Valentine's Day

Is the Post Office Open on Presidents’ Day 2019?

February 15, 2019 By Jeffrey Strain 10 Comments

Presidents’ Day (officially known as Washington’s Birthday from the congressional act which created it as a federal holiday) is the third federal holiday of 2019 and celebrated on the third Monday each February. In 2019, the holiday lands on February 18. Since it’s a federal holiday, a question some people have is, “Is the post office open on Presidents’ Day?”

Like many other federal holidays, there can be confusion about what is and isn’t open. This is because in the U.S., these holidays aren’t national holidays. Federal holidays only apply to federal workers, and not all workers in the U.S. get the day off. However, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is part of the federal government, and it observes Presidents’ Day as part of their holiday schedule.

Is the post office open on Presidents’ Day?

No, the post office is closed on Presidents’ Day. The USPS observes Presidents’ Day and all post offices across the country will be closed on February 16. Mail service won’t be active and no letters or packages will be delivered to your home or business through the standard mail.

Is the post office open on Valentine’s Day?

Yes, the post office is open on Valentine’s Day. Each year, Valentine’s Day lands near or on Presidents’ Day weekend. Since a lot of people want their Valentine gifts to arrive on that day, they worry if the postal service will be open and delivering mail. Mail will be delivered as it would be on any other Friday or Saturday, as long as your local post office has regular Saturday hours.

Is the Post Office Open on the Sunday of Presidents’ Day Weekend?

No, the post office is closed on Presidents’ Day weekend Sunday. The post office is typically closed on Sundays, and over Presidents’ Day weekend is no exception. There will also be no standard mail delivery on February 15.

While the USPS will be closed February 15 and 16 over the Presidents’ Day weekend, it still may be possible for you to take advantage of basic postal services. More and more post offices have installed postal machines which allow you to weigh packages, letters, and other mail, and get the appropriate postage for them. The services available during closed hours will depend on your local post office branch, but it makes sense to check and see since this knowledge can prove helpful on days the post office is closed.

Those who need to send a letter or package on Saturday or Sunday and don’t have access to a self-serve postal machine, FedEx or UPS may be an option.

Is Federal Express (FedEx) open on Presidents’ Day?

Yes, FedEx is open on Presidents’ Day. FedEx doesn’t observe Presidents’ Day. They operate on February 18 as they would on any typical Monday, with all pickup and delivery services available on that day. FedEx offices will be open as well.

Is United Parcel Service (UPS) open on Presidents’ Day?

Yes, UPS is open on Presidents’ Day. While UPS does recognize Presidents’ Day, it doesn’t observe it. The company will run under its normal Monday schedule on February 18, and will deliver and pick up packages as usual. UPS stores will be open for business.

(Photo courtesy of UCFFool)

Costco Roses Are Red, Are They Cheaper Too?

February 11, 2019 By Amanda Stewart Leave a Comment

Valentine’s Day has the sale of red roses through the roof. While many florists can get away with charging up to $3.50 a stem, you can get roses for around $1 each. That is if you are willing to order more than 12. Bulk or otherwise, Costco roses seem to be the most fairly priced.

Average Price of Roses

Despite studies showing most women don’t want flowers for Valentine’s Day, roses continue to be a popular gift for the holiday.

This year, you can grab a dozen roses at Costco for $15.99. Although there’s no vase included, you can’t really beat that elsewhere. In fact, the average price of a dozen roses has climbed in recent years.

Bouquet prices can reach up to $6 per stem, making a dozen cost more than $60, with higher-end bouquets landing around $100. The average price paid for a dozen falls around $30. Typically, price varies on quality, supply, and stem length. Oftentimes, cheaper bouquets will not be as high quality.

Costco Roses Bulk Price

Buying in bulk, of course, will always save you money but you’ll be stuck with more roses than you need, most likely. The bulk lot requirement to save money at Costco: 50 roses for $49.99. If you talk any of your friends into going in on a deal with you and splitting up the flowers, then the deal is fairly cheap and can save you money. However, most people don’t need 50 roses.

Costco is able to offer such low prices on roses because the company negotiated a bulk deal with a flower warehouse located in Colombia. Unlike many other cheaper options, the quality of the roses is fantastic.

Interestingly, Costco’s deal doesn’t require membership for purchase, and it includes shipping and handling. However, the deal is only available online or via telephone. You will not be able to place Costco roses orders in the store.

Last-Minute Savings

Unfortunately, it is probably too late to order a last-minute bouquet for your sweetheart. Costco typically requires all Valentine’s Day orders to be in by noon EST on February 10. Oftentimes, the wholesale retailer sells out early. The same is the case with many other retailers and flower companies. You’ll likely be able to rely on Walmart and some of the mainstream flower companies for last-minute assistance. Here are the prices for last-minute Valentine’s Day roses.

Walmart: Bouquets of roses start at $9.99 and go up from there. Most locations will also have some roses available in premade vases if you get there early enough in the day.
Amazon: Prime members may have the best option when it comes to buying last-minute roses for Valentine’s Day. You can get free two-day shipping on roses through Amazon. Get two dozen roses through Amazon for just $45.
ProFlowers: ProFlowers has one dozen roses from $19.99. You can get additional sweets and gifts for your significant other through them as well. They will be taking orders up until February 13 for Valentine’s Day.
1-800-Flowers: This company is offering a similar guarantee. As long as you order by noon EST the day before Valentine’s, you should have your order the next day. Prices for one dozen roses through 1-800-Flowers start at $24.99.

Additionally, the closer you get to the holiday, the more likely businesses are to raise their prices. If the price of roses is a bit too high for your Valentine’s budget, you may also consider looking into different types of flowers for your significant other. Inquire what some of their favorites might be and consider sending those instead. Carnations are always a popular second choice.

Readers, are you planning to send (or receive) any flowers this Valentine’s Day?

What’s Open and Closed on Valentine’s Day 2019?

February 10, 2019 By Jeffrey Strain 1 Comment

February 14, Valentine’s Day, is a day that many people celebrate, but it is not a federal holiday. What gets a bit confusing is Valentine’s Day sometimes lands on a weekend and it’s always near President’s Day weekend. Presidents’ Day (officially known as Washington’s Birthday) is a federal holiday, so many establishments close. For those who will be out and about, here’s what’s open and closed on Valentine’s Day this year.

Stores

Retail stores are open on Valentine’s Day. For all those who didn’t find the time to get their significant other a Valentine’s Day gift, you’ll be happy to know all major retailers will be open on February 14, so you can pick up a last minute gift. For those who love chocolate, it’s good to remember Valentine’s chocolate will be reduced by half or more on Sunday, and it can be a great time to pick up premium chocolate at a huge discount.

Restaurants and Eating Establishments

Restaurants and eating establishments are open on Valentine’s Day. Restaurants and other eating establishments will be open for business on February 14. In fact, some will have special Valentine’s Day menus to take advantage of all the couples celebrating the day. If you plan to eat out, it’s worthwhile to call ahead and make reservations. Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular evenings for people to eat out, so getting a seat without reservations may be difficult.

Stock Market

The stock market is open Valentine’s Day. The New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ composite both close on Saturday, and since Valentine’s Day lands on a Saturday, both will be closed this year. The stock markets are closed these days in 2019.

Libraries

Libraries are open on Valentine’s Day. Public community libraries will be open their normal hours on February 14, so you’ll be able to check out as many books as you’d like.

Public Schools

Schools are open on Valentine’s Day. Most public and private schools are open as usual.

National Parks

National Parks are open on Valentine’s Day. Take your sweetheart to a nearby National Park.

Federal Government Offices

Government offices are open on Valentine’s Day. Because Valentine’s Day isn’t a federal holiday, most government offices are open.

State and Local Government Offices

State and local government offices are open on Valentine’s Day. Much like the federal government, the majority of state and local government offices are open on Valentine’s Day.

Banking Institutions

Banking institutions are open on Valentine’s Day. While the vast majority of financial institutions, like banks and credit unions are closed on Sunday (with some exceptions), Valentine’s Day 2019 falls on a weekday, so banking institutions will be open.

Mail Delivery

You will get your mail delivered on Valentine’s Day.

For those who want gifts and cards to arrive on February 14, the post office will deliver mail on Valentine’s Day as it regularly. Both Federal Express (FedEx) and UPS will deliver packages on their typical Saturday schedules.

Grocery Stores

Grocery stores are open on Valentine’s Day. Grocery stores will be open for business on the 14th, and they can be a great place to get last minute Valentine’s Day gifts, candy and flowers.

(Photo courtesy of Dave)

Is the Post Office Open on Presidents Day 2018?

February 14, 2018 By James Hendrickson 3 Comments

Washington’s Birthday and Presidents Day are both celebrated on the same day. Annually, the holiday falls on the third Monday of February. This year, the federal holiday lands on February 19. Because it is a federal holiday, it has many people questioning, “Are the post offices open on Presidents Day?”

In the United States, federal holidays aren’t national holidays. So, when it comes to what is open and what is closed on federal holidays, there can be a significant amount of confusion. Federal holidays generally only apply to federal workers. Not everyone gets the day off. Many small businesses decide whether or not they want to observe the holiday. The United States Postal Service, however, is a part of the federal government. Therefore, USPS will be closed in observance of Presidents Day.

Is the Post Office Open on Presidents Day?

No, the post office is closed on Presidents Day. USPS observes Presidents Day and all post offices across the country will be closed on February 19. Mail service won’t be active and no letters or packages will be delivered to your home or business through the standard mail.

Is the Post Office Open on the Day Before Presidents Day?

No, the post office is not open on the day before Presidents Day. Like every year, Presidents Day is on a Monday making the day before a Sunday. Post offices are not open on Sundays, so there will be no mail delivered, etc. Many people may need mail something around Presidents Day (or soon after). If this is the case you will need to schedule delivery for Saturday or Tuesday instead of Sunday. Mail will be delivered as it would be on any other typical Saturday. If your local post office has Saturday hours, it will also be open for business on the day before Presidents Day.

While the USPS will be closed February 18 and 19 over the Presidents Day weekend, it still may be possible for you to take advantage of basic postal services. Most post offices have postal machines installed inside for people to weigh packages, letters and other mail items in order to get the correct postage to send their items on their way. A majority of the time these services are available even when the post office is closed. Obviously, these services may differ based on your local branch. If you’re wondering if your local P.O. offers these services, call and check.

Those who need to send a letter or package on Saturday or Sunday and don’t have access to a self-serve postal machine, FedEx or UPS may be an option.

Is Federal Express (FedEx) Open on Presidents Day?

Yes, FedEx is open on Presidents Day. FedEx doesn’t observe Presidents Day. They operate on February 19 as they would on any typical Monday, with all pickup and delivery services available on that day. FedEx offices will be open as well.

Is United Parcel Service (UPS) Open on Presidents Day?

Yes, UPS is open on Presidents Day. While UPS does recognize Presidents Day, it doesn’t observe it. The company will run under its normal Monday schedule on February 19 and will deliver and pick up packages as usual. UPS stores will be open for business.

What’s Open and Closed on Valentine’s Day 2018

February 14, 2018 By Jackie Cohen 1 Comment

What’s open Valentine’s Day depends on what year it is. You’re in luck for 2018: Everything is open.

You’re wise to research whether things might be closed on V-Day because when the holiday falls closer to the weekend, it may overlap with President’s Day, or be close enough to that date for there to be closures.

Although V-Day is celebrated by a majority of the population, the government and businesses do not consider it a day to take off — or as Uncle Sam would say, President’s Day is a federal holiday but not Valentine’s Day.

What’s Open Valentine’s Day

So while everything is indeed open on Valentine’s Day, don’t expect that to be the case in 2021, when the holiday falls on a Saturday. That’s when government offices at all levels will be closed, and so will banks and the stock market — along with schools and some public libraries.

In 2022, Valentine’s Day will fall on a Sunday and then the post office will also be closed, so that will be the year to plan ahead for deliveries to arrive on February 13.

This year, it’s worth noting that stores are open for business as usual on Valentine’s Day this year so you can buy last minute gifts. If you’re a chocolate lover, you might want to hit the store on February 15 to get sweets on sale — even premium brands for up to half off.

Busy Night at Restaurants

Restaurants are open on Valentine’s Day most years, and it’s one of the busiest nights for the industry, so if you intend to take your sweetheart out for dinner, make reservations early so you don’t get locked out of your top choice.

Otherwise, you can always cook at home, especially because groceries are open on Valentine’s Day (and if your garbage is normally picked upon Wednesdays, that will happen as usual).

A variation on cooking at home: Picnic in the park if you live somewhere warm. Public parks are open on Valentine’s Day, but it’s not one of the days that national parks offer free admission in 2018.

Readers, what are you planning on Valentine’s Day?

Romancing Your Sweetheart on a Budget

February 9, 2018 By Jacob Sensiba Leave a Comment

how to romance your sweetheart on a budget

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.

This day is designed to celebrate love, and being so intensely connected and devoted to someone makes you want to buy them a fancy dinner, a show, and a beautiful set of jewelry. But maybe your budget allows for cheap fast food, Netflix, and fake jewelry from a mall kiosk.

Or maybe you’re just looking to mind your pennies and stick to your budget, but you still want to make that special someone feel, just that, special.

I’m here to help. Below are several tips on how to romance your sweetheart while sticking to your budget.

Cook a romantic dinner

Cooking your significant other a special dinner will pay off two-fold. One, it will save you a bunch of money on going out. And two, they will notice and appreciate how much work you put into the meal. It’ll make dinner even more special.

If you are looking to eat healthy this Valentine’s day, visit this post on how to eat healthy on a budget.

Give a full body massage

Once again, you are going to save loads of money on this. Massage parlors, especially good ones, will cost you a couple hundred bucks, easy. By giving the massage yourself, you save all that money, less the price of massage oil.

Like the dinner, your significant other will notice and definitely appreciate all your effort.

Pack a sunset picnic

If you live where it’s cold, hopefully, it’s warmer than normal. If you live in a warm climate, this will be perfect. A sunset is always a beautiful sight and is a wonder to watch with your love. Pack a picnic filled with their favorites to make them feel special.

If the weather sucks, watch the sunset from your car. Or you can try another tip from this list.

Leave love notes

This is free but will make them feel so special. Write cute things like what you love about them, something they do that you find endearing, or a special memory. It’ll make them feel good and won’t cost you a thing.

Take a walk

Walk through your neighborhood or through the local park hand in hand. I love walking around with my wife. It gives us a chance to talk, enjoy the weather, and enjoy each other’s company.

Visit special places from your past

I love this one. Go to the location of your first date, where you first kissed, where you proposed, or where you got married. You will both reflect on that special day and how much that day meant to one another.

Plus side of this, if you don’t go inside, it won’t cost a penny.

Snuggle and watch romantic movies

Long periods of intimate contacts, like cuddling, release the hormone oxytocin, which will lower your heart rate and reduce stress. Cuddling and watching a romantic movie will surely give you some quality time together. My wife’s two favorites are the Notebook and Love Actually. Give one of those a shot.

Slow dance to some romantic music

This music could be found on a Spotify or Pandora playlist, or it could be one that you both declared as your song. Pick a few songs, hold each other close, and enjoy the moment.

Write a love letter

This is also one of my favorites. I love writing, so putting pen to paper and telling my wife how I feel is something I try to do every few months. It gives you a chance to really let that special person know what they mean to you.

Find a fun and free local attraction

Look on the web for a free event or attraction that’s going on near you. It could be an event at the park or theater, or it could be free admission to the art museum. Make it something that you both enjoy.

Box up some memories

Find special items that you’ve kept over the years. Put them in a box, wrap it, and gift it. A nice touch, write a little note for each item about what it is, why it’s in there, and where it came from. They will love the thoughtfulness of this gift.

Burn a CD of shared favorite songs

This could be a song that the both of you enjoy together, it could be “your song,” or it could be a song that just makes you think of them. If there are a couple of slow songs in the mix, take her hand and dance with her during those.

Conclusion

Valentine’s Day can be a very special one, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Sure, going to dinner and splurging on a nice gift would be nice, but it might not be as intimate, as thoughtful, or as special as using some of the tips in this post.

Have a beautiful Valentine’s Day. I hope it’s one to remember!