Last edited:
And today is .......
- Thread starter tiger_one
- Start date
January 8
National English Toffee Day falls on January 8. it's a day to enjoy the delicious, rich, buttery confection, often with chocolate and nuts, known for its hard-crack texture and deep flavour, it's a classic confection, sometimes called "butter crunch,"
This confectionery has a rich history down the ages though now it’s common to either buy it at your convenient retail shop or make your own batch using a classic recipe that includes butter, sugar, and optional toppings like chocolate and crushed nuts.
English Toffee strikes a delicate balance between firmness and chewiness, making it a true pleasure to savor. Who can resist the deeply caramelized, buttery, and nutty flavour? Soft and chewy to very hard; often topped with chocolate and more nuts. What’s not to love?
The ANZAC version, ie Aussies and Kiwis have their own spin on the English toffee where we make a “Hokey Pokey style of toffee, where honeycomb toffee has baking soda and vinegar added so the toffee froths and makes bubbles as it sets, giving a completely different texture. But just as YUMMY!
In 2026, we have such a variety of English toffees that are both traditional in style and others that are “variations of a theme” offering flavours like creamy, treacle, mint, and liquorice, again in traditional chewy formats or chocolate-covered. These varieties are sold via retailers as individually wrapped sweets or in blocks and jars, with options for nationwide delivery.
Dietary options also cater for all types of consumer, including gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly, made with traditional methods, and no artificial colours or preservatives. Again the product size is available in various pack sizes, from 100g blocks to larger assorted jars.
Traditional English toffee in the Australian market is typically distinguished by its hard-crack stage (brittle texture) compared to the softer "soft-crack" stage of butterscotch. Authentic British versions usually focus on buttery sweetness with minimal chocolate or nut layers, though some premium Australian-made varieties include almonds and Belgian chocolate for a "buttercrunch" style.
But wait there’s more.
This famous sweet has now become even more popular when we know that it’s a staple ingredient in making a Sticky Date Pudding – YUMM!
Remember the Toffee Apples of our childhood?
And not to forget the popular Aussie ice-cream flavour, Hokey Pokey – a BIG YUMM.
We all deserve our just desserts.
“Sweet dreams are made of these”
“Toffee is happiness you can chew”
“Toffee breaks are nature’s stress pauses”
“Toffee or not toffee, that is the question”
National English Toffee Day falls on January 8. it's a day to enjoy the delicious, rich, buttery confection, often with chocolate and nuts, known for its hard-crack texture and deep flavour, it's a classic confection, sometimes called "butter crunch,"
This confectionery has a rich history down the ages though now it’s common to either buy it at your convenient retail shop or make your own batch using a classic recipe that includes butter, sugar, and optional toppings like chocolate and crushed nuts.
English Toffee strikes a delicate balance between firmness and chewiness, making it a true pleasure to savor. Who can resist the deeply caramelized, buttery, and nutty flavour? Soft and chewy to very hard; often topped with chocolate and more nuts. What’s not to love?
The ANZAC version, ie Aussies and Kiwis have their own spin on the English toffee where we make a “Hokey Pokey style of toffee, where honeycomb toffee has baking soda and vinegar added so the toffee froths and makes bubbles as it sets, giving a completely different texture. But just as YUMMY!
In 2026, we have such a variety of English toffees that are both traditional in style and others that are “variations of a theme” offering flavours like creamy, treacle, mint, and liquorice, again in traditional chewy formats or chocolate-covered. These varieties are sold via retailers as individually wrapped sweets or in blocks and jars, with options for nationwide delivery.
Dietary options also cater for all types of consumer, including gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly, made with traditional methods, and no artificial colours or preservatives. Again the product size is available in various pack sizes, from 100g blocks to larger assorted jars.
Traditional English toffee in the Australian market is typically distinguished by its hard-crack stage (brittle texture) compared to the softer "soft-crack" stage of butterscotch. Authentic British versions usually focus on buttery sweetness with minimal chocolate or nut layers, though some premium Australian-made varieties include almonds and Belgian chocolate for a "buttercrunch" style.
But wait there’s more.
This famous sweet has now become even more popular when we know that it’s a staple ingredient in making a Sticky Date Pudding – YUMM!
Remember the Toffee Apples of our childhood?
And not to forget the popular Aussie ice-cream flavour, Hokey Pokey – a BIG YUMM.
We all deserve our just desserts.
“Sweet dreams are made of these”
“Toffee is happiness you can chew”
“Toffee breaks are nature’s stress pauses”
“Toffee or not toffee, that is the question”
January 9
National Australian Shepherd Day is celebrated on January 9.
Few dogs match the spark and spirit of the Australian Shepherd. With their sharp minds and tireless drive, they turn everyday moments into something special.
These pups were born to move, think, and stay close to their people.
Whether herding sheep or chasing tennis balls, they throw themselves into the task with full focus and joy. Their expressive eyes and constant curiosity make it hard not to fall for them instantly.
National Australian Shepherd Day reminds us how deeply these dogs touch lives. They support, protect, and entertain with equal passion. Many serve in roles that demand patience, courage, and quick thinking. Others simply fill homes with laughter, loyalty, and warmth. These dogs bring comfort and energy in equal measure.
Aussie Shepherds are more than just beautiful- this breed is exceptionally smart and eager to please, making them fast learners for training and complex tasks. They exhibit high energy levels so require plenty of running, playing, and vigorous activity. Their temperament is loyal, protective, playful, and forms strong bonds with their families, but can be reserved with strangers.
They have a natural strong drive to herd, sometimes attempting to "herd" children or other pets.
For those lucky enough to know them, this breed leaves a lasting impression.
A medium-sized working dog weighs in around 50kgs; Their coat remains medium-length in a weather-resistant double coat, often in blue merle, red merle, black, or red, with white and tan markings. Their eyes are striking, often marbled or in various colours like blue, amber, brown, or combinations.
Like all dog breeds, the Australian Shepherd needs regular daily exercise and mental stimulation (training, dog sports like agility, obedience) to stay happy. Early socialization and consistent training are crucial to manage their intelligence and instincts. Moderate grooming is needed; they shed heavily and require regular brushing. These dogs are generally healthy, but prone to issues like hip dysplasia, eye conditions (CEA, cataracts), and epilepsy.
The Aussie Shepherds suit active families, farmers, or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities and can commit to training and providing a "job" for their dog, preventing boredom and ensuring they become well-adjusted companions.
Fun Facts about Australian Shepherds:
“We were told angels have wings: no one told me that some have paws”
“Aussie shepherds are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”
“To err is human — to forgive, canine.”
“Time spent with my Aussie Shepherd is never wasted”
National Australian Shepherd Day is celebrated on January 9.
Few dogs match the spark and spirit of the Australian Shepherd. With their sharp minds and tireless drive, they turn everyday moments into something special.
These pups were born to move, think, and stay close to their people.
Whether herding sheep or chasing tennis balls, they throw themselves into the task with full focus and joy. Their expressive eyes and constant curiosity make it hard not to fall for them instantly.
National Australian Shepherd Day reminds us how deeply these dogs touch lives. They support, protect, and entertain with equal passion. Many serve in roles that demand patience, courage, and quick thinking. Others simply fill homes with laughter, loyalty, and warmth. These dogs bring comfort and energy in equal measure.
Aussie Shepherds are more than just beautiful- this breed is exceptionally smart and eager to please, making them fast learners for training and complex tasks. They exhibit high energy levels so require plenty of running, playing, and vigorous activity. Their temperament is loyal, protective, playful, and forms strong bonds with their families, but can be reserved with strangers.
They have a natural strong drive to herd, sometimes attempting to "herd" children or other pets.
For those lucky enough to know them, this breed leaves a lasting impression.
A medium-sized working dog weighs in around 50kgs; Their coat remains medium-length in a weather-resistant double coat, often in blue merle, red merle, black, or red, with white and tan markings. Their eyes are striking, often marbled or in various colours like blue, amber, brown, or combinations.
Like all dog breeds, the Australian Shepherd needs regular daily exercise and mental stimulation (training, dog sports like agility, obedience) to stay happy. Early socialization and consistent training are crucial to manage their intelligence and instincts. Moderate grooming is needed; they shed heavily and require regular brushing. These dogs are generally healthy, but prone to issues like hip dysplasia, eye conditions (CEA, cataracts), and epilepsy.
The Aussie Shepherds suit active families, farmers, or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities and can commit to training and providing a "job" for their dog, preventing boredom and ensuring they become well-adjusted companions.
Fun Facts about Australian Shepherds:
- Despite the name, the Australian Shepherd does not originate from Australia! Their ancestors were likely Spanish herding dogs from the Basque region of Spain and France. The breed was further developed in the United States to become today’s Australian Shepherd. One theory on the origin of this name is that the sheep they were herding came from Australia. The other theory was these Basque shepherds came first to Australia before they were imported into the United States.
- SMILE! According to people who own or who have owned Australian Shepherds, this breed will smile and show all their teeth. Apparently, Aussies are most likely to smile when they’ve been caught doing something mischievous.
“We were told angels have wings: no one told me that some have paws”
“Aussie shepherds are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”
“To err is human — to forgive, canine.”
“Time spent with my Aussie Shepherd is never wasted”
January 10
National Bittersweet Chocolate Day is celebrated each 10 January.
Today is all-in. Indulge in this darker, richer confectionery along with its various health benefits and bake some chocolate chip cookies to really bring out the flavour.
Sometimes the rich, sweet flavour of milk chocolate just isn’t what will satisfy that craving. Sometimes, the taste buds want to relish in the underlying bitterness that is intrinsic to darker chocolates. Bittersweet chocolate is typically defined by its relatively high percentage of cocoa solids.
The timing, January 10, is meaningful. You might forget about your resolutions to break unhealthy habits after the year’s first ten days. National Bittersweet Chocolate Day can help you kick off healthy habits. You can let the bittersweet chocolate cure your heart, relieve your mind, and improve your social relations.
Today is a unique chance to indulge in bittersweetness: a rare word combination. Isn’t it weird that two almost mutually exclusive words pair and create a delectable flavour? Bitterness is something we don’t often want to hear or experience. People are frequently interested in sweet truths rather than bitter facts. Who dares to go out in the bitter cold? A bitter conflict is hard to settle, just like a bitter disappointment to accept. Many are even unwilling to take bitter medicine despite its healing effect.
Nobody would like to recall bitter memories. Chocolate is a scarce food that presents sweetness in bitterness. National Bittersweet Chocolate Day is an exquisite occasion that creates sweet memories you’d always wish to remember, even years later. Therefore, running out of bittersweet chocolate on this blissful day would indeed be a bitter pill to swallow. The best thing to do on the day is to spoil your heart, mind, and stomach with bittersweet chocolate. You can then put aside bitter arguments and share the day’s joy with others.
National Bittersweet Chocolate Day is an exceptional time when the dark gives out bright feelings. Who’d normally aspire to see the dark side of things? Can you brighten up your life on a day with dark clouds? Everyone craves to get over dark times and wake up to brighter days. A dark room makes you feel gloomy. You may have dark secrets you cannot share with family and friends. Yet, dark chocolate brightens the day, rocks the heart, and exhilarates emotions. National Bittersweet Chocolate Day is a fantastic event to share the brightness in the dark with anyone else.
There are certainly a lot of different types of chocolates from all around the world, but dark chocolate reigns supreme today, on National Bittersweet Chocolate Day.
In recent years, it has come to the attention of healthy people that chocolate can actually be healthy. Sure, the sugary-sweet versions that are packed with milk solids are not very good for the body, but don’t blame the chocolate! The actual chocolate itself can be very nutritious when consumed in moderation, with health benefits including:
And National Bittersweet Chocolate Day is the perfect day to enjoy just that! (The “moderation” part is usually the tough part!)
Fun Facts about Bittersweet Chocolate:
“OCD stands for Obsessive Chocolate Disorder.”
“Join the dark side.”
“Bittersweeet chocolate is like duct tape—it fixes everything!”
“Bittersweet chocolate never asks silly questions; chocolate simply understands.”
National Bittersweet Chocolate Day is celebrated each 10 January.
Today is all-in. Indulge in this darker, richer confectionery along with its various health benefits and bake some chocolate chip cookies to really bring out the flavour.
Sometimes the rich, sweet flavour of milk chocolate just isn’t what will satisfy that craving. Sometimes, the taste buds want to relish in the underlying bitterness that is intrinsic to darker chocolates. Bittersweet chocolate is typically defined by its relatively high percentage of cocoa solids.
The timing, January 10, is meaningful. You might forget about your resolutions to break unhealthy habits after the year’s first ten days. National Bittersweet Chocolate Day can help you kick off healthy habits. You can let the bittersweet chocolate cure your heart, relieve your mind, and improve your social relations.
Today is a unique chance to indulge in bittersweetness: a rare word combination. Isn’t it weird that two almost mutually exclusive words pair and create a delectable flavour? Bitterness is something we don’t often want to hear or experience. People are frequently interested in sweet truths rather than bitter facts. Who dares to go out in the bitter cold? A bitter conflict is hard to settle, just like a bitter disappointment to accept. Many are even unwilling to take bitter medicine despite its healing effect.
Nobody would like to recall bitter memories. Chocolate is a scarce food that presents sweetness in bitterness. National Bittersweet Chocolate Day is an exquisite occasion that creates sweet memories you’d always wish to remember, even years later. Therefore, running out of bittersweet chocolate on this blissful day would indeed be a bitter pill to swallow. The best thing to do on the day is to spoil your heart, mind, and stomach with bittersweet chocolate. You can then put aside bitter arguments and share the day’s joy with others.
National Bittersweet Chocolate Day is an exceptional time when the dark gives out bright feelings. Who’d normally aspire to see the dark side of things? Can you brighten up your life on a day with dark clouds? Everyone craves to get over dark times and wake up to brighter days. A dark room makes you feel gloomy. You may have dark secrets you cannot share with family and friends. Yet, dark chocolate brightens the day, rocks the heart, and exhilarates emotions. National Bittersweet Chocolate Day is a fantastic event to share the brightness in the dark with anyone else.
There are certainly a lot of different types of chocolates from all around the world, but dark chocolate reigns supreme today, on National Bittersweet Chocolate Day.
In recent years, it has come to the attention of healthy people that chocolate can actually be healthy. Sure, the sugary-sweet versions that are packed with milk solids are not very good for the body, but don’t blame the chocolate! The actual chocolate itself can be very nutritious when consumed in moderation, with health benefits including:
- Nutritional Value. Dark chocolate contains fibre, iron, copper, magnesium and manganese.
- Beneficial for Lowering Bad Cholesterol. Bittersweet chocolate may have the ability to lower bad cholesterol, which may have benefits to heart health and be able to reduce the risk of heart disease.
- High in Antioxidants. Fighting off free radicals, a little bit of low-sugar dark chocolate in the diet each day may be able to clean up the body of destructive, age-inducing, cancer-causing cells,
- Contains Flavonols. This substance may help to relax the arteries which, in turn, helps with improved blood flow and perhaps even lowers blood pressure in certain people.
And National Bittersweet Chocolate Day is the perfect day to enjoy just that! (The “moderation” part is usually the tough part!)
Fun Facts about Bittersweet Chocolate:
- Chocolate syrup was used for blood in the famous 45 second shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s movie, “Psycho” which actually took 7 days to shoot.
- There is NO milk. Unlike milk chocolate, bittersweet contains no milk solids, relying on cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, sugar, and vanilla.
“OCD stands for Obsessive Chocolate Disorder.”
“Join the dark side.”
“Bittersweeet chocolate is like duct tape—it fixes everything!”
“Bittersweet chocolate never asks silly questions; chocolate simply understands.”
Last edited:
All these posts of deliciousness make me hungry.
January 11
Thank You Day is celebrated each January 11.
Being grateful is a powerful way to spread kindness and brighten someone’s day. Thank You Day is a special occasion dedicated to expressing gratitude to those who have positively impacted our lives.
This day encourages everyone to say “thank you” sincerely, acknowledging the efforts and kindness of others. It’s a simple yet profound way to make the people around us feel appreciated and valued.
Expressing thanks strengthens relationships and promotes emotional well-being. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can reduce stress, improve mental health, and enhance overall happiness.
By setting aside a day to focus on thankfulness, we remind ourselves to appreciate the small and big things others do for us throughout the year.
Moreover, Thank You Day serves as a gentle reminder to be more mindful of our interactions. It’s easy to overlook the daily acts of kindness from friends, family, and even strangers.
This day helps us recognize and celebrate those moments, making sure that our gratitude is felt and acknowledged. Whether it’s through a heartfelt note, a kind word, or a simple gesture, saying thank you can make a significant difference in someone’s life.
"Thank you" is basically a common expression of gratitude, originating from a polite “I thank you," used to show appreciation for gifts, help, or kindness, fostering positive connections and well-being.
A simple gesture perhaps or a heartfelt expression of real gratitude.
Beyond being a social formality, it is a powerful tool for building connections, improving mental health, and fostering a positive environment in both personal and professional settings.
The most impactful thing you can ever say is “thank you.” Saying “thank you” is a compelling way to wipe the slate clean. Saying “thank you” is a 2-for-1 gift of gratitude and forgiveness all wrapped in one. Saying “thank you” is the turning point between letting go of what’s happened and embracing what’s to come.
Perhaps the biggest reason why saying thanks is extremely powerful is that it is an acknowledgement that you have grown.
Being thankful—and truly meaning it—is a shift in energy that attracts new and exciting things into your life because it signals that you’re ready to receive them. Gratitude opens up little doors in your heart that you previously kept locked. And when those doors unlock and open, it’s possible for you to pick and choose your own adventure. It’s possible to start over. It’s possible to pursue any direction your heart can imagine.
“Thank you” is the key to unlocking your true potential. All you have to do is recognize that you’ve had the power within you all along. But wait: Saying "thank you" isn't just polite; it's scientifically proven to boost your happiness, improve health (less stress, better sleep), strengthen relationships, and even increase productivity. The word itself comes from the Latin gratus, meaning "pleasing" or "thankful," linking it directly to feeling good.
Saying "thank you" is powerful because it boosts well-being, strengthens relationships, improves health, and motivates others by fostering positivity, respect, and connection, creating a cycle of appreciation that benefits both the giver and receiver through increased happiness, reduced stress, and higher engagement.
Fun Facts about “Thank You:”
“Kindness in saying Thank You is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
“‘Thank you’ is the best prayer that anyone could say.”
“The heart that gives thanks is a happy one”
“No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.”
Thank You Day is celebrated each January 11.
Being grateful is a powerful way to spread kindness and brighten someone’s day. Thank You Day is a special occasion dedicated to expressing gratitude to those who have positively impacted our lives.
This day encourages everyone to say “thank you” sincerely, acknowledging the efforts and kindness of others. It’s a simple yet profound way to make the people around us feel appreciated and valued.
Expressing thanks strengthens relationships and promotes emotional well-being. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can reduce stress, improve mental health, and enhance overall happiness.
By setting aside a day to focus on thankfulness, we remind ourselves to appreciate the small and big things others do for us throughout the year.
Moreover, Thank You Day serves as a gentle reminder to be more mindful of our interactions. It’s easy to overlook the daily acts of kindness from friends, family, and even strangers.
This day helps us recognize and celebrate those moments, making sure that our gratitude is felt and acknowledged. Whether it’s through a heartfelt note, a kind word, or a simple gesture, saying thank you can make a significant difference in someone’s life.
"Thank you" is basically a common expression of gratitude, originating from a polite “I thank you," used to show appreciation for gifts, help, or kindness, fostering positive connections and well-being.
A simple gesture perhaps or a heartfelt expression of real gratitude.
Beyond being a social formality, it is a powerful tool for building connections, improving mental health, and fostering a positive environment in both personal and professional settings.
The most impactful thing you can ever say is “thank you.” Saying “thank you” is a compelling way to wipe the slate clean. Saying “thank you” is a 2-for-1 gift of gratitude and forgiveness all wrapped in one. Saying “thank you” is the turning point between letting go of what’s happened and embracing what’s to come.
Perhaps the biggest reason why saying thanks is extremely powerful is that it is an acknowledgement that you have grown.
Being thankful—and truly meaning it—is a shift in energy that attracts new and exciting things into your life because it signals that you’re ready to receive them. Gratitude opens up little doors in your heart that you previously kept locked. And when those doors unlock and open, it’s possible for you to pick and choose your own adventure. It’s possible to start over. It’s possible to pursue any direction your heart can imagine.
“Thank you” is the key to unlocking your true potential. All you have to do is recognize that you’ve had the power within you all along. But wait: Saying "thank you" isn't just polite; it's scientifically proven to boost your happiness, improve health (less stress, better sleep), strengthen relationships, and even increase productivity. The word itself comes from the Latin gratus, meaning "pleasing" or "thankful," linking it directly to feeling good.
Saying "thank you" is powerful because it boosts well-being, strengthens relationships, improves health, and motivates others by fostering positivity, respect, and connection, creating a cycle of appreciation that benefits both the giver and receiver through increased happiness, reduced stress, and higher engagement.
Fun Facts about “Thank You:”
- Research indicates that women tend to be more grateful than men – come on fellas, lift our game!
- Research shows that that grateful people have higher good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol, as well as lower blood pressure. One of the reasons for this might be gratitude’s effect on stress.
“Kindness in saying Thank You is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
“‘Thank you’ is the best prayer that anyone could say.”
“The heart that gives thanks is a happy one”
“No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.”
Thank you @tiger_one for your educational and good humour.
