NATIONAL GUACAMOLE DAY

National Guacamole Day on September 16 brings fresh flavors together for the perfect celebration. What a great way to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month!

Avocados shine as the star of this dip! Lime juice, tomatoes, onion, and seasonings make guacamole a guilt-free addition to any snack or meal.

Since avocados fall under the superfood category, feel free to indulge. Packed full of good fats and nutrients, along with the fresh taste of lime and hint of spice, the dip is flavorful. It’s easy to make, too. Take it to work or use it for a party dish.

Guacamole is versatile, too. For example, add it as a topping on a quesadilla or even add it to a salad. Of course, the simplest way to enjoy is by dipping your favorite tortilla chip.

Originating with the Aztecs in Mexico, guacamole is an avocado-based sauce that has become popular in American cuisine as a dip, condiment, and salad ingredient. 

Using a mortar and pestle, mash ripe avocados and then mixing in sea salt.  Beyond the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and lemon juice, hot sauce, yogurt or other seasonings can be added.  If a celebration calls for spicier guacamole, add jalapenos, chilis, cumin, or red pepper. 

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGuacamoleDay

Mix up your favorite recipe for guacamole. Go to your favorite restaurant and order some fresh guacamole. While there, give a shout out to the restaurants with the best guacamole around.  Be sure to invite friends. As we say around here, why #CelebrateEveryDay if you don’t do it with friends? Share your recipes and find the best combination. Use #NationalGuacamoleDay to share on social media.

NATIONAL ACORN SQUASH DAY

National Acorn Squash Day is observed annually on September 7th. The day celebrates winter squash that is also known to some as a pepper squash.

Even though it is considered a winter squash, acorn squash belongs to the same species as all summer squashes including zucchini and yellow crookneck squash.

The most common variety comes in a mostly green outer shell, often with a splotch of orange on its side or top. However, varieties, including the Golden Acorn and the White Acorn, offer gardeners and cooks options. This versatile squash also grows in variegated color.

The acorn squash resembles its name in shape, an acorn. They usually weigh between one to two pounds and generally grow between four and seven inches long.  This hardy squash also keeps for several months, making it a great item to store for yumminess all winter long. Just be sure to store it in a cool, dry location.

Since acorn squash is versatile, it can be baked, microwaved, sautéed, or steamed. Some cooks like to stuff it with rice, meat, cheeses, or vegetable mixtures. You can also toast the seeds of the acorn squash much like pumpkin seeds.

Nutritionally, the acorn squash offers a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also has some vitamin C and B, magnesium and manganese.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #AcornSquashDay

Visit your favorite farmer’s market. You can also drive out to a pick your own farm. Once you’ve collected your squash, share your recipes or growing tips. Try acorn squash in soup or broil it. Experiment with the flavors as you fill your plate with this colorful garden vegetable. Whatever you do to celebrate, be sure to share it with others. Use #AcornSquashDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL RED WINE DAY

On August 28th, National Red Wine Day ushers in the flavors of fall. As the grapes ripen and signal a time for warmer sips, wine drinkers know reds mean tailgating and spicy foods.

Throughout the year, wine days afford us the opportunity to taste and learn about the differences between wines. Earlier this month National Prosecco Day gave us the last bubbly rays of summer. Now we savor the best of the season with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot noir, Port, and Syrah.

Red Wine Glasses - Lead Free Titanium Crystal Glass, 22 oz. Large Bowl, Long Stemmed Glassware - For Wine Tasting, Birthday, Anniversary or Wedding Gifts – Set of 3

Visit the RÖD Wine Store
Red Wine Glasses – Lead Free Titanium Crystal Glass, 22 oz. Large Bowl, Long Stemmed Glassware – For Wine Tasting, Birthday, Anniversary or Wedding Gifts – Set of 3

Visit the RÖD Wine Store

Red wine varietals produce deep ruby reds as well as subtle ambers and browns. Their beautiful colors hint at the coming change in the season. With that, we can look for delicious menu changes, too. Besides, what better way to enjoy a great bottle of wine than by pairing it with excellent company and food. Restaurants around the country will be happy to oblige throughout the celebration. Be sure to check out the latest menus from appetizers to desserts.

Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine Kindle Edition

by Madeline Puckette  (Author)
Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine Kindle Edition

by Madeline Puckette  (Author)

Don’t fear the red, either. Even if you prefer a sweeter wine, there’s a red for you. Also, blends offer a way to enjoy the best of both wine worlds. And don’t fret. Red, red wine pairs well with salad, steak, dessert and so much more.

If you’re hesitant, attend a wine tasting. There you will learn more each time and find the wine that fits not only your palate but your cooking style, too.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalRedWineDay

Pour a glass or two of delicious red wine. Not sure what kind to try? Ask sommelier and enjoy a wine tasting with friends. Use #NationalRedWineDay to share your favorites.

NATIONAL RED WINE DAY HISTORY

In 2014, Jace Shoemaker-Galloway created National Red Wine Day. 

NATIONAL AVOCADO DAY

Ripe for the picking, add this delicious superfruit to your menu on National Avocado Day on July 31st!

While guacamole is grand, don’t settle for just the chips and dip on this food holiday. Since avocado is so versatile, clear the table for the entire meal. That includes everything from the appetizer and main dish all the way to dessert. On National Avocado Day, this tree grown fruit has them all covered!

Avocados are more than a staple food in the American diet; they are proven to be a key ingredient in recipes for both inside the body and on the body! According to the Hass Avocado Board, as of 2015, avocado consumption in the United States doubled since 2005 and quadrupled since 2000. In fact, a whopping 4.25 billion avocados were sold in the U.S. in 2015. That’s four point two five billion of this amazingly beautiful food.

Super Food

There are many reasons to celebrate National Avocado Day. For one, avocados target insulin resistance with heart-healthy fats. They also fight Alzheimer’s with its Omega 3 fatty acids. Another avocado superpower is preventing and repairing damage due to its source of Vitamins C, E and K.

One of the secret weapons in an avocado is the high oleic acid content. This moisturizing fatty acid helps keep skin soft and hydrated but also supports the regeneration of damaged skin cells reducing redness and irritation. Eat more of this superfruit or cook with avocado oil if you have this type of skin issue.

Beauty

Ancient Aztecs used the avocado to beautify their skin topically with masks. Then in the early 20th century, the cosmetic industry discovered the benefits of its oil in creams, lotions, facial cleansers and other products that required a smooth application. Interestingly, the practice continues today.

As mentioned before, avocados have found their way into every meal of the day. Of course, avocados celebrate with dessert effortlessly. Additionally, the creamy texture replaces calorie-laden oils with healthful fats. That means we can indulge without the guilt. What better way to celebrate National Avocado Day than to indulge a little?

HOW TO OBSERVE #NATIONALAVOCADODAY

Enjoy an avocado and try a new recipe. Share your favorite avocado recipe and use #NationalAvocadoDay to post on social media.

Sliced in a salad, on toast or paired with Fajitas, Tacos, or Nachos, chances are you can find a variety of ways to enjoy avocado today!

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NATIONAL AVOCADO DAY HISTORY

Model Meals founded National Avocado Day at the peak of California avocado season, on July 31. Model Meals is a meal delivery service established in 2015 by Camille May and professional curve model Danika Brysha. The company works with local organic growers and farmers as much as possible to create whole food-focused menus, encouraging sustainable agriculture and healthy eating.

Whole30 approved, gluten-free and Paleo-friendly, a huge part of the Model Meals lifestyle is avocados, whether that’s in a dish or to have on the go. Danika and Camille famously carry “purse avocados” for a midday dose of healthy fat and vitamins. Obviously passionate about this superfood, Model Meals wanted to celebrate it to the fullest, and the idea to create its own holiday was born. If you’re curious if Model Meals delivers in your area, click here

Amazon Fresh Deals page
Amazon Fresh Deals page

NATIONAL LIPSTICK DAY

National Lipstick Day on July 29th encourages you to wear your best color. For some, lipstick is the only makeup requirement. Whether sheer and light, dark or bright, July 29th calls for all kinds of lipstick.

Throughout the ages, controversy surrounded lipstick. British Parliament banned it in 1770 calling it a devilish attempt to trick men into marriage. In some circles, lipstick was associated with witchcraft. Occasionally, lipstick contained poisonous materials.

It is said Sarah Bernhardt created a scandal by applying “lip rouge” in public. Surprisingly, George Washington supposedly wore lipstick. While Queen Victoria considered wearing lipstick impolite, one of her statesmen had a different opinion. During World War II, Winston Churchill thought the lip color boosted morale in an excellent way.

Of course, versatility is lipstick’s brand. It changes with a mood or with the scenery. Whether lipstick defines your attitude or channels your inner spirit, wear it on July 29th. No matter your style, lipstick adds a subtle accent or a bold statement. Let your lips speak. However, punctuate it with your lipstick.

NATIONAL LIPSTICK DAY HISTORY

In prior years, National Lipstick Day celebrations occurred on an annual basis with no declaration. As of 2016, beauty blogger, entrepreneur and International Businesswoman, Huda Kattan was named the modern-day founder.  Follow Huda on Instagram for expert beauty tips and use #nationalipstickday.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalLipstickDay

While you flaunt your favorite lip color, pucker up. Take a photo. Give us your best tips and tricks. What’s your favorite color or brand? Share what you love about lipstick on social media using #NationalLipstickDay.