Volunteer Recognition Day

Today it's Volunteer Recognition Day which honors the many people that dedicate themselves to causes and helping others.
Volunteers don't only make a difference in the life of others but they also make a difference in their own lives. There is great satisfaction and a feeling of well being when you actually know that even the little things you do while volunteering are changing lives.

Everyone of us is passionate about something, some cause. A great way to start on the road to volunteering is by visiting VolunteerMatch.org
This organization is not only for volunteers that are looking for opportunities to help make a difference, it's also helps nonprofits find volunteers.

No matter what cause you are interested inn VolunteerMatch.org probably has something that will interest you.

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.

Lao Tzu

Volunteer activities make you feel energized and happy, it's truly rewarding.

So to celebrate this special day make sure to get involved in volunteer work, thank others that you know volunteer or donate to a group/nonprofit that volunteers.

If you don't find anything through VolunteerMatch.org then check for organization in your community that you would like to help. A simple search online can give you many nonprofits that are looking for volunteers. You can also check with you local churches, community centers and hospitals.

Take that first step today.

I absolutely love the website Anawhite.com. It has amazing plans for furniture and home decor and great home ideas.

Compliment Day

Compliment Day is celebrated every year on January 24th and was created in 1998 by Kathy Chamberlin, of Hopkinson, NH. and Debbie Hoffman, of Concord, NH.

Has anyone told you what a great smile you have???
You look wonderful!
Yup...today is compliment day and the most important part about giving a compliment is to make sure that it's sincere.

Some interesting reads:
17 Of The Best Compliments Women Ever Got
Women Agreed With Compliments Men Gave Them Online, And It Didn't Go Well
15 Best Compliments you can Possibly Give
16 Compliments you can Say to Someone that will make them Blush

National Pie Day

National Pie Day is celebrated every January 23rd and this day was created by The American Pie Council to celebrate the pie. It all started in 1986 in order to commemorate Crisco's 75th anniversary although Charlie Papazian of the examiner.com also claims to have started this day in 1975 on his birthday.

A great way to celebrate this day is by getting out your ingredients and rolling pin and start baking some pies. Or even better just celebrating by eating some delicious pie.

Here are some delicious pie recipes for you to enjoy:

Blueberry Crumble Pie

Black-Bottom Peanut Butter Mousse Pie

Rum Raison Apple Pie

Cherry Bourbon Pie

Mississippi Mud Pie

Pecan Pie

Lemon Meringue Pie

Pumpkin Pie

Apple Pie

Sweet Potato Pie

Frozen Key Lime Pie

National Blonde Brownie Day

National Blonde Brownie Day is celebrated on January 22.
Wow this is the perfect day to indulge that sweet tooth and have some delicious treats.
Unlike the tranditional brown brownies these wonderful treats are made with light brown sugar which makes them a light color.
Here are some great recipes to try:

• Blonde Brownies Recipe on Food.com
• Blonde Brownies on Nestle Very Best Baking
• Blonde Brownies from Allrecipes.com
• Cheryl's Chocolate Chips Blonde Brownies

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National Hugging Day

Celebrated on January 21st this day was created by Rev. Kevin Zaborney from Caro, Michigan in 1986. Not sure if this really is a National Holiday since this would require an act of congress. Hugs are a wonderful way to make someone feel special and loved. Personally I think that hugs make you feel good and happy inside. So Celebrate today by giving hugs to family, friends, loved ones and they will feel the love. By the way National Hugging Day is actually copyrighted by NationalHuggingDay.com

Penguin Awareness Day

January 20th is Penguin Awareness Day. (World Penguin Day is celebrated on April 25th)

These wonderful flightless birds are found in Antarctica, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Peru, Chile, the Galapagos Islands and the Falkland Islands.

Find out more about this wonderful day on National Geographic Society in Explorers Journal by Andrew Howley.

Did you know that the Falkland Islands is home to 5 different species of penguins. They are the King penguins, rockhopper penguins, magellanic penguins, gentoo penguins and macaroni penguins. 

Find out more at Falkland Conservation website.

National Popcorn Day

Although the origins of this holiday are unknown, National Popcorn Day is celebrated on January 19th.
Popcorn can be a healthy snack as long as you don't overdo it and add tons of butter or salt. The great thing about making or buying popcorn is that there are many different flavors that can be added to this snack food.
So why not try some of the following delicious ways to make your popcorn really pop.

50 Delicious popcorn recipes for you to try from the Food Network.
30 Healthy Popcorn Recipes that satisfy any craving from the Greatist.com

Celebrate Winnie the Pooh Day

Every January 18th it's a celebration of everyone's favorite cute bear Winnie the Pooh. This day is to celebrate A.A. Milne born in 1882 and the creator/author of this adorable bear and his friends.
If you have kids this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate by reading some stories of the Pooh Bear to your young ones.
Now you can also watch the adventures of Winnie the Pooh in movies.

Ditch Your New Year's Resolution Day

If your going to ditch your New Year's resolution then January 17 is the day to do it.

People general like to start the New Year with good intentions and want to better themselves in the New year. Unfortunately the vast majority of resolutions are set aside about 2 weeks into the New Year. Diets, fitness, improvements, new attitudes are all forgotten as people tend to go back to their routines and what's comfortable for them.

 So if you have the balls to keep your resolution here are some tools that might help you keep yours!

1. Getting the Weight off and keeping it off! - One way to get help here is to team up with a family member or friend so that you can both encourage each other to go to the gym or keep the diet. Another great way is to join an online community or program like WeightWatchers.com
2. Save More Money: For many many the best way to do this is to pay yourself first. So before you withdraw money from you bank account or cash your paycheck, put aside a little into a savings account that isn't linked to your checking. In other words if you have to go to the bank in person to get money out you are less likely to spend it. Some employers also offer deductions into Christmas funds etc.. Even 20 dollars a week adds up and at the end of the year you'll be happy to have the extra cash. Also with websites like Mint.com you can keep track of your finances and create a budget that works for you.
3. Organizing your home - This task can be overwhelming and the trick is to divide it into tasks. Start by tackling one closet at a time, then move on to one room at a time and by the time you know it you'll have a clean and organized home.
4. Learn something new. Did you know that now a days you don't even have to leave the comfort of your home to learn something new. You can enroll in class that interest you or you can contact your local community college and see what they have to offer. There's also a lot you can learn online without paying a dime. Youtube is great for learning.
5. Travel - sometimes you don't know all your city or state has to offer. If you're short on cash and can't afford that dream vacation. Why not look up your state or city and instead of going to the usual places you go to, roam about the city as if you are a tourist. This is a great website to get tips on traveling on a budget. BudgetTravel.com
Also check out the following:

1. Beth Whitman (Wanderlust and Lipstick) 
2. Caz Makepeace (Y Travel Blog)
3. James Feess (The Savvy Backpacker)
4. Andy Lee Graham (Hobo Traveler)
5. Kash Bhattacharya (Budget Traveller)
6. Mark Kahler (About.com Budget Travel)
7. Tom Meyers (Euro Cheapo)
8. Kim Orlando (Traveling Mom)
9. Robert Schrader (Leave Your Daily Hell)
10. Rick Steves (Rick Steves' Europe)

National Fig Newton Day

January 16th is (unofficial) National Fig Newton Day.

Newtons are a pastry filled with fig paste are they are a Nabisco Trademarked treat.
It's believed that this treat comes from the original fig rolls which were handmade products invented in the 19th century after physicians recommended a daily intake of biscuits and fruit to relieve digestive problems.

In 1891 Charles Roser invented and patented a machine which inserted fig paste into a think pastry dough.  His recipe was purchase by Kennedy Biscuit Company and mass production began. It's believed that they named the product "Newton" after the town of Newton, Massachusetts.

The Kennedy Biscuit Company and the New York Biscuit Company merged to become Nabisco and they called these treats Fig Newtons.

So celebrate the day by going out and treating yourself to some fig newtons.

National Strawberry Ice Cream Day

January 15th is National Strawberry ice Cream Day. This special treat evolved from ancient flavored ices. In China hosts served their guests sweet juices mixed with ice or snow as far back as 3000 BC.

Although vanilla and chocolate are still the favorite flavors of ice cream today, strawberry is 3rd or 4th on the list.

So as a special treat today leave some room for dessert and have yourself a bowl of strawberry ice cream.

National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day

Pastrami was created to save valuable protein back when there was no refrigeration. The preparation of pastrami is done by curing the meat. The Pastrami sandwich is believed to have been first introduced by Sussman Volk, a butcher, around 1887 at his Delancey Street deli in New York.

Traditional pastrami sandwiches are made with pastrami, rye bread and brown mustard.
One great place in New York that serves delicious pastrami sandwiches is

Carnegie Deli. 854 7th Ave (between 7th and 8th). – cash only.
Katz’s Delicatessen. 205 E Houston St (at Ludlow). – cash only

Brent's Deli, Westlake, Ca.

www.brentsdeli.com

National Rubber Ducky Day

January 13 is National Rubber Ducky day.

No one knows the exact origin of the Rubber Ducky although they have been around since the rise of the rubber industry in the late 1800s. The puppet Ernie who was created by Jim Henson performed the song "Rubber Duckie" on Sesame Street and so the rubber ducky became an american symbol.

You can view Ernie perform the song here.

In the 1940"s Sculptor Peter Ganine created a sculpture of a duck and then patented it and reproduced it as a floating toy.

Charlotte Lee was awarded the 2007 Guinness World Record for the World's Largest Rubber Duck Collection. And in 2013 rubber duck were inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame.

For more information on the rubber ducky click here.

International Kiss A Ginger Day

Another word for Ginger = Redhead!

So on the special day which is semi official and celebrated on January 12, if you come across a redhead please make sure to give them a hug and a loving peck on the cheek.

In 2009 Dereck Forgie started this day by creating a Facebook Group intended as a counter-event to the November 2008 creation of Kick a ginger campaign also on Facebook. The latter (kick a ginger day) is a horrid idea and resulted in ginger kids being assaulted at school which brought outrage and condemnation from the international community. Kiss a Ginger day is a loving way to show your appreciation for gingers.
If you would like more information about Kiss a Ginger Day visit their Facebook Page here.

Cigarettes are Hazardous to Your Health Day

If you want to do something positive for yourself and you're a smoker today is the day to quit. The first government report saying that smoking is hazardous to your health by the US Surgeon General Luther Terry was issued in 1964.
Organizations like Anti-Smoking.org and Smokefree America are continuously working to help people give up this detrimental habit. The costs of health care related to smoking is over $150 billion per year. Somethings in life are hard to do, like breaking a habit and going through withdrawal but harder yet are the health implications if you don't stop.

For help stopping reach out to your family doctor and the following organizations:
Anti-Smoking.org
Smokefree America
The Truth

Bittersweet Chocolate Day

As per the FDA, bittersweet chocolate must contain at least 35% chocolate liquor which is a non-alcoholic liquid produced from cocoa beans. Bittersweet chocolate is a sweetened chocolate made with cocoa liquor, sugar, cocoa butter and vanilla and does not contain any milk solids.

Did you know that all variations of dark chocolate contain antioxidants which lower blood pressure and help protect your heart.

Today is the perfect day to indulge in your favorite bittersweet chocolate.

National Apricot Day

Over 4,000 years ago the apricot tree emerged in China and eventually made it's way to Europe and the New World. About 95% of the apricots grown in the United States are from California.

Apricots ripen earlier than most fruits and are enjoyed sooner than most summer fruits. In Latin the word Apricot mean Precious.

So enjoy an apricot or two today in honor of National Apricot Day. And remember that apricots can be enjoyed fresh, broiled, grilled, poached, in jams or jellies or dried.

Bubble Bath Day

Oh Wow, Bubble Bath Day is probably a lot of girls favorite day. Only one great way to celebrate this day and that's by relaxing in a glorious bubble bath. Warm baths have been enjoyed by humans for thousands of  years. It was a routine for most citizens of Ancient Rome to bathe at a public bath facility. In the past the average American bathed once a week for personal hygiene however today a daily shower is standard. Once in a while it's nice to relax in a warm bubble bath though.

Old Rock Day - And it's not about Rock-n-Roll

When I came across Old Rock Day my first thought was it's probably about old Rock-n-Roll. Wrong!
Old Rock Day is a day when amateur rock enthusiasts and Geologists show their appreciation of all things stony and fossilized.

The origins of this day are unclear however it's a fun day to have young children go out and find themselves their first pet rock. No feeding needed.
Other fun activities for this day include painting fun faces on rocks, turning tiny pebbles into fun pieces of jewelry or better yet why not create a peaceful rock garden.

Here is additional information about creating a rock garden:

Let's Rock! 20 Fabulous Rock Garden Ideas

Decoist.com

National Bean Day

Who came up with National Bean Day?
Around the web some sources say the death of renown geneticist, Gregor Mendel, who used bean and pea plants to test some of his theories died on January 6, 1884.

Beans have been used in recipes for a very long time both today and in the old times. They are a good source of protein, fiber and other nutrients.

Great recipes can be found in these books:

One great way to celebrate this special day with your little ones is to read to them the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. You know your pre-schooler will love this day. You can also follow the story by serving some beans for them to try.

National Bird Day

National Bird Day is always celebrated on January 5th. 

This special day was established by bird activists to bring awareness to the plight of captive birds.
Before going out and getting a bird it's strongly advised to read up on the subject first and find out what it takes to care for you birds. Every year thousands of birds are abandoned by owners that either find it too much work or get bored with the novelty of caring for their pet.

Knowledge is key to being a good pet owner.

To find out more about National Bird day head on over to :
http://www.nationalbirdday.com/index.php

Trivia Day!

Do you love Trivia???
If you do than January 4th must be your favorite day since it's Trivia Day.
This day was created to raise awareness of the significance of trivia in the development of our curiosity, science and good old fun. It was created by Robert L. Birch, Gtrand PunScorpion of the Puns Corps.

If you want to try out some trivia then head on over the the worlds largest trivia page at:
http://www.funtrivia.com

Festival of Sleep Day

January 3rd is Festival of Sleep Day. What is it you ask?
This day is an opportunity to sleep in, nap, and just stay in bed or on the couch all day and snooze away. Everybody need to recoup from the holiday and this day it the day to do it.
Now please be aware that sleeping on the job is not recommended so I'm afraid this is a day of celebration for the people that are lucky enough to be off from work, or school.

Remember that sleeping is a very important part to good health.

Run it Up the Flagpole and See if Anyone Salutes Day

This day is celebrated every year on January 2nd. "Run it up the flagpole and see if anyone salutes" is an expression that means to float an idea and see if people take notice. This expression is often used in marketing and advertising. So if you want to be creative and see what people think (good or bad) this is the day to do it.
Of course it doesn't have to be just about an idea it can also be about trying on a new look, maybe haircut or dress. Or how about a new way of looking at life. A new attitude maybe.

Celebrating The New Year

Of course January 1st is the start of a new year and cause for celebrating.
All around the world there are many incredible traditions for this special celebratory day.
Whether it's a wild party, a quiet dinner with family and friends or just crashing in front of the TV to watch the ball drop in times square, it's the beginning of a new year and for some new beginnings.

Most people start off the year with resolutions, although by the end of the month most people have forgotten about their resolutions and are back in their comfort zone.
Luckily for all those people that can't keep their New Year's resolution, January 17th, is Ditch your New Year's Resolution Day.

I think that the best resolution for anyone is just to take care of themselves and their loved ones and to be happy.