National Cake Day

Oh man, I’m going to miss November! This food month houses so many great and bizarre food likings to fit anybody’s taste preferences! For example, today is dedicated to National Cake Day and who doesn’t like cake? Thinking about celebrating this wonderfully sweet day? How about bringing a novelty cake for your office party or trying a new cake recipe. I wonder how the restaurant and food industry is going to yummy promote today!

Well I don’t know about you but I think I am going to test my culinary skills for National Cake Day!

Tie One On!

(Via The Apronista)

National Tie One On Day pays homage to the mighty apron and the women and men who’ve worn one over the years. The apron is seen as a symbol of home, warmth and of course, food preparation! On Tie One On Day, people everywhere no matter their age, gender or lifestyle are encouraged to bake some bread, wrap it an apron and deliver it to a neighbor in need along with a note or message of encouragement. This is a great way to celebrate the spirit of thanksgiving and a wonderful excuse to treat yourself and the recipient of your bread to an exciting new apron!

Of course you can always buy a loaf of bread instead, but you won’t regret taking the extra time to bake your own. Try an easy, no-knead recipe or a quick bread if you’re strapped for time.

National Parfait Day!!

(Via: Xanga)

Today is National Parfait Day. If you have no idea what parfait is, you should wish you knew! The parfait, which means “perfect” in French, comes in different variations but it is mainly a sweet layered dessert placed in a uniquely shape glassware called a parfait glass; this yummy dish can be anything from layers yogurt, fresh fruit, and granola to smooth chocolate and cream to a cold dessert made of a flavored custard, whipped cream, and fruit puree (unstirred).

How do you celebrate National Parfait Day? Easy! With Thanksgiving approaching, you can have a potluck at work and tell everyone to bring parfait (along with other desserts and some entrées of course).

“National Parfait Day” est parfait!

Shopping Reminder Day

Just in case you’ve been living under a rock for the last couple of months:

As of today there are only thirty shopping days left until Christmas!

Yeah, if the ornaments and tinsel already exploding from the aisles at your local supermarket, the amount of kids crying at the shopping mall as their parents push them onto Santa’s knee and the seventeen versions of the same Christmas song you’ve heard every time you leave the house since Halloween weren’t enough, there is an entire holiday reminding you that the BIG day is swiftly approaching. As unnecessary as this holiday seems, I have to defend it . . . at least a little bit. If you do most of your shopping before the notorious Black Friday, you’ll avoid holiday crowds and ensure you get everything on your list before retailers run out. Also, today is a good day to get started on your holiday greeting cards and corporate gifts.

One month to go. If Santa Claus can make it, so can you. Now get shopping!

False Confession Day

WARNING: The following holiday is only for those who indulge in risky business, for those who swear to tell the untruth, the whole untruth, and nothing but the whole untruth. Said day is highly unusual and is truly the epitome of absurdity. Proceed with caution! You’ve been warned!

Today is False Confession Day. As zany and wacky as this holiday may be, I think that it’s kind of well…stupid, actually.

Tell me. What is the thrill of making a false confession or admitting to something that you did not do? I am guessing you enjoy seeing the appalled look on someone’s face when you admit that you admitted to something false. Or was the first admission really an untruth? May be if you make a false confession, it means you are in denial of something!

Wow, this is pretty deep stuff. Anywho, my only advice to partake in this day: don’t admit to anything idiotic like committing arson (O GEEZ or something worse) and then blame it on the holiday WHEN you get arrested. Whether you think False Confession Day is asinine or you admit that you like confessing falsely but you really don’t mean it, I just felt the need to highlight one zany holiday that definitely does NOT get my ookey-doke, high-five badge and seal of approval.

It's National Roasting Month!

Roasting is one of the most popular and delicious cooking methods around. Since November is National Roasting Month, I can think of no better time to have fun roasting anything and everything (except, you know, things that aren’t food). Thankfully, slow-roasting is also one of the healthiest ways to prepare food. While boiling vegetables removes many of their natural vitamins, the roasting process leaves both flavor and vitamins fully intact! Unlike frying, roasting does not require abundant amounts of cooking oil which is good news for your waist line.

As delicious as roasted seasonal vegetables are this time of year, my favorite roasted item is the coffee bean. A hot cup of coffee made from perfectly roasted coffee beans is certainly welcome during these chilly winter months. Why keep the roasting festivities for November alone? I say we celebrate roasting every month!

World Television Day (November 21)

You may be asking why we even have a day called "World Television Day?" Personally, I can only take television in small doses. World Television Day is SUPPOSED to be a day about renewing the commitment of entities accountable for the development of television media as in individuals, governments and organizations etc. so that media can provide unprejudiced information about central issues and events that affect the public.

So ummmm yeah how is that initiative going for you?

Simply put, TV should actually be a reliable information provider. The television has many roles, being a significant contributor within the media industry. Some may call the television a box of propaganda, TV addicts overuse it, some don't watch it at all; for others the TV is a basic form of entertainment or is a babysitter to keep the kids’ hushed.

Whatever significance TV has in your life, you can always sit back and reflect on how far the media industry has evolved because there once was a time when television NEVER existed! YIKES!

Use Less Stuff Day

This is it. This is when it all begins. We are officially one week from Thanksgiving which can only mean one thing- shopping. This week, Americans will rush in and out of grocery stores and specialty shops acquiring just the right ingredients to prepare what they claim will be the best Thanksgiving dinner since 1621. But that’s only the beginning. After the last piece of pie has been gobbled up, millions will head to the mall on Black Friday to get started on Christmas shopping.

It seems that ‘tis the season to consume, consume, consume, but Use Less Stuff day challenges you to do jus the opposite. On November 20^th start thinking about how you can conserve resources during the busy holiday season. Shopping bags are a good place to start. Think about how many paper or plastic bags are wasted to carry home holiday gifts and groceries. By investing in a couple of reusable tote bags you can reduce waste by hundreds of pounds each year! Lots of leftover turkey? Rather than throwing out your extra food, consider packing it up and taking it down to your local homeless shelter or sharing with friends.

No matter how you do it, just use less stuff! That, Charlie Brown, is what today’s holiday is all about.

National Game & Puzzle Week (November 23-29, 2008)

So, National Game & Puzzle Week is readily approaching and…Hey! Why are you giving me that crazy look!? Board games and such are NOT boring and they are not only for those with a lot of spare time on their hands because they have no social lives. I love my board games.

Anyway like I was saying, National Game & Puzzle Week is an annual occurrence that falls on the Sunday through Saturday of Thanksgiving Week in order to increase appreciation for board games, puzzles, and fun times.

O! Maybe at work you can even host a game night at the work place and then distribute personalized games and puzzles for your employees. Or even have a game night at home with family and your closest friends. O SNAP! Great idea! I’ll bring the chips and dip!

In conclusion, don’t forget to have fun! And definitely don’t forget to bring the jigsaw puzzle, Jenga, Sorry!, Monopoly AND Scrabble to your game night!

National Fun With Fondue Month

(Via: Recipe Tips)

Who doesn’t love fondue! My personal favorite is chocolate fondue for dipping marshmallows because it reminds me of s’mores; there are a bunch of varieties of melted dips and things you can dip that you can experiment with. You simply have to find combinations that work.

MMMMmmmm. Let’s see how we can celebrate this delectable holiday. National Fun with Fondue Month definitely doesn’t require you to be all extra and get an über fondue set, an elaborate chocolate fountain, fine aged wine, imported cheese, and the finest selection of exotic fruits, gourmet chocolate, crumpets, and croissants. You can get a double boiler (or let’s get even simpler with a bowl safe for heating and a pot for boiling water), some cheddar cheese, deli meat and veggies for the cheese fondue and Hershey’s kisses, fruit and marshmallows for the chocolate fondue. Have fun with family and friends with a fondue party! Celebrate National Fun with Fondue Month with some cool recipes.

**ARGH** NO DOUBLE DIPPING!

National Beard Month

Did you know that November is National Beard Month? To celebrate National Beard Month gift your shaggy, fuzzy husband, wife, or friend a lovely grooming set for their luscious beard. In order to honor this hairy holiday, I am going to list the top 10 most famous beards (the list can definitely go on forever but I want to stop at a nice even number like ten):

1. Santa Claus— The lovable plump Father of Christmas who admittedly knows when you are sleeping:

2. Paul Bunyan— Fictional lumberjack of sizeable proportions:



3. Jesus—Famously known as the Son of God and savior of the human race:



4. Zeus—Superior ruler of Mount Olympus, easily identified by the enormous thunder bolts in his back pocket:



5. King Triton— Sea King and Ariel’s Father in The Little Mermaid:



6. Sri Swami Satchidananda— Yoga Master, founder of Integral Yoga®:



7. Travelocity Gnome— Jovial correspondent for Travelocity:



8. Colonel Sanders—The KFC guy:



9. Abraham Lincoln— Sixteenth president of the United States:



10. Rubeus Hagrid —Super sized character from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter book series

Married to a Scorpio Support Day

Today is Married to a Scorpio Support Day which must mean the spouses of Scorpios need a LOT of support. I’ve never heard of “Married to a Libra Support Day” or “In a Relationship with an Aquarius” support day. As a Scorpio, I have to wonder- what’s the big deal about our sign?

Scorpios are individuals born between October 23 to November 21,under the eighth sign of the zodiac. Characterized as deeply intuitive, driven and stubborn, Scorpios often hide their emotions making them seem cold and uncaring even when they are deeply passionate. Those in a relationship with a Scorpio may notice their jealous, obsessive and controlling tendencies. In our defense, Scorpios also tend to be patient, generous, loyal and good at solving problems!

If you’re marred to a Scorpio, take time today to lament with fellow spouses of Scorpios. You should also consider getting your hands on a stress ball to help you cope with all those times your significant other drives you up the wall!

Good Nutrition Month

EVERYONE needs good nutrition.

I find it ironic that this food-heavy month is also dedicated to GOOD nutrition. Sure, first tempt me with bread, a plump turkey dinner, and other food indulgences THEN tell me it’s Good Nutrition Month.

Well instead of being a big fatty this food month, let’s try and focus on self-promoting a health and fitness theme this month. HEY! I said concentrate! Think healthy nutritious thoughts.

If you are having trouble figuring out how to revamp your health, then read a book. Now I don’t mean any book because some of them teach you about these ridiculous diets for weight loss. Consult your physician or a nutritionist before starting any regime; sorry, but they will most likely tell you to avoid any new diet craze like The Squirrel Food Diet (I just made that diet up so don’t go wondering off and trying to be creatively stupid with your health). Books from certified physicians like Dr. Ian Smith’s The Fat Smash Diet or Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen’s You: On A Diet are effective, but each person’s case is different.

All I want to get across here is that having a good nutrition shouldn’t only be dedicated to November but also extended to becoming a life goal. I am only allowing you to be a glutton on Thanksgiving!

National Baklava Day!

(Via: Grocery School)

I LOVE baklava so I am extremely excited that today is National Baklava Day! If you have never tasted baklava or heard of it then go find someone of Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean descent and get informed right now!

There are many variations of the sweet dessert but baklava is a flaky, rich and sweet multilayered pastry made of phyllo dough and filled with honey and walnuts or pistachios.

I wish there was a Baklava Goddess who could grant me unlimited access to baklava that’s how lip-smackingly irresistible I find baklava. So I suggest celebrating National Baklava Day by trying some new recipes or picking up some baklava at a Mediterranean bakery shop.

Mickey Mouse's Birthday (November 18)

M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-EEEEEEEEE!

Mickey Mouse was born on November 18, 1928 and he never looked better! Wow, come to think of it, Mickey Mouse could be my great-grandfather minus the whole surreal creepy talking mouse-humanoid thing.

Just thought I should wish the iconic Disney character an early happy birthday since I have basically known of him for my whole life. Did you hear that Mickey Mouse tried to register to vote and he wasn’t allowed? The beloved character attempts to make a public resurgence and he gets shut down?! Sad! Guess he just has to remain at his two large estates: Disneyland and Disney World.

So how does an icon celebrate his 80th birthday? Maybe Minnie Mouse is planning a surprise birthday party that you are SO not invited to. Or maybe both Mickey and Minnie are throwing a small soiree with his closest friends and family—Pluto, Donald Duck, Donald’s three rambunctious nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie, Daisy Duck, Goofy etc. That would be nice.

However he plans to celebrate his birthday party, I know there are definitely going to be a plethora of games and fun to promote this event.

Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day!!!

GEEZ… You look awful! You look like you need a massage or a stress ball.

Thank goodness tomorrow is Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day! Tomorrow is the final day of the work week for the most of us (that’s why we Saturday and Sunday the weekend). Since Friday indicates the end of the work week, we can frolic and bask in happiness for two days until work begins again on Monday. Then the cycle continues over and over and over again until we get too old to work and we retire. Man… that is O-so droning!! We definitely need to promote random zany holidays like Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day to keep from going insane from monotony. Sorry, I digress…

SO, Friday is such a perfect day to sit back and relax and to leave all of your work-related irritations behind. Do you remember T.G.I.F on ABC television in the 90’s? **Sigh** those were the days when you really had something to look forward to on television. I guess now as days, you can always take a yoga class or wear your fuzziest and most comfortable outfit to bed to unwind. All I am saying is that you should find something that will leave you in the calmest state of mind tomorrow whether it is hanging out with the family for hot chocolate and game night or sitting in a corner by yourself somewhere. Laugh alittle! Simply, enjoy Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day tomorrow!

Bread Month and Month of the Raisin Bread

[Via: Amazon]

November is not only dedicated to bread for National Bread Month but more specifically raisin bread. MMMMmmmmm …I love raisin bread, especially cinnamon raison bread and apple raisin bread! I could eat raisin bread for breakfast, brunch, lunch, as a midnight snack…

In commemoration of National Bread Month, I would like to list my top ten favorite breads and favorite ways of eating bread (in no specific order except number one and two because those would be my ultimate favorites):

1) Raisin bread! Of course. Haven’t you been paying attention?
2) Cinnamon raisin bread with Nutella. Complete and utter awesomeness!
3) Garlic and Asiago Cheese Bread
4) Panzanella
5) Challah bread…and I am not even Jewish
6) Baguette
7) Bread Pudding
8) Apple cinnamon bread
9) Oatmeal bread, toasted and lightly buttered
10) Banana walnut bread

I think I need a new recipe book that is just dedicated to baking different types of bread or at least a kitchen product or machine that can make any bread I want upon request!

National Pomegranate Month

[Via: The Nibble—Gourmet Food Magazine]

November is the tastiest month of the year, home to the most food holidays! For those who didn’t know, November is National Pomegranate Month. I am so not making this up!! Just thought it would be a good idea to build awareness of November’s diverse food holidays.

Wondering how to celebrate this glorious month with pomegranates? How about trying some new recipes or incorporating the fruit with your turkey or sweet mash potatoes this Thanksgiving? Or utilize that snazzy cheese set and serve pomegranates with an elaborate cheese display as appetizers for your next party!

If you are clueless on how to open a pomegranate, POM, the pioneers in pomegranate products, shows you how with this nifty diagram:

Enjoy your new found love for pomegranates!

Cook Something Bold & Pungent Day!

Whether you’re the world champion of Jalapeño eating or never venture into spicier territory than a sprinkle of black pepper, Cook Something Bold and Pungent Day encourages you to whip up something exciting in the kitchen. As the days get shorter and colder and you find yourself stuck inside watching bad Made-for-TV movies, why not experiment with bold recipe or two? Spicy chilis, flavorful stews and exotic curries are great cold-weather dishes with a lot of “kick.” If you really want to make your whole house smell bold and pungent, don’t forget to be liberal with the garlic! If you invite others over to delight in your bold, culinary masterpiece don’t forget to keep some gum or mints on hand. You want your food to be pungent, not your breath!

Happy Birthday Sesame Street!!

(Via: Comcast Media Library)

Was I the only one who aspired to be on Sesame Street as a kid? No, no, no, not the show but the actual Sesame Street where ever it is. Ok, so I had a really vivid imagination!

Sesame Street is definitely an iconic American children television show that debuted on November 10, 1969. The Sesame Street has been the home to many famous reoccurring Muppet, animated, and human characters like Kermit the Frog, the Martians (shaggy, carpet-like alien life forms), Big Bird, Burt and Ernie, the Cookie Monster, Ms. Piggy, Snuffleupagus (or Snuffy), Oscar, Elmo and varying celebrities. The show taught children valuable lessons: anything as basic as counting to sensitive topics like HIV (the show introduced an HIV-infected Muppet named Kami in 2002).

I hope this show remains on forever. It’s my favorite!!!!...I mean was my favorite! I wonder if they are going to have special events at Sesame place and give out a bunch of cool games, custom toys, and other fun stuff!

Let’s all sing the original Sesame Street theme song, “Sunny Day”:

Sunny day
Sweepin' the clouds away
On my way to where the air is sweet

Can you tell me how to get
How to get to Sesame Street

Come and play
Everything's A-okay
Friendly neighbors there
That's where we meet

Can you tell me how to get
How to get to Sesame Street…

Keep singing...I am going to go Mapquest Sesame Street.

It’s Peanut Butter Lover’s Month!

November is National Peanut Butter Lover's Month. DISCLAIMER: Those who are deathly allergic to nuts should not partake in this holiday’s festivities. You will have to find an alternative food month to celebrate.

Ahhh! I remember in middle school I had to sing a song about peanut butter and jelly, a great staple of childhood quick foods. Jelly of course is peanut butter’s infamous significant other. The tune went alittle something like this…

Peanut Butter and Jelly
What a wonderful treat
Peanut Butter and Jelly
Nothing’s Better to Eat
Spread it on two inches thick
It will never make you sick
Peanut Butter and Jelly
That’s the one for me
YEAH!
Just you wait and see!
YAH!
Eat ONE EVVVVERRRRRYYYYDAAAAAYYY!!!

**Sigh** Good times.

So how do you celebrate peanut butter? You can customize nuts and give it out to your employees and friends, you can try out different awesome peanut butter recipes, read the classic comic strip, Peanuts, learn to make your own peanut butter, etc. Be creative!

Go peanuts for National Peanut Butter Lover’s Month!!!

Let's Get Writing!

National Novel Writing Month (November 1-30)

Ever dreamed of writing the great American novel? Well grab a notebook and shiny new pen and get to work right now!

November is National Novel Writing Month, also referred to as “NaNoWriMo.” Don’t let the “National” part of the title fool you- thousands of people from all over the world participate in this marathon writing project each year. The goal is to write 50,000 words in a month- that’s about 175 pages!

The “NaNoWriMo” project began in San Francisco in 1999 when a group of bored aspiring novelist decided to challenge one another to write an entire novel in 30 days. Finding the process immensely fun and rewarding, they decided to make NaNoWriMo an annual event. With the help of a website, some rules and rapid word-of-mouth advertising, NaNoWriMo has grown to include over 80,000 participants, including me! Literally hundreds of thousands of novels have been produced thanks to NaNoWriMo, some of which have since become published best sellers!

Anyone can register for National Novel Writing Month for free. If you’re worried about not being able to write an entire novel in one month, don’t worry: there is no penalty for not finishing. Participants refer to completing their 50,000 words by December 1st as “winning” but all the author really wins is the feeling of immense satisfaction (and a digital PDF certificate from the NaNoWriMo staff). Whether you’re a first time author or a seasoned veteran, now is the time to write!

Could you be the next Jane Austen or Charles Dickens?

Okay, probably not, but you never know unless you try!

Barack Obama Day!

(Via: John Cox)

I declare this today to be Barack Obama Day! After mountains of persuasive political speeches, heated debates, loads of great political promotional giveaways, and much anticipation, we finally know who our 44th president is! So why not dedicate today to future President Barack Obama and record this very significant moment in history!

Victory party at my house!! YAY!

Zero-Tasking Day

On Sunday, November 2nd Daylight Savings Time came to an end and busy women, men and children throughout the Western Hemisphere rejoice in the extra hour of sleep. Zero-Tasking Day, observed on November 2nd, challenges us to use that surplus hour to simply “be” rather than to do. For one hour today, attempt to take a break from your long to-do list and enjoy a moment of peace.

Even though we don’t technically earn an extra hour of sleep (the hour lost in March is simply regained in November) I can appreciate the idea of taking an hour off once a year! Use your hour to take a long bath, read a favorite book or take a yoga class. On days you can’t afford to take an hour break from your hectic schedule and constantly growing list of tasks, promotional stress balls are a great way to quickly help relieve anxiety.

Ah, if only every day could be Zero-Tasking Day!

That is SO Cliché!

(Photo via Apple Blossom Art)

Let’s play a game for Cliché Day!!! Find all the clichés in this blog post and win an ummm…ummm… great big pat on the back from yourself! YAY!

In regards to using clichés in your everyday vocabulary, silence is golden. Some people think that clichés are the greatest thing since sliced bread. Perhaps I agree that clichés are sometimes more fun than a barrel of monkeys when used for amusement rather than trying to get a rather serious point across. These hackneyed expressions have lost their original effectiveness; I would lose my marbles if I had to listen to someone all day, blabbering cliché after cliché! Nine times out of ten I give cliché-addicts a glazed look because I have NO idea what they are trying to say. “That's the way the cookie crumbles”…well how about I crumble your cookies!!!

Don’t mean to preach to the choir BUT if you have something to say then say it or put it on a personalized t-shirt…SOMETHING!