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!

March 14 - Optimism Month

March is Optimism Month

Those who know me will tell you I'm no Pollyanna or Miss Mary Sunshine.

I think I've always fallen in the middle of the Optimism/Pessimism Scale. I feel that I do tend slightly to optimism and faith in the basic goodness of others. (Stop laughing. I said slightly.) While I tend to be a "glass is half-full" kind of gal, I do need help seeing the silver lining when things go sour. (How many mixed metaphors can I fit in to one sentence?) Prior to composing this post, I took a few (very un-scientific) personality tests, and the results seemed to bear this theory out.

My optimism can come and go, depending on who I'm with and how optimistic they are. My boyfriend can help me see the brighter side when things don't go my way. (Far more often than I would like.) Even though I love my job, I often fall into the rut of longing for Friday to come. Sometimes I feel like I am just wishing away my life by hoping Friday will come faster. When I’m with friends at work who are being negative about the work day (This day is too long! When will it be Friday? When do we get a day off?) I tend to fall in with them and it makes my day longer/worse than I was really experiencing. Lately, especially since planning this post, I've been trying to help them be more positive.

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Fake it till ya make it.

I have a friend who says that all the time. While it may not hold true (or advisable) for all situations, it does work for optimism. Often, I have to make myself see things positively, make myself smile, and make myself have a good attitude. And, more often than not, I end up actually feeling better.

Now, just because I am feeling particularly dorky, here are some optimism quotes I've handpicked for you.

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."

-Winston Churchill

"Between the optimist and the pessimist, the difference is droll. The optimist sees the doughnut; the pessimist the hole!"

-Oscar Wilde

"An optimist will tell you the glass is half-full; the pessimist, half-empty; and the engineer will tell you the glass is twice the size it needs to be."

"It's better to be an optimist who is sometimes wrong than a pessimist who is always right."

"In the long run, the pessimist may be proved right, but the optimist has a better time on the trip."
-Daniel L. Reardon

March 13 - National Open an Umbrella Indoors Day

March 13 - National Open an Umbrella Indoors Day


You may have heard that it is considered to be unlucky if you open an umbrella indoors. However, some have said it is only unlucky if the umbrella is black...


if it was a gift...



or if it has never been used outdoors.



Goody. Mine is blue, I bought it myself, and I have used it outside.

March 12 - Girl Scout Day

March 12 - Girl Scout Day
Girl Scouts of America official website
Find Girl Scout Cookies near you
Holiday Insights

On this day in 1912, Juliette Gordon Low assembled the first Girl Scout meeting in Savannah, Georgia. Eighteen girls attended. Approximately 73 years later, a cute little blonde girl joined her local Daisy Girl Scout group. OK that little girl was me. And I was kind of cute. Except for the 80s hair.

Anyway, I don't remember much about being a Daisy Girl Scout. I remember that we met at my friend Jackie's house (her mom was the troop leader). I couldn't say what we did during those meetings, but I do remember that Jackie had a bunny rabbit.

After kindergarten, Daisies become Brownie Girl Scouts. I was always jealous of the girls that got the full GS uniform. My parents could only afford to buy me the sash. The sash that I never filled up with badges.

We seemed to do a lot of crafts. We went camping once or twice, nothing too rugged though. Of course, I remember selling the cookies, and going door-to-door with my Dad.

One time, we had to cook a meal at home for our family. My parents took pictures of me as I did this. I think I may still have those pictures somewhere. I remember that we used them on a poster board to show what I cooked for my family.

March 11 - Organize Your Home Office Day Part 2

All done! Here is the "after" picture!

After work today I took about 3 hours to sort through my papers and re-work my file system. I still need a few filing supplies, but my project is essentially complete!

March 11 - Organize Your Home Office Day

March 11 - Organize Your Home Office Day

Five Tips to Organize Your Home Office (My favorite)
Organizing Your Home Office
Ten Tips to Organize Your Home Office

I took this opportunity to clean up my home office. I don't work out of the home, but I have a desk where I conduct the business of my life, my boyfriend's life, and our life together. As you can see from the "Before" picture, I have a bad habit of letting my crap pile up everywhere.

Laziness. I has it.

And, as you can probably guess, this organization project will likely take more than one day. So I got started on Sunday.

Step one: I admitted I am powerless over my clutter – my life has become unmanageable. Ahh. I feel better already.

Step two: Cleaning and pre-organization. (Yes, pre-organization. I have to organize before I can organize. )

I grabbed a kitchen timer, a garbage bag, and two boxes. The garbage bag is for garbage (duh), one box is for items that need to remain in the desk/office area, and the second box is for items that belong in other parts of my apartment. I set the timer for 30 minutes, and hit the start button. When I came across papers that need to stay in the desk area, but need to be filed OR acted on, I just added them to the KEEP pile, to be sorted through again. Yes, this sounds like extra work, but I will get too distracted if I try to micro-manage my papers at this juncture. I really need to see what the top of my desk looks like. I haven’t seen it in a while.

A half hour later – I feel better. Sweatier and dirtier, but better. I still have LOTS to do, but I have made a marked improvement. Here’s what I did:

I started by going through the stuff on the floor. Some things, like craft items and books, I set aside for later organization. I have to focus on organizing my home office. Hobbies and other cleaning tasks can be done later. I was able to weed out some garbage, including some old phone books. I collected the library books in one place, my personal books were stacked on the table (for later organization), and some items that I want to take to work with me are stacked near the front door for me to grab on my way out the door in the morning.

With a few minutes left on the timer, I put away some of the items on my desk that belonged in other rooms. I was able to pretty much clear my desk top. I still must go through everything on the desk shelves, in the desk drawer, and of course, I must go through my pile once again to sort through all the papers.

I found my calendars! (You'll notice from the "before" picture that a 2007 calendar is still up on my wall.) My new wall calendar was a Christmas present from my mother, and it features photographs of Chicago. I heart Chicago.

Christmas decorations are packed up but still out. These need to be stored in the bedroom closet. I can put them away later; they are not really in the way right now. (A few hours later I got around to putting away all the Christmas decorations.)

On Monday, for half an hour between work and dinner, I went in for another go-round of sorting through my crap. Here’s what I got done:

I collected all my current bills and set them aside to pay them tonight. Books that belonged at the desk stayed, books that did not belong were moved elsewhere. Everything in and on the desk was sorted through and garbage was thrown out. I was even able to start putting things back in place.

After dinner, I sat down to pay my current bills. Then, while watching The Godfather, I went through my papers more carefully and tried to sort them into rough piles. I was done by the time the guy finds his horse's head in his bed with him.

On Tuesday's agenda:
Step three: The actual organization begins!Plus, re-organizing the filing system and find homes for things that do not belong in the desk.

I'll be back later tonight or tomorrow to show you the "After" picture!

March 10 - Salvation Army Day

March 10 - Salvation Army Day
Official Site
US Site

On this day in 1880, the Salvation Army arrived from London, ready to spread the gospel and to help all who needed it.

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. - The Salvation Army mission statement.

To locate a Salvation Army thrift store near you, enter your zip code here.

March 9 - Get Over It Day

March 9 - Get Over It Day
Official Site

One of my most-used phrases is, "You'll get over it." Today is dedicated to that concept. GET OVER IT! A sucky job, a bad relationship, lame friends, money trouble...everyone has something to get over. The official poem says it better...

We ALL have our issues; ALL lives contain stress,
At some point, we're ALL, an emotional mess.
Ex-boyfriends, ex-girlfriends, ex-husbands, ex-wives,
These are people to get over in EVERYONE'S lives.

But as much as things suck, as bad as they get,
If you got cheated on, if you're swimming in debt,
If you're aging or balding or get a cold sore,
Don't ever forget: It Could Always Suck More!

It's all part of life; it will help you grow stronger,
But this "pity party" of yours can't last any longer.
You can sit home alone, being sad and depressed,
Or you can choose to be strong, and do as we suggest:

March 9th is the day to finally say,
"Move on! It's done! It's GET OVER IT DAY!"

by Jeff G., "Get Over It Day" founder and creator

Oh...and check out my pick for official song of Get Over It Day:

March 8 - Genealogy Day

March 8 - Genealogy Day

Yay! A day dedicated to one of my favorite hobbies (ok, they're all my favorite).

I could tell you the importance of genealogy but either you already agree with me or I won't be able to change your mind. Plus I don't feel like it.

Instead, I'd like to supply you with my personal list of genealogy links. This is heavy on Polish, Illinois, and Chicago links, because that is where my family is from. But I have many generally useful sites as well.

Don't forget to check for genealogy groups on your favorite social networking site (MySpace, Facebook, et al). The people in those groups are usually very friendly and willing to help point you in the right direction.

GENERAL SITES

Cyndi's List
A far more comprehensive pile of links than you will find in my humble blog.

1 Step Searches
Help in searching some common genealogy databases.

Free Cemetery Records
I haven't found any information on my family here, but others have had better luck.

Genealogy at About.com
I love About.com. I can always find help (or a point in the right direction) here. Not just for genealogy, but just about any topic.

WorldGenWeb Project
Lots of international help here.

USGenWeb Search Engine
1-click search of all the USGenWeb indices.

RootsWeb Surname List
If you can't find your ancestors, you may be able to find someone else who is researching the same last name. I came in contact with a lady who may or may not be related to me, but she was very friendly and helped me find more info on my family.

FamilySearch International Genealogical Index
This is part of the LDS FamilySearch site.

Social Security Death Index
This is the best SS death index I've found.

Obituary Search

COMING TO AMERICA

Ellis Island
If you are trying to determine when an ancestor arrived in America, start here.

Castle Garden
If you can't find your ancestor at the Ellis Island site, try this one.

Immigrant Ships Passenger Lists

(More) Immigrant Ship Passenger Lists

Guide to Immigration Records and Ships' Passenger Lists

POLISH LINKS (mmm...sausage)

Polish Genealogical Society of America
Click on Directory for lots of help, useful databases, and links.

Genealogy of Halychyna/Eastern Galicia

Polish Genealogy at About.com
I love About.com. I can always find help (or a point in the right direction) here. Not just for genealogy, but just about any topic. (Yes, I know I'm repeating myself.)

Common Polish First Names
This isn't exactly a genealogy site, but I enjoy learning about my family's Polish names.

Poznan Project
A Polish marriage database.

ILLINOIS (the "S" is silent)

Illinois Marriage Index, 1763-1900
Obviously you are restricted to pre-1900 marriages here.

Ordering Birth Records from Illinois

Illinois State Genealogical Society

CHICAGO/COOK COUNTY

St. Adalbert Catholic Cemetery, Niles, Illinois
I have a lot of family members here. Also see this link.

Cook County USGenWeb site

Cook County Clerk's Office - Vital Records

Chicago Genealogical Society
Their list of links is very useful.

Polk's Directory for 1928-1929
This is very interesting. It is like a phone book, but without the phone numbers. It lists all the addresses in Chicago, and all the residents at those addresses. (It also lists businesses.) This is not useful if you have a name, and are looking for an address, but I obtained an address for a relative and was able to locate them in this directory. This is a very large PDF file, be patient while it loads.

CALIFORNIA

Polish Genealogical Society of California

Los Angeles Regional Family History Center (LDS)
I am looking forward to visiting this place sometime this year. I can't wait to see all the great info available there.

March 8 - Read an E-book Week

March 2-8 - Read an E-book Week
Official Site

Today is the conclusion of Read an E-book Week. But there is still time to read!

I don’t think that e-books will replace paper books, at least not in my lifetime. There is something about having books in your hand, on your shelf, at the store or library that cannot be replaced with a computer, e-reader or iPhone.

Despite this desire for actual, physical books, I do read e-books from time to time. I often read books found at Internet Archive, a pioneer in the book digitization industry. This non-profit organization only digitizes books that are in the public domain, which means that the books available are largely pre-1923. While you may initially feel restricted by this, you will eventually be surprised by the large number of popular titles available. The books vary widely in subject. There is plenty of non-fiction, novels, poetry, cookbooks, how-to, and more. You will certainly be able to find something to read there.

There are many other sites with free e-books available. Project Gutenberg is a partner with Internet Archive. More books can be found here and here.

I would love to get a Kindle, but for now I will read physical books, and some e-books online.

March 6 - Celebrate Your Name Week

March 2-8 - Celebrate Your Name Week
Official Site
More info, on Wikipedia

Just about each day this week has had a different name-related holiday. Yesterday, I posted about learning the meaning of your names.

One way to celebrate your name is to find out your Name Day. This is a more popular activity in Europe, but I think it is a good idea that we should adopt in the US. I think that Name Days could be like a second birthday, only without the questions about your age. (Yes, I am old enough to start fretting about that.)

Oddly enough, my Name Day falls on the same day as my boyfriend's birthday (September 6). I guess this means I get presents too. When is your Name Day?

Another way to celebrate is to listen to songs with your name in them. Jennys of the world, you can omit this. (You know, 867-5309...remember now?)

My favorite Alyson song is "Alison's the Bomb," by the Huntingtons. Not only because I am the bomb, but because in the liner of this CD, instead of the lyrics, there is a drawing of a girl wearing a Ghoti Hook shirt. And Ghoti Hook is just about my favoritest band in the world (RIP).

My second favorite would have to be "Alison," by Elvis Costello. This is the song most frequently sung to me when people discover my name.

I also like "Allison," by The Pixies. Even though it is not about a girl named Allison. (It is actually about Mose Allison, the jazz/blues musician.) Lyrics here, and a video here.

March 5 - Learn What Your Name Means Day

March 5 - Learn What Your Name Means Day

Aly (short for Alyson, variant of Alice): truth, noble, or noble type

I found my name on Wikipedia, but there are many baby name websites that have the meaning and origin of first names.

As for last names, those may be trickier to define. Try some genealogy websites; I found mine on about.com. My last name is Polish, and translates as "little evening."

According to the website, my surname "may have been intended as a nickname for someone who was active or worked in the late afternoon or evening, or one who often held little parties in the evening."

What do your names mean?

February 2 - Groundhog Day

February 2 - Groundhog Day

I can never keep straight what happens if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow. Early spring, or not? I headed over to the Official Site of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club to do some research. According to the PGC,

"According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring."

Now, here is why I think I get this confused. To me, if the sun is shining (shadow is seen) that would indicate an early spring, not six more weeks of winter weather. But then, I'm no meteorologist.

And those top-hatted guys over in Punxsutawney seem a bit odd. I mean, I can understand milking this thing for all it is worth (who would go to the cold center of Pennsylvania in February otherwise?), but they take this day waaay too seriously. For one thing, check out the Inner Circle members' job descriptions. And the way they explain how Phil has been prognosticating for 120 years can be found here. Wacky stuff.

Oh well, it's all in fun, I guess. Enjoy your Saturday, and let's all hope for an early spring! (Though I don't have much to complain about here in Southern California!)

P. S. This site is a bit less wacky, and has some history about how Candlemas turned into Groundhog Day.

P. P. S. Update! Six more weeks of winter are in store for us! Here is the official proclamation.

February 1 - Wear Red Day

February 1 - Wear Red Day

Well, better get this post in just before midnight! So I wore red today, as stipulated. Here are some links for you to check out if you are interested in Women's Heart Health. Sorry for the lame links list and lack of actual posting.

National Wear Red Day

Go Red for Women

GRFW National Wear Red Day

Feminist.org article

NHLBI Lower Your Heart Disease Risk

NHLBI Resource Links

January 8 - National English Toffee Day

January 8 - National English Toffee Day

Man oh man - since I saw what day it was this morning at work, I've been craving toffee ever since. When I got home from work, I found this recipe, and now I am (im)patiently waiting for the toffee to cool so I can eat it.

Is English Toffee really from England? Or is it an American invention? Decide for yourself.

January 7 - Book Blitz Month

January - Book Blitz Month

I couldn't find any information online about this observance. It seems I saw somewhere that the "blitz" is when authors go on tour to support their books. But I can't find the link I had for that.

So I decided to make Book Blitz Month my own. I cashed in my Amazon.com gift card and ordered a whole load of books. They are starting to arrive this week, so I will be immersed in one of the best things around - NEW BOOKS! Whee! When I get through those I'll hit up the local library. I've been in this area a year now, but still haven't made it over! I can't believe I've put it off so long.


Happy reading!

December 31 - New Years Eve

Happy New Year!

I wish you every good thing in the next year. Best wishes!

December 22 - National Haiku Poetry Day

National Haiku Poetry Day - December 22

It is Haiku Day
Write a haiku poem now
Write one really quick

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A Christmas haiku
The Grinch, Charlie Brown, and Ralph
Trees and lights and snow

---

Other websites mentioned that yesterday was Haiku Day. No matter when the day is officially celebrated; it is never a bad time for haiku.

December 14 - National Tie Month

December - National Tie Month

So it's National Tie Month. I wonder if that is why so many dads get ties for holiday gifts. Or maybe it's National Tie Month because dads get so many ties.

Check out some tie-related videos:
The Rad History of Ties
A Pub Owner Who Collects Ties

December 13 - National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month

December - National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month

Elves don't let elves drive drunk.

But seriously. Please be careful and safe this holiday season and throughout the New Year.

December 12 - Gingerbread House Day

December 12 - Gingerbread House Day

This year I wanted to build a gingerbread house with my boyfriend. He agreed, but with one stipulation: that he be allowed to eat it as soon as we finished making it. Really.

So instead of going to all the trouble of constructing this thing only to have it immediately demolished, I made gingerbread cookies in the shape of a house, and we decorated those. Not only was he allowed to eat them right away, I made them softer, since usual "construction" gingerbread is, by necessity, very hard and not exactly toothsome. (Yes, I just said toothsome. It's a real word, look it up if you don't believe me.)

December 11 - International Mountain Day

December 11 - International Mountain Day

Back in 2003, the UN General Assembly designated December 11 to be International Mountain Day. This day is to raise awareness about the importance of mountains. The theme this year is "Facing Change: Climate Change in Mountain Areas."

I don't know what the importance of mountains would be, but what I do know is that I am happy to live in a valley and to be surrounded by mountains. I think they are so beautiful to look at, and, for some reason, it makes me feel comforted when I am driving in my car and I can look up to see the mountains in any direction.

More info on Int'l Mountain Day can be found here.

December 10 - Learn a Foreign Language Month

December - Learn a Foreign Language Month

In case you aren't busy with all the holiday hoopla, why don't you take some time to learn a foreign language this month? If you started to learn Chinese last month, why not keep going? Or you could try another language. You could try to learn how to say, "Where is the bathroom?" in all the major languages of the world. This month, I'll be busy in the kitchen baking cookies, where I can listen to language podcasts while I work.

Have fun!

Friday's Holiday Recipe Greeting

And a happy Friday to you all! My last recipe for you this week is one you may need if you’ve had a tough one! Enjoy and have a great weekend.

Peanut Butter Blossoms

December 7 - National Cotton Candy Day

I must be the only person in the world who doesn't like cotton candy. In theory, it sounds like the perfect treat. Pure sugar, fluffy, pretty, PINK, and only about 100 calories for a typical one-ounce cone. But for some reason, it just doesn't do it for me.

I thought about trying to make some at home, but quickly disposed of that notion. For much braver souls than I, I present you with this link. Let me know how it turns out.

Thursday's Recipe Greeting

Only one more day in this work week! And another recipe for you to enjoy this holiday season. Hope you are happy and healthy!

Lemon Bars
Crust:
1 c flour
1/2 c butter
1/4 c confectioners sugar

Blend flour, butter and sugar, and press into an 8 inch square pan. Bake at 350F for 20 minutes.

Topping:
2 eggs
1 c granulated sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp lemon juice
confectioners sugar

Beat eggs, add sugar gradually. Add baking powder, salt and lemon juice and mix thoroughly. Pour over hot crust, return to oven, and bake 20-25 minutes longer, or until lightly browned. Do not overbake. Dust with confectioners sugar.

December 6 - Handwashing Awareness Week

The 4 Principles of Hand Awareness are:

1. Wash your hands before eating and when they are dirty.
2. Do NOT cough into your hands (try your elbow or a tissue).
3. Do NOT sneeze into your hands (see above).
4. Do NOT put your fingers into your eyes, nose or mouth.

Wednesday's Holiday Recipe Greeting

Whoops! Almost forgot to give you today's recipe. I hope your Wednesday went well. Here is a recipe for shortbread cookies. I like to bake these all year ‘round, but these are also good at Christmas, with colored sprinkles, or dipped in chocolate and chopped nuts. Enjoy!

Shortbread Cookies
1 c butter, softened
1/2 c sugar
2 1/2 c sifted flour (sift, then measure)

Mix butter and sugar thoroughly. Stir in flour. Chill dough. (At this point, you can form dough into rounded or squared tubes, then chill. Slice 1/4" to 1/2" thick before baking.) Cookies may be rolled and cut with cookie cutters. Place cookies on ungreased cookie sheet. Add sprinkles or other decoration if desired. Bake at 300F for 20-25 minutes. Tops of cookies do not brown, nor does shape of cookie change.

December 5 - Bathtub Party Day

December 5 - Bathtub Party Day

This one is easy! Have a party in the bathtub. I think I'll have a party for one in my tub and have a nice long soak. I love to use Lush products in the tub, especially the bubble bars and bath bombs. YAY! Sorry for the short post, I'm off to the bath!

Tuesday's Holiday Recipe Greeting

I've decided to post my holiday recipe greetings here on my blog, as well as MySpace. Enjoy!

Hi everyone! How is your week so far? Well, I hope. Here's another recipe for Recipe Greetings for the Holidays Week. These cookies are a must in my family at Christmas. They are somewhat laborious, but fun to make with kids, if you don't mind a mess!
Love ya,
Alyson

Candy Cane Cookies
White Dough
1 c powdered sugar
1/2 c butter or margarine, softened
1/2 c shortening
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 c all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
Red Dough
1 c powdered sugar
1/2 c butter or margarine, softened
1/2 c shortening
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 c all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp red food coloring
1 1/2 tsp peppermint extract

Begin by preparing the white dough: cream the butter, shortening and sugar. Mix in the egg and vanilla. Gradually stir in the flour and salt. Divide the dough in half and wrap each piece in wax paper, then store in refrigerator. Prepare the red dough as you did the white, but add the food coloring and peppermint extract after adding the flour. Again, divide the dough in two as before and refrigerate. Chill dough at least half an hour.

When you are ready to make cookies, preheat oven to 375F. Take one half of red dough, and one half of white out of the fridge. Leave remaining dough in fridge until ready to use.

For each candy cane, shape 1 tsp red and 1 tsp white dough into 4" ropes. For smooth, even strips, roll back and forth on a lightly floured board. Place 1 red and 1 white rope side by side; press together lightly and twist. Complete cookies one at a time. Place cookie on ungreased cookie sheet. Curve top to form handle of cane. Bake until set and very light brown, around 9 minutes. Remove (carefully!) from cookie sheet to wire rack.

December 4 - Hanukkah

Hanukkah began tonight at sundown. Greetings to all who celebrate this holiday!

I didn't know any Jewish people while I was growing up, but I was always curious about the dreidel. (We learned the dreidel song in elementary school.) So today I looked up on wikipedia.org (the first place I go when learning something new) how to play.

It sounds like a very simple chance game. You spin the dreidel, and what you land on determines your fate. Each player begins with 10 or so coins (or other markers; some use the gold-foil-wrapped chocolate coins) and each places one coin in the pot/kitty. If the dreidel lands on "Nun" no coins change hands and the next player spins. When the dreidel lands on "Gimel" the player takes the whole pot. When landing on "Hey," the player takes half of the pot. The player puts one coin in the pot if they land on "Shin." Play continues until one player has all the coins (or the other players give up).

I would have to use real coins, or some non-edible marker, because I would eat any chocolate coins I had.

I hope that I related the game to you accurately. I welcome any corrections.

December 3 - Recipe Greetings for the Holidays Week

December 1-8 - Recipe Greetings for the Holidays Week

I couldn't find where or how this week-long celebration originated. In that case, you get to hear how I'll be participating this week.

I'm on MySpace, so each day this week (Monday through Friday), I'll be posting a bulletin for all my friends/contacts to see. This bulletin will include a short greeting and a recipe (or a link to a recipe) that I use every year at Christmas.

If you are not on MySpace, or don't like my idea, you could send e-greeting cards with recipes, e-mails, or actual cards or letters to your friends and family. If you don't have any friends or family, you can send me a recipe greeting. I'd be happy to hear from you.

Oh, here is the greeting my friends will see today on MySpace:

"Happy Monday! I hope you are all well and happy. Here is a recipe I make every year at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Just wanted to share with you all!
Original Chex Mix"

December 2 - International Day for Tolerance

December 2 - International Day for Tolerance

Tolerance and acceptance are ideas we should not still have to worry about. Yet our culture is to be insular and to shut out those that come from an unfamiliar background.
There are a number of sites with ideas and ways to help fight hate. Here are some ideas:

From Close the Book on Hate

• Begin at Home
• Share your heritage with others
• Invite friends from different backgrounds than yours to experience your traditions and customs
• In School
• Establish a diversity club
• Encourage representation of all students on every board and committee
• In the Workplace
• Utilize diversity training
• Learn about coworkers' backgrounds and share yours with them
• In Your House of Worship
• Urge leaders to condemn all forms of bigotry
• Invite clergy from other religions to take part in your services
• In the Community
• Establish a human rights group in your town
• Plan a community walk/run against hate to benefit anti-hate or other human rights groups

Tolerance.org shares 10 Ways to Fight Hate. Appropriately, the first step is to Act. Don't just stand there shaking your head in disgust when you see hate in action. Do something about it. Do something to prevent it.

Let's all try to be even a bit more tolerant toward others this week. Find a small way to start fighting hate in your world. Don't just stand idly by when others are using hateful epithets or sharing racist jokes.

December 1 - Cookie Cutter Week

December 1-7 - Cookie Cutter Week

Christmas preparations are officially underway! Here in my small household, the Christmas season begins the day after Thanksgiving. I don't go shopping on Black Friday, but I begin to write out my cards and start thinking about my plans for the next month. So I've been working at Christmas for over a week now. I have lights up already, and some of my crafts are already completed.

Today kicked off cookie cutter week. If you haven't already, go dig up your cookie cutters this week.

Sugar cookies or shortbread cookies are good recipes to use for cutouts. However, I know that many people just don't want to deal with the hassle. (I don't blame you, I only do one small batch myself.) So I thought I'd remind you of some other ways to use your cookie cutters this season.

Christmas-themed cookie cutters make good ornaments. Tie a ribbon on the cutter and hang on your tree or wire to a wreath. I have an area between my dining room and kitchen where I've hung some cookie cutters and ornaments from the ceiling.

You could also use cookie cutters to make a wreath. See this project. You can put them together as a temporary wreath if you want to be able to use the cookie cutters at a later time.