National Clams on the Half Shell Day

National Clam On the Half Shell Day praises the hard shell clam, known in the U.S. as a "Quahog", and it's prized taste when served raw and on a half shell.

In my research I was unable to find any history on National Clams on the Half Shell Day. However I did find a few interesting facts:

Native Americans ate and strung clams like beads
Clams were used as currency
National Marine Fisheries pioneered clam farming in Milford, Connecticut in the 1930's
Commercial hatcheries were growing by the 1960's
Most clams today are farm raised

To celebrate this day visit a local restaurant that has a special on clams or prepare your own.
 
 
 

April is National Soyfoods Month!

With numerous soy products on the market today it's easier then ever to enjoy healthy soy options.

From soy snacks, like whole soy nutrition bars and soy yogurt and pudding, to meal options, like soymilk, soy burgers, tofu, and edamame, there is a tasty soyfood option to fit into your active lifestyle.

I know how difficult it can be to figure out what to do with soy. There are an aray of recipes that are soy based. Don't be afraid of soy, it has no taste so it will pick up the flavor of what you use it with.

Each day for the month of April I will post healthy recipes that contain something soy based.

Use the month of April to jump start being healthy.

Look for a recipe on April 1, 2012.


UPDATE 03/31 02:48 AM:
Just heard about Soy Yogurt - Has anyone else heard of this?
 
 
 

The Organized Parent

 
 

The Organized Parent offers the best organizing products for parents

 

Great Products and Useful Advice For Overworked Parents by Overworked Parents

 
 
 

National Lemon Chiffon Cake Day

Harry Baker, an insurance salesman turned caterer, invented the chiffon cake in 1927. Keeping the closely guarded recipe for himself and his high profile clients, Hollywood notables and The Brown Derby. It became one of the Derby’s signature dishes, (per the Brown Derby Cook Book) for quite some time it was the ONLY dessert served at the Brown Derby.

After 20 years, he sold the guarded recipe to General Mills for an undisclosed amount of money. He was quoted as saying “I wanted Betty Crocker to give the secret to the women of America.”

General Mills changed the name to chiffon cake. A set of 14 recipes were published in a Betty Crocker pamphlet in 1948. With 14 different variations including Golden chiffon, Fresh Orange Chiffon, Maple Nut Chiffon, Pineapple Chiffon and Spicy Chiffon.

The recipe for a Lemon chiffon Cake was found on the Betty Crocker website. Because I love raspberry so much I just couldn't resist giving you this recipe.

National Puppy Day

Awwwww.  This is why we love them.

Colleen Paige, Animal Behaviorist and Author, founded National Puppy Day in 2006 to celebrate the love and happiness a puppy can bring into our lives.

Also to bring awareness to the orphaned puppies that need loving homes and the inhumane treatment of puppies in puppy mills. We need to open our eyes and help those who can't help themselves.

There are things you can do to celebrate this day. The official National Puppy Day website offers a list of things to do.
 
 
 

National Chip and Dip Day

Another all-American snack, chip and dip. I love potato chips, a thin slice of potato deep fried to a crunchy crisp and seasoned just right. Can anyone pass up potato chips?

Chip are typically accompanied by a dip that should compliment the flavor of the chip. Dips can be sour cream based, cream cheese based or vegetable based, such as salsa.

To celebrate this day make some potato chips and dip. Trust me, making them yourself is worth the time. One piece of advise though, make sure to use Wesson oil. It seems to be the least greasy of all the oils I've tried. You're in for a treat!!!

Your dip is next. I like guacamole with potato chips. I know it typically accompanies tortilla chips, but if you make the guacamole creamy rather than chunky it's a perfect accompaniment.
 
 
 

Goof Off

Today is International Goof Off Day.

Life is sometimes a downer, but take the day to goof off. You won't believe how much better you'll feel.

It's unclear the origin of this event, but do any of us really care? It's INTERNATIONAL GOOF OFF DAY.


Goof Off!!


Just a couple of ways to celebrate:

Sit around all day in your pj's
Watching a few of your favorite movies
Play online games
Shoot a game of pool


Enjoy!
 
 
 

World Water Day

World Water Day has been observed on March 22nd since 1993 when the United Nations General Assembly declared March 22nd as “World Water Day”. [1]

This day was first formally proposed in Agenda 21 of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Observance began in 1993 and has grown significantly ever since the general public has shown support. The public is encouraged not use their taps throughout the whole day. The day has become a popular Facebook trend. [1]


Phrases of the day:

Water Consumption
Water Management
Water Conservation



[1] World Water Day (en.wikipedia.org)
 
 
 

Earth Day 2012

The countdown has started. We are exactly 1 month away from Earth Day. Earth Day falls on April 22, 2012 this year.

The Earth Day 2012 campaign is designed to provide people with the opportunity to unite their voices in a call for a sustainable future and direct them towards quantifiable outcomes.[¹]

Gaylord Nelson, a Wisconsin Senator and environmental activist , called for an environmental teach-in or Earth Day to be held on April 22, 1970. Twenty million people participated that year and is now observed by over 500 million people each year.

Every day, more and more people are helping Earth Day Network to Mobilize the Earthon April 22nd. How will you get involved? Be the next to join this global movement. For more information on how you can participate, visit www.earthday.org/2012.[²]





Mobilize the earth. Earth Day. 4.22.12
[¹] [²] (www.earthday.org)
 
 
 

National Single Parents Day

In 1984 Congress, by way of H.J. Res. 200 (A joint resolution to designate April 10, 1987 as "Education Day U.S.A."), designated March 21 as “National Single Parents Day” and requested the President issue a proclamation (Proclamation 5166 - National Single Parent Day) in observance of the day. The proclamation asks for the recognition of the contributions of the single parents and request the people of the United States volunteer their help.

Supporting the tenacity, devotion, and strength of a single parent doesn't require a tremendous amount of time, just some love. Give a single parent the appreciation they deserve, try one or all the ideas below


LEND AN EAR
If you are married with children, you can always talk to your spouse about the duties and challenges of child-rearing. However, when you are a single parent, you don't always have a "soft place" to fall. Therefore, if you know someone who is basically raising his or her child alone, don't be afraid to lend an ear or even some advice, it will give the person a feeling of camaraderie and needed outlet to spill what's on their mind. These two things are just what most people require to NOT feel alone in the world.

DO A CHORE
Even in a two-parent household, getting ALL of the chores done is a challenge. So, imagine what it's like for a single parent. How can you help? Wash the dishes, do the wash for the day or dust and vacuum. Wherever you see a need, help. It'll provide relief for the single parent.

BABY-SIT FOR FREE
Volunteer your time to babysit for a single parent for free. If you know what it's like to raise a child and run a household, you understand that "me" time is vital. Everyone needs it, especially single parents. As a result, any time you can offer, even if it's only for a couple of hours, give it and watch their child/children. It'll be an act that any single parent will be forever grateful for.

MENTOR A CHILD
Single parents need to give influence to their children. Sometimes it's hard for a male to help influence a female and vice versa. Step into the important role in a young person's life by becoming their mentor.

ADOPT A BILL
One of the biggest complaints from the majority of single parents is that they are b-r-o-k-e. This fact is understandable, it's no secret the U.S. is a two paycheck society. As a result, when a couple divorces or if one dies, it affects the pocket book. As a result, if you have extra money and can spare it, adopt one utility bill from a single father or single mother. It can be the lowest one like a water bill. Either way, it'll help him or her out tremendously.


Related Articles:

Ronald Regan: Proclamation 5166 - National Single Parent Day, 1984 (www.presidency.ucsb.edu)

5 Ways to Support Single Parents on National Single Parents Day
(www.voices.yahoo.com)
 
 
 
 

The First Day Of Spring

Spring begins in the Northern Hemisphere
on March 20, 2012, at 1:14 A.M. (EDT).

Spring brings perfect weather, more daylight and the beautiful colors of blooming flowers. There is an energy that's unleashed in the spring. We are no longer confined to our homes or heavy clothes. We can breathe and enjoy the scents and sounds of spring. Find your ability to bloom and grow as the flowers do.

This day is also known as the Vernal Equinox, a day when people can stand an egg on its end. The word equinox is derived from the Latin words aequus (equal) and nox (night), because around the equinox, the night and day have approximately equal length.
 
 
 

National Ravioli Day

Traditionally ravioli is pasta stuffed with a variety of cheeses. Besides cheese, ravioli is often stuffed with beef, veal, crab, eggplant, sausage and spinach. Seasoning used on ravioli includes garlic, basil pesto, breadcrumbs and black pepper and are served with butter or olive oil, sauce or in soups.

The first mention of ravioli was in the 14th century. It's noted that Francesco di Marco was the first person to write about ravioli in his personal letters.

Since it’s the first day of spring and there are still some really gorgeous looking squashes in the grocery stores this is the perfect time to impress your family and friends with an extremely tasty and inexpensive dinner tonight, made with a very simple brown butter sauce.

Serve with garlic toast rubbed with a fresh clove of garlic after toasting some fresh, crusty Italian bread and there you go – a beautiful, delectable treat in a tiny pocket for dinner.
 
 
 

National Poultry Day History

I was unable to find any information in my research as to when or why this day is celebrated.

During the 1930s there was a large expansion of the poultry industry in the U.S. Before World War II, chickens were considered a premium poultry and only consumed by those who could afford one. Other meats were scarce after World War II and poultry became a commercial industry. With storing and distributing poultry products improving the consumption of poultry increased.

When picking out a chicken at the grocery store look for a meaty, full breasted bird with plump short legs. The skin should range in color from cream to yellow and is soft and smooth to touch. Avoid chickens that smell funny.

To conserve maximum flavor don't freeze raw chicken for over two months and cooked for up to a month. Although only 4% of salmonella poisonings are chicken-related, be cautious when handling the raw bird. Wash all utensils and cutting boards immediately after contact with raw chicken. It's a good idea to reserve one cutting board for poultry only.

Crunchy Onion Chicken is my new favorite chicken recipe. I try to make this at least twice a month. The only thing I would do different is to cut the chicken breast in half lengthwise. If you leave them whole the onions tend to burn before the chicken gets cooked.

The Puerto Rican in me wants to share a dish my dad made when I was a child. I loved it. I've tried to make it several times but it never tastes the way my dad made it. This recipe is not my dads, I can't give away family recipes :-), but I think you'll enjoy it. Arroz con Pollo / Chicken and Rice.
 
 


Puerto Rican Dishes
 
 

Cooking Light Cook's Essential Recipe Collection: Chicken: 58 essential recipes to eat smart, be fit, live well (the Cooking Light.cook's ESSENTIAL RECIPE COLLECTION)
 
 
 
 

National Chocolate Caramel Day

National Chocolate Caramel Day is a day to celebrate great chocolate and caramel. You won't get the day off work for this holiday, but it can be as much fun as any other holiday.

Get your family and friends together to make your favorite chocolate caramel treat.

In addition to making your favorite Chocolate Caramel recipe, you may want to send your friend an ecard to announce your National Chocolate Caramel Day celebration!

You could even decorate your house with different boxes of chocolate and caramel candies for the party. You don't have to wait until March 19th to celebrate. Just open your favorite chocolate and caramel treat, and every day can be National Chocolate Caramel Day!
 
 
 

National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day

Oats came to the New World by way of European explorers in the 17th century. Oats were considered a health food in 19th century America. They were served to the disabled and weak as a hearty breakfast (mush/porridge) to help build back their strength.
 
With the crossover of oats into confection at the turn of the 20th century oat recipes were created with more of a sweetness and used as a dessert.
 
Lacy Oatmeal Cookies are thinner and crispier then the traditional Oatmeal Cookie.
Although they're considered a Southern delicacy, feel free to whip up a batch. It is a national holiday, after all.
 
Here's a second recipe I just had to share. I found it while researching this post. It looked to good not to share.
 
 
 
Related Articles:
 
Lacy Oatmeal Cookies (www.mrsfieldssecrets.com)
 
Oatmeal Lace Cookies with Mascarpone Cream & Berries
(http://www.tease-spoonofsugar.blogspot.com)
 
 
 
 

Inspiration for today

Thank you to my special friend Yelonda for sharing this with me.

Potato Chips

A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with a bag of potato chips and a six-pack of root beer and started his journey.

When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old man. He was sitting in the park, just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old man looked hungry, so he offered him some chips. He gratefully accepted it and smiled at him.

His smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered him a root beer. Again, he smiled at him. The boy was delighted!
They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word.

As twilight approached, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave; but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old man, and gave him a hug. He gave him his biggest smile ever..

When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?"
He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? He's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!"

Meanwhile, the old man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home. His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face and he asked, "dad, what did you do today that made you so happy?"

He replied "I ate potato chips in the park with God." However, before his son responded, he added, "You know, he's much younger than I expected."

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime! Embrace all equally!

Have lunch with God.......bring chips.

God still sits on the throne. You may be going through a tough time right now but God is getting ready to bless you in a way that only He can. Keep the faith!

Please pass this to people you want to be blessed. This prayer is powerful, and prayer is one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards. Let's continue to pray for one another.

Here is the prayer:

Father, I ask You to bless my friends, relatives and e-mail buddies reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of Your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through Your grace. Bless their homes, families, finances, their goings and their comings. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.




Words That Matter: A Little Book of Life Lessons



Favorite Quotes And Sayings, Words Of Inspiration And Encouragement From: Forwarded E-Mails



Start the Day: Words of Hope and Inspiration
 
 
 

National Artichoke Heart Day

New studies show artichokes contain a large amount of antioxidants, in the form of phytonutrients and in a study done by the United States Department of Agriculture, artichokes rank as the number one vegetable in ant-oxidant count. Among the most powerful phytonutrients are Cynarin and Silymarin, which have strong positive effects on the liver¹.

One hundred percent of Americas commercial Artichoke crop is produced right here in Northern California, in specific, the Monterey coast and centered around Castroville. California’s annual artichoke crop brings in about seventy five million dollars annually. There are basically two products that are sold as artichoke hearts. A few are actual hearts, that is, mature artichokes with all the leaves trimmed off. The majority of what are marketed as artichoke hearts are not the heart at all but small immature artichokes, often the secondary harvest from older plants. Most of the artichoke hearts, available are processed and sold in cans or jars. Some are in a marinade or vinaigrette and some are processed in water only².

Try adding the ones in vinaigrette to salads for an added punch. Use them on an antipasto tray along with a selection of olives, roasted red peppers, marinated mushrooms, quartered hard boiled eggs, crudités, cherry tomatoes and perhaps some salami and cheese. Try using them on the top of small cocktail size open face sandwiches and on bruschetta or crustine. Use them to make mini cocktail kebobs of an artichoke heart, an olive, and a marinated mushroom².

The Good Artichoke Cookbook: 100 Artichoke Recipes

The Everything Diabetes Cookbook (Everything Series)

Heart of the Artichoke and Other Kitchen Journeys


 
 
 
Related Articles:
¹National Artichoke Heart Day (http://weighing-success.blogspot.com)

²March 16 is National Artichoke Day (http://www.examiner.com) 
 
 
 

American Crossword Puzzle Weekend

The American Crossword Puzzle Tournament is held annually. The 35th event will be held March 16-18, 2012 at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn, New York.

The tournament was founded by Will Shortz in 1978, who still directs the tournament today. He is a creator of crossword puzzles and is currently the New York Times crossword puzzle editor.

There are eight original crosswords created and edited especially for this tournament. Scoring is based on speed and accuracy, with prizes awarded in more than 20 categories, including a $5,000 grand prize.

Read more on the history of crossword puzzle and try to solve the first known crossword puzzle ever published

They say as you age you should keep your mind sharp. One way is to solve crossword puzzles. Will Shortz has penned a few crossword puzzles books in his day. I believe this would be a good one to start with The New York Times Wild Crosswords: 150 Medium-Level Puzzles (New York Times Crossword Puzzles)
 
 
 
Related Articles:
American Crossword Puzzle Tournament (www.crosswordtournament.com)
 
 
 

National Pears Hélène Day

Today is National Pears Hélène Day. French Chef Auguste Escoffier created this dessert, in 1870, as his tribute to composer Jacques Offenbach's opera La belle Hélène.

Pear Hélène, or as the French say Poire Belle-Hélène, is a French dessert of pear halves simmered in a sweet broth of cinnamon, vanilla, sugar and water, topped with vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup and almonds. Sometimes it is served with a little cinnamon sugar and original version was served with candies violets, but today it is more commonly served with sliced almonds.

Pear Hélène is typically served as an after dinner dessert.

The recipe below is today's traditional Pears Hélène

PEARS BELLE Hélène

4 ripe, firm unblemished pears (Bartlett)
2 1/2 c. sugar
2 1/4 c. water
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
4 scoops vanilla ice cream
1 c. chocolate sauce
1/4 c. toasted slivered almonds
 
Remove the core and stem from each of the pears. Peel the pears. Cut the pears in half lengthwise. Using a melon ball cutter remove the center core. Cut away the bottom center line leading from the core to the stem end. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer five minutes. Add the pears and vanilla and simmer uncovered until the pears are tender, about 15 minutes.
 
Remove the pears from the heat and let them cool in the syrup. Place one scoop of ice cream in the pear, then the chocolate sauce over it. Top with almonds.
 
 
For more fantastic French dessert recipes take a look at Bon Appetit Desserts: The Cookbook for All Things Sweet and Wonderful
 
 
 

National Potato Chip Day

Potato chips are thin slices of potato that are deep fried or baked until crispy. 1.2 billion pounds of potato chips are eaten each year in the United States? So, it's no surprise potato chips are the great American snack food.

Potato chips were created in Saratoga Springs in 1853 by an Irish chef named George Crum.

 

Chef Crum was so frustrated with a customer who kept sending back his fried potato's complaining that they were too thick and soggy. So Chef, in defiance, decided to slice the potatoes so thin and fry them so they could not be eaten with a fork.

The customer was so please with the fried potato that Chef Crum added them to the menu.

Read how it all started.





To celebrate this day I decided to share my favorite recipe that includes potato chips. It's addictive so be careful.


Potato Chip Crusted Chicken

Ingredients

1/2 cup crushed potato chips
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup French's Fried Onions
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (cut in half -lengthwise)
egg whites from 2 eggs

Directions

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the potato chips, parsley, salt, paprika, French's Fired Onion's and garlic powder. Brush chicken with egg white; add chicken to the crumb mixture and shake to coat. Place in an ungreased 11-in. x 7-in. x 2-in. baking dish. For crispy chicken it's best to place on a rack over a the baking dish. Place in oven at 350 for 35 to 40 minutes or until chicken juices run clear.
 
 
 

Easter Candy

Spring is in the air and Easter is right around the corner.

Going to church, Easter baskets, Easter egg hunts and Easter dinner are all family memories I have of Easter. My parents always put together such great Easter baskets.

Our baskets were filled with jelly beans, bit-o-honey, candy necklaces, little chocolate bunnies and so much more. Recreate the candy from your childhood Easter basket, pick-a-bag of candies from OldTimeCandy.com. Decades range from Pre 1920's to 1990.

Easter arrives April 8th, but this great offer will be validthrough the end of April get 15% off all EASTER CANDY with promo code: bunny12
 
 
 

Good Samaritan Day

Every year this annual holiday falls on March 13 th.

This day is in honor of Catherine “Kitty” Genovese. A 28 year old woman living in Queens, NY who was brutally stabbed to death on March 13, 1964.

While Catherine was walking to her apartment a man grabbed her and stabbed her. She screamed for help. While the lights in the surrounding brownstones came on, voices from the opened windows yelled down to the man to “leave that girl alone” no one ever called the police. The man left scared, but returned for a second time to finish his stabbings. Again, he heard a neighbor yelling and left again, still no call to the police from any of the neighbors. He returned for a third time, fatally stabbing Catherine. A half hour passed before anyone called the police.

It was estimated that 38 people saw this man stabbing Catherine and no one called the police or got involved.

So please help someone in need today. Remember to help the animals too.

Luke 10:25-37

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
Aesop
The Lion & the Mouse
 
 
 
Related articles:
The Parable of the Good Samaritan (http://www.biblegateway.com)
 
 
 

Win Free Groceries!!!

Enter for a chance to win free groceries.

 
 
 

March Madness

“March Madness” was the annual tournament of high school boys basketball teams, sponsored by the Illinois High School Association, grew from a small invitational affair in 1908 to a statewide institution with over 900 schools competing by the late 1930′s.

"March Madness" was a phrase coined by Henry V. Porter in 1939 describing a basketball tournament for Illinois High School. The phrase was first used during NCAA coverage in 1982 by Brent Musburger causing a legal battle as insane as the playoffs.

NCAA and the Illinois High School Assoc. jointly hold the registered trademark for the term “March Madness”.

During the tournament’s “Golden Era” of the 1940′s and 1950′s, “March Madness” became the popular name of the event. It was an era of some of Illinois’ most legendary teams, including the undefeated 1944 Taylorville squad and Mt. Vernon’s unstoppable back-to-back champions of 1949 and 1950. But the one champion remembered more than any other is tiny Hebron, a school of only 98 students, which won the tournament in 1952.

It wasn’t until the early 1980′s that fans of NCAA basketball began to use the term to describe the playoff series that takes place at the college/university level.

2012 NCAA Tournament: March Madness Site, Venue and Ticket Information
 
 
Related Articles:
History of March Madness (www.basketball.org)
 
 
 

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

This is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. I know this is a sensitive subject to some of you but you need to take your health into your own hands and talk to your doctor about Colorectal Cancer.

For anyone who has had a relative or friend pass away from Colorectal Cancer you know how painful this disease is. To watch someone you care about go through so much pain is heart breaking. You wish deep down inside “If only they had gotten a colonoscopy”.

There will be 143,000 new cases of colon cancer diagnosed this year. It is estimated that 5% to 10% of all colorectal cancers are explained by a heredity. Colon Cancer deaths can be cut by 53% if everyone had a colonoscopy.

It's unclear what exact causes colorectal cancers, factors such as lack of exercise, poor diet and polyps are known to contribute to the disease. Research shows that eating a lot of fruit and vegetables can help prevent colorectal cancer along with maintaining a healthy weight, being active and restricted use of alcohol.

Some of you may not know what a colonoscopy entails. This article from March of 2011 will explain what needs to be done prior to the procedure, what is done during the procedure and what to expect after the procedure.



Related Articles:
Read what really happens during your colonoscopy (provenasaintjosephhospital.wordpress.com)
How often is colorectal cancer hereditary? (www.mskcc.org)
This Is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (www.medicalnewstoday.com)
 
 
 

Daylight Saving Time - It's Back!

Well, it that time again.

The time to lose an hour of your day, the time to enjoy the sun more, the time to feel like you've accomplished something during the day.

Yes, it's Daylight Savings time.

Every year at this time I wake up at my normal time and notice it's still dark outside. So in my sleepy mind I think I've woken up to early and I go right back to sleep, then come to find out I've over slept.

Anyway remember to turn your clocks ahead 1 hour before you turn in for the evening.

 
 
 

National Blueberry Popover Day

Wow another fantastic food holiday.

If I could make these correctly they would be a staple on the weekends.

I love blueberry, they are very healthy for you.

I did extensive research on the origin of this holiday and was unable to find how or who started it.

If anyone knows or has any little bits of info please let me know.

So to celebrate this day what would be better then a recipe from Martha Stewart

Add just a couple of blueberries to the top of the batter and bake per directions.

Watch the video too. She has a cheese popover as well.

Let me know how they turn out. Enjoy!!!

National Crabmeat Day

I, unfortunately, am the wrong person to write about “National Crabmeat Day”.

You see, I'm allergic to crab and lobster. I couldn't have been allergic to brussel sprouts or maybe peas, oh no I had to be allergic to crab and lobster. I'm sure their very tasty, but I'll never know.

Enough of my sarcasm, I didn't want to completely forget about this day so I found a few recipes for you all to enjoy.


Let me know how they turn out.

Happy “National Crabmeat Day”!!!



Related Articles:
The Standards - Famous Maryland Crab Recipes (http://www.skipjack.net)

A High School Graduation Gift

Graduation marks a new phase in a graduates life, adulthood being the most important.

With childhood memories behind them and a world of new responsibilities and challenges ahead one is left with the carefree memories of childhood.

Send a graduate out into the world with a photo book filled with memories of his or her childhood.

A treasure that can be passed down for generations.

Don't forget to add a note with words of encouragement and wisdom.
 
 
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
~Eleanor Roosevelt~
 
 

National Organize Your Home Office Day

With over 18 million people working from home, March 8th is "National Organize Your Home Office Day", promoting efficient work at home.

I'll admit I'm not an expert in home office organization but I can pass along a few tips to make your work space look and work better for you.



Tips for running a productive home office:

Purpose
What are your intentions for the space?

• Pay bills
• Manage your family
• Run a business
• Study
• Is it a family space

 
Furniture for your space

• Choose based on room size and space efficiency

 
Technology

• I can not stress this enough, get a GOOD surge protector

• Position equipment for easy of use

• Invest in smart cord storage

 
Keep files up to date and accessible

• Schedule weekly file organization

• De-clutter files on a semi-annual or annual basis

• Store older records in boxes to open up space for current items

 
Paper phase out

• Sign up for eBills from your utility and credit companies

• Sign up for online banking statements

 
Minimize Printing

• If possible, use both sides to print

• Use sheets with errors as scrap paper

• Print in black and white to save ink

• Refill printer cartridges instead of buying new

 
Personality
What is your personality type?

Visual
Personalities may be distracted by things on the desk and keep them from getting their work done, yet they still like to see things or post things for reminders. Desktop file organizers and bulletin boards are great for this type of person.

Auditory
Personalities may get distracted by sounds or noises, so having a quiet place to work free from distractions would be ideal, yet they also work better if they have someone to bounce ideas off of. A good tape recorder comes in handy for someone like this who needs reminders of things to do or takes notes.

Kinesthetic (hands on)
A person is the one who probably needs more workspace and doesn’t mind having piles here and there. These are the ones that are more able to multi-task and like to do things on their own. I would keep plenty of notepads available for taking notes.
 
 
Related Articles:
Celebrate “National Organize Your Home Office Day" (swflcalclosets.wordpress.com)
National Organize Your Home Office Day: 5 Tips (motherearthnews.com)
Organize Your Home Office Day (www.thehomeofficeorganizer.com)
 
 

Send A Card To A Friend Day

Every February 7th is "Send A Card To A Friend Day".

Why lose out on a chance to stay in touch.

Re-kindle a friendship that's been neglected.
 

Make a friend smile today with an ecard

 
 
 

National Cheese Doodle Day

National Cheese Doodle Day

I love this crunchy yellow-orange cheesy snack. The coating sticks to your fingers and lips.

What are Cheese Doodles? They are a snack made from corn meal, baked and coated with cheddar cheese.

It's unclear if Flakall Corporation or Elmer Candy corporation created these scrumptious snacks.

My research leans more towards Morrie Yohai, a WW II Marine pilot and philanthropist. After returning home from the war Yohai took over his father's snack-food business in the Bronx. Looking for another type of snack food the Company found out about a machine that would extrude cornmeal and it would almost popped like popcorn. Wanting a healthier snack they were baked not fried.

Today is a celebration of the Wise Foods Cheese Doodle. They have been around since the 50's and are one of the companies most popular brands.

Cheetos are Frito Lay's version of the Cheese Doodle.

To celebrate National Cheese Doodle Day, pick up a bag of Cheese Doodles to share with friends!
 
 

National Pound Cake Day

Today is National Pound Cake Day.

Traditional pound cake is made with a pound of each flour, sugar, butter and eggs. This of course would be to much cake for most families to consume. Over the years the recipe has been scaled down to accommodate a much smaller cake.

Different countries and regions have different variations of the traditional pound cake. There have been additions of flavorings, dried fruits, baking soda and baking powder or sour cream and buttermilk resulting in a less dense and flavorful cake.


Different Variations:

Southern American style
The traditional pound cake recipe is typically used in the Southern United States and is a staple at picnics and potlucks.

British style
Britain's variation of pound cake is a Sponge cake (served with tea) or Madeira cake (served with tea or liquor). Both are light in texture and are traditionally flavored with lemon.

French style
The French version of Pound cake is called "quatre-quarts" which means four-quarters. Popular and traditional in the French region of Brittany, the recipe uses the same quantity of 4 ingredients. Some variants, are made by adding chocolate or lemon juice for flavor.

Mexican style (i was not able to fully confirm this)
In Mexico, the pound cake is called panqué. The basic recipe of Mexican panqué is much like the traditional U.S. recipe. Most common variants are panqué con nueces (pound cake with nuts) and panqué con pasas (pound cake with raisins).
 
 
 

New Twitter Account - Follow Me

 
 

Not sure what got into me today but I did a lot of behind the scenes work on my blog.

I also opened a twitter account.

Now if I can only figure out how to get the Twitter button on my blog I'll be set.

@GotYourHolidayO
 
 
 

National Cold Cut Day

Today is National Cold Cut Day!

The number one choice for lunch, is you guessed it: Sandwich's. America loves ham sandwich's followed closely by the BLT (my favorite).

This is a perfect day not to cook. Stop by the store a get some cold cuts, cheese and some nice bread. Cold cut sandwich's are fast and easy to make. Add pickles and chips and viola, lunch or dinner.

The best way to make a sandwich: fresh cold cuts, fresh bread and fresh veggies. You can also use leftover meat. Cut it up, season it and place on your favorite bread with veggies.

For those of you on low carb substitute lettuce for bread.


Now the BIG question:

French Bread or Regular Bread