Category: unofficial holidays

National Love A Tree Day

Today, May 16, 2018, is National Love a Tree Day. How can you not love trees? They provide shade, oxygen, food, and a natural habitat for a wide range of wildlife. Now you may be wondering how to celebrate this unique holiday?

Tips for Celebrating National Love a Tree Day

Busy work and school schedules may require you to wait until the weekend to celebrate. Taking the time to notice the beauty of trees will not be a waste.

Go Outdoors

Simply spending time outdoors is the best way to celebrate National Love a Tree Day.

  • Go for walk around your neighborhood.
  • Sit under a tree at lunchtime
  • Find a perfect tree to sit and read a book.
  • Have a picnic under your favorite tree.
  • Go hiking.
  • Photograph trees from different angles for an art project or wall mural.

Plant a Tree

Planting a tree is a great way to recognize National Love a Tree Day. Adding a shade, ornamental or fruit tree to your landscape provides you with numerous benefits.

Arts, Crafts and More

If the weather does not allow you to be outdoors, try some arts and crafts as part of your family time to recognize the day.

  • Draw or paint trees
  • Make a construction paper tree with bright colored leaves
  • Make pinecone crafts
  • Paint with pinecones
  • Make homemade bird feeders to place in your trees
  • Create a greeting card with a tree to send to grandparents or elderly relatives
  • Write a story about a tree
  • Read a book about trees

Special Meal

Fruit trees produce a wide variety of tasty treats. Use the fruit as part of your meal plan. Getting your children involved with the meal will add to the experience.

  • Make a fruit pie or other special dessert for dinner
  • Eat applesauce for lunch
  • Make homemade fruit snacks
  • Break open a coconut
  • Try a fresh pineapple

Having fun is the best part of celebrating everyday holidays. Take a moment to celebrate the natural wonder of trees as part of National Love a Tree Day.

National Scrapbook Day

Every year, the first Saturday of May is dedicated to the creative world of scrapbooking. National Scrapbook Day or National Scrapbooking Day is a celebration about preserving memories, family trees, parties and normal everyday life. The only limit is your own imagination. A scrapbook can be as lavish or simple.

Supplies for Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking supplies can basically be a wide range of material. Finding your likes and dislikes may take some trial and error. If you are first starting out and uncertain where to start, consider purchasing a scrapbook kit. Generally, a kit will contain the basic supplies to get you started. Or simply stop at your local craft store and pick out whatever catches your eye.

Some of the basic scrapbooking material may include:

  • Scrapbooks, Extra Pages
  • Markers, Pens, Pencils, Crayons
  • Crafter’s Tape, Adhesive Squares, Designer or Washi Tape
  • Clear Glue, Glitter Glue, Glue Sticks
  • Die Cut Embellishments, Die Cut Machine
  • Stickers
  • Scissors or Decorative Edge Scissors
  • Rubber Stamps and Ink
  • Designer Paper or Card Stock
  • Designer Envelopes
  • Newspaper Clippings
  • Photos
  • Artwork

Scrapbooking Themes

Creating scrapbook pages or albums may be difficult in the beginning. The themes are endless.

Here are some suggestions to get you started:

  • School Events, School Year, First or Last Day of School, Day Care
  • Sporting Events, Practice, Game Day
  • Anniversary, Engagements, Weddings,
  • Birthdays
  • Baby Showers
  • Birth of a Child
  • Church Events
  • Getting a New Pet, Celebrating Your Pet’s Birthday or Holiday
  • Holidays
  • Vacations
  • Rainy or Sunny Days
  • Day In Your Life
  • Movie or Game Night
  • Changing Seasons
  • Family History
  • Parties
  • Swimming Pool Fun or Lessons

Celebrating Scrapbooking Day

Are you wondering how to celebrate scrapbooking day? Here are a few ideas to celebrate the unofficial holiday.

  • Do Something: Scrapbooking is all about capturing the moment. Go to the park, a local event, outdoor concert, or trip to the farmer’s market.
  • Do a Photo Session: Create a scene or go outdoors to take pictures of your children, partner, friends or pets. Use the photos as part of your next scrapbook.
  • Go to the Craft Store: Find the perfect items for your next scrapbook.
  • Give as Gift: Purchase a scrapbooking kit for a friend, give one to each of your children to record summer fun, or provide one for a family member.
  • Host a Party: Throw an impromptu gathering. As friends or family members over to share afternoon tea and create scrapbook pages.
  • Family Time: Creating a scrapbook is the perfect way to get your family involved. During the creative process, ask your children the best part of the event. Recording answers may provide you with a long-term memory.
  • Share Ideas: Show off your creative side on social media.

Scrapbooking is fun and easy to create. The end result of the creative endeavor is a lasting treasure.

National Tell a Fairy Tale Day

Did you know February 26 is National Tell a Fairy Tale Day? The pandemic, social distancing, school, work, daily routines, and other commitments can easily fill your schedule.  Try taking time out to celebrate unofficial holidays. Celebrating National Tell a Fairy Tale Day is a great way to try something new and simply have fun. Fairy tales have a long-standing place in history.

Think back; what was your favorite fairy tale from childhood? Some family favorites may include:

Do you remember the excitement of learning the story? Now there’s an entire day dedicated to the love of a fairy tale.

How to Celebrate National Tell a Fairy Tale Day

Traditionally, a fairy tale is a mythical or fantasy-based short story. The characters may include a prince, a princess, fairies, gnomes, or talking animals. The setting usually contains a castle or magical forest. The limitation of the storyline is only your own imagination. So, embrace the day by celebrating fairy tales.

1. Go to Your Local Library

If open, visit your library on Tell a Fairy Tale Day. The trip provides you and your loved ones with the opportunity to find the perfect story. Consider finding a new fairy tale to read. Or check out an old favorite to enjoy once again.

2.Read to Your Children

 Read your favorite tale to your children. Children love to hear new stories.  Spending quality time with your children is also a rewarding experience. Ask open-ended questions about the tale to ensure understanding. The process will actually help your children’s communication skills.

3. Go to the Bookstore

 Purchasing a new book of fairy tales is a great way to find a new story. Bookstores often carry stories from different cultures or countries.

4. Write Your Own Fairy Tale

Pick up your pen and write your own tale. If you have children, encourage them to write a fairy tale. The creative process enhances critical thinking, social, and communication skills. Ask younger children to verbally express their fairy tales. Writing down their thoughts in a notebook may turn into a lasting memory.

5. Arts and Craft Time 

After reading or sharing a story, use the fairy tale storyline as the basis of your art and crafts project.

  • Draw pictures with chalk, colored pencils, crayons, or markers
  • Paint a picture
  • Make a collage with magazine cutouts or other material.
  • Create a storyboard or storybook of your fairy tale.
  • Decorate a plastic container to use later to plant magic beans. The decorated pot will easily complement the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. 

6. Create a Puppet Show

Creating a puppet show can be a creative and rewarding process. A large box may be part of the stage or backdrop for your fairy tale. Make hand puppets or finger puppets to act out a fairy tale. If your children are hosting the show, record the event.

7. Bake or Cook a Special Treat

Decorate cookies to match your fairy tale. Or cook a special meal to incorporate a theme from your favorite fairy tale. For example, adding peas to your meal can be part of the Princess and the Pea fairy tale.

8. Host a Family Fun Movie Night

Disney movies are a wonderful resource for fairy tales. Make popcorn or other special snack and enjoy your movie night.

Regardless of the way you celebrate, take time to enjoy National Tell a Fairy Tale Day. Life is short; make memories. Use your imagination, enjoy the day.

 

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National Inspire Your Heart with Art Day

Today, January 31, 2018, is National Inspire Your Heart with Art Day. So you must ask yourself, what is art? Expressing your inner imagination through an application, art comes in many forms. The possibilities are endless. Even though a day is set aside for finding your inspiration for creating art, incorporating art into your life should be a year-round practice.

Celebrating National Inspire your Heart with Art Day

Like people, art is different for everybody. Finding your inspiration is part of the journey of creating art. Taking photos, drawing, painting, baking and presenting, decorating cakes, performing, sculpturing, the arts are about inspiring your own heart to grow and create.

Get Your Children Involved

Children love to create. Spending time creating art with your child can easily turn into a precious memory. Using different materials help you encourage your child’s imagination.

  • Colored pencils
  • Non-toxic, washable markers’
  • Paints
  • Chalks
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Items for gluing including pieces of old material, pipe cleaners, glitter, pasta noodles, etc.
  • Clay with sculpting tools

The art inspiration materials are endless. Do not be afraid to experiment with different forms. For example, air dry clay is great for saving masterpieces. Or consider using a homemade recipe for sculpturing materials. The different textures help with inspiration. Younger children will be able to engage in fine motor skills.

Go to Your Local Art Gallery

Galleries display a variety of art mediums. Viewing other people’s work can be inspirational for creating your own art. Often galleries will host lectures, workshops or programs for basic techniques for adults who want to learn. Other galleries have themed events for children to start exploring the art world. Trying something new may not turn out as you planned. But the process is an unforgettable learning experience.

Take a Class

Many local community colleges have classes or weekend seminars for non-majors. Going to a class allows you to engage in art with direction for proven techniques. Learning the basics in a beginner’s class is a great way to explore art. At the same time, you will be able to meet others who share your desire to learn about art.

Go to a Performance

Ballet or other performance art allows you to view in a different manner. Performance art has four elements:

  • Time
  • Space
  • Performer’s body
  • An ongoing relationship with the performer and the audience

The various types of performances may surprise you. Visiting a live performance is always best. But do not hesitate to look performance art up online or on YouTube. The results can be extremely inspiring.

Art comes in many forms. Finding a genre for inspiration may take exploration beyond today. Trying something new for yourself or your children may leave you with a sense of inspiration and fulfillment.

National Novel Writing Month: Inspiring Writing

Did you know November is National Novel Writing Month? Do you want to encourage your children, teen or yourself to be a better writer? The best way to learn to write is simply to start writing. Every person has a story to tell. Encouragement to start your love affair with writing is within yourself.

Tips to Release your or your Child’s Inner Writer

1. Write 

Make time to write. The statement may seem simple. But reality can make finding writing time extremely difficult. Work, school and other commitments mean full schedules to take up your time to enjoy a creative outlet. Consider devoting at least 20 minutes a day to your writing. For your children, set up a time before the bedtime routine. The quiet reflective time can help your child or yourself relax after a long day.

2. Your Own Space 

For many inspiring writers, a dedicated writing space is necessary. A well-supplied desk can be an outlet for hours of writing. Other inspiriting writers can do their craft anywhere.

3. Writing Tools 

  • Journals: Journals are a great way to encourage writing in your children and yourself. Older children especially teens may find journal writing a great way to express emotions. Even younger children can tell stories for you to write down. Looking back on past entries, the best part of journal writing is the memories.
  • Notebooks: Spiral notebooks are an inexpensive resource. Encourage story writing even short entries may be a start to larger creative endeavors.
  • Pens and Pencils: Using different writing instruments can be a valuable part of the creative process. Often, writing longhand is inspirational to your creative process.
  • Gel Pens and Markers: Another creative instrument is colored gel pens and markers.
  • Storage Space: Create a storage area for your writing. A cabinet, bookshelf, or a storage bin are perfect ways to keep your writing or children’s writing in one place.

4. Outside Influences 

Exposing your children or yourself to new experiences creates inspiration. Depending on your personal interests and the age of your children, find appropriate local community events. Use the experience to write in journals or create short stories.

  • Poetry Night: Exposure to other people’s musings may inspire you to write.
  • Author Readings: Attending author oriented events allows you to connect with others in the field.
  • Open Mic: Poetry, readings, songs and other creative endeavors are generally part of an open mic night.
  • Library Events: Check with your local library for events. Many host story hours, reading clubs, children and teen events. Getting a library card
  • Field Trips: Schedule times to try something new. Go to a museum, art gallery, or other events outside of your regular routine.
  • Community Events: Networking in the community allows you to meet new people. Observing others in different social settings may result in the perfect character for your writing.

5. Write Others

Practicing writing does not have to be formal. Writing others the old fashion way or snail mail allows you to concentrate on the words. You can outline stories of your day. If you do not know who to write, consider:

  • Pen pals
  • Grandparents/Older Relatives
  • Nursing Home

6. Conferences, Seminars, and Writing Organizations

Formal education allows you to expand your skill set.

Writing is a great creative endeavor. Children can learn to test their imagination by storytelling. Teens can use writing as a tool to express emotions. Creativity inspired outlets have long-lasting benefits. From school to work, using your imagination may inspire unique ways to approach a problem or project. And, who knows maybe your writing will result in a published novel.

Creating Your Own Pet Rock

Are you old enough to remember the Pet Rock craze? Well, I am. When I was in grade school, I remember a classmate owning a Pet Rock. During Show and Tell, she explained all the different things the Pet Rock could do. For example, she fully believed the rock felt heavier during sleeping hours. Of course, I was skeptical. But my overactive imagination could relate the rock as a living creature.

Today, September 3, 2017, is Pet Rock Day. Originated in 1975 by Gary Dahl, the Pet Rock fad was an instant hit. Smooth stones were put in a pet carrier for the home for the Pet Rock. In fact, you still can buy Pet Rocks today at www.PetRock.com.

Celebrating Pet Rock Day

Today, you can either purchase a Pet Rock or craft one. Actually crafting the rock into different creatures may be a fun activity for the entire family.

Supplies You May Need:

  • Rocks (Gather some out your drive or purchase a bag at your local dollar store)
  • Paint
  • Googly eyes
  • features
  • Glue
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Pom-poms
  • Glitter, if you are brave

The only limit to the type of craft supplies needed is your imagination.

Have fun creating your own type of rock creature. In fact, consider creating an entire rock family.

References:

Pet Rock. (2017). Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pet_Rock

Pet Rock. (2014). Retrieved from: http://www.petrock.com/

Ice Cream Soda Day

Today, June 20, 2017, is Ice Cream Soda Day. Celebrating small unofficial holidays is a chance to enjoy every single day with a special twist. Let’s face it, the start of summer is always a fun and exciting time. Unfortunately, after being out of school for as little as a week, you may already hear those words, “I’m bored.” Taking advantage of the various unofficial holidays helps in chasing away the summer boredom and creates lasting memories.

Ice cream floats is a wholesome party idea. Consider hosting an impromptu ice cream soda party with friends and family. Or simply make ice cream sodas as a special treat for a warm evening. Regardless of the reason, enjoy the day.

Ice Cream Soda Ideas

The beauty of ice cream sodas is the endless mixtures. Providing a variety of flavors is a perfect way to host a successful ice cream soda party. Using cans of soda is ideal for eliminating wastes and saving money. Picking up different flavors enables your guests to mix with no limits. Larger bottles are great for bigger parties.

Consider these combinations to help create the perfect ice cream soda party.

  • Root Beer Float: Vanilla ice cream and root beer
  • Orange Dream: Vanilla ice cream and orange soda
  • Cherry Vanilla Fun: Cherry ice cream and crème soda
  • Chocolate Vanilla: Chocolate ice cream and crème soda

Along with ice cream, you may want to offer sherbet as an option to replace the ice cream. Some people may not be able to eat ice cream. Finding alternatives allows everyone to have fun.

In addition to ice cream and soda, offer toppings for extra fun.

  • Sprinkles
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Whip cream topping
  • Cherries

Adding toppings is half of the fun in building the perfect ice cream soda. Have fun creating.

World Environment Day: 10 Ways to Help Preserve the Environment

Today, June 5, 2017, is World Environment Day. From politics to worldwide news, climate change and environmental issues are hot topics right now. Taking steps to save the planet Earth sounds like an overwhelming, hopeless task. Pushing for leaders to make informative changes is an integral part of a long lasting solution. Encouraging people to implement small changes in daily living will also provide a large impact for caring for the environment.

Simple Ways to Help Preserve the Environment

Everyone knows change takes time. Practice implementing informative choices requires practice and discipline.

  1. Recycle

Locate your local recycling facility to learn about recycling everyday items. In some area, recyclable products may be set out to the curbside for weekly pickup. Under most circumstances, the following items may be part of your local recycling program.

  • Glass
  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Plastic
  • Tin cans
  • Cardboard

Other areas may host collection sites for used batteries, car oil, electronics, and printer cartridges. Reuse items, if possible. Glass containers perfect for storing other materials.

  1. Skip the Water Bottles

Consider investing in travel mugs or reusable water containers. Prefilling the containers prior to leaving home is also an easy way to save money.

  1. Use Matches or Refillable Lighters

Using matches or refillable lighters help keep throw away lighters from filling up local landfills.

  1. Implement Energy Saving Techniques
  • Switch Your Light Bulbs: Over the past few years, the decrease in the price of energy saving light bulbs allows home and business owners to use at a fraction of the cost.
  • Turn Off Appliances: Computers, appliances, radios, and other forms of electrical equipment still draw power even in sleep mode. Turning off unused household items will save energy and money.
  • Turn Off Lights: When leaving a room, turn off the light as you go. The simple concept is a great way to save energy.
  • Replace Old Appliances: Investing in energy efficient appliances help reduce the amount of electricity in use on a daily basis.
  • Use a Clothes Line or Dryer Rack: Hanging out clothes to dry provides a fresh scent and saves energy.
  • Conserve Water: Skip the bath for a shower or turn the water off while brushing your teeth are both energy saving techniques.
  1. Use Reusable Bags

Invest in reusable bags. Consider placing a couple of the bags in your vehicle for easy access. When you shop, forego the plastic bags and use your own.

During annual holidays or birthdays, reusable bags or small fabric totes are perfect for gifts. The receiver of the gift will be able to use the bag in the future.

  1. Go to the Farmer’s Market & Buy Local

Buying from farmer’s markets or other local establishments allow you to save money on transportation. Allowing you to simply take your selection and leave, most of the fresh vegetables come without any form of wrapping materials.

  1. Grow a Garden and More

Small gardens or container gardening may yield large amounts of fresh vegetables. If you have a large outdoor space, a quality garden may provide you with a winter’s worth of vegetables.

  • Create a compost pile with leftover coffee grinds, grass clippings, food and other natural items. The compost will be a welcome addition to your garden.
  • Set up bee hives to harvest honey
  • Use garden boxes to simplify your garden and reduce weeds
  1. Plant Fruit Trees

Along with a garden, plant fruit trees. Along with yielding fresh fruit, the spring time flower buds provide a perfect opportunity to feed the bees.

  1. Skip the Pesticides

Pesticides to control bugs or weeds have a harmful effect on the environment. Consider implementing natural or organic options to help reduce the environmental impact.

  1. Invest in Home Improvements

If you are a homeowner, consider investing in energy saving options.

  • Add extra insulation
  • Replace outdated windows
  • Put on a new roof or siding to help decrease drafts
  • Schedule regular maintenance on your furnace or air conditioning unit to ensure a high-level performance at minimal energy usage.
  • Use an energy efficient thermostat to manage the temperature in your home
  • Use heavy curtains to help keep heat from escaping
  • Consider investing in high-quality solar panels to reduce your energy usage.

Every small effort may help contribute to a larger movement. Do not be afraid to contact your local chamber or town council on recycling issues. Working together is the first step in preserving the environment.

 

 

 

 

Drawing Day: A Chance for Inspiration

Today, May 16, 2017, is Drawing Day. I personally love to draw and sketch. I admit I am completely horrible. But, there’s just something relaxing about drawing. In fact, I have been using drawing to form character inspirations for my writing. The entire process is just another way to enhance my creativity.

As a child, I remember spending rainy days indoors. Enhancing my imagination, my mom would come up with fun creative projects to pass the time. Drawing flowers, rocks, and landscapes were always on my agenda. I fully believe, the art inspired activities helped my creativity.

In today’s technological world, I believe inspiring imagination is vital. Learning creative thinking skills has advantages in every profession. Encouraging your children with art supplies may actually provide benefits to cognitive development. The best part with the various dollar or discount stores, you can create an art supply box at a minimal price.

  • Sketchbooks
  • Drawing pads
  • Construction paper
  • Colored pencils
  • Markers
  • Crayons
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Glitter, if you are brave
  • Watercolors
  • Paint
  • Poster boards

You never know how far simple art inspirations will take you in life.

Apple Pie Day

Today, May 13, 2017, is Apple Pie Day. Sounds like the perfect type of unofficial holiday for me. Actually, apple pie is one my father’s favorite desserts, coming in second only to pumpkin pie. Years ago, I use to work in a bakery. From traditional the traditional apple pie to the extra sweet caramel apple pie, the variety of apple pies were always a hit.

The history of apple pie may surprise you. Apple pies actually date back to the time of Chaucer in the 14th century. The pie had unique ingredients including, good apples, spices, figs, raisins and pears, cofryn as a crust type layer with saffron to add coloring to the mixture.

Today’s apple pies are completely different with Dutch Apple, Dutch Apple Pie Cheesecake, Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie, and more. Personally, I like the traditional apple pie especially when the piece of pie is still warm. Add vanilla ice cream as a topping, I am completely satisfied.

Regardless of the type, the main ingredient remains the same: good apples. Depending on the availability, I usually use Granny Smith or Honey Crisp.  But I know other people prefer to use Empires.

So tell me what type of apple pie do you prefer?

 

Happy Apple Pie Day!

Until next time….peace

 

Reference:

Apple Pie. (2017). Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_pie