February is 

Canned Food Month
Celebration of chocolate month
Potato Loves’s Month
Sweet Potato Month
National Cherry Month
National Snack Food Month
Great American Pies Month
National Grapefruit Month
National Potato Lovers Month
National Hot Breakfast Month
North Carolina Sweet Potato Month
Berry Fresh in the Sunshine State Month
Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket Month

February 1 is National Baked Alaska Day

February 2 is Heavenly Hash Day

February 2 is Crepes Day (france)

February 3 is Carrot Cake Day

February 4 is Homemade Soup Day

February 4 is National Stuffed Mushroom Day

February 5 is National Chocolate Fondue Day

February 6 is National Frozen Yogurt Day

February 6 is Nutella Day

February 7 is National Fettucine Alfredo Day

February 8 is National Molasses Bar Day

February 9 is National Bagels and Lox Day

February 9 is Pizza Pie Day

February 10 is National Cream Cheese Brownie Day

February 11 is National Peppermint Patty Day

February 11 is Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day

February 12 is National Plum Pudding Day

February 13 is National Tortini Day

February 14 is National Cream Filled Chocolates Day

February 15 is International Gumdrop Day

February 16 is National Almond Day

February 17 is National Cafe Au Lait Day

February 17 is National Indian Pudding Day

February 18 is National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day

February 18 is Drink Wine Day

February 19 is National Chocolate Mint Day

February 20 is National Cherry Pie Day

February 21 is National Sticky Bun Day

February 22 is National Margarita Day

February 23 is National Banana Bread Day

February 23 is Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day

February 24 is National Tortilla Chip Day

February 25 is National Clam Chowder Day

February 25 is National Chocolate Covered Peanuts Day

February 26 is National Pistachio Day

February 26 is National Chili Day

February 27 is National Kahlua Day

February 27 is National Strawberry Day

February 28 is National Chocolate Souffle Day

by Nicholas Walker, Brand Ambassador for kathy ireland Designs – Jardin

It is the middle of winter and February is a chilly time of year in most parts of the country. It is often a bleak time outdoors and spring seems far off. Most gardeners are longing to get busy but this is the season of rest for those green thumbs so what can you do to get inspired? This is the perfect time of year to take a trip to a local botanical gardens, it will invigorate, inspire and illuminate your gardeners mind and give you some great ideas to take home with you. It is the perfect place to remind you of all that can be achieved in the garden and to get some great ideas for your own.

In colder parts of the country there may not be too much to see outdoors, but the greenhouses will have a myriad of plants and flowers display that will stimulate your senses and remind you that spring is just around the corner. The hot house and succulents’ area will encourage any indoor gardening ideas, bring a pad and paper to make notes and jot down ideas.

Most botanic gardens have talks and photographic exhibitions throughout the year, check out their calendar and see what is going on this month, then treat yourself to a horticultural event that will lift your spirits and encourage you to expand your horizons in your own backyard.

Some botanic gardens offer courses and maybe this would be the perfect month to jump in and try something new, people just like gardens are always growing and changing and an interesting course could be the inspiration you need to make some changes in your garden that you have been longing to do.

So go botanical and February will seem as bright as May, now that’s inspiring.

by Nicholas Walker, Brand Ambassador for kathy ireland Designs – Jardin

In the midst of winter it is hard to believe that spring is around the corner as the weather is still cold and the garden is still in slumber. For kids itching to be in the great outdoors February can be a bleak month but a wonderful way to see color and life in the garden at this time of year is to encourage birds to come and visit the backyard and the best way to do that is to feed them and they will keep coming back for more. Winter is a hard time for all animals seeking food and shelter so feeding the birds is a considerate thing and the kids will enjoy seeing them return day after day. Here are some great tips on how to feed the birds:

• Birds like to feed where they feel secure, away from predators. So place a feeder up high where cats and squirrels can’t get to it or if you choose a ground feeder put up a mesh fence around it to help protect the birds.
• Suet is a great choice for birds that eat insects. You can purchase suet at most meat counters or buy it as a cake with seeds and berries in it. It is a delicious treat for birds in the winter but not in the summer as it can spoil in the heat and become rancid quickly, not very appealing. String popcorn and cranberries together and hang them on trees and bushes in the garden, this is a fun task for kids to participate in and  an added bonus is that the garden will get decorated but hopefully not for long.
• An age old favorite for kids and birds alike is to smear a pinecone with peanut butter and cover it in bird seed, then hang the pine cone from a tree string or ribbon and see how the birds love it.
• Don’t forget that water is very important at this time of year as well and in very cold climates purchasing a bird bath heater is a good idea, never ever add anti-freeze to the water as it is poisonous to all birds and animals.
• Always store your bird seed in a dry, cool spot in a rodent proof container. Do not use seed that has been stored for a long time, if in doubt throw it out. Feed the birds and your family will have hours of bird watching pleasure and the joy of knowing that you have made another living creatures life easier during the hard winter months.

by Nicholas Walker, Brand Ambassador for kathy ireland Designs – Jardin

February is here and with it comes Cupid, the messenger of love. Violets are this month’s flower and I am sure that Cupid held a posy of violets in his hand whilst drawing his arrow as they are the sweetest bloom. They have delicate, richly colored petals and their leaves are appropriately heart shaped.

Violets family name is Violaceae and it is often called, sweet violet, garden violet, blue violet or viola.  Violets are usually considered perennials but a few of them are annuals.  When you hear the word violet it conjures up the image of something richly purple or violet as the name suggests, yet this is not always the case with this flower as the fan shaped petals can be blue, cream, yellow, white or a mix of two colors.  They have a beautiful, strong scent that has been replicated in candies and perfume all over the world.

Violets petals are edible and have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, the whole plant can be used to make a delicious and healing tea.  Syrup can be made from the petals and leaves and it is used to help with sore throats and the congestion caused from colds.  Adding the petals to a salad is a wonderful way to add beauty and flavor to a meal.

Violets are an easy to grow plant and they make quite a splendid show in a flower bed, on a windowsill or in pots as they are rich in color and grow profusely in the right conditions.  They enjoy cooler climates and do not like the hot heat of summer; they are perfect for the first show of spring when it is slightly colder. They grow well in most soils, but a good fertilizer will help when you first plant them, remember to keep the plants moist but not too wet.  When they are well established make sure that you deadhead the old blooms this will keep them blossoming for a longer period.  Although they like colder climates and can survive a light spring frost they will not make it through a hard freeze, so plant them in the late spring in colder climates.

Violets have always been considered a symbol love and the Ancient Greeks used the petals in love potions. Today a beautiful posy of violets can have the same effect as their beauty and sweetness makes them deliciously romantic.