Holiday Movies: the best 10 movies to watch

Holiday movies are a part of our traditions, such as a shiny decorated tree or the classic bingo. Who doesn't love snuggling up on the sofa in the company of their loved ones with a steaming cup of hot chocolate while watching a good Holiday comedy? And if it snows outside, even better! 

All holiday movies have one thing in common, from new releases to great holiday classics, from romantic comedies to animated films. As December 25th approaches, they are revived in freewheeling television programming every year. 

We have compiled a list of the 10 best Christmas movies, among which are many of our favorites. On the other hand, which ones are the ones you love the most?

12 Things to be Grateful

We are approaching Thanksgiving, the time of the year to reflect our lives, people, places for which we are grateful. Being grateful increases positivity and willpower, is good for the mood, increases efficiency at work, and improves health. Gratitude is associated with feelings of great happiness, as well as physical and mental health.

Helping people feel positive emotions, savor beautiful experiences, improve health, foster reconciliation in times of conflict, and build strong relationships. Being grateful is a state of thankfulness to others or our surroundings. It means having a positive outlook, removing negative thoughts, and always finding the best in everything, being open to the world, and focusing our attention on the good things in life. 

Following are some things for which MSA people are grateful.

How to best prepare for the Halloween night

Halloween is upon us! Are you ready to celebrate the scariest night of the year? Even though it is an expected recurrence by the youngest and the eldest, having fun by focusing on the taste of thrills is always an experience. People may have already purchased tickets for some events, themed evenings, or enjoy the many horror films that you will find in the cinema sales. If you plan to organize the Halloween party at home, with your friends, or with those of your children, take a read, which may inspire you to transform your home into a magical, haunted, and, why not, spooky one!  Arm yourself with the necessary items to create themed decorations, special menus, and costumes. Ghosts, witches, spiders, skulls, bats, and pumpkins are coming. Here are some ideas for some original Halloween set ups from our MSA team.

QUEENS OF HALLOWEEN

Dressing up and passing the tradition down to the youngest generations is part of the Halloween spirit. The fun also includes planning the costume and some friends or family members to make the team. 

DEVILED EGGS

Deviled eggs are a party hit as they are delicious and nutritious. These are a nice break in between stuffing your face with sugary candy.

Ingredients:

10 to 12 boiled eggs, 1 ripe avocado, 2 tbs dill relish, sliced black olives, 2 tbs mayonnaise (as needed to achieve optimum creaminess), 1 tsp lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste, hot sauce, soft (brand new) paint brush or sharp utensil.

Instructions:

  1. Peel eggs and cut in half, lengthwise. Scoop out yolks.

  2. In a bowl, mash together egg yolks, avocado, lemon juice, and mayonnaise.

  3. Season with salt and pepper.

  4. Add hot sauce to a spoon and, using the paintbrush, “paint” the red bloodshot eyes onto the eggs or use a skinny hot sauce bottle tip to gently squeeze out just enough sauce to paint the bloodshot eyes.

  5. Spoon egg mixture into eggs and top with a sliced black olive. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve and best if served within 6 hours.

Halloweenie Martini

A great cocktail to offer your guests is a martini! To make this delicious drink, you will need ¼ cup orange vodka, 2 tablespoons Cointreau, 1 oz. orange cello liqueur and 2 tablespoons rose’s lime juice.

Don’t forget to rim the glass with black sugar to give the an authentic Halloween look!

COSTUME IDEAS: Lava Lamps

Trying to get your costume inspired by the surrounding can become a fun and challenging activity! 

Following is what our colleague Ron did, “They were part of the visual merchandising for their Spring Flower Show and were created by wrapping geometric frames with vibrant stretch fabric and diffuse lighting inside. We played with this idea using wood dowels shapes and wild psychedelic colored fabric. We created a support frame from a plastic conduit attached to small backpacks and added lighting with battery-powered blacklight LEDs. Our heads and hands could pop out from holes in the fabric, so we covered them in the same stretch fabric. We wore these to Castro Halloween and had an amazing time. The funniest aspect was that no one could figure out what we were trying to be, so we received many crazy guesses. Our favorite became what we now call them: Lava Lamps.”

Pumpkin decoration

Invite some friends over a couple of days before Halloween for a pumpkin-themed evening. Each person can get creative carving their pumpkin, great for decorating the house. 


VINTAGE LOOKING DECORATIONS

An alternative to traditional decorations is to collect vintage and vintage-looking Halloween decorations and set them up around the house.

Adding candles makes the effect a little more atmospheric and spooky.

But to be safe, better to use battery-operated candles, to avoid the risk of burning anything down.

6 best dog-friendly activities in San Francisco

San Francisco and the entire Bay Area offer over thirty dog parks. Pet owners have great choices which appeal to both the owners and their four-legged friends. Popular areas include Dolores Park, Golden Gate Park, and Mission Creek.  If you have a sand-loving dog, one may enjoy Ocean Beach, Crissy Field Park, and Fort Funston. Over 150 restaurants - from casual cafes to upscale French restaurants - allow dogs. The annual Pet Pride Day parade and dog baseball games at Giants Stadium are fun activities for the whole family.

Fort Funston

The best dog-friendly beach is Fort Funston in San Francisco. It is the only city beach and park that is entirely off-leash, and so is a local dog mecca. The beach is at the base of steep sand-dune trails that crisscross the cliffs of this protected natural area once a military lookout fort overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Spectacular views and scenery abound, but caution strong tides and dress warmly for the frequent fog. 

Land’s end

If you live in San Francisco, you already know about the spectacular Lands End Trail that hugs the city’s rugged northwest edge. If you’re visiting with your dog, put a Lands End hike high on your list of priorities. In springtime, wildflowers add a colorful seasonal punch: a stroll through one-million-dollar view after another, all set to the sound of a crashing sea. Fall is the most reliable season for clear weather. 

Duboce park

Even for people who don’t have dogs, this spot is an enjoyable walk through Duboce Park to see the neighborhood dogs out with their owners for some playtime. The park also hosts an annual Dogfest.


Dog Gelato

After a fun playdate at the park or a hike, even our furry friends crave a sweet dessert to cool off! So, head to Gio Gelato, on Union Street, for the best dog gelato your puppies won’t regret 😊

GARIN PEAK

Garin Peak is a 5.3-kilometer loop located near Hayward. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips and is accessible year-round. Dogs are welcome on leash. 

Fort mason

If you are looking for a fantastic view over the Bay and a fun spot for your dog,  Fort Mason is your destination! Nearby there are many shops and restaurants to head to after a fun time spent at the park.

Point Isabel Dog Park

This dog park is a hidden gem with fantastic City, Marin & Bay views.  Dogs can play on land or in the water!  It’s a great open space with plenty of options for hiking, bike, and playing for people and dogs.  Point Isabel hosts a dog groomer to clean up those dirty dogs before heading home.  While you wait for your pup to get groomed, the Sit & Stay Café offers owners their tasty treats/drinks or head to the nearby Costco!

Our summer travel highlighting our 6 best and safest destinations

What are the safest destinations to travel to after Coronavirus, in our opinion? 

With travel restrictions over the past several months, the desire to travel is desirable to most. Even though many desirable locations in the World are still mostly closed, we managed to find a few destinations to travel safely from California to Puerto Rico. Check out our recommended Summer Holiday travel destinations!

DONNER LAKE

Donner Lake is a great vacation spot as the lake’s water is warmer than Tahoe and less crowded. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy and so walkable. Spend your time renting a boat, paddle boarding, canoeing, biking, enjoying the beach, and try a few great local restaurants. 

Sierra Nevada & LAKE TAHOE

Get yourself or rent a little cabin on a lake in the Sierra Nevada. It is a quiet, peaceful place, with a lot of wildlife.  Boat on the lake, hike on Sierra trails, play fun card games in the evening, and eat many delicious meals. It is a little piece of paradise.  

In nearby Nevada, one can gamble at the various casinos or drive to Reno for shopping, more restaurants, or great nightlife.

At Squaw Creek, the scenery is impressive. The Resort at Squaw Creek offers fine dining, hiking, golfing, spa treatments, and much more!

PUERTO RICO

If you are looking at a change of scenery this Summer, Puerto Rico may be a great option! There’s much great Hispanic food and seafood with lots of historic buildings in Old San Juan and beautiful beaches.

ERIE,PA

You may need to look on a map for this one! Erie is a vacation destination for many in the region. It’s great to visit in the Summer.  Presque Isle offers seven miles of beaches & has excellent sunsets. In Erie is Waldameer amusement park, home to one of the oldest wooden roller coasters and 7th best in the World!

NAPA VALLEY

If you are looking at some fun while sipping great wine, then head to Napa, and we have got some recommendations! Some fabulous wineries to visit are  Joseph Phelps with amazing views & great wine, Opus One, which is unique! and Castello di Amorosa – 1st timer favorite! It’s a medieval-style castle complete with a dungeon and torture chamber! The tour is a must-do. It is highly encouraged to visit Restoration Hardware in Yountville combines wine, art, and design on gorgeous grounds.

Lake Quantabacook, MAINE

Lake Quantabacook in the town of Searsmont is a quiet yet magnificent spot where to spend relaxing holidays. Upon arrival, one may erase all their troubles, relaxing and enjoy good times with friends. The sun shines warmly, and the sunsets can be magnificent. The state of Maine’s motto is: “Maine, The Way Life Should Be”