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Mrs. Claus shares tips for fun holiday activities
(BPT) - If you think you’re busy this time of year, imagine how busy the first lady of holiday cheer can be. Not only does she help the big guy get ready for Christmas, but she makes sure everyone in the North Pole has a memorable holiday season. From hosting parties to keeping the elves happy and healthy, this joyful t...
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Saving money during the holiday season can be easier than you think
(BPT) - If you are like most Americans, you will likely spend an average of $764 on gifts alone this holiday season, according to a Gallup survey. When totaling up the cost of gifts with extra trips to the grocery store, dinners out to toast the season and travel costs to visit loved ones, you’re looking at quite a holi...
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No muss, no fuss - just the perfect meal every time
(BPT) - While holiday meals often take on a special significance because of the season, every meal is an opportunity to show those you care for what they mean to you. Instead of stressing about each meal throughout the holiday season (and all year long), why not create a few “go-to” meals that are not only special for t...
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Creating a dog-friendly meal experience
(BPT) - Mealtime is going...well, to the dogs - literally. Dumping kibble into a bowl and walking away has become less and less the norm. Feeding the family dog has evolved into new territory. For example, have you ever warmed your dog’s food in the microwave before serving it to him? You wouldn’t be alone if you have. ...
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A guest-friendly home is easier than you think
(BPT) - One of the many exciting and sometimes stressful parts of the holiday season is entertaining at home with friends and family. To prepare for their arrival you may be tempted to just clean the kitchen counters, toss a few extra towels in the guest bathroom and ignore the rest of the house. Instead, your visitors ...
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Master of the bar: Easy tips to create the ultimate bar at home
(BPT) - Between the endless string of events and the chill in the air this time of year, it doesn’t take much to convince your friends and family to have a night in. No matter if you’re planning the party of the year or just inviting a few friends over, a great home bar is essential to make it a night to remember. Havi...
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Sweeten your holiday desserts with gourmet candies
Sweeten your holiday desserts with gourmet candies
Desserts often get center stage during the holiday season, so it’s a good time to make your dessert production big. Cheer up your holiday desserts with creative recipes using some of the treats found in Christmas gift baskets from Hickory Farms. You can easily mix and match specialty foods into tasty and unique desserts that you and your family will enjoy for all your holiday celebrations. Don’t let down your holiday guests after the ma...
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Delight friends with unique eats this holiday
(BPT) - The holidays are a magical time to celebrate with family and friends. Whether it’s the first snowfall or a gift from a loved one, the season inspires us to celebrate and be merry. It’s also a time when holiday hosts and hostesses are eager for entertaining inspiration. Entertaining isn’t effortless, but there a...
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How to make dining out during the holidays a healthy experience
(BPT) - The holiday season is here and if you’re like most Americans, restaurants will play a key role in your holiday plans and celebrations, as well as shopping and traveling experiences. Each year, tens of millions of Americans visit restaurants for their holiday meals or use restaurants to supplement meals at home...
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Family bonding in the kitchen
As children become older and schedules get busier, finding time for quality bonding with your family becomes harder. This new year, make a resolution to reconnect with your family in the kitchen. Exploring the ins and outs of cooking and baking is a great way to get your whole family together while getting to know each other on a new level.
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By David Schwartz PHOENIX (Reuters) - The foreman of an Arizona jury that deadlocked over whether Jodi Arias should be put to death for murdering her ex-boyfriend believes she was mentally abused, but said on Friday that had not been enough to excuse her crime. Arias, a former waitress from California, was found guilty this month of murdering Travis Alexander, whose body was found slumped in the shower of his Phoenix-area home in June 2008. He had been stabbed 27 times, had his throat slashed and been shot in the face. ...
By Joanne von Alroth SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (Reuters) - The Illinois House of Representatives on Friday voted overwhelmingly to allow residents to carry concealed guns, taking the state one step closer to joining all others in allowing some form of carrying guns in public. Illinois is the only state in the nation to ban most people from carrying a concealed gun outside the home. Lawmakers acted on Friday after a federal appeals court in January struck down the ban, saying it violated the right to bear arms enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. ...