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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, such as these DIY alcohol ink 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 bombs with marshmallows, watch classic Christmas movies, or drive through neighborhoods to see all the Christmas lights and decor.  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.
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.
For more marketing tips and custom promotional products to keep you at the top of game, subscribe to our newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Discover creative ways to transform your cutting and serving boards into unique holiday charcuterie boards! These easy ideas are guaranteed to delight your guests. They also offer a wide range of finger foods for your seasonal parties and events with little effort on your part.  An Easy Solution to Holiday EntertainingIf hours spent baking and cooking isn’t how you envisioned preparing for a holiday gathering, then we recommend a holiday charcuterie board. A quick and easy alternative to traditional appetizers and finger foods, a homemade charcuterie board offers a small sampling of delectable, filling snacks for all your guests. We love this simple entertaining solution! It’s quick and effortless to throw together. So, it works just as easily for planned events as it does for impromptu parties! Keep reading to learn how to build the perfect meat and cheese board or dessert tray for the holidays with our easy ideas! After all, feeding people doesn’t have to be complicated.  What is a Charcuterie Board?Charcuterie boards are quite simply snack boards that serve as finger foods at parties or appetizers. However, they are typically as nutritious and filling as an actual meal. Meant for grazing, they are designed so you can pull them together quickly as a simple entertaining solution. So, they’re the perfect fit for busy lifestyles. Pronounced shahr-kyu-tuh-ree, the word charcuterie originated in France and refers to a collection of cold cooked meats. In turn, a board by this name refers to an assortment of meats, cheeses, breads, fruits, and nuts that are arranged onto a serving board for consumption.  What is a Christmas Charcuterie?A Christmas charcuterie is essentially the same thing as a regular charcuterie board. The difference is that this version may have a holiday design theme or seasonally edible additions. Much like Halloween, food may be placed onto the board in holiday shapes such as a Santa or a candy cane. Or it may contain Christmas treats like Terry’s chocolate oranges or Christmas cookies with peppermint bark dip.  What Should Go on a Charcuterie Board There really is not right or wrong way to create a Christmas charcuterie board. While they typically include a variety of meats and cheeses, you can also create a holiday dessert charcuterie board stacked with foods like cookies, apples, cannoli dip and candies in lieu of savory options. Following are some easy ideas on what should go on your holiday charcuterie.  Savory IdeasTo create a savory holiday charcuterie board, we recommend incorporating the following ingredients:
 Dessert IdeasIf you’d like to create a holiday dessert charcuterie board, try adding versions of these fun food elements:
 What is the Best Way to Set up a Charcuterie Board?Here are a few tips to help you create a simple, yet visually appealing charcuterie board for the holidays:
 Holiday Charcuterie Board IdeasIf you can’t quite decide how to design your holiday charcuterie board, then try some of these ideas to get you started:
 What to Use as a Charcuterie BoardThe great thing about creating a charcuterie board for entertaining is that you have absolute creative freedom. Not only do you get to choose the foods you serve your guests, but you also can choose any board as well. The shape and size are up to you. You simply need to load it up with a selection of foods that compliment one another. Here are some of the boards you can use for a charcuterie:
 Where to Buy Cutting and Serving Boards for Your Holiday Charcuterie When considering where to buy cutting and serving boards, I always consider quality first and foremost. Not only will a quality charcuterie board last longer, but it will also make your holiday presentation pop! Lifelong Gifts offers a stunning line of serving trays and custom wood cutting boards that are well made, beautiful and designed to last a lifetime. This distinct line of products boasts unique patterns, grains and wood types that are both functional and make a statement as beautiful home decor. In addition, all these products come with free customization. So, they’re perfect not only for personal use, but also to give as holiday gifts.  Shop now from the following:
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