Branded prepaid gift cards have always been one of the most popular holiday gifts and this year is shaping up to be no exception.
When the best two professional football teams square off at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas on Feb. 6, party goers in parking lots and homes across the United States will expect their hosts to put on the ultimate football party. Last year’s Saints vs. Colts game had a record breaking audience of more than 106 million viewers, and this year’s big game is bound to have just as many people gathering to watch. But watching the game is only part of the fun. It’s the food, the camaraderie and fun that needs to measure up with fans to truly make it the biggest football party of the year.
Want to know what’s in store this holiday season? Maximize your time and money while minimizing shopping angst.
Cooking has always been a popular hobby, but the recent explosion of competitive cooking shows and food blogs have captured the imagination of the public, causing more people to wonder if they have what it takes to be a successful chef. While having a dream is good, the reality is that pursuing a career in the culinary arts takes a lot of hard work.
For millions of Americans, Thanksgiving signals the start of holiday shopping madness. For others, it’s a year-long journey, with presents carefully and thoughtfully selected along the way. Miraculously, others manage to get it all done in just one day. Just what type of holiday gifter are you and what exactly does it say about your personality?
The holiday season is a time to enjoy family and friends, but you probably have felt the stress that comes with preparing for guests, planning get-togethers and buying gifts. And in all of that commotion, you tend to forget about some of the most important people in our lives – yourself.
The holidays are all about spreading joy and showing loved ones how much you care. Even with the best intentions holiday shopping can become overwhelming. Consider these great gift ideas for everyone on your holiday shopping list:
Each February brings the pressure for the perfect date night for married and dating couples across the country. This Valentine’s Day, instead of dining at the most chic restaurant in town, try treating your special someone to a night in, featuring a homemade meal that is as affordable as it is delicious and extravagant.
Finding gifts for everyone on your list, wrapping presents and sending out holiday cards may not seem stressful on the surface, but according to a recent survey, more than half of women say these are the most stressful parts of the holiday season. While tackling the most daunting tasks of the season, following these tips can help you feel more centered.
Whether it’s Monday, midweek or a weekend afternoon, it can feel as though life is always hectic. The workplace presents a busy environment, and even when you leave the office, household chores and everyday errands are often draining and time-consuming. Though it might feel like an indulgence, it’s surprisingly easy to cut back on stress by making some time each day to enjoy a mid-day getaway.
Buttery chocolate cookie dough with chocolate chunks, nuts and marshmallows. Creamy caramels with apple cider and warm spices. These are just a taste of some of the irresistible sweets you could be gifting this holiday season.
Serving up a quick and nutritious breakfast is easier than you think. A high-quality protein breakfast like eggs can be made in less than three minutes and give your family the energy they need on big days at school, on the field and beyond. High-quality protein eggs are a great value at less than 15 cents per serving, and now they are lower in cholesterol.
As Americans increasingly seek healthier eating habits while dealing with tighter budgets, cooking and eating at home become more attractive than ever. If you’re an at-home cook looking for an easy way to expand your culinary horizons for a get-together or gathering, try creating some new taste sensations in familiar dishes by using new versions of your favorite spices to liven up family favorites.
Many don’t realize the major role the digestive system plays in boosting immune health and helping people feel their best during the cold winter months. You may be surprised to learn that approximately 80 percent of your immune system is actually housed in your digestive tract. As a result, keeping your immune system strong means taking steps to ensure your digestive tract is in optimal condition.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Did you know that including omega-3s in your daily diet is an easy way to support heart health? In fact, the American Heart Association has recommended the consumption of polyunsaturated fats, specifically omega-3 fatty acids, for good heart health.
The first time you saw a kiwifruit in your grocery store did you think it was a lemon gone wrong? Or perhaps you thought it was a new, smaller, odd-looking variety of pear. The truth is the kiwifruit isn’t just a fruit, it’s one of nature’s most perfect foods – and if your family hasn’t yet discovered the taste, versatility and nutritional punch of kiwifruit, it’s time to give it a try.
While it may be the most wonderful time of the year, all too often the holidays are short on cheer and high on stress. With the festivities just weeks away, many are feeling the pressure to find the perfect gift, plan a delectable feast and make the trek to visit the in-laws.
A cookie can be more than your average treat this holiday season. Outdo yourself and step outside your comfort zone with delicious detours and tasty twists on some favorite holiday baked goods.
Holiday meals are special times to bring the family together and entertain loved ones. While entertaining during the holidays is enjoyable, it requires meal planning and a lot of time in the kitchen – especially when hosting a large group. Serving brunch is a perfect way to create an elegant meal with ease. Adding slight touches to typical brunch dishes can turn a usual weekend occurrence into a special holiday meal.
NEW YORK — The Hollywood stage became a little less crowded Thursday as “American Idol” cut its contestant pool from 24 to a lucky 13 finalists. Ten advanced through online and phone votes from viewers. In a new twist, judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler picked the last three out for a wild-card competition.
FENNVILLE, Mich. — A Michigan high school’s star basketball player collapsed on the court and later died after making a game-winning layup in overtime to cap his team’s perfect season. Wes Leonard of Fennville High died Thursday night. A cause of death has not yet been determined. Paramedics performed CPR on the 16-year-old before he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
WASHINGTON — Employers hired in February at the fastest pace in almost a year and the unemployment rate fell to 8.9 percent – a nearly two-year low. The economy added 192,000 jobs last month, with factories, professional and business services, education and health care among those expanding employment. Retailers, however, trimmed jobs. State and local governments, wrestling with budget shortfalls, slashed 30,000 jobs, the most since November.
A cabdriver was shot and killed Friday morning in the east valley, and Las Vegas police are looking for two people caught on the taxi’s camera moments before he died.
Even after going 0-for-12 on takedown attempts through two rounds, Diego Sanchez refused to abandon his game plan.