(BPT) – The holidays are magical, but all that fun and festiveness can eat up a lot of your time. Don’t let the joy of the season be overshadowed by a hectic schedule and too many to-do’s. These 10 simple tips and tricks will help you save time so you …
(BPT) – With elements of mystery and fright, the right decorations will set the stage for the ultimate Halloween. A haunted typewriter that writes help? What a creepy delight. A bejeweled skeleton? How oddly elegant. From witches to other wonders of the night, find the best Halloween inspiration at Grandin Road at Macy’s Herald Square.
(BPT) – The holiday season is packed with social events big and small. What makes some more memorable than others? The extra thought and special touches from the host or hostess.Cookbook author and entertaining expert Gaby Dalkin recently teamed up wit…
(BPT) – When U.S. Navy Lt. John McGrath took off on his 178th mission over North Vietnam at the age of 27, he had no idea it would end his life as a free man for more than six years. His plane was struck by anti-aircraft fire, tearing the wing and forcing him to eject from the aircraft. With a fractured back and dislocated knee, Lt. McGrath was captured and taken to “New Guy Village,” a war camp in Hanoi, Vietnam, where he became a Prisoner of War (POW).
Lt. McGrath was handcuffed behind bars, isolated, tortured and interrogated for more than a half decade. Back in the United States during the Vietnam War, when a soldier went missing, an American could buy a bracelet with their name on it to show solidarity and support. Nearly 5 million Americans wore POW/MIA bracelets to support Lt. McGrath, and the 600 other imprisoned soldiers as they anxiously waited for the war to end.
The veteran’s journey is one that few civilians understand, despite the nearly 22 million Americans who share it. Veterans Day, Nov. 11, is a time to remember and recognize veterans who have served throughout our nation’s history. It’s also a time to do our part to understand their sacrifice.
Historically, Veterans Day began as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of the First World War. Now, since November 1919, we celebrate each year to honor all veterans who have protected our freedom. We can begin to repay their sacrifice by advocating for military personnel who gave some, or all, to defend our country and our rights as citizens.
The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) is one of the nation’s most prominent supporters of veterans. The nonpartisan organization, founded in 1919, is committed to advocating for veterans’ issues, mentoring America’s youth and promoting patriotism. It was founded to advance the mission of The American Legion, incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans service organization.
The ALA believes it is each citizen’s civic responsibility to support the veteran community. In 2015, ALA members donated 5 million hours of community service to the nation’s veterans. Members support those who served in the Armed Forces in many ways including education scholarships, aiding shelters for homeless veterans and working with local VA hospitals to support service members.
On Veterans Day, the ALA encourages Americans to take the time to thank individuals in the Armed Forces, engage with the military and veteran community in a meaningful way to recognize their sacrifices throughout history, and take a moment to understand the experiences of soldiers like Lt. McGrath.
Recalling his homecoming in March 1973, Lt. McGrath said, “I returned to San Diego where I was greeted by my wife and two sons. The years of waiting for this moment were suddenly forgotten, and I realized how great it was to be alive, to be wanted and loved and, most of all, to be American.”
For more than six years prior to his coming home, Doreen Long, then a teenager, had worn a POW/MIA bracelet bearing Lt. McGrath’s name. When she rediscovered the bracelet in a jewelry box decades later, she set out to determine the fate of the honorable soldier. Long got in touch with the ALA and expressed her desire to meet Lt. McGrath and thank him for his service.
Long’s dream became a reality at the ALA National Convention in 2014 when Lt. McGrath surprised her on stage. For Long, it was the opportunity to meet a true American Hero. For Lt. McGrath, it was an affirmation of the nation’s gratitude for his service.
For more information about how you can support the veteran community, visit www.alaforveterans.org.
(BPT) – There’s a reason the holidays are called the most wonderful time of the year. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones over delicious food and shared traditions. But playing hostess can sometimes feel more like a burden rather than a blessing. This year, keep your holiday gathering fun, not frantic, with these headache-free holiday hosting tips.
Put time on your side. Start your dinner or cocktail party prep as soon as possible to make room for any last-minute surprises, like forgetting an ingredient or unexpected guests. Developing a checklist and assigning manageable to-do’s each day will help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. For example, once the invitations have been extended, plan the menu, and gather recipes and a grocery list. Take inventory of your cooking supplies, serving dishes and tableware. While cleaning the house, identify what decorations are needed.
Know when to buy, when to DIY and when to ask for help. From appetizers to desserts, determine what on the menu can be homemade, made ahead of time or store-bought and how guests can contribute. Figure out what is actually feasible for your meal – it’s OK if you can’t make everything from scratch. If you’ve never made homemade pie, there is no reason to put your culinary skills to the test the night before. If budget allows, buy prepared dishes or desserts from the market and place on festive platters. Find do-ahead recipes that can be stored in the fridge until they are ready to be served. By prioritizing your menu and asking for help, it will alleviate unnecessary stress and allow you to enjoy the event.
Ditch the pile of dirty dishes in favor of disposable tableware. Instead of standing over the sink cleaning, spend the extra time celebrating with family and friends. Make sure to choose products that can stand up to heavy foods, such as mashed potatoes and gravy or stuffing. Try using eco-friendly products, such as Chinet(R) Classic White(TM) plates and bowls. They are made from recycled material and biodegradable in home composting – leaving you to only feel guilty about that second helping of green bean casserole. And if your guests are known to be animated, opt for recyclable disposable wine glasses such as Chinet Cut Crystal(R) wine glass. It will hold up the event’s style without sacrificing your favorite stemware.
Set the scene the night before. Focus on setting the table, deciding where to put the drinks, and gathering extra seating and decorating the night before. That way the day of the party, you just have to worry about putting out the food and drinks. While last minute rearranging is bound to happen, conquering the planned details ahead of time will help keep you sane.
Deck the dinner table with a napkin fold. For a sophisticated, yet deceptively easy place setting idea, consider using a perfectly coordinated line of disposable tableware and add a napkin fold as a pretty and practical accent. Although some napkin folds can be intricate, try a unique design such as a poinsettia that can be made in a matter of minutes. Include complementary greenery or pine cones for a festive touch. For more holiday entertaining tips, décor ideas and recipes, visit www.mychinet.com.
(BPT) – While many people may be thinking of pumpkins, apple picking and football in the fall, this time of year also marks the beginning of the holiday giving season.
Savvy donors understand the practical benefit of giving before the end of the calendar year — to ensure credit is received on their next tax return. In fact, about 34 percent of all charitable giving is done in the last three months of the year, according to Blackbaud Inc., a leading supplier of software and data intelligence services for nonprofit organizations.
If you are planning to support a charitable organization this holiday season, consider these tips for smart giving.
Do your research. More than 1 million charities are registered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Compare organizations and study how they function by visiting sites such as the Better Business Bureau. The best charitable organizations ensure that the majority of their revenue goes to the causes they support, not operating expenses.
Only give to registered charities. In order to accept donations, most charitable organizations — depending on the state – must be registered with the Department of Justice (DOJ). Before you donate, check your state’s DOJ database to confirm the organization is registered.
Make sure your gift is tax-deductible. The government recognizes the value of charitable organizations, so many contributions to approved charities are tax-deductible. The key to receiving a tax deduction is making sure the charitable organization you choose is qualified by the IRS. To be sure, visit the IRS website. You must also keep accurate records, so get a written acknowledgment or receipt for your financial contribution.
For those who can’t afford to contribute financially to a cause, there are other ways to make a positive local impact throughout the year.
Do business with companies that also give back. According to the National Philanthropic Trust, corporate giving in 2015 increased to $18.46 billion — a 3.9 percent increase from $17.77 billion in 2014. Companies — large and small — are finding new ways to enhance their own corporate giving.
For instance, Ply Gem Industries, a leading U.S. manufacturer of home building products including windows, siding, roofing and more, recently launched the Home for Good project to build affordable housing across America. The company made a multi-year commitment to donate more than $1 million in products and funds to Habitat for Humanity — helping build nearly 300 homes in 2016 alone – with company associates and industry professionals also volunteering their time to support the project.
“Corporations today have an obligation to the communities they serve,” says Gary E. Robinette, chairman and CEO, Ply Gem Industries. “In fact, multiple studies show that consumers are increasingly more willing to do business with companies that make positive social impacts. Ply Gem’s Home for Good project embodies this philosophy while ensuring that we help make the communities where we live, work and play better.”
Take your giving beyond a monetary donation by getting involved. The holiday season often serves as a reminder for citizens to give back by volunteering their time. Check out programs like Home for Good, which offer the opportunity to volunteer in cities across the United States. To find ways to make a difference in your area, visit www.HomeForGoodProject.com.
By following these tips, you can make a difference this season and reduce your tax burden for the upcoming year.
(BPT) – The newest gadgets and gizmos are popular gifts for both young and old. However, as quickly as these items gain notoriety, they just as quickly lose it. Soon they are forgotten or replaced.
More people desire to create a gift-giving experience that will always be remembered. That’s why sentimental gifts are so special. They allow the gift receiver to tap into a special place of nostalgia that holds such unique meaning.
If you want to skip the season’s hottest gifts and instead give a gift that will be loved for years to come, consider these ideas:
Beautifully framed photography
Special photos don’t belong on your phone or in a shoe box. The perfect image makes the perfect gift when it’s professionally printed and framed. Companies like Livestock Framing offer custom printing and framing services without the high price tag. Simply visit www.LivestockFraming.com, upload a photo (this can be done directly from your phone), and select from four gorgeous frame colors and six sizes. Master printers provide complimentary image touch-up and artisans in Portland, Oregon assemble your frame by hand. In mere moments you can order a gift guaranteed to be a tear-jerker.
Recreate a past experience
Does your loved one always talk about a special past experience? Turn their favorite stories into new memories by recreating them. Perhaps it’s a picnic at the park where you first met. Maybe it’s road tripping to a favorite childhood restaurant. Perhaps it’s scoring tickets to the rock band that ignited their youth. Not only will this gift show them you care, but it blends memories of the past with new memories for the ultimate in sentimental gift-giving.
Compliment collection
Show them you care 365 days a year by gifting something they can open every day. It will take some time, but sit down with a notebook and write down memories, compliments and encouraging words. When you finish 365, fold the notes and place in a mason jar, wooden box or other nice container. Give this gift to your loved one and explain it’s meaning and how they should open one note each day for the next year. This is an emotional gift that’s great between spouses or parents and children.
Hand-print art
For parents, grandparents, godparents and other loved ones, a sentimental gift can hold great meaning when it’s related to children. Because kids grow up so fast, you can capture a moment in time by creating beautiful hand-print art as a gift. Use acrylic paint to add hand prints in the shape of trees or animals to fabric or a canvas to create a stunning wall hanging. Combine hand prints of siblings or different generations to create a keepsake that will be cherished forever.
Special edition book
In today’s digital age, there’s something extra special about the written word. If your loved one has a favorite book, see if you can find a first edition or author-signed copy to gift. It might be a modern novel or an old storybook from their childhood. Just make sure it’s a book that they love and you’ll surely hit a home run when it’s opened. If you and your kids haven’t read the book, offer to read it together and have family discussions about the characters and story line. A lively weekly discussion about the chapters will build lasting memories to enhance the meaning of this special gift.
(BPT) – As the weather cools and the fireplace whets your appetite for comfort and relaxation, thoughts naturally turn to friends, family, good food and drinks … enjoyable moments this season so notably brings. Whether you plan to be the hos…
(BPT) – Less than a month separates Halloween from Thanksgiving. And, this year, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are all within a day of each other, and the two multi-day holidays both end on New Year’s Day. With end-of-year celebrations coming one aft…
(BPT) – Shouldn’t this be the season for walks in the snow, gift-shopping, family gatherings, ho-ho-ho and mistletoe? So why are you still sneezing?
Granted, certain times of year are more allergen-filled than others, but the truth is, allergy symptoms can hit you in any season – even the holiday season! What’s more, the holidays bring unique triggers such as mold from evergreens inside your home, dust from long-stored decorations and food allergens in holiday foods.
“When you top off holiday allergens with the hectic pace and stress this time of year can bring, you have a recipe for a very sneeze-filled season,” says Dr. Stephen Tilles, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “No one wants to be a Scrooge during the holidays. With some planning and precautions, it’s possible to reduce your exposure to allergens and have a more pleasant season.”
The ACAAI offers these tips to help navigate the many seasonal triggers you may face during the holidays:
Dodging decoration disaster
Decorations are meant to make the holiday season bright, but holiday adornments can harbor allergens. Mold from Christmas trees can trigger sneezing and wheezing. Aromas from scented candles can cause congestion and affect breathing. Decorations stored in attics or garages from year to year can be a home for sneeze-inducing dust mites.
Artificial trees, wreaths and garlands can be an alternative to live decorations that host mold. Remove dusty decorations from storage and clean them outside before bringing them indoors. At the end of the season, store them in sealed containers to keep out dust. Avoid using artificial scents like candles and room sprays that can trigger symptoms for people with allergies and asthma. Instead, fill your home with natural aromas by baking holiday goodies or setting out a dish of unwrapped peppermints.
Safer holiday feasting
Seasonal foods are as much a part of the holiday season as tinsel and twinkling lights. However, dining as a guest in someone’s home can be a problem for people with food allergies.
If you have food allergies, alert your host ahead of time. Offer to bring a dish or two that you know will be safe for you to eat. Carefully read labels on prepared foods to ensure they haven’t been made with trigger ingredients or in a facility where they might have come in contact with allergens. If you’re hosting someone with food allergies, be sure to prepare some allergen-free dishes and clearly label those that have common trigger ingredients like shellfish, tree nuts and peanuts.
Avoid travel trip ups
Whether you’re visiting distant relatives or sharing a holiday meal with nearby neighbors, traveling during the holidays can mean exposure to allergens. Your neighbor’s beloved dog or cat may trigger pet allergies, no matter how well she cleans the house. The sheets on your hotel room bed may be washed in a detergent that causes itching, and the pillows may expose you to dust mites.
Be sure to pack your allergy medication before traveling. If you’re hosting, check with guests before they arrive to see what their allergy triggers are and get their guidance on what you can do to mitigate their exposure to allergens in your home.
Finally, don’t forget that it’s also flu season and flu can trigger or make existing allergy and asthma worse. Get a flu shot, and be sure to wash your hands regularly throughout the holidays. If you do experience an allergy or asthma attack, see your board-certified allergist. You can get more information about allergies and asthma, and find an allergist near you at AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.