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To celebrate World Kindness Day, we’re kicking off a November writing challenge! Our goal is to help you connect with the people in your community and bring a little bit of joy to their day. For this, we’re asking that you simply send note cards to five or more people this month. Remind friends, family, and neighbors that you appreciate they are a part of your life. Or contact local businesses or staff to let them know they’re doing a great job! It’s amazing how infectious kindness can be when you take just a few minutes out of your day to show your gratitude. It’s also a great way to way to scrub out any lingering negativity that may be affecting your own mental health.  What Is World Kindness Day?World Kindness Day is November 13th. This annual international holiday was formed in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement to help promote kindness throughout the world. The purpose of this holiday isn’t just a reminder to be kind to one another and act with compassion in our daily lives. It’s also an opportunity to grow closer to our fellow man and community at large through understanding and thoughtfulness.  November Writing ChallengeFor our November writing challenge, we want to inspire you to write and send out note cards to the people in your life who matter but may not always get the recognition they deserve. So, whether it’s your child’s teacher, a cashier at your favorite shop, or a neighbor who keeps an eye out when you’re out of town, now is the perfect time to show your gratitude and bring a smile to their face. As the month of November is typically a time we express gratitude, we thought this would be the perfect occasion to kickstart a writing challenge. It not only ties in perfectly with World Kindness Day, but Thanksgiving as well. To participate in this challenge, we want you to inspire you to send out five handwritten note cards this month. That’s just one note card per week. Of course, you can send more if you like! We find that once you get into the habit or writing and sending cards, it’s hard to stop. After all, the joy recipients get from receiving greeting cards is truly inspirational. While writing personalized note cards may seem like a small gesture, it can have a huge impact on someone’s life. It’s also a wonderful break for the constant onslaught of daily junk mail and bills. Now that you’ve been challenged with a writing goal for November, you may be wondering how to get started. Not to worry, we have you covered! Keep reading to find the tools you need for success, including:
 What to Expect from This Note Card Writing Challenge This note card writing challenging is all about spreading kindness! Not only will sending handwritten cards lift up those in your community, but it can also have a positive impact on your own mental health. When you care kind to others, you can expect the following health benefits as a result:
 When Is a Good Time to Write Cards?Today is a great time to write cards! Whether you’re sending a thank you card or just reminding someone that you’re here for them, it’s never too late to pop a note in the mail. However, it is best to not feel rushed when creating handwritten note cards. Therefore, we suggest you choose a time when you aren’t busy. Start by creating a list of people you’d like to mail greeting cards to and why. Once you have your list, set aside 5 minutes once a week to write a thoughtful note to at least one person on that list.  Who Should I Send Cards To? Friends and family are obvious choices when deciding who to send out cards to. Nonetheless, there are so many other options to spread kindness. Following is a list of just a few of the many people you can send a custom greeting card:
 Printable Address ListMost of us don’t have physical address books anymore. With contacts saved digitally, they often aren’t top-of-mind. Therefore, we created a printable address list to make participating in this writing challenge even easier. Not only will this printable address list help you plan who you want to write note cards to, it will also make it easier when it comes time to address and send your cards. You can also mark the date you mailed the card, so you can remember to follow up. Download our printable address list here. 
Once you’ve printed the list, choose five people to connect with to start. Then add to the list as you have time to think about the people in your life, who you’re appreciative of, and those who would benefit from receiving a smile in their mailbox.  Where to Buy Custom Note Cards If you don’t want to exhaust your time at the store shopping for greeting cards, then consider buying your note cards in bulk.
Magnets USA® sells a full line of premium personalized note cards to help you tackling any writing challenge you set for yourself. Featuring our luxurious, signature PLUSH™ finish, our colorful lineup of personalized note cards highlights more than 200 original designs perfect for every occasion. Explore our collection of flat note cards, folded note cards, and house-shaped cards today. Then send cards and spread the love! Discover our tips for avoiding hiccups when tackling your Christmas list this holiday season. These simple pointers are key to hassle free shopping and on-time delivery this year. Plus download our free printable Christmas gift list to make planning even easier!  Holiday Shopping SeasonThe holiday season is quickly approaching. Every year it seems like it sneaks up on us. In reality, however, most of stay so busy that we simply forget to keep track of all those important dates. Unfortunately, with the pandemic continuing to wreak havoc on shipping times and prolonged supply chain shortages, planning for the Christmas shopping season this year is a must! Christmas Shopping TipsAvoid the challenges presented by shipping delays and supply shortages this year with our Christmas shopping tips for 2021. Following you’ll find a timeline for a smooth shopping experience to avoid disappointments on Christmas day.  When to Start Christmas ShoppingTo make your holiday shopping a breeze, we’ve created a timeline to help you stay on track, so you don’t get caught off guard. While some of these dates may have already passed, you can still catch up. Also make sure to mark these dates on your 2022 calendar so you can be prepared and plan early next year. Oct 12th — 12 Weeks Before ChristmasNow is the time to start planning what you’re going to give your business clients, friends, and family for the holidays. Make your list and decide on a shopping budget. If you’re planning to make homemade gifts, then now is the time to get started. Order supplies now if you haven’t already. Most craft stores are a season ahead, so waiting to purchase materials can make it difficult to find what you’re looking for the closer you get to Christmas.  Oct 16th — 10 Weeks to Christmas10 weeks may seem like a LOT of time, but you know as well as we do that if you blink it’s suddenly gone. There’s just over two months before the holiday at this point. So, now is the time to start your Christmas shopping. Not only will you be able to avoid the crowds, but you can also stay on top of any potential shipping delays. It’s also a great time to pre-plan your holiday parties or decide how you’ll celebrate. And, if you’re sending out Christmas cards, get the family together for the perfect holiday portrait. You can upload your photo to Minute Mail Gifts. Then go ahead and create a template for all your holiday cards you plan to mail out this season with your photo printed right inside the card! Oct 30th — 8 Weeks Until ChristmasWith less than two months until Christmas, it’s time to put on your face and get serious! Lots of businesses are already advertising hot offers that you can take advantage of to save money. (These days, there’s really no need to wait until Black Friday for the best deals.) So, whether you are shopping in person or online, use this week purchase gifts for as many people on your Christmas gift list as you possibly can. Now is also a great time to double check addresses for gifts and holiday greeting cards to make sure they are correct. You can also start planning holiday gatherings with your friends and family. Nov 6th — 7 Weeks Before Christmas(It’s finally November and it’s starting to feel real. If you are mailing out bulk Christmas cards, then order them NOW! You’ll also want to order address labels and stamps. Alternately, you can also start creating personalized greeting cards for Christmas with your photograph inside. Hop over to Minute Mail Gifts to see how easy it is. Not only can you personalize a handwritten card, but you can also schedule a date to mail out your holiday cards — and send them with a creative gift inside the envelope with no extra work.  Also at this time, you’ll want to take inventory of all your Christmas decorations. See what you have and what you need. If you’re missing any elements to create that perfect holiday display, then shop as soon as possible for whatever is missing. (Here locally we were sold out of Halloween decorations by the first week of October!) The same can be said for pantry staples and baking supplies. There’s going to be a rush on basic foodstuffs as shelves aren’t being restocked as quickly as they have been in the past. Stock up on essentials at this time to avoid scrambling to find out of stock items later. (Remember the meringue powder and yeast shortage last year?) Nov 13th — 6 Weeks to Christmas We know it seems like you’ve done a lot already, however, there’s still more work to be done to prepare for the holiday season. While you’re waiting on the gifts you ordered to arrive in the mail, now is the time to clean and organize your home. Go through the closets and pull out winter clothes that don’t fit to donate to charity. The same goes for kids toys that they’ve outgrown or no longer use. This is a great way to help families in need, and tackle some of those spring cleaning chores a season early.  If one of your family traditions is to make Christmas ornaments, then this is the time to get them done! You’ll also want to order or shop for your holiday gift wrap, including gift tags, ribbon, bags, and bows. Nov 20th — 5 Weeks Until ChristmasIt’s Thanksgiving week! Right now, you probably have a TON going on preparing for Thanksgiving dinner and related activities. However, there’s still work to get done to prepare for Christmas.  We recommend that you mail out your Christmas cards THIS WEEK for timely delivery. (There’s nothing worse than your card arriving AFTER the holiday is over.) You’ll also want to start mailing out care packages or Christmas gifts at this time. If you are ordering custom gifts that need to be personalized, then order them now and have them shipped directly to the recipient.  If you are decorating your home with a live Christmas tree this year, go ahead and order your tree or take a trip to your local Christmas tree farm. Nov 27th — 4 Weeks Before ChristmasThere’s now less than a month to go before the big day! (Are you getting excited yet?) If you have kids who are writing a letter to Santa, then make sure they get those letters written this week! They’ll need to be mailed by December 7th to ensure they arrive on time.  You can also put up your Christmas tree and holiday decorations now that Thanksgiving has come and gone. And don’t forget to pull out your Advent calendar! Dec 4th — 3 Weeks to ChristmasThe countdown is getting real at this point! If you have ANY last minute Christmas shopping, then get it done NOW! This is the absolute final chance to complete your online ordering as well in hopes your packages reach their destination on time.  Now is also the perfect time to wrap your holiday presents. After all, there’s nothing worse than staying up until 4am on Christmas Eve scrambling to get everything wrapped and ready to go in time for Christmas morning. Dec 11th — 2 Weeks Until ChristmasNow that your Christmas shopping is officially handled and decorations are up, you can start prepping for your holiday menu. If you’re hosting this year, decide what you’d like to serve and give any new recipes a test run. Otherwise, choose a dish or two to take to any holiday parties you plan to attend. Season’s greetings cards are also starting to hit your mailbox. Display Christmas cards on your fridge or tape them across a hallway door frame. Or, if you’re crafty, find a creative way to display your cards to help boost the holiday cheer.  Dec 18th —Christmas Is ONE WEEK Away!It’s the final countdown! Believe it or not, there are still a few things left to make those final preparations. If you have any baking to do, get it done this week. You should also finalize your menu for Christmas dinner and do any last minute shopping you need to get ready. Then spend the rest of the time enjoying time with friends and family. Make hot chocolate, watch classic Christmas movies, or drive through neighborhoods to see all the Christmas lights and décor.  Printable Christmas Gift ListTo assist you with your holiday preparations this year, we created a free printable Christmas gift list to use as a holiday shopping guide. You can download and print this colorful Christmas printable here.
Then use the list to write in the names of your gift recipients, the gift you’ve chosen for them, and the price to help you stay on budget.  Best Website for Holiday Shopping OnlineThere are several great reasons to complete your Christmas shopping online this year. Not only will you avoid the hustle and bustle and parking woes by shopping online, but you can also avoid the crowds. It’s also a great opportunity to create and send personalized gifts that you know are in stock. And, as there’s no worry about driving from store to store to find the perfect gift in stock, you actually save time as well! We may be biased but we think LifeLong Gifts is ideal for your holiday shopping needs. Not only can you create lasting, personalized gifts for friends and family, but we also sell a wonderful collection of products suitable for business client gifts.  What to Give for Holiday GiftsIf you need ideas on what to give as holiday gifts this Christmas season, then be sure to check out our holiday gift guides.
Learn the best ways to store and organize your cutting boards with this collection of easy and practical kitchen storage ideas.  We all use cutting boards in the kitchen. However, unlike cookie sheets, these tools are used more often. Therefore, one doesn’t necessarily want to stash them in cabinet you have to dig through or in the drawer under your oven. Instead, we came up with some great ideas to store a cutting board for easy access.  Cutting Board Storage IdeasThere are lots of great ways to store cutting boards in your kitchen. The awesome thing about this is that there’s no right or wrong way to store your boards! Whether you display them on a counter or tuck them away in a drawer, these cutting board storage ideas fit every lifestyle, space, or need. Where to Store Cutting Boards in the KitchenAt the end of the day, the best way to store cutting boards is up to you! Following are the top ways to store and organize cutting boards in your kitchen.  How to Store Cutting Boards on the CounterIf interior drawer or cabinet space isn’t an option, keeping your cutting boards on your countertop is a simple solution when can’t just hide them. Here are some easy ways to store cutting boards on the counter to reserve your cabinet space for other needs.
Organize Them Inside Drawers or CabinetsIf you have adequate space inside your kitchen drawers or cabinets, you can utilize these easy solutions to keep your cutting boards organized and accessible.
 Display Them on the WallIf you like to keep your countertops free of clutter and are limited on storage space, you can display your cutting boards on the wall. This provides easy access without taking up existing space you need for other kitchen tools.
 Best Way to Store Cutting BoardsThe best way to store cutting boards is vertically, rather than horizontally. This is especially important if you have wooden cutting boards rather than plastic ones. Of course, if you are using your boards on a daily basis, this is less of a concern. So don’t stress if you store your boards flat on your countertop or in a closed drawer. Why Should You Store Cutting Boards Vertically?While it’s not imperative that you store your kitchen cutting boards vertically, it is advisable for wood cutting boards. By keeping your boards in an upright position, it helps to prevent moisture from getting trapped underneath and possibly warping the boards. It also helps to keep your cutting boards clean as it’s more difficult for dust to accumulate on the surface when stored vertically. When Should You Replace Your Cutting Board?While you can store your cutting boards into eternity, that doesn’t mean that you should use them. Cutting boards don’t last forever. And the less expensive they are, the more frequently they need to be replaced.  How Long Do Plastic Cutting Boards Last?Typically, plastic cutting boards need to be replaced every year, though in some cases they may last up to 5 years. If you don’t cook from scratch often, then you may get extra life from your boards. However, in general, they should be replaced when they start to look worn or have noticeable damage from use, such as scratches or deep grooves. Plastic cutting boards can harbor unsafe bacteria once they become damaged. They also scar more readily than wood cutting boards, which contributes to their need for more frequent replacement over their wood counterparts.  When Should You Throw Out a Wooden Cutting Board?Wood cutting boards greatly outlast their plastic brethren. On average, you can use a wooden board for a span of 4 to 7 years before it needs to be replaced. However, a quality cutting board that is well cared for and regularly maintained can last ever longer. Unlike plastic, wood is self-healing and therefore more resistant to developing scars or grooves. Studies also show that wood has natural antibacterial properties. The combination of these properties, in addition to the board you choose, can result in a much longer life for this vital kitchen tool. As with plastic, wooden cutting boards should be thrown out when they become cracked, look excessively worn or are marred with deep grooves that make cleaning them a challenge. (This is assuming the surface can’t be refurbished by sanding it down.)  How to Choose the Perfect Cutting BoardLooking for the perfect cutting boards for your kitchen? Be sure to check out our post on how to choose a wood cutting board. In addition to the properties you should look for when making a selection, we also share information on how to properly care for your chopping boards to extend their life. Plus get ideas for giving wooden cutting boards as personalized gifts.
Send your clients cards and gifts by mail. An affordable, time-saving solution for the busy real estate agent, our greeting card service for business makes Christmas REALTOR® pop-by gifts fast and fun!  Make your clients feel like part of the family by sending personalized greeting cards this holiday season. With the ability to personalize each card, you can build on existing relationships, send a client gift, and save time. At Minute Mail Gifts, our easy design software allows you to create and send custom cards by mail quickly and easily with the same impact as traditional greeting cards – but with a surprise inside!  Reasons to Send Holiday Cards with Pop-By GiftsRelationships with clients are so important. Not only do they help to build trust, but they also help you grow your business through referrals. Here are some of our top reasons to send holiday cards with pop-by gifts to your customer base this Christmas:
 Pop-By Gift REALTOR® Christmas Card IdeasWe offer lots of great designs for real estate Christmas cards. Whether you’re celebrating a client’s recent move or reconnecting with past customers in a bid for fresh leads, we offer a variety of business greeting cards and gifts for the holiday season with competitive pricing and free personalization. Here is just sampling of the holiday card designs we offer for sending cards with pop-by gifts through the mail. Whether you need a professional design or something fun and lighthearted, Minute Mail Gifts has you covered!   Real Estate Christmas Card MessagesNot sure what to write in a handwritten Christmas card to a client? You don’t need to compose a long message for holiday greetings. Instead, something short and sweet will suffice. If you need sayings to include inside your REALTOR® Christmas cards, then consider some of these messages:
At the end of the day, you just want to wish your clients a happy holiday season filled with well wishes. Therefore, avoid including coupons or promotions as well as ploys for referrals or business.  Make a Greater Impact with Business ClientsYou can make a greater impact by personalizing your greeting cards and sending them with one of our unique and fun pop-by gifts – right inside the card! Customize your real estate Christmas cards with a photo of yourself or your family in addition to a personal message for the recipient. We’ll print your photo (or photos) on the interior of your card along with your holiday greeting. In addition to your personalized cards, you also have the option of selecting affordable, tuck in gifts to include when your cards are mailed out. These little surprises have such a BIG impact on their recipients. We love including a magnetic photo frame for displaying card images on the fridge after Christmas. However, you can also send refrigerator magnets, stickers, magnetic bookmarks, notepads and more! – with new gifts being added all the time. Who Should I Send Real Estate Holiday Cards?We recommend you send holiday cards with pop-by gifts to anyone you do business with as well as new leads.  When Should I Mail Out Business Christmas Cards?As the USPS mail service has increased delivery times for first class mail, we recommend you create and send your cards early this year. You can also schedule your Christmas cards and gifts to mail out on specific date. Delivery times for local first-class mail is typically 3-7 days. Whereas outside your area tacks on an extra day. However, during peak mail periods, such as the holidays, we advise mailing out your Christmas cards with pop-by gifts any time after Thanksgiving, and at least two to three weeks in advance of Christmas for timely arrival. However, the very last date we advise for mailing out cards if you want them to arrive by the big holiday is December 15th. Start writing and sending custom greeting cards and gifts to your clients now! You can send all your cards with free personalization, postage, AND A GIFT for around $5 each. Just pick a card design, choose a gift, and compose your message. We’ll take care of the rest! Visit Minute Mail Gifts now to get started.
Learn how to live a happier, healthier life with this collection of tips on living well.  Living well isn’t about financial success. It’s more about finding happiness in the little things, appreciating what you have, and tackling tasks in a more meaningful way. If you want to learn how to live a healthier and happier life, we have some tips to help you achieve your goal to live well. How to Live a Happier LifeIf you find yourself struggling to wake up in the morning or need coffee before you function like a sane member of society, then there are small changes you make to address these concerns. In addition, there are also simple lifestyle changes you can make so that you feel better and experience joyful living on a regular basis. Tips on How to Live WellHere are some of our favorite tips on how to live well, stay healthy, and keep positive no matter what life throws your way! Become an early riser. Waking up even just one hour ahead of schedule can give you the time needed to tackle small tasks, like laundry, packing your lunch, or eating a healthy breakfast.  Keep a gratitude journal, listing three things every morning you’re thankful for. This sets up your mind for a positive day! Don’t forget to stretch! Not only does it feel great, but it also improves posture, alleviates aches and pains, increases blood flow, and offers you more energy throughout the day. Snacking doesn’t have to mean a trip to the vending machine. Try one of these filling, guilt-free options: apple with peanut butter, edamame, almonds, Greek yogurt, or carrots with hummus. Try going on a screen-time diet. Too much screen time has been linked to anxiety and other issues. Try to set screen time limits. It’s okay to leave your phone behind.  Swap nighttime screen time for a good old-fashioned book. Reading before bed relaxes you and helps keep your brain sharp. Make your favorite recipes healthier by swapping mayo for avocado, pasta for lentil pasta, ground beef for ground turkey, and heavy cream for coconut milk. Whether in a garden or in a pot, growing your own herbs and vegetables can inspire and encourage you to make more meals at home. Create to-do list around what tasks can – and should – be done first. In addition, know when to ditch perfectionism and just get stuff done.  Time for spring cleaning? Say no to conventional, chemical-packed cleaners. Instead, try baking soda (deodorizes), vinegar (removes mildew) and cornstarch (cleans windows and polishes furniture). Before you toss items like glass food jars, tin cans, and zippered bedding bags, consider how they can be reused. Determined to meet your goals this year? Write them down, along with an action item for each goal. Then, display in a place you see every day, like the bathroom mirror or fridge. Take time to relax and recharge. Take vacations or small breaks from work. You can either work or relax; you cannot do both. Curling up with a book or taking a hike are easy ways to recharge your body and mind.  Love organic foods, but your wallet doesn’t? Consider choosing organic frozen food. It’s just as nutritious (often flash-frozen within hours of being picked) and doesn’t go bad if you don’t use it right away. Getting a good night’s sleep is just as important as regular exercise and a healthy diet. Poor sleep has negative effects physically and mentally. Create a sleep schedule and stick to it. Try being as active as possible during the day. Take the stairs, or park further away from the entrance. Find excuses for movement because it all counts. Up your fiber intake by filling up on vegetables, fruit, and whole grains. A diet high in fiber can boost your immune system and overall health and improve how you look and feel.  Exercise comes in all shapes and sizes, so choose something fun like swimming, rock-climbing, or dancing. Don’t forget to track your progress for added motivation. Start small when wanting to make improvements in your life – personal, physical, or financial. Don’t change everything at once. Focus on smaller goals to not become overwhelmed. Enjoy spending time outside! Bring a bag and gloves with you on your walks to pick up litter as you walk, making the earth and you healthier.  Using a reusable coffee cup and water bottle can help you significantly reduce the amount of single-use plastics in our landfills and oceans. Open the window shades before turning on a light. Not only will you save on electricity, but natural sunlight can enhance your mood and relieve stress. Wash your clothes with cold water. Modern washers and detergents can clean most fabrics just as effectively as hot water. It can save money and make your clothes last longer. Bees need our help. Use as few pesticides as possible. Look for natural, bee-friendly alternatives. Buy local honey and plant native, bee-friendly plants.  Eat with your mood in mind. Foods containing vitamin B6 produce serotonin, which can improve mood. Foods with Omega-3 fatty acids can promote the growth of brain cells. Do what you love! If there’s something that brings you joy or that you’re passionate about, then make the time to do what you enjoy most. Whether it’s practicing guitar for a half hour or listening to your favorite songs. Stay compassionate. Wishing others well and trying to relate to their concerns rather than instantly jumping to a negative response when irritated not only helps to relieve stress, but it also helps with a positive mindset where you are less likely to judge yourself and others for simply being human. Popular Products to Share the JoyLove these tips on how to live well? Share them with your friends, family, and clients! Our tear-off calendars and peel and stick calendars both come with variations on these tips for happiness and living well on their calendar pages, with new tips each year. Each month highlights a new tip you can share with your audience through this thoughtful marketing gift.  What Sets Our Living Well Calendars ApartOur magnetic calendars are the highest quality promotional calendars you’ll find on the market! Where other companies outsource your marketing materials to offer lower prices, they also sacrifice quality to do so. On the other hand, our calendar magnets are produced and printed in the United States. And we never skimp on materials to save money. As all our calendar products are produced in-house, we can pass on both savings and quality to you, our customers. This allows us to offer you the best calendars at pricing that’s competitive with the cost of lower quality products. Order your tear off calendars today and treat your clients to a year of living well! In turn, you’ll get a full year of marketing for an unbelievably low investment. Shop Magnets USA® now for the best selection and see the difference for yourself. You can learn more about our tear-off calendars here as well as explore testimonials from our happy customers. Or explore ways to use promotional calendars for business marketing.
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