females look alike), although occasionally males have been found to be larger than females.

These fish are named for their brightly colored and strikingly patterned bodies, in shades of black, white, blue, red, orange and yellow. Some species are dull in color. Like patterns seen on butterfly wings, many of the species have eyespots on their flanks and dark bands across their eyes. Their coloration makes them popular aquarium fish, and as they are relatively small, they don’t need a large fish tank to house them.

Butterfly fish have uninterrupted dorsal fins with tail fins that may be rounded or truncated, but are never forked. The dorsal fin on the back sometimes features sharp spines which provide a defense against potential predators.

Their bodies are deep and laterally compressed, which allows them to slip between rocky outcroppings and reef crevices. This, combined with their bright colors, has lead many to believe they are intended for interspecies communication.

These fish also have a protruding snout, varying in length depending on the species, that is tipped with a small mouth. This extended snout allows them to reach inside cracks and holes to feed small organisms hiding within.

Lifespan

Butterfly fish have an average lifespan of between 5 and 10 years.

Diet

Butterfly fish eat mostly small invertebrates such as sponges, worms and plankton.
They’ll also eat coral polyps, algae and sea anemones. They feed during the day, at the bottom layer of the seabed.

Behavior

Butterfly fish are diurnal animals, which means they are active and feed during the day
and rest on the coral during the night. At night, butterfly fish hide in reef
crevices and their colors can fade to blend and avoid predation.

The smaller species of butterfly fish tend to stay in groups, whereas the larger species
are usually solitary or swim with their mating partner, with whom they mate for
life. The butterfly fish relies on its sight to find prey and communicate with
others.

Reproduction

Butterfly fish are specific about the time of year that they mate; in the tropics, the spawning season usually peaks in winter or early spring, but in temperate climates, the spawning season takes place in the summer.

When the female is ready to mate, her stomach becomes swollen with eggs. The male will come up from behind and gently nudge her abdomen with its snout, and they will release the eggs and sperm together, creating a white cloud in the water. Some males without a mate may swim in and quickly add his sperm to the cloud!

Gestation is only 28 to 30 hours. Butterfly fish play no part in raising their young and instead, the young have a unique larval stage in which they develop a plate of bony armor over the head to protect themselves. This plate eventually extends outward along the back to form spines, which are eventually absorbed into the body.

The young butterfly fish enters a juvenile stage when it has reached the size of a coin, during which period it exhibits different color patterns from its adult form. Juveniles will live within small tidal pools or shallow areas temporarily before moving to the corals.

Butterfly fish form monogamous pairs for at least three years and sometimes even their entire lives. They reach sexual maturity at around a year old.

Location and Habitat

Butterfly fish are mostly found in the coral reefs of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, in temperate, tropical and subtropical waters. The greatest concentration of species is found in a stretch of Pacific territory between Australia and Taiwan. Only four species occur in the Eastern Pacific and 13 in the Atlantic Ocean.

Their preferred habitat is the shallow warm water less than 65 feet deep near shores or estuaries, but a few species reside in deep water habitats up to 650 feet. They are well adapted to life in coral reef systems, though a few species also inhabit seagrass beds, lagoons, and mudflats. Young butterfly fish may occupy different areas than adults, such as tidal pools, boulder reefs and shallow areas without coral.

Conservation Status

The exact population of the butterfly fish is unknown, but it is one of the most most common types of coral reef fish in the world. The species is listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List. That being said, they do face threats. The biggest threat to these fish is the destruction of the coral reefs.

The butterfly fish is never caught for food, but it is popular in the exotic pet trade. These animals can make good pets, but they have very specific requirements that can be demanding for the average fish owner.

Predators

The butterfly fish is preyed on by sharks, eels, snappers, and other large fish. Because they are very small, they have the ability to hide in small crevices around coral reefs. Many of the species have also evolved spines, armor, and toxins to deal with threats from predators.

SOURCE: ANIMALCORNER.ORG

Idaho State Flower: Syringa (Mock Orange)

According to the boisedev.com, the Idaho state flower has an interesting scientific name. Read on find out what it is!

FROM BOISEDEV.COM:

Spring has sprung, and that means flowers are blooming across the state. One type of flower you’ll see is the syringa, designated the state flower of Idaho by the legislature in 1931.

Flowering late May through July, the syringa blooms in groups and often resembles a snowy mountainside.

It grows best in medium-dry to moist soil along streams, rocky talus, dry ravines, and canyons. According to US Forest Service, the syringa can be found across the state and most abundantly in the Boise National Forest near Idaho City and the canyons around Anderson Ranch Reservoir.

It’s a woody shrub that grows 8 feet tall and has clusters of white and yellow flowers. While it’s most commonly known as the syringa, it’s also called mock orange because the flowers have a strong smell similar to orange blossoms – hence the name.

The flower’s scientific name is the Philadelphus lewisii – after Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It’s said that Lewis wrote about the flower in his journal and collected them in the early 1800s as he explored the state. According to the Bureau of Land Management, other flowers in Idaho that are named after Lewis and Clark include the Lewis’s monkeyflower, the Bitterroots, the Lewis’s flax, and the beautiful clarkia.

Also, according to the US Forest Service, Native Americans used the syringa’s straight, sturdy stems to make arrows, pipe stems, and combs.

SOURCE: BOISEDEV.COM

Weird Fruits: Red Bananas

I came across this article on healthline.com on red bananas—their benefits, similarities and differences from yellow bananas.

From healthline.com:

Red bananas are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. They offer a low-calorie but high-fiber addition to meals, snacks, and desserts. Nutrients in red bananas may contribute to improved heart and digestive health when eaten as part of an overall healthy diet.

There are over 1,000 different varieties of bananas around the world. Red bananas are a subgroup of bananas from Southeast Asia with red skin. They’re soft and have a sweet flavor when ripe. Some people say they taste like a regular banana — but with a hint of raspberry sweetness. They’re often used in desserts but pair well with savory dishes, too. Red bananas provide many essential nutrients and may benefit your immune system, heart health, and digestion.

Here are 7 benefits of red bananas — and how they differ from yellow ones.

Contain Many Important Nutrients

Like yellow bananas, red bananas provide essential nutrients. They’re particularly rich in potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 and contain a fair amount of fiber. A small red banana only has about 90 calories and consists mostly of water and carbs. The high amounts of vitamin B6, magnesium, and vitamin C make this banana variety particularly nutrient dense.

May Lower Blood Pressure

Potassium is a mineral essential for heart health due to its role in regulating blood pressure. Red bananas are rich in potassium — with one small fruit providing 9% of the RDI. Research shows that eating more potassium-rich foods may help reduce blood pressure.

Support Eye Health

Red bananas contain carotenoids — pigments that give the fruits their reddish peel. Lutein and beta carotene are two carotenoids in red bananas that support eye health.

Rich in Antioxidants

Like most other fruits and vegetables, red bananas contain powerful antioxidants. In fact, they provide higher amounts of some antioxidants than yellow bananas. Antioxidants are compounds that prevent cellular damage caused by molecules called free radicals. Excessive free radicals in your body may lead to an imbalance known as oxidative stress, which is linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

May Support Your Immune System

Red bananas are rich in vitamins C and B6. These nutrients are essential for a healthy immune system. One small red banana provides 9% and 28% of the RDIs for vitamins C and B6, respectively. Vitamin C boosts immunity by strengthening the cells of your immune system.

May Improve Digestive Health

Red bananas support your digestive system in many ways.

Contain Prebiotics

Prebiotics are a type of fiber that feeds your beneficial gut bacteria. Like yellow bananas, red bananas are a great source of prebiotic fiber.

Good Source of Fiber

One small red banana provides 3 grams of fiber — about 10% of the RDI for this nutrient.

Delicious and Easy to Add to Your Diet

In addition to their health benefits, red bananas are delicious and easy to eat. They’re an extremely convenient and portable snack. Due to their sweet taste, red bananas also offer a healthy way to naturally sweeten a recipe. Red bananas are also a great addition to recipes for muffins, pancakes, and homemade bread.

Red vs. Yellow Bananas

Red bananas are fairly similar to their yellow counterparts. They’re both good sources of dietary fiber and provide similarly high in calories and carbs. Though red bananas are sweeter, they have a lower GI score than yellow bananas. The GI is a scale from 0 to 100 which measures how quickly foods increase blood sugar levels. Lower GI scores indicate a slower absorption into the blood. Yellow bananas have an average GI score of 51, while red bananas score lower on the scale at roughly 45.

The Bottom Line

Red bananas are a unique fruit that provides many health benefits. They’re rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. They offer a low-calorie but high-fiber addition to meals, snacks, and nourishing desserts. Among other things, the nutrients in red bananas may contribute to improved heart and digestive health when eaten as part of an overall healthy diet.

SOURCE: HEALTHLINE.COM

Here Comes the…Bridezilla?

June is traditionally the month we think about brides and weddings, but more and more brides are becoming bridezillas–terrible tyrants intent on being the star of the day and ruining the day for everyone else. I went in search of bridezilla stories. Here’s what I found on Good Housekeeping:

In some ways, we get it — on their big day, brides want things to go their way. Considering all the money that it takes to throw a wedding, you’d be peeved if your flowers showed up the fuchsia instead of blush, too. The following brides, however, took things a step (okay, 50 steps) too far. Forget pre-wedding stress and day-of jitters — when you straight up host tryouts for your bridal party (yep), you become a member of an elite squad also known as the special (worst-ever) bridezillas unit. These are their stories.

This bride expected all bridesmaids to be brunette on her big day.

The sole red-head in this bridezilla’s wedding party was pretty uncomfortable after she was told (by the bride, of course!) to dye her naturally ginger locks brown. Why? Red was too “attention-grabbing” and would “clash with the wedding colors.” The worst part though was when the bride exerted her totalitarian power and told this poor woman that “brides get a veto over pretty much every aspect of her bridesmaids’ appearances.” Direct quote.

And this one wanted her bridesmaids to chip in for her *dream* wedding dress.

No. Like, just no, right? After obsessing over the smallest minutiae (the groomsmen’s buttonholes for example) and dragging her bridesmaids to three consecutive weekends of wedding dress shopping, this bride-to-be said yes to a way over budget $10,500 dress. To offset overspending, the bride then asked her bridesmaids to pitch in for the gown, saying that the day would be that much more special if they directed contributed to her happiness.

If you’re unsure about who to have in your bridal party, just host an auction! (No. Don’t.)

A month out from her wedding, this bride still didn’t have a bridal party. So, naturally, as bridezillas do, she sent out invites to multiple women, inviting them to an auction — the six highest bidders would be selected as bridesmaids. We first heard this gem of a story on Reddit, where the bride’s sister (clearly the sensible one) told all, describing her sister as a spoiled high-riser. Apparently, there was also a separate auction for the maid of honor slot. Worst bridezilla in the history of weddings? Sold, to this girl!

No show guests? Bill ’em.

After a couple didn’t show up to her wedding (their babysitter fell through last minute and the wedding was no-kids), this bride sent them an invoice for two herb-crusted walleye fish entrees, including tax and service charges. Honestly, we kind of get this one — the couple never notified the newlyweds or sent a gift, which is, at the end of the day, really wrong. On the bride’s end, sending an invoice to no-show guests is something you may want to do, but is also probably something you shouldn’t act on.

This “health guru” wanted ALL of her guests to “detox” for three weeks before the wedding.

Yep, wouldn’t want any of those nasty toxins to cramp this totally-chill bride’s happily ever after. Her small, tiny request? According to a press release, she “hopes that by requesting her guests try out a vegan and subsequently live food diet for 21 days, everyone will look and feel their best for HER big day.” I’m sorry, what?

The price of being in this bridal party? Free labor.

As in, this bride wants everyone to take home fruit preserves as wedding favors, but wants her bridesmaids to drive to an orchard two hours away and spend all day picking said fruit. Jury’s out on whether or not she asked them to make jam. This Reddit user explained that it got worse, though: “She wants custom embroidery added to all the bridesmaid’s dresses — but she wants the bridesmaids to embroider them.” Right, because we’re all a bunch of seamstresses!

This bridezilla kicked two bridesmaids out of her wedding and then tried to poach their dresses.

After having a full blown meltdown — she accused people of not being “happy enough” that she was getting married — and screaming that her bridesmaids were purposefully making themselves “uglier” to ruin her day, this bride kicked two of her bridesmaids out. (They sound pretty lucky to us.) When the bride went to go pick up the bridesmaid dresses, she called the women up in hysterics, saying that she was two short (she was going to use the dresses her ex-bridesmaids had paid for as her replacements). Those smart gals had called David’s Bridal and refunded their orders. Justice was served that day.

Nothing says “I won” like winking at the best man, who hates your guts, at the altar.

It’s never cute when the bride and the best man don’t get along, but this lady took it a little too far. She knew that her now-husband’s best friend wasn’t too keen on him marrying her, so she got a little payback at the altar. Wait, you just have to read Reddit user @dbay_com’s firsthand account: “The ceremony went fine but I was pretty weirded out when she looks over at me and winks as soon as my buddy gets done saying his vows. ‘I won’ is what she was saying to me.” SO CREEPY.

When the wedding is more like the contest for Pantone’s Color of the Year.

Obsessed with having her nuptials featured on a popular wedding blog, this bride gave actual Pantone swatches to her bridesmaids so they could perfectly coordinate accessories and makeup. She took it even further when she sent out a PDF, listing ideal color combinations and fabrics, to all attending guests. She got featured on that wedding blog (good for her?), but man, that’s ridiculous.

Bride makes bridesmaids weigh-in and lose/gain weight, earning her the title of Evilest Bridezilla Ever.

You know who doesn’t deserve bridesmaids? Brides that make their bridal party step on the scale: “Weigh-ins will begin in 3 weeks. I for one would really like some time after Thanksgiving to make my body forget about what it consumed, so I thought I would give you guys some cushion room,” she wrote in an email. Oh don’t worry, she got meaner: “No-one can be skinnier than the bride. That means Kelly and Lizzie will be on a protein weight-gainer diet exclusively until May. I will have the nutritionist call you to discuss diet plans. ” Kelly and Lizzie? YOU ARE FINE.

SOURCE: GOODHOUSEKEEPING.COM

Idaho State Mammal: Appaloosa Horse

On March 25, 1975 Idaho Governor Cecil Andrus signed a bill naming the Appaloosa, as Idaho state horse. This is a deserving honor for a horse that has been an integral part of Idaho history.

The Appaloosa has a very long history. Spotted horses have been seen in art as far back as cave drawings 20,000 years ago. The Appaloosa was seen in ancient Persian literature as the horse of a great Persian hero.

The Appaloosa is a horse breed best known for its colorful leopard-spotted coat pattern. There is a wide range of body types within the breed, stemming from the influence of multiple breeds of horses throughout its history. Each horse’s color pattern is genetically the result of various spotting patterns overlaid on top of one of several recognized base coat colors. The color pattern of the Appaloosa is of interest to those who study equine coat color genetics, as it and several other physical characteristics are linked to the leopard complex mutation (LP). Appaloosas are prone to develop equine recurrent uveitis and congenital stationary night blindness; the latter has been linked to the leopard complex.

They were seen in China in ancient times as well, dating back to 206 BC, during the Han Dynasty. The Spanish introduced horses to Mexico in the 1500s. Following the Pueblo Revolt, horses rapidly spread throughout North America, reaching the Northwest around 1700. Historians believe the Nez Perce and Palouse tribes of Washington, Oregon and Idaho were the first tribes to breed horses for specific traits – intelligence, speed and endurance. White settlers call these horses ‘Palouse horses.’ Over time they came to be referred to as ‘a Palousey’ and the ‘Appalousey.’ During the Nez Perce War of 1877, Appaloosa horses helped the non-treaty Nez Perce, under the guidance of Chief Joseph, elude the US Calvary for several months. The coloring of the Appaloosa coat is distinct in every individual horse and ranges from white blanketed hips to a full leopard.

The hallmark of the Appaloosa is his striking and distinctive spotted coat. Dark oval or round spots are seen on their coats. Some display the spots only over their white hips and loins, while others have them all over their bodies. The loin and hip areas are usually the most spotted. Some have white spotting on dark backgrounds and others will display white all over their bodies. The spots range greatly in size from as large as four inches to others that are so small they are merely flecks. Each Appaloosa will possess a unique pattern much like the human’s fingerprint. In addition to their spotted coats, the skin of the Appaloosa is also mottled with spots.

The Appaloosa is an intelligent, fast and hard-working breed. An easy-going disposition and exceptional abilities give this horse a great deal of versatility that no doubt contributes to its rapidly rising popularity. Once the warhorses of the Nez Perce, today the Appaloosa serves as a racehorse, in parades, ranch work and youth programs. The coloring of the Appaloosa’s coat is distinct in every individual horse and ranges from white blanketed hips to a full leopard.

SOURCE: EREFERENCEDESK.COM

(This website calls the Appaloosa Idaho’s state HORSE, but in the list of state mammals it is listed there as the state mammal.)

June Puzzles

ENJOY!

Gulf Fritillary Butterflies

I found this article on the Birds & Blooms website.

Whether you live in or are visiting the southern U.S., keep your eyes peeled for gorgeous a Gulf fritillary butterfly. And if you’re cultivating an outdoor space to benefit pollinators, think about adding their favorite host plant or a few nectar flowers they’ll love to visit.

What Does a Gulf Fritillary Butterfly Look Like?

The best way to identify an adult Gulf fritillary butterfly is to look for bright orange wings that stretch between 2 1/2 to 3 3/4 inches. From above, there are black markings on the upper side and three white dots surrounded by black on the edge of the forewings. On the underside of the wings, there are long silver, iridescent spots.

Reader Tammy Peterson of Largo, Florida, notes that the markings stood out to her in person. She says, “I took this photo (above) at the Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo, Florida. The butterfly’s orange-and-black markings contrast significantly with the green foliage in the background.”

What Does a Gulf Fritillary Caterpillar Look Like?

Gulf fritillaries start their lives in bright yellow eggs at first, which then become transparent as the caterpillar grows inside. A mature caterpillar has a bright orange body and is covered in black spikes.

Gulf Fritillary Range and Habitat

These butterflies have a large range and can be spotted anywhere from the southern U.S. through South America. They’re often found along roadsides or in fields, open woodlands, pastures, city gardens and parks.

How to Attract Gulf Fritillary Butterflies

If you want to support these butterflies, one easy way is to plant flowers they’ll visit. It’s not uncommon to see them visiting lantana, various asters, verbena and tickseed.

Reader Becky Litke of Panama City, Florida had luck attracting this butterfly (above) and other pollinators with the orange-and-yellow blooms of the lantana bushes in her front yard.

You can also grow their favorite host plant: passionflower. The caterpillars love a variety of passionflower vines, including purple passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), yellow passionflower (P. lutea) and corksystem passionflower (P. suberosa).

SOURCE: BIRDS&BLOOMS.COM

Kirsten Schrader

DIY: Bottle Garden

This is a great little idea I found on the balconeygardenweb.com website. It shows how to construct an easy to make, limited space herb garden!

From the website:

Where to grow herbs, if you don’t have space? Even a wooden plank is enough, with some plastic bottles, hooks, nails and hammer, you’re all set to grow your own herbs.
Nail the plank on wall, mount some cut bottles and insert something to clog the bottom so that it’ll restrict the soil from spilling out. Now plant seedlings of your favorite herb in them.

How easy is that?

There are also other quick and clever ideas for planters:

SOURCE: BALCONEYGARDENWEB.COM

Ugliest Dog Day

June 20^th is National Ugliest Dog Day and I wanted to find out more about the “holiday”. I found an article on National Today website that details all sorts of interesting facts about the day.

From their site:

Ugliest Dog Day on June 20 celebrates the pups out there with a face only a mother could love. But when it comes to man’s best friend, is there really any dog that can’t be deemed adorable? We honor the facially challenged ones on June 20, Ugliest Dog Day. What started as a fun contest has grown into an annual celebration of the not-so-handsome dogs amongst us. So grab your favorite pup and give him an extra snuggle today and as you go about your day, say hi to every pup, pretty and not so pretty.

History of Ugliest Dog Day

No matter how they look, the antics of furry animals will always be undeniably cute. There are some really unphotogenic pets out there, but hey, as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This is why World’s Ugliest Dog Day is celebrated on June 20 every year. We love to love dogs every day, but dogs with facial deformities or less attractive features are in the spotlight today. Whether they lack fur or adorable faces, those puppy eyes will always get us!

The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is an annual contest held in Petaluma, California, as part of the Sonoma-Marin Fair, to decide which of the dogs entered in the contest is the ugliest. The winner receives a trophy and the title of ‘The World’s Ugliest Dog,’ and the dog’s owner receives $1,000 in prize money. Since 2017, the prize money has increased to $1,600, along with a free trip to New York City.

Throughout the years, many dogs have participated to claim the esteemed title of ‘The World’s Ugliest Dog,’ with one breed, in particular, winning the most titles; the Chinese Crested. Since the inception of the contest in the 1970s, the most unsightly dog has been from this breed at least 22 times. With a hairless body and bulging eyes, the breed is still beloved and described by the American Kennel Club as an “ultra-affectionate companion dog.”

With social media full of content featuring cute fluffy animals with shares and likes stacked up, Ugliest Dog Days recognizes the not-so-cute lot and makes owners beam with pride for their unattractive pets.

Fun Facts About Dogs

Perpetual Toddler

Your dog is as smart as a 2-year-old

No Deodorant Necessary

Dogs only have sweat glands in their paws

What’d You Say?

Puppies are born deaf; they start hearing around three weeks

Screaming Color

Contrary to popular belief, dogs are not colorblind

Sweet Dreams

According to a poll, about 45% of Americans sleep with their dogs

Why We Love Ugliest Dog Day

It celebrates what’s inside, not outside

Dogs are loving, loyal creatures. They don’t care how their humans look, so why should we care about their perhaps less than perfect features?

It brings awareness to homeless pets

Unfortunately, dogs that may be considered not so cute often have a harder time being adopted. Remember your local pet shelter on Ugliest Dog Day with a donation of money or pet supplies.

It’s a chance to brag about your fabulous dog

Cute and cuddly or unappealing and smelly, dog owners aren’t bothered and truly believe their dog is the best ever. Show-off your dog and give Fido some extra loving today with a special day devoted just to the two of you.

SOURCE: NATIONALTODAY.COM