Month: December 2014

Improve Your Personal Happiness This Winter With Flowers

December 30, 2014 Dixie Sandborn, Michigan State University Extension

A recent study published by Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., reports that research now proves flowers have an immediate impact on happiness. A professor of psychology at Rutgers University, Dr. Haviland’s study reported participants felt less depressed, anxious and agitated around flowers. This confirms a long –held belief about flowers, as Dr. Haviland noted, “Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy.” In other studies, it is also noted that workspace is positively affected when flowers are present, to which Haviland commented, “Flowers bring about positive feelings in those who enter a room.” …

Norfolk Island Pine Makes Unique Houseplant

December 30, 2014 Chris Jacobs, Fond Du Lac Reporter

Are you looking for something a little different this year from the customary poinsettia to decorate your home or give as a gift? Try the Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla). This formal looking plant is readily found at big-box stores and local florists this time of year in various sizes and prices.

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Crown Finish Caves Releases A New Cheese In Partnership With Whole Foods

December 30, 2014 Nell Casey, Gothamist

Crown Finish Caves, located 30 feet underground in Crown Heights, have released a new cheese in partnership with Whole Foods. The washed rind, raw cow's milk called Crown Dutchess began life at the Chaseholm Farm Creamery in the Hudson Valley, then was aged for more than two months in Crown Finish's converted lagering caves. …

Atlanta's Diaz Foods Acquires Cuban-American-Owned La Cena Fine Foods

December 30, 2014 The DAK Group

The DAK Group, a leading investment bank specializing in strategic middle market mergers and acquisitions worldwide, announces the sale of La Cena Fine Foods, Ltd of Saddle Brook, NJ, to Diaz Foods, a marketer of specialty foods based in Atlanta. The DAK Group served as exclusive investment banker to La Cena, initiating the transaction and managing the divestiture process. The transaction capitalizes on La Cena’s history, which was founded by the Puig family in Cuba in the 1920s, who moved it to the USA in the 1960s, building a reputation for high-quality, branded Hispanic/Caribbean foods. …

British Cheese Makers: Why Even France Wants A Bite Of Our Cheese

December 30, 2014 Jon Card, The Guardian

British cheese exports are set to hit a record high this year as the world gains a taste for a traditional British product. The latest figures from HMRC show that as of September UK cheese exports have risen by 8.2%. “Exports have been gradually increasing over the years and, in part, that’s due to increased milk production,” says Nigel White, head of trade body the British Cheese Board. “The bulk of these exports are commercial cheeses, which are sold to businesses. But while premium exports such as mature cheddars, Stilton and speciality cheeses form a minority, they produce very good returns.” …