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5 tactics for shoppers this holiday season

2024-11-25T07:31:00

(BPT) – Thanksgiving is late this year, so the holiday shopping season is approaching faster than ever. As you’re making out your gift list, are you concerned about inflation? Amid global uncertainty, what’s the situation with the supply chain? Will the electronics, toys and other must-haves be on the shelves? How are retailers preparing for it all?

The 2024 Supply Chain Confidence Survey, conducted by Manhattan Associates, explores these questions, and more. Spanning over 1,000 consumers and retail and supply chain executives, the survey measured confidence and concerns for the upcoming holiday shopping season.

The results give a unique perspective across all parts of the shopping spectrum — the supply chain, retailers and consumers.

The majority of shoppers, 85%, cited inflation and increased prices as a top concern. In response, nearly 61% of supply chain leaders reported having invested in new technologies and processes to run more efficiently and reduce overall costs this season.

It’s a symbiotic relationship — consumer concerns and retailers respond to help quell those concerns and make holiday wishes come true. The bottom line is, everyone wants to have a happy, and successful, holiday season. People want to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones without overspending and retailers want to have a robust season that for some, especially smaller businesses, defines their entire year.

What did the survey uncover? Here are some of the top findings.

Top findings of the 2024 Supply Chain Confidence Survey

  • Inventory Concerns: 62.4% of supply chain leaders worry about inventory shortages. However, 87.2% of retailers have measures in place to ensure trending products are available during peak shopping periods.
  • High Price of Holiday Cheer: 93% of consumers say price increases over the past few years have had a negative impact on them. 60% of consumers plan to buy fewer gifts, while 57% will seek less expensive options, and 52.2% will look (and are willing to wait) for sales and deals.
  • Technology Comes to the Rescue: 61.2% of retail leaders recently invested in new technologies to improve the efficiency of their supply chain, and 80% are leveraging AI technology to improve inventory management and customer service.

How should consumers react? Recommendations based on the survey results

In short, have confidence, be flexible and shop early.

  1. Shop early. People resolve to do this every year, but this year it’s crucial. Get your shopping list handled now and be prepared to spread out the holiday spend to avoid feeling the pinch. Remember, the best deals will come early this season.
  2. Shop online. Many of the best deals can be found online. 40.2% consumers surveyed said they plan to do most of their holiday shopping online. It’s important to do your online shopping early so that you don’t have to pay expedited shipping fees.
  3. Make technology your friend. Do you have someone on your shopping list that has everything? The latest GenAI tools, like ChatGPT, can be helpful in brainstorming creative gift ideas. 32.6% of consumer are using AI in their holiday shopping, with 14.2% planning to use AI to find the best deals.
  4. Shop the sales and do your research. You don’t have to leave the house to take advantage of Black Friday, Cyber Monday or Small Business Saturday. Scour online sites for deals and steals. Remember, retailers are gearing up for these sales early.
  5. Be Kind to Santa’s Elves. As stressful as holiday shopping can be, it is extra stressful for all the truck drivers, store associates, shelf stockers, and delivery drivers that move gifts through the supply chain. Please be patient and be sure to thank them for the important role they play.

Patience and flexibility will go a long way. And remember, it’s not really about what’s within that holiday wrapping paper. It’s about spending time with who is unwrapping it.

For more information, visit https://www.manh.com/our-insights/resources/research-reports/the-state-of-supply-chain-confidence-ahead-of-the-2024-holiday-season.

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5 Holiday Gifts for Garden Lovers: Expert Picks from Sara Bendrick

2024-11-24T23:01:00

(BPT) – Imagine sitting back and actually enjoying the holiday bustle knowing the gifts for everyone on your list are bought, wrapped and hidden away. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals right around the corner, you could have your shopping done in a snap, and save money, too.

But, finding inspiration for those gifts is a little tricky. Good news! Professional landscape contractor, author, TV host of “I Hate My Yard” and STIHL spokesperson Sara Bendrick can help with that. Here are Sara’s best gift ideas for the gardener or lawn enthusiast in your life.

Get to pruning!

Late fall and early winter is the time to prune trees and bushes while they are dormant. The STIHL GTA 26 is a versatile battery-powered garden pruner that offers high cutting performance, power and precision in a lightweight handheld tool. Whether it’s cutting back small to mid-sized tree branches, pruning hedges, cutting away errant Christmas tree branches or trimming the trunk to fit in your tree stand, this is a great tool for the job.

Close up of person wearing a plaid shirt and gloves trimming a branch from a tree.


For that garden of the month look

If you have friends or family who want to get into gardening, or just enjoy the fun of getting a package in the mail every month, check out Plantfix’s monthly subscription boxes. These are kits that contain seed packs, soil, planters or mini greenhouses, planting and care instructions and more. Choose a home garden theme, which lets you grow your own food with herb and vegetable seeds, or an ornamental garden theme, which comes with seeds for houseplants, succulents and more. Hint: These are great for teens, too.

Keep it clean and tidy

During the winter months, many gardeners bring their gardening inside their greenhouses, basements and porches for projects like repotting plants or starting seeds. If you’ve done it, you know it makes a mess, and the STIHL SEA 20 battery-powered, handheld vacuum is the perfect, lightweight clean-up tool. Hint: this is also a great tool to vac around the base of your Christmas tree to clean up those needles.

Person wearing plaid shirt using the STIHL SEA 20 vaccuum to cleanup a child's cereal snack off the floor in the back seat of a mini van.


Embrace nature in your garden

Looking for the perfect gift for a gardening enthusiast who loves birds? Consider a bird feeder with a built-in camera! This innovative device not only attracts a variety of birds to your garden, enhancing the natural beauty and biodiversity of your outdoor space, but also captures stunning close-up photos and videos of the birds in action.

Achieve a prize-winning garden

Whether you’re trimming ornamental plants or small shrubs, the STIHL HSA 26 battery-powered garden shears deliver unparalleled precision in a lightweight package. These are perfect for garden lovers who appreciate artistry and desire a neatly trimmed, prize-winning garden look. They’re lightweight, too, and come with two interchangeable blades included, so you can trim those shrubs like an artist.

Close up of person trimming a shrub with the STIHL HSA 27 trimmer.

The lawn and garden lovers on your list will be delighted to find these gifts wrapped up under the tree. Need more inspiration? Find more great gift ideas from the pros in the STIHL Gift Guide.

Product shot of STIHL prunner, hand vaccuum and trimmer.

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5 DIY Holiday Gift Ideas to Make the Season Extra Special

2024-11-25T07:01:00

(BPT) – Looking to create unique, heartfelt woodworking gifts for your friends and family this holiday season? With Minwax®, crafting personalized gifts and decorations is easier than you think! Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, Minwax® makes it simple to elevate your holiday celebrations with its easy-to-use products.

Minwax® offers a complete lineup of wood finishing products for all your holiday projects, including stains, sealers and wood care solutions. Minwax® stains enhance the natural beauty of wood, ensuring you achieve the perfect look, every time. With 240+ colors available in oil- and water-based finishes, you can easily find the perfect shade for your holiday décor and gifting projects.

To get you started, check out these fun projects from five top DIY-ers to help you create memorable keepsakes for your loved ones and decor that captures the spirit of the season.

1. Wooden Christmas trees to welcome the season

To make simple yet elegant holiday decorations that bring a festive touch to your home, Jenna Smith (@DIYwithJenna) has created this Pinterest-inspired project to put your home in the holiday mood — or to give as gifts. Smith describes herself as a “maker of pretty things,” from beautiful decor to handcrafted wreaths and more.

For this project, you’ll craft a Christmas tree from 2×4″ pine wood planks, using Minwax® Oil-Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner to prepare the wood, followed by Minwax® Wood Finish® Penetrating Oil-Based Wood Stain in Espresso for rich color (or any stain color of your choosing). Seal your creation with Minwax® Polycrylic® Topcoat for lasting protection and apply each layer smoothly with a Purdy® brush. You’ll also need a drill and screws to assemble the pieces.

If you’re planning to set your tree outdoors, you should replace the Polycrylic® Topcoat with Minwax® Indoor/Outdoor Helmsman® Spar Urethane for better protection. Your finished piece can beautifully adorn your front porch or entryway to greet holiday guests or bring seasonal charm to any space. For an extra-festive touch, embellish your tree with greenery like spruce boughs, holly or pinecones.

Wooden christmas trees decorated with boughs and bows.

2. DIY candle holders for tablescapes or gifts

Perfect for dressing up your holiday table or gifting to someone special, Lucia Mallea (@luciamallea) shares her playful and colorful candle holders created from wooden cubes. “They’ll make the most adorable holiday gifts,” said Mallea, a digital creator, Latina artist and maker from Miami, Florida.

To create Mallea’s candle holders, you’ll need wooden cubes, a drill and Minwax® Wood Finish® Water-based Stain, either Solid or Semi-Transparent, in three colors of your choice. Mallea chose Petal Pink, Juniper Mist and Lemon for her candle holders — a cheerful palette. You’ll also need Minwax® Water-Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner and Polycrylic® Max.

For a professional-looking finish, follow these simple steps:

  • Prepare the wood: Sand the wooden cubes with medium- and fine-grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth surface. Apply the Minwax® Water-Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner, especially if you’re using soft or porous wood, to ensure an even stain application.
  • Apply wood stain: Choose your preferred stain colors and test on a hidden spot or a scrap piece of wood to confirm the look. Apply the stain evenly on each cube to bring out the desired color.
  • Add a protective finish: After the stain has dried, apply a clear protective coat using Minwax® Polycrylic® Max to seal and protect your work from water, chemicals and wear. Use a light “tip-off” technique with the brush for a smooth, professional finish.

Once stained and sealed, Mallea adds candles to the holders and loves displaying them on her coffee table for a cozy holiday vibe. These candle holders also make the perfect DIY holiday gift — simply wrap them in tissue paper and add a bow!

Wooden candle holders and open cans of miniwax stain next to holiday ornaments on the table.

3. Indoor planters for the plant-lovers in your life

These small planters are a great way to showcase your creativity. Mary Lindloff (@the_handcrafted_haven) draws on her experience with furniture flips and room makeovers for this giftable project anyone can make. Lindloff created two distinct planters to gift, each tailored to the aesthetic of the recipient — one minimalist design in True Black and Pure White, and a colorful version in Violet and Simply White — using Minwax® Wood Finish® Water-Based Semi-Transparent Color Stain.

To get started, you’ll need oak boards, a miter saw, an orbital sander, a nail gun and a tape measure, along with a Purdy® XL Paint Brush. Additionally, you may need other Minwax® products such as Stainable Wood Filler (if necessary), Water-Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner and Polycrylic® Max.

Lindloff showcases her finished planters on a shelf in her living room, where she then adds lush plants to complete the display. “The planters can be customized for the plant-lovers in your life depending on their preferred styles, whether colorful, modern or traditional, and their color preferences,” Lindloff said.

Handcrafted wooded planter with indoor plants sitting on a table in the kitchen.

4. Festive peppermint swirl coasters are fun and functional

Influencer and DIY maven Kara Whitten (@kailochic) loves creating projects with a pop of festive color. This holiday season, she’s crafting stylish and functional peppermint swirl coasters as gifts. Stained with Minwax® Wood Finish® Water-Based Color Stain in Crimson (Solid), Petal Pink (Semi-Transparent), Hunter Green (Semi-Transparent) and Simply White (Solid), these coasters capture the classic peppermint swirl look — perfect for resting a chilled glass of eggnog or a warm mug of cocoa.

Cans of miniwax with holiday project

5. Wooden wine box to cheers the new year

Amber Kemp-Gerstel of DIY blog Damask Love knows there’s a lot to raise a glass to during the holidays and into the new year. Her DIY take on a customized wooden wine gift box begins with an unfinished wood box, easily sourced online, which she stains with Minwax® Wood Finish® Color Series in Royal Mahogany (semi-transparent for a rich, festive hue that perfectly embraces the spirit of the season). Sealed with Minwax® Polycrylic® Max crystal-clear topcoat to preserve its beauty, Amber completes her gift with a personalized wine bottle label and a holiday bow, making it a truly personal keepsake.

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For more inspiration, visit Minwax.com and check out their Holiday Gift Guide at Minwax.com/en/gift-guides. You’ll find a range of projects and gifts that are perfect for the season. Happy DIYing!

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Santa Bass shares 10 holiday gift ideas for American anglers

2024-11-24T22:07:00

(BPT) – Have you been a good angler this year? Were you helpful at the boat landing? Did you pick up some trash while you were fishing? Did you introduce someone new to fishing? Did you avoid hogging another angler’s fishing spot?

Santa Bass knows all! He sees you when you’ve been nice and when you’ve been naughty on the water.

So, this holiday season, Santa Bass and his eight flying minnows offer 10 perfect holiday gift ideas for anglers throughout America. Maybe you’ll find one of these gift ideas in your stocking or under your tree this year.

1. Keep your favorite angler warm and dry with a heated jacket – The R12 Series heated jacket is fueled for action! The R12’s battery delivers the strength, durability and reliability to perform day after day, year after year, to keep you on the water longer.

2. Tournament-winning softbaits – To lead CrushCity, you need to be dependable, adaptable and fearless, which is why The Mayor is the perfect candidate to crush big bass. The Mayor is a swimbait you can leave tied on all season long to handle almost any situation on any body of water. Belly and top hook slots help in rigging the bait straight and the top hook slot helps to hide the hook point. Paddle tail soft tail provides instant kicking action at the slowest retrieve speeds and in the coldest of waters.

3. Giant fishing lure for the man cave – Instant storytelling erupts every time anglers get near this massive replica of America’s favorite lure. Makes a natural centerpiece in a woodsy bar setting, any basement, rec-room, log cabin or office. This 29-inch version of the Original Floater is packaged in a giant fishing lure carton with its legend story on back.

Giant Rapala fishing lure

4. She loves to fish, too – Women and girls love to fish, too. Surprise them with a high-quality red women’s fleece pullover hoodie that offers the ultimate combination of comfort, function and warmth, and a must-have for when the temperatures head south. Great for cool mornings on the water or evenings fireside with friends.

5. High-quality fishing tools – You’ll never go wrong giving high-quality tools, such as pliers, scissors, forceps, a knife sharpener, clippers, a hook sharpener or a fish counter to your favorite angler. Tools designed specifically for anglers can make fishing that much more productive and enjoyable.

6. An angler can never have enough fishing caps – Let’s face it, anglers love their fishing caps. It’s a no-brainer. So, this year, get your favorite angler(s) a U.S. of Fishing baseball-style cap that they’ll be proud to wear.

7. The fish anywhere backpack – If your favorite angler loves to fish from a kayak or fish from shore, they need a way to easily move with all of their fishing tackle and gear. Now there’s a solution. Built for anglers who are always on the move, the new Venture 13 backpack allows anglers who enjoy shore and kayak fishing to store and organize all of their fishing lures and accessories in one location and take it with them, hands-free, wherever they venture.

8. Keep your angler humble – In today’s social media world, give your angler a digital scale that will let the phone camera clearly see how big their catch is. The readings you see in the screen that this 20 lb. High-Vis Digital Scale delivers are crystal clear — under any light conditions, day or night, even when the sun is at its brightest.

9. Fishing rods inspired by bass tournament pros – Inspired by tournament pros, 13 Fishing rods are tournament-grade rods that consistently deliver the performance that tournament anglers demand, whether you’re competing at the highest levels, or want to dominate your local Tuesday or Wednesday evening bass tournament.

10. Fun after a long day of fishing – When you put down the fishing rod and are ready to relax, you might want to have a little fun sharing stories and enjoying the evening with friends and family. Here are some gift items that can add to the vibe — a deck of playing cards, cribbage board, a bottle opener, a speaker to hear your favorite tunes, and more.

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Holiday Rules of Engagement in a Digital World: Focus on the 4 Fs

2024-11-22T19:01:00

(BPT) – Parents, does this scenario sound familiar? You’ve worked for hours in the kitchen preparing a beautiful holiday meal. You finally sit down to enjoy it … only to have your kids (and maybe some adults) engrossed in their smartphones. It’s not exactly the heartwarming holiday scene you were hoping for.

The reality is, connected devices have changed the very fabric of our society and are an indelible part of our lives. But here’s the important factor to remember: The true power of a smartphone is its ability to connect, not disconnect. To engage, not disengage. Put us in touch, not out of touch. But only if it’s used with purpose. And most caregivers agree that it’s important to unplug now and then.

That’s why Verizon created the Holiday Rules of Engagement or the 4 Fs. The concept is simple. Consider limiting phone usage during your holiday gatherings to four meaningful categories: Food, Friends, Family and Football. And then unplug and enjoy the day with the people you love.

Here’s how.

Food

Your smartphone is handy in the kitchen when you’re searching for new recipes or traditional favorites. But, the real magic comes from the fun you and your kids can have with your phone during meal prep. Encourage kids to help with cooking and document their culinary adventures. They can make videos of themselves learning new skills or sharing your favorite cooking tips. Even better, get Grandma involved and record her sharing family recipes and traditions. Once the meal is ready, take a quick photo of the spread and then agree to put the phone away until dessert.

Little girl using her phone to record her little sister with grandma making holiday cookies in the kitchen.

Friends

Focus on the smartphone as a connection to friends. A fun activity for you and your kids is to create videos of the holiday bustle to send to those who can’t be there in person. Live video chats can make it seem like the miles melt away, connecting people near and far. Gather everyone around the fireplace and do a video call with your best friend who can’t be with you for the holidays. It will make her day, guaranteed.

Family at a holiday celebration waving at a cell phone while video chatting family far away.

Family

That same connection across the miles goes for family, too. While the busiest travel time of the year is always around Thanksgiving, less than half of all Americans travel for the holiday. That means lots of families are apart. If that sounds like yours, have your kids help you create videos of your holiday activities to share with family members who couldn’t make it. Considering having a child act as “moderator,” taking the phone around to let everyone participate. Technology can help bridge the distance and make everyone feel more connected.

Couple and their little girl bundled up in winter wear sitting on a bench under holiday lights while video chatting with Grandma.

Football

In some families, the holidays mean food and football. If you’ve got a football family, use your phone to keep up with your fantasy leagues, check scores and statistics, settle some arguments about who is the best quarterback of all time, then set it aside to enjoy the game with family and friends. And after the game is over, take the family outside to throw the football around. Added bonus: you’ll work off some of those calories.

Family of four playing football in the backyard in Autumn.

Follow these 4 Fs and make it easier for kids to put the devices down and enjoy some screen-free time with the family. Remind them that the internet, social media and all their friends will still be there when they’re ready to plug back in.

To learn more about navigating technology in your family’s daily life, check out Verizon Family.

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52% of Americans say there is a secret to success, according to new study

2024-11-22T09:31:00

(BPT) – Is there a secret to financial success? Most Americans (52%) say “yes” — and the average salary considered successful is $270,000 per year, and $5.3 million in net worth, according to new research from Empower, a financial services leader in investing, planning, and advice.

But it’s not just money — it’s what money can buy. Only 27% rank wealth as the highest measure of financial success. Rather, most Americans say happiness (59%) is the most important benchmark — being able to spend money on the things and experiences that bring the most joy, doing what you love, followed by the luxury of free time (35%) to pursue personal passions.

People say success is about the “Factor of Four”: hard work (84%); talent (65%); who you know (55%) or The Network Effect; and luck and circumstance (51%). The secret is to be a visionary (36%) — and then outwork everyone (32%), a belief held most firmly by those with incomes over $100k, rising to 40%. Pay yourself first, say over one third of people (35%), by putting money away and saving for retirement. For 1 in 5 younger generations (Gen Zers and Millennials 19%) a secret to success is “fake it ’til you make it.”

“Fortune favors the bold, and people feel success is within their grasp with the right combination of dreaming and planning,” says Rebecca Rickert, head of communications at Empower. “It’s about disciplined, smart money choices, but overall people define financial success as very meritocratic, and a little serendipitous. There’s a sense that effort and outperformance will take you far.”

Still, nearly half of Americans (47%) feel they’ll never achieve the level of success they’re seeking. Just 37% of people consider themselves financially successful right now — with higher numbers of men than women (42% compared to 33%). Only half (50%) of people state they are or will be better off financially than their parents, a long-held meterstick for generational success.

Barriers to success

More than one third say the economy (35%) and income instability — irregular or insufficient income streams (30%) — is a culprit, along with lack of knowledge about managing finances (20%). Nearly a third say the biggest obstacle to success is not setting clear financial goals (28%). Over 1 in 4 (26%) say procrastination or delaying financial planning or decision-making gets in the way. People see a lack of savings (35%), overspending and not budgeting effectively (37%), and debt (36%) as barriers to success.

Despite hurdles, most Americans (58%) believe that they will achieve financial success in their lifetime, with the younger generations most optimistic (Gen Z 71%, Millennials 70%, Gen X 53% and Baby Boomers 45%).

Success, realized

For most people (63%), financial success is found in tangible wins: being able to pay bills on time, owning a home (52%), and affording experiences like travel and entertainment (47%). For 40%, it’s about retiring at a goal age — and while they are working, enjoying the job (42%).

Having a financial plan (45%), building up retirement plan savings like 401(k) investments (30%), and investing in stocks (27%) are top money moves people say propel greater success. One in 3 people (30%) say getting good financial advice is worth its weight in gold.

More key findings from Empower’s report, “Secret to Success“:

  • Making it: People say the surest path to success is a well-paying job (51%), saving as much as possible and the power of compounding (46%), along with making smart investment decisions (46%). Some 36% say it’s financial education. People reveal that a secret to success is never spending more money than you make (52%).
  • Risking it: Nearly 1 in 4 (23%) say taking risks is an important money move to get richer. A third (34%) believe success means prioritizing your efforts because Time is Money.
  • Society says: Americans say their personal definition of success is often at odds with what society prizes. Less than half of people (43%) define financial success as having a certain amount of money or assets. Conversely, people say society equates success with wealth (59%), power (44%), and fame (35%). Just 6% say they value “power” as a measure of success for themselves.
  • Success through the ages: Almost half of Americans (49%) feel less financially successful compared to others. 60% say that for their generation, financial success is much harder to achieve than for other generations — a sentiment highest among Millennials at 69%, and lowest among Boomers at 49%. Still, the definition of success may be evolving, as 83% agree that each generation has its own idea of success.
  • Success is in the eye of the beholder: Most Americans agree (71%) that there is no single measurement for financial success. One point of agreement: 61% say you can never have enough money.
  • Health = wealth: Over a third say success is just as much about physical well-being (35%) as it is how much money they have (27%).
  • More money, more problems: 47% agree with the adage “more money, more problems.” The majority (71%) say being rich has a positive connotation, and 61% say being rich is more than dollars and cents.
  • Success at work: People say the definition of success at work is how much money they earn (38%), benefits like healthcare, insurance and time off (36%) — but it’s also about the intangibles: finding the right job fit that aligns with their values and personality (35%) and receiving recognition and appreciation (35%). A third say having a good boss is worth its weight in gold (29%), and people view success in the workplace as flexibility (26%) and autonomy (20%).
  • The value of a degree: 35% say the college you attend is a big determinant of how rich you are (vs 65% who say it isn’t).

Visit The Currency™ to read Empower’s full research report, “Secret to Success.”

*ABOUT THE STUDY

The Empower “Secret to Success” study is based on online survey responses from 2,203 Americans ages 18+ fielded by Morning Consult from September 13-14, 2024. The survey is weighted to be nationally representative of U.S. adults (aged 18+).

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Helping heroes RISE: Wounded vets thrive in accessible smart homes

2024-11-22T13:01:00

(BPT) – Romulo “Romy” Camargo

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 (Retired)

“Freedom and security are precious gifts that we, as Americans, should never take for granted. We must do all we can to extend our hand in times of need to those who willingly sacrifice each day to provide that freedom and security. While we can never do enough to show gratitude to our nation’s defenders, we can always do a little more.”

— Gary Sinise

Established in 2011 by actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise, the Gary Sinise Foundation honors and supports military service members, first responders, and their families. Just one of its many initiatives, the R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment) Program provides mortgage-free, specially adapted smart homes for our nation’s severely wounded heroes.

Over the past several years, Daltile has had the privilege of teaming up with this wonderful foundation. Once again in 2024, Daltile had the honor of donating tile for these homes to help deserving heroes.

“What an organization the Gary Sinise Foundation and R.I.S.E. teams are! Doing so much to honor our heroes in the way they deserve to be honored,” said Paij Thorn-Brooks, vice president of marketing for Daltile. “This is a non-profit organization filled with people of integrity, who truly love our service members, first responders, and their families well. Daltile is very grateful for the opportunity to help honor and serve our heroes and their families through this program.”

Thorn-Brooks continued, “These fully customized homes make a tremendous difference in the lives of the men and women who have served, given so much on behalf of their country, and who continue to persevere against physical challenges. It is a great feeling to see the joy these heroes experience when they enter their new homes for the first time.”

Meet a few (of the many) heroes thriving in their new specially adapted, forever homes:

Bryan Anderson in front of his house.

Bryan Anderson

U.S. Army Sergeant (Retired)

Shane Parsons and family outside their home.

Shane Parsons

U.S. Army Sergeant (Retired)

Jose Armenta and his family in front of their house.

Jose Armenta

U.S. Marine Corps Corporal (Retired)

For more information on the Gary Sinise Foundation or to donate toward future home builds, please visit: https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/rise.

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5 top tech gifts for the holidays

2024-11-22T15:33:00

(BPT) – The holidays are almost here! It means parties and events, hustle and bustle … and figuring out what to buy for everyone on your list. Sometimes it’s hard to get inspired with great ideas that your nears and dears will love at a price you can afford, right? The good news? Inspiration + savings are covered this year. One of the top gifts of Holiday 2024 is technology, and there are a lot of deals out there right now. Done and done!

Here are 5 ideas for hot tech gifts for everyone on your list.

Smartphones for the family

T-Mobile is running a hot deal right now. Get four new smartphones at T-Mobile — this includes Samsung Galaxy S24 and other eligible devices — and four lines for just $100/month. It doesn’t get better than that!

These new Galaxy phones are tech-tastic, too, with features like AI, Circle to Search with Google, which can be used to help solve math problems and translate entire pages of text in a different language, and Note Assist with Galaxy AI, which lets you focus on capturing your notes and then Note Assist will summarize, format and even translate them for you.

High tech spiral notebook for students

We’ve got to admit, this is pretty cool. The Rocketbook looks (a bit) like a regular spiral, paper notebook. Here’s the high tech twist: You can take notes, capture ideas, brainstorm, draw — whatever you do on paper — on the pad, and the Rocketbook digitizes your doodles and saves to the cloud device of your choice. Then you simply wipe the pad clean and it’s good to go. Look for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales at your favorite online retailer.

Wrist-worthy smartwatches for athletes (or those who want to be)

Everyone loves smartwatches (if you’re not already tracking your sleep and heart rate, where have you been?) and the Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm & 45mm) takes it to the next level with features for athletes or anyone who may be setting fitness goals for the coming year. The watch has workout prompts like Real Time Guidance — audio and haptic cues for when to sprint, cool down or maintain pace. It gives you the ability to program your workouts and even monitors your cadence and stride. It also has Offline Maps, with driving navigation, search and maps. Here’s the deal of the century: Get it for free at T-Mobile when adding a qualifying watch line.

Cute wireless keyboard for people who are all thumbs

Who else is annoyed by typing email or texts or social posts on a smartphone? The Logitech Multi-Device Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard solves that problem with style! It comes in sweet colors like lavender, it’s wireless, it’s small and portable, and it works with just about any device. Pop it into your backpack or purse and you’ll never have to thumb-out a message again.

Speakers perfect for hosting and giving

Have a music lover in your life or need the perfect hosting gift? T-Mobile has you covered. For a limited time, you can get the JBL Clip 5 for free when you pick up a Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9. The JBL Clip 5 is an ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker perfect for those on the go and the Onyx Studio 9’s sleek design and booming sound will take care of all your holiday hosting needs.

For more tech-tastic holiday gift inspiration, check out T-Mobile’s holiday gift guide at t-mobile.com/devices/tech-gifts.

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The best in next-gen high tech this holiday season

2024-11-22T08:05:00

(BPT) – The holidays will be here before you know it, and that means it’s time to compile a list of the perfect gift for everyone in your life. If you need inspiration, don’t worry. Why not make it simple and give everyone technology? There are so many new, next-gen models out this year that will delight everyone, from your teen to the artist in your life to the aspiring athlete. Boom, one and done.

Here are five next-gen technologies that are getting a lot of buzz for the 2024 holiday season.

Convertible AI laptop for creatives and freelancers

Give your favorite creative the ultimate blend of power, mobility and style with the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 Next-Gen AI PC. This sleek and versatile 2-in-1 PC, complete with an intuitive stylus, adapts effortlessly to any creative’s imagination. Whether sketching ideas, editing videos, or crafting presentations, creativity is unleashed on the world’s first next-gen AI convertible PC with inking and a haptic touchpad. Equipped with the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra processor with a dedicated AI engine, the OmniBook Ultra Flip delivers cutting-edge performance and up to 20 hours of battery life to keep up with even the busiest lifestyle. AI-enhanced tools like HP AI Companion and Poly Camera Pro optimize everyday computing for greater productivity and collaboration while HP Wolf Security for consumers brings professional-level security to a personal device. Fuel creativity through AI inspiration with Windows 11’s built-in Copilot and embrace a more sustainable future by choosing an EPEAT® Gold with Climate+ and ENERGY STAR® certified device.

HP OmniBook Ultra Flip Eclipse Gray

Powerful printer for photo lovers

The HP Envy 6155e Printer + Instant Ink is designed to kick your home printing experience up several notches. With its intuitive 2.4″ color touchscreen, navigating print jobs has never been easier. Vibrant color printing, scanning and copying, along with automatic two-sided printing — this stylish and sustainable next-gen printer can do it all. For the photo lover in your life, get those memories off the cloud and into picture frames! It prints gorgeous, borderless photos in vivid colors. The HP Envy 6155e also includes three months of free Instant Ink, ensuring you never run out of ink, as you’ll get new replacement cartridges sent to your door when you run low. And at less than $140, it won’t put a dent in your holiday budget.

HP Envy 6155e Printer

Smartwatch for the health conscious

Several new smartwatches are getting a lot of buzz this year, including the Apple Watch Series 10, the Google Pixel Watch 23 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch7. Perfect gifts for aspiring athletes or health conscious people, these smartwatches will track your workouts, give prompts, count calories and steps and more. One thing to note about the Galaxy Watch7. If you’re concerned about the quality of your sleep, it has an FDA-approved apnea detector, in addition to an electrocardiogram and irregular heart rhythm notifications. You’ll need a Samsung phone to use these features and of course it doesn’t replace a doctor’s visit, but it can alert you to any potential problems you can then take to your doc.

Wireless earbuds for hybrid workers

Is someone on your list always on the go, taking meetings from virtually anywhere … and hates audio issues? The Poly Voyager Free 20 Wireless Earbuds deliver powerful sound and style, featuring Adaptive Active Noise Canceling and AI machine learning to provide crystal-clear communication. With up to 8 hours of listening time, they’re perfect for the hybrid workers on your list this year, and for the people who want to immerse themselves in their entertainment when they’re on the subway, train, or airplane this season. If you know, you know. Makes the holiday a little merrier when you can’t hear the chatter around you, right?

Poly Voyager Free 20 ear pods with case

Ultimate keyboard for the gamer in your life

The ultimate gift for the gamer on your list, the HyperX Alloy Rise – Gaming Keyboard takes your gaming setup to the next level with ultra-responsive 8k polling and easy customization. You can swap out key switches, change magnetic top plates, and add badges to make it uniquely yours. You’ll also get an upgraded RGB experience courtesy of the ambient light sensor that auto-adjusts the brightness, 10 keyboard profiles saved directly to the keyboard, and powerful customization via HyperX NGENUITY Software.

HyperX Alloy Rise Gaming Keyboard

For more ideas for holiday gifts, including fun techie stocking stuffers, visit hp.com/us-en/shop/slp/holiday-gift-guide.

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Walgreens shares tips for the perfect holiday card photo with family, friends, and pets!

2024-11-22T11:05:00

(BPT) – Content sponsored and provided by Walgreens

It’s the holiday season — time for fruitcakes, ugly sweater parties, spinning the dreidel, and the ever-popular holiday greeting card. Even in today’s digital age, according to the United States Postal Service, Americans send over 1.1 billion season’s greetings by snail mail every year. Not only is it a fun tradition, but for many it’s a welcome reminder of connection and cheer during what can be an emotionally fraught time of year — a simple gesture that helps support positive mental health and wellness.

When it comes to taking or choosing the perfect holiday card photo, it can feel overwhelming trying to highlight friends, family and our furry companions. No matter the sentiment you want to convey, here are four quick tips to help you make the most of your time taking photos or picking the right one to wrap up this year. Plus, same-day printing and pickup can save in a last-minute time crunch!

Don’t be afraid to highlight the candid moments

Don’t rule out the day-to-day moments and locations that matter to you or your loved ones. Candid moments captured on camera convey authenticity, warmth, and humor that shine through.

During what is already a busy season, finding time to set up the family for a photo session is difficult enough. Make it fun for everyone by combining it with an already anticipated holiday tradition! If you bake cookies, pick out a Christmas tree or build a snowman each year, plan to use the moment for your holiday card photo.

Have a picture of the kids playing outside at the playground, playing board games or having a movie night? What about family pictures from last year’s holiday gatherings? Include these candid moments in a Year in Review card from Walgreens and share a heartfelt note to those on your holiday card list.

Pro-Tip! Scroll through your photo app to your favorited pics from the year prior. This will make it even easier to find a candid photo that feels like you.

Let the card design inspire you

Finding simple ways to eliminate stress can help you feel more in control of your well-being throughout this busy time of year. Rather than starting with planning a family photoshoot or going through a year’s worth of pictures, start the process at the end this year! Look through holiday card options on Walgreens Photo site and let your favorite design inspire you.

Find a collage card to add your top three photos to? Or maybe a Happy New Year card fits your favorite family outfits? Walgreens foil cards give a great New Year look and feel, so set up a group photo to fit the card!

Use lighting to your advantage

With today’s cell phone cameras, if you have good lighting, you can get a great photo! In order to take the best photos outside or indoors with natural light, focus on “golden hour” right after sunrise and right before sunset. This time of day will accentuate the natural glow of your surroundings, and the light won’t cast harsh shadows.

Once you have your favorite photo chosen, there are simple editing tips you can use to bump up the professional look. Bringing up the exposure a bit to brighten the photos along with increasing the contrast and saturation to bring out those colors works wonders. But be mindful not to do too much! A little goes a long way, especially if there are rosy cheeks or noses from seasonal sniffles. Consider a black and white photo filter in that case.

Focus on your furry family members!

While weddings, baby photos and other exciting moments fill in a lot of holiday cards, don’t forget your favorite furry companions! Take pictures this year and all season long having fun with your pets, hanging out in your favorite cozy spot, or playing with their favorite toys.

Or you can have fun with photos of your pets from the past year — did they splash around in the pool this summer or wear a fun Halloween costume? Add them to a Walgreens pet-themed card template for the perfect pawliday greetings to share with friends, family and other furry friends!

In addition to holiday photo cards, Walgreens has many other photo gifts to consider giving to a friend or loved one. Send ornaments, puzzles, party coasters and more to those on your shopping list — and with quick printing services, you can fill any last-minute gifting needs with same-day printing and fast delivery.

Pro tip! Use Walgreens Mail-For-Me cards to have your designed cards stamped and mailed to your entire address list to avoid spending time at the post office. All you have to do is create your cards, add your mailing info and recipient addresses, prepay, and Walgreens will mail for you! One more task checked off the holiday to-do list.

As the season quickly approaches, Walgreens has everything you need for your festive photo dreams and fun gifts on an affordable budget with quick turnaround. With the code CARDPHOTO you can get 60% off all Photo Cards & Premium Stationery through early January[1].

With the Walgreens Photo site offering hundreds of options, you can browse and buy online and in-store — Walgreens is available to make your holiday season simple.


[1] Must use code CARDPHOTO at checkout to receive 60% off all Photo Cards and Premium Stationery through Walgreens.com/Photo or the Walgreens Mobile App. Offer expires at 11:59 p.m. CT on January 4, 2025, based on Walgreens server clock. Offer not valid in store. Complete details at Walgreens.com/OfferDetails