Month: June 2009

July 4th – Where will you be?

Part 2:

From lake cruises to Capitol Hill, our earlier post explored some of the best spots to be in to enjoy the July 4th events. On the same note, here are some of the celebrations you don’t want to miss if you happen to be in one of these West Coast cities.

San Francisco: This pretty city has a lot to offer all through the year. So, it’s really no surprise that on July 4th, you’re going to have a tough time choosing any one spot to be in. Fireworks and celebrations take place on Fisherman’s Wharf (Aquatic Park), Pier 39, Berkeley Marina, Shoreline Amphitheater and other places. Many of the venues feature live entertainment and local bands. For kids, Berkeley Marina may be a good choice as activities like sack race and face painting are part of the celebrations. For an extra special July 4th experience, books yourself a seat on one of the several cruises such as Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise Commodore 4th of July Dinner Cruise or Blue and Gold Fleet Fireworks Cruise.

Los Angeles:

The glamour and glitz of this start-studded city gets dialed up a few notches, come July 4th. LA holds some of the grandest Independence Day celebrations in the country. Some of the top venues to check out include the Rose Bowl, which is ideal for families who want to picnic during the day and enjoy the fireworks by night. Long Beach is a popular July 4th destination for singles and families alike. It offers two spectacular view points namely Shoreline Village and Belmont Shore. Food courts, bars and restaurants abound, so if you’re really in the mood to party, this is the place to be. Of course, when it comes to July 4th parties, you can’t forget Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Headed to LA? You had better start thinking about the tough venue choice ahead!

Las Vegas:

For a city that glitters every night of the year, you might wonder if July 4th will be any different. Well, you’re in for a surprise. Because, Independence Day actually makes Sin City even hotter, if you can believe that’s possible. And this year, things are going to be more spectacular than ever. A simultaneous display of fireworks at nine different locations has been planned at Station Casinos. This unprecedented event is sure to draw huge crowds. Of course, this is Vegas – so fireworks are just the beginning. They officially kick-off summer in this casino city, which in Las Vegas stands for Pool Season! So, Las Vegas is the place to be in if poker, pool parties and fireworks sound like your kind of 4th celebrations.

So, tell us where you’re headed this July 4th. And don’t forget to send free 4th July ecards!

5 Fun Independence Day Trivia Facts

By Jace Shoemaker-Galloway

Independence Day is right around the corner, which means the lazy days of summer will be in full swing. July 4th is a special holiday many Americans look forward to – picnics, parades, barbeques, pool parties and of course, fireworks. After all, what could be better than spending a warm summer day relaxing and unwinding with friends and loved ones?

Independence Day is of course American’s birthday, when our country declared independence from Great Britain. Here are some fun trivia facts about July 4th.

  1. The first newspaper to publish the Declaration of Independence was the Pennsylvania Evening Post, on July 6th, 1776.
  2. Three United States presidents died on July 4th. Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on the 50th anniversary of Independence Day, on the Jubilee of Freedom, in 1826. Both men signed the Declaration of Independence. In 1831, James Monroe died on July 4th.
  3. July 4th was declared a paid federal holiday by the United States Congress in 1938. However, it was later determined that governmental employees of the District of Columbia were not included. In 1941, the declaration was amended to include D.C. employees.
  4. The Declaration’s famous signature by John Hancock is almost 5 inches long.
  5. Benjamin Franklin lobbied for the turkey to be our national bird. He wrote, “For a truth, the turkey is in comparison a much more respectable bird, and withal a true original native of America . . . a bird of courage, and would not hesitate to attack a grenadier of the British guards, who should presume to invade his farmyard with a red coat on.” Unfortunately for Franklin and the turkey, the turkey was outvoted and the bald eagle won.

No matter how you celebrate the holiday this year, Independence Day is as American as baseball, mom and apple pie. Have a happy and safe July 4th! And send free 4th of July Ecards

July 4th Celebration Ideas on a Budget

Just discovered you’re short of your July 4th travel budget? Ouch. But wait. The party’s not over yet.

So maybe you won’t be able to make it to National Mall in DC or to Chicago to witness the fireworks over Lake Michigan. But you can still have a fantastic Fourth right in your backyard, deck, patio or garden. Millions of Americans do.

And here are a few tips to get you started. Add some of your own and who knows, this might be turn out to be the July 4th you and your family will remember for years.

  1. Make July 4th crafts, favors and decorations. Give your kids some red, white and blue chalks or crayons, craft paper, thread and a glue stick and a pair of kids’ scissors. You’ll be amazed at the unique, creative stuff they turn out. Join them in the fun and together, you might end up making some really terrific Independence Day decorations. Display them with pride and a Made in America stamp!
  2. Start or join a neighborhood BBQ. You won’t believe how much you’ll save with this effort. Besides splitting the cost, you will also get to know your neighbors better and make new friends. Your kids will probably have a blast too, while grown-ups get a chance to catch up or relax. You could extend this idea by splitting the cost of fireworks and other decorations that everybody can enjoy as a group.
  3. Don’t miss the fireworks in your city. Even if you’ve seen it a dozen times, there’s still something new about the experience every year. Enjoying the July 4th fireworks from a local park or nearby beach is the most cost-effective way of celebrating the Fourth. You get to go out, meet friends, enjoy the outdoors, relax and watch the sky light up. All at no cost.
  4. Buy smart. Dollar and Discount stores offer plenty of choices when it comes to party decorations, crafts, favors, flags and other Independence Day buys. If you plan ahead, you can get almost all of them at a bargain. Don’t throw them away when the party’s over. Most of them can be salvaged, recycled or reused. Another smart thing to do may be to do your next year’s July 4th shopping on July 5th or 6th. Look around and if you spot a bargain, snatch it, save it and don’t forget you bought it, when the next Fourth comes along.
  5. Send free July 4th ecards and Printable Cards. With these, you don’t even have to leave home to wish someone a fantastic Fourth! You could even use some of the cards in our Printable Cards section as wall posters or inspiration for your crafts.

Do you have a July 4th celebration idea that saves you money? Share it with us!

July 4th Celebrations

July 4- Where will you be?

If you haven’t made plans yet, it’s time to start now.

With lower fuel prices, budget air fares and throwaway hotel deals, this is one of the best years to pack your bags and go visiting the places you have always wanted to see. And while you’re there, you might as well join in the country’s biggest party.

Check out some of the top Independence Day celebration venues in the country and make your pick. 

Boston

Considered one of the most popular July Fourth destinations,

and with good reason. It hosts several festivals including the The Boston Harborfest. This is a week long festival with over 200 events that begin in late June. Among other things, this festival includes a grand display of fireworks, free concerts, kids’ events, cruises, city tours and the famous Boston Chowderfest. Don’t miss the free Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks Display on July 4th.

Chicago

If going to ballgames and superb, free concerts or enjoying the most beautiful fireworks displays over Lake Michigan while you take a dinner cruise sound like your kind of party, then you must plan to be in Chicago this 4th. The city hosts three nights of fireworks displays with Lake Michigan as backdrop, and that is one sight that no photograph could do justice to. You have to be there to experience it. The Navy Pier Beer Garden is a great spot to be in, if you want to enjoy the fireworks and some fantastic, free concerts afterwards.

New York City

You’ll have a tough time picking out which spot you want to be in to enjoy the Independence Day celebrations in the Big Apple . If you’re one of the early birds, you might be able to grab tickets for a mind-blowing view from the Empire State Building. Or, maybe you’ve always wanted to see the Macy’s Parade and fireworks and this is the year you’ll make it happen. Long Island City and Roosevelt Island are also popular for their views, entertainment and food courts.

Washington D.C.

If you’ve decided to join in the celebrations in the nation’s capital, you couldn’t have picked a better place. Here, you can witness events all day, while enjoying the view of the country’s greatest monuments. The 4th celebrations kick off with a parade along Constitution Avenue. You can then enjoy the Smithsonian Folklife Festival that will include music, dance, performances, story telling, crafts and discussions, throughout the day. The White House Visitor Center will also host games, crafts and other activities on this occasion. You can enjoy the concert rendered by The United States Air Force Band in the evening on the Washington Monument grounds. As night falls, the National Symphony Orchestra and other artists will perform on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. This is followed by a grand display of fireworks over the Washington Monument that marks the end of the festivities.

Of course, there are several other great ‘must-see’ places in the U.S – from Miami to San Diego, LA to Niagara falls, you could pick just about any place to celebrate this Independence Day.

No matter where you are, spend a couple of minutes to send your friends and family free July 4th Ecards before you head out to watch the parade.

Father’s Day is June 21st are you ready?

Father’s Day is June 21st. Kick off summer with Dad’s big day.

Dad. Superhero. Best Pal. No matter what he means to you, now is the time to let him know. (Even if he pretends not to care about all that stuff!) . Here is a quick summary of our posts.

Tucked in between Memorial Day weekend and July 4th is a holiday that many dads don’t take seriously. (At least, I know of one who simply laughs it off as a completely unnecessary fuss.)

But just because dad doesn’t make much of it doesn’t mean we should make Father’s Day any less special than it ought to be. Besides, this year, it’s the first day of summer. So you have all the more reason to celebrate.

Dads are a different breed. They’re cool alright. But they’re also funny and loud and huggable and hard to read at times.

So, what’s it going to be? Golf clubs or gadgets?
Tickets to a game or a TV? BBQ or beach?

* No worries! If you still haven’t figured out a gift for Dad, feel free to borrow some tips and ideas from our blog here.

* And regardless of where you are and what you plan to do, send a chuckle or two his way with our free Father’s Day ecards. From fishing to football to rock star dad, you’ll find an ecard to warm dad’s heart. Or maybe tickle him pink.

* He doesn’t check his email that often? No problem! Our Printable Frathers Day Cards section is your answer. Pick a card, add an image of your own or choose one of ours, type in your text, or choose a message and hit Print. Just make sure it reaches his hands on time!

There. So, now you have a gift idea. A free Father’s Day ecard. And a printed greeting card, just in case.

Right. Now go whip up that hearty Father’s Day breakfast and have a fabulous time with dad.

Happy Father’s Day!

Why get Printable Father’s Day Cards?

My dad’s hilarious.  Any gift I get him, for any holiday, he absolutely loves.  From the World War II History 12 DVD set I saved money for months to buy for him, to a five dollar hammer I got down at the pawn shop, he just likes any gift I get him.  Most dads are like that, though.  And it’s not because our fathers don’t have taste.  It has more to do with how much our dads like to know we’re thinking about them.

That’s the biggest reason to think about getting Dad free printable cards this year for Father’s Day.  All the free ecards at Got Free Ecards are creative and fun, and printable cards allow you to go that extra step, in personalizing your gift.  With our printable cards, not only do you have several different fun templates to choose from, but you can also personalize each card with your individual greetings, photos and messages.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on Dad to let him know you care about him.  In fact, most fathers would probably rather you didn’t spend much money.  So save a little money this Father’s Day, while getting Dad a personalized gift at the same time, and check out the free printable Father’s Day cards at Got Free Ecards!

Father’s Day? Bah!

-Rupa

Every time I think about going shopping for Father’s Day, I can almost hear my dad’s voice, saying, “Why on earth do you need to spend so much to say something I already know?”

Father’s Day? What’s that?

The part of the world where I come from, Mother’s day and Father’s day aren’t really a big deal and everyone goes about their lives on the premise that parents love children and children care about parents, no matter what the date or month.

Marketable Moments

But after moving to the USA, I started noticing how much was made out of these occasions. From talk shows to commercials, magazines to malls, you could tell what month or date it was merely by glancing at the displays or topics being discussed.

I kind of liked it. I began to see things in a new light. These occasions give people the chance to express their appreciation and love. It made sense to me because I had moved so far away and it gave me a chance to do something special for my parents, who, I knew, missed me terribly.

And so it was that I started sending my parents flowers, greeting cards, restaurant reservations, tickets to shows and other such gifts.

And they appreciated my efforts. They really did. But they just didn’t get it.

“No more Father’s Day gifts, Please!”

My dad would say over the phone, “Why did you spend all that money on a watch? Haven’t I taught you anything? Learn to save, young lady, save!” My attempts to explain that I really wanted them to have the gifts and that it made me happy to send them stuff, were lost in the echoes of his booming voice.

My mom would express how lovely the gifts were, but would also tell me not to spend so much on her. “If you’re happy, that’s the greatest gift we can ask for,” She would say.

“But, Ma” I would protest, “I want to do this. It’s no big deal really. It’s Mother’s day after all.”  But my arguments were completely lost on them.

To my parents, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are simply superfluous. They don’t need them to know how much their children love them. All they want is for their kids to be happy and to stay in touch.

After years of trying to convince them, I finally decided to give in. I thought to myself, “Well, whatever makes them happy.” It seems as if they would be happier if I didn’t spend as much. So, I decided to cut back on gifts this year and send them free ecards instead.

My mom loved the free Mother’s Day ecard I sent her. And guess what my dad will find in his inbox on Father’s Day!?

While I will be spending just a few minutes browsing and selecting a free Father’s Day ecard, my dad will probably be thrilled to learn that his daughter has finally learnt to save. And what better gift can there be?

Now, that’s what I call a win-win!

Fun Father’s Day Activities for the Family

by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway

If you are looking for a few fun and inexpensive ways to spend Father’s Day this year, you’re in luck!  You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to have fun with dad.

Go Fishing – If dad is an avid fisherman, why not surprise him and offer to take him fishing for the day?  Get all his gear ready to go, pack up a nice lunch, bring along the sunscreen and go fishing for the day.  Even if fishing isn’t your cup of tea, dad will appreciate the gesture.

Camping – Why not load up the family and go on a little overnight adventure?  If you don’t own an RV or camper, ask a neighbor or friend to borrow a tent and a few sleeping bags.   Just make sure you know how to put the tent up or it could be a very long night!   Bring along the cooler, ice packs, some dogs and fixin’s and his favorite beverage.  Oh, and don’t forget the smores!   Make sure you bring your cell phone, matches, flashlight and bug spray along too.  This will be a Father’s Day dad will never forget!

Game Night – When was the last time you played Twister?  If your family hasn’t played a board game in ages, now is the perfect time.  Whether you play a good game of Scrabble, Pictionary, Monopoly or Candy Land, board games are fun for the entire family.  And if you don’t happen to have any board games handy, no worries.  Just stop by your local thrift shop.  You can always pickup all sorts of games at yard sales for next to nothing too.  Once you have the games, whip up some simple appetizers and you are good to go.  Just make sure to have plenty of dads’ favorite drink on hand too.

Pack a Picnic – No matter what the weather is, Father’s Day is the perfect time for a family picnic. Even if it is pouring rain, you can still have the picnic.  Just set it up in the living room or family room if the weather is dreary or cold.  And if you don’t happen to own a picnic basket, area yard sales or thrift shops will have them.  Pack the basket with some sandwiches, potato salad, chips and dessert.  Throw in the plates, utensils, drinks, ice packs and blanket or table cloth and you are good to go.  Don’t forget bug spray, hand sanitizer and sunscreen.

No matter what you decide to do for dad, just make sure to send him free Father’s Day ecards.

Happy Father’s Day!

Fun Father’s Day Facts and Trivia

Just for Fun Father’s Day Facts and Trivia 

Father’s Day is right around the corner.   In honor of this very special day, why not take a stroll down memory lane and take a peek at the interesting facts about the origins and history of Father’s Day.  There are also some fun factoids as well.   

  • 2009 marks the 100 anniversary of the origins of Father’s Day.
  • Sonora Louis Smart Dodd is the founder of Father’s Day.  In 1909, she wanted to honor and do something very special for her father, William Smart.  Mr. Smart, a widower and Civil War veteran, was left to raise a newborn and five other children after Sonora’s mother died during childbirth. 
  • The first Father’s Day was celebrated in Washington, in June, 1910.
  • Father’s Day was celebrated on different dates until 1966 when President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed Father’s Day to be held on the third Sunday in June.
  • In 1972, President Richard Nixon made it permanent – the national observance of Father’s Day would be held annually, on the third Sunday in June.
  • Today, there are over 64 million fathers in the United States.
  • As of 2006, there are over 14,000 hardware stores and over 23,000 sporting good stores in the USA.
  • Almost 95 million Father’s Day cards were given to dads last year.
  • Believe it or not, ties are still a popular gift for Father’s Day.

 Happy Father’s Day!