Posts Tagged ‘holiday’

 

Kwanzaa Gift Guide

Monday, December 21st, 2015

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Happy Kwanzaa everyone! Kwanzaa is the time of year when we gather around family and friends and celebrate African-American culture. It’s a time to reflect over the past and look forward to the future. In the spirit of Kwanzaa and what it stands for, it is customary to exchange gifts on the final night of the week long holiday. Kwanzaa encourages homemade gifts. It’s hard enough trying to buy the right gift, let alone making one. Don’t fret, we’ve handcrafted the perfect Kwanzaa gift guide for you!

 

Musical drums/rain maker

This gift is perfect for the little musician in your life. Children will enjoy making music with their new instruments, and the more children at your celebration the better. Celebrate the spirit of kuumba (creativity) and ask them to perform as a band for the karamu (feast).

Homemade bath salts/scrubs

Bath salts and scrubs are the perfect gifts for activists, workaholics, and anyone who is striving to define themselves through the essence of kujichagulia (self-determination). After a long, exhausting day, they’ll be so grateful to just sit, soak, and scrub away the day’s stresses.

Fabric clock

Make your loved one a fabric clock so they’ll always be on time. Show your commitment to ujamaa  (cooperative economics) by taking it a step further and supporting a black-owned business that sells African print fabrics. *Use the leftover fabric to make hand warmers

“Open when…” cards

The “Open when…” cards are a sweet, sentimental gift for anyone. They’re little cards that you make for people to open when [insert feeling]. Here are some possible topics. When their imani (faith) starts to fade, these cards will help.

Nuts and bolts chess set

This chess set is perfect for the (aspiring) intellectual in your crew! Ujima (collective work/ responsibility) is a necessary part in educating our children. Teach them (or let them teach you) with this chess set.

Picture frame tray

A picture frame tray is a wonderful present for anyone. It sends the message of umoja (unity). Fill the tray with pictures of family, friends, and community; it’ll remind the recipient about the importance of umoja.

Terrarium Necklace

This necklace is great symbol for nia (purpose). Like the constantly developing plant, we must also strive to develop our communities to be great. If a live plant doesn’t seem practical, then check out this one made with faux greenery.

For more information about Kwanzaa, check out its official website here. And remember, if you need something taken care of around the home so you can enjoy the time with your family, give TalkLocal a ring.

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Santa List Day: Last Minute Tricks to Get Off Santa’s Naughty List

Friday, December 4th, 2015

 

“He’s making a list and checking it twice. He’s going to find out who’s naughty or nice. Santa Claus is comin’ to town.” Today is Santa List Day, the day in which Santa makes the first draft of his Nice or Naughty list. Have you been not so nice this year, somewhere in between naughty and nice, or (more likely) you’ve been solidly okay and know that you could have accomplished so much more?

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No matter what Santa brings you this Christmas, the sting of guilt, regret, or unworthiness can make even the new Coldplay album and surround-sound feel like a lump of coal. Here’s what you can do to get on Santa’s good side, or at least feel better about yourself, just in time for Christmas. No milk or cookies required.

1.    Finish that “To Do” List

Show St. Nick that you’re not a liar, that you really do keep your promises. Now, go fix the kitchen sink. You don’t want Santa to see that you’ve been procrastinating.

2.    Clean Up

Clean the house. Not just put things away and organize, but actually clean. Break out the all-purpose cleaner and old toothbrushes. Scrub the bathroom tiles; scour the grout. Santa should be able to eat his cookies and milk right off the floor!

3.    Rake/Shovel the Sidewalk for Your Neighbors

Go out there and help somebody, more specifically your neighbor. Rake their leaves or, if it’s already snowing, shovel some snow for them. Let Santa know that like him you like to help others; and maybe those you’ve helped will express their thanks with an extra stocking stuffer this year.

4.    Donate Old Coats

Now that you’ve organized your home, go ahead and donate those coats, scarves, hats, and gloves that you don’t wear anymore. Help someone in need like St. Nick would.

5.    Decorate Your Home

It’s time for you to get festive and let Santa know that you’ve been awaiting his arrival. Put up the tree, throw tinsel on the staircase, and do it all while having a jolly good time. Ho, ho, ho!

6.    Buy a Snow Rake

If you live in a frigid environment, one in which it’s guaranteed to snow for Christmas, then buy a snow rake. It’ll help protect your roof from caving in because of the weight of the snow as well as ensure Santa has a safe landing in order to deliver your gifts.

7.    Clean Chimney/Fireplace

Santa can’t deliver the goods if he can’t get down the chimney. Here’s some tips on how to clean your fireplace and what can happen if you don’t.

8.    Write Apology Letters

Break out the stationary and try to correct your mistakes. That’s what Santa would do. If the letters don’t work, you can at least say that you tried.

9.    Invite Guests to Holiday Dinner/Party

Spread the holiday spirit and host a holiday dinner or party. It would be especially thoughtful of you to invite those who would least expect it.

10. Forgive Yourself

No one is perfect, and you’ve probably had more good days than bad over the last 360 odd days. So, be thankful for what you have, appreciate who you are, and continue to do your best for the rest of the year and into the future.

Overwhelmed by all that you need to do to make a strong finish out of the year? Give us a call and let us find you some help, whether you need a maid, handyman, or party planner; TalkLocal connects you the right pros by phone in minutes!

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5 Ways to Honor Local Veterans on Veterans Day

Tuesday, November 10th, 2015

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While the Christmas fanatics often forget that there are even holidays during the month of November, there is another holiday that we foodies tend to forget even as we reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. Veterans Day is November 11th and it’s a great time to show some pre-Thanksgiving gratitude to those brave men and women who may not be our near and dear, but who’ve risked their lives and made sacrifices to protect our way of life. So, before you stuff and carve that turkey, here are five ways you can honor those who have fought for our country:

Visit: Whether your local veteran is in a retirement home or the house next door, you can put on your Sunday best and brighten their day with your smile. If you do not have a local veteran, visit the closest memorial and give a big thanks to all.

Help: Many veterans are unable to do certain tasks around their home. That’s when a young, able-bodied person (such as yourself) comes in handy. Go give them a hand with whatever chores they may need; fall has arrived and those leaves aren’t going to rake themselves.

Welcome: You know what everyone loves about November? Food and it’s always nice to share the food with others (because you never finish it all in one day). So, you can invite a local veteran to your home for Thanksgiving dinner, and then let them take a big plate back with them.

Listen: Veterans have a lot of stories to tell but there aren’t too many to tell them to. Be one of the people who hears them out and listens to whatever amazing story they have to share. A listening ear is sometimes the best thing.

Give: Whether you’re donating money, supplies or time, it’s always nice to give something to help those who need it. With the cold season here/approaching/near, how about providing some warm clothes or taking time to help build homes for veterans.

And those are just a handful of ways you can honor and say thank you to those who have served. Visit military.com for even more Veterans Day ideas. For those of you who have served, we thank you for your service.

Happy Veterans Day from TalkLocal!

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5 Ways to Bond with Your Dad this Father’s Day

Sunday, June 15th, 2014

Written by Ezra Schwartz

Your dad has always been there for you. Whether he was playing catch with you for the first time or, dressed as a princess, enduring your tea party, he’s always been around to put a smile on your face. Even if he didn’t want to be there, even if he had work to do, even if there was a game on, Dad was always there to do what you love.

Which is why the most important thing to do this Father’s Day is to return the favor and spend time with Dad. Sure, you can still buy him a tie, watch, grill spatula, or any other cliched gift, but what Dad really wants is your time. Here are 5 ways that you can bond with your dad on June 15th, and make it the best Father’s Day he’s ever had.

5. Spend it Outdoors!

5 Ways to Bond with Your Dad this Father's Day - Seva Call

The wonderful thing about Father’s Day is that it takes place in mid-June, the ideal time for outdoor activities. Whether this means going to the beach, having a picnic in the park, taking a hike in the woods, or just having a nice barbecue, make sure to take advantage of the beautiful weather.

4. Make His Favorite Food

Whether your dad was the one who cooked in your house or not, he will definitely appreciate a meal with his favorite dish. It might mean going out to a fancy restaurant, or staying in and cooking yourself, but either way, it is a gesture that your father will love.

3. Go to a Baseball Game

5 Ways to Bond with Your Dad this Father's Day - Seva Call

What better bonding activity is there than baseball? For over a century, dads have been taking their sons and daughters out to the old ballgame. It’s a classic way to spend the day, and if he loves the food at the park, this one can combine the previous two tips!

2. Bring Your Kids!

While Dad may love spending time with you, chances are he loves spending time with your kids, as well. This day is not only about cherishing old memories, but about creating new ones, and there is no better way of doing that than with the new generation. Dad loves his grandkids and they love him, so whatever you do, be sure to bring them along!

1. Just Do What He Loves!

You know your dad better than we do, so you know best how to make his day perfect! Dad has something that he loves to do, and whatever it is, just do that with him. Even (and especially) if that means just sitting on the couch with a beer and watching the game or his favorite movie, make sure that Dad can do what he wants, and make sure to do it with him!

Whatever you do this Father’s Day, make sure that everything is working in the house. It wouldn’t be fun if the TV, computer, or air conditioning didn’t work. You can also make sure that the lawn looks perfect, and that all of Dad’s Sunday chores are done.

We here at TalkLocal would like to wish a Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads out there! Thank you for all that you do!

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Happy Fuss Over Father’s Day

Friday, June 14th, 2013

Written by Dallea Caldwell

Happy Fuss Over Father's Day - Seva Call

Quick! Before he barricades himself in his man cave until this whole thing blows over, attack your dear old dad with your full nuclear family arsenal: kisses, hugs, and the kind of mushy stuff that you can’t use to pave the driveway.

And, for the love of dads: do something different this year. Every year poor dad gets tied down, cuffed, or smothered. He already has more patterned strips of fabric than you’d need to hogtie a herd of elephants, so no more ties. And gold cufflinks? He may be worth his weight in gold, but his sleeves aren’t designed to bare that kind of weight. Lastly, if you don’t like his smell after he finishes investing another bucket-worth of sweat equity into the house, don’t cover it up with more cologne when you can just feed the honey do list through the shredder, turn on the fan, blow a kazoo, and toss his worries to the wind like so much confetti!

Fuss Over Father’s Day No More

You know that emotionally stirring moment when dad presses his fingers to either side of his nose, and a single tear slips down his cheek, but then he pulls it together, but everybody is full-out bawling because if dad cries then it’s totally a big deal? You know what we’re talking about. Now, did it ever happen after you gave him a tie? Of course not.

So, because he deserves much better than a case of Dadja vu, consider these great gift ideas:

– Give dad a hand with needed repairs, hand them over to a handyman.

– Kick-boxing anyone? Kick his heart health into high gear with some personal training sessions.

– Take away that tension trapped in his back and shoulders with a professional massage.

– If he’s bending and lifting with difficulty, that makes cleaning a challenge. So, hire a maid to clean every nook and cranny of the castle.

– Does dad dress like a 1950’s panhandler with ill-fitting jackets and trousers? Bag him and his baggy suits and drag them to a tailor.

In fact, Seva Call has over 50 service categories, and he’d be happy to see just about anything get done with one exception: he’d probably hate dentists, so wait until after Father’s Day to book that cleaning.

 Seva Call Has You Covered

Other than that, you can spoil dad right out of his shell with unforgettable gifts and experiences just by going to www.talklocal.com and submitting a service request. Then, stand by to talk to a top-rated pro in seconds. You’ll make dad wish he could hang your present on the refrigerator, but he can’t… the magnetic force isn’t strong enough. He will be, however, happy that you were so thoughtful… for once.

Happy Father’s Day from the Seva Call Team.

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Throw A Memorable Celebration For Memorial Day

Friday, May 24th, 2013

Written by Jaime Fawcett

Throw A Memorable Celebration For Memorial Day - Seva Call

All of us at Talklocal want your coming weekend to be a celebration with family and friends, to help remember all those who have fought and are still fighting over seas. We’ve got a list of decorating ideas, recipes, and tips to help you throw a memorable celebration for Memorial Day.

Flowers of Red, White, and Blue

One of the oldest traditions for Memorial Day is leaving flowers. Contact your local florist to find wonderful arrangements to leave for someone you’d like to remember. Make your own memorial with a loved one’s favorite flower, pictures, and wreaths to keep them present at home. If you’re not quite ready to bust out the Fourth of July decorations, buy smaller arrangements of red tulips, white daisies, and blue lilies to give a patriotic flare for the backyard barbecue.

Cool Foods

Memorial Day is the first holiday to reign in the new warm spring weather. While you’ll probably be heating up over the hot grill cooking burgers and dogs, cool down with some delicious cold foods. Try some of these delicious and refreshing recipes.

Antipasto Salad

Ingredients

Red Wine Vinaigrette:

1 bunch fresh basil, stemmed and leaves chopped (about 2 cups)

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 clove garlic

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Antipasto Salad:

1 pound fusilli pasta

1/2 cup hard salami, cut into strips (about 3 ounces)

1/2 cup smoked turkey, cut into strips (about 3 ounces)

1/4 cup provolone cheese, cut into strips

1/4 cup grated Asiago cheese

2 tablespoons green olives, halved and pitted

2 tablespoons roasted red peppers, cut into strips

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Vinaigrette: In a blender, add the basil, vinegar, garlic, mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend until the herbs are finely chopped. With the machine running, drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is smooth.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta.

In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta with the remaining salad ingredients. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. Serve.

Red White and Blue Fruit Salad

Directions

Mix 2 cups each of sliced strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Sprinkle lightly with sugar. Add whipped cream on top when serving. Easy to halve, double, or triple depending on how many you’re cooking for.

Mayo-Free Potato Salad

Directions

Cook 3 pounds sliced red potatoes in salted simmering water for about 8 minutes. Drain, then toss with 1/4 cup each chicken broth and white wine; let sit 5 minutes. Whisk 1/3 cup white wine vinegar, 3 tablespoons dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds and a pinch of sugar in a bowl; whisk in 1/2 cup olive oil, and salt and pepper. Toss with the potatoes, then chill 2 hours. Top with chives.

Let TalkLocal Help You Plan the Perfect Party!

Hosting a large party? Look for a party planner or caterer to help decorate and serve finger foods throughout the event to supplement home cooked dishes.

Want to fix up? If a few backyard projects slipped your mind hire a handyman to mow the lawn, trim the hedges or give the deck a fresh staining before your guests arrive. Talklocal can find the right professionals to help you throw a memorable celebration for Memorial Day.

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