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6 tips for safe travels this holiday season

2024-11-25T23:01:00

(BPT) – Traveling for the holidays? Whether you’re having a Friendsgiving with pals or going to grandma’s house for Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, you’ll find the roads jam packed. According to a survey by GasBuddy, 72% of Americans plan to drive to their holiday destination, up from 41% in 2023. Stormy and snowy weather conditions won’t help matters.

Here are some tips to help you arrive at your holiday destination safely, from the good neighbors at State Farm.

Be prepared: transform your trunk for holiday travel. Is your trunk filled with your kids’ sports equipment, your gym bag and miscellaneous items you found at a garage sale? State Farm recommends clearing all of that out and packing items you’ll need if you get stranded, like hats, gloves, warm socks and blankets for everyone in the car. Also include water, flashlights and high-calorie snacks like trail mix. Don’t forget phone chargers, jumper cables, a shovel and ice scraper, a tarp, snow brushes and a bag of sand or cat litter to give your tires some traction if you need to get out of an icy mess.

Be mindful of distractions. Texting while driving is the top culprit in distracted driving, according to a survey from State Farm. But that’s not the only one. Grooming, checking maps, interacting with kids in the back seat, eating or even rubbernecking at an accident can cause an accident of your own. Also, be alert for wildlife and pedestrians.

Car maintenance is key. Oil changed and tires winter ready? Check! Lights all functioning and fluids topped off? Check! How about the wipers? What about your battery life? Before you go, make sure your car is in tip top shape so you get to your destination and home again safely. Even pop an extra jug of windshield washing fluid into your trunk, just in case.

Check the weather ahead. Monitor the weather along your route to know what you’re driving into. You can arrange to stop in a hotel if necessary or delay your trip. The last thing you want is to be on the road in dangerous driving conditions.

Plan your route. Hop on your favorite mapping app and plan the best route for your trip, including stops for meals or overnights in a hotel. Many apps revise your route based on traffic patterns and accidents on the road ahead, so keep it on for any changes.

Fight fatigue. If you’re driving a long distance, plan to take breaks every few hours or 100 miles to refuel, get out of the car, stretch and walk around for a bit. You don’t want to nod off while driving.

Following these tips can help you feel confident setting out on your holiday journeys. Arriving safely to spend time with family and friends is what it’s all about!

This content is sponsored by State Farm.

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Why Social Media Influencers Love Composite Decking

2024-11-25T09:01:00

(BPT) – In the ever-evolving world of home design, social media influencers play a pivotal role in shaping trends and providing inspiration and guidance for homeowners. One material that has captured the hearts of many of these tastemakers in recent years is composite decking. This innovative product combines aesthetics, durability, sustainability and ease that have made it a favorite among savvy stylists and home improvement experts. Let’s explore why these influencers are so drawn to composite decking.

She’s the Carpenter: Aesthetic Appeal

“I love how natural composite decking looks,” said Ashley Quintero of @shesthecarpenter, who added a composite deck to her Texas home and documented the process for her followers on Instagram. “Through rain and sunshine, the look of the decking remains amazing.”

Beautiful deck with comfortable cushioned wicker furinture.

Emily Made Home: Low Maintenance

“I am done sanding and staining and ready to make the switch to composite decking,” wrote Emily Alexander of @EmilyMadeHome on Instagram. When talking about her decision to use Trex® composite decking for her backyard makeover, she said, “I love knowing my deck will look like new for decades to come with simple soap and water upkeep.”

Woman leaning on the railing of an upscale deck.

Wilker Do’s: Easy Installation

“I’ve installed acres of wood decking and there’s no comparison,” emphasized DIY YouTuber April Wilkerson of Wilker Do’s. “Installing Trex is so much faster and easier because it’s completely consistent and perfect. No warping to struggle with, no knots, cracks or ‘ugly spots’ to deal with.”

Woman sitting on a beautiful deck with out door kitchen and seating area.

The Inspired Room: Durability

Melissa Michaels of @theinspiredroom recently revisited a composite deck she built back in 2018. After years of use and exposure to the outdoor elements, “There was never any warping, painting, chips or splinters to repair,” she posted. “The deck looks just as beautiful today as it did the day it was installed.”

Deck with custioned wicker furniture and big sun umbrella.

Build and Create Home: Sustainability

“When I found out Trex decking is made from 95% recycled materials, that really blew me away,” said Charlee of Build and Create Home. “With deforestation becoming a huge global issue, that one benefit is enough for me to build any future decks with Trex products.”

Woman sitting on a step leading to a deck.

Social media influencers are drawn to composite decking because of its design versatility, durability, eco-friendliness and hassle-free upkeep. By integrating composite decking into their projects, influencers not only enhance their outdoor spaces but also inspire their followers to make informed choices about home improvement. For more information about the benefits of composite decking, visit Trex.com.

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Why Shopping Small is Always in Style

2024-11-25T10:01:00

(BPT) – By Sarah Acton, Chief Customer Officer at BILL

Imagine your neighborhood without any small coffee shops, restaurants, gift shops or craft stores. Would it even have the same feel and personality? Small businesses are what make towns and cities have a truly unique character and sense of community.

Small and midsize businesses (SMBs) make up 99.9% of American businesses and they are engines of the U.S. economy, employing more than 62 million Americans. More importantly, they can help build and strengthen a community. I’ve seen this firsthand, growing up watching my dad own and run a small professional services business.

Years later, I was inspired to start my own small business selling children’s clothing. I worked hard to build connections with local businesses — finding suppliers, vendors and service providers that I trusted and enjoyed working with. This network was essential to my ability to serve my customers, build a community, and drive the success of my business.

My lifelong passion for SMBs led me to join BILL because I truly believe in its mission to be a champion of SMBs. Through our financial operations platform, BILL is dedicated to helping SMBs grow and scale their businesses.

During the holiday season, BILL celebrates our customers by recognizing them as the true pillars of their communities. To that end, we are encouraging people like you to #shopsmall this holiday season with this curated selection of gift ideas from a variety of businesses. Each of these businesses has a unique dream they are passionately pursuing. Take advantage of our special offer codes so you can save big, feel good and uplift these communities.

Food and beverage

BLK & Bold

BLK & Bold aims to unite coffee and tea lovers worldwide through a common interest in investing in the community, specifically for the youth. The brand pledges 5% of its revenue to nonprofit organizations across America that invest in children’s confidence, exposure, and guidance for them to be the best version of themselves. Choose from a variety of whole bean, ground, cold brew and K-Cup pod coffee. Get 20% off with code BILL20.

Bobelo

Bobelo is the first and only bubbly drink mix that carbonates itself and contributes to a healthier planet one drink at a time. With each purchase, a portion of the price is donated to the Bobelo One Foundation, which advocates for a better brain, body and biome. The B-Corp Certified Brand has gone through a rigorous process to become carbon neutral so it can continue its mission to provide healthy sodas while contributing to a healthier, cleaner earth. Get 20% off with code BILLHOLIDAY.

Packed with Purpose

Packed with Purpose offers curated gift boxes that delight recipients and strengthen relationships between employees, clients, prospects, families and friends. The brand sources thoughtful and sustainable gifts from over 140 purpose-driven organizations that have positively impacted nearly 1.5 million lives since the company’s start. The woman-owned B-Corp certified company’s gifts support women’s empowerment, sustainability, youth advancement, workforce development, health and well-being and amplify diverse, minority-owned businesses. Get 10% off with code BILL10.

Beehive Meals

Beehive Meals is an award-winning meal delivery service with one goal: to simplify family dinner time by offering a convenient meal prep and delivery service for busy parents and families. Each month, the company prepares and delivers 10 freezer meals sealed for freshness. Menus rotate every month, offering a variety of new meal experiences for families across Utah, Idaho and Arizona. Get 10% off with code BILL2024.

Clothing and accessories

Marine Layer

Marine Layer was founded in 2009 by Michael Natenshon who set out to create a T-shirt that feels like an old favorite from day one. In addition to T-shirts made from ultra-soft, low-impact custom fabrics, the brand’s casual apparel for men, women and kids includes knits, outerwear and more. As part of its sustainable mission, the B-Corp company established the Re-Spun program to recycle T-shirts and use that recycled material across its entire line of products. Get 10% off with code BILL10.

Blissy

Blissy is the best-kept secret of supermodels, hair stylists, beauty experts and dermatologists around the world. Its 100% pure mulberry silk pillowcases, sleep masks, hair accessories, clothing, face masks and other products are designed to improve skin, hair and sleep quality. Get 20% off with code BILL20.

Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover, established in 2013 by three women, crafts problem-solving bags to help users keep up, stay organized and look good doing it. Rooted in empathy and excellent design, the brand strives to make users’ lives easier while maintaining eco-conscious practices. The eco-friendly brand uses non-toxic materials, has implemented waste reduction strategies and encourages consumer sustainability through resale, reuse and recycling initiatives. Most bags are now 100% vegan. Get 20% off with code BILLHoliday20.

Enso Rings

Enso Rings designs stylish and durable silicone bands that offer a comfortable alternative to traditional rings and wedding bands for active individuals. With a variety of styles from the brand’s Elements collection infused with precious metals, exclusive collaborations and custom rings, there’s a ring for many occasions and lifestyles. Get 20% off with code BILL20.

Home and lifestyle

Brooklyn Candle Studio

Brooklyn Candle Studio has a simple mission to create home fragrance products with captivating scents, beautiful minimalist designs and the best ingredients at an accessible price. Candles are made of 100% soy wax derived from American-grown soy beans for eco-friendly, clean burn and lead-free cotton wicks. All products are petroleum-free, cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and 100% vegan. Get 15% off with code BILL15.

BrüMate

BrüMate offers innovative insulated tumblers, drinkware, coolers and more made to empower, inspire and enhance the daily routine. Balancing functionality and beauty, customers can enjoy their drinks, hot or cold, in stylish, leak-free designs to elevate their drinking experience. Most of the brand’s drinkware is made from highly durable, recycled plastic, packaged in 100% compostable/recyclable materials and built for long-term use. Get 10% off with code BILL10.

Chatbooks

Chatbooks is on a mission to strengthen families and save the moments that matter most. The affordable photo book platform allows users to customize their very own photobooks online or on the brand’s phone app. In just a few taps, users can add, upload, edit and print their every day magical moments in a custom photo book. Get 20% off with code BILL20.

Good Sport

Good Sport seeks to drive equitable access to youth sports and physical activity to support children in high-need communities. Over the past 10 years, the brand has worked around the clock to invent, design and create dozens of new and exciting games that can be played anywhere. Its bestselling backyard games include SmashNet — a cross between ping pong and volleyball. Get 30% off with code BILL30.

KiwiCo

KiwiCo was created to celebrate kids’ natural creativity and curiosity while helping parents who want to bring enriching experiences to their children. Each subscription toy crate includes a creative, hands-on project to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. Crates are designed for different age groups, from 0-3 to 12-16+. Get 50% off the Clubs crate or 20% Panda crate with code BUILDFUN.

Beauty and wellness

Tower 28

Tower 28 is a cosmetics brand that offers high-performance beauty products made with non-irritating ingredients designed for sensitive skin so users can feel as good as they look. All of the company’s plastic product packaging is made from at least 50% recycled plastic to help divert waste from landfills and reduce the end-user responsibility associated with recyclable or compostable materials. Get 15% off with code T28XBill15.

Operation Good Boy

Operation Good Boy focuses on providing better-than-military-grade gear, treats, and tons of experiences for military working dogs. The purpose-driven brand is committed to serving this community of military-friendly dog owners and their packmates. That’s why Operation Good Boy provides unrestricted funds to these Military Working Dog Charities. Get 10% off with code BILL10.

Kreyòl Essence

Kreyòl Essence brings natural hair, skin and body products from Haiti to the world. Its eco-friendly formulations are made from pure and natural ingredients from Caribbean Farms that focus on combating dry hair and skin. The social brand is dedicated to creating sustainable jobs, protecting and conserving the island’s environment and empowering women. Get 15% off with code BILL15.

MIKUNA

MIKUNA’s goal is to provide consumers with the world’s purest, nutrient-dense, plant-based foods while maintaining the highest consumer transparency, environmental protection and community stewardship. The brand’s name comes from the ancient Kichwa concept of nourishing the body through food. The single-source chocho plant protein is cultivated between 11,000 and 14,000 feet in the Andes Mountains by a network of Indigenous farmers and finely ground in small batches. Get 10% off with code BILL10.

Community matters

When you buy gifts by shopping small, you’re not just supporting a business. You’re also supporting the passion, grit, and creativity of these independent business owners and giving back to their communities. At BILL we are dedicated to serving the needs of SMBs and accountants so they can focus more on running their businesses and serving customers. When SMBs thrive, so do their communities. To learn more, visit Bill.com. Happy holidays from BILL!

©2024 BILL Operations, LLC. BILL, the BILL logo, and the “b” logo are trademarks of BILL Operations, LLC. All other company names and brands are the property of their respective owners.

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7 Steps to Help Keep Your Small Business Cyber Safe This Holiday Season

2024-11-25T14:19:00

(BPT) – The holidays bring a whirlwind of excitement, sales, and unfortunately also scams. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Week mean increased online transactions, e-commerce traffic, and a heightened focus on fulfilling customer orders — all of which make small businesses, especially micro-businesses, prime targets for cybercriminals.

According to Bank of America’s Small Business Owner’s Report, more than half of small business owners said cybersecurity threats have impacted their business. Unlike larger corporations with dedicated IT departments, many small and micro businesses lack proper security infrastructure, leaving them more vulnerable to and harmed by threats. A single scam or breach can be costly and can put a business behind during the busy holiday season.

Scammers know how to exploit the season’s hustle and bustle. But don’t let the Grinch steal your seasonal success — arm yourself with these tips from the pros at Norton Small Business to stay protected and keep the holiday cheer intact.

The Naughty List: Common Holiday Cyber Scams

  • Phishing: Fake emails or texts disguised as retailers or shipping services claim “Order issues” or “Tracking updates.” Clicking these links can lead to malicious sites or stolen credentials.
  • Payment fraud: Increased holiday transactions mean a higher risk of stolen credit card use, chargebacks, and “friendly fraud,” where buyers dispute charges after receiving goods. Physically damaged cards during in-person payments and mismatched addresses for online transactions can be red flags.
  • The impact of malware: Cybercriminals target businesses with malware that locks its data or steals customer information, disrupting holiday operations.
  • Website vulnerabilities: Unpatched software or weak security measures on your e-commerce site can lead to data breaches or malicious code injections.
  • Gift card fraud: Hackers might target or even brute-force codes for digital gift cards, either to steal funds or use them fraudulently, which can result in financial loss and impact customer trust.

In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity is no longer optional — it’s a necessity. With cyber threats evolving constantly, safeguarding your business requires vigilance, informed employees, and robust practices. Investing in cybersecurity tools is a simple way to address these concerns.

The Nice List: 7 Cyber Safety Tips for the Holidays

  1. Train Employees to Spot Scams: Equip your team to recognize phishing attempts, avoid suspicious links, and adopt the mantra: “When in doubt, throw it out!”
  2. Secure Your Systems and Networks: Use strong passwords, enable a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for all remote work, and keep software, operating systems, and drivers up to date to patch vulnerabilities.
  3. Guard Sensitive Data: Avoid sharing personal or company information over email and rely on secure payment platforms to handle transactions.
  4. Double Down on Authentication: Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on critical accounts like banking, e-commerce, and email for an added layer of security.
  5. Backup Your Data Regularly: Protect yourself against ransomware and system failures by maintaining up-to-date backups of important business information.
  6. Protect E-Commerce and Gift Cards: Use secure payment processors and set clear refund policies to deter disputes. Employ tools like CAPTCHA to prevent hackers from brute-forcing codes and monitor for unusual activity.
  7. Invest in Cybersecurity Solutions: Tools like Norton Small Business Premium offer round-the-clock protection for your devices, data, and online activity — no IT skills required.

In a world where scams are harder to detect it is good to have extra help. Owners and employees can check in real time if something might be a scam with the free Norton Genie app. With a simple screen shot, this AI-powered scam detection tool can tell you if a text message, social media post, email or website message is likely to be a scam, what makes the content suspicious, and what to do next.

Beyond just protecting your systems, it’s essential to build trust with your customers by showing them that your business takes cybersecurity seriously. Displaying security badges on your website, being transparent about how customer data is protected, and offering secure payment options can go a long way in fostering customer confidence and retention.

The holidays are a time of opportunity for both small businesses and scammers. By adopting these best practices, you can protect your business, your customers, and your peace of mind this season.

Think of Norton Small Business as your holiday helper, protecting your devices and data while you focus on operating your business. With easy setup and robust features, it’s your always-on IT department working 24/7 to protect your business and employees. Visit https://us.norton.com/products/small-business for more information.

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7 delicious ways to add fruits and vegetables to your holiday feast

2024-11-25T09:01:00

(BPT) – Holiday gatherings are all about friends, family, and fabulous food — and adding more fruits and veggies to the mix can be a great way to keep the party delicious and nutritious. Only 1 in 10 U.S. adults meet the CDC’s recommended daily intake of 1.5-2 cup-equivalents of fruit and 2-3 cup-equivalents of vegetables. This holiday season, Fresh Del Monte, one of the world’s leading providers of high-quality fresh produce, is sharing creative and easy ways to get your fill of nutritious fruits and veggies during holiday celebrations.

1. Enhance your stuffing with pineapple

Add pineapple to your stuffing for a sweet and tropical twist. Fresh Del Monte’s Gold® Pineapple Stuffing recipe elevates classic holiday stuffing combining the savory flavors of traditional stuffing with the brightness of pineapple, making it a flavorful way to incorporate more fruit into your holiday spread.

2. Make a flavorful side dish

Vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots and sweet potatoes are a great side dish and addition to any food spread. In fact, Fresh Del Monte offers a unique and delicious Skillet Brussel Sprouts recipe with toasted walnuts and dried cranberries that will surely delight your guests!

3. Treat your guests to a delicious and sweet pineapple as an appetizer or dessert!

Did you know that pineapples are a traditional symbol of hospitality? Serving guests a sweet, juicy pineapple as an appetizer or dessert is the perfect way to honor this iconic fruit’s history while offering a delicious starter without extensive preparation. In fact, this year Fresh Del Monte launched “You’re Welcome,” a campaign that reminds people of pineapple’s rich history and Fresh Del Monte’s role in revolutionizing the iconic tropical fruit with a range of innovative new varieties.

4. Create a classic fruit-based dessert

Indulge in your sweet craving and simply add fresh fruit to your dessert. Try Fresh Del Monte’s Buttermilk Peach or Nectarine Cobbler. Loaded with peaches or nectarines, this comforting cobbler is an easy and delicious way to satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth while bringing fresh fruit into a holiday dessert spread.

5. Blend veggies into mashed potatoes

Incorporate mashed cauliflower or parsnips into traditional mashed potatoes for a lighter, healthier twist. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also maintains the creamy texture that everyone loves, creating a deliciously satisfying side dish.

6. Offer a colorful vegetable platter with dips

There’s an old saying that “we eat with our eyes first,” so why not dazzle guests at your holiday party with a vibrant spread of colorful vegetables? Present an array of colorful vegetables alongside delicious dips like creamy hummus, zesty guacamole or yogurt-based ranch dressing. This is a great way to provide an easy-to-prepare and nutritious snack before the meal — and it’s guaranteed to impress your guests and enhance your holiday spread.

7. Brighten up your holiday parties with colorful and sweet beverages

Elevate your holiday drinks and add fresh fruit to cocktails or mocktails. Slices of citrus, berries or pineapple add vibrant color and infuse your beverages with refreshing flavors, making them festive and enjoyable. A great option is Fresh Del Monte’s Blushing Oasis Fizz With Pinkglow® Pineapple recipe, which perfectly combines taste and visual appeal for your holiday gatherings.

For more nutritious Fresh Del Monte fruit- and vegetable-based recipes, please visit https://delmontefresh.com/recipes.

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Believe it or not: Installing a new heat pump can be cheaper than repairing your current system

2024-11-25T08:03:00

(BPT) – A properly functioning HVAC system is crucial to ensure a warm, comfortable home this winter. For homeowners with an older heating system, the question of repair or replace is often top of mind as the temperatures drop.

Arriving at the right answer for your home often requires the support of a trained HVAC contractor. But there are several questions you can ask as you consider the reliability of your aging home comfort system.

No one wants to be left in the cold this winter — or left with an empty wallet. The heating and cooling experts at YORK® offer these guidelines to help homeowners evaluate their options and find out which is the best long-term value for you.

When you can still repair

There may be instances when replacing the heating system isn’t necessary. Some indications that your system may be worth repairing can include:

  • It’s less than 10 years old and/or is a high-quality, energy-efficient model.
  • The repair is still covered under warranty.
  • The out-of-pocket cost of the repair will be far less than the cost of replacement.
  • Repairing the problem means that the specific issue isn’t likely to reoccur throughout the system’s remaining lifespan.
  • Other HVAC components, such as the ductwork, electrical wiring and thermostat, are all in good working condition.

When it’s time to replace

It can be much easier to recognize signs that it’s time to replace a worn-out heating system, including:

  • A system that is 10 or more years old.
  • Frequent and repeated repairs that add up to be very costly.
  • Even after repairs and/or maintenance, the system still doesn’t keep your home comfortable.
  • Very high utility bills. Modern heating systems are significantly more energy-efficient than older units.
  • A desire to take advantage of widespread tax incentive programs, as well as utility and manufacturers’ rebates, to reduce upfront costs.

Replacing a heating system

Many homeowners are surprised to learn a new heating system can improve the comfort of their home and help save significant money on utility costs over the long run. Heat pumps, in particular, are a smart choice for many homeowners — even if a gas furnace is currently in place. Today’s high-efficiency heat pumps use less electricity to cut heating costs and are very efficient even in cold climates. For example, the YORK® HH8 Side-Discharge Heat Pump can reduce the average energy bill by as much as 50% compared to less efficient HVAC systems. Plus, the YORK® HH8 heat pump is equipped with variable speed technology that allows it to precisely match desired temperature settings and provide a more comfortable home.

A historic level of HVAC savings programs are available to help off-set the cost of installing a high-efficiency heat pump. Through a combination of tax rebates and utility and manufacturers’ offers, qualifying homeowners can save up to 100% of the cost to install some heat pumps. Additionally, some manufacturers offer simplified financing options with fixed monthly payments to make the investment of a heat pump more manageable than paying out-of-pocket repair costs on an existing heating system.

To learn more about today’s heat pump innovations and cost-saving programs, visit YORK® at: york.com/residential-equipment/heating-and-cooling/split-system-heat-pumps.

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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.