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March is here and spring is on the way, but it's still a little too cold and dreary in many places.  This Hula Girl thermometer could be the answer, bringing thoughts of warmer weather and beautiful sunsets as those temperatures gradually rise.  And why not fix yourself a Blue Hawaiian Cocktail and/or a poke bowl, just to keep the Big Island vibes going.  Just remember, Hula Girl is really an indoor thermometer and doesn't like (or work well with) the frigid outdoors.  

national tartar sauce day

Well, we missed the real National Tartar Sauce Day on February 19th (it's officially always on the first Friday of Lent), so let's just say this is all about tardy tartar sauce.  Lent is still with us, however, and it's Friday, so here's a recipe from the wonderful and classic 1963 edition of McCall's Cookbook for some fish fun:

Sour Cream Tartar Sauce

1 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, drained

1/2 tsp salt

Dash of hot sauce

1 tsp grated onion

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Combine ingredients in a small bowl, refrigerate thoroughly then serve.

national cafe au lait day

Today is National  Café au Lait Day, celebrating the simple yet delicious blend of hot milk and coffee.  Here's a nice recipe from Wikihow to make it at home, and if you're going for true French style, the bigger the mug, the better.  And if you want a bit more French living and eating to enjoy, check out Mastering the Art of French Eating by Ann Mah.

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February 11th is the curious shared birthday of Jennifer Aniston (b. 1969) and Sarah Palin (b. 1964), and it's also National Foundation Day in Japan, celebrating the founding of the country in 660 BC.  This little vintage plate from Diamond China of Japan is also perfect for Valentine's Day, with its pretty roses and rosebuds and gilded rim.  

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It's National Puzzle Day!  Take a break to put the pieces together while also strengthening your brain with spatial and visual challenges.  We've got some pretty and bright matryoshka dolls to work with, or if you're hungry, a vibrant and spicy Mexican buffet.

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It's National Squirrel Day!  And the 21st day of the 21st year of the 21st century, all of which is probably very important to squirrels.

Celebrate with these bright-eyed and bushy-tailed salt and pepper shakers, because you need more squirrels in your life.  

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Today would have been the 315th birthday of Benjamin Franklin -- man of many talents and wise words.  And this mug commemorates Ben's discovery of electricity with a kite, while allowing you to have a nice hot cup of tea and maybe plan your own scientific or philosophical breakthrough.  

 An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.  

Ben Franklin (1706-1790)

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It's skating season...and these lovely little earrings are ready to sparkle as you glide across the ice.

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January is National Hot Tea Month so brew up some stuff with this lovely Argo Sencha Bee House Teapot.  Also all coffee and tea items 15% off through 1/31...Happy New Year!!

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The zodiac has made its way to Capricorn (December 21st - January 19th)...and here's a lovely and special candle to light up the night, for yourself or for your most likely ambitious, accomplished and responsible Capricorn friends.

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Check it out:  toasty as your favorite sweater, and bright and ready for some hot chocolate, coffee, chai, buttered rum, hot cider...whatever makes you merry.

happy full moon

 

Full moon and blue moon!!  And even though these are unusual holidays, 'tis still the season....

bee kind

 

Today is National Honeybee Day, an occasion certainly worth noting, what with all the hard work, honey creation and pollination those little buzzers do.  Respect the bee and protect the bee.  **  And here's a cute little bee trinket dish available to brighten up your world....