By You’re sure to welcome more joy into your life this week thanks to holidays like Hunt For Happiness Week, and book lovers especially will appreciate Library Shelfie Day. But there are plenty of excuses to indulge in sweet and savory treats too!
Banish the winter blues with celebrations meant to lift your mood. Below you’ll find fun ways to enjoy these “mini holidays” for a serious hit of happy!
Sunday, January 19: National Popcorn Day
Give plain popcorn a flavor kick today with this tasty recipe created by the pros in the Woman’s World test kitchen. It’s the perfect way to celebrate this delicious holiday!
To make Sweet & Spicy Popcorn: Line a rimmed baking sheet with wax paper. In a pot, combine 1⁄4 cup of maple syrup and 1⁄4 tsp. of chili powder; over medium heat, bring to boil. Cook until thickened slightly, about 3 minutes. Stir in 4 1⁄2 cups of popped popcorn. Transfer to baking sheet; cool. When cool enough to handle, break apart. Sprinkle on a bit of orange zest just before enjoying. Makes 8 servings.
Wednesday, January 22: Library Shelfie Day
“This is a day when book lovers share special selfies—aka ‘shelfies’—in front of their bookshelves, in their home reading spaces, at their local library or anywhere they love to read,” shares Cindy Hohl, president of the American Library Association.
First initiated by the New York Public Library in 2014, the day celebrates the personal connection people have with their most beloved books, while highlighting and promoting libraries and literacy.
“Readers can also take a photo in front of the books that have changed their lives, what they plan on reading this year or even their favorite novels of all time,” adds Hohl.
To join the celebration, post your own “shelfie” on your favorite social media platform with the hashtag #LibraryShelfie.
Friday, January 24: National Peanut Butter Day
Peanut butter lovers won’t be able to resist celebrating this holiday with a delicious homemade smoothie! The star ingredient in this easy-to-make blended drink is combined with cocoa and fresh banana for a truly creamy, dreamy treat.
To make a Peanut Butter Banana Blast-Off: In a blender, puree 1⁄4 cup of peanut butter, 2 Tbs. of cocoa powder, 2 bananas, 1 cup of almond milk and 1 cup of ice until smooth. Pour into two glasses. Garnish with chocolate sprinkles and a banana slice. Makes 2 drinks.
January 19–25: Hunt for Happiness Week
We all want to welcome more joy into our lives, and as it turns out, it’s easier than we may think! “Happiness isn’t found in the big moments or achievements; it’s in the small, everyday choices,” says happiness coach Carrie Speed, founder of Joyful Rising. What she suggests: Write down anything that sparks joy. “This list can include favorite foods, activities or even just some daily items that make you smile,” she says. “Then make sure you’re pulling from that list on a daily basis.” Other ways to help boost happiness? Show kindness, express gratitude and get moving to release endorphins.
January 1–31: International Creativity Month
The expert secret to unlocking your creativity: Practice “emotional reappraisal,” or viewing a situation through a positive lens, like finding the silver lining in a frustrating event. Washington State University researchers found that conventional thinkers who practiced this came up with more creative ideas than those who suppressed emotions, distracted themselves or didn’t face what they were feeling. This flexible thinking can lead to some great ideas!
Help a Hero
Send toiletries!
Do you have cotton swabs, toothpaste or small bottles of mouthwash to spare? If so, send them to Cape Cod Cares for the Troops. The nonprofit will include them in care packages they ship straight to deployed U.S. troop members. Mail items to P.O. Box 1444, Harwich, MA 02645.
