Jan 22nd- Happy National Hot Sauce Day!

On this joyous occasion, hot sauce lovers from sea to shining sea enjoy themselves by setting their mouths on fire.  The hottest of hot sauces can cause users to experience spontaneous sweats, euphoria, ring of fire and in rare occasions death.  One such cautionary tale involves Andrew Lee of Edington, England.  This thrill seeking, aspiring chef tragically succumbed to spice in September of 2008.

In honor of National Hot Sauce Day, while supplies last, Tabanero is giving away FREE bottles of hot sauce which can be redeemed at participating retailers nationwide!

Head on over to Amazon to grab an extra bottle to keep with you at all times-

Tabañero Extra Hot 8oz Bottle

Jan 21st- Happy National Hugging Day!

Held annually on January 21st, National Hugging Day™ was created to encourage people around the world to show more affection in public through hugging. National Hugging Day was first celebrated January 21, 1986 in Clio, Michigan, USA. There is only one way you are supposed to celebrate the holiday: offer a hug to anyone, especially family and friends.  The creator, Rev. Kevin Zaborney, of this holiday, recognized by the United States Copyright Office and celebrated  internationally,  suggests asking first before hugging!

The “Most Huggable Person of 2017”, awarded by NationalHuggingDay.com is-

“Jürgen Norbert Klopp-Liverpool (UK) Premier League Football Club’s team manager. Sports is a well-known venue for hugging. Former German soccer player himself, Jürgen Klopp is one of many who freely hug others without the worry of being labeled or stigmatized. The classification of what a “Man-Hug” may look like is regularly demonstrated by this passionate sports figure.”

The power of this under-utilized gesture can even be utilized as a sales tool and can benefit you financially.  Start hugging more today and learn more about utilizing this gesture to boost sales from this Wall Street Journal Business Bestseller, available from Amazon-

Hug Your Customers : The Proven Way to Personalize Sales and Achieve Astounding Results (Hardcover)–by Jack Mitchell

Jan 20th- Happy National Cheese Lover’s Day!

Today the nation finds itself ripe(pun intended) with emotion. The inauguration of the Nation’s 45th President evokes a passionate response from both supporters and the opposition. One thing all Americans can certainly agree on is our love of cheese. Let us celebrate together and unite in a show of bi-partisan support for National Cheese Lover’s Day!

We extend our apologies for the cheesiness of today’s post.  But we’ll never apologize for our undying love of cheese.  We think you’ll love this assortment of cheese just as much as we do.  Find it here on Amazon.-

Mississippi Cheese Straw Factory Three Gift Tin Cheese Straw Assortment: Traditional Cheddar, Three-Cheese and Asiago, 30oz

Jan 19th- Happy National Popcorn Day!

With a confirmed history dating as early as 3600 B.C., popcorn is associated with both the best of times and the worst of times.  Rising in popularity during the Great Depression due to it’s affordability, no night out at the movies would now be complete without it.

According to Wikipedia-“At least six localities (all in the Midwestern United States) claim to be the “Popcorn Capital of the World;”: Ridgway, Illinois; Valparaiso, Indiana; Van Buren, Indiana; Schaller, Iowa; Marion, Ohio; and North Loup, Nebraska.”

While that debate may never find itself settled, we believe the only popcorn debate that really matters is whether or not it’s possible for a bowl of today’s honoree to ever be “too buttery”.

Enjoy a low calorie snack bag, toss a bag in the microwave or pop some some on the stove.  There’s no wrong way to celebrate National Popcorn Day!

Around the office we all agree the Whirley-Pop gift set we recently received is our favorite way to enjoy this treat!  Read the rave reviews for yourself and order one for yourself today from Amazon.-

Whirley-Pop Gourmet Assorted Gift Set with Stovetop Popcorn Popper

Jan 18th- Happy National Winnie The Pooh Day!

The namesake of London zoo black bear who’s owner had traveled from Winnipeg, Canada, the first stories of Christopher Robin’s friend Winnie The Pooh appeared in the London newspaper The Evening News during the 1920’s.

Most familiar to many of us who grew up in the digital age from Disney’s classic productions, the original stories of the teddy bear honored today, remain a heartwarming read.  A hard copy of these timeless tales can be found on Amazon.-

The Complete Tales of Winnie-The-Pooh

Jan 17th- Happy National Hot Buttered Rum Day!

The mixed drink hot buttered rum consists of rum, butter, hot water or cider, a sweetener and various spices including cinnamon, nutmeg  and cloves.

Having typically been enjoyed seasonally since colonial times, hot buttered rum is considered by many as a holiday treat.  Perhaps the most prominent figure known to have an affinity for the mixture is none other than founding father George Washington.

The following recipe, credited to bartender Tony Abou Ganim, he “Modern Mixologist”, is sure to leave you feeling Patriotic.-

“It is best to make the batter in advance so the spices have an opportunity to mingle. Be sure to remove the batter from the refrigerator at least 6 hours before serving to allow it to soften. The recipe for the batter makes enough for 10 to 12 servings; refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 month, or freeze for up to 2 months.

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SERVINGS: 1

INGREDIENTS

• FOR THE BATTER
• 1 pound light brown sugar
• 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 to 2 teaspoons allspice
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• FOR EACH DRINK
• 1 1/2 ounces rum, preferably Mount Gay Eclipse
• Boiling water, as needed

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DIRECTIONS

For the batter: Beat together the brown sugar, butter, spices and vanilla extract until well combined. Refrigerate in an airtight resealable container until ready to use.

For each drink: Combine 2 heaping tablespoons of the batter and the rum in a warmed coffee mug. Add boiling water to fill to the top, and mix well. Serve with a spoon, steaming hot.”-The Washington Post

 

For a non-alcoholic, morning jolt, we recommend this tasty, Hot Buttered Rum flavored coffee, available on Amazon.-

Archer Farms LIMITED EDITION Hot Buttered Rum Light Roast Ground Coffee – 12 oz.

Jan 16th- Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a Federal holiday, observed on the third Monday of January each year, was first observed January 20th, 1986.

Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights activist, Nobel Peace Prize recipient for his work combating racial inequality, delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” in 1963 at The March on Washington, which he also helped organize.

Dr. King was a mere 39 years old when he was assassinated on April 4th, 1968.

More can be learned about the fascinating life of this impressive leader and American hero by reading his autobiography available on Amazon- The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Jan 15th- Happy National Hat Day!

A “hat-trick” or hat trick in sports is the achievement of a positive feat three times in a game, or another achievement based on the number three in some sports.

Although most commonly associated in the United States present times with hockey, the term “hat-trick” first appeared in 1858 in cricket, to describe H. H. Stephenson’s taking three wickets with three consecutive deliveries. Fans held a collection for Stephenson, and presented him with a hat bought with the proceeds. The term was used in print for the first time in 1868.

A hat trick, as it is known in its current form, culminates with fans throwing hats onto the ice from the stands. The tradition is said to have begun among fans in the National Hockey League around the 1950s.

Don’t leave your hometown team feeling underappreciated! Celebrate National Hat Day by picking out a snazzy new ball cap for yourself today featuring your favorite NHL team, available on Amazon-
NHL Men’s Rally Z-Fit Hat