gift

Mother’s Day brings a spending spree as Americans dole out a record $21 billion this year for cards, flowers, jewelry, gift certificates, electronics and gardening tools, as well as creating a crush at restaurants for brunch and dinner on Sunday.

When the kids were growing up, Mother's Day brought breakfast (crumbs) in bed, handmade gifts and special dinners. But with adult children, is the notion of "Queen for a Day" as outdated as the 1960s TV show?

Once when I was in Switzerland, I met a local woman who went out of her way to show me around the resort town of St. Moritz. She refused payment - and even my attempt to pay for lunch. When I finally had time to pick up a gift for her, it was Sunday, and all the shops were closed. Except, of…

Stumped for the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your sweetie? Maybe the answer is in the stars.

"You've won the lottery today!" a TSA staffer exclaimed to a couple about to board their plane in Portland, Ore., last weekend, as he ushered them to a special, less-invasive screening line. For those who dread fumbling with their jackets, belts and shoes or can't seem to remember where, exactly,…