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15 Christmas Gift Ideas for Book Lovers

Do you have a book lover on your Christmas list? Are you trying to find the perfect gift? If you are searching for inspiration, check out the following Christmas gift ideas for book lovers.

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Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. Personalized Bookmarks: Customized bookmarks with their name or a special quote. Bookmarks come in a wide variety of shapes, themes, and sizes. Find a bookmark with a favorite quote, art design, or character. If you are crafty, consider making a homemade bookmark for a Christmas gift.
  2. Literary Tote Bags: Tote bags or backpacks featuring classic book covers or literary quotes are a great Christmas gift.
  3. Book Subscription Box: A subscription that delivers a new book to their doorstep each month.
  4. Bookstore Gift Card: A gift card to their favorite local bookstore or online retailer.
  5. Bookish Mugs: Mugs with quotes from famous authors or their favorite books. Along with the mug, add packets of hot cocoa or tea to your gift.
  6. Box Set: A collection of classic novels or a boxed set of their favorite series is an excellent Christmas gift for any book lover.
  7. Bookends: Stylish bookends to help organize their bookshelf.
  8. Reading Journal: A journal for them to jot down thoughts about the books they read.
  9. Literary Puzzle: A puzzle featuring a famous book cover or author’s portrait is a fun Christmas gift idea for all ages.
  10. Author Biography: Consider a well-written biography of one of their favorite authors. Ask your local bookstore for recommendations. If purchasing online, look for the ratings or reviews.
  11. Bookish Candles: Candles with scents inspired by classic novels or book-related sayings are another great Christmas gift idea for book lovers.
  12. E-Reader Cover: A stylish cover to protect their e-reader. A cover is a practical and useful gift.
  13. Literary T-Shirts: T-shirts or sweatshirts with book-related designs or quotes are the perfect gift ideas that last longer.
  14. Cozy Blanket: A soft and cozy blanket for their reading nook. Blankets are a wonderful gift, especially on cold, winter nights.
  15. Bookish Phone Case: A phone case featuring a favorite book cover or quote.

Remember to consider their specific preferences and favorite genres when choosing the perfect Christmas gift for your family or friends. Merry Christmas!

10 Christmas Gift Ideas for Bakers

Do you have someone on your Christmas list who loves to cook and bake? Find a Christmas that is practical and useful. If you are searching for inspiration, consider the following Christmas gift ideas for bakers.

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Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. High-Quality Baking Essentials: Consider gifting them a set of quality measuring cups and spoons, a silicone baking mat, or a rolling pin with different attachments. Depending on your price limit, give cookware, blenders, hand mixers, or other high-end kitchen accessories.
  2. Specialty Ingredients: Unique spices, high-quality vanilla extract, or rare baking chocolates can be a thoughtful gift for a baker looking to experiment with the latest items.
  3. Recipe Books: Look for baking recipe books that cover a variety of techniques and styles, from classic to trendy. If you want to add an individualized touch, copy your favorite recipes onto note cards. Add notes to why the recipe is important to you. Next, place your cards in a recipe box or holder.
  4. Personalized or Themed Apron: A customized apron with their name or a witty baking-related phrase can make for a fun and functional gift.
  5. Baking Subscription Box: Sign them up for a monthly subscription that delivers new baking ingredients, recipes, and tools to their doorstep.
  6. Decorative Cake Accessories and Stands: A beautiful cake stand can add a touch of elegance to their baked creations. Along with the cake stand, frosting tips, spatulas, and other related accessories make a great Christmas gift.
  7. Baking Classes or Workshops: Enroll them in an online or in-person baking class to help them refine their skills or learn new techniques.
  8. Oven Mitts and Potholders: Consider stylish and heat-resistant oven mitts or potholders that are both practical and visually appealing.
  9. Unique Baking Pans: Non-traditional baking pans, such as mini bundt cake molds or specialized bread pans, can spark their creativity.
  10. Gift Cards: If you’re unsure of their preferences, a gift card to a local baking supply store will give them the freedom to choose what they need for their kitchen.

Remember to think about their preferences and interests when choosing the perfect gift for the baker in your family.

Ideas for Thanking a Veteran on Veterans Day

Today, November 11, 2023, is Veterans Day. Held annually, this federal holiday recognizes all who have served in the military. Thanking a veteran on Veterans Day is a thoughtful and meaningful way to show your appreciation for their service and sacrifices.

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If you are searching for ways to express your gratitude, check out the following ideas for thanking a veteran on Veterans Day.

  1. Just Say “Thank You”: A simple “Thank you for your service” is a heartfelt way to show your appreciation. Veterans often appreciate this genuine expression of gratitude. Many veterans wear hats on Veterans Day. Thank a stranger, shake their hand, and offer to buy them a cup of coffee.
  2. Write a Letter: Consider writing a thank-you letter or thank-you card. Send an email to a veteran you know, expressing your gratitude for their service. You can also send letters to veterans in your community or through organizations that support veterans. Perhaps go a step further and send out Christmas cards to veterans.
  3. Attend Veterans Day Events: Many communities host a variety of Veterans Day events. Volunteer or participate in local Veterans Day events or parades to show your support. Use social media to look up events happening in your area today. You can join in the festivities and personally thank veterans you meet there.
  4. Donate: Make a monetary donation to a reputable veterans’ charity or organization. Do your research to find the best charity. These organizations often provide crucial support to veterans and their families.
  5. Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to help veterans in your own community. Many veterans appreciate practical assistance with tasks or simply spending time with them, especially if they are older or disabled. With the winter season approaching, older veterans may require assistance with snow removal from a driveway, sidewalk, or porch step. Visit an assisted living or nursing home. Ask to speak to a veteran. Simply sit and listen to their stories.
  6. Display the Flag: Proudly fly the American flag at your home or workplace to show your respect for veterans and the country they served.
  7. Support Veteran-Owned Businesses: Whenever possible, support businesses owned by veterans. You can find these businesses in your local area or online. Even if you do not purchase from a veteran-owned business, share their information on social media. Or write a positive review of their services. Small gestures have a lasting impact.
  8. Educate Yourself: Learn more about the experiences and challenges that veterans face, as well as the history of Veterans Day. Understanding their sacrifices can help you appreciate their service even more. Watch for veteran-based legislation or other types of community activities to help better serve veterans.
  9. Listen and Share Stories: If you know a veteran personally, take the time to listen to their stories and experiences. Often, sharing their stories can be therapeutic for them. Listening to their stories will help you gain a deeper understanding of their past military service.
  10. Send Care Packages: Consider putting together care packages with essentials, snacks, and personal items for deployed service members or veterans in need.

Remember that showing appreciation to veterans on Veterans Day is not limited to just one day a year. Veterans and their families appreciate support and gratitude year-round. Small acts of kindness and respect can go a long way in honoring their service. Happy Veterans Day to all who served.

Tips for Preparing for Christmas in October

Preparing for Christmas in October allows you to get ahead of the holiday rush and ensure a smoother and more enjoyable holiday season. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your early Christmas preparations:

1. Create a Christmas Budget

Start by setting a budget for your Christmas expenses. This will help you plan your spending on gifts, decorations, food, and other holiday-related costs.

2. Create a Gift List

Begin by creating a list of people you plan to buy gifts for this Christmas season. Jot down gift ideas for each person. By starting early, you allow yourself ample time to find or create the perfect presents for everyone on your list.

3. Shop Early

Start shopping for gifts early. Many larger department stores are already gearing up for the holiday season. Take advantage of sales and avoid the holiday rush. Look for deals and discounts both online and in physical stores.

4. Shop Small

Shop independently owned small stores, novelty shops, church bazaars, or craft shows for unique items. Shopping small promotes your local economy. Plus, finding a one-of-kind gift for the hard-to-shop person on your Christmas gift is always a win.  

5. DIY Gifts and Crafts

Get crafty. Consider making homemade gifts or crafts. This not only adds a personal touch but can also be a cost-effective way to show your love and creativity. Homemade Christmas ornaments are always a wonderful gift to make and receive.

6. Decorate

Begin decorating your home or workplace with Christmas decorations. Take advantage of the warmer weather. Consider putting up outdoor Christmas lights early as you are taking down your Halloween directions. Decorating early is a great way to get a head start on the holiday season.

7. Plan Holiday Meals

Plan your Christmas menus and make a shopping list for ingredients. Purchase spices, flour, sugar, and other long-dated food items early. Stock your pantry with the essentials for your holiday baking.  The closer you get to the holiday season; you can even start prepping some freezer-friendly dishes. Planning in advance saves time during the busy holiday season.

8. Christmas Cards and Party Invitations

If you send out holiday cards or invitations for Christmas gatherings and parties, start addressing them early. Spend 30 minutes a day addressing envelopes to ensure they are ready to be sent out when the time comes.

9. Plan & Organize Events and Gatherings

If you are hosting a Christmas party, meal, or gathering, start planning the details now. Secure a venue, plan the menu, and send out invitations to ensure a successful event. Starting early helps stay organized during the busy holiday season.

10. Arrange Travel

If you plan on traveling during the holiday season, make your travel arrangements now.  Booking flights, arranging accommodations, and transportation well in advance help you get the best deals.

11. Review Traditions

Take the time to review your family’s Christmas traditions. Make a list of traditions that you do with your friends and family. Decide if any adjustments or additions should be made this year. Planning allows for a smooth execution of these traditions. Remember if a tradition does not fit into your schedule or the cost is too high, skip it. Or find a new tradition to try, one that suits your family.

12. Stay Organized

Use a planner, notebook, or digital calendar to stay organized.  Keep track of your tasks, spending, gift purchases, deadlines, and events leading up to Christmas.

13. Volunteer and Give Back

If volunteering is your way to give back at Christmas, research and reach out to prospective non-profits for volunteer opportunities. Set up your time with an organization early.

14. Spread Joy and Gratitude

Begin cultivating a spirit of joy and gratitude by reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas. Find ways to express gratitude to those around you throughout the Christmas season.

By starting your Christmas preparations in October, you will reduce stress. Allowing you more time to enjoy a more relaxed and meaningful holiday season with your loved ones.

13 Autumn Hiking Tips

Autumn is officially underway. Are you ready to get outdoors and enjoy the season? One of the best ways to enjoy the season is hiking. Explore local trails, view the beautiful foliage, and soak in the Autumn sun before the chilly winter sets in. If you are venturing out on the trails for the first time, consider the following and Autumn hiking tips.

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  1. Check the Weather: Autumn weather can be unpredictable, so check the forecast before you go and be prepared for sudden changes.
  2. Layer Clothing: Wear layers that you can easily add or remove as the temperature fluctuates. Don’t forget a waterproof and windproof outer layer.
  3. Footwear: Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good traction to navigate wet and slippery terrain.
  4. Daylight Hours: Be mindful of the shorter daylight hours in autumn. Start your hike early to ensure you have enough daylight.
  5. Pack Essentials: Carry essential items like a map, compass, first-aid kit, flashlight, extra food, and water purification tools.
  6. Fall Foliage: Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage but be cautious of slippery leaves on the trail.
  7. Wildlife Awareness: Be aware of wildlife, as some animals are more active during the fall. Keep a safe distance from all wildlife. Do not approach. Make noise to alert them to your presence.
  8. Trail Conditions: Trails can be muddy or covered in fallen leaves. Take it slow and watch your step.
  9. Hunting Season: In some areas, autumn is hunting season. Wear bright colors to make yourself visible to hunters. An orange hat or vest are two essential and inexpensive wearable items.
  10. Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace principles to protect wildlife and the environment. If you are eating or drinking on the trails, pack out all trash and follow established trails. Use a reusable water bottle. Many trails have refill stations.
  11. Tell Someone Your Plans: Let someone know your hiking plans and expected return time.
  12. Emergency Gear: Carry a fully charged phone, a whistle, and a fire-starting kit in case of emergencies.
  13. Fall Harvest: If you’re knowledgeable about wild edibles, autumn can be a wonderful time for foraging. However, make sure you can identify plants correctly.

Remember that conditions can vary depending on your location, so always research the exact area you plan to hike in and adjust your preparations accordingly. Enjoy your autumn hiking adventure!

32 Drawing Prompts to Celebrate Earth Day

Annually on April 22, millions around the world gather to celebrate Earth Day.  The best way to celebrate Earth Day is outdoors. But, if the weather is not the best, focus on Earth’s majestic beauty through drawing. 

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Creating art is a great way to honor and celebrate the planet. Drawing is an easy project for the entire family to enjoy. 

Create posters from your drawings to hang on your refrigerator, bedroom wall, or window. Or photograph your drawings to share on social media.

If you are searching for inspiration, check out the following drawing prompts for Earth Day.

  1. Self-Portrait in nature.
  2. Earth (Draw the planet. This is a great poster idea)
  3. Your Country, State, or Territory. 
  4. Forests, Woods, or Trees (Don’t forget to add in wildlife)
  5. Nature Scene (What’s your favorite spot in nature?)
  6. Oceans, Lake, Rivers, Streams, or Ponds (Don’t forget to add what lives in the water.)
  7. Mountains, Cliffs, Valleys, or Hills (Draw each area in a different season.)
  8. Volcano (Is the volcano active?)
  9. Grass (What lives in the small blades of grass?)
  10. Current Weather
  11. Scary Weather
  12. Favorite Season
  13. Landscape Scene
  14. Your Favorite Place to Visit
  15. A Future Place to Visit
  16. Sunset or Sunrise
  17. Paths or Trails
  18. Boulders, Rocks, or Stones (What is your favorite rocky area to visit?)
  19. Leaves Up-Close 
  20. Wild Flowers
  21. Birds 
  22. Baby Animals
  23. Favorite Animal
  24. Wild Animals
  25. Butterflies
  26. Insects
  27. Endangered Species
  28. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
  29. Don’t Pollute
  30.  Future Earth
  31. A Call to Action
  32. Artist’s Choice

Happy Earth Day!

70 Hashtags for St. Patrick’s Day

Are you planning your social media posts for St. Patrick’s Day? Whether you are posting on your personal or your business account, using hashtags is essential. Unique hashtags draw more people to your posts expanding your target audience. If you are searching for inspiration, check out the hashtags for St. Patrick’s Day.

  1. #StPatricksDay
  2. #StPatricksDay2023
  3. #StPaddysDay
  4. #StPaddysDay2023
  5. #StPatricks
  6. #March
  7. #March17
  8. #StPatsDay
  9. #Shamrock
  10. #4LeafClover
  11. #FourLeafClover
  12. #Clover
  13. #LuckyShirt
  14. #LuckoftheIrish
  15. #Green
  16. #WearGreen
  17. #WearingGreen
  18. #StPatricksDayStyle
  19. #StPatricksDayNails
  20. #StPatricksDayMakeUp
  21. #StPatricksDayOutfit
  22. #StPatricksDayMeal
  23. #StPatricksDayDecor
  24. #StPatricksDayBaby
  25. #StPatricksDayParade
  26. #StPatricksDayParty
  27. #StPatricksDayDog
  28. #StPatricksDayCrafts
  29. #StPatricksDayWreath
  30. #Parade
  31. #PinchMe
  32. #IPinchBack
  33. #DontPinchMe
  34. #Irish
  35. #Ireland
  36. #EmeraldIsle
  37. #KissMeImIrish
  38. #IrishAmerican
  39. #IrishAtHeart
  40. #IrishForTheDay
  41. #MyIrishLove
  42. #MyFourLeafClover
  43. #MyLuckyCharm
  44. #Luck
  45. #Lucky
  46. #GreenBeer
  47. #Beer
  48. #Guinness
  49. #IrishCoffee
  50. #Bailys
  51. #IrishPub
  52. #IrishCharm
  53. #LuckyandCharming
  54. #IrishLove
  55. #IrishGirl
  56. #IrishGuy
  57. #IrishGuy
  58. #IrishPride
  59. #IrishFood
  60. #IrishMusic
  61. #LiveIrishMusic
  62. #IrishDance
  63. #StPatricksDaySquad
  64. #MyIrishSquad
  65. #SeeingGreen
  66. #PotofGold
  67. #Leprechaun
  68. #LeprechaunTrap
  69. #EndofTheRainbow
  70. #GoodbyeStPatricksDay

42 Love Quotes to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Are you looking for the right words to add to a Valentine’s Day card or social media post? If you are searching for inspiration, check out the following love quotes to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

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  1. “Continue to share your heart with people even if it has been broken.” – Amy Poehler
  2. “If I know what love is, it is because of you.” – Herman Hesse
  3. “To love is to recognize yourself in another.” – Eckhart Tolle
  4. “Love looks not with the eyes, but with mind. And therefore, is winged Cupid painted blind.” – William Shakespeare
  5. “To love at all is to be vulnerable.” – C.S. Lewis
  6. “To be fully seen by somebody, then, and be loved anyhow – this is a human offering that can border on miraculous.” – Elizabeth Gilbert
  7. “Romance is the glamour which turns the dust of everyday life into a golden haze.” – Elinor Glyn
  8. “Valentine’s Day is just another day to truly love like there is no tomorrow.” – Roy A. Ngansop
  9. “‘Tis better to have lost and loved than never to have loved at all.” – Ernest Hemingway
  10. “The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.”– Victor Hugo
  11. “Everything is clearer when you’re in love.” – John Lennon
  12. “There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves; it is not my nature.” – Jane Austen
  13. “Where there is love there is life.” – Mahatma Gandhi
  14. “Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.” – Robert Frost
  15. “Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” – Lucille Ball
  16. “There’s all kinds of reasons that you fall in love with one person rather than another: Timing is important. Proximity is important. Mystery is important.” – Helen Fisher
  17. “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” – Emily Brontë
  18. “Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.” – Zora Neale Hurston
  19. “Passion makes the world go ’round. Love just makes it a safer place.” – Ice-T
  20. “When you’re lucky enough to meet your one person, then life takes a turn for the best. It can’t get better than that.” – John Krasinksi
  21. “You know it’s love when all you want is that person to be happy, even if you’re not part of their happiness.” – Julia Roberts
  22. “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” – Oprah Winfrey
  23. “There is always madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness.” –Friedrich Nietzsche
  24. “The giving of love is an education in itself.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
  25. “Nobody has ever measured, even poets, how much a heart can hold.” – Zelda Fitzgerald
  26. “Where there is great love, there are always miracles.” – Willa Cather
  27. “Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time.” – Maya Angelou
  28. “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” – Lao Tzu
  29. “Take my hand, take my whole life too, but I can’t help falling in love with you.” – Elvis Presley
  30. “Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your hearth or burn down your house, you can never tell.” – Joan Crawford
  31. “Love is a game that two can play and both win.” – Eva Gabor
  32. “I love her and it is the beginning of everything.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald
  33. “The water shines only by the sun. And it is you who are my sun.” – Charles de Leusse
  34. “Never love anyone who treats you like you’re ordinary.”– Oscar Wilde
  35. “Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get, only with what you are expecting to give — which is everything.” – Katherine Hepburn
  36. “When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” – Paulo Coehlho
  37. “Love is something sent from heaven to worry the hell out of you.” – Dolly Parton
  38. “You don’t love someone because they’re perfect. You love them in spite of the fact that they’re not.” – Jodi Picoult
  39. “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and the doesn’t hurt.” – Charles M. Schulz
  40. “Loved you yesterday, love you still, always have, always will.” – Elaine Davis
  41. “Love planted a rose, and the world turned sweet.” – Katharine Lee Bates
  42. “Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.” – Mother Teresa

Happy Valentine’s Day!

51 Hashtags for New Year’s Eve

Are you ready to ring in 2023? If you want to draw extra attention to your social media posts, check out the following hashtags for New Year’s Eve.

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  1. #NewYearsEve
  2. #HappyNewYear
  3. #HappyNewYearToAll
  4. #HappyNewYear2023
  5. #NewYear2023
  6. #Welcome2023
  7. #NYE
  8. #CountDowntoMidnight
  9. #MidnightToast
  10. #MidnightKiss
  11. #MidnightWish
  12. #BringOnTheNewYear
  13. #BringOn2023
  14. #2023
  15. #RockinNewYear
  16. #Bye2022
  17. #GoodBye2022
  18. #NewYearsEveFun
  19. #NewYearsEveAtHome
  20. #Family
  21. #Friends
  22. #FamilyNewYearsParty
  23. #NewYearsEveParty
  24. #Celebrate
  25. #CelebrateSafely
  26. #NewYearsResolution
  27. #NewYearNewMe
  28. #DoneWith2022
  29. #NewYearsGoal
  30. #Dec31
  31. #Jan1
  32. #NewYearsCelebration
  33. #Fun
  34. #Cheers
  35. #DesignatedDriver
  36. #PartySafe
  37. #PartyTime
  38. #NewYearsStyle
  39. #NewYearsNails
  40. #NewYearsDecor
  41. #NewYearsWithMyLove
  42. #NewYearsProposal
  43. #ISaidYes
  44. #NewYearsCouple
  45. #NewYearsSelfie
  46. #NewYearStillSingle
  47. #NewYearsLove
  48. #NewYearsBlessing
  49. #Love
  50. #FirstHikeOfTheNewYear
  51. #NewYearsDay

Have a great New Year’s Eve! Stay safe!