by heather | creative tips
Turkey day is over and all of the leftovers are gone….well, almost. December is right around the corner, so it is time to start decorating for the holidays! One of my favorite activities to do right after Thanksgiving is to go pick out a Christmas tree for the house.
Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect tree this year:
1. MEASURE YOUR SPACE: Before you go, be sure to measure the space you plan on putting the tree. How tall is the ceiling? Make sure you buy a tree at least a foot shorter to allow for the stand and tree topper. How wide is the space? Do you need a plump tree or a skinny one? Best to plan ahead so you don’t get home and the tree won’t fit!
2. CHECK FOR FRESHNESS: When you find a tree you like, give the tree a good shake and run your fingers along the needles to be sure that the tree is fresh and healthy – be sure that not too many needles fall off. Also, bend the branches a little and be sure that they do not snap easily.
3. DON’T FORGET THE TREE STAND: When you trim the base of the tree (or have them do it when you purchase), be sure that the tree stands straight and that the base has about 6 inches or so clear to fit in the tree stand. You might need to measure your tree stand opening before you head out to get a tree.
I’m sure you have already noticed a few tree lots popping up around your town. Why not take a little adventure this year and visit a tree farm? You can walk through the forest and pick a super fresh tree. They will chop it down right while you wait. Visit www.realchristmastrees.org to find a Christmas Tree Farm near you.
There are many different types of Christmas trees, with the Douglas Fir being the most popular in the US. Click HERE to read more about different tree characteristics and choose your perfect fit.
And after the holidays, don’t forget to recycle your Christmas tree!
by Mandi | creative tips
During this month of Thanksgiving how are you telling people thank you? A gift, a card, a hug? Below is a list of ways you can say thank you!
1. Give a small gift
A gift does not have to be big, it could be a favorite drink, a book someone has been wanting to read or a new shirt. Just listen to what people say and this will be easy to do.
2. Write it down
There is something so special about receiving something that is actually hand written. Whether it is a letter or a small note, it means so much when you take that extra time.
3. Get in the kitchen
Birthdays and new neighbors are not the only time to make a cake or something sweet. Make a baked good and give it to someone special.
4. Lend an ear
If a friend needs to talk, it is simple…listen. Pick up their phone calls and be in the moment. A great conversation goes a long way.
5. Flowers
Our loved ones often time give us flowers, why not surprise a friend with a gift of flowers when they east expect it.
6. Hug it out
Give someone a big strong bear hug full of love and affection.
7. Pay it forward
Do a good deed for someone. Pass along the gift of giving. (See Jenn’s Post)
8. Get digital
If you are low on time – send a funny ecard. My favorites are Somee and Monk-e-mail.
9. Charitable donation
If someone you know has a favorite charity, make a donation in their name.
How do you say thank you?
by heather | creative tips
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENN!!!!!
In honor of Jenn’s birthday this week….I would like to share some tips on how to get FREE stuff all day long on your birthday!* First step is to click on the links below and sign up – go ahead and do this now, even if your birthday isn’t close. Some companies give you free stuff just for signing up, in addition to the free items listed below!
Wake up and go enjoy some free breakfast…choose your favorite or two!
Einstein Brothers Bagels – sign up for their club and you will receive a FREE bagel
Panera Bread – sign up for their rewards program and you will earn a FREE bakery pastry
IHOP – join their “pancake revolution” and get earn a FREE meal right away and on your birthday
Krispy Kreme – sign up for their “friends of Krispy Kreme” and get a FREE birthday donut
Waffle House – sign up for their “regular’s club” and get a FREE birthday waffle
Now, go pick yourself up a few presents… (sorry guys, this is all for the ladies)
Aveda – join their birthday program and get a FREE full size salon product
Sephora – sign up for the “beauty insider” program and get a FREE birthday surprise
Smashbox – join the free “pretty points rewards” program and get a FREE makeup gift set
Victoria’s Secret – if you have an Angel Card (their credit card), you will receive a FREE birthday surprise
Time for lunch! Decisions. Decisions.
Moe’s – sign up for their club and get a FREE burrito
Jason’s Deli – join their list and get a FREE $5 gift card
Firehouse Subs – show your id on your actual birthday and get a FREE sub
Zaxby’s – join their mail club and get a FREE Nibbler
McAlister’s Deli – sign up for their “deligrams” email and get a FREE $5 gift card
Jersey Mike’s Subs – join their email club and get a FREE sub and drink
Fuddruckers – sign up for the “fudds club” and get a FREE burger
How about a movie and a sweet treat?
Redbox – sign up for their emails and get a FREE dvd rental
Dairy Queen – join the “blizzard fan club” and get a FREE ice cream blizzard
Rita’s – join the birthday club and get a FREE birthday treat
Planet Smoothie – sign up for their newsletter and receive a FREE birthday smoothie
Afternoon Coffee Break!
Starbucks – sing up for their rewards and get a FREE drink
Dunkin’ Donuts – join their “dunkin’ perks” and get a FREE drink
Caribou Coffee – sign up for their emails and get a FREE drink
Finish your freebie day off with some yummy dinner…
Maggiano’s – join their email club and receive a FREE $10 birthday gift certificate
Melting Pot – join their “club fondue” and get a FREE chocolate fondue
Ruby Tuesday – sign up for their email list a get a FREE burger
Brio Tuscan Grille – sign up for their emails and receive a FREE beef medallions with shrimp scampi meal
BIRTHDAY BONUS!!!
Most of the offers above are valid for the whole month of your birthday, so enjoy a whole week of freebies! *Certain rules may apply and change! See each individual company for details.
I love free stuff, don’t you? Read some more of my freebie tips HERE.
