Monday Poll: How Long Will You Shop Online on Cyber Monday?

Don’t worry. We won’t show your boss how you voted.

Consumers are increasingly turning to online markets for holiday shopping---even if it is during a work day, according to data that measures the digital world. The year 2010 was the first year that Cyber Monday shopping netted more than $1 billion in daily spending, according to comScore. The service measured $887 million in daily spending on Cyber Monday in 2009. Vote in our poll or ‘fess up' in comments—How much online shopping will you be doing during your workday on Monday? Last week, we asked if you if you would shop at either of the new Wegmans planned to open near Catonsville. Here's what you said.

• Photos (1)

Video: Holiday Tree Lighting, Santa House Opening at Catonsville Firehouse

Annual event featured "A Christmas Carol", a celebration of the Catonsville High School football team, and Santa's arrival in Catonsville.

Catonsville held its 18th annual tree lighting and Santa house opening at the Catonsville Firehouse on Saturday evening. The event drew hundreds of people to watch the lighting of the Christmas tree and to see Santa Claus arrive on top of a firetruck to kick off the holiday season. From Santa's ride to the Catonsville Comets football team, to the fireworks and the children sitting atop Saint Nick's lap, Patch captured it all on video. 

•  2 Comments
• Videos (1)

Penny Riordan

7:47 am on Monday, November 28, 2011

Hi Debbie, it's working fine on my computer and no one else has reported problems. What Internet browser are you using? Was it playing slowly or not loading at all?   more ›

Websites and Recipes to Help You Plan Thanksgiving

3 [reasons to quell that feeling of rising panic] + 7 [venerable websites to cheer you on] = 10 [ways to make your feast a memorable one!]

Take a deep breath.  Oh, and don't forget to let it out a few seconds later. It's true that there's less than a week to go before what is arguably the most food-centered holiday in the United States.  But here are three reasons to relax: And now, the best online resources for preparing and enjoying your feast:

•  5 Comments
• Photos (1)

Emily Lowe

9:49 pm on Sunday, November 20, 2011

Sara, you're right on both counts. I hear the show on WETA and didn't even realize they broadcast non-NPR programing! And I got Lynne Kasper mixed up with Jane Stern, one of the program's main contributors. Thanks for the catches. Debbie, that's quite a resource -- almost makes me wish I had a Facebook account! Almost. :) Mom, way to protect your sister's anonymity . . . actually, the caption …   more ›

Frugal Family: Save on Deals This Holiday Season

If you haven't started your holiday shopping, now is the time to do it. Get on in here and save at JC Penny's, Macy's, Arby's, Disney Store and more.

Welcome back, my fair frugal friends. Our adventure this week includes kick-butt deals for the entire family. Remember, not just any sale makes it into Frugal Family. Only the best of the best can catch my eye, and believe me, thousands of deals audition each week.  However, the few that make this list have undergone the scrutiny of a watchful and somewhat skeptical eye.  My promise to you is this: They will save you a substantial amount of dough.  They will add to your quality of life, even if only a sliver. And last but certainly not least, they will bring you utter and complete happiness and bliss. Free Arby’s Fries:  TODAY ONLY, print your coupon for a free value curly fries.  Just think of it as a pre-cursor to the “Holiday 5.”  If …

From the Farm: Recipes for Sweet Potatoes

Before you reach for the marshmallows, try one of these naturally sweet ideas for incorporating local produce into your meals.

It's fitting that my final From the Farm column this season should center on what is perhaps the simplest local food of them all, and the easiest to enjoy. Sweet potatoes are superb in a variety of recipes, but they're also a nourishing meal or snack all by themselves.  Here are some ideas, from fuss-free to elaborate: Low Effort, High Flavor: Have Time, Will Experiment: What Else You Got?

•  1 Comment
• Photos (2)

Play Date

Thanksgiving Activities for the Family

Three ideas for bringing the whole family together this Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Wondering how you'll entertain all those relatives? Need ways to avoid hot button topics? Or maybe you're just looking to infuse a little levity into the big Thanksgiving production. The holidays can be rough—you're busy in the kitchen getting the turkey ready, the kids are running around and the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street uncles have started before dinner has even begun. Have no fear. Here are some playful activities that will lower everyone's blood pressure and may just make this the best Thanksgiving yet. Thankful Tree Here is an idea I borrowed from my friend Kirsten. Over the past couple years, she and her family have created a large Thankful Tree that grows across their kitchen wall. The …

• Photos (1)