Fun National Days in March

 With a little research I was able to find some fun holidays for us to celebrate in March.

Here we go:

March 2

National Read Across America Day (Dr. Seuss Day)

A day to encourage reading in young children.  Also, Dr. Seuss' birthday.

It's also

National Old Stuff Day

No.  This doesn't refer to my brother (it's his birthday today).  This day is set aside to encourage you to try something new.  A day to break out of routines and experience new ones.  Examples:  Use an old item for a new use, repurpose an old item by painting it or fixing it and try looking at things from a new perspective.

March 3

National I Want You To Be Happy Day

This is another take on a kindness type day, encouraging you to do something to makes others happy.  I'm all for kindness and the happiness it brings and will definitely be celebrating today.

it's also

National Soup It Forward Day

A way to deliver love and kindness by the bowl full.  I love soup and the warmth it brings.  Why not share it with others.  Soup Sisters is the organization that founded this day.  They have been delivering soup to emergency shelters for those fleeing domestic violence.  

March 4

I'm really trying hard for this day.  I really think this day is just set aside to celebrate my birthday, but, here is what I found...

National Marching Music Day

March forth to the rhythm of life.  Get it?   March fourth.  March forth.  This day honors musicians and performers with different styles and backgrounds.  Celebrating music on the move with marching bands, buglers, pipers, drum corps, parade groups, drill teams and color guard.

It's also

National Hug a GI Day

Celebrate today by giving a hug (handshake or pat on the back) to servicemen and women.  This day was created by Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith in 1996.  She selected the only day on the calendar with a military command.  March fourth.  Don't forget to include past GI's when showing your appreciation.  I'm looking forward to hugging my own GI when he returns home next week.

March 7

National Cereal Day

Great day to have cereal for dinner.  Breakfast and lunch, too.

March 8

National Woman's Day

Celebrating Women's social, economic and political achievements around the world.  This holiday can be traced back to the early 1900's when women became politically active and were looking for voting rights, equal pay, proper working conditions and representation under the law.

March 9

National Get Over It Day

Basically, a day set aside to "Get over it!."   "It" can refer to anything big or small.  Something trivial weighing on your mind?  Get over it and use #NationalGetOverItDay on social media.

March 12

National Girl Scout Day

Girl Scouting began on this day in 1912 with their first scout meeting by Juliette Gordon Low.  Eighteen girls were present at that first meeting.  Now there are over 3.7 million members.  How to celebrate today?  Learn more about the Girl Scout organization and their impact on young women, support your local Girl Scout or Girl Scout troop or share your experience with Girl Scouting.

March 14

National Write Down Your Story Day

This day encourages you to tell your story by writing it down.  You might think that there's nothing to tell, but once you start you will be surprised at how the words will fill the pages.  I mean, hey, look at this blog?  I didn't think I would have anything to say about my life.  Of course, everything here and in my life is scary, but, it does fill the pages of the blog.  

March 15

National Everything You Think is Wrong Day

A day where decision making should be avoided because everything you think is wrong.  A day created for some people to realize that they are not always right.

It's also

National Napping Day

A day for Pippen to indulge in one of his lengthy naps.  Well, it's his birthday and he gets to do what he wants today.

March 18

National Awkward Moments Day

I think everyone can relate to this day.  We have all had our awkward moments.  Have you ever called someone the wrong name, tripped over nothing or walked into a door?  Sometimes things just don't go as planned.  We all have these moments.  Today is set aside to remind you to laugh at yourself.  Find the humor in those moments.  Relive these awkward moments by telling stories about them.  Laugh over them and enjoy the memories.  Remember, no one is perfect.

March 19

National Let's Laugh Day

A reminder to add a little humor to your day.  Laughter is the best medicine.  Some studies show that laughter may boost your immune system, relieve tension and help you relax.  Laughter is also contagious.  Take some time to laugh and maybe spread a little laughter everywhere you go today.

March 22

National Goof Off Day

This day gives you the opportunity to goof off and have a little fun.  Do something fun and leave the work for tomorrow.  

March 23

National Puppy Day

A day to celebrate Pippen.  I mean, puppies.

March 27 

National Joe Day

A day to enjoy a cup of joe with your friend, Joe (or Josephine).  According to the Social Security Administration, Joseph was ranked number 6 from 1893-1899.  In 1910 it moved to number 5.  From 1911 to 2005 it was ranked at number 12.  In 2019 it dropped to 24.  Haven't found the history on this day but still think it should be a fun day to celebrate.

March 28

National Weed Appreciation Day

No.  Not that weed.  This day reminds us that some weeds are beneficial to us and our ecosystem. Again, not that weed.  Humans have used weeds for food while others have medicinal value (still nope).  An example would be dandelions.  They are a food source for some birds and insects while humans have eaten young dandelion leaves or used the flowers to make a tea or wine.  Dandelions were also used by Native Americans to treat certain ailments.  

Well, that's it for March.  Get out there and have a great month everyone!

My Weird Dog

 I mentioned in a previous post about Curly living with us.  Curly has adjusted to living with us and has become quite playful.  Only one of her toys made it over to our house and she isn't too keen on playing with Pippen's toys so I decided to pick one up for her.

I brought home a squeaky toy and was excited to see both dogs reaction.  My joy was deflated when both dogs sniffed the toy and walked away.  RT tried to get the dogs excited about the toy by squeaking it a little too much.  Both dogs became terrified of the toy.  I had to remind RT about purple squeaky bone.  

After the terror wore off  I decided to try playing with the dogs.  Eventually I was able to win over Pippen but Curly is completely terrified.  In fact she runs out of the room when the toy comes near her.  

I did go out and purchase a smaller stuffed toy for Curly and she is much happier.

 

Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Using Aquafaba

 Have you heard about aquafaba?  

Aquafaba is the water in which legumes (specifically chick peas) has been cooked.  The aquafaba is used in vegan cooking as an egg substitute.  If you aren't into cooking down chick peas you can definitely use the liquid from the canned chick peas.

How do we substitute aquafaba for an egg?  3 Tablespoons of aquafaba is equal to 1 egg.   If you are looking for just the egg white (substitute) then use 2 Tablespoons of aquafaba.

I have heard quite a bit about aquafaba and how great it is to use in baking and I had to give it a try.  I had a difficult time finding a recipe online so I thought I would use it on one of my own recipes for Chocolate Chip Cookies.  This recipe can be found on my blog here.  This is the house favorite when it comes to Chocolate Chip Cookies.  If you do not want to veganize your cookies, the original recipe lists all of the ingredients.

I made these cookies not knowing exactly how they would turn out.  I was pleasantly surprised.  In fact, I think they taste a lot better with the aquafaba!  

Here's the recipe:

Chocolate Chip Cookies

ingredients:
3/4 creamed butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
3 TBSP aquafaba
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts

directions:
Add butter to sugars and cream well.  Mix all together.
Drop by spoon onto cookie sheet.

Bake 375F for 8-10 minutes.  Do not over bake!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  *

Here are some of the original notes for this recipe:

*You can use 2 cups of chips instead of nuts or you can use peanut butter chips or even M & M's!

*I've substituted coconut oil for some or all of the butter in this recipe.

*I have used half the amount of sugar (or course) and they have turned out delicious

* I have substituted the egg for a flax egg.  To make a flax egg mix 1 TBSP ground flax with 3 TBSP cold water and let sit for 5 minutes before adding to your mixture.

You can freeze the aquafaba.  Freeze in an ice cube tray, 1 Tablespoon cubes and store in freezer bag.

If you try baking with aquafaba, let me know the results in the comments below.

Enjoy!

My Inheritance

 I know that my last post on my inheritance was quite troubling.  You can read all about it here.  

I never thought I would be in this position.  Running out of  money  dental floss.  Nothing like taking the time to plan for your retirement and saving up every penny dental floss container that you can get your hands on.  Only to wake up one day and find out that you are all out of money  dental floss.  

Well, good news everyone!  I found two containers of dental floss in a drawer.  I was quite excited to see them and have squirrelled them away.  I'm pretty sure that these two containers might hold me over until I can get the GoFundMe set up.  

Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK) in Action

 We just celebrated RAOK (Random Acts of Kindness) Day on Wednesday.  I hope you participated and performed many RAOK's.

I was heading out to run some errands on Wednesday and noticed an elderly gentleman standing in the street by his car.  As I got closer, I noticed his car was stuck in a snow bank.  He was trying to dig some of the snow out by using his foot.  

I couldn't just leave him there, stranded.  I decided to pull over.  Of course, this is before I realized that I don't have a shovel in my car.  I don't even have a plan on how I can get him out of the snowbank all by myself.  

He called his wife to bring a shovel.  I told him I would wait with him.  I thought this was good, the wife brings a shovel, gets him out of the snow.  Then I started putting a little more thought in and realized that she might be just a few years younger than him.  Once she arrived, I told them that I was going to make a quick trip home and get my shovel.  I phoned ahead and picked up two shovels and Bella.   Girl Power!   Bella and I dug out the snow around the car and tried to get as much snow from under the car.   I asked the man to try rocking the car (reverse, forward, reverse, forward).  Unfortunately, even with a little pushing, we couldn't get the car to budge. 

I did a little more digging under the car and was trying to get the blanket under the tire when one of the neighbors walked over with a shovel.  I was grateful that he was able to help us free the car from the snowbank.  It felt like a great success.

I was super proud of my daughter, jumping in and helping out.  She didn't complain and was determined to get the car out.  Of course, I think she knows that any complaining on her part would not have mattered and that we would have stayed there until the car was free.

Several cars passed by with able bodied individuals while Bella and I were working on freeing the car but did not stop to ask if we needed any help.  I was a little disappointed in my fellow humankind.  

Performing a simple RAOK doesn't take much time and can have wonderful results on both parties.  Make sure you look around you and see if a fellow human needs a little help.

Random Acts of Kindness Day 2021

 Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day!

 How cool would it be if everyone practiced RAOK's every day?  The world would be a lot friendlier and happier, don't you think? 

So, you know the drill.  Try to see how many Random Acts of Kindness you can do today.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Write that letter.
It can be a Thank You letter.  It can be just a little note telling someone that you were thinking of them.  Maybe it's someone you don't see that often.  Let them know how important they are to have in your life.

Put others first.
I always tell my children to think of others first.  This could mean letting someone ahead of you in line.  Letting someone have the first slice of pizza or even leaving the last piece of pie for the next person. 

Compliment
Dish out compliments to people.  I think everyone likes to hear positive praise.

Clean up.
Maybe it's picking up random trash on the path where you usually walk or run.  It could be as simple as taking out the garbage, run the vacuum or doing the dishes.

Send a message.
It could be a friendly text message.  An inspirational text or even a thank you text.  How about leaving notes of inspiration in random places at home or work?  You can write them on post-it notes. 

I just rattled off quite a few quick, easy RAOK's that you can do today.  If you need some more ideas, you can search Random Acts of Kindness on the blog.  There are quite a few posts with lots of great ideas.  Give one a try and let me know what happened!

Knife Sharpener

Yes, we are back on this subject again.

You may remember awhile back I wrote about knives and knife sharpening in this post.  We learned a lot about my family history with knives.  I am still struggling with the use of the steak knife, probably because of my ties to my family and their #1 selling book, "101 Uses for the Steak Knife."

That post mentioned the knife sharpener that Nick gave me for my birthday.  When he was living with us, he would sharpen the knives for me.  Well, let me clarify that last sentence.  Nick would only sharpen the knife that he was planning to use.  This worked for me, since I'm not keen on knife sharpening.  That metal scraping metal sound just goes right through me.

Since Nick has moved out, the knife sharpening happens on an as needed basis.   In our house that is when we remember, which really translates to once every six months.  

 The other day, I decided to sharpen the knife that I was using.  RT noticed me with a knife and a knife sharpener (a very rare sighting in our house) and said,  "Don't use my knife."   

We have been married for a long time and I did not realize that some things are his and some things are mine, especially when we are talking kitchen knives.   I would think knives are community property.  I can't see us splitting up and fighting over who gets the kitchen knives.  

Apparently, I'm wrong.  

RT has a knife set aside that he has been using in the kitchen.  He sharpens it and puts it away in the cabinet.  He even refers to it as his knife.  

I'll let you in on a little secret if you promise not to tell.  I can reach that cabinet and have been known to use that knife.  I mean, if I am the one who washes the knife, I see no reason why I can't use it.  

And, hey, if we split up, he can have that knife.  I'm sure the blade will be dull by then.  

Pssst!!!!

Pssst!  

Yea, you!  

I thought I would give you a little heads up.  Tomorrow is Valentine's Day.  I'm sure it slipped your mind.  I don't want you to land in the dog house so, this is me, giving you a little nudge to get your act together and take action.

I'm one of those people who likes  enjoys  ok, LOVES Valentine's Day.  In fact, RT says that Valentine's Day is a National Holiday in my world.  It is, isn't it?  We should all have the day off and celebrate with our loved ones!  

Oh, your special someone doesn't like Valentine's Day? (are they even friends with me?)  

They think it's a lot of hype?  

A Hallmark holiday?  

They don't believe in it or celebrate it?

I think your best bet is to play it safe and do something from the heart to show your love for them.  Maybe you can make dinner or a dessert?  There are quite a few recipes here on the blog, just click on recipes on the side tab.  Maybe there was a specific item mentioned in the last week (a shirt, candy, a snow scraper*) that you could run out and purchase? 

 Don't forget a card.  If you aren't the crafty type, why not pour your heart out in a letter.  If you aren't feeling the Shakespeare vibe running through your veins, a nice, short, sweet little note is perfect.

You can thank me later.

*We have been getting quite a bit of snow here so a snow scraper would actually be a very loving gift for those that have to park their car outside.

My Inheritance

 It's a sad, sad day.  My inheritance is spent  disappeared  is gone!

I really thought I would go on forever and maybe even leave some for my children.  But, no, that's not the case.  It's gone forever!

I had extra stashed away, you know, because of the kids.  I was all set.  Ready for retirement.  I thought I was looking at never, ever having to worry about   money  dental floss for the rest of my life.  

But, the sad day arrived when I used the last of my inheritance  dental floss.  

I will be setting up a GoFundMe account to provide dental floss to last me into retirement.  Please look deep into your heart and consider making a donation.

Thank you.

Red Velvet Cookies

 I had a request for Red Velvet Cookies.  I have to admit, I did not know that these existed.  I have only had red velvet cupcakes (If you're lucky, I might post that recipe here someday).

I did a little research and found a recipe for Red Velvet Cookies and thought I would give it a try.  They came out beautifully.  I was impressed with the process and the taste.  

The first batch I made were mailed out and I made a second batch of cookies.  Don't worry, we did a taste test with the first batch and that's how we  I decided to make them again.  This time I made them vegan (don't tell my family).  I put the adjustments in the notes below the recipe if you would like to veganize your cookies.

These would make someone a very nice Valentines Day treat.  Hint, hint...

Here's the recipe:

Red Velvet Cookies

ingredients:

1 1/2 cups plus 1 TBSP flour

1/3 cup cocoa powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup butter *

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup sugar

1 egg*

1 TBSP milk

2 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp red food coloring*

1 cup chocolate chips

directions:

Whisk dry ingredients in bowl and set aside.

In large bowl, mix butter until creamy.  Scrape down sides and beat in the sugars.  Add in the egg, milk and vanilla (remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl).  Add in your food coloring and mix until combined.  

Pour in dry ingredients.  Mix on low until dough is formed.  Add in more food coloring if you want more red coloring.  Mix in chocolate chips.  Dough will be sticky.

Cover dough and chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.  

Oven 350*F.

Scoop out dough into 1" balls and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.  Bake for 15 minutes.

Cool cookies for 5 minutes on cookie sheet until moving them to wired rack.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

*Butter and egg should be at room temperature

*I used Oat Milk and they came out great

*Want to veganize this recipe:  Use vegan butter, plant based milk (I used oat milk) and beet powder (for the red food coloring)

*Want less sugar in your diet?  I cut the brown sugar down to 1/3 cup

*Want to make them a little sweeter?  Feel free to add extra chocolate chips when the cookies come out of the oven.

If you try making the Red Velvet Cookies, let me know what you think!

Enjoy!

Valentines Day Cards for Seniors

Every year our Girl Scout Troop makes Valentines Day cards for Seniors.  This is a tradition that started when the girls were in Kindergarten.   This year we contacted three different Assisted Living facilities to deliver cards.  Our girls will be making over 180 Valentines Day cards (total).   This will be the first year that our troop will not be able to hand deliver the cards to the seniors.  

If you are looking for an easy, fun girl scout project, consider making cards for seniors.  It's not too late, and believe it or not, there's a patch the girls can earn, "Cards for Seniors."  A little fun and love the girls put into decorating cards will put a huge smile on someone's face.  There are some fun Valentine card ideas on the blog.  Check here and here for Valentine inspiration.

Having a hard time finding the right words for your Valentine's card?  How about one of these sayings:

I hope your Valentine's Day is as Sweet as you!

You are special.

You make each day just a little brighter.

Don't ever forget just how special you are.

You are out of this world amazing!

You are loved.

Can you think of any sayings to add to our list?  Leave a message in the comments below.

Super Bowl Snack Ideas

 It's that time of year!  The Super Bowl!  Great time for lots of snacks and desserts!  You probably can't have a Super Bowl party, but you can still make something for yourself or family to snack on during the game.  

Need some ideas for today?  Check out these recipes on the blog:

Avocado Jalapeno Hummus

Baked Falafel
Guacamole
Hummus

Roasted Eggplant Hummus
Meatballs

Meatballs, Vegan
Pretzel Bites

Soft Pretzels

Roasted and Stuffed Poblanos
Vegetarian Chili

Sweet idea's:

Bacon Brownies

Black Bean Protein Bites
Brownies (Vegan, Dairy Free)
Chocolate Avocado Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies

Energy Bites (Vegan)
Nutella Cookies 
Butterscotch Chip Cookies

M & M Cookies
Peanut Butter Bars
Peanut Butter Raisin Bran Cookies
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sugar Cookies
Trail Mix
Vanilla Pudding Cookies 
Yummy Cupcakes

For more ideas, check out my Recipes page!

Phantom Mask Syndrome

My ears are really getting a work out wearing a mask all of the time!  Since I am wearing them all day long at work, I had to go out and purchase a few extra that are a little softer on the ears.

While I'm at work, if I want to take a sip of water, I unhook one side of my mask while the other side dangles from my ear.  I have also been known to get into the car and drive with one side dangling from my ear.  That's for those short distances you have to drive, and you can keep track of your mask until you need to use it.  It makes it easier when you jump out of your car to run into a store/restaurant.

But, then, there are those times where I feel like my mask is dangling from my ear.  When I reach for it, I realize that it isn't on my ear.   It isn't even on my face!  

Does anyone else have this problem?   

You are beautiful

 I stepped into a bathroom at a coffeehouse in Michigan and noticed the positive message on the walls,  "You are beautiful."

It worked.  Reading that message made me smile.  

But, then I started to really think about the message and where it was placed.  

A coffee house.  Sure, we can all use a little pick me up in the morning before our morning coffee (or tea).   

Inside a women's bathroom.  Maybe our partner was struggling without his or her caffeine and didn't hand out compliments that morning.  

There was not a sign like this in the men's bathroom (I didn't go check, I had a little help doing the dirty work  investigating for me).  

Why do women need confirmation of their looks?  Why do we need to be told that we are beautiful?  Was it how we were raised?  Social Media?  Magazines?  Models?  Celebrities?   You don't see men needing affirmation of their handsomeness.  I never had to reassure my boys about their physical attractiveness.

I do think that giving compliments should be the norm.  We should be building one another up instead of tearing them down.  I tried to do some research so I could provide answers.  All of my searching resulted with how to give yourself affirmations and that it is healthy to need affirmations.   

Do you make sure that you compliment people?  

Do you give out compliments every day?  

Do you just compliment women?

Valentine's Day Craft Ideas

 It's February!  Love month!  Hearts and all things red!

Valentine's Day is coming up and I thought I would put links to some Valentine's Day crafts we have done here on Scary Journey to get you ready for Valentine's Day. Some of these crafts are pretty easy and would be great to do with your Girl Scout Troop!

Valentine's Placemat (children't craft)

Valentine's Day Bookmarks

Pallet (he)art

Homemade Valentine's Day cards

Felt Heart Pin or Barrette

Valentine Photo Book

Valentine Love Picture

Valentine Love Frame