Monday, January 7, 2013
Janet talks with other moms around town about what they do with old holiday cards.
Somewhere along the line, the holiday card evolved into one captioned picture or collage designed to capture the essence of an entire year. I find myself stressing about my holiday card in early fall. I search for the perfect picture. I try to catch my kids playing in the leaves, jumping on the trampoline or in those rare moments, being nice to each other. I spend hours on the computer formatting my card and thinking of a cute caption or saying. Crazy? Yes! My borderline obsession with my own family card has filled a drawer in my china cabinet with hundreds of other families' cards. I can't bring myself to dump their works of art into the recycling bin. Many women I spoke to feel the same way. Most of us pack the cards away with our …
Friday, December 21, 2012
Donations were made by employees and friends of the Mercer County government.
- HOLIDAY GUIDE
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Friday, December 21, 2012
Editor's Note: The following is a news release issued by the Mercer County administration. Thanks to the generosity of scores of employees and friends of Mercer County government, local children will have a very merry holiday this year as County Executive Brian M. Hughes delivered piles of donated gifts to Gateway Head Start on Dec. 20. Hughes, who delivered the gifts in person to the John O. Wilson Neighborhood Center in Hamilton, was eagerly greeted by Gateway preschoolers. Gateway’s Family Advocate Barbara Chapman warmly thanked Mr. Hughes, saying the gifts will greatly help families of the preschool provide a bright holiday to their children. Gateway Head Start serves 87 children and their families. “I am moved by the compassion our …
Friday, December 7, 2012
Here's a list of holiday events taking place in Cranbury and Hightstown on Dec. 7 and 8
Are you looking for a little holiday cheer this weekend? Here are some local events coming up to put you in the spirit: Friday, Dec. 7: From 6 to 7 p.m., families can enjoy the Annual Women's Club of Cranbury Tree Lighting and visit Santa's Workshop at the Cranbury Fire Company. There will be crafts and activities in Santa’s Workshop, traditional carols with The Cranbury Brass Band at 7 p.m., a tree lighting, and a visit from Santa Claus. Some activities for children include visiting Mrs. Claus’ kitchen and Santa's Workshop, listening to holiday stories, creating ornaments, writing letters to Santa, cookie decorating and warming up with hot chocolate. Kelly Coyle, a cadette Girl Scout, worked with the Women's Club on the tree lighting …
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Last year the county raised $6,500 to help local veterans and their families enjoy the comforts of a hot meal during the holidays.
- NEWS
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Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Editor's Note: The following is a news release issued by the Mercer County Administration. The holiday season is quickly approaching, and the time of year for sharing joy and happiness with those less fortunate has arrived. Mercer County Veteran Services is conducting its annual donation drive to help veterans and their families enjoy the comforts of a hot meal on each holiday. Last year the county raised $6,500 for this worthy cause. Reaching this goal would again allow many of our veterans and their families to purchase items for a holiday meal, and Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes said a donation of any amount would be greatly appreciated. “Last year, we met our donation goal and were able to provide meals to veterans during the …
Sunday, November 25, 2012
As you look over the list of gifts you need this holiday season, an unsettling feeling starts. How will I pay for all these gifts? How about homemade gifts?
Gift-giving is meant to be a time for sharing how much you appreciate others, but rising prices and tight budgets take the feel-good vibes right out of gift-giving traditions. This year, take the money stress out of the holidays by turning to homemade gifts. Homemade gifts are a great way to show you appreciate someone while also adding a personal touch. Gifts don’t need to be expensive to be special. Get the family involved in the fun and you will be creating memories while making unique gifts for those who mean the most in your life. Patch explores the homemade holidays in hopes that you will find something to inspire you to enjoy the season more. Healthy options: Pack energy in a jar with healthy snacks like energy bars, dark …
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
These DIY Thanksgiving crafts will lend festive fun to your holiday decor.
Before the turkey is in the oven, the dining room table is set and your family is on their way, making Thanksgiving and fall crafts is a fun way to pass the time. Thanksgiving crafts will keep little hands busy and provide family-friendly fall decor to your home. Try any of these crafts to add fun to your Thanksgiving table. OREO TURKEY WHAT YOU NEED: 2 Oreo cookies 1 miniature Reeses Peanut Butter Cup 6 candy corns 1 Whopper Yellow, red and black small tubes of frosting 1 container chocolate frosting (optional) WHAT YOU DO: 1. Take a small amount of frosting (I used chocolate frosting) and place it on one of the Oreos, where the tail feathers will go. 2. Put five candy corn tail feathers on top of the frosting - the frosting will …
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Techies will love the almost unlimited options available this holiday season. With so much to choose from, Patch is here to help.
Techies will love the almost unlimited options available this holiday season. From affordable tablets to the newest cell phones, there is sure to be winner on this year’s list of the hottest in all things techie. Small tablets are becoming a major selling point as consumers look for options packed in smaller packages. Apple has dominated the larger tablet industry with its iPad, and the iPad 4 will be released Nov. 2 with a starting price of $499. But competition is heating up in the smaller tablet market, with four worthy competitors vying for market share. Gaming systems are continually being updated and reconfigured. If there’s a gamer on your list, maybe a new system is high on their list. eReaders are turning paperback enthusiasts …
Saturday, November 17, 2012
New study finds two-thirds of respondents expect to spend same amount as 2011.
The percentage of consumers who plan to sustain or increase their holiday spending in 2012 when compared to 2011 is growing, according to a recent survey by the NPD Group. The survey saw increases in respondents who plan to spend “About The Same” or “More” and a decrease in those who plan to spend “Less”: Survey Response 2012 2011 “Plan to Spend More” 10% 9% “Plan to Spend about the Same” 67% 64% “Plan to Spend Less” 23% 27% An article in the Baltimore Sun quoted NPD’s chief industry analyst Marshal Cohen as seeing “a light at the end of the tunnel with more consumers telling us they plan to 'spend about the same' and less planning to 'spend less.'" While the survey results paint a somewhat rosy picture for retailers such as Target, Sears…
Donna Burzynski
10:02 am on Monday, January 7, 2013
I am not creative, but I saw this idea in a magazine a few years ago. It's a great way to recycle and enjoy your cards from year-to-year. I make a Christmas Wreath from my Christmas cards and decorate the house with the wreath the following year. You will need at least 30 of your prettier Christmas Cards. 3 different-sized jars 1 large styrofoam wreath Thick Christmas Ribbon (the width of the … more ›