November 15 - Bundt Pan Day

Happy Bundt Pan Day!

It is supposed to be super hot in Los Angeles today, so if you don't feel like cranking up the oven, you should check out Kiss My Bundt. I really really wish I'd thought of that name first; I love it!

Anyhow, have some cake today (hopefully of the bundt variety) and celebrate!

November 14 - Peanut Butter Lovers Month

November is Peanut Butter Lovers' Month

I never did get around to making that peanut butter dessert recipe I posted last November. So while I procrastinate on that, why don't you try my recipe for Triple Threat Peanutty Cookies.

1 box (18.25 oz) yellow cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 c vegetable oil
½ c peanut butter
1 c peanuts, chopped
¾ c peanut butter chips
½ c sugar

Preheat oven to 350F. Stir cake mix, eggs, oil, and peanut butter in large bowl until batter forms. Stir in chopped peanuts and peanut butter chips.

Using heaping tablespoon of batter, roll cookie dough into 1 ½ to 2 inch balls. Dip half of each cookie in sugar, then place sugar side up on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake at 350F for 15 minutes, until cracked and lightly browned. Let cool 3 minutes on pan on wire rack. Transfer to rack to cool completely. Serve or store in airtight container up to 1 week. (Not that you'll have any left by then.)

November 13 - Indian Pudding Day

According to one source, today is Indian Pudding Day.

Never heard of Indian Pudding? Me either. So I pulled up my trusty search engine and looked for an answer. It doesn't sound Indian (American or Eastern) but it does sound delicious!

Indian Pudding is a dessert that is baked and it's a warm, brown, gooey, delicious-sounding thing you serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. I cannot wait to try this for Thanksgiving!

Recipe 1
Recipe 2

November 12 - Family Stories Month

November is Family Stories Month

I could not find an official site for this observance, nor could I find who had created it. Regardless, I still think it is a fantastic idea, and one that I can really get geeked about. Additionally, the holidays are the best time to try to collect family stories, as you often see them more this time of year.

I am a huge history buff and I love to hear stories about my family. My grandparents are all gone and most of their siblings as well. While I still have my parents, I want to know as much about my family as possible. Recently, I've been creating my family tree on Ancestry, but I don't really get any stories this way, mostly facts.

There are many ways to collect your family's stories, but you need to focus on the best way to get the stories from your family. Some people will find that story telling comes naturally, but others you will need to prompt. My mother always says that she doesn't have any stories, or that she can't think of any. All I need to do is simply ask her a question or two, then sit back and listen as she talks and talks. I tease her about it and say, "I thought you didn't have any stories!" She has them, she just needs a prompt or two.

Prompts can be as simple as, "What was your childhood like" or more specific, like "How old were you when you got your first job?" This site has some great questions to ask your relatives, or even to answer yourself! (November is also National Life Writing Month.)

One year, my family wrote down memories on little slips of paper. We put them in a jar, and pull them out at holidays, or when we are all at home. They don't have to be holiday specific, just funny or warm little things you don't want to forget!

Enjoy Family Stories Month, and let me know if you have any good ones! I love to hear family stories, even if they aren't about my family!

November 11 - Pursuit of Happiness Week

November 8-14 is Pursuit of Happiness Week

I'm not sure who created this observance, but (at the risk of sounding cheesy) I'm glad they did!

Lately I've been kind of down in the dumps, for several different reasons. When I started researching this observance for my blog, I wasn't originally planning on celebrating this very intensely. But as I started to plan what I wanted to write, I realized that I should definitely take the opportunity to actively pursue happiness. I mean, face it: happiness is not likely to come a-knocking on my door.

According to this site, there are 16 factors to happiness. It will likely take me longer than a week, but I plan on spending at least one day thinking about each factor and how I can pursue happiness in that area of my life.

Even if you are normally a fairly happy person, take some time out this week to pursue some happiness! We can all use a little extra happy stuff in our life.

November 10 - Gingerbread House Day

Hmmm....I know Christmas festivities start earlier and earlier each year, but gingerbread houses in early November? I normally celebrate this in December (see last year's post), but I'm sure there is room in my life for more gingerbread.

Following is the recipe I used for my cut-out gingerbread houses last year. We like to eat our houses, rather than construct elaborate structures to be admired, so I use a softer cookie recipe.

Gingerbread Cut-outs

1/2 c butter or margarine, softened
1/2 to 3/4 c white or brown sugar
1/2 c molasses
1 egg yolk
2 c flour, sifted
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
additional flour as needed

-Cream butter and sugar until smooth. Stir in molasses and egg yolk.
-Combine flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and spices. Blend into wet ingredients until smooth. Add more flour as needed. Wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
-Preheat oven to 350F. On a well-floured surface, roll to 1/4". Cut with cookie cutters. Place cookies 2" apart on ungreased sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes. Remove to wire racks.

November 9 - Chaos Never Dies Day

Let's just face it: chaos never really does die. It's time to just accept that fact and go with it.

This morning, I think I broke a tooth. Half a block away, there was a haz-mat spill and the streets were blocked off. We have out-of-town guests arriving next weekend and we do not have a working vacuum. Oh, and there is scum living in my shower that will not die.

But it's cool. It'll all get taken care of.



I hope.

November 8 - Cook Something Bold and Pungent Day

Last year, Cook Something Bold and Pungent Day was NOT the resounding success I'd hoped it would be (nor even the mild success I'd claimed it was).

Now, my boyfriend is not a picky eater. He clears his plate and has seconds by the time I've gotten halfway through my first. He loves everything I've ever cooked for him.....EXCEPT for the dried fish-fried rice dish I'd made for CSBAPD 2007.

Last year's failure - let's call it - made me a bit apprehensive about trying again this year. So much so that I pretty much put off thinking about what to make until yesterday. By that point I figured, heck, let's just forget the whole darn thing.

If you are still feeling up to the challenge, here's a bold and pungent dip for you to try. This, my boyfriend loves. He pretty much ate the whole thing in, like, one or two sittings. I, personally, find it too pungent, and would substitute some mild cheese for about half of the Gorgonzola. But, that's just me. Happy eating! And I hope you've got a breath mint or some gum handy.

November 7 - Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month

November is Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month

At first glance, it seems as if it would be easy to avoid food items containing gluten. At second glance, you will find that gluten is in many, many food items you would not even imagine would have wheat (or rye or barley) in it. Twizzlers. Salad dressing.

People with celiac disease (celiac sprue) are put on a non-gluten diet. Some patients with other gastrointestinal diseases can benefit from that diet as well. A good number of autistic children are thought to benefit from a gluten-free diet.

I don't have a good deal of personal knowledge of being on a gluten-free diet. However, I have a friend who must be on one because of celiac disease. I know it is very difficult for her, especially if she is craving pasta or bread!

Throughout the month, I will try to find some interesting/useful sites for you to check out to learn more about the gluten-free diet. Here are two to get you started:

The Gluten-Free Girl has a great deal of recipes for you to check out. Thursday's post has some gluten-free Thanksgiving recipes and tips.

Glutenfreeda claims to have the largest collection of gluten-free recipes. Though I have not tried any of the recipes from this site, they look like gourmet food!

November 6 - Men Make Dinner Day

Whoo hoo! Tonight, get a man to make you dinner! My man can cook a thing or two, so he'll definitely be wielding the spatula tonight.

If your man needs some help in the kitchen, have him check out the Official Site of MMD Day. If he has some skill in the kitchen and is feeling adventurous, he can head over to my favorite recipe site to pick out something new to try.

Bon appetit!

November 5 - Guy Fawkes Night

Remember, remember the fifth of November
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot
I can think of no reason
Why the Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, twas his intent
To blow up the King and Parliament.
Three score barrels of powder below
To prove old England's overthrow.
By God's providence he was catched
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, let the bells ring.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!

Guy Fawkes Night

November 4 - King Tut Day

Today is the anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamen's tomb back in 1922. Celebrate by walking like an Egyptian (ha ha) or reading up on some Egyptian history. The ladies could wear black eyeliner and channel Cleopatra and the guys could wear those funny faux beards the Pharaohs used to wear.

Wikipedia entry on King Tut

November 3 - Cliche Day

Cliche Day is brought to us by the folks at Wellcat.

Try to incorporate into your speech today as many cliches as you possibly can. If you are stuck, try this site. You'll find a lot of everyday phrases that you can use. If you are an etymology nerd like I am, you should check out this quiz I found. It tests you on your knowledge of how cliches came to be.

And just remember, it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings, even if you don't see eye to eye.

November 2 - Cookie Monster Day

ME WANT COOKIE! ME WANT COOKIE! OM NOM NOM NOM!!!

According to this site, today is Cookie Monster's birthday! I too love cookies, so I feel I have a special bond with Cookie Monster.


This must be an old photo of CM, because he now feels that Cookies Are a Sometimes Food. He has denied the rumors that he is now Veggie Monster.

Cookie Monster on Wikipedia

Cookie Monster vs. Martha Stewart:

November 1 - Digital Scrapbooking Day

I've not yet ventured into the world of digital scrapbooking; I'm more of a paper and glue stick kind of girl. There is a lot of info out there (google it!), but I thought I'd show you two sites I've recently discovered.

Jessica Sprague offers courses on how to digitally scrapbook, and some free tutorials as well. I'll actually be participating in her upcoming course "Stories In Hand." It's not directly related to digital scrapbooking, but I'm sure looking forward to it.

Ali Edwards is a very creative designer who combines digital and traditional scrapbooking methods. I am so in love with her style! I've been doing a project based on her "Week In the Life" project and I'll (attempt to) do her "December Dailies" album this year.

Happy November 1st and happy scrapbooking!


Whoops! I forgot to show you the official site for Digital Scrapbooking Day. Here you go!

September 24 - National Punctuation Day

Happy National Punctuation Day!!!

I have a few suggestions on how to celebrate today:
-Make a punctuation mark meatloaf (PDF)
-Take a punctuation personality quiz (I'm a colon)
-Use a red pen to circle all the punctuation errors in today's newspaper

For more ideas, try the official website.

September 19 - Talk Like a Pirate Day

Avast, me hearties! Don't be thinkin I'd ferget such an important day as this one! Drink down some grog and talk like a pirate today. Arrgh, me booty!

August 6 - Fresh Breath Day

I used to not be too worried about how my breath smelled. After researching fresh breath tips for today's holiday, I am now very paranoid that I have halitosis and am offending those around me. I will now take to carrying various herbs, toothpastes, mouthwash and tongue scrapers with me wherever I go.

Remedies for bad breath fall into three categories:
-Avoiding certain foods/substances
-Basic routine dental care
-Dealing with bad breath when it happens

If you wish to avoid bad breath, avoid consuming:
Garlic (and garlic powder)
Onions (and onion powder)
Fish
Milk
Cheese
Liquor
Coffee
Sugary foods
Processed foods
Stimulants
Cigarettes

To avoid bad breath, follow these regular dental care tips:
Brush and floss regularly.
Scrape or brush your tongue also.
See a dentist regularly.
Use mouthwashes containing chlorine dioxide.
Check for signs of gingivitis and other dental problems.
Store toothbrush head down in a lidded plastic tumbler of hydrogen peroxide. Rinse very well before use.
Gargle with 1 tsp honey and cinnamon mixed in hot water in the morning.
Drink water throughout the day.
Eat "active culture" yogurt every day. This will help eliminate any traces of internally generated bad breath.
Drink tea.
The acids and fiber in fruits and vegetables can help kill much of the bacteria in your mouth. Another reason to eat more fruits and veggies every day!
Some medications may cause halitosis as a side effect - see if you can switch if it is a major issue.

Bad breath is bound to happen, even with careful dental hygiene. When it happens, try these tips:
Chew parsley, mint, fennel, ginger, basil, or cloves.
Drink water with lemon.
Eat an apple.
Gargle with salt water.
Gargle with mouthwash or have sugar-free mint or gum. Sugary gums or mints feed oral bacteria (bad for teeth and breath).
Whiskey will help kill the germs causing bad breath, but don't overdo it, it can worsen the problem.
Rinse mouth with water, then use a dry paper towel to rub your teeth. Rinse again. If towel is rough enough, use it to rub tongue clean.
Eat various mixed vegetables mixed into a mashed potato-like mush; vegetables like mushrooms, carrots and others work well.
Drink vodka after consuming onion/garlic.

Happy Fresh Breath Day!
Tips from the following pages:
Wikihow.com
Wikihow.com
Wikihow.com
Save Your Smile
GetRidofThings.com
Bad Breath Research

August 5 - Work Like a Dog Day

Work Like a Dog Day

How does one work like a dog? The definition I came up with is "to work very energetically and hard." Seeing-eye dogs, and drug or cadaver dogs notwithstanding, most dogs don't really do any work. I wouldn't consider them to be very industrious. "Work like a beaver" would be far more appropriate, although I wouldn't be able to say that without giggling.

While pondering this colorful phrase, I remembered another canine-related idiom: "dogged," meaning "stubbornly persevering; tenacious." In this light, "work like a dog" makes more sense to me. Dogs can be "dogged" when tracking a scent, or digging a hole.

So, to celebrate Work Like a Dog Day, you should work very energetically and hard while stubbornly persevering and being tenacious.

Wow. I'm tired just thinking about it. That sounds like too much for a Tuesday. I never could get the hang of Tuesdays.

(Before you send any nasty e-mails, I know that Arthur Dent couldn't get the hang of Thursdays. I personally have always had trouble with Tuesdays. If you don't know what I'm talking about, never mind.)

Definitions were obtained from Answers.com.

August 4 - National Chocolate Chip Day

Wait just a minute.

Didn't I already celebrate Chocolate Chip Day earlier this year? Why, yes! Yes, I did - and here's the post to prove it.

If you view the National Confectioners Association's calendar, you will see that they really do have two National Chocolate Chip Days. (They also have five different days listed as Chocolate Day, two of which are in December. I call shenanigans!)

But when I think about it, chocolate chips are pretty amazing. I guess it wouldn't hurt to celebrate them twice a year. If you don't know by now how chocolate chips (and chocolate chip cookies) were invented, I will tell you. In 1933, a woman named Ruth Wakefield wanted to make chocolate cookies. She made her usual butter cookie batter, and chopped up a semi-sweet chocolate bar (that's how it was sold before chips were invented) thinking that the little bits would melt and blend with the cookie dough. When baked, the bits softened but basically kept their shape. Somewhere along the line, Nestlé heard about this and printed her recipe on their chocolate bar wrapper. At first, they made a special chopper to break up the chocolate, but in 1939, the chocolate began to be sold in chip (Nestlé calls them morsels) form. Oh, and Mrs Wakefield ran (with her husband) the Toll House Inn, hence the name, Toll House Cookies!

Now, since it is so warm this time of year, it is not likely anyone would want to bake chocolate chip cookies, so you can buy them (lame!) or make some chocolate chip ice cream. If I wasn't on a low-carb diet, I would sooo make mint chocolate chip ice cream. I have made this recipe in the past, and I highly recommend it. Use the teeny tiny chocolate chips if you can find them. Alternatively, you could shave a chocolate bar, but this isn't Chocolate Shavings Day, so you should probably just stick with the chips. Plus shaving chocolate can get really messy.

Today is also:
Coast Guard Day

June 18 - Splurge Day

June 18 - National Splurge Day


All right. This is the kind of holiday I like to see. Today I'm splurging by actually eating food from a restaurant tonight! Gas prices (heck, ALL prices) being what they are, my man and I do not often eat out anymore. But tonight I didn't want to cook (too hot) and since it's Splurge day....we decided to treat ourselves. We're not going overboard. We'll probably just get Panda Express or something. But hey, when you don't go out to eat more than once or twice a month, Panda Express is better than cooking chicken again.

Splurging is fun. (It's even fun to say. Splurging. Ha.) When I splurge, it is often on books, clothes or food. What do you like to splurge on?

June 17 - Eat Your Vegetables Day

June 17 - Eat Your Vegetables Day

Yesterday was Fresh Veggies Day, and you have to eat more veggies today! These can be canned or frozen, although you get the most nutrition out of fresh vegetables. Your mother was right...you need to eat vegetables to be strong and healthy!

Today you should think up some ways to add more vegetables to your diet and, more importantly, implement these ideas! Or consider becoming a vegetarian. If you feel that cutting out all meat is too outrageous for you, try being vegetarian one day a week. You may find that its easier than you think.

Supposedly it is also Stewart's Root Beer Day, but I could not find anything about this online. I personally prefer Stewart's Orange 'n Cream. If you cannot find Stewart's in a store near you, I pity you.



Today is also:
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

June 16 - Fudge Day

June 16 - Fudge Day

FUDGE!

It may be a little warm for fudge where you are, but I'll pass 0n my peanut butter fudge recipe anyway. It'll be about 90F here, but still, I think I'll make some. It keeps well in the fridge.

For those who don't like (or are allergic to) peanut butter, try looking for a no-fail fudge recipe. I was going to give you my mother's no-fail fudge recipe, but I can't find it. If you Google it I'm sure you can find something suitable.

FYI: It is also Fresh Veggies Day. It would be a good idea to eat extra veggies to make up for the fudge you will be eating.


Layered Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge
12 oz. peanut butter chips
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 c. butter
6 oz. chocolate chips

• In a large microwave-safe bowl, place peanut butter chips, one cup sweetened condensed milk and 2 tablespoons butter; cook on HIGH in microwave for one minute, then stir. If everything is not completely melted, cook another 15 seconds on HIGH and stir again.
• Spread mixture into wax paper lined 8-inch square pan.
  
• In another microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips, remaining sweetened condensed milk and remaining butter. Melt as before.
  
• Spread chocolate mixture on top of peanut butter mixture. Chill for 2 hours or until firm.
• Turn fudge onto cutting board, peel off waxed paper and cut into squares. Tightly cover any leftovers.

Today is also:
Bloomsday

June 12 - Red Rose Day

Red Rose Day

June 12th is Red Rose Day. Give a loved one a red rose to celebrate. Today, I'll think about the first red rose I received from my man. It was a single, perfect, thornless, red rose. The day I received that rose? That was a good day.

Did you know that different color roses mean different things? That each flower has a meaning? You'd better think twice before you send your next bouquet.

June 11 - Kamehameha Day

Kamehameha Day

Let's face it. Any king who can unite the Hawaiian Islands and form alliances with the major Pacific colonial powers in order to preserve Hawaii's independence deserves a holiday.

Get lei'd in honor of King K today! You know, with a lei...made of flowers...get your mind out of the gutter!

Kamehameha Day
Kamehameha I

June 10 - Iced Tea Day

Today is Ball-point Pen Day! It is also Iced Tea Day. Drink some iced tea (sweet or not) while you write using a ball-point pen.

More on iced tea:
From Wikipedia
How to brew iced tea
History of iced tea and sweet tea

More on ball-point pens:
History of ball-point pens
How ball-point pens work

June 9 - Donald Duck Day

"Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!" It's Donald Duck Day! On this day in 1934 he made his cartoon debut in "The Wise Little Hen."

June 9th is the official birthday of Donald Duck, but in The Three Caballeros (1944) his birthday is given as Friday the 13th. This makes sense when you consider his famous bad luck. In Donald's Happy Birthday (1949), his birthday is given as March 13.

More about Donald:

• According to a wartime short (Donald Gets Drafted, 1942) Donald's middle name is Fauntleroy.
• Originally voiced by Clarence "Ducky" Nash, Donald has been voiced by Tony Anselmo since 1985. Anselmo was trained by Nash for the role.
• Donald received several Oscar nominations, and won for "Der Fuhrer's Face" (1943).
  

Holiday Insights
Disney Character History
Toonopedia
Wikipedia
The Wise Little Hen cartoon
YouTube

June 8 - Sunday Grab Bag

Today is:

Best Friend Day
Name Your Poison Day
Orphans' Train Memorial Day (June 8-9)
Race Unity Day
Shavuot
Upsy-Daisy Day
Write to Your Father Day

June 7 - Chocolate Ice Cream Day

National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

WOOHOO! It may not be summer yet where you live, but here in LA it is perfect ice cream weather! Even if you're just waiting for summer to arrive, grab a bowl or cone of chocolate ice cream.

Try making your own chocolate ice cream today - here's a recipe you can use even if you don't have an ice cream maker. A good addition to chocolate ice cream would be mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings!

Is there anything better than chocolate ice cream? Yes - MORE chocolate ice cream!


Today is also:
Daniel Boone Day
National Trails Day

June 6 - National Yo-Yo Day

Happy Yo-yo Day!

I never really got the hang of the yo-yo. I could get it to go down, and maybe come back up once or twice, but that's pretty much it. Walking the Dog, Around the World...I ended up with a tangled mess every time.

Loads of info about yo-yos and National Yo-Yo Day here.
More on the history of the yo-yo.

Today is also:
National Donut Day (June 6-7)
D-Day
National Gardening Exercise Day

June 5 - Candy Month

June is Candy Month. If I were in charge, I probably would have made October the designated month of candy, but that's just me. I'm not in charge. Anyhow, I just finished reading Candy Freak by Steve Almond. In his book, Almond discusses the beloved candy of his youth, and it made me nostalgic as well.

I remember eating candy with my friend Kate. We would pretend that Tic Tacs were medicine we needed to do adventurous things. (What? I was five.) We would sit under the tree in my front yard and eat Now and Laters, Lik-m-Aid, Bottle Caps...mmm.

I remember Nana would give me Skittles. (Nana gave me everything I ever wanted. Including a Lite Brite, for which I am eternally grateful.) I would eat each bag of Skittles differently. Sometimes I would eat them color by color, usually starting with lime first; it was my least favorite flavor. Sometimes I would shove the contents of one bag in my mouth and see how long it took me to chew it all up. And once in a while, I'd just eat one or two at a time, however they fell out of the bag.

In Candy Freak, Almond also goes into great detail about the candy he remembers but is no longer manufactured. Perhaps I'm just too young, but I can't think of any candy that has disappeared on me. Do you have any long lost favorites?

June 4 - Applesauce Cake Day

UPDATE: 7pm
Cake is done! Here's a quick peek:


Applesauce Cake Day

Applesauce cake is an old-fashioned, homey sort of cake. If you don't have an old family recipe for this cake, you should be able to find one easily, either by searching online or through your basic cookbooks, such as Joy of Cooking, which is where my Applesauce Cake recipe will be coming from. I'll bake it tonight after work, and if we don't dig in too fast, I'll try to remember to take a picture to post for you.

Today is also:
Hug Your Cat Day
Old Maid's Day

June 3 - Chimborazo Day

So there's this mountain. OK, it's really a volcano. It's in Ecuador and it is 6268 meters tall. It's said to stick out the farthest into space than any other point on Earth. What's that? Mount Everest is taller, you say?

Yes, it is true, Mount Everest has an elevation of 8848 meters which technically makes it taller, but the earth's diameter at Chimborazo is greater than at Mount Everest.

Still doesn't make sense? That's OK; it seems a bit fuzzy to me as well.

I can't find any information on who started this holiday or why, but you learned something new today, didn't you! If you still want to know more, try this.

June 3rd is also:
Repeat Day
Repeat Day
Casey at the Bat Day (first published in the San Francisco Examiner on this day in 1888)
Jefferson Davis Day (his birthday)

June 2 - Bubba Rocky Road Office Fudge Cobra Day

Wow, I have some great holidays to pick from today! This makes up for the lack of quality celebrations last week.

National Bubba Day
Everyone knows a Bubba. Be nice to Bubba today. The poor guy deserves a break.

Leave the Office Earlier Day
Well I can't personally condone this observation. Nor do I plan on participating. But if you go in for this kind of thing, today is the day to do it. Here's how. If you can't participate, send an e-card to someone who deserves to leave early.

Rocky Road Day
This is an easy one to celebrate. After leaving the office early, pick up some rocky road ice cream on the way home. Get an extra one for Bubba. If you're feeling fancy, make it yourself. Add mini-marshmallows, chopped nuts and chocolate chunks to your ice cream. Feeling extra-fancy? Make it from scratch.

Yell "Fudge" at the Cobras in North America Day
Another wacky holiday from the folks over at Wellcat.
Apparently North American cobras do not like fudge. At noon, go outside and yell, "FUDGE!" at them. Just do it. Don't ask why.

June 1 - Flip a Coin Day

Flip a Coin Day

Can I just say, I love Wikipedia. Almost every time, I find what I am looking for. I went straight to Wikipedia right before I started writing about Flip a Coin Day. I didn't expect to find much, but figured I'd at least start there. I didn't realize that so much could be written about something so simple. I mean, if you had to explain coin tossing to someone from a third world country, I can't imagine it would be that difficult.

So explaining = easy. Actually flipping the coin? Not so much.

I think I have carpal tunnel syndrome now from trying to flip the darn coin. I sat in my living room and practiced flipping the coin for at least 15 minutes and only got a few satisfactory flips. Most of mine flopped off to one side or arched too far forward. I looked online for a tutorial on how to flip a coin. Ehow doesn't offer enough instruction, nor are there any pictures. I found a YouTube video of a kid that shows you how to flip a coin, but in order to be able to flip a coin well, you basically just have to keep practicing.

Here are my pointers:

• Keep your hand steady as possible.
  
• Only the tip of your thumb should move. The rest of your hand, especially your index finger, should remain still.
  
• Flick your thumb straight up as fast as possible.

Some people say it is better if you have a longer thumbnail, but I don't find that to be true. My SO has very very short thumb nails and he can flip a coin like no body's business. Well, at least he can do it better than I can. Maybe I should consider trimming my thumbnail.

I started out with a nickel but I find that a quarter is easier to flip. I would use a half dollar, but good luck trying to find any these days.

If you have trouble flipping a coin, but you need to resolve a matter, consider using one of the following online coin-flipping services:
Random.org
Flip-coin.com
Ken White's Coin Flipping Page
Flip a Coin

Today is also:
Dare Day
Pen Pal Day

May 31 - National Macaroon Day

Holiday Insights

I have no idea who made up this holiday, or why. Well, I know why - macaroons are YUMMY! I also have no idea if my macaroon recipe is "authentic." Even if it's not, I think I'll make some anyway:

Coconut Macaroons

3/4 c. granulated sugar
2 1/2 c. shredded coconut (sweetened is fine, but you may want to cut back on the granulated sugar)
2 egg whites (approximately 4 tablespoons or 2 ounces)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
pinch of salt

• Preheat the oven to 350F.
• Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well with a spatula or your hands.
  
• Use a non-stick baking sheet, or line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner. Wet your hands and make small piles of the mixture, each 1-2 tablespoons, about an inch apart.
  
• Bake at 350F until light brown, about 15 minutes.
• Remove the baking sheet and cool on a rack for at least 30 minutes before eating.
• These keep well in a covered container for up to 3 days.
  

May 30 - Water a Flower Day

Holiday Insights

Although the official name of this holiday directs you to water a single flower, you should probably go ahead and water any plants you may have around the house. We don't want to discriminate against any kitchen herbs and dwarf citrus you may have sitting around the house.

Take the time today to make sure your plants are getting enough sun and think about adding some fertilizer. Also, you may want to wipe down any large leaves that may have collected dust, and prune back any dead parts or thorns.

May 29 - Medical Maladies

Looks like the end of May is a little slim in the holiday department. I guess we used up all our celebrating on Memorial Day. So, today I compiled a list of the medical problems we are supposed to become more aware of this month. Try not to get too worried.

National Allergy & Asthma Awareness Month

ALS Awareness Month
ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. You may know it better about Lou Gehrig's Disease. Suggested reading: Luckiest Man by Jonathan Eig

Arthritis Awareness Month

Better Hearing & Speech Month

Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month

National Brain Tumor Awareness Month
Best wishes go out to Ted Kennedy and his family.

Healthy Vision Month
The focus of Healthy Vision Month 2008 is to increase the use of protective eye wear in recreational activities and hazardous situations around the home.

Hepatitis Awareness Month

Huntington's Disease Awareness Month
Huntington's Disease is an inherited neurological brain disorder; it leads to severe incapacitation. Right now, there is no cure for HD.

Lyme Disease Awareness Month

Mental Health Month

Neurofibromatosis Awareness Month
Neurofibromatosis encompasses a set of distinct genetic disorders that cause tumors to grow along various types of nerves and, in addition, can affect the development of non-nervous tissues such as bones and skin. NF causes tumors to grow anywhere on or in the body.

Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month

Physical Fitness and Sports Month

National Smile Month (May 18-June 17)

National Stroke Awareness Month

May 28 - Grab Bag

Today is:

Amnesty International Day
National Senior Health and Fitness Day
Slugs Return from Capistrano Day


Enjoy!

May 27 - Sunscreen Protection Day

Sunscreen Protection Day

OK EVERYONE: you should know better by now. Always wear sunblock when you will be outside, even if it is cloudy out. You will get the worst burn of your life if you are on the beach on a cloudy day and skip the sunblock. Trust me; I speak from experience.

You should also make sure you wear sunscreen if you drive. Your left arm is several shades darker than your right? That should not happen. Twenty minutes before you hop in the car, slap on the sunblock and spare yourself the skin damage.

And for heaven's sake, stop tanning. Fake baking is JUST AS BAD as being out in the real sun.

Embrace your paleness. Buy a big floppy hat and cover up. Seriously, the teasing your friends will dish out is far better than SKIN CANCER.

Please. Be safe and cancer-free. Skin cancer is totally preventable.

May 26 - Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day!

Many thanks and much love to those serving overseas to protect our freedoms at home, as well as to those who have fought, sacrificed, and died for us in the past.

God Bless America!

May 25 - Nerd Pride Day

Nerd (or Geek) Pride Day
Towel Day

OMG, I'm so excited for Nerd Pride Day! I am a nerd about so many things, today is the day to let my Nerd Flag fly! Mostly, I am such a nerd about this blog. Seriously, people at work must be so sick of hearing about what holiday it is today. Although I'm sure they were happy I brought taffy to work for National Taffy Day.

What I think is really great about this holiday is that it originated in Spain. I always assumed that Spanish men were too suave and cool to be into things like comic books. I'm glad to see that people really are alike, no matter where they live.

Also, just because you aren't into manga, Star Trek or some other "typically nerdy" thing, that doesn't mean you aren't a nerd. EVERYONE is a nerd about SOMETHING.

Towel Day is in honor of Douglas Adams, author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. If you don't know what a towel has to do with anything, I suggest you start by reading the book.

So, embrace your nerdiness, and be sure to bring your towel with you, wherever you go. I'll be keeping an eye out for you, my fellow nerds.

May 24 - International Jazz Day

Holiday Insights

Jazz is such a strange thing (to me) to try to talk about. No matter who you talk to, everyone has a strong opinion, one way or another, on the topic. Jazz is so difficult to define, and I couldn't even begin to explain to you what I think and feel about jazz, nor what type of jazz I like. Here, instead, is a playlist I arranged to celebrate International Jazz Day. For those who may be new to jazz (like me), here are some of the biggest names.

May 23 - National Taffy Day

National Taffy Day

When I hear "taffy," saltwater taffy first comes to mind. And when I think of saltwater taffy, I think vacations.


For some reason, my family would always buy saltwater taffy when we were on vacation, even if we were nowhere near salt water! I distinctly remember going to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to visit the Great Smoky Mountains. There was a store in the touristy part of town that, if I remember correctly, had a taffy pulling machine in the front window.


So, because I think of vacation destinations when I think of saltwater taffy, I assumed I wouldn't be able to find saltwater taffy at my local grocery store (even though I live in Los Angeles, a major tourism spot). I wondered how difficult it would be to make my own taffy at home. I found this very helpful site that explains not only how to make taffy, but why you put in certain ingredients. I like that. I also found lots of fun sites explaining how to throw an old-fashioned Taffy Pull Party. Or who can come to your party and show you and your guests how to pull taffy, if you'd rather do that.


The easiest solution to celebrate Taffy Day would be to just pick up some Now & Laters or Laffy Taffy. However, when I was at the hardware store the other day, I happened to come across a bag of saltwater taffy! I bought it without a second thought. I'm glad I did.

May 22 - National Backyard Games Week

Official Site?

According to my (not scientific, nor very extensive) research, National Backyard Games Week is the week in May starting the Monday before through the Monday of Memorial Day.

As a child, I liked to ride my bike around the neighborhood. We also played catch, baseball, basketball, tag, hide and seek, hopscotch and more that I have probably forgotten. The most fun games were the ones we made up. Maybe these games weren't unique to the kids in my neighborhood, I just haven't heard of them anywhere else.

We played a game we called Statue. I forget all the rules, but this was a two-person game. One player was the statue, the other person was the statue-maker. The statue-maker would move the statue's arms, legs, head, etc. into position, usually some bizarre or hilarious pose.

Also we played a game called Ice-Cream Man. There wasn't much to it. Actually, one person would just turn their bicycle upside down so it was upright with the handle bars and the seat on the ground. That person would move the pedals with both hands in a sort of churning motion. The other players would line up and tell the ice cream "man" what flavor they wanted. The ice cream man would then mimic making an ice cream cone and handing it over.

A variation of this game was the Cookie Queen. Actually, I don't remember the rules (if there were any), just that I was always happy when I got to be the Cookie Queen.

We played a game we stole from the Baby-sitter's Club books. In those books, it was called Let's All Come In or something like that. We just called it Hotel. This wasn't so much an outdoor game, but one my siblings and I would play in the basement. This is another make-believe game; one person would run the hotel and the others were the guests. I remember my brother always wanted to be some famous wrestler.

Well, reliving these memories has put a smile on my face. What games did you play when you were young?

Today is also:
International Day for Biological Diversity (or World Biodiversity Day)
National Maritime Day

May 21 - I Need a Patch For That Day

I Need a Patch For That Day

There seems to be some confusion regarding this holiday (hereafter referred to as INAPFTD). Perhaps I can clear up a few things.

1. If you Google this holiday, some sites say this is celebrated in November, others, in May. According to my personal research, Wellcat is the originator of this holiday, and their website shows that INAPFTD should be celebrated on May 21.
I myself was confused by this, and celebrated INAPFTD last November. If I have helped to perpetuate the confusion, I am deeply sorry and now regret not researching this more thoroughly before posting about INAPFTD last year.

2. Some people think that INAPFTD is referring to patches on clothing. Again, according to the Wellcat website, this holiday is in reference to patches that are placed on the body, i.e. nicotine patches. This day is to consider what you personally need a patch for, such as bad hair days, lack of motivation or willpower, and so on.

After reading some other people’s opinions, the patch that is desired above all is a patch for dealing with idiots. As one person imagines it:

Friend: Hey, did you see what that idiot just did?
Me: Nope, sorry. I’ve got the patch.

Some other excellent patch ideas include:

• A willpower patch – for doing your housework or other boring chores, or to keep you from eating unhealthy food and exercising when you don’t feel like it (I REALLY NEED THIS ONE!).
• A stupid patch - to prevent you from doing or saying stupid things (I'll take the Sam's Club super jumbo family pack of these).

So, now that the air has been cleared, what patch do YOU need?

Today is also:
National Employee Health and Fitness Day
Turn Beauty Inside Out Day
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

May 20 - Eliza Doolittle Day

This isn't an actual holiday, except to those who love the musical "My Fair Lady." In the lyrics to "Just You Wait," Eliza is frustrated by Henry Higgins' attempts to teach her proper English enunciation and fantasizes how she will get her revenge. She imagines she is famous and on familiar terms with the King of England, who pronounces May 20th as Eliza Doolittle Day.

From "Just You Wait," lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner:

One evening the king will say: "Oh Liza, old thing,
I want all of England your praises to sing.
Next week on the twentieth of May
I proclaim Liza Doolittle Day!
All the people will celebrate the glory of you
And whatever you wish and want I gladly will do."

"Thanks a lot, King," says I, in a manner well-bred;
"But all I want is 'enry 'iggins 'ead!"

To celebrate, try to rent the movie adaptation. If you can't get a copy in time, watch this video:

May 19 - Circus Day

Ah, the circus, the circus. I immediately think of a crowded tent, watching elephants and lion tamers and acrobats swinging overhead. I can nearly taste the popcorn and peanuts. As I think more about the circus, I think of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Greatest Show on Earth. Then I think of Dr. Seuss. Or, more precisely, his book, If I Ran the Circus. Yes, the Circus McGurkus, with the 500 gallon tank of lemonade and Mr. Sneelock calmly smoking his pipe in the background.

On this day in 1884, the Ringling Brothers (Alf, Al, Charles, John, Otto, and later, Henry) wowed America with their first circus performance. But this was not the first circus in the world, not even the first in America.

Circuses and circus-like performers have been around since the days of ancient Rome. The more modern circus came about in the late 1700s. Philip Astley, of England, was famous for his fancy horse-riding tricks. He created the 42-foot ring that is the measurement used to this day. Also, to add novelty to his act, he later added what are now common circus sights: a clown, jugglers, tightrope walkers and more.

Later, in the early 1800s, these permanent shows were replaced by shows that took the circus on the road first with horse-drawn (or elephant) wagons, and later by train cars.

P. T. Barnum, who didn’t get into the circus business until late in his career, combined his freak-show/side-show spectacles with the more traditional circus acts and menageries.

Circuses are still on the road to this day, with the most modern type being the Cirque du Soleil.

Since Circus Day falls on a Monday this year, you may not be able to attend an actual performance. To celebrate, check out the links I've gathered for you. Check out the Super Circus TV show or color in some circus coloring pages.

Circuses, Circus history and further information:
Philip Astley
P. T. Barnum
The Barnum Museum
Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey
Circus World Museum
CircusWeb
The Circus in America
Cirque du Soleil

The Super Circus TV Show and other videos:
An episode from 1954
An episode from 1956
Mary Hartline, known as "Our Queen" on Super Circus
Circus Capers, an old b/w cartoon
Under the Big Top, a feature film from 1938

Old books about circuses and circus performers:
P. T. Barnum's autobiography
Circus Life and Circus Celebrities
Toby Tyler; or, Ten Weeks with a Circus
Sawdust & Spangles; Stories & Secrets of the Circus

Miscellaneous links:
Circus Circus, Las Vegas
Circus coloring pages
CircusFit
If I Ran the Circus
Circus, from Wikipedia

May 18 - Visit Your Relatives Day

Visit Your Relatives Day

If you can't visit your relatives today (mine are all at least 2000 miles away), you can send them an e-greeting card. I know these have passed their peak of popularity (e-greeting cards, not relatives!), but today is also Send an Electronic Greeting Card Day.
And if you can't bear to send an electronic card, you could at least call. They worry about you, you know.

Today is also:
Celebrate Your Elected Officials Day
International Museum Day
NASCAR Day

May 17 - Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day

Sorry, I don't have anything exciting or interesting to say today. I plan on playing with my Sea Monkeys today.

Today is also:
World Telecommunications and Information Society Day

May 15 - National Chocolate Chip Day

Official Site

Happy Chocolate Chip Day! Celebrate by eating some chocolate chips. Semi-sweet are traditional, but pick whichever strikes your fancy. Here in LA, it'll be too hot for me to bake chocolate chip cookies, but if you live somewhere with a cooler climate here is one of my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipes. This is a more tender, grown-up cookie that my Mom asks for every Christmas.

Chocolate Chip Butter Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup (6 oz) chocolate chips
powdered sugar, for sifting on top

Preheat oven to 350F.
In a medium bowl, beat together butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, vanilla and salt until well blended. Add flour. Mixture will be stiff. Stir in chocolate chips.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Flatten with the tines of a fork.
Bake 15 minutes or until edges begin to brown lightly. Remove cookies from baking sheets; cool on racks. While warm, sift additional powdered sugar over tops.

Today is also:
International Day of Families
Nylon Stockings Day
Peace Officer Memorial Day

May 14 - Underground American Day

Official Site

Here is a day to celebrate and honor those who live IN the earth, not ON it. If you don't know anyone like this, you can celebrate by:

• Eating a parsnip or a radish
• Bury some treasure
• Ride the subway

This holiday interested me because I was always interested in homes built underground or into a hill. As a child, I practically lived in my parents' unfinished basement. Additionally, I've had a long-term fascination with tunnels and secret passageways.

Fault lines are not the only things that lie below the surface in Los Angeles:
Lizard People Living Under Los Angeles?
The Pacific Electric Subway (Defunct)
San Fernando Tunnel, SPRR
Figueroa Street Tunnels

Below the surface in Chicago, Burlington, WI and Moose Jaw:
Chicago Pedway (partially underground)
Tunnels of Moose Jaw
Al Capone and the Burlington, WI Tunnels

Today is also:
National Night Shift Workers' Day
Donate a Day's Wages to Charity Day
Receptionists' Day

May 13 - This Week

May 11-17, 2008
National Nursing Home Week
National Police Week
National Stuttering Awareness Week
National Transportation Week
National Women's Health Week

National Nursing Home Week
According to the American Health Care Association website:

Activities are designed to foster intergenerational relationships, collect and preserve patient's reminiscences, strengthen relationships with family members, celebrate quality, and recognize all staff members who demonstrate excellent care giving.

Nursing Home Week has, by far, the most fun activities suggested on their website.

National Police Week
This observation honors...
...fallen officers and makes the citizens of America aware that every 57 hours another law enforcement officer gives up his or her life for perfect strangers.

National Stuttering Awareness Week
Hey, you (former) bullies! Remember those poor stuttering kids you used to make fun of in school? This is a great time to make up for that.
Stuttering affects 1% of the population. There is no instant miracle cure, but the earlier you can detect a child's problem and get him/her some help, the better chance he/she has of overcoming this problem.
James Earl Jones, Marilyn Monroe, Winston Churchill, and King George VI all were affected by stuttering.

National Transportation Week
Kind of a lame duck, this one. From the NTW website:
National Transportation Week provides an opportunity for the transportation community to join together for greater awareness about the importance of transportation. National Transportation Week also focuses on making youth aware of transportation-related careers.
Yawn.

National Women's Health Week
Women's health is one of the most talked about topics on the news these days. It is hard for me to think there are women out there who are not concerned and/or taking steps to improve their health. Nevertheless, as a woman, I want others to know what they can do to improve their mental and physical health.
According to 4women.gov, this week is to

educate women about steps they can take to improve their physical and mental health and prevent disease, like:

• Engaging in physical activity most days of the week
• Making healthy food choices
• Visiting a healthcare provider to receive regular check-ups and preventive screenings
• Avoiding risky behaviors, like smoking and not wearing a seatbelt

Today is also:
National Library Legislative Day (May 13-14)

May 12 - Nutty Fudge Limerick Day

May 12 - Limerick Day
ALSO - National Nutty Fudge Day

I couldn't decide which holiday I wanted to celebrate today. I like funny poems. But I also like fudge with nuts. So I decided to combine my celebrations. I'll be making fudge (with nuts) and I'll pipe a limerick on top using frosting. Meanwhile, enjoy my limericks about nutty fudge!

There once was a man named Cutty
He wanted some fudge that was nutty
He tried making some
But it couldn't be done
It came out tasting like putty

There once was a man named Rudge
He liked to eat nutty fudge
His wife made him some
But she shouldn't have done
It came out looking like sludge
(OK, OK, I realize that is just a copy of the first poem...I'll try harder with the next one.)

There once was an old trial judge
Against his wife he held a grudge
His favorite treat
She wouldn't eat
That treat was some nutty fudge

On the face of Old Lady Crudge
Was a very large smudge of fudge
She tried and tried
and she cried and cried
but that smudge of fudge wouldn't budge.

Limerick Day was created to celebrate not only the familiar poetry style, but also the birthday of the man who popularized it - Edward Lear.

Here are some of his still enjoyable books:
The Owl and the Pussy-Cat
Complete Nonsense
Nonsense Books


Today is also:
Fibromyalgia Awareness Day

May 11 - Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there! Did you know it is also Eat What You Want Day? If your rotten kids don't treat you out to eat, then go and get what you want and eat it! Health permitting, of course.

May 10 - Food Celebrations for May

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day. It is also Eat What You Want Day. So treat Mom to lunch and let her eat whatever she wants (health permitting, of course!).

May is National Salad Month. Unfortunately, I like to eat un-healthy salads. My favorite salad is something I call “Fried Chicken Salad.” I put some lettuce in a bowl. I add some cut up pieces of fried chicken (or baked, breaded chicken), shredded cheese, cut up hard boiled egg, sunflower seeds, and croutons, with a honey-mustard dressing.

Coincidentally, (is it really?) May is also National Vinegar Month. Make an oil and vinegar dressing for your salad! One of my favorite flavorings to cook with is balsamic vinegar. Along with oil, salt, and pepper, balsamic vinegar makes a great dressing or marinade. I like to marinate chicken with it, then broil or grill it. Yum.

Another salad-related celebration is Sweet Vidalia Onions Month. These onions are only grown in certain parts of Georgia, and they are harvested from late April through mid-June. You can find some more recipes here.

May is National Egg Month. In culinary school, I learned that a chef’s hat has 100 pleats in it. Supposedly, these represent the 100 ways any chef worth his sea salt should be able to cook eggs.

Searching online, I was unable to find an official, definitive list of the 100 ways, but here is a cookbook from 1892. It lists 100 ways to cook eggs, along with 100 ways to cook fish and also 100 desserts.

Since May is the month when most of the US starts to really have great outdoor cooking weather, I think it is appropriate that May is National Barbecue Month.

To me, barbecue (or barbeque, or bar-b-q....) is synonymous with grilling. I’m sure there are barbecue purists out there who will be happy to disagree. Personally, I don’t like barbecue sauce, although I love grilled food. There is nothing better than a slightly charred hot dog, bratwurst or polish sausage. Mmm…crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. May is also National Hamburger Month. So throw a burger on that grill while you’re at it!

Monday is National Nutty Fudge Day. It also happens to be Limerick Day. If you can’t have nutty fudge, write a limerick about it instead.

The 15^th is National Chocolate Chip Day. I say have some chocolate chip cookies. Or you could add chocolate chips to some trail mix to celebrate.

May 16^th is National Pizza Party Day. If you can’t get your boss to sponsor a pizza party, then have your own. Order pizza in for dinner, or, better yet, make your own at home. Trust me, it’s easy.

On the 23^rd, we’ll be celebrating National Taffy Day. While I enjoy saltwater taffy, I’m not really sure why it needs its own holiday. If you can’t get your hands on saltwater taffy, pick up some Laffy Taffy at the grocery or drug store. Or, if you are feeling enterprising, you can make some yourself.

Today is also:
Astronomy Day
Birthmother's Day
National Train Day
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
World Fair Trade Day
World Lupus Day
World Migratory Bird Day

May 9 - Postcard Week

May 4-10 - National Postcard Week

I could not locate an official site for this holiday. The only link I could find was broken. Several sites state that the first week in May is Postcard Week, and that it is celebrated here in the US and in the UK.

I suggest you grab a few postcards and send 'em off to some people you have lost touch with. That seems like a lovely tradition to start. Or you could begin a postcard collection.

Maybe you have moved away from home. Have someone back home send you some postcards of your old hometown. On the flip side, you could send someone who has moved away some postcards so they know you are thinking of them.


Today is also:
Child Care Provider Appreciation Day

May 8 - No Socks Day

May 8 - No Socks Day
Official Site

Also celebrated on May 8 - VE Day


Do not wear socks today.

In fact, you should wiggle your sock-free toes while you remember May 8, 1945. Also known as Victory in Europe Day (or VE Day), this is the day the Allies formally accepted the surrender of Nazi Germany. (The UN has designated May 8-9 as the "Time of Remembrance & Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War.")



Today is also:
Cranmere Day
World Red Cross Day

May 7 - Great American Grump Out

May 7 - The Great American Grump Out
Official Site

Are you a Grumpy Gus? Today is your chance to try being a Sunny Sal. OK, enough with the cheesiness.

Personally, I'm usually pretty cranky. It doesn't help that I am not a morning person, and that I have to be at work by 7am. So for the Great American Grump Out (GAGO) I'll make an extra effort to be Miss Mary Sunshine. Which is usually who I'm telling people that I'm not.

Be sure to check out the GAGO website for tips on how to not be grumpy today. Oddly enough, a banana should help you through the day. Not to eat, mind you, but to remind you to smile.



Today is also:
National School Nurse Day

May 6 - No Diet Day

May 6 - International No Diet Day
Official Site (not updated since 2002?)
Wikipedia entry

I will be celebrating today by not being on a diet. That doesn't mean I won't be eating more fruits and veggies, though!

There is a family wedding coming up. This means pictures being taken plus family I rarely see equals I GOTTA LOSE WEIGHT! In the last two weeks, I've lost over ten pounds! But I am NOT on a diet.

I wholeheartedly support the Weight Watchers campaign which states that "Diets are mean." (I don't necessarily support WW as a whole, however) But diets are mean. And diets don't work. Not for me, anyway; I psych myself out when I say I'm on a diet. Now, if I say that I am trying to eat healthier, somehow it works.

I recently lost this weight by "trying to eat healthier" and adding exercise to my week. TADA! I can't wait to hit the dance floor - "We Are Family," here I come!


Today is also:
Joseph Brackett Day
National Teacher Day

May 5 - Cinco de Mayo

May 5 - Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is not the Mexican Independence Day. Nope. That's September 16th. Nor is it a popular holiday in Mexico. It is most widely celebrated in America.

And here in the US, Cinco de Mayo is a lot like St. Patrick's Day. More of a celebration of the culture, than of any significance the day itself holds. Most often, a drinking holiday.

The 5th of May came about like this: during the Mexican-American War, Mexico garnered a huge amount of debt. Benito Juarez wanted to delay paying off some debt for a while, to resume after two years. The French, English and Spanish didn't like this; they wanted their money. So they sent their troops to Mexico. The English and Spanish struck a deal with Mexico but France said, "No way." Thems fightin words. So they fought and Mexico's ragtag army surprisingly won. On the 5th of May, 1862.

My information came from the following sites (but don't accuse them if I am wrong - I'll take the blame):
Viva Cinco de Mayo
Mexonline
CLnet
National Geographic


Today is also:
Melanoma Monday
Totally Chipotle Day

May 4 - Respect for Chickens Day

May 4 - International Respect for Chickens Day
Official Site

I love to eat chicken, but I have to admit it is hard to read some of the articles on this site and remain a carnivore. I will definitely think twice before eating another chicken nugget. I want the food industry to change its ways, but I can't stop eating chicken! How does one remain a carnivore and care about animals at the same time?

April 3 - Tweed Day

April 3 - Tweed Day
More Info


I don't actually own anything tweed, but here is one of my favorite pair of shoes. It's not quite tweed, more like bouclé. But close enough for me.

April 1 - Deelybop Day

No, it's not an April Fools joke. Nor is it a real holiday. My coworkers have deemed this and every April First hereafter to be Deelybop Day. Yea, and it shall be so.

You know what deelybops are...those headband things with the deelys on it that bounce and wave with every move.

So celebrate with us...you know you want to!

Unrelated note: major computer issues on the homefront...blogging will be spotty at best.

March 25 - Pecan Day

Pecan Pie Recipe, from Karo Syrup


Are you missing the holiday food we were sharing just a few months ago? If so, you can celebrate Pecan Day by making a Pecan Pie. I always thought I had my Grandmother's secret recipe for pecan pie. Then, this year I looked at the recipe on the Karo Syrup label, and was disappointed to find it was exactly the same. Oh well, it's still super delicious! Enjoy with some whipped cream - fresh is best, of course.

March 24 - National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day

Official Site


Grab a box of Raisinets and celebrate spring! Personally, I like to mix Raisinets and Goobers in my popcorn at the movies...YUM!

(LAZY POST!!)

March 22 - International Goof-Off Day

March 22 - Int'l Goof-Off Day
More Info

I was going to clean my apartment today, then I remembered that today is Goof-Off Day. So I flopped on the couch to watch crappy movies for awhile, talked on the phone for about an hour, then the mail came. My mom sent me a package of Easter goodies. I was inspired to have a Peeps Duel. They made it into the microwave but then they chickened out. (Ha! I am so funny.) So I ate them.

I was going to boil some eggs so we could die them later, but that means I would have to go buy eggs, then boil them, then dye them, then clean up afterwards. Not to mention I would have to clean my kitchen in order to make room for this project. I don't feel like doing all of that. Maybe tomorrow. Today I plan on goofing off some more.

Have fun goofing off today!

March 20 - Grab Bag

March 20th is...

Absolutely Incredible Kid Day
Do you know an absolutely incredible kid? If so, let them know how great they are. Write them a letter. Encourage them in their absolutely incredible-ness, and let them know you care about them and want them to succeed.

National Agriculture Day
My suggestion for celebrating this day would be to find out when and where your nearest farmer's market is. Support the local guys. If you are a foodie at all, you will soon become addicted to shopping this way. Thank the local farmers while you are there.

Great American Meat Out Day
From meatout.org:

The purpose is to expose the public to the joys and benefits of a plant-based diet, while promoting the availability and selection of meat and dairy alternatives in mainstream grocery stores, restaurants, and catering operations.

Proposal Day
While I believe this holiday refers to marriage proposals, those of you already married (or not inclined to become so) can use this day to propose...a meat-free meal. Or whatever.

Snowman Burning Day
Also known as the first day of Spring, some people celebrate by burning snowmen. I know, I know - "But snowmen are made of snow. How can they burn?" They make snowman effigies out of newspaper or something and burn those. The purpose: why, to celebrate Spring's arrival, of course. I can't make this stuff up, people!

Some people hold that rising smoke rising from the fire is supposed to ward off blizzards and usher in spring-like weather.

Kids, don't try this at home!

March 19 - National Chocolate Caramel Day

March 19 - National Chocolate Caramel Day
Official Site

Yum...chocolate and caramel are a match made in heaven, second only to chocolate and peanut butter. I like to make Turtle Bars on Chocolate Caramel Day; here's the recipe.

Turtle Bars
14 oz caramels (unwrap before cooking!)
1/2 cup milk, divided
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 German Chocolate cake mix
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
12 oz chocolate chips

• Preheat oven to 325F.
• Combine caramels and 1/4 cup milk in a heavy saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until caramels are melted. Set aside.
• Combine melted butter, dry cake mix, nuts, 1/4 cup milk. Mix well. Press half of this mixture into a greased 9x13 pan.
• Bake at 325F for six minutes. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Spread caramel over chips. Place remaining cake mixture over caramel.
• Return pan to 325F oven for 15-18 minutes. Cool, then cut into squares.

March 18 - Awkward Moments Day

March 18 - Awkward Moments Day
Official Site?


Here are the top 10 awkward moments in pop culture for 2007.

For 2008, I expect to see the Gary Busey/Jennifer Garner fiasco at the top of the list.

March 17 - St. Patrick's Day

March 17 - St. Patrick's Day

I was going to post earlier in the day but I got caught up in making dinner, then eating it, then recovering from it. I made a traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage with boiled potatoes and Irish Soda Bread. Ok, so it may or may not be authentic, but it is traditional in my (Polish) family.

Take a piece of corned beef. Mine was about 4 lbs. Rinse off all the crap that is packaged with it. Place it in a pot and cover it with water (you are gonna need a big pot). Add 2 bay leaves and 20 black peppercorns. If you're like me, you don't have any peppercorns, so just toss a palm-ful of ground black pepper in. Bring the water to a boil, reduce to a simmer, then cover it and let it simmer until a fork goes easily into the middle of the meat. This may take about 3 hours (mine did). About half an hour before you expect the meat to be done, grab a head of cabbage and cut into wedges. Put that in with the meat.

Like I said, I served with boiled potatoes. Hopefully I don't have to tell you how to cook those. I tossed mine with butter and fresh parsley.

As far as Irish Soda Bread goes, everyone has a different idea of what consistency it should be and how it should taste. I prefer a soft, dense bread with raisins. I used this recipe, but I added 1 cup of raisins. Caraway seeds or anise seeds would also be a good addition.

I'll leave you with tasty thoughts and some St Paddy's videos...

March 16 - National Craft Month

March is National Craft Month
Official Sponsor

Un-official song: She's Crafty!

When I was young, I used to think it was dorky that my mom enjoyed arts & crafts. Now that I’m older, I think that arts & crafts are fun. Then again, I am a dork.

I enjoy many different crafts, and crafting in general, but my favorite hobbies are painting and crochet. Currently I trying to teach myself how to knit and hope to soon pick up on sewing. I am using Craft Month to finish up some projects that got set aside. One thing I like about my hobbies is that I can do them while watching television. This keeps me from eating while I watch television.

If you are one of those who still think that crafts are dorky, you need to check out Craftster, stat! On Craftster, you will find some of the most talented people sharing their projects and ideas. It ain’t yo momma’s crafts.

If you’re like me and Jo-Ann Fabrics or Michaels is one of your favorite stores, you may already have a favorite crafting site online. If you haven’t already, you need to check out Craft magazine and Anticraft.

Don't forget to look online for how-to videos. When I began knitting, I turned to YouTube for beginner lessons.

My favorite crochet website
My favorite cross stitch website
Amazing embroidery patterns
Best craft fair ever

Here is a sweater I crocheted for myself last year:

March 15 - Maple Syrup Day

March 15 - Maple Syrup Day

Hooray for maple syrup! What else could go so well with pancakes and waffles?

Well, it turns out that maple flavoring goes well with many foods. I use maple extract in my zucchini bread (use instead of vanilla extract). Maple is commonly paired with nuts (usually walnuts) and is most often used in sweets and breakfast foods, but you can easily find other ways to use maple syrup.

Here are some Maple Syrup recipes I enjoyed:

Maple Bars (scroll down)
Maple Walnut Granola (second from top)
Maple Mustard Salmon (third from top)
Maple Ice Cream
Maple-Glazed Walnuts (second down on the right)

Here are the Maple-Glazed Walnuts I made:


Enjoy!