Daily Holidays - January 31

Brandy Alexander Day Yes, January 31st is National Brandy Alexander Day! Though rumored to have been created for the wedding of The Princess Mary, Princess Royal (eldest daughter of England’s King George V and Queen Mary) and George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood in 1922, the true origin of this classic drink is unknown. A previous drink named simply “The Alexander”, contained gin, creme de cocao and sweet cream, and the “brandy” version may just be a simple swap-out…

Here is a little twist on the classic recipe:

Hiram’s Brandy Alexander:
recipe courtesy of Hiram Walker

1 1/2 parts brandy,
1 part Hiram Walker Brown Creme de Cacao
1/2 part cream or half-and-half
splash coffee.
Glass: Cocktail

Garnish: grated nutmeg
http://www.ahistoryofdrinking.com/wordpress/2011/01/happy-national-brandy-alexander-day/

Appreciate Your Social Security Check Day

Inspire Your Heart with Art Day While the origins of this annual "holiday" are unknown, Inspire Your Heart with Art Day celebrates art of all shapes, sizes and varieties. Whether it's a trip to a local museum, watching or acting in a play at the local theater or tapping your toes to a rockin' concert, today celebrates creativity with an artistic flair as well as the positive effect it has on our lives. Art inspires us to get creative and appreciate all different forms of art.

How to Celebrate

Sign up for pottery classes and create that special, one-of-a-kind piece of pottery.
Visit a local art gallery and ask yourself how each piece makes you feel?
What gal doesn't love a little bling every now-and-then? Why not make your own jewelry in honor of the holiday? http://www.examiner.com/article/inspire-your-heart-with-art-day-celebrating-art-is-good-for-your-heart

National Seed Swap Day Seed swaps are events where gardeners meet to exchange seeds. Swapping can be arranged online or by mail,[1] especially when participants are spread out geographically. Swap meet events, where growers meet and exchange their excess seeds in person, are also growing in popularity. In part this is due to increased interest in organic gardening and heritage or heirloom plant varietals. This reflects gardeners' interest in "unusual or particular varieties of flowers and vegetables," according to Kathy Jentz of Washington Gardener Magazine (Maryland).[2]

Seed swaps also help consumers who, due to increases in the cost of living or cut down on expenditures, wish to grow their own food.[3][4] Some events are organized as part of an educational effort, where visitors are taught gardening and growing skills[5][6] and how to preserve an area's cultural heritage[7] and biodiversity.[8] In the United States, the last Saturday of January is "National Seed Swap Day."[9][10][11] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seed_swap

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/january31.html