Rubber Ducky, You're...

 celebrated on January 13th for National Rubber Duck Day.

I have seen rubber duckies in many sizes, from a miniature for a dollhouse, to ones that float on lakes that humans can ride.

You can learn about rubber ducks online.*

*Not sponsored. Just a source of trivia.

Sticker Collecting

 January 13th is National Sticker Day. I celebrate every year.

I like using them on cards for friends, and to use as accents in my scrapbooks and planners.

And maybe on my snout now and then.

I found a great sticker book that has many sheets of stickers perfect for planners.

And they represent so many of my favorite things, like candy.

I can use these ones for travel planning.

Ooh, makes me want to have a snack.

I get very excited when I find books like these. Now, where can I stick some of these cute images?

National Dry Beans Day

 It took three years of waiting on the list, but I finally got in the Rancho Gordo Bean Club!

Once every quarter, members are sent a box full of beans and other goodies. We receive six one-pound bag of heirloom beans, most of which aren't commonly available.

Included in the member box is also a newsletter and a bonus product. Sometimes it could be a jar of spice, sometimes it's a bag of popcorn.

Every box has recipes that can be used with the beans included in the box, but other flavors can be used.

They have a store front in Napa, California and you can order some of their beans online. I'm not sponsored, I just am such a fan of beans, and this is a great club. They also have a good story.

I am excited to try black garbanzo beans.

Everyone seems to lose their minds over the royal corona beans.

You can order specialty gift boxes, like this Italian collection.

When a package from Rancho Gordo arrives in my mailbox, it is a happy day.

Full of Beans for Beans

The way Tom and Donna sing "The best day of the year!" is what I sing on this National Bean Day.

I could - and do - eat beans at every meal. And with the hundreds of available varieties, I can do it easily.

For breakfast I had black beans topped with eggs, garnished with salsa and guacamole, and served on a tortilla. A great way to start the day!

Lunch was hummus made from garbanzo beans. I dipped sugar snap peas and wheat crackers in it. So tasty!

It can be a snack or a whole meal. And you can dip any kind of veggie and cracker in that you like.

Dinner was tortilla soup. Lots of veggies and spices. And beans!

I served it over rice. It is so warming and cozy during these cold nights.

Cooking beans is much easier than many believe. And they are so versatile.If you don't want to cook from dry, you can get many canned. Some are even available frozen such as black eyed peas, lima beans, and soy beans.

I wasn't kidding when I said that I like beans. I get recipe ideas from cookbooks, recipe blogs, and cooking shows.

I have a never ending supply of legumes in my cupboard. I often think of Dr Michael Greger and his chant of "Beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils!"

Time for dessert. Hm, should I have some pumpkin hummus with pear slices, or some black bean brownies?

National Soup Month

 January is National Soup Month.

It is the perfect food for winter. And in my neck of the woods, it has been quite cold.

One great thing about soup is that no recipe is required. Just put what you like to eat in liquid, and heat it up.

Most soups have fragrant veggies in the base, such as onions and garlic. Add other vegetables, pick a legume, add a grain, season to taste, and add broth or water.

The one in this photo is lentil barley soup. I used onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and diced tomatoes. I added garlic powder, paprika, cracked black pepper, and celery salt. I used dried green lentils and pearled barley, added water (3 to 1 for dried grains and legumes) and cooked it in my pressure cooker. When it was finished cooking, I poured the soup over a mix of leafy greens. I do this so the greens don't get slimy. It is filling, nutritious, and comforting.

What is your favorite soup?