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| January | February | March | April | May | June |
| July | August | September |
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National Potato Month Potatoes are the world's fourth-largest food crop, following rice, wheat, and maize. The English word potato comes from Spanish patata.The name originally referred to a type of sweet potato. A potato can be an entire meal, baked and topped with cheese, bacon bits, chopped vegetables, ground meat, and whatever else satisfies your taste buds. There are thousands of other potato recipes from soup to salads to side dishes. September is the perfect time to celebrate this delicious, nutritious vegetable! Betty's Kitchen Oven-Baked Parmesan Potatoes |
![]() Click on the picture for easy and unique recipes with potatoes! |
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![]() Click on the picture for a great rundown on many health issues and treatments. |
National Women's Health and Fitness Day Being fit and healthy is something most everyone wants in their life. Getting that way, or staying that way, are sometimes difficult to achieve. Check out our suggested article and video for today. I think you'll find some good ideas. Fitness Myths Debunked |
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National Good Neighbor Day When I was young, a hundred years ago, we had some neighbors that seemed to be part of our own family. We could go over anytime and know that whatever we needed, they would provide. They could also call us anytime for anything they needed. We often got together for a barbecue or other dinner. I loved them so much! They were definitely good neighbors! |
![]() Click on the picture to find out when and why Good Neighbor Day was created. By the way, this lady is NOT a good neighbor! |
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![]() Click on the picture to download a printable blank family tree. |
National Ancestor Appreciation Day Recording a family's heritage is tremendously important. We have made a blank family tree for you to fill in. You could make one for each person in the family, frame them and display them with your family photos. Click here to download the printable blank family tree. Get the family together and make a family tree for the grandparents, aunts and uncles, and the kids. Jon and Vangelis The Mayflower |
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Many men and women enjoy one or both of these sports. Some learn the art of hunting or fishing from a parent, an uncle, or another family member. Others begin on their own and then teach it to their children. If you have an aversion to killing animals, you could consider shooting with your camera. However you decide to celebrate... watch Goofy in Foul Hunting. |
![]() Click on the picture to read the history of this National holiday. |
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![]() Click on the picture all the information about the Grand Rapids Children's Museum. The Instrument Museum in Phoenix |
National Museum Day When I was 5 years old, my grandfather would walk with me from his house to the Grand Rapids Public Museum. It was about 3 miles, and often it was chilly outside. But he would hold my hand and then put both of our hands into his huge coat pocket as we walked. It was a feeling that I'll never forget. Make memories with your kids that they'll always remember by taking them to a museum. Let them see the fascination of the things of yesterday. |
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Love Note Day Have you ever written a love note? I think everybody has written at least one. I once knew a couple who each had a notebook. Just a plain, spiral notebook. Once or twice a week, they would write a love note to each other. Just whatever was on their minds. After about a year of that, the husband passed away. Those love notes were priceless to his widow. You never know how long you're here for. If you love someone, don't wait to express it to him or her. It could be your last chance. Love Note Day |
![]() Click on the picture for some great ideas to get you started on your own love letter. Love Letter to Darla (What NOT to do) |
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![]() Click on the picture for a quick game fo checkers against your computer. How to Play Checkers (Just in case you forgot) |
Checkers Day How long has it been since you've played this classic game? I hope all of your kids know how to play checkers. You know, if you went to visit your grandparents or some other elderly people, you'd most likely have an instant bond if you started talking about, or better yet, playing a game of checkers with them. Try it today! It's National Checkers Day! |
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Hobbit Day "In a hole in the ground lived a hobbit." This day is the birthday of the famous hobbits, Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. The hobbits love to eat and be merry. Try to spend the day barefoot and eat six meals today. Then you'll be celebrating like a hobbit! |
![]() Click on the picture for facts about hobbits. concerning hobbits |
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International Banana Festival There are so many health benefits to bananas that everyone should add a banana a day to that apple a day. A banana in the morning, just when the hunger pangs begin to set in, or sliced on cereal, or sliced and added to yogurt or a smoothie... it's the perfect breakfast fruit. If you're really pressed for time, just grab one and eat it on the way to work. Only 86 calories in a medium banana, and 1 gram of protein and 3 grams of dietary fiber. |
![]() Click on the picture for facts about bananas and their effect on warts, morning sickness, brain power and much more! Bert and Ernie Banana Phone |
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![]() Click on the picture for some tips and ideas for keeping your baby safe. |
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National Baby Safety Month There are many things that our grandparents and parents did with their babies that have now been proven as safety hazards. They had no way of knowing that those things were safety hazards. Today's generation has much more information on safety for children than any previous generation has had. Sadly, many people don't pay any attention to these warnings, or don't take the time to learn about safety. Please take a few minutes this month to read the safety webpage, and to watch today's video on safety in the nursery! Baby Safety in the Nursery |
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National Women's FriendshipDay I can remember my best friend in kindergarten. Kathy and I would lie on our tummies in the grass and read books together. In 7th grade, my best friend Judy and I would tramp through the woods, exploring all the ponds and clearings. Then we would just sit on a stump and talk. Today is a day to think about those special female friends that you can tell anything to and they'll still be your friend. You share secrets, joys and trials with each other. Friends like that are the silver linings to the clouds of life. |
![]() Click on the picture for some ideas on how to celebrate this day with your female friends! You've Got a Friend Carole King, Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Gloria Estefan |
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![]() Click on the picture for suggestions on learning and teaching respect. Rafa & Roger - Rivalry and respect |
National Respect Day Abraham J. Heshcel on Respect- “A test of a people is how it behaves toward the old. It is easy to love children. Even tyrants and dictators make a point of being fond of children. But the affection and care for the old, the incurable, the helpless are the true gold mines of a culture.” |
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National Apple Dumpling Day There's something about the fragrance of apple pie, applesauce, apple butter, and apple dumplings that brings memories of home and the crisp, autumn outdoors. Try either of these recipes and enjoy a family time with a memorable treat! |
![]() Click on the picture for step-by-step video instructions for making classic apple dumplings. Great Apple Dumplings |
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![]() Click on the picture for the story of Play-Doh's inventor. Fascinating video of Play-Doh animation being shot |
National Play-Doh Day Did you know that Play-Doh was originally invented as a wallpaper cleaner? Aren't you glad the inventor changed his mind about its main use? Play-Doh is soft enough for little hands, yet usable enough for professional projects like the one shown in today's video. |
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Library Card Sign-up Month "Mom, how old do I have to be to get a driver's license?" "Sixteen, Dear." "Mom, how old do I have to be to get a voter's card?" "Eighteen, Dear." "Mom, how old do I have to be to get a library card?" "As long as you can sign your name, maybe even five! You're five; shall we go get you one?" "Finally something I can do! Let's go!" Need help finding your nearest library? Click here for libraries in 4 West Michigan counties! |
![]() Click on the picture for lots of ways to use the library! Arthur and the Library Card |
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![]() Click on the picture for the 5 most popular line dances, with full instructions! Line Dance World in Nashville |
Line Dancing Week At my nephew's wedding reception a few years ago, my sister-in-law and her girls were having a blast line dancing. It looked like so much fun! It is now becoming popular as a form of exercise. Fun, music and exercise has to be a great combination! |
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Positive Thinking Day Positive thinking is much more fun than negative thinking. Plus, it's healthier for you, and it makes people much more eager to be around you. If you are negative, you'll attract people who are negative. If you're positive, you'll attract positive people. Try it; it's true! |
![]() Click on the picture for the healthful benefits of positive thinking. The Power of Positive Thinking |
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![]() Click on the picture for the best fast food milkshake guide. Vanilla and Chocolate Banana Milkshake Recipes |
National Chocolate Milkshake Day If you ever watched Happy Days, Father Knows Best, or Mayberry RFD, you saw plenty of milkshakes being served. You can click on our picture for a report on the best fast food shakes, or you could watch our video for instructions on making your own delicious milkshake at home. While you drink it, please take our Daily Holiday Milkshake Survey! |
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![]() Click on the picture for one person's vow to make the bed every morning, plus a few other promises. How to Make a Military Bed with Hospital Corners |
Make Your Bed Day Just because your mother told you to make your bed isn't a good reason to not make your bed. There are just a few things that take only a few minutes, but they improve your sense of well-being. 1. Make your bed. This might mean only pulling up the comforter and making it relatively smooth, but that's fine. 2. When you've finished your shower, just before you leave the bathroom, use your towel to wipe down the sink, the tub or shower enclosure, then the toilet, in that order. Makes the "Clean Bathroom" look last a little longer. |
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3. After a meal, put the dishes in the dishwasher, not in the sink. Then wipe the surface and around the burners on the stove, next the counters, and last, the sink. Well, actually, one more thing: take the towel and wipe up any spots or spills on the kitchen floor. Now the "Clean Kitchen" look will last a little longer. These few steps will give you the feeling that you've got a positive start on keeping your house or apartment neat and clean. NOTE: By not addressing Patriot Day, we in no way means to minimize the importance and significance of this day. It's just that we try to cover holidays that aren't the norm. With all due respect, Happy Patriot's Day. God bless America. |
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TV Dinner Day TV dinners aren't as popular as they used to be, with fast food now having an edge over these compartmentalized meals. With the current selection of freezer containers available now, it's possible to make your own frozen dinners at a fraction of the cost, and at least double the nutrition and half the fat. Just divide your leftovers into these containers and pop them in the freezer. P.S. - You can still watch TV while you eat them, if you want to. |
![]() Click on the picture for some TV dinner nostalgia. Invention and view of the original TV dinner |
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![]() Click on the picture for some very meaningful ways to celebrate this fun day. Corduroy - Part 1 Corduroy - Part 2 |
Teddy Bear Day All I need to know about life I learned from my teddy bear Hugs are even better than chocolate There's no such thing as too many kisses One good cuddle can change a grumpy day Love is supposed to wear out your fur a little It's okay to let your stuffing show now and then Listening is as important as talking Someone's got to keep their eyes open all the time It's never too late to have a happy childhood Everyone needs someone to hold on to There's no friend like an old friend. ~Lulu Canard |
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International Literacy Day Just think about what it's like for those who can't read. Reading the packages and cans in the grocery store, trying to find a number in the phone book, filling out all the paperwork that your child brings home from school, reading the bills and mail that comes... Reading is extremely important, but now, in the 21st century, new forms of literacy are necessary. Techno-literacy has now become very important. Watch today's video. Keep in touch! Do what you can! |
![]() Click on the picture to read more about this important day. 21st Century Literacy |
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![]() Click on the picture to read the story of this lovely lady. The Art of Grandma Moses |
Grandma Moses Day My grandfather was a painter, and my mother is a painter. I love seeing what they have created! Each one has a unique style, of course, but none is more interesting than another. I can't even paint a wall, so I'm glad that I have family members who contribute this kind of beauty to the world. |
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Read a Book Day Have you always wanted to visit Paris? Do need to learn how to sew? Are you wishing for a story with more substance than a virtual reality TV show? Would learning history be more interesting to you if you could read a fiction novel set in a certain time period? Do you need a humorous story to cheer you up? Are you parenting your first child or taking care of a new pet? No matter what, you can find all this in a book. Google estimates that around 130 million books have been published. That ought to be enough to keep all of us busy for a while! |
![]() Click on the picture to read 26 major advantages to reading more books How to Read a Book A great idea for remembering key points in a book |
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![]() Click on the picture for waffles, waffles, waffles! How To Make Perfect Waffles |
National Waffle Week I remember spending weekends at my grandparents house, and Grandma made waffles for breakfast. Of course, that was about a hundred years ago, but now I have her original waffle iron. It was always a treat to be allowed to pour the batter on the waffle iron plate, but it was even more of a treat to eat the waffles, lightly crisp on the outside, warm and soft on the inside. Doesn't it just make you want to make a batch of your own? Whip up some waffles! |
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National Newspaper Carriers Day Walking through the neighborhood before daylight, breathing in the frosty air, and quietly humming my chosen "Tune of the Day", I loved delivering newspapers. Occasionally, a kitchen light would be on, or there would be a shadow of light glowing through the shade of an upstairs window. The sounds of cats softly padding their way home after a night of hunting, a few remaining cricket chirps as they began to bed down after their nightly chorus... no other time of day has those special sounds. |
![]() Click on the picture to read a great story about a newspaper carrier. Paperboy |
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![]() Click on the picture for some great ways to entertain the kids even if you are having a lazy day. Leslie Gore Lazy Days |
National Lazy Mom's Day If you notice today that you have no breakfast, there are no clean clothes in your closet, your bed is unmade, and there's someone on the couch behind an open book, you might need to be know that you shouldn't panic. Your mom is just celebrating today's holiday! It would probably be a good idea for you to do some of these things for yourself, because today's holiday isn't officially over until midnight, and you could get pretty hungry by then... |
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Self-Improvement Month Self-improvement is a process that should be a lifelong goal. Our dad always urged us to be the best we could be. He didn't say to be better than others, but to be our personal best. There is always room in our lives for self-improvement. Today's is the perfect time to decide what your next area of self-improvement will be. |
![]() Click on the picture for 10 Top Tips for Self-Improvement. Jim Rohn - 3 Questions |
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![]() Click on the picture for some great quotes about the piano. The Next Mozart? |
National Piano Month The piano is one of the most common instruments for beginning a musical career. Children can begin to learn the piano as soon as they know their numbers 1-5 and the letters A-G. However, you don't have to be a child to learn to play the piano. My oldest beginner was in her late 80's! If you've always dreamed of playing the piano, why wait? Happy National Piano Month! |
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| 2010 | |||||
| February | March | April | May | June | |
| July | August | September | October | November | December |
| 2011 | ||
| January | February | March | April | May | June |
| July | August | September |