Market Report
- Wednesday, 22 May 2019
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day.
After the Civil War, it was designated as a time to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. By the 20th century, the day became known as Memorial Day and was extended to honor all Americans who have died in military service.
As we commemorate the courageous men and women who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice, let’s look for mindful ways to show our respect.
There are many military memorials, museums, and monuments throughout the United States. As summer vacations and trips are written on the calendar, plan a visit to one of these extraordinary destinations.
Learn about our military history and get an up-close– and-personal perspective of what our combat men and women experienced. Powerfully moving, each memorial has a narrative unique to time and place.
- Tuesday, 21 May 2019
Humans have been pickling and preserving food for nearly 5000 years.
Queen Cleopatra attributed her good health and remarkable looks to her indulgent diet of pickles.
The United States government rationed pickles in the 1940’s, during World War II. Forty percent of the nation’s production went to our armed forces.
Aunt Bee (the fictional television character of the 1960’s Andy Griffith Show) entered her homemade pickles in a local contest, creating angst in the family over her “kerosene cucumbers”.
Over centuries, the love affair for pickled foods has only grown stronger. Current pickle trends move well past a cucumbers only rule. A wave of “DIY” pickles of fruits and vegetables in acidic baths or brines keeps us interested.
Sweet, sour, salty, spicy or hot creative and complex combinations make us pickle happy. Customized blends of vinegars, salts and spices are the formula to winning secret recipes.
- Tuesday, 21 May 2019
It’s not that we hate cake. Most of us have enjoyed a decadent slice of chocolate, coconut or red velvet celebratory cake before.
It tasted great as we toasted the bride and groom, graduate, retiree or anniversary couple.
Birthday cakes are a bit different and very personal. Young ones get turtles, trains and cartoon character cakes molded and decorated to their surprise.
Teens frequently bake their own or one for their friend. They choose ice cream cakes, funfetti or Oreo cookie cake. Cupcakes included for teens and sweetness is off the charts.
Adults get the wide open cake range from carrot with cream cheese frosting to molten chocolate lava and everything in-between.
Birthday choices run the spectrum without any guilt over bakery purchased cakes. Bundts and specialty types go over the top on stunning designs. Where to place the candles might problematic between the swirls, curls, ribbons and fresh flower petals.
- Friday, 03 May 2019
It’s customary on Mother’s Day to honor mom with breakfast in bed or a dinner menu made on the barbecue.
Colorful floral bouquets, arrangements, and potted blooming plants are an expression of love for those moms who prefer botanical signs of affection.
While the original idea of a day devoted to mothers was conceptually a day of observing peace during wartime, today’s remembrances have more to do with family gatherings and activities.
There are some moms out there who just want a quiet day of gardening, reading for pleasure or leisure time. That could include a dream of napping on a lounge chair or hammock. Sleep deprived moms are largely fueled by coffee and the next item on the daily “to do” list. Check.
Expensive purchases of jewelry and the like matter less than catching our collective mom breath. Creating space and time to slow down is really what mothers may need most. In particular, mothers of small children relish a few minutes to themselves.