about holidays – Page 3

How to Save on Back-to-School Shopping

Researchers agree that back to school spending is likely to see a dip this year. BIGresearch forecasts that back-to-school spending in 2009 will be 7.7 percent lower than last year’s. The results of a survey by BrandKeys suggest that back-to-school sales will decline 10 percent this year.

If you’re a parent budgeting for your kids’ back to school shopping, you don’t need a survey to tell you this. You’re probably already out there, looking for ways to save on your kids’ school supplies while still getting the biggest bang for your buck.

Here are some steps you can follow to stay on budget and some tips on smart and savvy back to school shopping –

Identify what you really need to buy. Go over the school supplies list and then check off the items that your kids already have, which can be recycled, reused or handed down to a younger sibling. Notebooks with blank pages, sheets of paper, pencils, markers and other stationery, geometry tools, backpacks and several other items fall in this category. You don’t have to cut back on essentials, but if you can reuse or recycle something, you should.
Make a list of shops, bargains and websites with the best deals. Start your research a few weeks ahead, shop around. Every store places certain items on clearance and marks up the prices on other items. With a little looking around, you’ll be able to snag the best deals on school supplies. Stores like Staples, for example, have crayons, pencils, pencil boxes and other items on clearance for pennies. Dollar shops always have some good deals on certain items. Don’t leave out the discount stores either. Or, consider shopping along with a couple of friends at a warehouse store, so you can buy items you all need in bulk and split the cost.
Visit Garage Sales. You may find some great bargains on student desks, chairs, book shelves, stationery, lamps and other items that you may not find elsewhere. If the items are in re-usable condition, there’s no reason to overlook this avenue.
Shop smart online. Visit sites like deals2buy.com and milo.com. Milo is a local shopping search engine that lets you compare prices and brands in local stores in your area. Deals2buy is updated with the best deals, mainly on electronics, computers and gadgets (and which school kid doesn’t need those?!). Most of them are limited-time deals, so if you really think something is a steal, go for it.
Use coupons. Clip or print coupons wherever you find them. Save them in an organized and easily accessible manner and be sure to use them when you shop. Maybe you won’t use all of them, but sometimes, you never know which ones you’ll need.
Take advantage of post back-to-school season deals. The real deals happen a few weeks after school starts. You’ll find incredible bargains on many school supplies. This is the best time to stock up on supplies for the next school year.

With these tips, back to school shopping doesn’t necessarily have to be a budget breaker. With a little extra effort and thought, you could kick the school year off with great savings. You could, of course, start with Free Printable Cards that wish kids a great new school year, without costing you a dime.

Share some of your favorite tips on back to school savings.

What do July 4th and August 15th have in common?

August 15 Cards to Email Click here

One represents the birth of what is considered the world’s oldest democracy. The other represents the birth of the world’s largest democracy.

On July 4th, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, thus paving the way for 13 American colonies to becoming a sovereign nation.

On August 15th, 1947, India won independence after over 200 years under British rule – a victory that came at a very high price, including the partition of the country.

That’s about where the similarity ends.

Although these dates may both represent the Independence Days of the respective countries, when you look under the surface, the contrasts could not be any starker.

I won’t go into the details here as that would be beyond the scope of this post. But here’s a fact that reflects the vast difference.

The American War of Independence lasted 8 years. India’s Freedom Struggle lasted for about 100 years.

Of course, you can’t really compare the two situations. And citizens of one country can’t possibly understand how those of the other really feel.

But when you think about a country that was known as a flourishing land where ancient civilizations and cultures thrived, you can’t really picture it being enslaved by a modern country.

And yet history does not lie.

So, when I think about the fact that this Saturday, August 15, 2009 will mark India’s 63rd

Independence Day, I have mixed feelings. As someone born and raised in India, sure – pride, joy and nostalgia are in the mix. But so is a kind of sadness. I can’t help but admire the courage and patriotism of the countless, nameless, faceless people who made the supreme sacrifice to win a freedom they would never live to enjoy, the hardships and humiliation they encountered, the unquestioning faith they placed in the nation’s leaders and in themselves.

So, yes, while I will celebrate India’s Independence Day, probably by sending free ecards to my friends and family, listening to patriotic songs performed by Indian artistes and probably singing a few with my family, I will also take a moment to remember the sacrifice of those who made this day possible.

All over India, in schools, colleges and other institutions, Independence Day celebrations usually include a flag hoisting ceremony early in the day followed by a patriotic speech and cultural performances.

When you compare it with the fanfare associated with the Fourth of July celebrations, Indian Independence Day is a relatively somber affair. Perhaps that’s where the difference lies.

One marks the Declaration of Independence of a great country. The other marks the end of a long and hard struggle of an ancient land that should never have been colonized in the first place.

Happy Independence Day India – Aug 15th

If you have roots in India, then Aug 15 holds special meaning for you.

You may not have been around 62 years ago when India won her independence. But, surely, you have enjoyed the liberties of being born and raised in or having ties with an independent India.

As we approach independence day on August 15th, Indians are proud of the progress they’ve made in various fields. The past couple of years provided some great moments of pride to Indians across the globe – India’s launch of Chandrayan, her first Mission to the Moon, Abhinav Bindra winning the long-awaited and elusive Olympic gold and A.R Rahman winning the coveted Academy Award to name a few. But it’s not just the famous names and faces that make India proud. Everyday, there are millions of nameless, faceless people in various walks of life and professions ranging from army personnel to doctors, teachers, social workers, engineers, entertainers, scientists, religious leaders, homemakers and countless others hard at work to do their bit for their country, society and fellow citizens. August 15 is in fact a day to celebrate their spirits and hard work.

And yet, even after six decades, India is still not free from other self-imposed shackles that continue to plague her existence and stunt her growth. It is these negatives that come to light, far more frequently than the positives – maybe because they’re more abundant or maybe because that is human nature. Complaining is easier than appreciating.

India is still the land of the most ancient cultures and rich heritage. It is still where many religions of the world have their roots. India is still the birthplace of some of the oldest civilizations, languages, sciences and arts. This may not be immediately obvious to someone visiting the country today, or even to Indians living in India or abroad, as we may have strayed quite far from our origins in our quest for modernization. But, the core, no doubt, remains intact- buried beneath several superfluous layers perhaps- but intact nonetheless.

It is that truth, the core, the soul of India that we celebrate on Independence Day.

So, Indians – no matter where you are, be sure to spare a few moments of thought and prayer celebrating your great country and her heritage and wishing her a glorious future.

And regardless of your plans, spare a quick couple of minutes to send free Indian Independence Day ecards to your friends and family.

July 4th – more than a holiday

July 4^th means different things to different people.

To some, it’s a celebration of the birth of a great nation. (With the emphasis being perhaps on the celebration, than on the significance of the nation’s birth!)

To others, it’s a reminder of the gifts that our forefathers fought to bring us – independence, freedom, liberty – whatever you call it, it’s something many of us take for granted. It shouldn’t take long to realize how fortunate we are. There are millions of people who don’t enjoy what we now believe is a right. Whether it is freedom of speech or the right to vote and elect our leaders, the citizens of the free world have much to be grateful for, despite all the shortcomings in the ‘flawed system’ we are so quick to point out. So, in a way, July 4th is a solemn reminder of how much further we need to go.

And then there are those of us, for whom, it’s merely a long weekend. “What are your plans for the long weekend in July?” “So, where did you spend the Fourth weekend?” “Where’s your family headed for July 4^th?”

Sure, July 4^th may be almost synonymous with BBQs, fireworks, road trips, parties and parades. And that’s perfectly fine. But, before you head out to party, why not take a moment to reflect on what this Independence Day means to you and your family. Thanksgiving may be months away. But July 4^th is yet another opportunity to appreciate this gift of freedom that we enjoy, and to express our gratitude to the people who make it possible for us to live our lives the way we want. Be it our troops, our political leaders or forefathers, spend a few minutes thinking about them. If you have a long road trip or flight ahead of you, it might be a great time to discuss what this holiday means with your kids. (And don’t be surprised if they seem to know more than you!)

So, if you’ve decided to celebrate a more meaningful Fourth, start with Free Fourth of July Ecards. Send a July 4 th free ecard, printable card or photo cards to your friends and family, reminding them how fortunate we all are to be celebrating a holiday that represents freedom.

So, tell us, what does July 4^th mean to you?

4th of July Ecards

It’s almost here! The holiday that kicks off summer with a bang. (Or, on a budget, for some of us.)
When you think about it, July 4th probably wins hands down when it comes to popular holidays.
BBQs. Fireworks. Parades. Beach parties. River cruises. Not to mention a blazing summer sun that almost refuses to set.

Be it LA, Vegas, Chicago or your backyard – regardless of where you are, you pretty much can’t help partying when the whole country is!

If you’re still short of ideas, check out our blog for some of the best places to be this Independence Day. And if you’ve decided to stay home, you can still celebrate in style, even on a shoestring budget.

Free 4th of July Ecards

Whatever you choose to do, be sure to wish your friends and family a fantastic Fourth with Free 4th of July Ecards. Our animated ecards and printable 4th july cards feature a number of Independence Day themes. (If you have a tough time picking just one, go ahead and send as many as you want. They’re still free!)

Free Photo Ecards

Uncle Robert or Cousin Danny can’t make it to your famous Fourth BBQ this year?

Why not send them July 4th Photo Cards? Just pick a picture of you at the grill or the kids playing in the backyard. Select your favorite July 4th theme, type in your message and send it!

Photo Ecards combine the personal touch of a picture postcard with the simplicity of a free ecard. Check it out, as we put the finishing touches on this new feature.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and fabulous July 4th!

July 4th Trivia

July 4 th is just a couple of days away. Take this fun quiz to see how much you really know about America’s birthday.

1. Betsy Ross sewed the first flag. True or False?

2. How old was George Washington when he held his first public office?

3. Alexander-Gustave Eiffel known for building the Eiffel Tower, also built the iron framework for ————–.

4. The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4^th 1976. But, it was declared a legal holiday only in ——-

5. The United States imports fireworks worth approximately ——- every year.
($5 million/ $ 700,000/ $ 200 million)

Scroll down for anwers

Answers

1. False

2. 17

3. Statue of Liberty

4. 1941

5. 200 million ( $217 million in 2007)

Source : http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/lists/?article=fourthofjuly

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 4^th 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 4^th, 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 4^th experience, books yourself a seat on one of the several cruises such as Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise Commodore 4^th 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 4^th. 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 4^th 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 4^th 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 4^th 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 4^th celebrations.

So, tell us where you’re headed this July 4^th. 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 4^th 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 4^th.

The first newspaper to publish the Declaration of Independence was the Pennsylvania Evening Post, on July 6^th, 1776.
Three United States presidents died on July 4^th. Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on the 50^th 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 4^th.
July 4^th 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.
The Declaration’s famous signature by John Hancock is almost 5 inches long.
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 4^th! 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.

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!
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.
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 4^th 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.
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 4^th shopping on July 5^th or 6^th. 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.
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 4^th.

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 4thcelebrations 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.