How do you know that Christmas is coming? You don’t need a calendar to know it, right? You just feel it when you hear Dean Martin’s or Frank Sinatra’s Christmas songs in the local mall. Or when you suddenly come across a new holiday commercial from Coca-Cola. Or when your kid informs you that she will be Santa’s elf in a school play.

At such moments you realize that along with searching for a nice elf outfit you need to start hunting for presents, to remember where you put those boxes with Xmas ornaments, and to plan an unforgettable celebration in detail.

A friend's love is great. A sweetheart’s love is even greater. But a mother’s love is the greatest. This is a slightly paraphrased proverb and the gospel truth. A mother’s love is an inexhaustible resource that gives, supports, and protects life, happiness, and strength.

One day a year definitely isn’t enough to express all of the gratitude we have for everything our moms do or did for us. But still, Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to tell our moms once again how much we love them and value their care about us through all the years.

May 12, Mother’s Day, must be the right date to pamper your mom with fulfilling at least one of her wishes. Think about what she really needs but boasts that she can go without it. Remember what she really likes but will never buyherself because she has more essential expenses to pay. Do you have any ideas going beyond flowers, cosmetics, and housewares?

Let Marky’s assist you in choosing an original gourmet gift that will surprise your mom, please her palate, and make the holiday truly memorable to her.

Independence Day is a celebration of our present wellbeing, of reunion with our families and friends, and of our aspirations for the future in the Land of Opportunity.

These are good things to toast on a festive picnic or cozy backyard cookout.

Also, you could bring an extra bottle of wine for adults and an extra bottle of lemonade for kids to commemorate Thomas Jefferson and the other Founding Fathers, whose intellect and courage turned July 4 into an important day in the world history and into a grand national holiday.

You are right, such great toasts must be accompanied by delicious foods. So, let’s plan a scrumptious menu, which you can complement with adults’ and kids’ favorite beverages.

To add more flavors and colors to your Independence Day dinner, check out some recipes for fresh, no-cook starters, some recipes for grilled dishes, and some recipes for fruit desserts.