For many, Memorial Day brings to mind images of parades and picnics, of barbecues and baseball games. What’s sometimes forgotten are the reasons for the holiday: The sacrifices made by American soldiers in times of conflict. As the United States’ death toll passes 1,000 in Afghanistan, Memorial Day takes on an especially poignant meaning this […]
Category Archives: Holidays
When stores will open for Black Friday
Black Friday Moves to Thursday as Stores Woo Shoppers Big-box stores have been opening earlier every year to lure Black Friday shoppers, with some kicking off door-buster sales as early as Thursday night. The National Retail Federation estimates that 138 million consumers will flood stores Friday through Sunday, searching for big discounts on HDTVs and […]
April Fool’s Day History
The history of April Fool’s Day or All Fool’s Day is uncertain, but the current thinking is that it began around 1582 in France with the reform of the calendar under Charles IX. The Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year’s Day was moved from March 25 – April 1 (new year’s week) to January […]
Best Affordable Beach Resorts
From the plastic palm tree–lined beaches of the Jersey Shore to the powdery white sands of Belize, beach vacations never go out of style. “Beach destinations remain incredibly popular with travelers right now,†says Travel + Leisure A-List travel agent Kimberly Wilson Wetty; they’re “great for the time-starved couple who needs a mini-escape and perfect […]
Black Friday 2010’s dirty little secrets
Black Friday bargain hunters beware. There’s a good chance you won’t score that doorbuster deal you’ve set your heart on. Retail experts say the annual hype and hoopla that surrounds Black Friday also masks some nasty surprises. The most painful: The crushed hopes of hundreds of midnight shoppers, who camped outside for hours in the […]
How old is too old for trick-or-treating?
Have you ever looked out your peephole and felt scared of a trick-or-treater? You’re not alone. Mayor Mark Eckhert of Belleville, Ill., says he’s heard a ton of complaints from frightened single mothers and senior citizens who are less than happy about the “6-foot-tall kids†that ring their doorbells on Halloween. His solution: To create […]
4th of July Cakes
A colorful, creative 4th of July cake is a fantastic way to top off a summer celebration, and it’s something that beginning and advanced decorators alike can create and design. Whether you choose to go all out and make a cake with an Uncle Sam figure perched on the top or a more simple frosted […]