Black Friday 2023 is just around the corner, and already major brands are gearing up to offer discounts on popular products and services. Believe it or not, flower delivery services are a trending sale category with sitewide offers on different bouquets, gift baskets, gift hampers, and premium flower arrangements. We have picked out the ten best Black Friday flower deals and gift basket offers from the year before across popular services online. 1. Hand tied bouquets Hand-tied bouquets are the simplest way to send flowers to loved ones or for a special occasion because they are made with classic combinations like roses, lilies, and carnations that are bestselling blooms all year round. So, placing an order and overnighting this bouquet to a friend or family member is convenient online. Last Black Friday, customers got massive discounts of 50% to 70% on online flower delivery services for hand-tied bouquets. 2. Cascade bouquet Cascade bouquets are a more elegant version of hand-tied bouquets with even more detailed flower arrangements featuring roses, lilies, hyacinths, and long vines. Cascade bouquets are available in various sizes and can be made using foam, ribbons, and wires to secure the floral arrangement neatly in a bindle. Premium orders even ship in special containers for long-distance deliveries. Customers could save up to 50% on classic special occasion bouquets featuring single or multiple flower arrangements, depending on the chosen kit. 3. Basket bouquets With basket bouquets, the flowers and other accessories are neatly arranged inside a small-, medium-, or large-size wicker basket. The advantage of ordering basket bouquets is that the flowers and greens included in the design will not be jostled heavily during transportation. Also, given the extra space with the basket design, it’s possible to include more flowers and experiment with unique patterns and designs that consumers can customize while ordering.

When it comes to traveling, a common cliché is that it involves the discovery of the unknown. This causes people to make certain travel mistakes, which are fairly basic. But with time, one learns to eliminate such errors. Essentially, one has to tick several boxes while traveling, especially if the trip is for multiple days. Keeping that in mind, here are some of the common travel mistakes that one should avoid. Overpacking One should only carry what they need during a journey. This is because carrying multiple large, heavy suitcases can be tiresome and dispiriting for long travels. Additionally, one will always have worries in the back of their head about their luggage throughout the journey. What’s more, packing multiple items also causes one’s hotel room to be messy, having too much dirty laundry to wash back home, and, ultimately, a sore back and a headache. Booking flights too close together One always takes a risk while booking connecting flights for a travel plan. If there are delays or cancellations on the first flight, then there is always the risk of the second one being affected. This is why, it is never advisable to book connecting flights too close together. One must always at least keep a two-hour contingency period between multiple flights. This helps to save a lot of time, and in case of unforeseen disruptions, loads of money as well. Not negotiating a taxi rate beforehand On foreign tours, taxi drivers and other service providers are likely to be dodgy when it comes to service rates. Taxi drivers especially may exploit their customers if the latter are not assertive and firm when it comes to service charges. A common trick the drivers employ is to not confirm rates and then overcharge when the trip concludes. To avoid this, one must negotiate and clarify in absolutely certain terms the amount of money they will be paying for taxi rides.

Remember when we used to actually stop by the butcher’s to choose the best meat for our cooks? Well, these days, you can get premium-quality and exotic meats delivered to your doorstep. All you need to do is choose the meat you like from a brand of your choice, and that’s that. Not sure where to start?  Here are three of the best places to order meat online: Rastelli’s  Rastelli’s, based out of New Jersey, is one of the best meat distributors and has over 60 products in its catalog. Their products are completely free of antibiotics, steroids, and hormones and are full of healthy essential nutrients. They also offer different types of meat such as beef, seafood, poultry, and pork. To ensure that their meats stay fresh for longer, they blast-freeze their products. They also vacuum-seal their products to ensure long shelf life. And most of their products can be kept in a freezer for up to a year! Orders are shipped within five business days of placing the order and can be delivered to both residential and business locations. Unfortunately, they only ship to the continental US and not to Hawaii, Alaska, or Canada. Fossil Farms  If you’re looking for a place where you can find the best wild meats, you must check out Fossil Farms. This brand offers a wide selection of meats, including ox, boar, and bison. They also have a wide range of exotic meats, such as kangaroo and camel. All of their meats are farm-raised and natural, which also makes it a healthy choice. They also offer home delivery services, and orders are shipped and delivered between Monday to Thursday. They ship anywhere in the US, but this comes with a shipping charge starting at $16.00 and a surcharge based on the order’s weight.

Seniors who like going on luxury vacations every now and then probably want nothing more than a cruise trip on their bucket list. Fortunately, many cruise lines cater to senior citizens, offering everything from discounts and offers to wheelchair-accessible rooms. These cruises sail to distant and serene places, be it Alaska, the Caribbean, or a quaint town in Europe. On that note, here are some of the best cruise lines for seniors to check out. Princess Cruises This is one of the best cruise lines for seniors. Their ships are wheelchair accessible, making it easier for all passengers to enjoy their trip. Though Princess Cruises sail to many destinations around the world, they are particularly known for their Alaskan cruises, which makes them a great choice for those specifically looking to explore Alaska. They even offer cruise tours that include extended land excursions. Azamara Club Cruise If you prefer to stay for a long time in port during cruise trips, consider Azamara Cruises. Almost all their itineraries have long port stays. They even have medical facilities and onboard physicians. Azamara Cruises sail to beautiful places, such as the Caribbean. Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean International cruises stand out for many reasons. Their fleet includes everything from middle-aged vessels to state-of-the-art cruise ships. They also have a wide variety of entertainment and activities on board. Plus, they offer reduced prices for seniors on select sailings. Some spectacular Royal Caribbean ships to check out include Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Cruise ships are designed keeping in mind the requirements of seniors and those with physical disabilities. Many of their ships’ staterooms can be easily accessed by people with disabilities. Their ship also includes an array of amenities, world-class dining options, and tons of entertainment. Celebrity Cruises sails to over 300 destinations worldwide, which means that there are plenty of options to choose from.

Today, there are several provisions for people with physical disabilities to lead comfortable and dignified lives in every way – physically, mentally, and financially. Insurance is an integral part of financial security for those with disabilities. Once the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) qualifies a person as suffering from a disability, individuals can apply for financial benefits for themselves and their families. So, here are some insurance benefits that people with disabilities can avail of: 1. Medicare benefits Medicare offers many benefits to those with disabilities, and these benefits are usually classified into three parts: Medicare A: Medicare A covers inpatient hospital costs, hospice care, and a part of home health care. However, it doesn’t cover custodial care, wherein one seeks help with daily activities at home. Medicare B: This part of Medicare financially reimburses outpatient care and services availed from doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, etc. It also includes coverage for ambulance services and any equipment bought to aid in everyday tasks. Medicare D: Medicare D is available to all individuals – even those who do not have a disability – and covers prescription treatments. 2. Social Security Disability Insurance The SSA offers Social Security Disability Insurance, which provides monthly financial help to those incapacitated by a disability. To qualify, a person should be diagnosed with a long-term disability that prevents them from continuing with their work. The insurance also provides benefits to the person’s immediate family members in the event of the person’s death due to the disability. 3. Ticket to Work Program The Ticket to Work Program is another initiative by the SSA, which ensures that those with a disability can get back to work and become financially independent while continuing to receive all the disability benefits. 4. Medicaid Unlike Medicare, Medicaid only provides health insurance coverage to those below 65 years of age and who have certain disabilities.

Cruises are one of the most luxurious ways to embark on a vacation trip. You get to stay on board surrounded by amenities and services while also experiencing various places and their cultures. Luxury cruises to the Arctic are one of the best options to embark on a long journey. However, one needs to avoid certain “don’ts” while on a luxury cruise. Some of them include the following: Teeth whitening One of the many benefits of being aboard a luxury cruise to the Arctic is that you can take advantage of numerous spas and other personal grooming activities. One of those services provided is a teeth whitening treatment. You might even be able to seal a deal at a cheaper rate than usual, and the service will surely meet the cruise and personal standards. That said, the post-treatment can pose a problem. The treatment will possibly leave you with sore gums, making you incapable of enjoying any activity on board. Hoarding food Cruises have a buffet menu, and you are free to choose whatever you want. In fact, some even offer a 24X7 buffet, making sure you do not have to compromise on sleep or other activities. That said, people often tend to pile mountains of food on their plates, eventually wasting it. Instead of overindulging yourself and inviting stomach ache, you can try different dishes every day. You can even skip the buffet once in a while and try out different cafes and restaurants onboard. Unnecessary reservation of things Another thing commonly hoarded on luxury polar cruises to the Arctic is sunbed or deck chairs. If you “reserve” sunbeds for your family or friends and wait for them to come, you rob someone else of their time in the sun. It also extends to people planting themselves on the sunbed for the day.

Several popular networks in the country offer 4G and 5G coverage to cell phone users of all ages. However, the myriad of options can make it challenging for you to choose the best plan. Factors like the number of minutes, texts, available data, connectivity, cost, and exclusive services are a few things you must consider. To help you get started, we have scoured the internet to find the three best no-contract mobile phone plans. Mint Mobile If you are looking for an unlimited data no-contract cell phone plan, Mint Mobile offers you one for $30/month. You can switch to their network and still keep your current number. The plan is also compatible with unlocked phones, so you can bring your own device to avail of the offer. But ensure to check out the official Mint Mobile website to understand network coverage and make sure your area code offers the best speeds for downloads. If you prefer limited data, worry not! Mint also features 4GB, 10GB, and 15GB plans starting at just $15/month. Boost Mobile If you are scouting for a network that supports your 5G device, this one is for you. Boost Mobile offers a sweet 5G-enabled no-contract cell phone plan. You can retain your existing number from any network and avail exclusive coverage across states and cities that support 5G calling and data. The brand offers unlimited texts, calls, and 1GB of internet for just $5/month. Alternate no-contract plans include 5GB of data for $20/month and unlimited 5G internet for $35/month. All three plans support unlimited minutes and texts, where you will be charged only for additional data usage over and above the fair policy. Twigby Mobile Seniors interested in availing of no-contract cell phone plans can benefit from Twigby Mobile deals. The service offers affordable pricing across a wide range of plans starting at just $6.50/month.

Emotional support is one of the foundations of mental health and well-being. Recent studies suggest that 74% of pet owners believed their mental health improved after buying a pet. Thus, it is believed that emotional support from animals plays a therapeutic role in helping one navigate tough times. As of 2019, there are nearly 2,00,000 emotional support animals in the country. Here are the answers to some key questions on emotional support animals: What are emotional support animals? Emotional support animals are animals that provide comfort to individuals through companionship. Individuals with mental health conditions are typically able to manage their symptoms better in the company of such animals. What animals are typically classified as emotional support animals? While dogs and cats are typically classified as emotional support animals, other animals like ferrets, guinea pigs, and rabbits are also becoming popular in this category. Dogs Dogs are popularly referred to as a human’s best friends and for a good reason. Studies have shown that the company of dogs can reduce stress and anxiety and help manage depression and loneliness. Cats Many individuals find the company of cats to be soothing and comforting. Their stress-reducing effect can elevate one’s mood. A study has demonstrated that cat owners have better psychological health than individuals without pets. Ferrets These tiny, energetic animals are becoming popular emotional support animals today. Ferrets love cuddling in the arms of their owners, which helps lower one’s anxiety and stress levels. Guinea pigs Guinea pigs are classified as highly effective emotional support animals for individuals with mental and emotional issues. Classroom activities involving guinea pigs can help enhance children’s social skills and are beneficial to children with autism spectrum disorder and other conditions. What is the difference between service and emotional support animals? Service animals are those trained to perform specific services, such as assisting individuals with disabilities or special needs in daily activities, altering their owner to low blood pressure levels, etc.

Starting a business is not only a significant milestone in one’s life but also a huge responsibility for the years to come. From planning and managing finances to making major organizational decisions and hiring the right team, entrepreneurship entails several activities demanding one’s undivided attention. The outcome of a meticulously planned and established business is often highly rewarding. So, here are five critical mistakes new entrepreneurs should avoid to increase their chances of success. Not setting concrete business goals The first step to establishing a successful business is to set concrete business objectives. One should begin by asking the significant question, “What do I wish to achieve with this business?” This can provide one with the purpose of starting the business. New entrepreneurs should then translate this answer into concrete, achievable objectives that can become the driving forces of their business. Not seeking guidance from established entrepreneurs No man is an island, and it only helps to seek much-needed guidance from businesspersons who have already begun their entrepreneurial journeys. Established entrepreneurs can provide sound advice on various aspects, from goal setting and team building to obtaining the required capital and resources and initial public offerings (IPOs). Having a poor understanding of cash flow Cash flow refers to the amount of money that flows in and out of a business. It is crucial to understand the revenue a business generates and any profits earned or losses incurred vis-a-vis the business’s overall expenses, including rent and/or maintenance of the office premises, electricity, water, and other bills, revenue required for buying resources, and employee salaries. A solid understanding of these factors can help a new entrepreneur prepare a budget plan and avoid overspending. Failing to carry out a competitor analysis An analysis of one’s competitors is crucial to not only understand one’s strengths and areas of improvement but also derive tips and strategies to enhance one’s business.

E-commerce platforms continue to grow, which makes it crucial for a business to meet customer demands. One may require a more sophisticated order management system (OMS) in such situations. The system functions immediately after a customer places an order, from locating and picking up the item in a warehouse to packing and shipping the product to its final destination. For businesses still unsure about venturing into this automated space, here are five reasons to get an order management system. Maintain low inventory costs A key benefit of using an order management system is that it can take control of inventory management by simplifying the process with automation. The system uses in-location stock movements by setting rules to automate what happens to orders during packing based on triggers such as the delivery option selected, weight, and value. This reduces time spent manually on such tasks, which will help keep expenses low. Centralized customer service An OMS helps centralize customer service requirements by keeping all customer and order information in one location. Therefore, users are better informed about their orders through a complete view across all sales channels and fulfillment centers to address inquiries about shipping, delivery, and cancellations. The system helps build transparency in this avenue, which customers expect and appreciate when shopping online. Automatic order processing Most orders are placed in the later hours of the evening, usually when teams are not present to process them. Here’s where an order management system could help. One could set specific orchestration rules for non-working hours. With this, one could automate various tasks, including automatically allocating an online order to the warehouse, printing labels, and processing payments. The order processing speed increases and the stock inventories are updated in real-time. Versatile system An OMS is a versatile tool that can assist a business of any size through its growth.

Veterans are distinguished individuals who have previously served in the military, naval, or air services. Consequently, they have earned a range of benefits to support them in leading civilian lives. These benefits could come in handy in the long run by helping with finances. However, not everyone may be aware of the available benefits that they are entitled to receive, thereby missing out on essential support. So, here are a few lesser-known veteran benefits: 1. Life insurance Securing life insurance is an essential step that assures financial stability for loved ones. Veterans can get life insurance from the Department of Veteran Affairs or VA. A few options include the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI), and Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI). 2. Mortgage assistance Veterans can avail of the VA’s Home Loan Guaranty Benefit. Although provided by private lenders, the VA guarantees a portion of the loan, which allows lenders to offer veterans more favorable terms for the loan. This benefit can be reused for purchases of primary residences and even for refinancing existing home loans. 3. Free tax preparation As a veteran, one has access to certain resources that could simplify the tax preparation process and help them maximize their returns free of charge. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is an IRS initiative that offers free tax help to eligible people, which often includes veterans. 4. Educational assistance Veterans can get education assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which covers more than just traditional four-year degree programs. The coverage extends to vocational and technical training programs, apprenticeships, flight training, correspondence training, and entrepreneurship training to help veterans find jobs. 5. Long-term care Veterans are eligible for long-term care benefits from the VA. Those who qualify may receive perks such as adult day health care, home health care, respite care, hospice care, and nursing home care.

Every online business requires a reliable payment processing partner to ensure seamless financial transactions. The right payment processor software can help ensure a seamless business flow for years to come. On the other hand, if one makes mistakes in one’s selection, one will encounter headaches like confusing fees, scaling limitations, and clunky integrations. So, how can online businesses pick the correct solution? Knowing the common mistakes to avoid when choosing payment processor software can help. Mistake 1: Not making provisions for mobile payments Most customers prefer a responsive, mobile-friendly website over a non-responsive one. They may also feel more inclined to shop from a mobile-friendly website. Sometimes, customers decide against shopping from a business that is not mobile-friendly. Thus, you will miss out on a lot if your payment processor has no provision for mobile devices. Mistake 2: Opting for the cheapest available option Some businesses base their entire decision on the cost of the software. While preferring a cheaper option will initially save you money, it may result in several issues in the long run. For example, unreliable payment processor software may cause: System outages during sales spikes Account closures or freezes Convoluted reporting Poorly designed UIs Consequently, a business may face lost revenue and wasted time. This is another mistake to avoid when choosing payment processor software. Hence, factors like customer support, reliability, and stability must be prioritized over cost when picking the software. This will ensure substantial savings in the long run by avoiding errors and rollbacks and reducing the wastage of resources in manual work. So, business owners must compare options and shop around to find a good deal, but they should not base their decision entirely on cost. Mistake 3: Not including multiple payment options When choosing a payment processor, ensure the software can accept payments from all possible sources.