Monday, December 31, 2012
It's that time of the year....
The new year is almost upon us. I'm left wondering what my New Year's resolutions will be — or if I'll even make any this year. I've always looked at New Year's resolutions as a quick thought at the end of the year about how I'd like to improve myself over the next year. Do those thoughts linger much past early January? Do I really resolve to make change in my life? Honestly, no. Typical resolutions include losing weight, eating better or exercising more. I could use a little resolution around all of those... as I sit here eating a Christmas cookie for breakfast! Luckily I just joined the gym this month. I also want to start working more vegetables into my diet. I saw some success at this in the past year, but know that on my plate there …
With friends or family? Reveling or making resolutions?
New Year's eve is upon us! At midnight, we'll be ringing in 2013. What a year 2012 was. From our balmy winter last year to a busy election season this fall, 2012 was a unique year. I always enjoy New Year's eve and the countdown to midnight. The last few years I've spent the night with friends, gathering casually to cook a yummy meal, then wearing silly hats and sounding noisemakers at midnight. Everyone has their own New Year's eve traditions — or, are you planning to start a new tradition this year? Tell us in the comments below how you'll spend the last hours of 2012.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Family-friendly ideas to ring in the New Year.
Christmas may be over but are you still in the mood to party? Looking to ring in 2013 with some fun for your family? Have relatives coming into town after Christmas and you want to plan something special to celebrate? Why not throw a kid-friendly New Year's Eve party? Since I’m usually running on empty by the time New Year's Eve rolls around, I’ve put together some fun but EASY ideas for staying home and celebrating in your family room with the kids. GENERAL TIPS: Make it a party. If you don't have relatives staying with you, invite neighbors and friends with kids about the same age over to help celebrate. This keeps everyone off of the road, you can watch the kids together, and it saves on babysitter money. To keep it casual and easy, …
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Kwanzaa is celebrated in the US from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Tell us about any Kwanzaa celebrations taking place in Wayland.
The seven-day festival of Kwanzaa, which celebrates African-American heritage and culture, starts Wednesday, Dec. 26 and ends Tuesday, Jan. 1. Here are some facts about the week-long holiday. Do you know of any Kwanza events happening in Weston? Or do you have any facts about Kwanzaa that you would like to share? Please write them in the comments section below. This list was compiled with information from City News Service.
Dec. 26 is National Candy Cane Day.
It's National Candy Cane Day, which seems fitting given that you likely have a surplus lying around at this point in the holiday season. We visited the National Confectioners Association website to gather the questions and answers for a quiz dedicated to the striped peppermint candy synonymous with the season. The quiz is available as a PDF so it's easy to print off and share with friends or family gathered at your house for the holidays. Or just test your knowledge below: Candy Cane Quiz 1. Legend places the origin of the candy cane in the: A. 1900s B. 1800s C. 1700s D. 1600s 2. According to legend, candy canes began as a means of: A. Rewarding shepherds for successfully guarding a flock. B. Bartering for the Christmas ham. C. Keeping …
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
How much will we spend this year? And what's the best-selling Christmas song of all time? Find the answers below.
We know that there were three Wise Men, 12 days of Christmas and that Santa delivers all his presents around the world in one night. But did you know... $23,439.38 How much it would cost to buy your "true love" all the gifts in the 12 Day of Christmas . 12.9 billion hours, $447 billion How many hours Americans were expected to spend shopping, wrapping and returning gifts last year. That was about 42 hours and $688.87 per person. Get your postman/postwoman a gift According to Hallmark, Christmas is the largest card-sending occasion . Nearly 1.5 billion cards are sent to friends and family every Christmas Season. (That's actually down 400 million cards since 2004.) $983 million The value of U.S. imports of Christmas tree ornaments from …
Monday, December 24, 2012
We've collected the Christmas Eve closing times of some popular shops in Wayland and Weston, so you can pick up a last-minute surprise for under the tree or perhaps a unique host/hostess gift for tonight's party.
The Wayland Depot -- Open today, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This Wayland fixture features unique, homemade gifts and all the proceeds are returned to charity organizations throughout the town. Especially for Pets -- Open today, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Don't forget the four-legged friends this holiday season. Swing by and pick up a gift even the pickiest pup will appreciate. Classic Clocks, Etc. -- Open today, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. From antique clocks to those with modern appeal, this place has something for every clock lover on your list. Elizabeth Lee Boutique -- Open today, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Pick up a last minute gift for the lady in your life. From great clothing, to fabulous iPad cases, this Wayland boutique has something for everyone and at every price point. …
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Scan and share your awkwardness.
Everyone's got them — those awkward family photos that are a hoot to look back on here in 2012. Many old holiday photos also fall into the awkward category. I was looking through some old holiday photos from our family gatherings of yesterday-year recently, and came across some funny ones of me and my cousins when we were young. What about you? Do you have '80s hair on display in a holiday photo? What about fashions from the '70s? Post your awkward family holiday photos by clicking the upload button below the photo at right. Can you outdo your neighbor?
We're looking for photos of the most unique, quirky, or memorable trinkets that you hang on your tree for the holidays.
Holiday decorations do more than glitter and sparkle — they give a hint about the personality of their owners. Whether it's a trinket showing loyalty to a favorite sports team, cartoon character, or store [did you get your mini coffee cup from Dunkin' Donuts this year?] ornaments run the full range of sizes, shapes, and colors. And when it comes time to deck out the tree, it's the ornament that gets the best spot — the perfect place for the ornament to function as a conversation starter. Other folks prefer original, handmade decorations — especially if they were created by the kids when they were younger. Whatever the style, one thing's for sure: favorite decorations are unique. Here's your chance to share photos [or video] of the most …
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Or are you a last-minute gift-getter?
This year, for the first time, I took advantage of Cyber Monday to get a few gifts knocked off my list. The sales on things I was looking at for family and friends weren't incredible, but the 10 percent off here or free shipping there certainly helped. What also helped me out this year was going as simple as possible when it comes to gift giving. Instead of buying my sister and brother-in-law individual gifts, I proposed that my husband and I get them one gift, and they get us one, with a $30 limit. We also instigated a Yankee swap with my inlaws this year, so we don't end up with a ton of gifts that we really don't need. So it'll be a pared-down holiday for us. The best part of holiday giving, I think, is watching a loved one's …
Wayland Dental
8:37 am on Monday, December 24, 2012
I can attest to Michelles Jewelry Boutique for a gift or gift certificate. Her selection spans any budgetary range and her customer service is second to none. Highly recommended. more ›