30 Reasons to Celebrate in September

About 50 percent flaky pastry, 50 percent gooey, and 100 percent deliciousness, a fresh cherry popover makes an easy, pop-able breakfast or dessert, especially when you use fresh, end-of-summer cherries. You can even prep a big batch of cherry popovers, then freeze in baggies for quick and tasty breakfasts on-the-go.

From coconut cake and coconut cocktails to coconut oil moisturizers and household cleaning products, there are literally hundreds of uses for coconut and coconut oil. Start by learning how to crack a coconut, then go coco-nuts with the planet's most versatile, one-seeded drupe.

While they don't directly impact your life (unless you work in one), skyscrapers have their own holiday and can be celebrated. If you live in a city, spend this day visiting a major skyscraper landmark. If you don't live in a city, revisit photos from the last vacation to a major city.

Between diets and all of that grown-up, internalized guilt, there are so few opportunities to totally splurge in our adult lives. But today, go ahead and indulge in that second serving of dessert.

It's widely believed that the humble cheese pizza is, in fact, the perfect food. It's the ideal balance of carbs, protein, fat, reheats wonderfully, and can double as a tasty breakfast food. Dig into a homemade margherita pizza or a classic cheese pie today.

Pile on a few scoops with chocolate syrup or blend your favorite coffee ice cream into a milkshake for a decadent treat on this special day.

Beer isn't just the standard, light lager bartenders sling across every American bar top anymore. The craft beer movement has produced some incredibly creative and tasty, brews that blend different styles, flavors, and inspirations. Check out your local brewery for some new-to-you beers or try brewing your own beer at home.

Not all doggies like being hugged or cuddled; you should never force your dog into a hug and there are plenty of other ways to show your pup affection. But if your pooch loves a good hug, today's the day to indulge it.

Grab your old teddy from the attic and give it a squeeze because today is National Teddy Bear Day. If you tossed or donated your old stuffed animals in a Marie Kondo-inspired frenzy, there are plenty of free patterns to create your own teddy bear.

A grilled hot dog with ketchup, mustard, or sauerkraut is a staple at American barbecues, baseball games, or parties. But you don't have to stick to the original toppings or eat hot dogs only in the summer. Try topping your dogs with some more inventive fare like cilantro crema and avocado for an easy but delicious dish you can enjoy year-round.

Many entrepreneurs, CEOs, and influential social figures agree: If you want to set your day up for success, make your bed every morning. Not only will it help you establish a morning routine, but a tidy bed can help your life feel a little bit less cluttered, too. Plus, there's no better feeling than climbing into a cozy, made bed after a long day.

Take a time machine back to your childhood and sip on a chocolate milkshake. Chocolate shakes are incredibly easy to make at home. You only need a few, common ingredients and a good blender. Or head to the local diner for a classic shake.

Love 'em or hate 'em, these crunchy cukes have their very own holiday. There's certainly something to be said for the brine-y brightness they add to sandwiches, burgers, soups, and even cocktails. If store-bought pickles are not for you, why not give a homemade variety a chance? Pickles, as well as pickled veggies like carrots or beets, are incredibly easy to make at home with a few mason jars, vinegar, and spices.

Whether you call it a hoagie, a grinder, a submarine, a hero, or a poorboy, today's the day to dig into one of those massive, meat-filled sandwiches that are piled between two really long slices of French or Italian bread.

You read that right: You must eat a double cheeseburger today. It doesn't matter if it's topped with bacon, avocado, a fried egg, or even bleu cheese, or if you eat it alongside french fries, chips, or potato salad. Just be sure to make it a double.

Guacamole is so simple but so incredibly delicious. All you need is a few avocados, diced red onion, diced tomato, cilantro, and lime. If you want to add a twist to this classic Mexican dish, try adding a few diced jalapenos, chopped mango, mashed peas, or pomegranate seeds for some extra vitamins, fiber, and flavor.

Nope, a Monte Cristo isn't just a case of a wrongfully imprisoned Count. It's a totally decadent, pressed sandwich, too. Combining ham and cheese and fried in egg batter, a Monte Cristo is an American spin on the classic French croque-monsieur sandwich. Experiment with different cheeses; most recipes recommend Swiss cheese, but Gruyere is super tasty, too.

Is there anything more classic (or easier to make) than Rice Krispie treats? Combine butter, marshmallows, and Rice Krispies for a traditional variation, or try adding different kinds of cereal, sprinkles, or chocolate chips for a new-to-you and incredibly delicious Rice Krispie recipe.

Shiver me timbers. It's International Talk Like a Pirate Day! If you're not sure exactly how to talk like a pirate, try adding a few "argggghs" and "walk the planks" into your everyday conversation. Whether or not you carry your family's pet bird on your shoulder all day or wear an eye patch is totally up to you.

If a cheese pizza is the perfect food, a pepperoni pizza is the perfect food and then some. Topped with classic pepperoni or spicy soppressata, this pizza makes an ideal take-out dinner, late-night snack, or breakfast.

Apples aren't just a tasty way to get your daily dose of fiber. They're an incredibly versatile ingredient in cooking and baking, too. Juice green apples with cucumbers, lemon, and spinach for a nutrient-packed morning juice; dice apples into chutney and serve with pork chops or baked ham for a flavorful, but healthy dinner; or bake an apple with brown sugar and cinnamon for a simple dessert.

Did you know the average car emits 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year? Or that burning one gallon of gas alone creates about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide? If you're able, do your part in protecting Mother Earth and ditch your car today. Try biking to work (don't forget your helmet), take public transit, or carpool with a few coworkers. It may seem small, but small changes can add up to have a major impact.

Fall is officially here and that means more of your favorite sweaters, beautiful, fall foliage, and lots of cozy, warm recipes. And what better way to celebrate the arrival of fall than a classic, American pot pie? It's easy to make your own crust (or opt for store-bought if you're crunched for time), and you can toss whatever meats or veggies you have on hand into the filling. It's also super easy to make a veggie-friendly (and even vegan-friendly) pot pie, too.

Brush up on your use of apostrophes, definitively decide whether you're going to use an Oxford comma or not, and get a little adventurous by throwing a semi-colon into a work email or text.

For some, cooking means boiling pasta and heating up some pre-made marinara; for others, it means preparing sous vide steak, blanching and creaming spinach, and hand-whipping potatoes for a decadent, multi-course meal. No matter your definition of cooking, today's the day to don your apron, get into the kitchen, and try preparing something new.

Blueberries. Bananas. Classic buttermilk. When it comes to pancakes, the combinations and flavors are pretty much limitless. Simply stir the fixings of your choice into homemade or packaged pancake batter, fry, and enjoy. To take your pancakes to the next level, chop up some lightly fried bacon and add it to your pancake batter for a super savory batch.

Everyone loves receiving a sweet love note, but this time, skip the mushy, store-bought card and get a little more creative. Add a cute note to your kid's school lunch by writing on their banana peel, use old lipstick to write a message on your partner's side of the bathroom mirror, or surprise your best friend with a gift card for a mani or pedi or a home-cooked meal.

When it comes to cute animal appreciation, it seems like kittens and puppies get all the credit. Today's the day to give bunnies the love and admiration they deserve.

Today, raise your coffee mug and toast to the tasty, roasted beans that keep us going. Looking for a few more ways to appreciate coffee? Try adding it to your favorite cocktail, coating coffee beans in milk chocolate or dark chocolate, or blending a few beans into your favorite vanilla ice cream for a homemade coffee shake.

Whether you brew some kid-friendly cider or add a splash of your favorite whiskey for an adults-only drink, there's nothing better than curling up in front of a fire with a cup of hot, fresh mulled cider.