Birdwatching is the fastest growing hobby in the United States, and is enjoyed by a variety of individuals. Kids enjoy seeing birds in their play spaces and learning about new animals, while gardeners enjoy attracting birds with their blooming flowers. Others may have a flair for identifying feathered friends and keeping track of the different visitors they have to their yard. Gifting bird feeders and bird feeding accessories is a no-fail way to provide an enjoyable and entertaining experience to someone you love, whether they're 5 years old or 55 years old.
Whether it's for the holidays, birthdays, or as a thank you to a friend or colleague, finding the right gift for people can be a notoriously frustrating experience. What size is right? Is it a style the recipient wants? Will they want to return it?
Holiday shopping is full of challenges, from the crowds and traffic, to finding the right gift for everyone on the list. Thankfully, a new study on what gift seekers want is helping to make giving easier this year. According to the findings - and expert advice - here are three things all shoppers should know before they buy:
Send thoughts and encouragement to those in need of well wishes this holiday season. Share affordable gift baskets, flower bouquets and meaningful photo collages for the ultimate way to show you care. Remember to show your appreciation for caregivers, nurses and physicians whom are taking the time to help you and your loved ones during their time of need.
Share the gift of good health this holiday season with health-conscious presents. Healthy living books and accessories provide encouragement to kick start any New Year's resolution. And it's easy to find affordable and healthy gift baskets to share with family, friends and loved ones.
Saving money is a top priority for many families this year, and there are more ways than ever to save money during the holiday season. Online shopping is particularly convenient, and with these few simple tips, you can save a lot of money without leaving the comfort of your home.
Flowers can have many meanings, and receiving them as a gift can evoke different feelings for different people. Giving a gift of such beauty and vibrant life is almost always appropriate, and especially when it's a Mother's Day gift.
If you're at loose ends for a Mother's Day gift, why not treat her this year to an experience that is the epitome of class - afternoon tea. Around the world, afternoon tea provides a sophisticated, relaxing break from the day's hectic pace.
Father's Day can be a particular tricky holiday for those looking for the perfect gift for dad. You might find that the tie you bought him last year is still sitting in his closet or that golf shirt has yet to make its debut in the clubhouse.
For many of us, flower buying is a gamble.
(ARA) - If you're a homeowner, you probably know that home winterization is essential if you want to increase energy efficiency and comfort during the winter. In addition to the usual quick fixes, there are a few important tasks to keep in mind when preparing both the interior and exterior of your home for the harsh weather ahead.
(ARA) - The new year is a time for celebration, but it's also time for planning. For many Americans, that means reviewing your budget for the next year and setting some financial goals. As with any other goals, the key to achieving your financial goals is laying out a process that will ultimately lead you to success.
(ARA) - As the old year comes to a close and the new year begins, many people evaluate their current situation and set goals for the future. For some, career goals top the list. If you're looking for a new job or even a new career, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to work, because getting on the path is going to take a lot of work.
(ARA) - Tax time is a stressful time, even for the most prepared filer. And for the many people who aren't perfectly prepared when the season rolls around, each commercial, ad or sign that mentions tax preparation can be a painful reminder that the daunting task still lies ahead.
(ARA) - It might be coincidental that the new year and the beginning of tax season arrive so close together. Many people resolve to be wiser with their money in the new year, and it just so happens that being smart about your taxes is a good way to get started.
(ARA) - Snow, ice, wind and cold temperatures bring a host of problems that facility and IT managers must plan and prepare for ahead of the winter season. Not only do they need to consider the damaging effects that salt and sand have on flooring, but they should prepare for potential power outages that could impact their technology infrastructure.
(ARA) - Sure the gifts, decorations and sparkly lights are all lovely elements of the holiday season. But let's be honest. For many of us, the holidays are all about the yummy foods that we don't get at any other time of year, like turkey, ham, green bean casserole, creamy mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, cookies, and yes, even fruitcake.
(ARA) - Eventually, that household project that you have been putting off cannot be avoided any longer. But if you're like most homeowners, you will quickly give up on the DIY route and settle for something less daunting, like calling in a professional.
(ARA) - The holidays are upon us once more and along with office parties and caroling, the season also brings the joy of entertaining and feeding a crowd at home. While it may sometimes seem daunting to feed larger numbers of friends and family that may grace your home, the Canadian Mussel Industry Council has some delicious meal ideas for serving to all of your loved ones this season.
(ARA) - 'Tis the season to be jolly, but for most Americans, it's also the season to shop. While the items on your shopping list are sure to make gift recipients happy, being mindful about financial stress and maintaining good credit should remain top-of-mind.
Whether you own a mom-and-pop cafe that's a staple of the town, or just opened a new franchise restaurant in the mall, you know that saving money where you can makes a big difference for any restaurant owner. The first step in cutting costs while keeping quality high is taking an analytical step back.
As you prepare to stock up for the busy holiday season, remember to put a case of the funnies at the top of your list to keep you going all season long. With 46 million parties planned this holiday season, preparation and a sense of humor are key. With a few simple steps you can make the most of your time with family and friends as you run the party gauntlet.
What's the first thing kids are looking for when they get home from school? More times than not, it's a snack - and a recent survey shows that moms are more than happy to oblige their children; 90 percent of them think it's important to give their kids a snack between lunch and dinner. However, finding something that is easy to make and can be eaten on the go is also important. Here are a few tips for moms trying to find the perfect snack for the occasion:
As fall holidays line up and families draw together, the age-old question is how to make these special gatherings unforgettable for all. The answer is so simple, we often don't realize how truly powerful it is: food.
The smell of food roasting on the grill, good friends, a beverage in your hand and the anticipation of the big game - all are components of the perfect tailgating experience. The basic equation for a good tailgate party is simple, but there are a few important things to remember to make sure your tailgate is truly a championship-caliber experience.
Who doesn't love to dip? Whether it's a stem of broccoli meeting ranch dressing or a gooey mozzarella stick coated with marinara sauce, the act of dipping makes many foods more enjoyable. And if you're a kid, dipping can turn a ho-hum meal into a fun adventure.
(ARA) - Going back to school often means hitting the books for ideas to create healthy lunchbox and after-school treats that kids will love. Luckily, the experts at the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) have developed a host of easy tweaks and creative twists that will keep you thinking outside the traditional lunchbox all year long.
(ARA) - "What's for dinner?" It's the question everyone loves to ask, and when the answer is "pasta," kids and parents alike are excited to share the table, counting down the minutes until it's time to eat.
(ARA) - Wine tastes good, and its myriad flavors are compatible with a variety of foods. Wine enhances food, and it is also life enhancing. With regard to the latter, wine is now served in hospitals, has been proven to be highly beneficial in geriatrics, and often is prescribed by modern doctors, as was the case centuries ago, in the treatment of many diseases, especially heart disease.
(ARA) - So you've just tied the knot, or will soon wed, and you realize that mealtime (among other things) is about to change. If you have any jitters about cooking for two, rest assured that setting up a kitchen and cooking delicious meals - no matter what your budget or time constraints - are well within reach.