Flowers, although a common gift, can be a priceless gesture that will never go out of style. What’s more? The process of sending a bouquet is fairly simple. But, one might still get details like the address, date, and preferences wrong. So, while one may have the right intentions, these lapses might ruin the surprise or delay it. So, before one sends flowers, one should be wary of the following common mistakes and avoid them. 1. Overlooking the receiver’s preferences A common error when gifting flowers is overlooking what the receiver might prefer. Although one might lean toward a type of flower, the recipient’s taste might differ. So, before buying flowers, one must consider what the person receiving the flowers likes about them, such as the colors, scent, and style. If one does not know what the other wants, they could ask family members or close friends for advice. 2. Going for the cheapest option Many online sellers list flower bouquets for prices that are too good to be true. This may turn out to be exactly why they are cheap. The seemingly affordable bouquets might be marketed using an attractive picture, but the flowers that are eventually shipped might be substandard or withered and old. Moreover, the overall price could include hidden charges, such as fees that must be paid following the delivery. So, one must ensure they go for value-for-money bouquets and choose reliable sellers. Remember, while a beautiful bouquet might cost more, it is usually a once-in-a-while purchase that can please the receiver and make them consider it a valuable gift.  3. Not considering the occasion The colors and arrangements of bouquets differ as per the occasion. Moreover, each flower symbolizes something unique. For instance, if one is sending flowers for a funeral, one ought to choose flower arrangements with muted colors, such as yellow, blue, or white.

For those looking to buy the perfect holiday gifts for loved ones, now is the right time, as many brands and stores will have sales for Black Friday closer to the weekend. To get an idea of what to expect this year, it is recommended to check some of the Black Friday deals from last year. One can also check the websites of famous brands to see if any sale dates have been announced yet. Flower deliveries 1. FTD usually announces their Black Friday deals on their website and discounts some popular flower bouquets and kits. Some products shoppers can expect to be on sale during Black Friday include the Fiesta Bouquet, which starts at $60, the Pumpkin spice succulent duo for $52, and the Sun-Kissed Gerbera Bouquet, which costs $55. 2. One could save 75 to 85% off the pre-mixed garden kits for Holland Bulb Farms’ Black Friday specials. They also had other offers on bulbs – 50 bulbs could be bought for only $12.50, including tulips and daffodils. The Amaryllis gift kits were up to 55% off for Black Friday, pre-potted amaryllis were for $15 each, and waxed amaryllis bulbs were 30 to 50% off. The care instructions for each flower detail are provided, so anyone needing clarification about how to proceed with their choice can read through them carefully and choose the best option. Additionally, they may update their offer page with new discounts and coupon codes for this year. 3. Flower Explosion delivers fresh produce from the farm directly and has exclusive discounts on Black Friday. They have different categories to explore, like wedding flowers, wholesale flowers, and fundraiser flowers, and some people can also get a subscription. Some of the available flowers they’ve had for Black Friday before include the Metallic Purple roses, Ember Noir, Heart of Gold Specialty Roses, Holiday Frosting roses, Snowy red roses, snowy blue roses, and even Jingle Bell Golden roses, all starting from the price of $79.98.

Whether you want to restock your favorite perfumes or try out that latest fragrance, Cyber Monday sales are the best. The deals come in plenty and let you enjoy some of the greatest perfumes you have always wanted to try. We sifted through all the deals available last year to bring you the best ones offered on Cyber Monday. Yves Saint Laurent Opium Eau de Parfum One of the most loved women’s perfumes worldwide, Yves Saint Laurent Opium has beautifully sensuous notes of coffee with vanilla and the delicate fragrance of white flowers. On Cyber Monday, this perfume might be available at a discount of $38. You could buy it for $91 instead of its original price of $130. Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Toilette Spray for Men This superb fragrance by Yves Saint Laurent is a stunning blend of juniper berries, cedar, ginger, bergamot, amber woods, and more. One of the bestselling fragrances, it comes in a beautiful bottle perfect for gifting. On Cyber Monday, you could get this for just $107. Giorgio Armani Si Eau de Parfum Loved by women worldwide, this perfume is made for today’s strong yet charismatic woman. It comes in rich layers of fragrances, including deep blackcurrant nectar, musky blond wood, and modern chypre. The middle and base notes are that of Freesia, May Rose, vanilla, wood, and patchouli. On this sale day, the perfume might be available at $38.50 instead of its original price of $55.00. Jimmy Choo Blossom Eau de Parfum Among the best cult classic fragrances in the world ever since its launch in 2015, the Jimmy Choo Blossom for women is loved for its fruity, fresh fragrance. It is rich in fruity and citrus notes, including raspberry, sweet peas, and roses. The base notes are made up of white musk and sandalwood.

Many people decorate their homes with indoor plants. But if you are a cat parent, your plant obsession can inadvertently harm your feline friend. Most plants are safe for cats to play and prod, but a few are dangerous. Eating or coming into contact with them can lead to unexpected consequences, mainly because of their poisonous compounds. Below we have listed seven such toxic plants that you must keep out of your cat’s reach: Azaleas A part of the rhododendron family, Azaleas are one of the most beautiful houseplants that can transform your living space. However, the slightest nibbles out of their leaves can cause serious heart problems in your cat. It can sometimes aggravate into a coma and even be fatal. Milder side effects of rhododendron ingestion include vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, drooling, and a lack of apatite. Hydrangeas Hydrangeas are common in flower arrangements in home gardens. Although the plant is toxic to cats because of its chemical content, it is not as dangerous. Only ingesting a large amount of the plant can cause damage. Nevertheless, they pose a threat, so avoid having them around your pets. If you grow hydrangeas in your garden, ensure your cat never wanders near it and keeps a safe distance. Ingestion of the flowers and leaves can lead to vomiting, stomach pain, and weakness. Hyacinths The criteria for selecting plants for your home should be based on more than just their pretty looks. Despite being absolutely beautiful and fragrant, hyacinths remain poisonous to cats. The bulbs of their flowers are full of toxins that can lead to numerous complications if ingested. The symptoms are usually manageable if your cat has nibbled off just a tiny bit. But excessive intake, whether accidental or intentional, can be fatal. Therefore, you must get timely help if you think your cat has been munching on the hyacinth plant.

Infidelity, or even a suspicion that a partner is being unfaithful, can lead to confusion and distance in a relationship. Obvious changes in behavior can often accompany cheating. However, sometimes, infidelity may be accompanied by subtle signs. Recognizing these signs can help one initiate communication with their partner in order to address the issues in the relationship. So, here are a few surprising signs that may indicate a partner is cheating: 1. Sudden changes in routine While days can get busier at times, this may be a cause for concern if there is no valid explanation for such deviation. Unless the partner has clearly communicated the reasons (like work commitments) for the shift well in advance, a sudden change in daily routine may be a sign that they are secretly spending time with someone else. Here, they may suddenly start working late frequently or head out more often without a seemingly valid reason. 2. Becoming overprotective of the phone When engaged in an affair, phones can hold proof of infidelity. So, a sign to avoid ignoring is heightened secrecy around phone use. Here, a partner may also change the way they use the phone, leading to the following signs that may become more evident over time: – The partner is suddenly not reachable on their phone at specific times of the day. – They have changed their phone passcode and refuse to share it. – They are always texting or sneaking off to make or answer calls. – They suddenly stop using shared devices. – Their social media usage suddenly changes. – They start clearing the browser history on their phone and the home computer. 3. Becoming emotionally distant Emotional affection is a crucial aspect of any healthy relationship. If a partner suddenly starts becoming distant, it can be a sign of a problem in the relationship.

Gardening is a leisurely activity and a beloved hobby for many. But as incredible as it is, one needs to consider several factors to ensure the survival of a garden, and especially for it to thrive. If you are building a kitchen garden, it will require a different kind of dedication and a different set of rules than an aesthetic, floral garden. In either case, there are some essential tips to follow. So, let’s explore some common gardening mistakes to avoid. Neglecting soil preparation This is the most crucial step of any gardening process. The soil is the base of the garden, and it is full of nutrients that are essential for the plants to thrive on. Neglecting soil preparation can cost you your beloved garden. Before starting any activity on the patch, assess your soil’s texture, pH balance, and nutrient content. Analyze this report to understand what kind of plants this soil can support. You can add organic matter, like compost and manure, to the soil to help improve its nutrient content and any additional requirements. Also, this cannot be a one-time process; you will have to do regular soil checking to ensure that the nutrients are not depleting. Overwatering or underwatering Both of these are very common mistakes that most gardeners make, especially new ones. Watering the soil requires a delicate balance, and it is easy to misunderstand soil needs. You must study your soil and plants thoroughly to avoid this mistake. Underwatering can dehydrate the plants, causing wilting and stunted growth, and overwatering can cause suffocation, promote weed growth, and encourage diseases. You will have to check soil moisture regularly and frequently to maintain the right water needs of the soil and the plants. Overcrowding the plants If you are looking at a landscape structure, one of the most likely mistakes that are made is overcrowding the design.

Mosquitos can be pretty annoying, but more than that, they can also be harmful as they are the carriers of disease-causing germs. The insect is attracted to various scents like skin odor, scented soaps, and more. Carbon dioxide emitted by human beings, along with other typical body fragrances, can be a great pull for mosquitos. So, which are the scents that repel them? Here are eight of them that can keep mosquitos at bay: 8 natural mosquito repellents Lemon eucalyptus oil or OLE  A study conducted in 2014 proved that 32% of OLE can provide effective protection (up to 95%) from mosquitos for up to three hours. The plant-based natural oil has been in use ever since the 1940s as a mosquito repellent. This natural oil is approved by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) too. It is possible to make this repellent at home. All you need is a mixture in the ratio of 1:10 of lemon eucalyptus oil to sunflower oil. Precaution: Take care not to use the pure version or OLE essential oils. Also, it is better not to use the concoction on a three-year-old or kids aged less than this. Citronella  Citronella is probably one of the most effective natural oils to keep mosquitos at bay. The oil has a citrusy smell and is made from lemongrass plants. Most commercial-level mosquito repellents and sprays usually contain citronella as one of the ingredients. The best to apply this option is to make a mixture and not use the essential oil directly on the skin. If you do not have access to a lemongrass plant, you can use the citronella geranium, a geranium variety of flowering plants that has a similar scent to citronella oil. Garlic This is another scent that can irritate mosquitos. There are two ways to use garlic as a mosquito repellent.

As a pet parent, you probably pet-proofed your home before getting a dog or a cat. You ensure that the animals have no access to the chocolates, the antifreeze, the repellents, and even put all the hazardous toys out of their reach. But, most of us forget about plants. Read on to know how those seemingly safe and aesthetic potted plants in your home or yard can be toxic for your pet dog: 6 household plants to keep way from your dogs Sago palm The sago palm plant is a very common sight in households worldwide. Its leafy green aesthetic makes it the perfect addition to your indoor plant collection. It is also effortless to care for, making it a popular plant choice for homes. But, you may want to remove it or steer clear of it if you have a dog. This is simply because sago palm is toxic to dogs. It contains an element known as cycasin, which, if consumed, can lead to a wide range of symptoms or be fatal. If your dog has ingested this plant, you may note symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, loss of balance, and even seizures. In worse cases, consuming the sago palm plant can also lead to liver failure or death. Note that every part of this plant is toxic to dogs. Aloe vera The gel found in the aloe vera plant leaves has tons of health properties and works wonders for the skin. Not to mention, it is very low maintenance, which makes them the perfect choice for both indoor and outdoor decoration. But, what many do not know is aloe vera is toxic to dogs. The gel in the plant contains two toxic components: saponins and anthraquinones. These can prove harmful to your pet if ingested. Typical signs of aloe vera ingestion in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, and lethargy.

One can almost hear the jingling Christmas bells and see the twinkling fairy lights with Christmas not that far away. With it comes the exchange of gifts—an indispensable part of Christmas celebrations. Choosing a gift is about understanding what the receiver wants and likes and combining visual appeal with utility. To help one narrow down the best options, here are a few gifts that are often returned and, thus, should be avoided: 1. Video games Although buying a video game is a good idea for gamers, if one does not have access to the receiver’s game collection, they may end up gifting a game that the receiver already has. Moreover, if one does not have a fair idea about video games, they may end up buying the wrong game, which may not be useful for the recipient. So, it is a good idea to avoid buying a video game if one is unsure of the exact game the recipient wants. 2. Shoes Few things are more pleasant for fashionable individuals than being gifted a pair of elegant shoes. However, buying the right pair of shoes involves many considerations. First, one would have to ensure that the type and design of shoes are in accordance with the recipient’s preferences. Further, one shoe size definitely does not fit all, so shoes of the wrong size would be returned as a Christmas present. 3. Scented candles Scented candles are perhaps among the most popular Christmas gifts. But candles with an overwhelmingly strong fragrance or those with a scent the recipient does not like can make the gift stay unused. Alternatively, one can consider gifting a loved one a scent diffuser for Christmas, as they can add the fragrance of their choice to it. 4. Clothes Gifting clothes is usually risky, as one would have to consider factors like the size of the receiver, the type of clothing they like, and whether they already have similar options.

Choosing the right gift for a loved one is an act of thoughtfulness and care, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful. To help alleviate the confusion and uncertainty, here are some unique and creative gift ideas that are perfect for any occasion and are guaranteed to make your loved ones feel extraordinary. From personalized photo frames to cookbooks, these gift ideas will help you decide and show your loved one how much you care. Personalized family portrait A personalized family portrait can be a heartwarming and timeless gift for a loved one. It captures the bond of the family and becomes a cherished keepsake that can be displayed for years to come. Additionally, the picture will serve as a reminder of the happy day it was taken. To obtain a personalized family portrait, one can approach an artist through their website or social media and provide them with the picture they want to be turned into a portrait. One can choose to have the portrait as digital art or a hand-painted piece. Either way, it will add a touch of warmth and nostalgia to the receiver’s home. Indoor plants or herb garden kits Indoor plants can bring life and vibrancy to any room or space they are placed in. Their greenery promotes well-being and can be a positive companion for improving mental health. One can also gift herb garden kits, which provide the recipient an exciting opportunity to grow fresh herbs right in their homes. This way, they can enhance their dishes, and the herb garden will also enliven their home and boost its visual appeal. An experience Instead of a materialistic gift, one can also gift their loved ones an experience that excites them. This could be anything from a hot air balloon ride, a tasting tour, a skydiving experience, a concert, or a luxurious spa visit.

Arguably, the most challenging thing to do is guess what a hard-to-gift person would think about a present one is planning to give them. Will this person love a leather handbag? Or will they be reviled because it is leather? Will they like this perfume? Or will they find its overpowering scent obnoxious? Such questions are tricky. With that in mind, we listed eight thoughtful gift ideas for people who are hard to buy for: Belt bags Belt bags are among the most convenient bags for those who travel a lot. One does not have to carry these bags as they can neatly be attached to their belt. More than anything, belt bags are a highly versatile and convenient solution to pack daily essentials like smartphones, keys, wallets, hand sanitizers, writing pads, pens, and markers. They eliminate students’ need to carry a bulky backpack to store and move all their essentials. For these reasons and many more, belt bags are almost guaranteed to click with someone hard to gift. Stove bonfire If the person receiving the present is a camper or travel enthusiast, they will love the idea of a stove bonfire as a holiday gift. Unlike traditional bonfires, stove bonfires are portable and do not emit fumes. Campers need a bonfire to settle down, eat food, have fun outdoor bonding sessions, and take in its heat. People cannot carry logs and flintstones everywhere, so a portable bonfire is a brilliant gift idea for anyone. Bamboo sheet set Homeowners will appreciate the idea of receiving bamboo sheet sets as a gift. Bamboo bedsheets are ultra-soft and breathable. They are perfect for people who like their sheets thread-less and silk-like. Bamboo sheets also do not contain or trap dust particles easily, making them useful for those with particle allergies and asthma.

Accessories tend to not only enhance your attire but also make you appear vibrant. Be it a casual chic look or an utter formal attire, adding some flash and bling just infuses life into your overall appearance. However, your accessories can perform their assigned role correctly only if perfectly styled. Here are some easy techniques and tips you can apply to up your fashion game and bring the best out of your outfit: Do not pile up on accessories at a time Most people commit the mistake of donning all the available accessories at once with an outfit. It must be noted that as far as accessories are concerned, less is always more. The purpose of using accessories is to highlight your outfit. However, if you adorn your outfit with several accessories like a watch, scarf, jewelry, sunglasses, hat, etc., all at once, none of them will stand out, making your outfit look cluttered and even awful. Highlight neutral clothes with bold accessories While neutral-colored clothes can look dull and understated, they are also the most perfect ones to be used as a field for experiments. If your wardrobe is filled with neutral colors like olive, navy, beige, white, or black, now is the time to boost them by pairing them up with some bold-colored accessories. Here are a few methods to do that: Pair a navy or black dress with a thin hot pink or red belt. Highlight your dull olive or khaki clothes using a flashy yellow or orange scarf. Add some hue to your colorless white blouse by pairing it with big drop earrings or a multicolored statement necklace. Don’t be too matchy While it could be tempting to pair up the blue polka dots of your dress with some matching blue shoes, a blue necklace, and blue earrings, it would make the outfit too predictable, boring, and even childish.