April 30 is...

National Honesty Day

I am generally a supporter of the "Honesty is the best policy" theory.  I'm all about integrity.  So spill your guts today...unless it will cause more harm than good...but really, I think being honest rarely causes more harm than good.

National Raisin Day

Nature's candy.  Right.

Ms. J's B-day.  

She's pretty much the coolest 3rd grade teacher around.  Just ask her students.

Coming Attractions: May! Mother Goose Day, National Chocolate Parfait Day

April 29 is...

National Shrimp Scampi

I love shrimp, and I love the word scampi, so today's a good day.  I even have time to actually make some of my own...perhaps I will...

Coming Attractions: National Honesty Day, National Raisin Day

April 28 is...

Kiss Your Mate Day

I don't have one, so I won't be kissing anyone today.  But if you do have a mate, take advantage...

National Blueberry Pie Day

I don't feel like expanding much on this one, so here's a recipe.  Have fun.

Great Poetry Reading Day

This is one of those "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" kind of things, I think.  If you like the poetry, and it's great to you - read it, by all means.  Just be considerate of other's tastes.

Coming Attractions: National Shrimp Scampi Day

April 27 is...

National Prime Rib Day

Nothin' like a big hunk of juicy meat to make your day swell, I always say.  

Tell A Story Day

Not really any guidelines here, so go out there and have fun with this one.

Coming Attractions: Kiss Your Mate Day, National Blueberry Pie Day, Great Poetry Reading Day

April 26 is...

National Pretzel Day

The first time I tried to celebrate this outstanding holiday the Wetzel's Pretzels closed before I could.  I almost cried.  Today the same shall not happen.  I think I'll have a pretzel for lunch.

Nail Polish Day

Never use the stuff myself, I think it feels weird.  But if you're into it, go for it.

Coming Attractions: National Prime Rib Day, Tell a Story Day

April 25 is...

National Zucchini Bread Day

Whoever thought that bread made from a vegetable would be so delicious? Evidently someone did, because we now have it. :) Make some, share some, eat some, whatever.

Tuna Sandwich Day

One of my favorites of the sandwich family. It's good stuff. Sometimes I'll even get one at Subway. Some might say, "Why would you get that at Subway when you can just make it at home?" I would argue that you can make anything at home that they have at Subway, so your argument is futile.

Coming Attractions: National Pretzel Day, Nail Polish Day

April 24 is...

National Pigs-in-a-blanket Day

I can think of few things that make me want to spew more than the image of eating a pig in a blanket.  But they are sometimes quite delightful.  Hopefully some point today is one of those times.

Coming Attractions: National Zucchini Bread Day, Tuna Sandwich Day

April 23 is...

National Cherry Cheesecake Day

I sure wish I still had my gift certificate to the Cheesecake Factory, this might just be a holiday I really need to celebrate.  Cheesecake is my second favorite dessert, and when paired with cherries...mmm....

National Picnic Day

And it's finally getting warm enough!  So bust out that red gingham tablecloth, the ant spray, and your picnic basket.  Just watch out for Yogi fans...

World Laboratory Animal Day

I'm torn on this issue.  I'm not all about animal cruelty at all, but at the same time I think some useful things have come from animal testing.  Sensitive issue I suppose.  Whatever your position, this is the day to let your colors fly.

Coming Attractions: National Pigs-in-a-blanket Day

April 22 is...

National Jelly Bean Day

I like Jelly Belly's best, but who doesn't?  And I'd like to know who thought of this idea, because let's be honest - random.

Just Salute Day

I'll admit it, I'm a saluter.  I think it's a great all-around greeting that's appropriate in most situations.  And I salute that.

Earth Day

Intended to create awareness for Earth and its environs.  Be nice to the Earth today...well you should every day, but go out of your way today.

Coming Attractions: National Cherry Cheesecake Day, National Picnic Day, World Laboratory Animal Day

April 21 is...

Kindergarten Day

I think this means that everyone is entitled to recess, arts and crafts, a snack, and nap-time.  Just try and convince your boss.

Chocolate-covered Cashew Truffle Day

I think today might be the perfect day for my friend to use her See's Candies gift certificate.  For the rest of you, just drop a buck or two and enjoy some sweet chocolatey goodness.

Tony Danza's Birthday!

I sure love my B-list stars...though I hated his daytime talk show.

Coming Attractions: National Jelly Bean Day, Just Salute Day

April 20 is...

National Pineapple Upside-down Cake Day

I don't know why or how this came to be, all I know is that it's completely delightful.

Lima Bean Respect Day

Don't be hatin' on the lima bean.  It may be gross and look funny, but it's actually got quite a lot goin' for it.

Race Horse Day

Um...I don't encourage gambling of any kind.  So fill up your bladder and wait a while to go, then you can say you have to "...pee like a race horse!"

Coming Attractions: Kindergarten Day, Chocolate covered cashew truffle day

April 19 is...

National Garlic Day

Italian food anyone? I think garlic is good, but only in moderation. I hate that when I cook with it, my hands smell like garlic for an eternity afterward, but it's really good for you and wards of the un-dead, so I guess it's not all bad.

National Amaretto Day

This is one of my favorite flavors to add at Cold Stone. It's so delicious. Maybe I'll get some Cold Stone today...

Fresh Celery Day

I do enjoy a good stalk of celery every now and again. It's just so crunchy and fun to eat!

The birthday of my bestest of best friends Leah

Coming Attractions: National Pineapple Upside-down Cake Day, Lima Bean Respect Day, Race Horse Day

April 18 is...

Animal Cracker's Birthday

This year they're 106 years old.  Who knew?  I just remember my dad making some carmel out of a can of sweetened condensed milk and then dipping animal crackers in it for a delightful treat.  And after that walk down memory lane here is a rather comprehensive and entertaining look at the history of animal crackers.

Stained Glass Day

Now I would suggest going to a local church that happens to be complete with these impressive monuments of religious art, however I realize not everyone is privileged enough to have a sanctuary so close.  In the event you are in a religion-free zone, just try this art project and make your own!

Coming Attractions: National Garlic Day, National Amaretto Day, Fresh Celery Day

April 17 is...

National Cheeseball Day

So many cheeseballs, so little time.  Have fun with a few of these!

Coming Attractions: Animal Crackers Birthday, Stained Glass Day, 

April 16 is...

National Eggs Benedict Day

I've never tried these, but always wanted to. Perhaps today I shall.

Day of the Mushroom

More than the fact that I enjoy a day dedicated to the delightful fungi family, I just love the title of this day. It's so...epic. Ideas for celebration - eating mushroom themed meals, picking mushrooms from your yard and decorating your window-sills, setting up an anti-drug campaign in your community, reading up on atomic energy...

National Stress Awareness Day

Boy howdy how I do enjoy my stress. I think it keeps things interesting, though it can be daunting at times. Today, just relax. Take a break, a walk, or a bubble bath and leave your stresses for tomorrow.

Coming Attractions: National Cheeseball Day

April 15 is...

Rubber Eraser Day

I teach school and the kids always manage to destroy the erasers on the ends of pencils.  They bite, tear, rip, dismember, etc. etc. etc.  It's good to see that someone, somewhere, still holds erasers in high regard.

National Glazed Spiral Ham Day

Honey-baked goodness.  Just do it.

Art History Day

Finally, a day for all of those people who went to college and ended up with a pointless degree.  Today we can appreciate Picasso, Van Goh, Da Vinci...and all the rest. 

Coming Attractions: National Eggs Benedict Day, Day of the Mushroom, National Stress Awareness Day

April 14 is...

National Fortune Cookie Day

Hooray!  I love this American creation.  I especially like to add the words "in bed," or "between the sheets" to the end of the very fortune - makes them so much more entertaining.

Coming Attractions: Rubber Eraser Day, National Glazed Spiral-Ham Day, Art History Day

April 13 is...

National Peach Cobbler Day

I love peach cobbler...seriously.  I say that a lot when it comes to desserts, but I really do love them all.  Here's a complicated recipe, and a simple one.

Coming Attractions: Fortune Cookie Day

April 12 is...

Look Up at the Sky Day

I don't really get it, but you might as well just look up and let it happen.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

I love a good grilled cheese - and I don't think I need to put up a recipe.  That'd be pretty sad.  Just make it your way, and perhaps pair it with a good cup of tomato soup.

National Licorice Day

I don't like licorice, but I've heard it's an aphrodisiac.  Go for it.

MY BIRTHDAY!!!

This is perhaps the most important holiday of all.  Write it down, memorize it, and let the good times roll!

Coming Attractions: National Peach Cobbler Day

April 11 is...

8-track Tape Day

We're kickin' it old school now.  Bust out that player and those 8-tracks!  A friend of mine once had an 8-track called "Music to Park By."  We got a good laugh out of that one...

National Cheese Fondue Day

Love me some fondue!  It's really just great, so eat it.

National Submarine Day

I think today might be a good day to hark back to childhood and take a bath.  'Nough said.

Coming Attractions: Look Up At the Sky Day, Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day, National Licorice Day

April 10 is...

National Cinnamon Crescent Day

Mmmmm.  Yeah, just get 'r done.

Rag Rug Day

I think the only way to celebrate this is to either buy one - which would be pointless unless you need one, or just to learn about them.  So here's a little history.  Enjoy!

Coming Attractions: 8-track tape day, National Cheese Fondu Day, National Submarine Day

April 9 is...

Name Yourself Day

I think today I'll be Raul de la Vega Munoz III.  Or perhaps just Phil...

Chinese Almond Cookie Day

Don't know that I've ever had one of these.  Perhaps I'll try one today.  They are cookies after all...

Safety Pin Day

Until about two weeks ago I owned a pair of pants that were completely covered in safety pins.  They were pretty cool, but I've grown up a bit recently and decided it was time for them to go.  Now I just have one single safety pin in every pair of pants I own.  They come in quite handy occasionally.  I saved a third grader from a faulty orange safety vest just the other day using a safety pin.  So today, make sure you have one handy.

Birthday Roll:

My longest and most bestest of friends Andrea

Lillian my little Latina ball of yum

Coming Attractions: National Cinnamon Crescent Day, Rag Rug Day

April 8 is...

National Empanada Day

Oh how I love my empanadas.  Whether they're savory or sweet, big or small, authentic or store-bought, I could eat them without ceasing.  Some of my favorite memories include store-bought cherry empanadas my mom would purchase.  Others include making empanadas with a wizened old Argentinian woman in her shack.  Good good times.

Zoo Lover's Day

It's probably actually finally warm enough to make a trek to the zoo worth the effort.  I personally love zoos.  I think they're so intersting.  I hate gift shops in all their forms, and gift shops with worthless animal-related merchandise are sort of an inevitable part of a journey to the zoo, but nevertheless, zoos are awesome.  If you have time, visit yours.

Coming Attractions: Name Yourself Day, Chinese Almond Cookie Day, Safety Pin Day

April 7 is...

No Housework Day

And boy do I plan to celebrate by doing absolutely nothing around my house.  Not that I'll have time to be home anyway, but I think celebrating by default is still celebrating.  I'll be enjoying my day-long stint of no cleaning, and so should you.

Coffee Cake Day

Love me some o' this.  Of course I'm a sucker for baked goods of any kind.  Every time I pass a bakery I start to drool.  And though you may drink coffee, you certainly don't have to to enjoy the cake.  I found a site with about 10,000 recipes, so find one that looks interesting and have fun!

Ham Radio Day

Don't have one, probably never will.  That's what cell-phones are for these days.  That and the internet.  Hooray for technology!  But for you old-school types and history buffs, you might enjoy this.  And you can certainly enjoy this day.

My Little Bro's B-day

Happy birthday little bro!  Live it up while you still can.

Coming Attractions: National Empanada Day, Zoo Lover's Day

April 6 is...

National Carmel Popcorn Day

I love home-made carmel popcorn.  Only the really gooey stuff that sticks to everything is worth eating in my opinion.  I don't like the crunchy stuff.  Popcorn crunches enough on its own.  Anyway, here's a recipe if you're feeling adventurous.

Sorry Charlie Day

I guess today you can just tell everyone they're up a creek whenever they ask for something.  Do no one a favor.

Fresh Tomato Day

mmm...fresh tomatoes...

I used to not be a fan of the tomato, but then I lived in a foreign country and had to pretty much just eat what I was given - which included tomatoes a lot of the time - and I grew to love them.  There are about a billion and one uses for tomatoes, so find your favorite and go to town.

Coming Attractions: No Housework Day, Coffee Cake Day, Ham Radio Day

April 5 is...

National Carmel Day

Um...get a carmel.  :)

National Raisin and Spice Bar Day

Today's holidays lack spunk, I think.  Oh well, here's a recipe, make the most of it.

Bell Bottoms Day

Shut up!  Now here's a day I can get into.  Too bad I don't actually own bell-bottoms.  I'm wondering why this isn't a fashion that ever came back into style - everything else has.  I guess I'll just have to settle for my boot-cut jeans today.  

Coming Attractions: National Carmel Popcorn Day, Sorry Charlie Day, Fresh Tomato Day

April 4 is...

Tell A Lie Day

I don't usually encourage such behavior, but as April seems to be the month for falsehoods and misleading information - go ahead!

National Cordon Bleu Day

Most people think this necessarily entails chicken, but I'm fairly certain really it just means "pork and bleu cheese"  or maybe even just "pork and blue".  Either way, chicken is a good way to go with this one.  So, here's a recipe.  Enjoy.

Library Book Day

This just reminds me that I think I need to return a book to the Library.  I have a problem with checking books out and then only getting about half-way through them.  If a book doesn't completely consume my interest, it usually goes unfinished - unless I have inordinate amounts of time to read, like on a plane.  Anyway, go to the library, check out a book, teach your kids to use the library - it'll change their lives!

Coming Attractions: National Carmel Day, National Raisin and Spice Bar Day, Bell Bottoms Day

April 3 is...

Tweed Day

I'm slightly ashamed to admit that I don't own any tweed.  Perhaps today is the day to change that...

For those who do own tweed, I admonish you to sport it with pride, gusto, and flare.  Just see if good things don't happen!

Don't Go To Work Unless It's Fun Day

With my old job, I would have called in sick.  Now, I'm totally there!  Tomorrow's gonna be a blast.  I can tell.  So, if your job isn't fun and you still have to go to work, find ways to make it fun.  Use "The Office" as your example.  I heard of one company where they do the conga every day at 2:00 in the afternoon - try it!

National Chocolate Mousse Day

Mmmmmmm.  I love holidays involving chocolate in any form.  Perhaps I'll just bathe myself in chocolate mousse...

Coming Attractions: Tell a Lie Day, National Cordon Bleu Day, Library Book Day

April 2 is...

National PB&J Day

If you need a recipe for this one, you've got more important things to worry about.  Now go out there and enjoy this classic culinary masterpiece.

Coming Attractions: Tweed Day, Don't Go to Work Unless It's Fun Day, National Chocolate Mousse Day

April 1 is...

A new month!  And with that comes new holidays.  Hope you enjoy them.

April Fool's Day

I was going to say something about shutting down the blog and ending my life because of a complete lack of something entirely superficial, but I thought that'd be too obvious...

One Cent Day

Penny candies, easy down payments, even cheap...compliments...today's the day to finally get rid of all those copper-faced Lincoln's you've been saving for just this occasion.

Sourdough Bread Day

Not my favorite of the bread family - except at Carl's Jr.  Or perhaps as a bread bowl, but generally I prefer something else.  However, for you sourdough lovers here's a recipe.  Have fun with that.

Coming Attractions: National PB&J Day