Ringing in the New Year at a Hotel

Where do you typically celebrate New Year’s Eve? On your couch? A friend’s house? Or, in the middle of Times Square? A new study shows that more and more Americans are trading in their fuzzy slippers and hot chocolate for a New Year’s Eve night out… at a hotel. And the city where the most New Year’s revelers hit hotels is none other than Las Vegas. This year Sin City is hosting a slew of celebrity studded parties where common folks can bid farewell to 2007. If you plan to make the trip you might want to leave now because … Continue reading

Look What’s New for New York’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop

More than one million New Year’s Eve revelers are expected to pack the streets around Times Square to witness the annual ball drop—-nothing new about that. Meanwhile, more than 1 billion more people will be joining the festivities via the Internet or watching the event from the comfort of their own living rooms-—nothing new about that either. When the ball descends down its pole and the numbers 2-0-0-8 light up, the crowd will go crazy, confetti will fall from the heavens and everybody will sing Auld Lang Syne followed by New York, New York–there’s nothing new about that either. What … Continue reading

New Year’s Deals in Paradise

There’s nothing like ushering in a new year amidst the cobalt-blue waters of the Pacific. And if you are lucky enough to welcome 2008 along the sun-kissed shores of the Hawaiian Islands you’ll have another reason to celebrate—various attractions and resorts around the state are offering money-saving package deals. OAHU If you are looking for an unforgettable place to bid adieu to 2007 consider booking a seat on the Star of Honolulu, which sets sail New Year’s Eve for a celebration at sea. The New Year’s Eve cruise provides spectacular views of the fireworks at Aloha Tower Marketplace and along … Continue reading

Where Are You Ringing in 2008?

There was a time in my life when there was no place I would rather ring in the new year than New York’s Times Square. I remember as a child watching the glittering ball descend on the Big Apple on TV from my home on the Big Island of Hawaii (five hours after it had actually dropped). I spent years dreaming of being in the midst of the pomp and pageantry. That was a few decades ago, and now Times Square is probably the last place on the planet I’d want to be at 11:59:59 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. … Continue reading

Happy New Year!

It’s New Year’s Eve and 2007 is mere hours away. I hope when you reflect back on the past twelve months you find happy thoughts and pleasant memories. Even when those not so joyful feelings interrupt your stroll down Memory Lane, remember, when the clock strikes midnight tonight, you get to start all over. New Year’s Day means fresh starts, resolutions, more chances to do the things we’ve always wanted to do. It means another year to spend with our families and friends, and hopefully with everyone in good health. My prayer for each of you is that this New … Continue reading

Where Do You See Your Marriage in the New Year?

Is your marriage growing stronger and better with each year that passes, or are you still finding marriage to be a struggle? Sometimes, both apply at the same time. We grow closer and more mature, but life still throws some daunting challenges our way. It is however, much less stressful to work through challenges when you and your spouse are committed to each other and to your marriage. Do you have plans for New Year’s Eve and for the months to follow? Do you have goals and dreams as a couple or have you made New Year’s resolutions together? One … Continue reading

A Family New Year’s Eve

When I think of New Year’s Eve, family time isn’t what comes to mind. Champagne, parties, firecrackers, staying up past midnight, fancy clothes—none of those say kid-friendly to me. Let’s face it; New Year’s Eve is more grownup couple time than family time. But for a lot of parents, it is a night home with the kids. Many years we couldn’t afford to go out, even if we could have found a babysitter. And a lot of years we’ve had sick children that we didn’t want to leave with a sitter. Besides, who wants to stay up until midnight on … Continue reading

Family New Year’s Eve Party

Instead of venturing out on “amateur night” to take in the sights and the sounds of New Year’s Eve festivities, you might just want to spend the evening at home as a family. There are various televised activities that you and your kids can enjoy together, and you can certainly create your own fun. Have a little party, complete with hors d’oeuvres and some bubbly beverages like ginger ale, sparkling cider, or sparkling grape juice for toasting. Pick up some New Year’s Eve party favors, hats, noisemakers, and decorations, or create your own. If you feel your children can handle … Continue reading

What a Perfect Christmas!

I feel guilty writing on Christmas, but I just had to jot down my thoughts while my children are playing with their new things. It’s been a perfect Christmas so far and we still have several hours left. I’m feeling so blessed and content that I just had to share. We started yesterday, having our holiday dinner on Christmas Eve, which is becoming a tradition. We let the kids open one small gift after dessert – apple pie alamode. My husband and I greeted Christmas as it turned midnight, with a sip of bubbly. We slept soundly, and awoke this … Continue reading

Entertaining on New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is just over two weeks away. Another brand new year is about to begin and it’s an exciting time. If you’re planning a party, you want it to be exciting too! So, how do you plan to keep everyone entertained? Try some of these ideas: Music Great music helps. Try to get everybody up and dancing. You will need to make sure there is plenty of room for dancing, so you might want to do a little furniture re-arranging before guests arrive. Games Games are also great. You can buy games, pull out board games or card … Continue reading