Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Holidays. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Holidays. Sort by date Show all posts

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Reviewing Vegan Holiday Cookbooks

vegan desserts
Jennifer Katzinger Vegan Holiday Cookbook
As a vegan cook, the holidays are especially tricky. Most holidays including Thanksgiving, usually center around a big meat dish. Here I'll give you my reviews of the vegan cookbooks I've used throughout the holidays.

Some are better than others, of course. Some give you menus to work from while others have given me ideas to get me started on my own menus for the various holidays. Whether you want to serve a full vegan holiday dinner, or just need some good ideas for vegan dishes for your guests, you can find the recipes and ideas you need in each of these vegan holiday cookbooks.

My Favorite Vegan Holiday Cookbook

Reviewing vegan holiday cookbooks
Gluten-Free and Vegan: Celebrating the Year

My favorite, the one that I turn to most often, vegan holiday cookbook is by Jennifer Katzinger titled, Gluten-Free and Vegan: Celebrating the Year with Simple, Satisfying Recipes and Menus. I've reviewed it more extensively in an article for Cooking for the Holidays site, so I'll just summarize here.

Author Katzinger is a long experience vegan chef, but she's a baker by love. Her desserts are amazing. She shares her vegan and gluten-free versions of traditional holiday desserts. It's her Thanksgiving menu, with all of the simple recipes that I turn to most often to celebrate this holiday. Appetizers, main courses, side dishes and desserts are all combine to make a great Thanksgiving dinner.

reviewing vegan holiday cookbooks
Happy Herbivore Holidays

The Happy Herbivore Vegan Holiday Cookbook


Lindsay Nixon has made a name for herself as the Happy Herbivore. She has many cookbooks on the market, but her Happy Herbivore Holidays and Gatherings: Easy Plant-based Recipes for Your Healthiest Celebrations and Special Occasions is one of her best in my vegan opinion.

I was delighted at how easy her recipes are. Since I'm basically a lazy cook, I needed simple, yet tasty recipes. She has a wealth of them. And she doesn't require exotic ingredients in her recipes. That sure helps if ethnic markets are not close by.

Fair warning here. If you are already a Happy Herbivore fan and have others of her cookbooks, you will discover that she recycled many of her other recipes. But, these are organized for those big holiday celebrations.

The good news is that all of my non-vegan friends and relations enjoyed my vegan menus. Even my son-in-law didn't feel the need to rush to McDonald's for a McRib sandwich or two! Now that is a true compliment to the Happy Herbivore.

Planning Your Own Vegan Holiday Menus

Reviewing Vegan Holiday Cookbooks
But I Could Never Go Vegan


If you want to plan your own menus for the holidays or just looking for interesting vegan recipes, I have a favorite cookbook for you. But I Could Never Go Vegan, by Kristy Turner, is it. Forget boring standard fare, Turner gives you an amazing collection of unique and interesting recipes.

Avocado and Kale Florentine is one of those unique and interesting recipes. I've included it many brunch menus. Talk about a hit! Author Turner has plenty of these hits. Her vegan Cheesy Veggie Stromboli is usually part of my vegan Thanksgiving dinner. Savory Corn Cheesecake makes a stunning presentation of your holiday table.

Whether you want a full menu to make a vegan holiday meal, or just looking for something special to add to your table, any of these cookbooks could be your answer. Each one holds a special place in my cookbook collection.

You can always find more cookbook reviews at Review This! Books

 

Posted by: BuckHawk

Buckhawk

About This Contributor

BuckHawk decribes herself as "Basically a lazy person who prefers the easy things in life." So that's what she writes about. Easy home decorating, easy recipes, easy entertaining. But, she is also a lover of animals, gardening and crafting. You'll find her writing all over the Web, but with Review This Reviews! she has the opportunity to write about all of her loves.




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Thursday, November 9, 2023

National Bird Holidays and Awareness Days- 4thQuarter

 

Ruby Throated Hummingbird
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird


 When I decided to write a review on bird holidays, I was surprised to find out that there are many different bird holidays.  So, I changed my thinking and decided to do four different reviews, one for each quarter of the year, and in each review, I would pick out a sampling of the holidays for that quarter.  This is now my review for the last quarter of the year.  You can find links to my first three reviews at the end of this review. This quarter I have picked a bird holiday or awareness day for each month.

October 3- Butterfly and Hummingbird Day

Two Butterflies on Flower
Butterflies on a Pink Flower

Although a butterfly is not a bird, it certainly has a lot in common with the hummingbird.  Here is a list of similarities I found on the site Bird Tipper.Com   Here is the link : National Butterfly and Hummingbird Day - BirdTipper

Hummingbird and Butterfly Similarities
  • Both have nectar from flowers as a food source
  • Both are attracted to certain colorful flowers   (I find in my garden that bright red or pink flowers really attract both of butterflies and hummingbirds)
  • Both are very important for pollination
  • Both help to provide a safe environment for local plant life
  • Both  are necessary parts of our everyday life
In addition to these points I would say that both are fascinating to watch and to learn about.  As a photographer, I also find them both to be wonderful photographic subjects, although they both require patience to catch them at their best.  Here are a couple of photographs I have taken in addition to the ones above.
hummingbird

hummingbird

Choose your favorite way to celebrate Butterfly and Hummingbird day by checking out the suggestions at the bird tipper link listed above.

November is Adopt a Turkey Month

Turkey has long been the staple for the American Thanksgiving feast.  Because of this the turkey population is greatly depleted during the month.  To try to offset this and save some of the loss of the turkey population, certain groups have banded together to try to save some of the turkeys by championing an adoption process for turkeys.  The website for the Adopt a Turkey is   https://nationaltoday.com/adopt-a-turkey-month/
They suggest the following three activities to choose from in celebrating adopt-a-turkey month.
  • Adopt a turkey as a pet
  • Donate a turkey to an animal sanctuary
  • Go meatless for Thanksgiving
For more information on the process and the history of the holiday check out the website above.

December 14 through January 5-Christmas Bird Count Week

The bird count week is celebrated annually and is a tradition that is over 100 years old.  It honors bird lovers from around the world who head out to count and record millions of bird siting's each year.

The bird count is sponsored by the National Audubon Society.  You may go to this link  https://nationaltoday.com/christmas-bird-count-week/  to find out more about the history of this count.

Three things you can do to celebrate bird count week are :
  • Participate in the Bird Count
  • Take up bird-watching
  • Discourage hunting for pleasure
I encourage you to go to www.audubon.org to sign up to receive more information and find out how you can help.  I have just signed up and I found out from their map there is a location near me where the Christmas-bird-count will be taking place this year.  I'm looking forward to getting more information.

More of my Bird Photography from this Year



Red Winged Blackbird on Bush

Blackbird on Sunflowers

Goldfinch on Feeder

Links to Bird Holiday from the First Three Quarters







Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, September 25, 2021

Cakes and Cupcakes Special Days and Reviews

 

Cakes & cupcakes

There are a multitude of special days (those wacky, weird, humorous and fun days) throughout the year devoted to various kinds of cakes and cupcakes.  The Contributors to this Review This Reviews site have also reviewed and shared a number of recipes of their favorites.


A compilation of these yummy dessert recipes and the days that are set aside to recognize them are featured in this article.


What is the Difference Between a Cake and Cupcakes?


There are only two differences ~ the type of pan you use to bake them, and the amount of time they spend in the oven.


*Some terms used for cupcakes – snack cake, mini-cake, Fairy Cake, Patty Cake.


Cake Holidays


Red Velvet Cake
Source: Pixabay


List of National Cake Holidays:


  • National Cake Month - February
  • National Chocolate Cake Day  - January 27
  • National Carrot Cake Day  - February 3
  • National Poundcake Day  - March 4
  • National  Blackforest Cake  Day - March 28
  • National Lemon Chiffon Cake Day - March 29
  • National  Coffee Cake Day  - April 7
  • National Hazelnut Cake Day - June 1
  • National Applesauce Cake Day - June 6
  • National German Chocolate Cake Day - June 12
  • National Strawberry Shortcake Day  - June 14     
  • National Spongecake Day  - August 23
  • National Angel Food Cake Day - October 10
  • National Cake Day - November 26
  • National Fruitcake Day  -December 27
  • National Sacher Torte Day  -December 5


Cupcake Holidays


List of National Cupcake Holidays:


  • Hostess Cupcake Day – May 10
  • Chocolate Cupcake Day – October 18
  • National Vanilla Cupcake Day - November 10
  • National Cupcake Day – December 15


Hostess Cupcakes
Source: Pixabay

*NOTE:  One of the most famous and popular cupcakes is the Hostess Cupcake.  Check out this recipe for homemade Hostess Cupcakes.  It is found on the blog Love, Life & Sugar by Lindsay. 



Cake & Cupcake Recipes by the ReviewThisReviews Contributors


One of the RTR Contributors – the leader of the pack we all affectionately call “Mouse” -  SylvesterMouse Cynthia, is our 'go-to' expert on getting fancy and having fun with cakes and cupcakes. In addition to numerous recipes Mouse has shared here on Review This Reviews, she has also featured several on her own blog sites.  See a few below:


Snake Cake by Sylvestermouse
Snake Cake by Sylvestermouse

For an extra fun cake, see this (How to Decorate) Snake Cake by Sylvestermouse on her Cooking for the Holidays website.






Halloween Ghost Castle Cake by Sylvestermouse
Halloween Ghost Cake by Sylvestermouse

Plus, her Halloween Ghost Castle Cake on the Sylvestermouse Halloween Haven website.






Spooky Spider Cupcakes by Sylvestermouse
Photo courtesy of Fun Food


Then there is her Spooky Spider Cupcakes 


And how about making a fancy cake design using cupcakes in the Sylvestermouse review of the Cupcake Cakes Cookbook?


More Delicious Cake & Cupcake Recipes & Reviews on Review This



Summary


So anytime you wish to indulge in a sweet treat in the cake & cupcake family, check out one of the above recipes or have a cake dessert day to celebrate one of the cake/cupcake holidays found all year long. 



Happy 'Cake' Eating!


*Cakes and Cupcakes - Special Days and Reviews compiled for your eating pleasure by Wednesday Elf.


For More Holiday Reviews, see 

ReviewThisReviews: Holidays


For More Recipe Reviews, see 

ReviewThisRecipes.com 







Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Wednesday, June 14, 2023

June 14, An Auspicious Day on the Holiday Calendar ~ A Holiday Review

People love to know what kind of "Holidays" or "Special Events Days", are out there because there are just so many!  If you want to be in the KNOW, sign up for Days of the Year, you will find out that there are holidays and days of remembrance for just about everything and anything!

flags


Today June 14th is Flag Day and I must admit that it comes just at the right time.  In a couple of weeks the two  largest countries on the North American continent will be celebrating holidays where their own country's flag plays an important role.  But don't let that stop you from showing your Flag pride today!  Show us where you are now and where you have come from!  There are flags for every country available, just remember if you are flying more than one flag, your new home's flag is on top!  For Americans it's the stars and stripes and for Canadians it's that lovely maple leaf!

Now if you live in either Canada or the USA, you will know that Canada Day on July 1st and Independence Day on July 4th are 2 very important holidays and both our countries celebrate them with lots of festivities, pride and the waving of our flags.

Most important for us all is the displaying and flying of our flags, signalling our pride in our homeland!

It is a good two weeks before these great holidays and a wonderful  time for us to look at our flags and make sure that they are in proper condition for the trooping of the colors.

There is nothing sadder than seeing a flag that is torn, ragged or tattered from use being flown on such an important holiday.  So might I suggest that today is a good day, no, it's a great day to take down your flag temporarily and check it over for wear and tear. 

If your flag is in any other shape than perfect, it's time to get a new flag!

Being Patriotic means more than just flying a flag.  It means that you will not fly a flag that is tattered and torn or worn out.  Doing that,  (for me anyways) is a sign of disrespect for the country that I love.

A beautiful pristine flag is what I will be flying so that everyone will know that I love my country and am proud to fly it's flag.  A perfect flag that sets a smile on my face and gratitude in my heart.  

 While this particular flag is not the least expensive one, it is made in the USA and it has the highest customer satisfaction rating. That says a lot to me, but you make up your own mind. Just make sure that you have a beautiful flag to fly high!


For Canadians who might be reading this review, you are NOT left out!  July 1st is coming quickly and that beautiful red and white flag needs to be as spotless and fresh looking as any flag can be.  So now there is no excuse for you to be flying a flag that would rather not be seen.

Be wonderful, be patriotic and be proud! We do live in two of the greatest countries in the world and we have every reason to be proud! Happy Flag Day and I know now that you will be ready for the next two big holidays as well!




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Friday, November 7, 2014

The Thanksgiving Turkey ~ Part I of Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving

CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 ~ Photo by Julie on Flickr.com

I absolutely love Thanksgiving and all of the Thanksgiving dinner recipes!  For as long as I can remember, Thanksgiving has been a family gathering time.  

My mother and I always prepare our traditional Thanksgiving recipes in anticipation of the family members flying, driving or riding in for the Thanksgiving holiday.  We never know exactly what to expect or what will happen when everyone is together, but we know what we will eat.


Preparing for Thanksgiving

The week before Thanksgiving, I go to the grocery store with my list.  The holidays are probably the only time of the year that I really enjoy grocery shopping.  Not because of the food I am buying, but because I know that food will be prepared for the holiday celebration and the people who make it all worthwhile.

Holiday Cooking
My Grandmother & Brother ~ Holidays Past


Sometimes things get hectic and I get a little stressed, but I do try very hard to make the holidays easier by adhering to my own advice offered  in my article, Ten Ways to Make the Holiday Easier.

I want to enjoy the time I get to spend with my whole family and I want to have wonderful memories to reflect on throughout the years.  I also want them to enjoy the holidays in our home and to have fond, pleasant memories of time well spent.


The Main Course

When I was growing up, my grandmother and mother prepared the Thanksgiving meal.   Now, my mother and I cook the dinner.  Occasionally, my sister or one of my sisters-in-law will arrive in town early enough to help.  That is always guaranteed to be amusing and entertaining!

Turkey

It is my job to prepare and cook the turkey.  I try to beat everyone else out of bed so I can shower and dress for the day.  By the time I am in the kitchen to start washing the turkey, Mom and Dad are usually here to chat with me while I get started.  Once the turkey is in the oven, Mom joins me and we work together for hours of cooking, laughing, cutting up and sometimes just talking.  It is a fabulous day.  I have always maintained that it is my favorite day of the year.  Sure, we get tired, but I wouldn't change a thing.

I share my recipe and tips for How to Bake a Turkey here:  Cooking for the Holidays


What's Next

Now that we have the turkey out of the way, be sure to join us here again next week.  We will be sharing the side dishes and desserts for the Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes Menu on Review This!


Be sure to check out additional Thanksgiving tips on Traveling Food - Holidays and Potlucks




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Friday, March 7, 2014

I'm the Cooking for the Holidays Contributor on Review This!

Cooking for the Holidays Contributor
I am pretty excited about sharing holiday recipes! 

As the Cooking for the Holidays Contributor on Review This, I will not only be seeking and sharing awesome holiday recipes, but I  also plan to share the ways we prepare to serve multiple meals during the holidays, our time saving tips, as well as the sanity saving tips, that we all need when cooking for the holidays.


Websites are brimming with fabulous holiday recipes and special treats.  Many of which, have been handed down for generations.  Other recipes are straight from the pages of our favorite cookbook and they have been tried and proven for years.  

I love new recipes and new cookbooks!  We all want to be ready for the next holiday by having the right cookbooks on hand when needed.  So, I will also be searching for great cookbooks to recommend, as well as reviews to feature.

I would also love it if you would share your holiday preparation articles, time saving ideas, or survival tips for the holidays.  If you have published an article on either of those topics, awesome!  Simply share that link in our guestbook below.



I am waiting to hear from you!


Cookbooks & Recipes Reviewed Here on Review This 






For More About Sylvestermouse, Visit:  About Me




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Holidays Celebrating Peanut Butter

Reviewing Peanut Butter Holidays


Image of peanuts and peanut butter
Source: Pixabay

People submit dates on several holiday sites to celebrate something they love or are passionate about. It may be a food, an animal, an event or to give recognition to a cause. Thus, over time, we have ended up with literally hundreds of these fun, interesting, sometimes wacky or weird, holidays to enjoy.


Peanut Butter, a solid staple in most kitchen cupboards, has seemingly produced several holidays. People must really love Peanut Butter!


Let's talk a bit about peanut butter and review these peanut butter celebrations.


What is Peanut Butter?


Image of jars of peanut butter and jelly
Source: Pixabay

Peanut butter is a spread made from ground up dry-roasted peanuts, with a bit of salt and sweeteners added. It was invented by
Marcellus Gilmore Edson in 1848. Today it is a spread used on crackers, bread, toast or celery, and as a tasty ingredient in desserts and other dishes. The most popular sandwich, especially in children's school lunches, is a PB&J.


Peanut Butter Dates to Celebrate


The whole month of November every year has been designated National Peanut Butter Lover’s Month.


  • January 24th is National Peanut Butter Day
  • March 1st is National Peanut Butter Lover's Day
  • April 2nd has been set aside to celebrate National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day.
  • May 18th – I Love Reese’s Day – a day to celebrate those sweet peanut butter candies loved by many.
  • June 12th is a day to bake some peanut butter cookies to celebrate Peanut Butter Cookie Day.
  • November 20th is another 'tasty' day for those with a sweet tooth as we celebrate National Peanut Butter Fudge Day.


Peanut Butter Reviews


Our behind-the-scenes writers love Peanut Butter as seen by the fun and fascinating reviews and recipes written on this blog by several of our ReviewThis! Contributors.


Coconut Peanut Butter No Bake Bliss BallsPeanut Butter Bliss Balls
Dawn Rae gives us her recipe for Easy No-Bake Bliss Balls with delicious coconut and peanut butter in the ingredients.


Peanut Butter M&MsPeanut Butter M&Ms
Dawn Rae reviews the many flavors of M&Ms, including one with peanut butter.


Peanut Butter Magic Spoon CerealMagic Spoon Cereal
For Keto diet followers, Brite-Ideas reviews Magic Spoon Cereal. These cereals come in four flavors, one of which is peanut butter.


Reeses Peanut Butter Christmas TreesReeses Peanut Butter Christmas Trees
Reeses peanut butter cups have long been a favorite candy. Seasonally, Reeses brings out these peanut butter cups in holiday shapes. Wednesday Elf reviews the Peanut Butter Christmas Trees.


Peanut Butter Keto Cookie Dough SnackSnack Better With The Best Healthy Keto Cookie Dough Bites
Margaret Schindel reviews Bhu Keto Bites mini protein bars perfect for Keto snacks. They come in a variety of flavors, one of which is Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.


So, pick a day from this list of holidays to celebrate this wholesome food we call PEANUT BUTTER! 


Peanut Butter sandwich
Source: Pixabay


*Peanut Butter Holidays written and compiled by Wednesday Elf.





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Wednesday, June 23, 2021

There are Big Celebrations Coming our Way - Show Your National Pride!

Whether you live in Canada or the USA, July is a month for Celebrating! 

Celebration Products Reviewed!


fireworks

July 1st is Canada Day followed very closely by July 4th Independence Day in the USA!

Those are two big holidays that just happen to fall in a great place this year.  Thursday July 1st and Sunday July 4th make it quite possible if you live close to the border, to enjoy each other and our holidays together.

After all the close downs, it will be nice to be able to travel even if its just down the road a ways.   I'm looking forward to that as a possibility!

Now whether or not that happens, don't let the holiday pass without getting some enjoyment from it all.

I love putting out my flag a week to two weeks before our holiday and then I leave it in place for the whole month.  Many Americans have their flags waving all year round, so it's a great time to make sure your flag is in tip top condition!  There is nothing sadder to me than seeing a tattered and tired flag.  There is no excuse!  Take a good look at it now and if it needs replacing then do the right thing and replace it!  Everyone will appreciate seeing a new flag flying. 

What I love even more than seeing a flag flying in the breeze during these holidays, is people getting their community spirit up by the wearing of "flag" inspired clothing!  Yes I love seeing the tee shirts and shorts, bathing suits and fitness gear all decked out in colors that represent your favorite place on earth!  After all this is the place you call home.

Cents of Style does a great job with T-shirts that reflect that patriotic notion.  And they do it in a great size range too!  




4th of july celebration clothing

 T-shirts are a summer standard and everyone knows you can never have too many!  Are you getting the whole family together?  Can you just imagine the photo opportunities with everyone decked out in their finest deeply patriotic T's?

My bet is that everyone will be taking a picture of the whole bunch of you enjoying yourselves to the fullest.  Isn't that what these holidays are all about?

Now I'm sure that there will be food involved in all this celebration with family and friends, but did you know it's real easy to make something spectacular for everyone without breaking the proverbial bank?

Food and Family go together like a hand in a glove.  So be prepared ahead of time by getting some ice cream sandwiches (you know the ones with the chocolate cookies on the outside and vanilla ice cream in between).  Dip the outside edges of the ice cream with red and blue sprinkles to give them that holiday feeling.  Or dip pretzels sticks or ties into white chocolate and sprinkle them with red and blue to give them that Holiday feel!  Easy to do and can be done days ahead of time too.
4th of July Pretzels by craftcreatecook.com
                                                                       Linked Photo & Directions on craftcreatecook.com

Can you tell that I'm looking forward to this special time?  I enjoy the holidays, especially after the last couple of years when many festivities needed to be curtailed.  It's time to stretch out our wings and fly with the flags that are waving their hellos to the world.  Won't you come and join in the fun?

To all my friends Canadian and American who are celebrating these wonderful holidays,  May I wish you all the best from the bottom of my heart and my hopes that our tomorrows will always be brighter!





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Holidays Reviewed on Review This Reviews!

holidays

Treasures from the Archives of Review This Reviews! 

We all enjoy special events, celebrations, and fun holidays. Seems mankind is always seeking something new to celebrate, or a reason to bring a bit of joy into our daily lives. After all, there needs to be a balance to work and responsibilities. 
 
Companies, special project groups, focus groups and campaigns have brought some fun to otherwise normal days by naming days, or even months, for fun things or activities. 

Did you know there is a National Lollipop Day, or a Hot Tea Month?  For those of us who love cookies, there is even a Bake Cookies Day appropriately set a week before Christmas.  

Of course, there are days to celebrate our favorite animals.  Who wouldn't love International Rabbit Day and National Dolphin Day!

We also celebrate relaxing!  So, hang your hammock on National Hammock Day , grab a Paczki or popcorn, a book or headphones, and take the day off.  If you prefer, spend your day off enjoying your hobby.  After all, there is a National Hobby Month, even though a month is not long enough to celebrate our favorite hobby.

Come to think of it, there should be a Review This Reviews Day!  Select the best day for celebrating Review This Reviews, share your ideas in the comments below, and we will take all of the recommendations, choose a specific date, and declare it Review This Reviews Day!  

Our contributors enjoy highlighting these days of celebration.  We hope to bring a little sunshine to your day and give you a reason to smile and have fun.  In addition to the major holidays, we review the fun holidays, explain their origins when known, and encourage our readers to focus on fun and happiness.

Let's find a reason to celebrate!




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Friday, May 2, 2014

Holiday Cookbooks: Perfect for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is just around the corner, so now is the perfect time to pull out your favorite cookbook and plan a special treat for mom.  

If you or your mom love cooking for the holidays, or anytime, a holiday cookbook is also the perfect gift for Mother's Day.  I know I personally have a collection of specialty and holiday cookbooks that I absolutely love and frequently grab for reference.  I enjoy "pouring over a cookbook", as my own mother would say, reading recipes, making a grocery list and planning to try a new recipe.


The Pioneer Woman Cooks A Year of Holidays


pecan pie recipe from the pioneer woman cookbook
Our very own pioneer woman, RenaissanceWoman2010, reviewed a fabulous cookbook for all of us recently in her article entitled, I'm Spending the Holidays with Ree.  I was so impressed by her review, that I simply had to purchase my own copy of The Pioneer Woman Cooks A Year of Holidays.

I have my own grandmother's Pecan Pie recipe that I use, but the recipe and featured photo were all I needed to see to know I had to have the cookbook!

The Pioneer Woman's Holiday cookbook is chock full of some great recipes and while I don't know Ree personally, I do know she will now be a part of my holidays too.


May You All Have a 
Happy Mother's Day!



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, May 9, 2020

A Review of Sock Days

A pair of socks with ladybug designs
Source: Pixabay
There are seven major holidays celebrated in the U.S. every year and many others celebrated around the world. Then there are innumerable just-about-daily holidays that are obscure, bizarre, weird, wacky, and downright funny. 

The majority of these are UN-official holidays, dreamed up by people to celebrate a favorite activity, craft or food. Many of these holidays have no known origin, but are fun to celebrate. Some are serious 'special days' to bring awareness to - and help for – animals facing extinction or medical conditions.

Today we are going to look at a group of funny sock holidays, including National Sock Day (December 4), Silly Sock Day (April 3), No Sock Day (May 8) and probably the funniest one ~ Lost Sock Memorial Day celebrated on May 9.


National Sock Day 


National Sock Day is an annual celebration observed every year on December 4th.  It began as a company promotion by Pair of Thieves, an American basics apparel company which makes socks, underwear, and shirts. Founder Cash Warren gave a simple explanation for the company name, which exemplifies the team's witty, mischievous spirit. “Who steals the sock that goes missing after doing laundry?” he said. “Pair of thieves.” 

The company had a celebration on December 4, 2016 where they walked through offices at Honest, Facebook, and Red Bull  with a band and Santa Claus, to spread cheer, and socks. Check it out here. 





Silly Sock Day


A row of various socks
Source:  Pixabay

Despite it's funny name, Silly Sock Day is actually an annual awareness raising day held  on April 3rd  during Autism Awareness Week to help support autistic individuals by raising funds and awareness.  It was begun to bring awareness to autism in East Midlands, England. It is easy to celebrate – just don your most ridiculous socks and share them on Social Media with the tag #SillySockDays.


No Sock Day


We celebrate National No Sock Day on May 8th.  It's a day to free your toes from socks, and give your feet a breath of some fresh air.  The holiday was created by Ruth & Thomas Roy of Wellcat.com


Lost Sock Memorial Day


A single sock hanging on a branch
Lost Sock. Source: Pixabay
This is the day (May 9) we commemorate lost socks.  This unofficial holiday was invented to encourage people to finally let go of all those single socks they keep in a 'lost sock drawer' hoping to find their partners one day. Believe me, it's not going to happen. 

My mother kept a whole drawer just for those lost socks and over the years the drawer was stuffed full of single socks from a family of six. Us kids used to be given the job on laundry days of trying to match up the latest single socks with one in the sock drawer –  and we never once found a match. We used to kid that the washer or dryer 'ate' the socks.  True story!  

So, unless you like wearing unmatched socks, give it up and use May 9th Lost Sock Day as the time to get rid of those single socks without a partner. Or, alternatively, recycle those single socks as cleaning cloths. Or make sock monkeys or sock puppets out of them for the kids.


FAQs about Socks


Socks
Source: Pixabay

Q: How long should a pair of socks last?
A: If worn once a week, a pair of socks should last about a year. 

Q: What is the origin of the word SOCK?
A: The word sock comes from the Old English word “socc”, which means 'light slipper'. 

Q: What  is the Sock Capital of the World?
A: The Datang district in eastern China is the top producer of socks  in the world. It has become known as “Sock City” because about 40% of  the world's socks are produced there. It is estimated that in one year they make enough socks to supply two pairs for every person in the world.

Q: What are Baby Socks called?
A: Booties!


Baby Booties


That last Q&A above I just made up...  LOL. There actually ARE socks for babies, but booties are a nice alternative to baby socks and often come as a match to infant outfits. I mention booties here as a way to show off my handmade baby booties on Etsy.

Baby Booties in Crochet


Handmade baby booties
Handmade Baby Booties on Etsy
A pretty pair of baby booties hand-crocheted in a pastel ombre yarn in white, pink green, yellow and blue acrylic yarn.

These pastel booties are sized for a 3-6 month old baby measuring 4 inches from heel to toe. They have a folded down top (roll over ankle) and white ribbon ties.

Darling handmade yarn booties to keep your baby's toes warm. Also perfect for a new baby gift or a baby shower gift.

These pastel baby booties are available in the Etsy Shop of Coastal Crochet Crafts. *Note: these booties have sold, but another pair can be created upon request. Please just visit the Etsy Shop listed here.


Sock Reviews by ReviewThisReviews.com Contributors


Feet showing fancy socks
Source: Pixabay

Sock Daddy Socks – Review by Wednesday Elf

Crocheted Slipper Socks - Review by Dawn Rae

World's Softest Socks – Review by BarbRad

Carhart Socks for Women – Review by Dawn Rae

Sherpa Theme Slipper Socks - Review by Wednesday Elf


Sock Days Review written by (c) Wednesday Elf – 5/9/2020




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


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