Spring is here and travel agencies, such as Liberty Travel at 153 Endicott St. in Danvers, are more motivated than ever to provide customers reasons to book with them. The kids are back at school, winter sports have ended and spring sports are poised to take over their lives for the next three months. It’s true that during an economic downturn people are less inclined to spend money, but after a long winter of rationing, and with the added promise of tax returns on the way for many, it seems like this may be the perfect opportunity to get away and regroup. Which is why, according to travel …

Spring is in the air. It’s been a decidedly long winter of game nights, movies and dinner dates.   If you’re looking for something fun and different to do next weekend, why not take in a show? Grab a few couples and make a night of it. The North Shore Players are performing “Cheaper by the Dozen” on March 25, 26 and 27 at the Hogan Regional Auditorium in Danvers. “Cheaper by the Dozen”  is a comedy adapted by Christopher Sergel from the book written by Frank Gilbreth and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey. The synopsis on the North Shore Players Web site details the story, which centers around a young …

If you're looking for something cultural to do this weekend and next, the Danvers Art Association has partnered with it’s sister city in art, the Salem Art Association, for a joint event. Beginning on March 12, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and again on March 26, noon - 4 p.m., there will be an Artists Flea Market and Exhibition at the Williams School, located at 105 Elliott St. in Danvers. According to Danvers Art Association President John Archer, this collaboration is a first between the two communities, with the hope for additional creative partnerships in the future. “This is the very first …

Zumba Fitness is the Latin dance party craze sweeping the nation. From DVDs to apparel to video games, Zumba has been growing in popularity since its inception in 2002. Described as a “happy accident,” Alberto “Beto” Perez, a quick thinking Columbian aerobics instructor, had to teach his aerobics class one day with Latin music in accompaniment after forgetting his traditional routine music at home. Rather than the same monotonous repetitions the class was accustomed to,  he encouraged his students to allow the salsa and merengue music of his childhood to move them. Thus began a Latin dance …

Tired of the cold? All set with the snow and iced walkways, and salt and sanded streets? Bikram Yoga is the perfect solution to revitalize the spirit and get good oxygenated blood pumping through your tough New England veins. Bikram Yoga is 26 Hatha Yoga postures and two breathing exercises performed in a heated environment. Utilizing different poses and deep breathing techniques, the benefits of yoga are substantial, from strengthening and toning all the major muscles to increasing circulation and relieving pressure on the spine. Yoga is especially helpful for individuals suffering from …

Have you planned your February getaway, yet or were you planning to “wing it?” For many families these days the idea of escaping to a tropical island during the winter break is just a pipe-dream. With the economic downturn, the pressures on growing families has become intense and expensive vacations are just not an option. Many families are opting for the next best thing: a stay-cation. Imagine the benefits of vacationing mere minutes from your own home. There is very little packing when you stay-cate, and if you do forget something, just take a quick trip back to reality to get it.   You don…

"Mom I need a ride!" Kids going off to another play-date?  The laundry is done, and the dishes will still be there when you (or your loving children) get home -- now is the time to get a little "me" time because busy moms need to take care of themselves too. Nothing reinvigorates the spirit like a new "-do", and a little pampering, but with tightening budgets and less "fun money" on hand, it can be hard to justify. Lords & Lady's Hair Salon at The Liberty Tree Mall is offering a great savings opportunity. Now through Valentine's Day, enjoy $20 off foils, and a free wax with the purchase of …

Your teens are holding a car wash at the high school Saturday. The grandparents volunteered to take the younger children to a movie Sunday afternoon. Your tweens take tap on Wednesday evening. It’s your time. Take it. Each week, we’ll tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, maybe a whole lot easier. Need to decompress? How can you adequately take care of others if you're not taking care of yourself? Putting the family’s needs before your own is draining and can lead to frayed nerves. If you have a touch of cabin fever with all this …