Punchbowl Blog

This post was written by Stephanie Fader, Sr. Marketing Manager

While the beginning of fall may find you back in the grind, this week we give you something to look forward to — Thursday, September 29 is National Coffee Day!

Can you believe there are over 100 million coffee drinkers around the world? They consume more than 400 billion cups of joe every year! National Coffee Day celebrates the iconic role of coffee in our daily lives. From that first sip in the morning to that pick-me-up with an after-dinner treat, coffee is truly a beloved beverage throughout the nation and beyond.

Another fun coffee fact: nurses and physicians rank first and second, respectively, as the top two coffee drinking professions according to a survey done by CareerBuilder and Dunkin’ Donuts last fall.

Here are a few ways that you can celebrate National Coffee Day this year:

• Send free National Coffee Day cards to family, friends, and co-workers. When we launched our new digital greeting cards service a few weeks ago, we created a special category of new digital cards just for National Coffee Day. Digital greeting cards enable you to send cards online that have the look and feel of traditional paper cards.
• Learn more about National Coffee Day and find out where to get free coffee. Visit the Reason to Celebrate page for National Coffee Day to find out which coffee shops are offering free coffee. You can also share the page with your Facebook friends and Twitter followers so they can get in on the free coffee fun!
• Join the National Coffee Day conversation on our Facebook page. Our Facebook community will be sharing their own tips for how to celebrate and where to get free coffee. Stay tuned and add your own tips and suggestions.

Most importantly, don’t forget to take time out for a coffee break of your own sometime during your day — whether it’s before a big meeting, after you drop the kids off at school, or after dinner with dessert. Enjoy National Coffee Day!

This post was written by Stephanie Fader, Sr. Marketing Manager

With the first official day of fall right around the corner (Friday, September 23) and summer winding down, it’s time for our favorite autumn activities to begin! We recently polled the Punchbowl community to find about what they like about fall and combined them with some of our team’s favorite activities.

Here’s the top 10 things we love about fall:

1. Crisp Fall Days: When the sky is clear and the air is fresh, taking long walks to enjoy the weather is refreshing and enjoyable. Chris T. on Facebook especially likes “crisp walks in the park with my dog.” You’re not alone there, Chris!
2. Football: Whether you’re a fan of the NFL or your college alma mater, football season is in full swing! Check your team’s schedule for the next big game and invite some friends over for a football party.
3. Pumpkins: Picking out the perfect pumpkin can be a tough task: do you choose the perfectly round one or the slightly lopsided lumpy one? Although they may eventually be turned into pie or carved into a scary mask, trips to the pumpkin patch are another activity that fall wouldn’t be complete without. Once you find the perfect one, get tips for how to carve a pumpkin.
4. Oktoberfest: It’s the great beer festival held annually in Munich, Germany that draws an attendance of more than 5 million people a year! We can, of course, celebrate closer to home with many cities hosting Oktoberfest celebrations modeled after the original event.
5. World Series: The end of baseball season means cheering on your favorite team as they compete in the Fall Classic. America’s favorite past time is definitely a favorite of ours as well.
6. Fall Foliage: Certain areas of the country are treated to the beautiful sight of watching the leaves change color each fall. Green slowly gives way to reds, oranges, and yellows, creating brightly colored trees. If you don’t live in an area where the leaves change color, plan a weekend getaway to the northern states to witness nature at its finest.
7. Apple Picking: What could be more quintessentially fall? Head over to local apple orchard to pick your own apples that can later be turned into delicious homemade pies, muffins, and cider. Don’t forget to grab a cider doughnut at the orchard!
8. Fall Baking: With all of these terrific foods in season during the fall (the aforementioned pumpkins and apples), there seems to be a lot of baking going on! Pumpkin pies, apple crisp, and other fall pastries were among the favorites mentioned on Facebook.
9. Indian Summer: So maybe we aren’t quite ready to give up on summer yet! We’ll take one last spell of warm weather before the chilly winter takes over.
10. Halloween: No fall list would be complete without the biggest of fall holidays — Halloween! There’s so much to enjoy about this holiday beyond candy and costumes. Many people, like Ian S. on Facebook, enjoy decorating for Halloween in the weeks leading up to October 31. Others have fun planning Halloween parties. Will you host a party this year? Get Halloween ideas and start planning!

With so many things to look forward to this fall, we can’t help but be excited about the new season. Stay tuned to our blog for more ways to celebrate this fall!

This post was written by Stephanie Fader, Sr. Marketing Manager

With Labor Day less than two weeks away, it’s time to get down to business and make a plan for the long weekend. We know what this holiday means for families — the end of summer, kids are back in school, and typically it’s the start of a busy fall season. But what is the origin of this holiday?

Labor Day was first celebrated on September 5, 1882 with a parade of 10,000 workers. The event was organized by Peter J. McGuire, a secretary for the Carpenters and Joiners Union. Over the next decade celebrations for Labor Day expanded to over half the states in the U.S. Then in 1894 Congress passed a bill that officially declared the first Monday in September to be Labor Day.

Here are some interesting Labor Day facts from the U.S. Census:

• 153.2 million people ages 16 or older make up the U.S. workforce as of July 2011
• The average commute is 25.1 minutes
• 3.2 million commuters travel 90 or more minutes to work each day
• 16.5 million commuters leave for work between midnight and 6am
• 5.9 million people work from home

If you are lucky enough to have Labor Day off, celebrate with family and friends. Have a picnic, head to the movies, organize a weekend getaway, or host a Labor Day cookout. Want more ideas for how to celebrate Labor Day? Explore additional Labor Day ideas now!

This post was written by Stephanie Fader, Sr. Marketing Manager

It’s mid-August, which can only mean one thing for parents across the nation — it’s time for the kids to head back to school! Depending on where you live, the first day of school may be a few weeks away or a few days away.

No matter what, one thing’s for sure — it’s time to gear up to go back to school. Literally. If you haven’t already done so, now is a great time to shop for back to school supplies. Whether this means stocking up on pencils for your child’s first day of kindergarten or pillows for your college student’s new dorm room, be sure to get your pick of supplies while they last.

Did you know that Americans spent $7.4 million at family clothing stores in August 2010 gearing up for back to school? It’s true! Here are a few other interesting back to school facts from the U.S. Census:

• 55.5 million students are projected to be enrolled in pre-K through Grade 12 this fall
• 19.7 million students are enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities for the coming term
• 11% of elementary and high school students in the U.S. will attend private school this year
• 89% of parents with students in grades K-12 attended a PTO/PTA meeting in 2006-2007

We know that back to school time brings excitement, but it can also bring anxiety. We have a few ways to help you beat the back to school blues this season.

• Get the kids excited to go back to school. Whether you plan a back to school party or work on a back to school craft project, check out these ideas for how to get the kids eager to head into the classroom.
• Keep yourself organized this school year. Stay organized right from the start. Our Reminders service will help you keep track of important dates like school holidays and kids’ birthdays.
• Find fun Reasons to Celebrate every day. Whether you’re a parent or a teacher, give the kids something fun to look forward to every day, like National Turtle Day or National Sandwich Day. Check out upcoming Reasons to Celebrate.

This post was written by Stephanie Fader, Sr. Marketing Manager

The weather is nice, the days are long, the flowers are in bloom — all of which make summer the perfect time for celebrations! However, summer is also a time of year with very few official holidays. While the two-month period between July 4th and Labor Day may be void of popular holidays, it’s chock full of fun and quirky reasons to celebrate!

Want to find out which quirky holidays to celebrate this summer? The Reasons to Celebrate section of Punchbowl highlights interesting and unusual reasons to celebrate for all 365 days of the year. In most cases there is more than one reason to celebrate per day. There are also weekly and monthly reasons to celebrate.

I noticed that some of our favorite reasons to celebrate are coming up within the next week. Here’s a list of popular summer reasons to celebrate. The list includes those favorites that I mentioned — can you guess which ones they are?

• National Gummi Worm Day (July 15)
• National Ice Cream Day (July 17)
• National Daiquiri Day (July 19)
• Girlfriends Day (August 1)
• International Beer Day (August 5)
• S’mores Day (August 10)
• National Relaxation Day (August 15)
• Eat Outside Day (August 31)

If you want to be the first to know the daily reasons to celebrate, there are a couple of ways to do this. First, go to any Reasons to Celebrate page and sign up to “Get daily email updates!” You can also like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. We post the day’s reason to celebrate every morning.

Check out the upcoming holidays and let us know what your favorite reason to celebrate is this summer!

This post was written by Stephanie Fader, Sr. Marketing Manager

July 4th weekend is approaching, which means cookouts, parades, and awe-inspiring fireworks displays!

Punchbowl is based just outside of Boston so we’re fortunate to have one of the largest fireworks shows in the country. It immediately follows a live show by the Boston Pops that features the National Anthem, the “1812 Overture,” celebrity guests, and a military flyover.

If you want to see live fireworks for yourself this Fourth of July, here are some places where you can catch the fireworks:

• Boston: Hundreds of thousands of spectators descend upon Boston for the July 4th festivities and millions more tune in to watch on tv. If you want to watch this famous show, the concert will begin on July 4th at 8:30pm and the live national broadcast will start at 10:00pm EST on CBS.

• Washington, D.C.: Is there a more patriotic place than our nation’s capitol? If you plan to be in D.C. for the Fourth, take in the Independence Day parade during the day, then attend the free concert at the Capitol and watch the fireworks on the National Mall. The concert begins at 8:00pm and the Fireworks start at 9:15pm EST. Both will be televised on PBS starting at 8pm. Check out other events happening in D.C. throughout the weekend!

• New York: If you’re in and around New York City, head down to the Hudson River to catch the more then 40,000 fireworks that will be set off to celebrate the holiday. If you can’t make it to New York, this 25-minute fireworks show will be televised. Tune in to NBC at 9:00pm to see this fireworks spectacular set to music.

• Las Vegas: Heading to Sin City this weekend? You’ll have more than one opportunity to catch some fireworks! Several of the casinos have fireworks shows planned including Caesars Palace on Sunday and Mandalay Bay on Monday.

• Miami: Who wouldn’t want to sit on the beach to watch the fireworks? That’s what you can do if you live in the Miami area. The city of Miami will celebrate with fireworks and jazz music at 9:00pm on Monday at Ocean and 8th streets.

• San Francisco: Talk about a picturesque fireworks display…If you’re going to be in San Francisco, you’ll get to see the fireworks over the bay! The San Francisco fireworks will be launched from Pier 39 at 9:30pm. Great spots to watch include Aquatic Park, Coit Tower, the Cannery, and Ghirardelli Square.

• Dallas: Kaboom Town in Addison, TX makes the list because it was rated “one of the top places to watch fireworks in the country” by the American Pyrotechnics Association, USA Today, and Travel + Leisure. This nationally-recognized fireworks show features 30 minutes of amazing fireworks that can be seen from anywhere in Addison. The fireworks show is on Sunday, July 3 at 9:35pm.

• Los Angeles: There are many fireworks shows planned throughout Los Angeles, including festivities in Burbank, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Pasadena and more. If you live in or around Los Angeles, find out where you can catch the fireworks.

Of course, there are fireworks displays planned for towns big and small across the country. Check your local newspaper or listen to the news to find out when you can catch the fireworks in your area. Once you know the schedule, invite friends to join you! Bring chairs, blankets, sparklers and snacks and make it a night to remember!

Wishing you a safe and happy Fourth!

This post was written by Stephanie Fader, Sr. Marketing Manager

Father’s Day — always celebrated on the third Sunday in June — is coming up this weekend on Sunday, June 19th. We thought it would be fun to share some interesting facts about Father’s Day in honor of the occasion:

• The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that there are 70.1 million fathers across the nation.

• Father’s Day was first celebrated in 1910 by Sonora Dodd who wanted a special day to honor her father, a Civil War veteran who raised his six kids by himself. In 1972, President Richard Nixon signed the law that made Father’s Day an official holiday.

• There are more phone calls made in the U.S. on Mother’s Day than on Father’s Day. However, the percentage of collect calls on Father’s Day is much higher. According to Snopes.com, Father’s Day is actually the busiest day of the year for collect calls!

• Father’s Day is the fourth most popular occasion for sending greeting cards, after Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. Send your dad a free Father’s Day eCard today!

• The tie is traditionally the most popular Father’s Day gift. Want to break tradition? Check out ideas for homemade Father’s Day gifts, Father’s Day gift baskets, and Father’s Day crafts the kids can make for dad.

How do you plan to celebrate Father’s Day? If you’re still trying to figure out what to do, consider a family cookout, Father’s Day brunch, or trip to the beach. There’s still time to send Father’s Day invites to your family. Start planning!

This post written by Stephanie Fader, Sr. Marketing Manager

Memorial Day is behind us and summer is in our sights. That can only mean one thing — planning summer activities for your family has officially begun!

Between camp for the kids and family vacations, schedule some time to relax with friends and family. The warm summer weather provides a wonderful opportunity to host an event outdoors and a summer party will give you and your family something to look forward to later in the season.

Here are a few ideas for summer gatherings you can plan this summer:

• Family Reunion — When was the last time the entire family got together for something besides a holiday or wedding? If you can’t remember, it’s probably time for a family reunion. Family reunions are perfect for the summer because you can easily find an outdoor space to accommodate a large group that will please kids and adults alike. Get tips for how to plan a family reunion!

• Block Party — Remember the days when you knew everyone who lived in your neighborhood? A neighborhood block party is a great way to get to know your neighbors and welcome new families to the neighborhood. If you think a block party sounds good or if you want to learn more about it, check out these 5 tips for hosting a neighborhood cookout!

• Pirate Themed Pool P-arrr-ty — Who doesn’t love a pool party? Up the ante on a regular pool party by hosting a pirate themed pool party! This theme is perfect for kids of all ages. You might find that adults will get into the theme too! Find out how to host a pirate themed pool p-arrr-ty!

Whether you want to plan a family cookout or a July 4th celebration, Punchbowl has everything you need to plan your summer gathering! Send invitations, set up a potluck, find local vendors, and much more! Start planning your summer celebration today.

This post written by Stephanie Fader, Sr. Marketing Manager

Memorial Day is coming up this Monday. Officially, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died serving our country. Unofficially, the holiday marks the kickoff to summer.

Many people feel that traditional observances of the day have diminished over the years. However, we found a variety of traditional celebrations that you can enjoy that honor the great men and women who’ve served our country.

Here are a few of the larger Memorial Day events happening around the country this weekend:

• The National Memorial Day Parade, Washington, DC on Monday, May 30 at 2pm — This annual parade in our nation’s capital draws over 250,000 spectators and features marching bands, parade floats, youth groups, as well as hundreds of veterans from World War II through Operation Iraqi Freedom.

• Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade, Little Neck-Douglaston, NY on Monday, May 30 at 2pm — This annual parade is billed as one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the country. With nearly 10,000 people marching in the parade, the sidewalks along the route are filled every year. Make sure to get there early to get a great spot to watch the festivities!

• Chicago’s Memorial Day Parade, Chicago, IL on Saturday, May 28 at 12pm — One of the largest parades of its kind, Chicago’s Memorial Day Parade begins with a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Eternal Flame on Daley Plaza at 11am. The parade itself features marching bands, veterans’ groups, and more.

• Fleet Week, New York, NY, May 25 to June 1 — Fleet Week is a celebration of the sea services — Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard — that has been held every year since 1984. Fleet Week includes a parade of ships, ship tours, air and water displays, and the opportunity for the public to meet the men and women who serve in those military branches. The highlight of the week is a ceremony on Memorial Day that includes a wreath laying, Three Volley Salute, unfurling of a 100-ft American flag, and military fly-over.

• Myrtle Beach MayFest, Myrtle Beach, SC, May 27 & 28 — Myrtle Beach has a bunch of activities planned to celebrate Memorial Day, including the Memorial Day Weekend Parade featuring Grand Marshall, John McCain. The parade begins at 9:30am. Additional highlights include free military concerts on Friday and parachute jump shows on Saturday.

If you plan to attend a Memorial Day parade in your area or want to get friends and family together for a cookout, rally your troops with a Memorial Day party invitation.

Enjoy the long weekend!

This post was written by Stephanie Fader, Sr. Marketing Manager

It’s graduation season and that means lots of graduation parties are being planned right now on Punchbowl for graduation events big and small. While students finish final exams, celebrate Grad Week, and plan for the next phase of their lives, families are making travel arrangements and planning for the all-important graduation celebration.

They’re probably also wondering who will be the commencement speaker at their child’s graduation. A former President, perhaps? Maybe an Academy Award winner? How about a CEO or entrepreneur?

Class of 2011 commencement speakers run the gamut from Saturday Night Live alum to consumer-internet co-founder. Here’s a list of a few of this year’s commencement speakers:

• President Obama, United States Coast Guard Academy & Miami-Dade College
• First Lady Michelle Obama, University of Northern Iowa
• Former President Bill Clinton, New York University
• Denzel Washington, University of Pennsylvania
• Amy Poehler, Harvard University
• Tom Hanks, Yale University
• Brooke Shields, Princeton University
• Tom Brokaw, University of Montana

The list of commencement speakers goes beyond politicians and celebrities. This year, it’s nice to see a number of tech folks giving commencement addresses, including:

• Apple Co-founder Steve Wozniak, Michigan State University
• Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, Barnard College
• Twitter Co-founder Biz Stone, Babson College

Who was your commencement speaker? If you could choose a commencement speaker for an upcoming graduation, who would you choose and why?

If you have a graduation event to plan Punchbowl can help you pull it all together—from the invites to the venue to the decorations. Start planning your graduation event!