Take me out to the ball game: saving on a trip to the ballpark

Ah, spring. Flowers are blooming, leaves are lush and green and the smell of mowed lawns permeates the air. And of course…it’s baseball season! America’s pastime is perfect for seeing games live and in person, spending the day at the ballpark with friends and family. But it can also take quite a toll on your wallet. So I’ve got some tips on how to save on your favorite major league teams as well as considering a less expensive option – your local minor league team.

Read full post

 

Pack your bags: Vancouver (aka., Hollywood North)

“Hollywood North? What-the-what?” you might be asking yourself. Well, I’m not referring to a suburb of Los Angeles at all – not even close. Instead, head about 1,300 miles North into the gentle hospitality of Canada.

Read full post

 

Getting away from it all: hiking

Let’s be honest, Punxsutawney Phil blew his Groundhog Day duties this year. Don’t just take my word for it, as the ice and snow persisted, droves of people got legitimately peeved that spring — their light at the end of the tunnel — seemed as elusive as ever. That just ain’t right — call it like it is, Phil! (Or, perhaps the error is that we’re still looking to a furry little marmot for cutting-edge meteorological recommendations, but what the hey…where’s the fun in that??)

Read full post

 

Mama Mia: Mother’s Day Tributes

On May 9, 1914, Woodrow Wilson officially declared Mother’s Day a national holiday and through the years this day has truly taken off. In fact, more phone calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day of the year. These holiday chats with Mom often cause phone traffic to spike by as much as 37%.

Today we’ve got some loving odes from staff to their mothers (as well as some timeless Mother’s Day relevant quotes). Happy Mother’s Day to all who celebrate. May you be truly appreciated on this day and the other 364.

Mothers can look through a child’s eyes and see tomorrow. Mothers deserve the credit for raising value based leaders who accept responsibility; who possess physical, mental, and spiritual strength; who possess courage and confidence; and look with optimism to the future. Great mothers help their children to recognize that they can achieve the impossible.
Great mothers bring the arms of comfort to an insecure child in a world of uncertainty. 
Reed Markham, American Educator

Anonymous: All mothers are working mothers.

Chinese proverb: There is only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it.

Oscar Wilde: All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That’s his.

Dear Mom – Sending you a quote to remind you what a special person and great mother you are…have a wonderful day/celebration! Lots of love, Carol

My mom continually amazes me with her strong will and determination, which inspires me to do the same. She renovated her kitchen this past fall and did 90% of it herself (and when I say “by herself”, she literally did everything from measuring, cutting, and painting down to the installations, while saving a lot of money too!) Now, it’s bittersweet because she’s in the process of selling the house (outside Philly) that we’ve called home for the last 19 years. We’ve had a lot of great memories there, including huge Halloween parties in middle school, lazy winter nights lounging in the living room curled up comfy next to the fireplace and delicious summer barbecues out on the deck. Thanks, Mom, for creating an inviting and loving home filled with fun! – Melody

My mom has an unyielding sense of compassion and service, something that is apparent from her years as a teacher, a substitute librarian to this day (and as a wonderful mother, of course!) She has always been the biggest champion of my cause and is there with advice and support come rain or shine. She is a true rock – a continual beacon for me to continue to aspire to be as a human – though, hearing that phrase, she would no doubt blush I’m sure. (Again, another attribute she wears beautifully, humbleness.) I only hope that as I grow older I continue to honor her and make her proud in what I do, what choices I make and how I, in turn, treat and advise those around me…I was, after all, taught by the best there is. Thanks Mom – as feeble an attempt at appreciation as this is – I can’t thank you enough! – Brian

I recently moved to California. The day that I landed in California, and literally the second I walked into my new home, I received a phone call that my Grandmother had died. It wasn’t sudden, dementia robbed her of a normal quality of life about a decade ago. You knew it was coming. Still I was very, very sad. Some of my favorite memories as a child was taking the seemingly forever drive from Upstate-ish NY into Queens to visit my Grandmother and Grandfather. I loved spending time with my Grandmother and hearing all of her stories. As a young boy, she taught me something that I still to do this day. When you’re almost finished with your slice of pizza, dip your pizza crust into your soda, and then eat it. It’s like a sweet treat that will enhance the flavor of an otherwise boring piece of pizza crust. It sounds crazy, but it’s delicious. Try it. You won’t be disappointed. Rest in peace, Grandma. I love you. – Larry

Mother’s Day takes on a new meaning when you become a mother yourself. I celebrate it every year with my mom and my son. Nothing fancy, just lunch and some time together. My favorite thing is reading the inscription on the card from my son, who’s 7. It’s always amazingly sweet and I know I need to cherish this stage and age, because once he’s a teenager, I’m sure I’ll be lucky to get anything! – Danielle

As a first time Mom, I can appreciate the many sacrifices my Mom made for her four kids as we were growing up and still today! I admire her strength, courage, and motivation to live life to the fullest while bringing joy to others! Thanks Mom for being my inspiration & making it look so easy! I love you! – Melissa

Looking for a unique way to celebrate? Pay tribute to mom on the big screen with this list of movie moms: the 50 most classic movie mothers of all time.

Share your ode to your mother or your Mother’s Day story with us. We’d love to hear it!

Read full post