Blog Archives

Ultimate List of October Holidays and Observances (Serious & Wacky!)

9/30/2025

October is here—a month filled with crisp autumn air, cozy sweaters, and plenty of reasons to celebrate! Beyond the pumpkins and Halloween fun, October is packed with national, international, and delightfully quirky holidays that shine a little extra joy into the season. From meaningful observances like World Mental Health Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day to wacky favorites like Mad Hatter Day and National Pasta Day, there’s something on the calendar for everyone. Whether you’re looking for inspiration to mark a special cause or just want a fun excuse to enjoy tacos, chocolate, or knock-knock jokes, October offers a full 31 days of celebration.

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links which help to keep this blog running.**

🎉 Major National & International Holidays

October 1 – International Coffee Day ☕ | World Vegetarian Day
October 2 – International Day of Non-Violence (Gandhi’s birthday)
October 4 – World Animal Day 🐾 | Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
October 5 – World Teachers’ Day 🍎
October 9 – World Post Day ✉️
October 10 – World Mental Health Day 🧠💚
October 11 – International Day of the Girl
October 16 – World Food Day 🌍🍲 | Boss’s Day (US)
October 17 – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
October 20 – Diwali – Hindu Festival of Lights (date varies, often falls in November)
October 24 – United Nations Day 🌐
October 31 – Halloween 🎃👻

🇺🇸 U.S. National Holidays & Observances

First Monday in October – Supreme Court begins new term ⚖️
Second Monday in October – Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day
October 15 – National Grouch Day (perfect for Oscar the Grouch!)
October 16 – National Boss’s Day

🌎 International & Cultural Celebrations

October 1–7 – Golden Week (China)
October 14 – Canadian Thanksgiving 🍁🦃 (second Monday in October)
October 31 – Samhain (Celtic pagan festival)

🤪 Weird & Wacky Holidays

October 3 – Techies Day 💻 | National Boyfriend Day
October 4 – National Taco Day 🌮 | Vodka Day 🍸
October 6 – Mad Hatter Day 🎩
October 8 – National Pierogi Day 🥟
October 9 – Curious Events Day 🔮
October 10 – World Porridge Day 🥣
October 13 – International Skeptics Day 🙃
October 14 – National Dessert Day 🍰
October 15 – I Love Lucy Day 📺
October 20 – National Sloth Day 🦥
October 21 – Reptile Awareness Day 🦎
October 25 – World Pasta Day 🍝 | International Artist Day 🎨
October 28 – National Chocolate Day 🍫
October 30 – Checklist Day ☑️ | Candy Corn Day 🍬
October 31 – Knock-Knock Jokes Day 😂

📅 Month-Long Observances

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🎀
Hispanic Heritage Month (continues until October 15)
Vegetarian Awareness Month 🥦
Emotional Wellness Month
National Book Month 📚
National Pizza Month 🍕
National Cookie Month 🍪
Adopt a Shelter Dog Month 🐕

Recommended Posts

1 Comment

Shrimp Cakes with Pineapple Salsa

9/19/2025

1 Comment

Light, fresh, and bursting with tropical flavor, these Shrimp Cakes with Pineapple Salsa are the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Tender shrimp are combined with crisp vegetables and herbs, pan-seared until golden, then paired with a bright pineapple salsa that brings a zesty kick of lime and cilantro. This dish is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve at a summer gathering — a refreshing twist on classic seafood cakes that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links which help to keep this blog running.**

Shrimp Cakes with Pineapple Salsa

Ingredients
For the Shrimp Cakes:

1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ cup gluten free breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
1 egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
½ cup carrots, finely diced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 Tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
1 Tbsp lime juice
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp paprika (optional, for a hint of spice)
Olive oil, for pan-frying

For the Pineapple Salsa:

2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
½ cup red onion, finely diced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño or chili (optional), finely minced
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

Lime wedges
Extra cilantro or parsley

Instruction

1. Prepare the Salsa:

In a medium bowl, combine pineapple, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Stir well and set aside to let the flavors meld.

2. Make the Shrimp Cakes:

Place half of the shrimp in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped into a paste.
Roughly chop the remaining shrimp into small chunks for texture.
In a large bowl, mix together shrimp paste, chopped shrimp, breadcrumbs, egg, red onion, carrots, garlic, parsley, lime juice, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Form into small patties (about 2–3 inches wide).

3. Cook the Cakes:

Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil.
Cook shrimp cakes for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Serve: Arrange shrimp cakes on a platter, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve with lime wedges. Top with or serve alongside the pineapple salsa.

Tip: These shrimp cakes also pair beautifully with roasted veggies (like these carrots) or a light green salad.

Recommended Posts

1 Comment

Spiced Salmon with Guacamole & Pineapple Salsa

9/14/2025

1 Comment

Looking for a fresh, flavorful dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying? This spiced salmon with guacamole and pineapple salsa is the perfect balance of smoky, zesty, and refreshing. The salmon is rubbed with a bold spice blend, pan-seared to perfection, then topped with creamy guacamole and a sweet-tangy pineapple salsa that bursts with tropical flavor. Served alongside simple sides like roasted potatoes and steamed broccoli, it’s a vibrant meal that comes together quickly but feels restaurant-worthy.

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links which help to keep this blog running.**

Spiced Salmon with Guacamole & Pineapple Salsa

Ingredients
For the Salmon:
2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the Pineapple Salsa:
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, diced
¼ cup red onion, diced
Juice of 1 lime
1 clove garlic, minced
1–2 tsp salsa verde (optional, for extra flavor)
Pinch of chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Guacamole:
2 ripe avocados
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup cherry tomatoes, diced
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salmon Rub

In a small bowl, mix together paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Pat salmon fillets dry and rub the spice mix evenly over the top.

2. Cook the Salmon

Heat a lightly oiled skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Place salmon skin-side down and cook 4–5 minutes per side, until it flakes easily with a fork.

3. Make the Pineapple Salsa

In a bowl, combine diced pineapple, tomato, red onion, lime juice, garlic, salsa verde, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

Toss well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

4. Make the Guacamole

Mash avocados in a bowl.

Stir in red onion, tomato, lime juice, salt, and pepper.

Adjust seasonings to taste.

5. Assemble the Dish

Place cooked salmon on a plate.

Top each fillet with a spoonful of guacamole and a generous helping of pineapple salsa.

Serve with steamed broccoli or green beans and fried plantains.

Recommended Posts

1 Comment

Celebrate National Guacamole Day with Recipes, Serving Ideas & Festive Fun

9/12/2025

0 Comments

Guacamole lovers, rejoice! Every year on September 16th, we celebrate National Guacamole Day—a holiday that just so happens to coincide with Mexican Independence Day. What better excuse to whip up this creamy, zesty dip than a day dedicated to its deliciousness?

**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links which help to keep this blog running.**

Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a quiet night in, or planning a festive feast, guacamole is always the star of the show. Here are a few recipes, creative serving ideas, and fun ways to celebrate.

Guacamole Recipes to Try

1. Classic Guacamole - Simple, fresh, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:
3 ripe avocados
1 lime, juiced
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup diced onion
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:
Mash avocados in a bowl until smooth but slightly chunky.
Stir in lime juice and salt.
Add onion, tomatoes, cilantro, and garlic. Mix well.
Sprinkle with cayenne if you like it spicy.

2. Tropical Guacamole with Mango & Pineapple - A fruity twist that’s perfect for warm days.

Ingredients:
3 ripe avocados
½ mango, diced
½ cup pineapple chunks
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, finely diced
Juice of 1 lime
Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:
Mash avocados and lime juice together.
Fold in mango, pineapple, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
Serve chilled with tortilla chips or pita.

3. Loaded Guacamole with Corn & Black Beans - Great for turning guac into a hearty appetizer.

Ingredients:
3 avocados
½ cup black beans, rinsed
½ cup corn (grilled or canned)
¼ cup red bell pepper, diced
1 tablespoon lime juice
½ teaspoon cumin
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:
Mash avocados with lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Stir in black beans, corn, and bell pepper.
Garnish with extra lime and cilantro.

Creative Ways to Serve Guacamole

Guacamole Bar: Set up a DIY station with toppings like bacon, roasted peppers, cheese, or pomegranate seeds so guests can customize their guac.
Veggie Cups: Serve guacamole in individual cups with carrot sticks, celery, or cucumber spears for easy dipping.
Mini Guacamole Boats: Hollow out cherry tomatoes or mini bell peppers and fill with guacamole for bite-sized treats.
Breakfast Guac: Spread guacamole on toast or top your morning eggs for a festive start to the day.
Guacamole Grilled Cheese: spread guacamole in between cheese slices and make a ooey-gooey grilled cheese.

Fun Ways to Celebrate National Guacamole Day

Host a Fiesta: Pair your guac with tacos, margaritas, and salsa music for a festive Mexican Independence Day celebration.
Guacamole Cook-Off: Invite friends to make their own version of guac and vote on the winner.
Healthy Snack Swap: Replace chips with baked plantains, sweet potato fries, or zucchini chips for a lighter twist.
Pair It Up: Try guacamole with unexpected foods—like grilled salmon, burgers, or even as a topping for baked potatoes.

Recommended Posts

0 Comments

24th Anniversary of 9/11

9/11/2025

0 Comments

Here we are—September 11, 2025. Twenty-four years since that clear Tuesday morning changed us forever. Today we remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, honor the courage of first responders and ordinary people who became heroes, and hold close the families and survivors who carry this day in their hearts every moment.
May we choose kindness, look out for our neighbors, and protect the spirit of unity we felt in the days that followed. I’ll take a quiet moment at 8:46 AM to reflect. If you’re comfortable, feel free to share where you were, who you’re remembering, or an act of kindness you’ll do today in their memory. 🕯️🇺🇸
#NeverForget #September11 #HonorAndRemember #ServiceAndUnity

0 Comments

<<Previous

Ultimate List of October Holidays and Observances (Serious & Wacky!)

🎉 Major National & International Holidays

🇺🇸 U.S. National Holidays & Observances

🌎 International & Cultural Celebrations

🤪 Weird & Wacky Holidays

📅 Month-Long Observances

Shrimp Cakes with Pineapple Salsa

Spiced Salmon with Guacamole & Pineapple Salsa

Celebrate National Guacamole Day with Recipes, Serving Ideas & Festive Fun

Guacamole Recipes to Try

Creative Ways to Serve Guacamole

Fun Ways to Celebrate National Guacamole Day

24th Anniversary of 9/11

Linda Roisum

Archives

Categories

Ultimate List of October Holidays and Observances (Serious & Wacky!)

🎉 ​Major National & International Holidays

​🇺🇸 ​U.S. National Holidays & Observances

🌎 ​International & Cultural Celebrations

🤪 ​Weird & Wacky Holidays

📅 ​Month-Long Observances

Shrimp Cakes with Pineapple Salsa

Spiced Salmon with Guacamole & Pineapple Salsa

Celebrate National Guacamole Day with Recipes, Serving Ideas & Festive Fun

Guacamole Recipes to Try

Creative Ways to Serve Guacamole

Fun Ways to Celebrate National Guacamole Day

24th Anniversary of 9/11

Linda Roisum

Archives

Categories

🎉 Major National & International Holidays

🇺🇸 U.S. National Holidays & Observances

🌎 International & Cultural Celebrations

🤪 Weird & Wacky Holidays

📅 Month-Long Observances