National Jump for Jelly Beans Day

It's a double celebration day!

Not to be confused with National Jellybean Day, which falls on April 22nd, today is a lesser known holiday called National Jump for Jelly Beans Day.

Each year, this holiday presumably requests that lovers of these sweet, little gummy candies work for their treats with an enthusiastic leap.
So, get jumping!


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Mutt's Day

Today we celebrate mutts,

those furry friends that often catch a bad wrap.

While purebreds come from a lineage of dogs of the same breed, mutts are a mix of two or more. This means that no two mutts are alike, and each is unique in its own way. 

Show your mutt some appreciation today with some extra treats, toys, and a nice long walk!

Over 11 years ago I bought what I thought was a purebred Toy Fox Terrier. It wasn't until much later I realized she was definitely no purebred, and almost certainly mixed with a Chihuahua. But we love Matty just the same, and to this day she remains an important part of our family.

So, I'm glad these dogs get a day of their own, if for nothing else but to celebrate their diverse heritage.
Happy Mutt’s Day!

National Cheesecake Day

It's National Cheesecake Day!

As far as food holidays go, this is one of the tastiest.

I'm glad I discovered this day because I just found my new favorite flavor!
The cheesecake pop is to die for!

I used a cookie scoop to form the balls from a plain New York style cheesecake. Next, I rolled them in graham cracker, and then dipped them in chocolate. For the finishing touch, I sprinkled graham cracker crumbs over to top.
Voila - a decadent dessert experience!
Very simple, with amazing results.

One helpful tip is that when making them you'll want to move quickly and keep the cheesecake cold. Otherwise, they become difficult to shape as they warm up.

So, grab a slice of your favorite cheesecake today to celebrate this glorious occasion!

National Rain Day

It's National Rain Day!

These cake pops were molded just like the blood drops I did for Blood Donors Day, with the difference, of course, being that today's are blue instead of red.

I found it kind of odd that National Rain Day was right in the middle of summer.
But then again, the Pennsylvania roots of this holiday are quite odd, so I guess it makes sense.

Living in the great Pacific Northwest we just never know what kind of weather we're going to get from day to day.
Lucky for us, today it's supposed to be sunny and 75!

I don't know about you, but I'll definitely take a little bit of sunshine on Rain Day!

National Milk Chocolate Day

Calling all Chocolate Lovers.
It's National Milk Chocolate Day!

While dark chocolate is usually a baking ingredient, this sweet treat is used to make many of our favorite chocolate-coated candy bars.

We all know that milk chocolate is also great on its own, tucked inside a s’more, or even melted into hot chocolate. Though perhaps my new favorite is when it's coating a
cake pop!

So, today enjoy milk chocolate your favorite way.
Happy Milk Chocolate Day!

Culinarians Day

Culinarians Day is a special day for anyone who cooks, which means just about everyone gets to celebrate!

You don't have to be a chef, or a graduate of a culinary institute to enjoy this delicious day. You simply have to  cook, and appreciate the results.

Now get in your kitchen and cook up a storm.
Don't forget your Chef's Hat!

National Hot Fudge Sundae Day

Since July is National Ice Cream Month, 

it's only fitting that today is 

National Hot Fudge Sundae Day!

Much like real ice cream and hot fudge, ice cream scoop cake pops kind of take on a life of their own.

Once you've shaped the basic ball, when you pour the chocolate over the top there's no telling what will happen! My hot fudge ice cream scoops may not look perfect, but isn't that the point?!

Sundae's are always great for those hot summer nights. So, whether you like to cover yours with sprinkles, whipped cream, cherries or all of the above, dig in and enjoy!

Amelia Earhart Day

Celebrated for Amelia Earhart's birthday, July 24, 1897, 

today is Amelia Earhart Day!

This famous pilot was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic and is remembered for never letting anything stop her from pursuing her dreams. Sadly, she never managed to complete her mission to fly around the world in 1937. Her last radio transmissions placed her somewhere around Fiji, and she was never heard from again.

My favorite thing to do to come up with new ideas for my daily posts is to blog surf. I love seeing what people are doing out there, and it really is the best way I get inspired.

In researching today's post I happened upon a fantastic blog: Let's Get Caking!
I found her "Red Baron Cake Pops" which totally inspired my Amelia Earhart. Plus, not to mention the fact that making the old airplanes into cake pops became too time consuming.
Be sure to check out her blog because she has all kinds of great info and tutorials on baking and decorating!

National Hot Day Day

It's National Hot Dog Day!

We already kind of gave a nod to hot dogs back on July 4th with Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, so today's picture is a bit of a pick up from that.

Hot dogs truly are a timeless American tradition and a favorite food to eat at baseball games, cookouts, and all kinds of summertime events. We found that the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council (yes, there is such a thing) estimates that Americans consume 20 billion hot dogs a year --

Next year, I think they need to start counting
hot dog cake pops too!

Rat Catcher's Day

Rat Catcher's Day is celebrated partly to honor those who hunt and dispose of pesky house rats, but it's mostly to recognize the fabled Pied Piper of Hamelin who drove rats out of the German town back in the 14th century.

To confuse matters, it turns out that July 22 and June 26 are actually linked to the legend, but we're going to stick with today's date.

In case you were wondering -- the rat traps used in the picture were purchased at the Dollar Store specifically for this photo shoot, and not some that we had lying around. Hopefully you know that I keep a clean house so we don't have any rat problems here!

Legal Drinking Age Day

It's Legal Drinking Age Day!

The legal drinking age in the US is 21, but there's no ID required to enjoy a beer mug or martini glass cake pop.

Of course we don't support underage drinking, and with that being said, have one on us!

National Lollipop Day

It’s National Lollipop Day!

Lollipops come in all flavors, shapes, and sizes, so it's no wonder that they are a favorite for people of all ages! No matter what your preference, it's hard to deny the pure deliciousness of a lollipop.

So, go to your local candy or convenience store and grab one to celebrate. Or, if you're like me, you'll take yours covered in chocolate with swirls - which would be the
cake pop lollipop!

How many licks it takes to get to the center of a cake pop?

National Flitch Day

I didn't know what Flitch Day was until just the other day when I had to look it up, and I have to say I was a little surprised by what I found...

Flitch Day recognizes the custom of awarding a "flitch" of bacon (the side cut of the pig) to married couples who make it through their first year and a day with no regrets. 

This tradition started in 15th century England and is still carried on in some towns today. 

My husband and I are coming up on our 10th wedding anniversary, so does that mean we get 10 flitches of bacon? Nice!

My cake pop for today is bacon sprinkled over white chocolate. Bacon and chocolate might make for a curious pairing, but I tell you that I think I've died and gone to heaven!

So, here's to all of you newlyweds out there, try a "flitch" cake pop and enjoy many years of happiness to come!

National Get Out of the Doghouse Day

Uh Oh - Screwed up again?
Have you been banished to the doghouse?
Well, lucky for you, today is Get Out of the Doghouse Day!

Kind of like a "Get Out of Jail Free" card for relationships, today is the day to apologize and get things back to normal. So, ask for forgiveness and try to get back into the good graces of the one you hurt.
Offer a cake pop - see if that helps!
Good luck!

Yellow Pig Day

You're probably wondering, 

"What the heck is Yellow Pig Day?"

Well, so were we, and here's what we found out...

It dates back to the 1960s when two Princeton math students were given an assignment to analyze the number 17. Thinking about the number 17 for so long drove them a little crazy, so they came up with the idea of a mythical yellow pig.

Of course, this yellow pig had seventeen toes, seventeen eyelashes, seventeen teeth, etc. So, now mathematicians in colleges everywhere celebrate Yellow Pig Day by eating Yellow Pig Cake and singing Yellow Pig Carols. Seriously.

This year, hopefully mathematicians and the like will also start incorporating Yellow Pig Cake Pops into their celebrations!

Cow Appreciation Day

It's Cow Appreciation Day...we think...

There is somewhat conflicting information out there on when Cow Appreciation Day actually is.
Chick-fil-A held their "unofficial" holiday on July 8th, but other sources have it as today. Since we had other things going on the 8th, we're sticking with today.

However, last week Chick-fil-A celebrated by offering free chicken to anyone who came into their restaurant dressed as a cow. Very cool!

I used to love going to Chick-fil-A when I lived in Utah and Tennessee, but have been deprived ever since I moved back to Washington. I can't believe there aren't any here!.
If there were, believe me when I say that I would have been dressed in full costume to get my free food!

National Gummi Worm Day

It's National Gummi Worm Day!

Did you know that gummi worms were not the first “gummis” made?

That’s right, even though the gummi worm was created in 1981 by the German company, Trolli, the gummi bear, was actually invented about 60 years before that. This first gummi was created by Hans Riegel, the founder of Haribo. 

I absolutely LOVE Haribo candy! You can win me over with a bag any day.

So, grab a bag of your favorite gummi worms and celebrate National Gummi Worm Day!

Bastille Day

Happy Bastille Day!

Today is the French National Day.

 It commemorates the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison on July 14, 1789. Bastille Day symbolizes the end of the constitutional monarch, and the beginning of the democratic republic of France. 

To Frenchmen, Bastille Day is the viewed as their liberation.

Even though we're not of French heritage in this house, it's still a cause for celebration and we're more than happy to show a little love to the French.

Merci beaucoup!

National French Fries Day

Sweet, curly, spicy or slathered with chili and cheese, French Fries are always a big hit. That’s why we’re so glad today is National French Fries Day!

The beauty of the potato is that it can be served a million ways and nearly every one is delicious. Needless to say, the French Fry is one of its best incarnations.

And the French Fry Cake Pop - well that just might become it's very own thing after today!

I made a regular French Fry cake pop, but couldn't resist also making Sweet Potato Fries as well.

I just recently discovered my love for sweet potato fries and was actually introduced to them by our favorite local Puyallup burger joint: Out & About Burgers

Out & About has fantastic burgers and milkshakes, and the absolute best sweet potato fries.
The best!

Tuesday's Tunes... Red Hot Chili Peppers

It's another edition of:

Tuesday's Tunes!

Another classic band. Another 90's favorite.
Another cake pop!

The Red Hot Chili Peppers were one of my brother JP's favorite bands growing up. So, the song Under The Bridge, among many others from their early 90's albums, were often heard all throughout my house back in the day.

Unlike many of my other favorite 90's bands, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were actually formed in the early 80's and have maintained relevance today with great music. They will always be one of my favorites, so today we give it up for RHCP!

Where were you in '91?

7-Eleven - Slurpee Day

Happy 7-Eleven Day!

Free Slurpees. Free Slurpees for everyone!

It's 7-Eleven's birthday today (on 7/11, get it?!), and they are giving away free Slurpees to anyone and everyone. So, stop by your local store and pick one up --

Like right now! Time is running out. Go!

According to their website, "general merriment and one-man dance parties" including the "Running Man and Raising the Roof are welcome". However, "the Macarena is NOT welcome. Ever." 

Good call.

Naturally, we're celebrating with our very own Slurpee Cake Pops and 7-Eleven chocolate logos. And, of course, we've already picked up our free Slurpee to wash it all down!

National Piña Colada Day

It's National Piña Colada Day!

You don't need to be on a beach to enjoy this tropical drink. Still, a piña colada is a great way to sit back, relax and enjoy the summer.

These Piña Colada/Coconut Shell cake pops are a Pop.O.Licious original that I just thought up today.
And of course, they're non-alcoholic and family friendly!

First, I made basic balls and cut the tops off to make flat. Then, I dipped them in chocolate and textured the sides with a toothpick as they were drying to create the look of a coconut shell. I sprinkled the top with white nonpareils. The "pineapple" is a candy melt cut into a triangle, and the "cherries" are red crunch sprinkles. Last but not least, I added the straw and umbrella, which are not edible but a necessity for the cuteness factor!

Enjoy!

Vote for me.
Click the link and help me move to the top!

National Sugar Cookie Day

Happy Sugar Cookie Day!

Some might call sugar cookies boring, but I beg to differ. They actually can be quite versatile, and a delicious treat in their own right.

If you ask me, I'll take a fresh, homemade sugar cookie with a tall glass of milk over a chocolate chip cookie any day.

Place a cake pop in the middle, like I've done with these flowers, and it's a done deal!

Video Game Day & Evan's Birthday

Happy Video Game Day!
Today is the day for all you Gamers out there!
Today you have an excuse to play video games until your thumbs cramp.
From the Wii, to Xbox, to PlayStation, or whatever your video game console preference, the day is yours.

We're Nintendo people in this house.
We rock the original NES and the Wii. Also, my boys just recently graduated from the original Game Boy to their very own DSi's after reaching certain academic goals at the end of their school year.

So, the timing of today is quite perfect because in addition to being Video Game Day, it's also my son Evan's 7th birthday! He and his older brother, Andrew, are definitely gamers, and just this past Halloween Evan dressed up as Luigi and Andrew as Mario. So, today as Evan blows out the candles on his birthday cake, he will also be biting into some Mario & Luigi cake pops!
Happy Birthday, Evan! We love you!

 Skip to my Lou

National Strawberry Sundae Day

Anyone got a spoon?

National Fried Chicken Day

It’s National Fried Chicken Day!

Today we honor a finger-licking American favorite. Instead of deep fried and extra crispy, we make ours dipped in chocolate and coated with toasted coconut.

Yum!

Different results, but both are tasty and delightful.

Forget the corn and mashed potatoes, because the best thing that goes with fried chicken is a

fried chicken cake pop.

So, fire up your deep fryer, visit your local KFC and dig in!

Top Mommy Blogs

I'm going to forego today's actual "holiday" because I wanted to feature one of my favorite blog sites:

Top Mommy Blogs!

This isn't a Wild Card Wednesday or a Tuesday's Tunes, but instead just a way for me to talk to YOU, my readers.

My blog is on a registry called Top Mommy Blogs, which is an awesome website full great blogs in every category, all by created by moms. I'm trying to make my way up the registry ranks to get more exposure. There are more than 1,200 blogs on the site, and as of this morning, we were ranked #51. Not bad, but with your help, I'd love to get into the top 50, or even the top 25. And the only way to do that is through your votes!

So, if you like my blog or a particular post, please vote for me and Every Day Should Pop every time you stop by. All you have to do is click the "Top Mommy Blog" button on the side of this page or the top of this post - that's it! Supper easy, and every vote helps!

I also wanted to take this time to say that I really love this blog and I hope that some of you do too. I pour my heart into this, and I'd really love some of your feedback. This blog isn't just about me and the days of the year, but it's also about you. According to my stats, I get many return visitors from all around the world, which is amazing. 

So, tell me - what do you think??? 

If you like something or don't like something, just let me know. Have a question? - just ask!

I recently read an article that said one out of every hundred blog readers will leave a comment. That made me feel a little better, but I am cake popping my heart out here so any kind of feedback would be great. I have  plans in terms of reader participation, such as Link Parties (or I guess in this case, "pop parties"), guest posts, etc.

But before we can get to any of that, I'd love to at least get your vote to help us move up the ranks of Top Mommy Blogs! The logo for the website is a mom juggling a bunch of different things. So, true to form, I've created cake pops to match. Whether it's juggling cake pops or kids, or anything in between, I can relate!

So, thank you to all of my visitors, (an early thank you for your vote), and keep reading!

Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

The 4th of July just wouldn't be complete without

Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest!

 Held at Nathan's original and best-known restaurant in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York this annual eating competition takes place every year on July 4th. It's regarded as the world's most famous hot dog eating contest with very spirited and rich traditions. Tens of thousands attend this event and nearly two million will view it on ESPN.

In addition to fireworks and the neighborhood BBQ, watching this every year is has become one of our favorite family traditions. So, we couldn't let today pass without honoring it with our very own hot dog cake pops!

Now, we all know that Joey Chestnut holds the world record with 68 hot dogs and buns consumed in 10 minutes, but the real question is:

How many hot dog cake pops could he eat in that time?

Consider that a challenge!

Happy 4th of July!

Build a Scarecrow Day

What is this day doing in early July?

Build a Scarecrow Day would have been much better suited for the fall - unless you're a farmer harvesting crops - but I'm not the one who makes those decisions.

Every year in early September we build a scarecrow for our front porch and leave him up all the way until Halloween. I don't think this cake pop will make it that long though, especially considering I used toasted coconut for the hair. 

Yum!

International Cherry Pit Spitting Day

Leave your manners at the door for this 

international holiday.

Cherry Pit Spitting Day is here, but I promise you that these cherry cake pops are too good that you'll want to eat them in all one bite, pit and all!

Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day

It's the first day of July, which makes it the perfect time for Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day!

 
Today gives you the chance to create your own flavor or do something else creative with everyone's favorite dessert.
My ice cream cake pops are really made from chocolate cake, but today maybe we can just pretend that these are actually Strawberry, Chocolate Sundae, and Bubblegum Ice Cream flavored Cake Pops.
How's that for creativity?!?