Starbucks, Anyone?

Happy National Coffee Day! For all those caffeine addicts out there, this is your time to shine. Go ahead and splurge because today you shouldn't get any judgmental glares for refilling your mug for the seventh time. In fact, you should head on over to your local Dunkin' Donuts, Starbucks, or Krispy Kreme for a free cup of regular coffee or a discounted mocha or latte. Most locations are participating in this generous event, but don't forget to have your offer present! Go to their websites for more information.

• www.starbucks.com
• https://www.dunkindonuts.com
• www.krispykreme.com

If you are really wanting to get in the spirit, check out these awesome coffee mugs! http://www.coolcoffeemugs.net/

This caffeine molecule shirt is a must for true coffee-lovers, and it also makes a thoughtful and fun present!

Buy it here: http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/1342/?itm=31863608805product_typeT-Shirts_%26_Apparel_Unisex_Shirts_Science_%26_Math&rkgid=441230433&cpg=ogpla&source=google_pla&device=c&network=g&matchtype=&gclid=COavrMnY9LkCFfBaMgodDWcA1A

 
Citation: http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2013/09/28/2716703/national-coffee-day-2013-is-sept.html

Johnny Appleseed Day

photo from http://livefitstrong.com/2011/an-apple-a-day-keeps-the-doctor-away/johnnyappleseed/

Surely all of you have heard of the Johnny Appleseed! I would imagine that the first image that popped into your head was similar to the picture I have posted above, a man surrounded by apples with a pot as a hat and sacks as clothing. As the tale goes, Johnny is noted for being friends with just about everyone he encountered which ranged from Native Americans to settlers to even animals. His goal was to plant apple seeds all over so that no one would ever be hungry and there would be a great source of food for people and animals. This ambitious, very religious, and kind-hearted man lived  rustically without any complaints, and he journeyed through Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Ohio to create many apple orchards. While Johnny traveled, barefoot, might I add, this caring vegetarian would inform farmers and other people of how to take care of the apple trees and how beneficial they could be for everyone.

There are some popular legends about Johnny such as the time he was bitten in the foot by a rattlesnake but was not injured because of how tough his feet were. Another is that he made water to drink by melting snow with his feet. It is known that he did get along with animals, and one story even speaks of him playing with a family of bears. Despite some of these tales that may seem crazy, Johnny Appleseed--errm...more like John Chapman...was indeed a real person. Chapman was born on September 26, 1774 (which is why we celebrate him today!) in Massachusetts. He began his dream at the age of 18 and continued planting apple seeds everywhere he went for more than forty years until he grew ill and died in 1845. There is a memorial for him at Fort Wayne in Indiana that appropriately has the words "he lived for others" engraved on it.

Craving some delicious apple themed treats now? Well now that it is fall, you won't have to search very far! Head on over to a store or farmer's market to pick out some of your favorite apples or even go to an orchard and hand pick your very own! Grab some pals and host an apple pie eating contest or go bobbing for apples! One of my personal favorite apple treats are caramel apples. Gather some sweet treats such as crushed up Oreos, sprinkles, nuts, and caramel and make your own Do-It-Yourself candy apple bar!
Here is a list of even more scrumptious apple desserts! --> http://www.tasteofhome.com/Top-10-Recipes/Top-10-Apple-Dessert-Recipes

Now it's time to sit back with a nice glass of apple juice and watch this Johnny Appleseed movie, enjoy!

Citations: http://www.npr.org/2012/10/20/162862456/the-strangely-true-tale-of-johnny-appleseed
http://www.applejuice.org/johnnyappleseed.html

National Comic Book Day

      

If you are into ongoing stories and love illustrations, comic books may very well be your cup of tea! The first known comic book was written by Rudolphe Töpffer of Switzerland in 1837. At forty pages long, "The Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck" was published in the United States five years later and became the first comic book to ever be published there.

       

 Richard Outcalt, in 1895,first comic book writer to use a "speech balloon" in his illustration to indicate what the character said. This popular debut can be sighted in "Yellow Kid." 

Even if you aren't the biggest fan of actually reading a comic book, you may be very familiar with some of the movies these books inspired. A few popular movies released by DC include Batman, The Green Lantern, and Superman. Some Marvel movies include  Thor, X-Men, Spider-Man, Iron Man, The Avengers,  and Fantastic Four. 

       

Check out my lovely montage of comic book fashion below if you are looking for some fun new style and accesories that may suit you!

                                          

Now right about now I imagine you are probably looking at your screen in excitement because you're so pumped up to go to the Comic book store or rent a super hero movie. If you are a member of the massive fandom of comics, why not go to Comic Con which is an annual convention filled with people just like you! It will be held July 24-27 at the San Diego Convention Center next year.

STILL looking for more fun activities?? Clicking on these links below is an absolute must.

Andy Worhol Pop Art generator: http://bighugelabs.com/popart.com

Comic Book Maker: http://www.pixton.com

Photo Citations: 

wired.com 

dartmouth.edu 

papakennmedia.com

Other Citations: www.inventors.com/od/cstartininventions/a/comics.htm 

www.ign.com/face-off/marvel-vs-dc/movies

National Stepfamily and Guacomole Day

Gradparents, mothers, and fathers have been getting their own day, so it only makes sense that there should be a special day dedicated to stepfamily members as well! Today is a perfect time to show how much you love and appreciate each of your family members. Maybe you'd like to express your feelings in a card or poem, or maybe you just want to spend some quality bonding time with them. I recommend having a nice family dinner or game night with lots of laughs and good conversations, and you'll of course need a fresh batch of guacomole! Yet again we have a perfect combination of holidays for today, so why not take advantage of it? Grab a bag of your favorite tortilla chips and check out this mouth-watering guacomole recipe below!

Guacomole Recipe: http://t.today.com/food/its-national-guacamole-day-6-recipes-twist-8C11167778

National Cream-Filled Doughnut Day

Who doesn't love these sugary treats filled with frosting-like goodness? I spent a chunk of my National Cream-Filled Doughnut Day taking a field trip to Krispy Kreme where the workers certainly seemed even more upbeat than usual. Below are some rather fabulous pictures from my adventure!

                                

And the fun part of course.....................

                                       

Citations: All photos on this post are original

Feelin Superstitious?

Happy Friday the13th! 

Chocolate Shakes and Video Games!

There is not a whole lot that is more refreshing than drinking a cold chocolate milk shake whilst playing your favorite video game--what a stellar way to spend your Thursday evening! It seems perfect that National Video Game Day and National Chocolate Milk Shake Day fall on the same day, so why not take advantage of this fun holiday and indulge a bit! In the mood for a movie? Try Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory or Wreck-It Ralph. Feeling competitive? Host a video game party! Have as many friends over as you want, but keep in mind that many video games have a limited amount of people that are able to play at a time. As for chocolate milkshakes...you have all sorts of options. Luckily, most recipes are very basic and flexible, so you are definitely able to improvise with the ingredients you have at home. Of course, restaurants such as Steak'n'Shake or Crown Candy Kitchen make some delicious shakes as well. Enjoy your day to just have some fun and do something that makes you happy!

I decided to partake in this silly day and made a scrumptious chocolate shake earlier this afternoon. Check out my how-to portion of this post below!

As I mentioned earlier, milkshake recipes are very flexible, so you can essentially personalize it and make it however you like. Here are the steps to how I made my sweet treat:
1. To start off, I gathered all of my materials in a neat space. Some typical necessities for this recipe are a blender, chocolate syrup, vanilla or chocolate ice cream, vanilla or chocolate milk, whipped cream, a spoon, and--to make it more fun--a cute glass(it never fails to somehow make its contents taste better!)
2. Use your spoon to scoop three large scoops of ice cream and place it inside your blender.
3. Pour anywhere from a small splash to 3/4 a cup of the milk in the blender. Note: the more milk you add, the thinner your shake becomes.
4. Squeeze as much chocolate syrup as you would like, you may need to experiment.
5. Blend for about thirty seconds, and you may need to take your spoon to make sure all of the contents are blended.
6. Carefully pour your chilly drink into a glass.
7. If you would like, add garnishes such as whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Bon appétit!

September 11 Remembrance Day

 

Today people from all over the world keep the approximate 3,000 victims of the 9/11 attack in their thoughts and prayers as well as the countless families who lost a loved one or were affected in any way by this tragic event. If you are interested in helping out or would like to do something in honor  of those who were killed, find out more information on the links below.

• http://www.911memorial.org/
• http://www.911day.org/

National Teddy Bear Day

For most people, a substantial momentum from their childhood is their Teddy Bear. They come in all sorts of varying sizes, textures, and colors, and they can act as a source of comfort, protection, and loyal friend when we need them the most. Many children have a difficult time letting go, or at least becoming less attached, to their furry friend. In fact, it is common to still hold on to their beloved bear just as a keepsake. So where did these adorable companions come from?

Oh me Oh my, Have a Big Cheese Pizza Pie!

That's right---September 5 is National Cheese Pizza Day! Whether it be your breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner, making a time for a slice of cheese pizza today is an absolute must. Several possibilities you have to please your palate include going out to a nice pizzeria or Italian restaurant, ordering a delivery, baking your own homemade pizza, or even making a virtual pie on a fun app such as More Pizza!

Labor Day

As most of you are probably enjoying a nice day off work or school, you're well aware that it is Labor Day! Whether you are cranking up your favorite Pandora station at the pool, out shopping with all the special sales going on, or just lounging around your house, it is always nice to enjoy some free time. The first Monday of every September since 1882 is set aside to show appreciation for the work that people do, and it also is viewed as the end of the summer.  If you wanted to flaunt your summery pedicure one last time with your favorite flip flops or show off a cute white dress you snatched up on clearance today, by all means go for it because this may be one of your last chances until next summer. Going to a "last hurrah" type of barbecue? Here are a few simple and delicious sides the host would secretly love you to bring!

• Watermelon Salad: http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/watermelon-salad-with-feta-and-mint
• Potato and Cheese Casserole: http://www.cooks.com/recipe/t041e4wj/potato-cheese-casserole.html.  
• Gooey Butter Cake: http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2013/02/18/homemade-gooey-butter-cake-recipe/

Welcome!

Well hello there! My blog, Day of the Day, is all about the fun holidays that occur every single day and how you can find ways to celebrate and make the most of each one. I will be posting anything from some interesting background information to scrumptious recipes that go along with that day to music or activities to get you in the spirit. Check often to see what holidays your week will be filled with!