All things Christmas – Ideas for trees, gifts, and more

All things Christmas – Ideas for trees, gifts, and more

Already starting to plan out Christmas decorations and gift ideas this year? Well, they say it’s never too early to get in the Christmas spirit. If you’re looking for a few ideas to get started, you’re in the right place. Everything about Christmas, right from the cards you send your loved ones or the lights you select, can make or break the Christmas vibe. Let’s take a look at some ideas. Cards It’s a long-established tradition to send Christmas cards to your friends and family; it’s a way to show them that you care. Today, many websites help create holiday and Christmas cards with modern designs. For this, you typically need to select a template, upload your family photo, and get the card printed. You can even personalize it with your name and message. Alternatively, you can craft DIY Christmas cards if you want to put a personal touch on your holiday note. Tree When it comes to Christmas tree decor, ask yourself what you and your family members like. Do you want something a little less traditional, like a monochromatic pink tree, or would you rather stick to the classics with a simple red and gold palette? You can explore hundreds of decor ideas on the Internet. Also, if you haven’t bought a tree, you might want to check out artificial Christmas trees from Balsam Hills. The company makes a wide variety of realistic-looking trees in nearly all sizes. Lights Decorating your entire house with loads of lights is something we’re all guilty of. It adds to the festive vibe and can make your space more lively. For Christmas, you can choose from string lights, icicle lights, and solar-powered LEDs. Depending on the theme, you can select your lights as well. You can also decorate your whole front yard and each window in the house.
5 fragrant plants that repel ticks

5 fragrant plants that repel ticks

Fleas and ticks are probably the most annoying things you have to deal with as a pet parent. You might have tried it all, and everything must have worked fine. But the moment you grow lenient, they are back. Ticks do not go away permanently, so you have to be vigilant round the clock. One way to deal with these parasites is to grow plants that repel ticks in outdoor and indoor gardens. Sage Many use sage leaves to enhance the taste of food. Interestingly, the plant is also great at repelling ticks and protecting your pets. So, consider growing sage indoors to prevent infestations. Lemongrass As the name suggests, this plant smells like lemon. While the fragrance may be appealing to you, it repels parasites. Many prefer growing this plant to repel ticks as it requires little maintenance. Lavender While this plant is known for its calming properties, insects would beg to disagree. Lavender is an effective repellent against moths, mosquitoes, and ever-annoying ticks. Its color, as well as its scent, are unappealing to the blood-feeding parasites. Garlic Ticks find the scent of garlic abhorrent. So, if you are looking up for plants that repel ticks from your household, grow this one in your outdoor and indoor garden. Rosemary This herb has a long list of benefits, and repelling parasites is one worth mentioning. Brushing the leaves of the rosemary plant releases fragrance and oil, which protects against ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and other pests. Your pet may need treatment in case of a severe tick or flea infestation. Here are a few options: Simparica Trio These are available as chewables to be used once a month. The effect of a single chewable can last for weeks, protecting against fleas, ticks, and heartworms. FRONTLINE Plus It is a topical solution to be applied to the pet’s skin.
6 mistakes to avoid when filing tax returns

6 mistakes to avoid when filing tax returns

As the end of the financial year closes in, many people find themselves scrambling to file income tax returns in time this year. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues strict guidelines for ensuring a smooth and quick tax filing process. The last thing you want is a notification from the IRS citing an issue with the income tax return submission. So, here are six mistakes to avoid when filing your income tax return: Filing returns prematurely You might receive documentation regarding your current financial status, and this information has to be updated with the IRS. Filing prematurely can result in mistakes like omissions that only delay the processing of returns. Choosing the wrong form or filing status The IRS issues several forms for individuals, businesses, commercial establishments, and government entities to file returns. Ensure you choose the correct form and update the filing status on the official website. If there are dependents in the house or you are filing for a joint return, your filing status can vary accordingly. Making calculation errors Adding the wrong amount, excluding critical tax breaks, or even making mathematical errors while computing your income tax return are issues that IRS software can detect. However, miscalculating the return can delay the process. If you are unsure, always get expert assistance from a firm that specializes in tax returns. Adding incorrect details Avoid spelling mistakes, adding inaccurate details about your social security status, or omitting crucial financial information. Enlist the help of a certified accountant or consider using tax filing software to simplify the process of filling out forms. Overlooking important updates The IRS shares regular updates and circulars after the conclusion of any financial year to update citizens about the changes in the tax regime. You should stay informed of all the criteria for successfully filing returns.
3 mistakes to avoid when buying a laptop

3 mistakes to avoid when buying a laptop

Most people depend highly on their laptops for various reasons, like using them for work, gaming, watching movies, and everything in between. For these reasons, choosing the right laptop is vital, as it must be compatible with what it is used for. For instance, buying a gaming laptop when one purely uses laptops for watching movies or working on Excel is a mistake. There are a few other mistakes, as mentioned below, that one can avoid: 1. Not testing it before buying Trying out a product before buying it is a must, especially if one plans to invest a substantial amount. It is always best to test out a product, in this case, a laptop, to understand how it works and whether it is easy to use. Those who are planning to buy a laptop online because they are getting a good deal should definitely visit a physical store and check out the laptop first before making a purchase online. This way, they make an informed decision and get to save quite a bit by buying online. Most stores always have a display or a trial piece that customers can test. 2. Assuming the product size and weight don’t matter It is very important to know how big or compact a laptop is, as users will have to carry it around. If the device one purchases is too bulky, one will find it difficult to carry it around or fit it into their backpack. On the flip side, a laptop should also not be too small, especially if one wants to use it for gaming, watching movies, or editing content. All of these activities are not enjoyable on a small screen. So, when purchasing a laptop, it is important to consider its bulk, size, and features. One can think of what tasks and activities they purchase to make a better decision.
5 mistakes to avoid when purchasing a franchise

5 mistakes to avoid when purchasing a franchise

An aspiring entrepreneur might consider buying a franchise for multiple reasons. For starters, it lets one launch into an established business where most of the hard work has already been done. The individual could capitalize on support from the franchisor before and after the business opens. But despite all the advantages of buying a franchise, there are a few drawbacks. An eager entrepreneur who makes purchasing mistakes might face various challenges throughout the venture. Lack of research Insufficient research might lead an entrepreneur to walk into a space one has little to no knowledge about. One should learn about the positives and negatives of investing in a franchise before signing up for it. Visiting franchise exhibitions and speaking to existing franchises would help an entrepreneur better understand the business model. Inadequate funding If one does not have good financial backing, one might need to secure funds to invest in the franchise. The money must cover various elements associated with the purchase, such as startup costs and expenses to run the franchise for at least a year. An entrepreneur usually prefers a combination of a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan with a Rollover for Business Startups (ROBS), which is highly beneficial towards the franchise’s operational goals. Assuming complete ownership Unlike owning a business started from scratch, an entrepreneur who buys a franchise is usually not the sole owner. Franchisors typically have considerable control over the franchise’s operation, location, appearance, design, goods that could be sold, and covered territory. Wavering from the business plan If one goes against the guidelines set by the franchiser and makes changes, such as changing the color scheme or offering new products to users, they might find themselves in a challenging spot. Doing so might drive away customers that are loyal to the existing brand. Additionally, one might also break the terms of the agreement and face termination, along with legal charges.
5 Early Bird Deals to Expect This Cyber Monday 2023

5 Early Bird Deals to Expect This Cyber Monday 2023

Cyber Monday is the perfect time to grab great deals on wishlisted products. But right before it starts, many retailers and brands offer early-bird discounts a few days ahead of sale day. These discounts are on products across several popular categories, such as electronics, apparel, home essentials, jewelry, makeup, and skincare. So to get a head start on holiday shopping, keep an eye out for bargains on these products. Electronics Every year, shoppers rush to get the best bargains on the latest gadgets, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, headphones, television, and more. During the previous Cyber Monday sale, customers were able to enjoy discounts ranging from 20% off on new product launches to as much as 50% off on older models. One can expect similar deals this year too. Amazon There can be discounts as high as 70% on Amazon products such as Echo Dot, Echo Show, Ring Doorbell, Fire Stick, and Kindle E-readers. Also, electronics from other brands are expected to be available at marked-down prices. Nomad Goods One can find sitewide discounts on phone cases, charging cables, portable battery packs, wireless chargers, travel accessories, and more. Best Buy Check for huge discounts on smart TVs, laptops, and accessories from select brands. Walmart Shoppers can expect big savings on a wide range of tech products. Target A lot of deals might be available on headphones, security cameras, tablets, gaming consoles, and more. B&H Photo They offer early Holiday Head Start sales on Mac Airs, Apple homePod mini, iPads, Mac hardware, external hard drives, and accessories such as wireless keyboards and microphones. Dell A select range of laptops and desktops can be available at never-seen-before prices. Fashion Looking to revamp the wardrobe or re-stock on basics? This is the right time. Many fashion retailers and brands start to roll out huge early-bird discounts on apparel, footwear, and accessories.
Residential cleaning services offered by SERVPRO

Residential cleaning services offered by SERVPRO

From carpets and drapes to upholstered furniture and air ducts, everything in your home attracts dust and various other contaminants. Perhaps the best way to get rid of these contaminants is to call a professional cleaning service. If you’re looking for a reliable service provider, SERVPRO is an excellent option. With over 50 years of experience, they are the country’s leading residential and commercial restoration and cleaning service. This article looks at the various residential cleanup services offered by SERVPRO. Air ducts and HVAC Routine inspection and cleaning of the HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) units in your home can extend the equipment life and improve the quality of indoor air. Biohazard SERVPRO professionals are equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products to clean, remove biohazards and dispose them of properly. Carpet and upholstery cleaning They offer various specialized regular and deep cleaning methods for all types of carpets in homes. Ceiling, floors, and walls Ceilings and walls accumulate cooking oils and grease, cigarette smoke, and other contaminants over time. Getting them cleaned by professionals occasionally is a great idea. Drapes and blinds SERVPRO specializes in cleaning fine fabrics and intricate pieces. They offer five different cleaning methods for drapes and blinds. You can consult with their professional to select the most appropriate method. Odor removal Persistent odors within the indoor environment can damage your health. Professionals at SERVPRO can identify and eliminate odors using specialized equipment and techniques. Sewage and toilet overflow Toilet overflow or sewer backups should be considered an emergency. These waters are usually contaminated with harmful viruses, bacteria, and other microbes. Trauma and crime scene SERVPRO professionals follow OSHA and EPA to get rid of biohazard contaminants from blood, chemicals, or tear-gas residues following crime or accident scenes. Vandalism and graffiti It’s usually difficult to remove graffiti paint without expert help.
5 reasons to buy LeafGuard’s gutter system today

5 reasons to buy LeafGuard’s gutter system today

Rain and storm gutter systems are designed to catch rainwater directly from the roof of a home. The water is then directed away from the building’s structure. Apart from rainwater, there are also pine needles, bugs, leaves, and debris, which can obstruct the rain gutter from functioning at maximum capacity. That’s where LeafGuard’s gutter system comes into play. In this article, you will find the reasons that make the LeafGuard gutter system the best solution. One-piece rigid design The company offers a one-piece design that is more durable than other gutter systems on the market. Their gutter systems can handle and divert about 32 inches of rain per hour. Further, its gutters are crafted from 20% thicker aluminum, and its downspouts are made 30% thicker than the industry standard. When it comes to handling harsh weather, the LeafGuard gutter system is supported every two feet, which makes it super-strong. Customized precision installations LeafGuard’s system offers custom-fit gutter designs. Professional installers fit these designs with specifications accurate to your home. The best part is that the installers will remove and dispose of your old gutter system for you while simultaneously putting the new system in place. Most of these installations are completed within a single day. Patented clog-free design Several homes are frequently damaged due to water-related incidents. That’s because when a gutter is clogged, it can cause severe damage to the roof, fascia, landscaping, siding, or even the foundation. Fortunately, LeafGuard’s patented clog-free one-piece design comes independent of any gaps. This makes it impossible for water to seep through. The company also guarantees that despite the one-piece design, the system will not pull away. ScratchGuard® paint finish Simply featuring a sturdy design isn’t everything, and the company gets it. Ergo, their system comes with ScratchGuard® paint that does not chip, crack, or undergo changes that other inferior paints do.
Notable features of the 2021 Subaru Ascent

Notable features of the 2021 Subaru Ascent

If you’re in the market for a new car, you know it’s important to not ignore Subaru’s biggest vehicle, the Ascent. It’s a three-row SUV designed essentially for families. The Japanese automaker first launched the Ascent in 2019 and has since upgraded it to compete against the latest SUVs from top car manufacturers. In addition to the basic model, the brand-new Ascent comes in three trim variants: Premium, Limited, and Touring. Herein, let’s look at key features of the 2021 Subaru Ascent. Interior room and cargo space The spacious interior of the 2021 Subaru Ascent is one of its highlights. Its three rows of flexible seating offers can comfortably accommodate seven or eight passengers. The second-row captain’s chairs are available on Premium, Limited, and Touring models. With all second and third-row seats down, cargo space in the Ascent increases to a maximum of 86.5 cubic feet. That means there’s ample space for every passenger and their gear. Safety and driver-assistance The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2021 Subaru Ascent the highest possible rating, making it one of the safest vehicles out there. The EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is standard across all Ascent models and is as good as having extra sets of eyes on the road that can do everything from monitoring traffic movement to preventing you from going outside your lane. Other important safety and driver-assistance features include forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control, among many others. Performance, towing capacity, and fuel economy The 2021 Subaru Ascent is packed with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that outputs 260 horsepower. The engine is coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) automatic and standard all-wheel drive for seamless gear changing and excellent off-roading experiences. The powerful engine has an impressive towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
Rental rates for Cadillac SUVs across top agencies

Rental rates for Cadillac SUVs across top agencies

When it comes to renting a luxury SUV, a Cadillac is the first choice for many consumers. After all, they’re well-built, powerful, and ideal for everything from adventure-packed family vacations to showing off. Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV are the two luxury SUVs from the American carmaker. But there are also other great mid-size SUV options available, such as XT6, XT5, and XT4. If you’re looking for monthly, weekly, or daily rates for renting a Cadillac SUV, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ve discussed rental rates across popular car rentals. Hertz Hertz is one of the largest car rental companies in the country. To find the exact daily rate for renting a Cadillac SUV from Hertz, you’ll need to sign up with them and share specific details like your pick-up location and date. The company will give you a flat $25 discount if you rent a full-size or above car before 31st August 2021. The vehicle is available for pick up at top airport locations, including LAX, Miami, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. Falcon Car Rental The daily rate for renting a Cadillac SUV from Falcon Car Rental is around $325/day. But if you’re renting for the long-term, you can get weekly and monthly discounts of 15 percent and 30 percent, respectively. Keep in mind that you’ll have to rent the vehicle for a minimum of two days and pay a security deposit between $1,000 and $5,000. Sixt With Sixt, you can rent luxury SUVs like Escalade and Escalade ESV, and even mid-size SUVs like XT5 and XT4. To check the availability of the model you prefer, you’ll need to visit their official website and enter your pick-up location. Also, make sure to enter your pick-up and return date and time to check daily rental prices and offers.
10 must-have items for a complete wardrobe

10 must-have items for a complete wardrobe

Fashion enthusiasts or not, most people try to look classy, stylish, and appropriate for every occasion and experiment with styling options for different events. With new drops every few months, you get access to a wide array of clothes and accessories, making it tougher to decide things to buy and things to skip. To make the decision easier for you, here are 10 basic items that every closet should have: All-purpose knitwear Whether you prefer a fancy cashmere sweater, or something light and breathable, knitwear is a must-have. To dress it up, pop a knitted cardigan or coverup over your shoulders in the spring. Denim No wardrobe is complete without a pair of denim jeans. Whether high-waisted or low-waisted, skinny or flared, there is something for everyone. White shirt A white button-up shirt is a versatile must-have. Wear it with a blazer for a formal look, or pair it with a knitted skirt for effortless evening wear. Tailored trousers A relaxed but tailored pair of trousers can elevate any basic look. Trousers in neutral shades like camel or beige are a great choice to match with absolutely everything. Sneakers A great pair of sneakers are a staple for your closet. The perfect choice to run errands in, sneakers are practical and comfortable accessories. Striped T-shirt The striped tee (or marinière) has been a symbol of timeless French fashion since the 1850s and can be easily dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Leather jacket Leather jackets (or faux leather jackets) are a great investment as they can make any outfit look effortlessly cool. Classic coat A longline, tailored coat is a chic addition to basic outfits. Get them in an oversized fit to layer over any knits to wear them all year round. Basic T-shirt Basic tees are a no-brainer.
Top 4 monthly puppy subscription boxes

Top 4 monthly puppy subscription boxes

Every good child should be treated with some goodies and treats. The monthly puppy box can be a source of joy and excitement for dogs and their parents. Thanks to the range of chews, toys, and treats that these subscription boxes offer, they have fast gained popularity. If you are looking to work on a budget but get the best of everything for your good-est boy, here are some options to look into. BarkBox BarkBox costs $23, $26, or $35, depending on the subscription you choose. Although the monthly puppy box is one of the cheapest finds, their product quality remains high, and the subscribers are satisfied. BarkBox has themed boxes that add to the brand’s appeal and make for a nice surprise each month. You get access to treats, toys, and grooming essentials and get customization options based on your dog’s allergies and preferences. Kong Box At $49.95 a month, Kong Box has been a favorite among pets and pet parents alike. One of the best sellers in the Kong box includes the trusty rubber toy that can keep the heaviest chewers engaged. The monthly puppy box comes packed with the classic Kong toy, treats for your dog, recipes, training tips, and some more toys. Second box onwards, the numbers change, but the excitement does not. You can also choose from the type of box you want to subscribe to, including teething, barking, crate training, and other behavioral issues. Pooch Perks Box If you are looking for something that only caters to your dog’s toy needs, pooch Perks have a box that costs only $20.82 a month. Alternatively, they also have bigger, better boxes that provide treats, toys, and even themed goodies. One significant benefit of Pooch Perks is that they provide a single shipment option. This way, you get to try out their services before committing to anything.