
I’m 99% sure this is the view from Martine’s (image: Joe Shlabotnik)
by: Grayson Leverenz
Ahhhh, Labor Day. The first Monday of September is always one of my favorite days because I celebrate by doing all the things I’d rather be doing when I’m working. Although my worldview has changed dramatically as I’ve embraced being an entrepreneur and making my own schedule, I’m excited to celebrate Labor Day nonetheless. I thought it would be fun to share this year’s itinerary, which looks significantly better than a day packed with meetings:
??? Wake up with no alarm clock.
9:45am Yoga with Zaira at Yogaphoria.
12:30pm Walk across the Delaware to New Hope for Lunch with Brandon and our friend, Jon, at Martine’s or The Landing; I haven’t decided which yet, but wine will be involved.
3:00pm Nap.
4:30pm Bike ride with Brandon and Jon to Stockton, NJ. Perhaps we’ll have a drink while we’re there.
6:00pm Grill out to celebrate the last day of the summer season: hamburgers and potato salad with watermelon for dessert. Sweet tea or beer is the biggest decision of the evening.
7:00pm Relaxing on the back porch until bed time.
For more on the history of Labor Day and the cultural significance in US society, click here for last year’s post.
Stay up to date with our monthly newsletter (here).

Google images
On July 4, 1776 the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, claiming freedom from British rule. We fought for that freedom until the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783, but we recognize the day we took a stand as Independence Day.
We celebrate our Independence with parades, fireworks, picnics and cookouts. We celebrate being American: loving our families and friends, being free and appreciating the soldiers that keep us safe.
I just finalized the menu for our July 4th cook out, and thought it would be fun to share it with MBA in the USA™ readers.
Brandon & Grayson July 4th Menu
• Hot dogs
• Hamburgers
• Potato salad
• Deviled eggs
• Corn on the cob
• Doritos
• Watermelon
• Apple pie
The beer will be Yuengling, brewed at the oldest US brewery in Pottsville, Pennsylvania.
We’ll hang out with friends, videochat with family, and watch fireworks when the sun goes down. I can’t wait!
Happy July 4th!
Click here to learn more about the history of Independence Day.
Stay up to date with our monthly newsletter (here).

Memorial Day Wreaths (image: medigirol)
by: Grayson Leverenz
The last Monday of May marks the federal holiday known as Memorial Day when Americans recognize the ultimate sacrifice of our men and women that died in combat. The tradition of adorning graves and memorials with wreaths dates back to the time just after the Civil War when the holiday was known as Decoration Day. Decoration Day served to cherish the memory of fallen soldiers by beautifying their graves with flowers and wreaths. Though Memorial Day is a somber occasion, it has evolved to include the joyous aspects marking the beginning of the summer season.
Here are 3 ways to enjoy a meaningful Memorial Day:
Continue reading 3 Ways to Enjoy a Meaningful Memorial Day
Stay up to date with our monthly newsletter (here).

Happy Cinco de Mayo! (image: cinco de kiddo)
Tuesday is Cinco de Mayo, or the 5th of May in English, a day to celebrate Mexican culture, especially the food and drink. Many Americans believe that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day, but that’s not the case. The holiday actually honors the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla.
The Battle of Puebla took place on May 5, 1862 during the French-Mexican war. General Ignacio Zaragoza led his men to a staggering victory over a French army three times the size of his own. Although the war didn’t end for six more years, Cinco de Mayo remained the rallying cry for Mexican troops, filling them with pride and strength to continue the fight until they emerged victorious.
To throw your own Cinco de Mayo celebration, try the ideas below:
- EAT – tacos. My favorite are ground beef tacos in hard corn shells, although these are definitely more American than traditional Mexican, which are served in soft corn shells.
- DRINK – margaritas. A delicious cocktail made with tequila, margaritas can be served frozen or on the rocks. In my opinion, there is little on this earth as wonderful as sitting on a patio with friends drinking margaritas on the rocks with salt.
- LISTEN – to a fantastic Mexican compilation on free Napster. Warning – may not play outside the US.
- WATCH – nothing – it’s Cinco de Mayo; you should be dancing!
For more on the history of Cinco de Mayo, including a short but comprehensive video, click here.
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Stay up to date with our monthly newsletter (here).

This guy’s not wearing seersucker, but oh man I love those Derby hats! (image: rellim)
by: Grayson Leverenz
Tune in to NBC at 5pm EST tomorrow for “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” the Kentucky Derby. The first Saturday of May, Churchill Downs Racecourse hosts the kick off the United States Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. People travel from all over the country to attend the fancy parties, show off new spring fashions, and bet on the race.
If you’re not in the Kentucky area, you can host your own Kentucky Derby party with ideas from the Kentucky Derby Party website. Ladies, don’t forget your signature fabulous hat. Men, express your inner southern gent with a seersucker suit. Everyone, make the day a little more surreal with the help of the Mint Julep, official drink of the Kentucky Derby.
For more on the Kentucky Derby, click here.
Stay up to date with our monthly newsletter (here).

image: woodleywonderworks
by: Grayson Leverenz
On and around Wednesday April 22, Earth Day celebrations happen around the world. Earth Day invites people to honor the beauty of nature, and encourages them to preserve our natural resources through personal action. Since its origins in the 1970s, large numbers of people have participated in local, national and international Earth Day events. In fact, 2009 organizers of Earth Day events expect this year’s celebration to attract nearly 1 billion people in 180 countries, making it the largest nonreligious event in the world.
All eyes are on the new Obama administration, and his staff takes environmental responsibility seriously. Here’s a look at the President’s plan for Energy & the Environment.
Continue reading Earth Day
Stay up to date with our monthly newsletter (here).
|
|