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December 4, 2011 is

National Cookie Day

It’s National Cookie Day! Did you know that the English word "cookie" is derived from the Dutch word "koekje," which means little cake? Dutch bakers used to test oven temperatures on small amounts of batter so that they would not waste the entire cake mix if the temperature wasn't right. It was not long before they discovered that these tiny pieces of cooked batter were actually quite tasty!

Cookies come in all different flavors, shapes, and sizes. To celebrate National Cookie Day, bake a few batches of your favorite kind and invite your friends over for a cookie swap!

punchbowl.com

olive wreath

How clever is this?

got a roof? be thankful.

December 3, 2011 is

National Roof Over Your Head Day

Today is National Roof Over Your Head Day! Buying a house is often the single largest investment a person will make in his or her lifetime. Did you know that the homeownership rate in the United States is around 66% of the population? Studies have shown that homeowners are more active in their communities, have improved education opportunities, and report higher levels of self-esteem and happiness.

Regardless of whether you rent or own, today is an opportunity to take a moment to appreciate the roof over your head!

• December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month
• punchbowl.com

Today is the International Day of People with Disability

For 19 years, the United Nations' (UN) International Day of Persons with Disabilities is annually held on December 3rd. It aims to increase the understanding of the issues around disabilities and attention to the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
 

This issue has been a cause longer, in 1976, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons. It called for a plan of action at the national, regional and international levels, with an emphasis on equalization of opportunities, rehabilitation and prevention of disabilities.

Persons with disabilities make up an estimated 15% of the world’s population. Almost one-fifth of the estimated global total of persons living with disabilities, or between 110-190 million, encounter significant difficulties. Furthermore, a quarter of the global population is directly affected by disability, as care-givers or family members.

This year's theme is -

"Together for a better world for all: Including persons with disabilities in development" 

Source: un.org

Photo credit: timeanddate.com, jicafriends.net, cbm.org, edf-feph.org

International Day of Persons with Disabilities
UN Enable

good night for a cup of mocha, a fire in the fireplace and a holiday movie!

Movie facts on the holiday movie, White Christmas

 

Today marks the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

The United Nations’ (UN) International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is annually observed on December 2 to remind people that modern slavery works against human rights.

This holiday is not to be confused with the UN’s International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.

The focus of this day is on eradicating contemporary forms of slavery, such as trafficking in persons, sexual exploitation, the worst forms of child labour, forced marriage, and the forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict.

Source:  un.org, timeanddate.com
Photo credit: timeanddate.com 

More info

National Fritters Day!

1665 is the first mention of fritters made out of meat. 

Later, they evolved to fruit which is the most popular now.

December 2, 2011 is

National Fritters Day

Today is National Fritters Day! Fritters are delicious fried cakes filled with fruit or meat. They can be served as a snack, side dish, dessert, or even the main course!

There's actually not much difference between pancake and fritter batter. They are both made with the same ingredients. It is only once fruit or meat is dipped into the raw batter and then fried that it actually becomes a fritter.

The first historical record of the fritter dates back to 1665. Samuel Pepys, an Englishman who served as a Member of Parliament during the English Restoration period, noted in his diary that he would be enjoying some fritters before Lent!

To celebrate National Fritter Day, try making your own tasty fritters to enjoy!

Source: Ultimate Holiday site, punchbowl.com