Mar 30 - Pencils

Another, random why do we really need it holiday, National Pencil Day.

Now I will be honest I do prefer to write with a pencil  and seems I am in good company:


Notable pencil users (Wikipedia)

• Thomas Edison had his pencils specially made by Eagle Pencil. Each pencil was three inches long, was thicker than standard pencils and had softer graphite than was typically available.
• Vladimir Nabokov rewrote everything he had ever published, usually several times, by pencil.
  
• John Steinbeck was an obsessive pencil user and is said to have used as many as 60 a day. His novel East of Eden took more than 300 pencils to write.
  
• Vincent van Gogh used only Faber pencils as they were “superior to Carpenters pencils, a capital black and most agreeable.”
  
• Johnny Carson regularly played with pencils at his Tonight Show desk. These pencils were specially made with erasers at both ends to avoid on-set accidents.
  
• Roald Dahl used only pencils with yellow casing to write his books. He had six sharpened pencils ready at the beginning of each day and only when all six became unusable did he resharpen them.

 Hymen Lipman received the first patent for attaching an eraser to the end of a pencil on this day in 1858. The majority of these writing utensils made in the United States are painted yellow.  It is believed that this tradition began in 1890 when the L & C Hardtmuth Company of Austria-Hungary introduced their Koh-I-Noor brand, named after the famous diamond.  This pencil was intended to be the world’s best and most expensive pencil.  Other companies then began to copy the yellow color so that their pencils would be associated with the high-quality brand.


source: http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/2017/03/29/march-30-2017-national-pencil-day

Mar 29 - Not even sure why

Ok really I am so coming up with a national day coz this one seems a stretch ... National Little Red Wagon Day.

For nearly 100 years, Radio Flyer has been bringing smiles to kids of all ages and creating warm memories that last a lifetime. As a brand, Radio Flyer has always supported unstructured outdoor play and its positive impact on children. With their 100th anniversary on the horizon, Radio Flyer would like to establish a day that not only celebrates kids’ imaginations but the vehicles that help them explore it – their wagons.

This iconic toy is one of the most enduring toys of all time. For generations, children have led little red wagons down Independence Day parade routes, carried out infinite imaginary missions and voyages of childhood fantasy. It is not unusual for a little red wagon to be handed down from one generation to the next, treasured like a family heirloom.  The adventures are enjoyed by all, regardless of age.

National Little Red Wagon Day was founded by Radio Flyer in honor of their upcoming 100th anniversary which is this year.
The Registrar of National Day Calendar declared National Little Red Wagon Day in 2016.

And to celebrate well a little music of course, thanks Miranda :)

For those that want more substantial history on the red wagons check out the history of  Radio Flyer.

Source: http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-little-red-wagon-day-last-wednesday-in-march/

Mar 28 - More Food

National Something on a Stick Day - sure why not.  




No street fair today which is a shame as am sure I could have come up with something from there but I have to say first thought was obviously ice cream, so I went with it picked up some for this rainy day and went home to enjoy!!

Was pretty tasty but have to say the choice at home is so much better and you can buy individual ones - a box of three is never a good idea :)

Mar 27 - Joe

Hmm not sure why Joe gets a day but today is National Joe Day!!! Did not manage to have a cuppa Joe with Joey here in the office - figured next best thing just go to Joe's café for it instead ??

The original plan was to have Spanish paella for that holiday but everywhere I looked that had the good stuff was a serving for two only, who knew, so have some good spots in mind for a bite with one of the crew at some stage this year !!!!

Mar 26 - Spinach

The only way I am eating spinach for National Spinach Day is creamed, with steak. Was slightly lazy and ordered in some from PJ Clarkes to a friends house and was pretty darn good.

An annual plant,  spinach is native to central and southwestern Asia. Thought to have originated in ancient Persia, Arab traders carried spinach into India, and then it was introduced into ancient China where it was known as “Persian vegetable   The earliest available record of the spinach plant was found in Chinese, saying that the spinach plant was introduced into China via Nepal.
During her reign as queen of France, Catherine de Medici was well known to have enjoyed spinach so much that it was served at every meal.  To this day, dishes made with spinach are known as “Florentine” reflecting Catherine’s birth in Florence.  Spinach is:

• Eaten raw or cooked and is available fresh, frozen or canned.
• One of the best sources of iron.
• An excellent source of calcium, folic acid, fiber, protein, calcium and vitamins A, C and K.
• Is loaded with cancer-fighting antioxidants
• Believed to help improve cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health.

Types of spinach:
Savoy:  dark green color with curly leaves; usually sold in fresh bunches.
Flat or Smooth Leaf:  broad, smooth leaves;  mostly grown for canned and frozen spinach as well as soups, baby food and processed foods.
Semi-savoy:  a hybrid variety with crinkly leaves:  is sold fresh and processed.

• Following China, the United States is the world’s second largest producer of spinach.
• California, Arizona and New Jersey are the top spinach producing states in the United States.

Source: http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-spinach-day-march-26/

Mar 25 - Waffels

Well this was not my original plan but so much more cost effective!! I will get to Delmonico's one day for Lobster Newburg and the already missed Baked Alaska Day but for today International Waffle Day was perfect:

Surprisingly I never had waffles from this food cart but they were so good - hot and sticky for the sugar - a perfect start to the day :)




Now in research there is a waffle day in the US on August 24 this seems to originate from the Swedish one but seeing as I had Belgian Waffles I figure this works and am sure I will find something else to do on Aug 24 !!!

Mar 24 - Raisins

  Maybe I should do movie night tonight coz its National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day today so treats sorted now what movie should I watch - well I have all day to think about it !!!

In some countries, chocolate covered raisins are known as Raisinets. Raisinets were the earliest and one of the most popular brands of the product.  Currently made by Nestle, they are the third largest selling candy in United States history.  The Blumenthal Chocolate Company introduced the Raisinets to the United States in 1927, and then in 1984, the brand was acquired by Nestle.  There are also a large number of other brands of chocolate covered raisins on the market. 

Raisins are an excellent source of calcium, potassium, iron, fiber and vitamin B.  When you combine the raisins with dark chocolate, you have a great tasting, healthy snack.  


Source: http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-chocolate-covered-raisin-day-march-24/

Mar 23 - Chia

Today is the first official National Chia Day so obviously I must do it!!!
App it was submitted by Mamma Chia in February 2016 by the policies set forth to designate a National Observation Day, this proclamation has been certified by the Registrar at National Day Calendar.


So the first thing I thought of for this was the Avocado toast with Chia seeds, citrus salt and extra virgin olive oil  at Le Pain Quotidien. Just healthy all around :)

This day recognizes the tiny, yet powerful chia seed that has earned its reputation as being one of the most nutrient-rich foods on the planet. Revered by the Maya and Aztecs for their amazing healing powers and natural energy, chia seeds have become a trusted staple for people around the world and can be enjoyed in many foods and beverages!
High in Omega-3s, antioxidants, fiber and complete protein, chia seeds are neutral in flavor and can be added to virtually any recipe to boost the nutritional profile.
Nutrition Facts:

• 8x more Omega-3s than salmon
• 25% more fiber than flaxseed
• 30% more antioxidants than blueberries
• 2x more potassium than bananas
• 6x more calcium than milk

Source: http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-chia-day-march-23/

Mar 22- Goofing Off

Ok so wasn't able to do a full day for National Goof Off Day but I did double back on my way back to work yesterday from a doc's appointment and walked at a more leisurely pace than any sane New Yorker would consider.


I grabbed myself a hot apple cider and wandered thru Union Square Farmers Market even stopping at a stall or two to check out and even got to chat with some of the chefs picking up their supplies. Then it was back to subway and full speed ahead but what a great way to start my day......

Mar 21 - Baguette

Dear lord its National French Bread Day - why I don't care but what a great excuse to have just bread for dinner:)

This photo really doesn't do the bread justice but a trip to Maison Kayser by Columbus Circle after work and life is just better !!


French bread, also known as a baguette, is a long thin loaf made from basic lean dough. It is defined by its length and its crisp crust. Over time, French law has established what is and what is not a baguette.  Beginning in 1920 a labor law prevented bakers from starting their day before 4 a.m.  Bakers adjusted by shaping their loaves of bread, so they baked more quickly and evenly.  As a result, the long, narrow loaves were found to be convenient for slicing and storing. 
The French are known for their high standards where culinary arts are concerned.  To preserve quality in their bread, laws were passed requiring minimum quantities of certain quality ingredients in each loaf of bread.




source: http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-french-bread-day-march-21/

Mar 20 - Spring

Today is the First Day of Spring so of course I took the day off work and took a drive out of the city while it didn't go quiet to plan I did buy a fun colorful cushion to kick off the season  and started on a major spring clean ;)

March 19th - Nurses

Today is National Certified Nurse  Day - so a shout out to all the hard working men and women you know that work long hours to take care of us.

Certified Nurses Day

Mar 18 - Cookies

Ok so I will be honest there was no way I was shopping for or baking these cookies the day after St Patricks Day - seems I did decide to stop into bar on way home ......... I did look in a cookie place by me and nope not one in sight.

So in spirit I did celebrate National Lacy Oatmeal Crisp Cookies in that I did look up a recipe and in a couple weeks when I am casting and have access to a proper kitchen I will bake

Lacy Oatmeal Crisp Cookie Recipe


Update to come :)

Mar 17 - Home

Well this is an easy one - St Patrick's Day and here in the US - National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day!!

 Now while I would prefer bacon and cabbage it is not easy to find so I really have no choice. Also I refuse to face any of the pubs in the area tonight so thankfully the cafeteria at work has it on today no parsley sauce though :(

As most know corned beef is not something we eat in Ireland and def not on St. Patricks Day - very interesting article on the history by The Smithsonian Mag : Is Corned Beef Really Irish

Also check out the book 97 Orchard: An Edible History of Five Immigrant Families in One New York Tenement reviewed here  NY Times Review.

Mar 16 - Hearts

Artichoke Hearts that is :) Have to thank National Artichoke Hearts Day for leading me to a fun spot in the hood.


I have passed this pizza place so often but never went in but as it was the only place serving artichoke pizza in this weather it was the only option and what a find: Kiabacca, 639 10th Avenue

This was an amazing pizza - All Choked Up a white pie with artichoke hearts, spinach, pancetta, feta, fresh mozzarella, garlic infused olive oil.


As for artichokes themselves well according to the California Artichoke Advisory Board, artichokes are a good source of antioxidants, vitamin C, folate and magnesium.  The antioxidants in artichokes are very good for your liver and help promote healthy skin.  Artichokes are also high in fiber, calcium and protein while low in calories.  For all of these reasons, along with being fat-free and cholesterol free, artichokes are truly a healthy and delicious food to celebrate, though maybe not in the way I had them especially with a cider or two on the side  !!!!

• The total antioxidant capacity of an artichoke flower head is one of the highest reported for vegetables.
• The fleshy base of the artichoke is perhaps the most enjoyably edible part of this oddly-shaped vegetable. 
  
•  You can find artichoke hearts that are packed in vinegar, oil or marinade and canned.
• They make for a great low sodium snack and lend themselves well to other snacks like artichoke dip, as well as a pizza topping.
  
• Toss them in the skillet for a savory sauté.
• They might just turn into a healthy addiction!
• California is known as the artichoke capital of the world.  They supply nearly 100% of North American fresh artichokes.

source: http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-artichoke-hearts-day-march-16/

Mar 15 - Shoes

Great cause today - National Shoe the World Day


Each day over 500 million children, teens and adults around the world do not have a pair of shoes to wear, and despite the terrain and the climate, they have to walk barefoot everywhere. It is a struggle each day that we cannot begin to imagine.  Having to live a daily life without protection on your feet can lead to a lifetime of problems including pain, injury, cuts, sores, infections, parasites, banning from schools and other places and the list goes on.




I just donated to  Soles4Soles for this great cause. Or maybe visit  Toms and buy yourself a pair, one for one.

This day was created to bring awareness, to everyone across the nation, of the incredible need to help those people around the world that do not have shoes to wear and then to take action in helping.


National Shoe the World Day was inspired by Donald Zsemonadi and the United Indigenous People in Fontana, California in March of 2014.




Source: http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-shoe-the-world-day-march-15/

Mar 14 - Crisps

The perfect lunch for National Potato Chip Day - so glad I dragged myself to Queens yesterday coz despite the weird looks from my co-workers you cannot beat a Tayto Crisp Sandwich :)

On August 24, 1853, an unhappy restaurant customer, complaining that his potatoes were too thick and soggy, kept sending them back.  Chef George Crum decided to slice the potatoes as thin as possible, frying them until crisp and added extra salt.  To the chef’s surprise, the customer loved them, and they soon became a regular item on the restaurant’s menu under the name of “Saratoga Chips.”
Alternative explanations of the beginning of potato chips date them to recipes in Shilling Cookery for the People by Alexis Soyer (1845) or Mary Randolph’s The Virginia House-Wife (1824).  There are many references between these dates to sliced potatoes being fried in grease but whether they were fried to a crisp is not clear.  
What is clear is that by the late 1870s, the term “Saratoga Chips” was being widely used as a standard menu item on train cars, hotel restaurants and street carts.  The name carried on into grocers when the chips were made in larger batches by bakeries.  They shipped them by wagon to the restaurants and groceries by the barrel, and the groceries would then sell to private families by the pound.  Folks were instructed to bake the chips in a hot oven for a few minutes, and they would be as crisp as if fried that same day.  


The Tayto founder: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1361491/Joe-Spud-Murphy.html


source: http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/2017/03/13/march-14-2017-national-pi-day-national-potato-chip-day-national-learn-about-butterflies-day-national-childrens-craft-day/

Mar 13 - Tortes

Of course there is a National Coconut Torte Day and it is on the eve before the blizzard. I really did try and find one but by the time I hit my fourth store and saw the lines and lines of people and empty shelves I figured maybe I should just go to Queens and stock up for tomorrows holiday instead  :)


While there I did manage to find something coconut based which was as good as I remember :

Coconut covered marshmallow snowball - better than a torte any day!!!!

March 12 - Cookies

Not just any cookies - its National Girl Scout Day so obv Thin Mints :)

Girl Scouting in the United States of America began on this day, March 12, 1912, when Juliette Gordon Low organized the first Girl Scout troop meeting.  At this first troop meeting in Savannah, Georgia, there were 18 girls present.  For these girls, Juliette Gordon Low organized enrichment programs, service projects, and outdoor activities and adventures.  Since the time of the first meeting, Girl Scouts has grown to over 3.7 million members.








source: http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-girl-scout-day-march-12/

Mar 11 - Apples

Its National Johnny Appleseed Day so obviously cider right!!!

He was born John Chapman on September 26, 1774, in Leominster, Massachusetts to Nathaniel and Elizabeth Simons Chapman. Not much is known about his early life other than his mother died when he was two. His father packed up Johnny and his sister (an infant brother had died the previous year) and moved to Springfield, Massachusetts. His father served as a Minuteman and fought at Bunker Hill.
Then in 1797, Chapman shows up in northwestern Pennsylvania propagating his apple seeds and working his way steadily into the frontier of West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana and eventually as far west as Illinois and Iowa and as far north as Michigan and Wisconsin.
In his wake, he left orchards and the teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg, a Swedish spiritual leader whose books he would buy with whatever payment he might receive for his endeavors. In turn, Johnny would give the books away as he traveled and planted.
Mostly, though, he planted his seeds and seedlings for free along with his wisdom, his broad-brimmed pasteboard hat keeping the sun from his eyes as he went. Often shoeless, he traveled mostly by foot and sometimes by horseback or canoe. His appearance was nearly as noteworthy as his accomplishments, but so was his kindness. There was always a place at the table if Johnny Appleseed were to come visiting.
There are many stories told that the man would travel many miles to nurse an ailing orchard when word would reach him of its poor condition. Bringing the trees back to health would be his chief endeavor while dispersing wisdom, care and kindness as he did.
Across the Midwest, landmarks pepper the countryside honoring the man that brought fruit to the frontier. Warren County, Pennsylvania lays claim to Johnny Appleseed’s first tree nursery.
Mansfield, Ohio honors the man with a monument in South Park.  The last known Chapman tree still lives! In rural Ashland County, Ohio, the tree struggles to survive but half of it still manages to bloom in the spring. 
In his hometown of Springfield, Massachusetts there is an entire park named after the man who nurtured the land and made apple trees bloom across a young nation.
Johnny Appleseed Day is celebrated on either March 11 or September 26. The September date is Appleseed’s acknowledged birth date. The March date is sometimes preferred due to the planting season. While there is some vagueness concerning Appleseed’s death and burial, it is known he became ill in early March and passed soon after.
National Johnny Appleseed Day is celebrated in many elementary schools across the country.


Source: http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-johnny-appleseed-day-march-11/

March 10 - Packed Lunch

This was a relatively easy one seeing as I bring my lunch most days which is a huge money saver in NYC .. was a little shocked at the cost of my crab roll yesterday and you just cant beat the good old ham and cheese sandwich :)

March 09 - Crabs !!!!!

  Its ok we are talking crustaceans here and not one I usually go for I am def more of a lobster fan but in honor of National Crab Meat Day I rallied and hit up Luke's Lobster  for a yummy Crab Roll for lunch  ...

March 08 - Peanuts again

I believe this is Peanut month which might explain all the national peanut days and this is another one I can support National Peanut Cluster Day

I mean I really could have made - this peanuts and chocolate pretty simple but also so much easier to buy a bag - maybe one day I will have to actually make one of these dishes!!

March 07 - Cereal

Big fail on Kellogg's part, the cereal store here In Times Sq. which was the perfect spot to celebrate National Cereal Day is a temporary Pop Tart store????




So back to the original plan and very apt seeing as Oatmeal is where is all began!!

 Ferdinand Schumacher, a German immigrant, began the cereal revolution in 1854 with a hand oats grinder in the back room of a small store in Akron, Ohio. His German Mills American Oatmeal Company was the nation’s first commercial oatmeal manufacturer.  In 1877, Schumacher adopted the Quaker symbol, the first registered trademark for a breakfast cereal.




Granula, the first breakfast cereal, was invented in the United States in 1863 by James Caleb Jackson, operator of Our Home on the Hillside, which was later replaced by the Jackson Sanatorium in Dansville, New York.  The cereal never became popular since it was inconvenient as the heavy bran nuggets needed soaking overnight before they were tender enough to eat.




The cereal industry rose from a combination of sincere religious beliefs and commercial interest in health foods.  Dr. John Harvey Kellogg experimented with granola.  He boiled some wheat, rolled it into thin films, and baked the resulting flakes in the oven; he acquired a patent in 1891.  In 1895 he launched Cornflakes, which overnight captured a national market.


Source: http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/2017/03/06/march-7-2017-national-cereal-day-national-pancake-day-ihop-national-crown-of-roast-pork-day-national-be-heard-day/

March 06 - Cookies

Seems like these are in everything these days, ice cream , chocolate bars, cakes but going with the classic to honor National Oreo Cookie Day...

And of course what better place to eat it then in Chelsea market where the National Biscuit Company (today known as Nabisco) first developed and produced the Oreo Biscuit in March 1912. Located on Ninth Avenue between 15th and 16th Streets. Today, this same block of Ninth Avenue is known as "Oreo Way.

March 05 - Doodles

Another perfect one for today - a quick trip to the store and home for a movie and snack coz it's  National Cheese Doodle Day ....

Sounds easy right, well 6 stores later and not a single Wise Cheese Doodle to be found, now I know I have seen them around but it feels like 20 degrees out there so cheese puffs will have to do 😬
I am assuming they taste the same but a taste test will be likely next time I find cheese doodles!

March 04 - cake

Well I tried to avoid food again today but I just couldn't find a G.I. to hug and trust me that was my first choice 😏  Instead a trip to Starbucks for a long time fav that is so high in Weight Watchers points I was only able to have a tiny tasting but it was so worth it - lemon pound cake on National Pound Cake Day ...yummy

Mar 03 - Unplugged

So this is starting a little later in the day than planned -for National Day of Unplugging, as I am on the computer / phone for work wasn't really possible but the deal is from 5.30pm onwards no texts, no Facebook, no instagram and no TV / Google am going to continue with my book and have a chilled evening.




So obv no picture can be posted either :)

March 02 - Books

Love this - its National Read Across America Day and World Book Day at home so perfect day to find a cozy spot and catch up on some reading :)

Each year, National Read Across America Day is celebrated on March 2nd, the birthday of Dr. Seuss. However, if it falls on a weekend, it is observed in the school systems on the school day closest to March 2nd.  This day is a motivational and awareness day, calling all children and youth in every community across the United States to celebrate reading. It was reading that was created by the National Education Association & the first National Read Across America Day was held on March 2, 1998.



Source: http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-read-across-america-day-dr-seuss-day-march-2-unless-weekend/

March 01- Pigs!!!!

Another month down and a promise to post each day / night . Starting March off with pigs.....


Now this is a day used to recognize the importance of domesticated pigs, a highly clever and intelligent animal.  They are a household pet to some that can be trained and taught tricks.
In Dublin in 1772, a trained swine called the Learned Pig told time, counted and other such tricks to entertain crowds in the streets. 


Pigs have been popular storybook characters for generations. From A.A. Milne’s Piglet to E.B. White’s Wilbur, pigs have an endearing and flavorful quality about them that makes us love them.


There are hundreds of different breeds, most of which are descended from the Eurasian Wild Boar. 
 The female is called a gilt and can produce 10 piglets in a single litter. 


They also produce bacon, ham, baby back ribs, spare ribs, sirloin, pork belly and oh, so many more delectable barbecue items it would be a shame to not honor the swine on this day of all days.


Now is it wrong to honor such a wonderful animal by eating it - I am a huge bacon fan but have to say feeling a bit guilty about it today especially seeing as it is also Ash Wednesday!!




So a donation it is:  Pigs Peace Sanctuary came up straight away and I am a huge Seattle / Pacific Northwest fan

Source: http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-pig-day-march-1/