Welcome August 2024

As we say goodbye to July it's time to say hello to August.

Yes, the eighth month of the year is here!

Wonderful Yorkshire, Northern England, UK - see fact 10

August

1. The month of August was named after Roman emperor Augustus Caesar. In Latin, Augustus meant auspicious or venerable.

2. Before 8BC the Romans called it Sextilis as it was the sixth month in their calendar.

3. The Anglo-Saxons, though, called August “weod-monath” (weed month).

4. In the USA August is the month that has the highest birth rate; in the UK it is September.

5. Traditionally the season for eating crayfish in Sweden begins on the second Thursday in August.

6. In the USA August is National Hair Loss Awareness Month.

7. August was the 18th most common name given to a baby boy in Denmark in 2015.

8. In 2009 the Icelandic Naming Committee declared August unacceptable as a child’s name. Augustus is also not allowed.

9. Henry VI Part I and The Tempest are the only Shakespeare plays that mention the month of August. Cymbeline is The Bard’s only play mentioning the Emperor Augustus or anyone else of that name.

10. August 1st is celebrated as both Yorkshire Day and World Scout Scarf Day.

11. August's birthstones are the peridot, sardonyx, and spinel.

12. Its birth flower is the gladiolus or poppy. Gladiolus stands for strength, honour, and love at first sight. Poppies symbolize sleep, comfort after death, wealth, and success.

13. The Western zodiac signs for the month of August are Leo (until August 22) and Virgo (from August 23 onwards)

14. August 15th it's Lemon Meringue Pie Day in the US

15. International Strange Music Day is on 24th August, created by Patrick Grant

16. In the UK on 30 August it's National Burger Day, you can find plenty of low-carb and keto burger recipes here

The above from articles here and here and here

There are so many other interesting things about August, I've only included 16 … you may know of some others!

~ and now for a delicious recipe suggestion ~

Courgette / Zucchini Pizza Boats

For pizza's with a difference, why not use courgettes / zucchini as your base. Just halve and roast fresh courgettes before loading them with your favourite pizza toppings, such as chorizo, creamy mozzarella and fresh basil. These tasty courgette pizza boats are ready in 30 minutes. More details and recipe can be seen here

~ Wishing you a happy August 2024 ~

Dear reader, you will find a variety of articles, studies etc. plus recent news/views and recipe ideas within this blog, we hope something for everyone to read and enjoy ... but please note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.


All the best Jan