ONGOING CONVERSATIONS ABOUT MODERN LIVING…
What’s the best inexpensive winter vacation?
As we prepare to exit the door labeled “The Holidays”, we find ourselves facing another long, hard winter. (Okay, this isn’t the plains in the 19th century, but I have a flair for the melodramatic.)
Depending on snowfall amounts – and how many kids there are in the house – full freak-out is usual reached about mid February, at which point one begins to ponder a full retreat.
SO… What’s the best inexpensive winter vacation?
How do you fight information overload?
If a theme emerged in the first six months of The Real Life Survival Guide’s public radio show, it has been the degree to which technology has changed our lives.
This got me interested in the question of information overload”, which came to mind as I read an article on the topic from Stepcase Lifehack.
SO… here’s today’s featured question: “How do you fight information overload?”
Episode 27: Returns, Thank-yous, and Christmas with The McGuires
Podcast: Download
Episode 27 of The Real Life Survival Guide was recored at historic Lyric Hall in the Westville section of New Haven on December 18th.
We were hosted by Colin Caplan - the creator of the Taste of New Haven eating and drinking tours – and joining the conversation were Marcia Simon, Holly Adam, and the aforementioned McGuires, Ann and Gerry.
Holly, Colin, Duo, Ann, Bruce, Gerry and Marcia (Photo by Cindy)
We talked about how to tell someone you’re returning their gift, the etiquette regarding thanking someone via email, and the McGuire family tradition of “licking the nativity”. (Yes, you read that correctly.)
Merry Christmas!
How can you regulate your children’s expectations of the holidays?
Danyel Aversenti had a great response (via Facebook) to yesterday’s question (“What’s a reasonable budget for holiday spending?“);
“My Holiday Budget is whatever I can donate to charity is matched for what I spend on presents. One really wonderful charitable giving opportunity, of which I’ve contributed to for the past 2 holidays is buying presents for a family-in-need through the Coordinating Council for Children in Crisis in New Haven, CT. Whatever I am able to spend on that family, I match and spend on my own.”
Danyel gets it. One of the things I regret is being overly materialistic at the holidays. (I’ve always been a strong proponent of the “one for you, one for me” method of holiday shopping, but I’ve certainly never applied it to helping others!)
Join the conversation: How can you regulate your children’s expectations of the holidays?
What’s a reasonable budget for holiday spending?
I am the first to admit that our family has, in the past, fallen into the “obscene-number-of-gifts-with-no-apparant-budget” category.
(We actually buy a few things for the kids, too.)
I’m kinda interested, though; what’s a reasonable budget for holiday spending?
How do you decide which relatives you’ll see during the holidays?
In this corner… opening your home to that crazy cousin, her new boyfriend, and her three “willful”sons.
And in this corner… driving across state lines to have your spouse be insulted by your in laws.
‘Tis the season, my friends; How do you decide which relatives you’ll see during the holidays?
What’s your best conversation starter at a cocktail party?
If it’s ‘Are you an actress or a model ‘, and it’s your office Christmas party, I’d say that I admire your “pluck”.
(Along with your willingness to join the ranks of our nation’s unemployed.)
So, with that in mind, What’s your best conversation starter at a cocktail party?
What are some great gift suggestions for husbands?
Last week it was the blushing brides – now it’s dad’s turn.
What does “man” really want this holiday season?
As my cohost Duo Dickinson would say on his Facebook page, discern and discuss…
Bishop’s Orchards – Guilford, CT
The Bishop family represents the fine tradition of growing and selling the finest quality native fruits and vegetables.
We have everything for your cost conscious meals and family gatherings, from wines and soup, salads, vegetables and fruits to prepared foods, including large trays of our most popular dishes! Don’t forget cider, meats and of course pies!
Our Farm Market, Winery and Bakery is open year-round and conveniently located in Guilford CT near exit 57 of I-95 (map). Treat friends and family to our variety of Farm Gifts and our selection of Fruit Baskets. Come see our Llamas, Alpacas and Goats too! Watch our G Scale Train with cars from the NYNH Railroad circle above your head.
Pick Your Own season starts in mid-June and continues through late October. Bring the whole family and enjoy the day at any of our convenient locations (map). Sign up for our Pick-Your-OwnNEWSLETTER, it’s free and informative.
We look forward to seeing you at Bishop’s Orchards, the home of farm fresh goodness
FARM MARKET HOURS
Monday – Saturday 8:00am – 7:00pm
Sunday 9:00am – 6:00pm
We are closed on Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, Dec. 26 & New Years Day. Open Christmas Eve till 4pm & New Year’s Eve till 5 pm.
1355 Boston Post Road
Guilford, CT 06437-2399(203) 453-2338
The Paugusset Club – Orange, CT
The tradition continues at the Paugusset Club.
Since 1951 the Paugusset club has been opening its gates to welcome old and new friends to enjoy the summer weather while having fun. Whether you’re a tennis player, a swimmer or a lounger the club is every member’s home away from home. The setting is ideal for some relaxation and fun. The tranquility the wooded facility has to offer is an unexpected surprise. Seconds from route 34 makes the daily ritual of packing up for Paugy a welcome chore. Once the car is packed the drive is short and sweet. While at the club make sure to check out the snack bar. The snack bar is affordable, clean and offers something for everyone.
Come join the club and discover all it has to offer. Meet old friends and make new ones and discover a family forever!
Club Road
Orange, CT 06477
203-795-1160