New Years Eve!

5…4…3…2…1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

OK well not yet! I was just practicing.

Wow! I can’t believe 2008 is almost gone. I feel as though 2007 was just yesterday!

How are you planning on celebrating New Years Eve? I plan on drinking some hot chocolate and playing in the snow! Maybe I should even buy a new calendar today too.

If you plan on going out, don’t cause TOO much of a ruckus! When the clock strikes midenight, shriek as loud as you can while shaking your maraca or blow your whistle then give your dear friend standing next to you a big ole New Years Smooch for good luck.

Festival Of Enormous Changes At The Last Minute

(Via: Mind Body Science)

Want to bring in the New Year on the right foot? WELL it’s just your luck because today is Festival Of Enormous Changes At The Last Minute. Inspiring, I know! So spend the whole day making major positive life changes. Can the changes better you and your family’s future? Are you going to start working out? Eating better? Start knitting as a hobby? Begin a neighborhood youth book club? Volunteer? Live more environmentally friendly? Be more light hearted because your co-workers and friends call you Mr. McStuffy? Are you going to try out those new yoga DVDs and other stress reliever suggestions to destress?

How are you going to make enormous changes at the last minute?

Falling Needles Family Fest Day

(Via: School Clipart)

It’s officially time to recycle that Christmas tree. But before you let go of your wilting tree gather the family and watch the needles fall today! December 30 is dedicated to Falling Needles Family Fest Day.

Maybe the falling needles will make it easier to think about how to dispose of the tree a little bit quicker this year (perhaps before summer this time!).

Tick Tock Day

(Via: Story Nory)

Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock…

Wait a minute! Today is December 29th?

Thirty days hath September,
April, June, and November;
Of twenty-eight there is but one,
And all the rest have thirty-one.

O my! That means only 2 more days to accomplish all you hoped for in 2008. This year is coming to a close very soon so before your clock rings that 2009 New Year bell get that list of things to do done; time is running out!

OR you can just put it on next year’s things to do list. But then again "Procrastination is opportunity's assassin" (Victor Kiam)... Yeah, you better try and get that stuff done!

Today is National Chocolate Day!

(Via: BBC Good Food)

For National Chocolate Day, you can make your favorite chocolate recipe, indulge in the ultimate chocolate treat or have a heated debate on why white chocolate is not real chocolate. Go “Coo Coo for Cocoa Puffs!” Or have a very adult, very sophisticated gourmet s’mores party, giving away mini chocolate gift bags and serving chocolate martinis and other types of chocolate liquor!

Have loads of fun with chocolate for National Chocolate Day!

Day Before Christmas

(Via: Cassens Trees)

Since it's the day before Christmas, so it is only fitting that you memorize Clement Clarke Moore's Twas the Night Before Christmas before this evening. Here are the first couple of lines to help you out! O and all of you really really last minute shoppers, go get those bargains! GOOD LUCK!!!

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

...

O yes there are many more lines to go! Click here for the entire poem.

National Date-Nut Bread Day

(Via: Bake or Break)

Everytime I go into the grocery store, I always feel weird asking for a date. NO NO NO...I mean the date fruit! Geez! For some reason my grocery store never has them in stock.

December 22 is National Date-Nut Bread Day! Date-nut bread is a scrumptious combination of sweet dates and various nuts like walnuts, pecans, almonds or hazelnuts!

If you can’t think of anything to bring to the Christmas or holiday potluck, date-nut bread is definitely a great choice to bake because there are not many ingredients and cook time is under an hour. Just make sure no one is allergic to nuts or dates!

You can serve the bread with a variety of spreads like marmalade or strawberry jam. I usually eat my date-nut bread with strawberry cream cheese! So dust off that apron and celebrate National Date-Nut Bread Day. Only one day of baking couldn’t hurt, right?

Oatmeal Muffin Day

(Via: Team Sugar)

Technically, the oatmeal muffin is like two breakfasts wrapped into one!

Not only is oatmeal super good for you with all its vitamins, minerals and antioxidants but it tastes great (depending on how you prepare it…oatmeal has to be one of the easiest foods to prepare so don’t be afraid of messing up). A muffin is like a cupcake but without all that gooey frosting and it can be filled with fruits.

It's easy to promote food! Specifically, the oatmeal muffins are one of the easiest foods to get your friends and family to try because these muffins are sweet and are the ultimate healthy breakfast food. So for your next morning meal, why not eat something filling and nutritious!

Happy Oatmeal Muffin Day!

International Answer the Phone like Buddy the Elf Day

December 18th is International Answer the Phone like Buddy the Elf Day

Exactly who is Buddy the Elf? Buddy is an over-zealous character played by Will Ferrell in the 2003 Christmas comedy film called Elf; Buddy is a human raised by Santa’s elves. The movie takes a humorous journey with Buddy on his quest to find his birth father.

Guess you have to go see the movie to know how to celebrate International Answer the Phone like Buddy the Elf Day! You can rent the film during your upcoming Christmas break—a great way to promote fun during Christmas.

Here is Buddy’s crazy way of answering the phone when it rings: Buddy the Elf! What's your favorite color?

Another Buddy quote: The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear…it's just like talking, except longer and louder, and you move your voice up and down.

National Maple Syrup Day

How can National Pancake Day and National Maple Syrup Day be in totally different months! PURE maple syrup (not the high fructose corn syrup pancake syrups…sorry Aunt Jemima) is an awesome, natural sweetener. I put pure maple syrup on my pancakes and my oatmeal.

Nonetheless, if maple-flavored imitation table syrups are your thing, you can make your own syrup or I recommend International House of Pancakes for their variety of syrup flavors! I wonder how IHOP is promoting the restaurant for National Maple Syrup Day

How can you not love a holiday that is so SWEET!

Underdog Day!

Always in second place? Are you the expected loser of the group? Or do you always feel like the little guy? Well, today is your day to feel super because today is Underdog Day! Ahhh a day solely dedicated to being the small fry!

I know you probably have a secret identity like all the other unsuspecting superheroes like Clark Kent (Superman), Diana Prince (Wonder Woman), Peter Parker (Spiderman), or Shoeshine Boy (Underdog)! But shhhhh! I will keep your secret of your super qualities.

I say you wear a underdog ribbon in commemoration of your day!

Barbie and Barney Backlash Day

So WAIT A MINUTE! Barbie and Barney really don’t exist!!??

I find Barbie and Barney Backlash Day hilarious because these popular American icons are so engraved in toddler’s lives until they are old enough to realize how annoying Barney’s songs really are and to cringe at the unimaginable perfection of Barbie’s life.

Just so we’re clear… a jolly obese old man that can squeeze through chimneys miraculously delivering gifts all over the world on flying reindeers can exist but a clearly emaciated woman who never ages with feet in permanent heel position and a creepily blissful singing rotund dinosaur can’t possibly be real!

All I am saying is if your kid’s like Barbie or Barney, then let them. I mean you might want to instill some other characters into their lives that stimulate their imagination and give them variety so they don’t become all obsessive with one or the other. Or have them get more fresh air! I don’t know! Barbie and Barney Backlash Day seems harsh! **GASP** what’s next, a day for rebelling green eggs and ham?

I am just wondering about everyone else’s experience with Barbie or Barney.

National Chocolate Covered Anything Day

(Via: Recipe Tips)

This day would be a great time to visit Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory or Hershey Park…

For all my chocolate lovers today is National Chocolate Covered Anything Day so yes that means you can cover ANYTHING. But let’s be practical; don’t go encasing your husband or the family dog in chocolate. Start off simple and try covering FOOD with chocolate! How about chocolate covered pretzels, bananas, peanuts, cherries, strawberries or the ultimate random delicacy chocolate covered bacon! See how many delicious foods you can cover with chocolate. OR maybe you can study the history of chocolate or get a chocolate facial!

It’s all about promoting chocolate covered anything today!

National Lemon Cupcake Day

(Via: The Cupcakery)


Is today really National Lemon Cupcake Day? Darn! Too bad I didn't wear anything lemon yellow colored today. Welp, I guess my celebration will commence when I get home. That means I can try out a new recipe I found for Lemon Meringue Cupcakes! O joy!

I wonder how many different lemon cupcakes and lemon cake variations there are in the world. See, that is the wonder of food, you can experiment all day until you find something that satisfies your taste buds. How are you going to show your devotion to all these lemony for National Lemon Cupcake Day?!?

Cat Herders Day

This is a really funny commercial of cowboys herding cats from EDS, a business and technology solutions company.

Today is Cat Herders Day!

I have no idea if Cat Herders Day is about some bizarre practice of herding cats OR if it’s about the adage “herding cats,” which actually refers to an undertaking that is exceedingly complicated or impossible to execute because of one or more variables that is fluctuating and uncontrollable.

Personally, I rather focus on the herding of wild house cats portion of Cat Herders Day! I am wondering if anyone actually thinks cat herding is an actually occupation. Or maybe you are a real life cat herder and you wish to tell me your story. Either way you can promote this randomly, zany holiday with some pet-themed items. The holidays are coming up and I am sure your feisty kitty is expecting something!

National Cocoa Day

(Via: Lindt International)

Cocoa is not only the alias name for the infamous beverage called “hot chocolate” but it is also the seed of the cacao tree. Cocoa powder is made from grinding the cocoa seeds and extracting the cocoa butter! For this National Cocoa Day, I am going to concentrate on celebrating hot cocoa since Christmas is coming!

There are plenty of brands that have great cocoa, from the über exquisite taste and delicate aroma of fine cocoa to the unadorned yumminess of cocoa powders produced in bulk! There are cocoa types for everyone! Yes, I have had my share of gourmet cocoa and mass produced cocoa but I am personally a fan of Nesquik.

Oooo all that chocolaty goodness makes me think of playing in fresh snow and warming up to hot chocolate!

So how are you thinking of promoting National Cocoa Day? Maybe you can learn where the idea of hot cocoa developed or you can try some new cocoa recipes? Try some Cocoa Puffs Cereal or how about moisturizing with cocoa butter for the day and see how delicious you smell (weird, I know! But it’s true!). Think of some fun and creative ways to mix cocoa in your life. Have fun promoting National Cocoa Day all day today!!

National Noodle Ring Day

(Via: Made Healthier)

Who does'nt love NOODLES!!

Whether you like homemade pasta or prefer the instant noodle variety like Ramen noodles, Cup noodles or “oodles and noodles” as I used to call them (chicken flavor was my favorite), we all know a world without noodles would be total anarchy! Ok, maybe not that serious but noodles and pasta are cultural staples for many cultures (i.e. Asian, Italian, cultures etc.)

If you want to partake in the celebration of National Noodle Ring Day then get your best kitchen products, some yummy ingredients and make your favorite pasta or noodle dish! Want to make a romantic pasta dinner? Uhhhh, I don’t know about that. Not many of us can recreate that infamous Lady and the Tramp scene.

What a smooth operator!!

So let’s play a game I just created called “Name that Noodle”!!



Answers can be found here (via: O.B. Macaroni)

Bingo's Birthday Month

There was a farmer had a dog, and Bingo was his name-O!
B-I-N-G-O, B-I-N-G-O, B-I-N-G-O, and Bingo was his name-O!...

For Bingo's Birthday Month, I am actually NOT talking about Bingo the dog; I am referring to Bingo the game. I just felt like singing something.

Bingo is quite a simple game; a mediator calls out a number and you put a mark down (i.e. a check mark, an “X,” a game piece) if the number is on your board otherwise you don’t put a mark. When you have a full row you yell “BINGO!”

The game was originally called “beano” and dates back to 1530 with the Italian variation called Lo Giuoco del Lotto D'Italia. Bingo was made by toy salesman, Edwin S. Lowe, who initially overheard someone accidentally yell “bingo!” in their utter excitement playing Beano at a carnival. He produced the first commercial version of the game, which retailed at $1.

RANDOM DETAIL: The mathematician, who Lowe hired to generate 6000 more different bingo cards in order to increase the number combinations on the cards, later went insane because he had to figure out these combinations manually! Remember there were no computers back then to come up with unique number combinations.

So since December is Bingo’s Birthday Month, you can promote this wondrous game of bingo by embarking in a Bingo tournament! How ‘bout it?!?

Most Fun Month

(Via: Clip Art Heaven)

Unless you are a complete dud, there has to be at least one moment in your life when you have thought “Wow that was completely awesome!” or “O what fun I just had!”

Now, what is the most fun you have EVER had in your life? So you say you have too many fun times to choose from? Well you have to choose one that fits the “most fun” category!!

Let’s think. Maybe it was playing video games for the first time, going to the beach and learning how to surf, making homemade ice cream, or going to Carnival in Brazil. Whatever your “most fun” moment is, do you think that same feeling and experience can be replicated? Probably not! So take December to reflect, celebrate Most Fun Month, and work on creating more new and unique “most fun” times in your life!!

National Sign Up for Summer Camp Month

This one time, at band camp…

Hey how about we go to camp this summer!! Summer camp definitely isn’t just an escape and loads of fun for kids and teens; adults can enjoy the grown up camp experience. Camp is not only about camp fires and tents or outdoor and sports activities; there is a large array of summer camp ideas. Personally, I am going to try and find more information about skateboard, dance, and yoga camp!

For this National Sign Up for Summer Camp Month, do your research on testimonials, perfect location, theme, accommodations, and like criteria in order to truly enjoy summer camp!

National Egg Nog Month

(Via: PR Newswire)

December is always National Egg Nog Month. Egg nog is a rich frothy textured sweet beverage made from milk, cream, sugar, beaten eggs and garnished with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Egg nog is definitely one of those celebratory drinks but the beverage can be enjoyed anytime during the year, especially by children who like the sweet taste of the drink. Adult nog drinkers are particularly fond of the drink’s alcoholic versions made with liquor like brandy, rum, whiskey, sake or cognac.

Christmas and New Years are coming and I need my egg nog fix! YAYAY!

National Fruit Cake Month

(Via: Meatless Monday)

UGH fruitcakes are disgus…I mean HAPPY National Fruit Cake Month!

I have never tasted a good fruitcake before...NEVER so I am going to leave all the celebrating to you! Maybe you have a secret fruitcake recipe which can actually make a fruitcake that is edible but you can enjoy that dessert on your own. Please don’t send me fruitcake for Christmas to prove me wrong!

The only compliment I will give the infamous fruitcake is that it definitely is a colorful dessert for a decorative season like Christmas. But getting fruitcake for the holidays would be synonymous to getting a huge chunk of coal in my stocking from Santa! Not cool at all! I am sure you have better ideas for promoting Christmas, right?

Ok wait, where are you going…step away from the molasses and dried fruit!!!!

Lager Beer Week

(Via: Amazon)

The second week in December is always dedicated to Lager Beer! If you are not a beer connoisseur you are perhaps asking what lager beer is. Lager describes cool fermenting beers. Although brewing with lager yeast is a newer method, the type of beer has gained popularity like its predecessor “ale.” So how about getting a custom beer mug like a classic medieval goblet for yourself and those good ole pals of yours and have fun at happy hours this week!

National Pastry Day

(Via: Sweet & Savory)

What a savory and sweet day today is going to be! Today is National Pastry Day! To indulge in a yummy pastry or not to indulge…that shouldn’t even be a question!

Here are some suggestions on how you can fully enjoy this delectable day?

1) Pull out your favorite apron and oven mitts and pretend to be a French pastry chef and whip up a pâte à choux like an éclair avec crème pâtissière, custard, or whipped cream. Oui o Non?
2) Buy some Pastry sneakers
3) Try a pastry from another country like puff-puff (Nigerian), baklava (Mediterranean) or samoosa (Indian)
4) Promote with pastries on your mind. Since the holiday season is here, wouldn’t pastries be an awesome way to sweeten the holidays for your best clients!
5) Have a pastry party at the office or at home with family and friends!

So many ideas so little time!

Repeal Day

(Via: Prohibition Repeal)

Repeal Day marks the end of the Prohibition or the banning of the sale, manufacturing, and transportation of alcohol for consumption nationally (18th Amendment). Oddly enough the Prohibition created more mayhem than good (there was actually a large increase in alcohol consumption and an increase in crime). But the Prohibition still had a long run (the 18th amendment was passed in 1920) until its sad demise on December 5, 1933.

Now don’t go off making Repeal Day too much of a ZANY day, partying like its 1933! There is no need to sneak off and establish speakeasies because alcohol isn’t illegal anymore, remember? You still have to drink responsibly!

Actually! Wait a minute; I have a fun idea for a party! How about hosting a “Travel through Two Eras, Life’s Easy at My Speakeasy” themed soiree tonight when you get home? People can dress up in vintage clothing relevant to the 1920’s and early 30’s. Think flapper dresses, super sleek slicked back hair, Dungarees, and derby (bowler) hats. Or dress up a wine bottle in vintage fashion as a holiday gift for your best client or employee. That would be a fun wine gift idea!



Imagine what fun that would be!

International Hug Day!

AWWWWW…come here! You look like you need a hug! And it’s a great time to get a kindhearted cuddly squeeze because today is International Hug Day so free hugs for everybody!! YAYAY!

When you go home today or even if you happen to meet up with a pal you haven’t seen in awhile, don’t give one of those bogus light pats on the back. Be one with your inner teddy bear; unless the person smells like hot manure and hasn’t showered in years, you should go ahead and give them a great big bear hug!! Now don’t go hugging people without their permission or give one of those super suave, subtle sneak attacks, behind the back hugs! That might be sweet with your partner but you will surely get an elbow in the stomach for one of those moves with a stranger!

A genuine hug is like fuzzy, comfy slippers on your cold feet: a warm embrace. SO for International Hug Day give your loved ones an affectionate hug or hug a stranger if they allow you to!

National Tie Month

The necktie, which is basically a long piece of cloth tied in a knot, is a snazzy fashion invention that dates back to the 17th century with the neckerchief. The necktie has developed into different variations over the years, meshing or clashing with the changing fashion eras (i.e. the clip-on, bow tie, skinny tie, novelty ties, silk ties, and ties for women). Primarily, the necktie had been a professional staple in men’s wardrobe for obeying a strict dress code but the accessory has developed throughout many fashion creations (the necktie skirt), tie trends like ties worn with casual wear, and terrible fads like females sporting the necktie with obscenely short skirts (such an fashion eye-sore!)

National Tie Month is definitely a good time to let your best tie be seen!

National Stress Free Family Holiday Month

December is National Stress Free Family Holiday Month!!

Does a stress-free holiday truly exist or is it one of those myths like the Abominable Snowman? In the mist of the holiday season, spending time with the family can be somewhat grueling. Grandpa lost his dentures, mom burned the casserole, and junior is swinging from the ceiling fan…what the heck is going on!!!??? Maybe all of the holidays should be spent doing yoga because between making sure you are well rested, the family is taken care of, and preparing a worthwhile meal and event for the duration of the holidays, your seasons’ greetings can turn stressful mayhem. So stop being extra; you simply make this holiday season about family time. How about you decorate the tree as a family in your comfy pajamas with hot chocolate and a movie afterwards?

Promoting the holidays can be undemanding! Just remember to take it easy for National Stress Free Family Holiday Month, unless having a super duper extravagant holiday party event is your family’s thing (**AHEM** extra!).

National Fritter Day

A fritter is any type of food that is first coated in batter then deep fried. MMMMmmm, my goodness, a whole day dedicated to the long lost cousin of the croquette and doughnut. My personal favorites are the sweet potato, banana, and okra fritters but any kind of food could be coated, fried, and fritter-fied (yes, I just made that word up). Never tried a fritter? Don’t fret because there is a smorgasbord of fritter recipes online!

But don’t eat fried food too much; you might clog your arteries or grow insane amounts of blubber around your body or something!

Hey There Neighbor!

HI: Pronunciation: \ˈhī(-ē)\
Function: interjection
Etymology: Middle English hy
Date: 15th century
—used especially as a greeting

NEIGHBOR: Pronunciation: \ˈnā-bər\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English nēahgebūr (akin to Old High German nāhgibūr); akin to Old English nēah near and Old English gebūr dweller — more at NIGH, BOOR
Date: before 12th century
1 : one living or located near another
2 : fellow man

(Via: Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary)

December is Hi Neighbor Month!

In your crazy rush to beat rush hour traffic, did you remember to greet your neighbor this morning? I don’t know about you but Hi Neighbor Month makes me think of a familiar song, “Won't You Be My Neighbor?” **Sigh** I miss the slow and monotonous yet super-friendly voice of Mister Rogers in the morning during his PBS Kids television show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood!

Perhaps we should take some sound advice from the guru of salutations himself, the late Mr. Rogers, on how to fully celebrate Hi Neighbor Month. Although it would appear overwhelmingly abnormal to run around with the same puppet cronies that Mr. Rogers hung out with, giving a friendly good morning or a cordial afternoon greeting to your neighbor is a sociable gesture.

Stumped on how to celebrate Hi Neighbor Month? How about we start out easy by saying hi! If saying hi is too difficult for some reason perhaps you can send customized greeting cards to your neighbors just to say hello. Or for your loved one, personalize a photo frame with a photograph of when you first said hello to your partner! Be more outgoing and promote Hi Neighbor Month not only at home but at the workplace or on the street. Believe me, if you wave or give a genuinely friendly smile at someone, you will get either a wave/smile or a concerned facial expression back. Either way, you will get a reaction!

Bifocals at the Monitor Liberation Day

Hold on while I find my glasses…O my goodness! What’s that? Words on a screen! I can see!

Always wondering why the screen is a blur, perhaps you should visit an optometrist! Join the popular crowd and get some bifocals to see well! Today is your day to feel liberated. Today is Bifocals at the Monitor Liberation Day. Go ahead and put those glasses on and start working vigorously at your PC.

Do you have perfect vision or just got Lasik? Bifocals aren’t bias; they are not only for those who need them. If you are not visually impaired, you can still get fashionable non- prescription glasses.

Bring sexy back during Bifocals at the Monitor Liberation Day! Feel free to see!