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Small Businesses Are Struggling With Inflation, Which Is Bad News For The Holiday Season 

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With the holiday season coming up, a time when these businesses should thrive, owners are worried about how consumers will be budgeting this year as the entire US deals with these various price increases to keep up with the economy.

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Holiday Zoom Call

Using Technology To Keep In Touch Over The Holidays 

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The holidays are obviously going to be much different this year. As most of us have already experienced with Thanksgiving, taking advantage of the multitude of digital tools out there that keep us connected with our loved ones has been the best way to keep the holidays alive this year. Since we won’t be able to celebrate Christmas and all the other holidays normally this year, it’s time to start planning some digital festivities to keep the positive spirit up!

First, choose a good medium to use to connect you with your loved ones. As most of us know at this point, Zoom is one of the best platforms for video-chatting with multiple individuals at once, however, for most users they’re limited to a 40-minute time-stamp for video calls which then prompts users to create a new room and send out the link again. On Thanksgiving, Zoom removed the 40-minute limit so that families could talk for an unlimited amount of time, and while they will likely do this again at some point for Christmas, there are other platforms one could easily use too. 

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Google Meet doesn’t require any additional software to be downloaded onto your device, you just need a Google account. FaceTime also allows for over 30 individuals to be in a call at once, so if you and your loved ones all own Apple devices this is another great option for you to connect. 

Next, make a nice set up for your device. Chances are you don’t want to spend the whole night sitting at a table or desk and talking with your family, so set it up in a comfortable spot in your home that makes it feel as though your entire family is in the room with you. If you have a smart TV or streaming box of any kind, you likely will be able to stream your device’s screen onto the television. By setting up your computer where the TV is as well, it will seem as though your entire family is at the center of your space.  

If you’re alone for the call, or can manage it with multiple people, wear headphones for the call. This way you’re able to move throughout your space and still hear everyone clearly, assuming you own wireless headphones. Additionally, most video-chatting platforms work better when the users wear headphones in terms of audio feedback. 

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For most platforms, when one individual is speaking, everyone else’s mics are typically muted, so sometimes the audio can sound really choppy when multiple people are trying to speak at once. If everyone’s wearing headphones, this problem is much less persistent. 

Make it a full on event and sync up a cocktail hour, appetizer, and dinner time with your family. By having and sticking to a schedule, it will really feel like you’re all together and celebrating at once. If you want to take it a step further, try to sync up the entire menu so that everyone is eating and enjoying the same meal. This is a great way to keep any holiday traditions alive in terms of the meal and what you and your family tend to create together. 

Finally, have fun with it. Maybe set up some digital holiday games that everyone can enjoy within their living rooms, or set up a secret Santa drop off so that everyone can open their gifts to one another on screen in front of the individuals who got them the gifts. Just because our holidays are looking different this year doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice any of the joy and spirit that makes this time of year so magical.

Headphones

Well-Reviewed Speakers And Headphones That Won’t Break The Bank

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As the holiday season approaches, and the world continues to endure the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s time to start thinking of gifts for our loved ones that promote staying home, but remaining entertained as we all navigate these uncertain times. Music has become one of the most healing elements for some during this year.

A proper sound system, or personal headphone system, is essential for any music lover in your life, and now that we’re living in an era where the government wants us to stay home and watch movies, there’s never been a better time to upgrade your systems; without breaking the bank either. Here are some of the newest, and most-affordable, speaker and headphones available currently:

Razer Opus Wireless Headphones: These wireless headphones are $200 which is a relatively average price for quality devices such as these currently on the market. Reviews of these headphones suggest that they’re comfortable, have great sound quality, and a long battery life. Added bonuses include a compact carrying case and ear cups on the headphones that can swivel to rest on the users chest.

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Sony WF-XB700Z Earbuds: These earbuds have been highly regarded as one of the best wireless headphones on a budget. Some sale prices have even shown the earbuds costing less than $100, and for that low price individuals get a pair of earbuds that has the ability to increase bass-levels, and latch onto your ears securely without feeling tight. For the price, users claim the sounds quality is just as good as any other higher end wireless headphone on the market.

OnePlus Buds: These earbuds are only for individuals who use a OnePlus phone. If you own an Android they’ll still work, however, reviewers claim you get the best sound quality when they’re paired with their proper counterpart. At just $79 users get a pair of earbuds that look very similar to Apple’s Airpods with just as smooth of a smooth sound quality.

Beats Flex: The new Beats Flex are only $50, a significantly cheaper version of the Beats X earbuds. Beats has long been known for their noise-cancelling crisp sounds quality, and the Flex buds are no different. They offer 12 hours of battery life, and have a remarkably comfortable fit for its low price point.

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Sonos Ikea Speakers: Shifting gears into the speaker market, Sonos and Ikea have been working on their partnership for over a year now, and finally they’re ready to offer you their widely impressive and affordable speaker systems. The Symfonisk table lamp speaker is $179, but there’s also a bookshelf size of the same speaker for just $99. You can pick them up at your local Ikea or on the furniture stores website, but they aren’t available at third-party retailers such as Best Buy.

Marshall’s Emerton Bluetooth Speaker: This speaker is $149 and uses a simple USB-C cord to charge. The controls on the device mimic that of Marshall’s recent line of headphones as well. The buttons on this speaker make it extremely easy for anyone to use as well.

Amazon Echo Dot: The line of Alexa-enabled smart speakers from Amazon have long dominated the market and for good reason. Mainly because the line is quite large and varies greatly in pricing, ranging from $49.99 to $199.99, but all contain the same amazing sound quality levels and smart-home capabilities.

Mens Tie

A Tie For Dad Again? Generic Gifts To Avoid Putting Under The Tree This Year

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With the holiday season upon us the stress of gift giving has slowly crept back up on all of us. The internet is an amazing resource for gift ideas for all your friends, family, and loved ones, but a lot of the resources can often list the same types of gifts and lack the capacity to tell readers what gifts they should attempt to steer away from. The fact is, gifts that are considered “generic” are just the easiest option, and during this time of year, easy is understandably the best option. However, if you’re like me, and live for giving the perfect gifts to fit your loved one’s personalities, than you need to know the generic items that have frankly been overdone. However, if you’re the type of person who just needs something to stuff in Grandma’s stocking, than this list will be just as beneficial. In fact, “generic” gifts can be quite perfect for anyone you don’t really know; like when you’re forced into an office secret Santa after only working for the company for one month and you barely know everyone’s name, let alone what to get them as a gift. 

Mugs – Now, I’ll be the first to admit I’ve given a mug at least a dozen times as a present. As a gift, it’s really quite practical, as most people enjoy some type of hot beverage during the winter season, and the versatility that comes from mug designs can be customized to match anyone’s personalities. However, you reach a point where you realize that you’ve given your mom a mug for the past five Christmas’s and she doesn’t have any more room in the cabinet. Mugs are great, but have become one of the most predictable gifts. Instead, maybe consider something else in the hot beverage category that would be a little more surprising. For example, if the receiver is a big tea drinker, consider buying them a teapot instead of just another mug to drink out of. Better yet, there are plenty of monthly tea bag, coffee, beverage subscriptions for any drink lover. Monthly subscription services can be the gift that quite literally keeps on giving all year round, and many of these services offer discounted gift packages to utilize!

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Ties – As stated by the title, we all know that getting a tie for your dad, grandpa, uncle, or any man in your life, is the most stereotypical and predictable “masculine” gift one could give. If the man in your life works in an industry that requires formal ware as the uniform, than it makes sense why this would be your go to gift. However, a gift that’s meant to be used for ones work, is really just reminding the receiver that they have to work the next day, and who wants to think about that on one of the rare days off they get throughout the year? Instead of a tie, think deeper into areas of the receivers wardrobe that’s due for a bit of an upgrade. Maybe a nice pair of casual sneakers, a cool new denim jacket, some accessories to upgrade any sort of outfit, etc. Clothing in general can be a great and unique gift to give to a person, but it’s even better when it’s an item of clothing the person would actually want to wear on any given day, not just for work exclusively.

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Socks/Undergarments – Now, when i say socks and underwear, I don’t necessarily mean all kinds. When it comes to socks with cool patterns, fuzzy isolated interiors, fluffy lining, knitted patterning, etc. I’m all in, and in general, those are the types of generic gifts people go out of their way to ask for. Same thing with underwear, whether it be a multi-colored pack of Calvin Klein boxer briefs, a luxury in the underwear world, or a multi-pack of food themed patterned undergarments, by all means, give away. However, generic packs of plain white socks and Hanes underwear, just don’t cut it anymore. It would be more beneficial to just buy your loved one some new underwear and tell them they were in need of an upgrade. Comfy interiors, and unique designs are very trendy currently, so steer clear of the basic standards and go for something a little more fresh.

Gift Cards – This may be a controversial one, and is just as divided of an idea as socks and underwear. Gift cards are perfect for your niece/nephew, cousins, even some close friends. Instead of shopping at their favorite establishment for them, you just give them a credit at the store and let them go nuts, it’s a great idea to be honest. However, a gift card in general is thought of as the holiday gift for the last minute shopper. There’s nothing wrong with it, but there’s definitely room for improvement. Gift card’s are perfect for any co-worker, however, if you’re looking for a gift for your boyfriend or girlfriend, maybe steer clear of them. Instead, think about the place that you’re getting the card from, and don’t underestimate your ability to pick out something you know your loved one will actually enjoy from the establishment. Trust your gut, and when in doubt, call their sibling and ask if they’d like what you’ve picked out.

All of these gift items do still work as great gifts depending on the person and situation. However, anyone will agree that when it comes to “generic” and overdone gifts, these only scratch the surface. Don’t be afraid to use any of these as a back up and branch out in terms of where you shop for everyone you need to buy for this year. Worst case, a $30 Starbucks gift card should suffice.

For Sale Sign

We Explore Seven Ways To Help You Sell Your Home Over The Holiday Season

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Christmas can be one of the most stressful times of the year for some people, so trying to sell you home in the weeks leading up to the big day can seem like a nightmare waiting to happen. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

We’ve put together some tips on what you could do to make sure your home is sold with as little fuss as possible, meaning you can have that relaxing Christmas with your family just as you planned.

1 – Do your research

If you are not sure whether your house needs a tidy up before selling take a look at your friends and family’s homes. What are the first things that you notice? Is there anything you would do differently? If so there are areas that you could improve in your own home too so try and view your home through new eyes and make a list of areas you would like to improve.

2 – Create a good first impression

As much as we like to pretend otherwise, first impressions do count and in real estate they can even make or break a sale. With the weather turning colder it is important to make sure the outside of your house is kept clear of snow or ice, the path is safe and any debris from the bad weather has been cleaned up.

Any driveways or garages should also be cleared of any debris so that you can show these off straight away. The garage can be seen as the eyes to your home so it is important that you have maintained a neat and tidy space.

If you have a yard make sure any greenery is cut back and tamed, any patios or terraces are swept and all paint work is fresh and clean.

It is also important that any repairs are completed as the thought of spending money on repairs can put people off. These are the areas that can let your house down before the viewers have even stepped through your front door.

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3 – Make your house a home

When selling your home you are not just selling space, you are also selling a lifestyle. By adding a few touches you can make your home more welcoming.

Make sure you have the heating on as nobody wants to live in a cold house. You can also add the standard little touches including a pot of fresh coffee in the kitchen or a plate of cakes to offer round.

And as it is the last few weeks before Christmas why not decorate your home? Not too much that your potential buyer cannot see how amazing your house is but enough to make it feel homely.

4 – Give each room an identity

It is very easy to lose the identity of rooms in your home, especially if you spend a lot of time in them. Make sure each room has its own identity and always make sure the master bedroom, kitchen and family room/den are fresh as well as lived in.

Repaint a wall if it looks a bit tired, or try adding a few new furnishings to make sure the room looks how it should be used. Many real estate experts ‘dress’ a house before selling it, often spending thousands of dollars to achieve that specific look.

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5 – Clear your spaces

Most people selling their house either cannot afford a remodel or do not want to carry one out, and who can blame them as they are leaving their home. However a clear out of your unwanted items can not only make your home looking less cluttered, but you could also make a few dollars by selling your items on craigslist.

Make you worktops clear and bright by removing unnecessary papers, utilize your storage areas to store wanted clutter out of the way – but always make sure these areas are also tidy as people viewing homes tend to look everywhere!

6 – Keep your rooms light

During the winter months your home will naturally be quite dark at certain times of the day so it is important that your ceiling and wall lights are clear and dust free, ensuring that each room is as lit as possible. During the day clean windows will help the weak sun into your home, making each room look bright and cheerful.

It is also worth making sure your ceiling fans are clear of dust or cobwebs.

7 – Dress up old spaces

If you have an area in your home that has not been touched, or could do with a complete makeover, show what could be done by adding a few statement pieces. A few new tiles, a fluffy rug or even a piece of wall art could be the difference between a tired area or an area with potential.