Nov. 13 is World Kindness Day: 5 Ways to Celebrate

A pair of wise men from the 1980s once said: "Be excellent to each other." That is the heart of World Kindness Day, celebrated every November 13.

The folks at National Today — the internet's #1 authority on holidays — have their finger on the pulse of all the reasons to celebrate throughout the year. And, on World Kindness Day, they're encouraging everyone to adhere to the idea that kindness makes the world a better place. One random act of kindness can grow exponentially and ignite a movement.

This year, National Today is suggesting a few ways that everyone can be kind to each other (hopefully not just on November 13, but hey, it's a start). Some are easy, some are harder. But remember, kindness is made up of layers, and each one counts.

1. LISTEN WITHOUT DISTRACTIONS
Sometimes, the easiest way to be kind is to simply be present for someone who could use a little help. Maybe they need to talk it out, cry it out, hug it out, or yell it out. Whatever it is, listen (don't just hear).

2. DO A RANDOM GOOD DEED
So many people go through their day on autopilot that we overlook opportunities to inject a little humanity into another person's day. Keep an eye out for those struggling around you and give them a hand when they need it without expecting anything in return. It pays forward, trust us.

3. PAY FOR THE PERSON BEHIND YOU IN LINE
This one's a little specific but everyone likes a little kindness especially when they least expect it. Who knows, maybe the man in line behind you at the grocery was about to spend his last $5. 

4. BE KIND TO YOURSELF TOO
Wait, hear us out. Self-care is an important part of kindness. It's much harder to be good to others if you refuse to be good to yourself. This doesn't mean be greedy but it does mean keeping your own emotional battery full to make you more able to help others. 

5. ASSUME THE BEST IN PEOPLE
Too often we make judgments based on little or no information that can make others feel marginalized, belittled, or downright abused. If we assume the best in people it gives them the chance to show it. It's not foolproof (sometimes people just aren't excellent to one another) but its a start. 

These are just a few of the literally millions of small and large ways to be kind to other people. If you'd like to learn more about World Kindness Day check out National Today.

In the meantime, here's a quote from an actual wise man: "How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time." — Morgan Freeman (aka god). 

The Best Funny Christmas Movies (Not Hallmark Movies, Blah!)

I am an absolute Christmas nut! I love everything about Christmas, the lights, decorations, baking, giving gifts, just everything! I start watching my favourite Christmas shows November 1st and that is also when I decorate and put my tree up, I celebrate Christmas for two whole mo this not just December and I don’t care what anyone says! When I think of Christmas movies I do not think about Hallmark romance garbage, yuck. I love movies that make me laugh and give you that heart warming feeling we all love around the holidays. Here is my list of favourites you have got to see this year! 

Why Him

 

While his lover's parents are visiting him at his mansion, Laird asks her father, Ned, for his assent to marry her. Disgusted by his behaviour and display of wealth, Ned tries to stop him.

Bad Moms Christmas

Under-appreciated and overburdened moms Amy, Kiki and Carla rebel against the challenges and expectations of the Super Bowl for moms: Christmas. As if creating the perfect holiday for their families isn't hard enough, they'll have to do it while hosting and entertaining their own respective mothers when they come to visit.

Four Christmases

Lovers Brad and Kate plan to go on a vacation to Fiji to spend the holidays. However, when their vacation plan is foiled, they are forced to visit all four of their divorced parents for Christmas.

The Night Before

For the last 10 years, lifelong buddies Ethan (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Isaac (Seth Rogen) and Chris (Anthony Mackie) have gathered on Christmas Eve to celebrate the holidays with a bang. As Isaac prepares to become a first-time father, the friends realize that their annual tradition is coming to a sad end. To make it as memorable as possible, they plan a night of debauchery and hilarity by searching for the Nutcracka Ball, the Holy Grail of Christmas parties in New York.

Daddy’s Home 2 

Co-dads Dusty and Brad intend on providing their children with the perfect Christmas. However, their plans get ruined when both their fathers decide to visit them for Christmas.

Office Christmas Party

An office Christmas celebration gets out of control after Clay, the branch manager, throws a party to impress a client and retain his branch and employees from his sister.

5 Kinds of People Most Likely to Get the Holiday Blues and How to Help

With the holidays upon us it’s easy for us to get caught up in the rush of it all. While we may be cooking, shopping, enjoying holiday events there are others, many of whom are in our very own circles, having a tougher time. Dr. Sanam Hafeez reveals who are most likely to have the holiday blues and how we can help them make it through.

1. The newly divorced or widowed.

Loss is a sad, life-changing event at any time of the year.  However, it tends to be harder when everyone around you is joyful celebrating the holiday’s and you feel it’s an effort to get out of bed.  If someone in your circles is going through a major loss and life transition be supportive and understanding. “They are grieving and mourning and are especially sensitive around the holidays. It’s important that they feel included but don’t be offended if they choose to opt-out of certain events,” advises Dr. Hafeez. She suggests checking in and offering them the option to participate in whatever they want, when they want. Love them through it.

2. The busy entrepreneur.

The holidays could be stressful for small business owners because so much rides on the end of year. They may be fretting over their profits (or lack thereof), the goals they didn’t reach, and the many things still to do. They feel overwhelmed and when they are expected to shop, entertain and be present for their families, they may be short tempered and anxious. “The best way to help the busy entrepreneur is to make their life easier in any way possible. If they can’t make it to a family dinner, tell them your door is open for dessert. Oftentimes they feel guilty and obligated which only adds to their frustration,” explains Dr. Hafeez. Also consider that these worker-bees are conflicted. When they are working they miss their families and when they are with family they are thinking of work.

3. The caretaker of an elder parent or relative.

Adults who are now caretakers to their elderly parents are incredibly overwhelmed and often overlooked. As a caretaker, they always have to consider the well-being of their parent. They can’t just get up and go,” explains Dr. Hafeez.  Caretakers may feel resentful, isolated and stuck during the holidays which leads to conflicted feelings of resentment and guilt. They also believe they have to be hands on managing everything. It’s important to lighten the caretakers load by offering support even if it means asking them how they are doing. Be patient and ask the caretaker what they need. It could be something as simple as having food delivered to their home to free up time for other tasks, Dr. Hafeez recommends.

4. The recovering substance abuser.

Recovering from addiction is hard.  Period.  But it’s harder when holiday festivities are filled with friends and family drinking everything from eggnog to champagne.  “Understand that those in recovery from substance abuse are hyper-sensitive about being judged. They feel as if all eyes are on them and that pressure may trigger the desire to use drugs or alcohol to soothe their anxiety. When they aren’t fully recovered, they may anticipate possible “landmines” and avoid them. They may choose to stay to themselves and observe more and participate less. They might opt out of larger family gatherings that are too overwhelming,” cautions Dr. Hafeez. Offer an open invitation and remind them they are welcomed when they are ready. A balance of love, support and acceptance is what they are in most need of, suggests Dr. Hafeez.

5. The children of divorce.

Divorce means two separate holidays at two different places and kids feel overwhelmed having to double up. It’s incredibly important for parents to agree on where the kids are going during the holidays and all logistical details. “Kids want to feel safe and secure. They don’t want to feel as if they are the expected to be rushed here and there because their parents chose to divorce,” says Dr. Hafeez. It could be unsettling to younger kids and teens may isolate and rebel against any family events as they are sorting out their own emotions as they get used to a new normal. You really want to establish a game plan for the holidays and if possible, stick to it every year, advises Dr. Hafeez.

About the Doctor:

Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD, a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens. 

She can certainly provide answers to specific questions regarding the connection between grief and anxiety. Feel free to send them to me. 

Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz.

Connect with her via twitter @comprehendMind or www.comprehendthemind.com

Drug Addiction Is Not A Disease, Sorry Not Sorry!

This has become such a conflict between people these days and it literally drives me insane to hear people describe addiction as a disease. Take a moment of your time and think about diseases that have affected loved ones around you, cancer, heart disease, measles, chickenpox, STD's and so many others that the list could go on forever. Diseases come from all kinds of different sources like bacteria, infections, viruses, genetics and more and are unexpected and uninvited. Nobody intentionally chooses to get cancer, have a heart attack, or contract an STD. Drug users choose to smoke their drugs, shoot their drugs, or eat their drugs, they are not just randomly appearing in their bodies to attack and kill them, IT IS A CHOICE.

Recently drug addiction has been labelled a disease and there are some serious issues with that. Due to the changes that the brain makes due to using drugs, repeated use and abuse affects their self-control. The brain creates intense impulses to take drugs repeatedly which has somehow now become a disease? Drug users love the feeling they get when they use drugs much like people enjoy the feeling of eating or sex but neither one of these is labelled a disease. Being addicted to something is a personal choice and requires self-control and moderation which leads me to believe whoever is backing up the "addiction is a disease" theory is full of crap.

We have all lost loved ones due to addiction and yes it does suck, but every one of those people chose to do drugs. When you find out your mother is dying from cancer it is heartbreaking and you know very well she did not choose to get cancer. Cancer is a disease that hurts millions of people around the world and continues to do so if they could choose not to have cancer they would. Sadly a heroin addict knows they are dying every time they inject themselves but they love that feeling so much they will do it anyways. Many addicts hate their lives and are trying to escape the only way they know how, drugs can make everything seem better even when you are homeless, broke, alone, and hurt. They are choosing to do drugs to make the bad things go away, they are not forced into it or suddenly fall ill.

Smoking falls into this category as well apparently because nicotine is a drug and those who smoke are addicted. So every time you see a person smoking is your first thought that they have a disease? No they are addicted to smoking and choose to do so, yes it is hard to stop, yes it requires help sometimes but no it is not a disease.

If we begin to classify addiction as a disease we should start telling everyone that is overweight due to eating they are diseased, cigarette smokers are diseased, sex addicts are diseased, and they should all fall into the same category as those undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Cancer patients pay thousands of dollars for their treatments whereas drug addicts can rape the welfare system, get their methadone paid for, have expensive dental work paid in full by the government and many more shady things that make absolutely no sense. Justin Trudeau and other politicians need to take a look at the system and rethink what is classified as a disease and gets funding and treatment paid for by our government.

Take for example the fantastic show Breaking Bad. Walter would not have gotten involved in the drug manufacturing business if his cancer treatments were paid for. Addicts funded his crime with their addiction to drugs and complete lack of self-control and turned him into a greedy monster. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it government.

Recently in our town, they have opened a housing building for addicts where people are leaving needles in their mailboxes, in their fences, threatening to kill those who live around them and their families in their sleep and burn their house down because they are asking them to stay off of their property and out of their yards. Supporting criminal addicts in the way we do makes absolutely no sense to me. Crime rates are rising, people are getting frustrated and scared but we are going about dealing with it the wrong way.  What do you think about the label of addiction? Are they right about it being a disease or do we choose what we put in our bodies?

I have fought addiction when I was younger and I beat it multiple times. I have had many ups and downs with drugs since I was 11 years old and I made the decision to quit all on my own. I have never been to rehab, I have never taken medication to help me quit, and yes it was hard and I went through hell to do it. I made the choice to prioritize and take back my life. Here are a few tips I used to help kick your addiction:

• Talk to someone for support 
• Find healthy alternatives like diet and exercise
• Move away from triggers
• Visit a doctor 
• Talk to a psychiatrist to determine underlying causes for your pain
• Look into rehab if you cannot do it on your own
• Know that you will not die even through the toughest withdrawals, it only gets better

Yes, I am brutally honest and quite controversial but its who I am and what I believe, prove me wrong. Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for more!

Trending Mermaid Shares Her Fall Look

South Florida’s in for an eye pleasing feel-good view of a beautiful mermaid that spreads a message of hope for our environment as just signed with  Madden Talent Agency.

America’s Florida native Emily Guglielmo is an enigma by traditional model search standards, but that’s what makes her such an essential part of the evolution of the social movement.  Indeed, the playful and effervescent style of Guglielmo is hard to miss.  Her surname sounds like an insider’s code word for a secret party in Rome, or a deliciously decadent pasta dish.  Born in Tampa and now based in Orlando, Florida, she continues to blur the lines between style, art and persona.  For Emily, personal style is based on true expression rather than a socially- mandated way of being.

“I envision Emily to be at a stadium at a major sporting event, where children and families are greeted while she sparks imagination of what it’s like under the water,” said President of Madden Talent, Richard Storch.“What’s so perfect about this is that there’s no one that wouldn’t look at Emily swimming and have a smile on their face, which is what we want to convey and share with patrons,” added Storch.

Emily is used to drawing appreciative glances everywhere she goes, from her local health food store to her favorite raw bar.  It’s something that she’s used to, considering her modeling shoots and adventures as a professional mermaid.  That’s right, gents, meet the living, breathing mermaid of your waking dreams. Emily is known globally as The American Mermaid 

“Back in the day, my father had his video camera out all the time, capturing my childhood, so I naturally felt comfortable playing to the camera.” She recalls.  Though Emily admits she is late to the social media landscape, she’s proud of what she’s achieved in the mere year she’s been on Instagram.  With nearly 100,000 followers, we’re impressed by her unique brand of hustle and ability to make up for lost time.  “I love interacting with my followers,” she muses playfully.  “They get genuinely excited about what’s on the horizon for me and share my passion for water related causes.”

Her involvement with Miss Jetset has inspired her to amplify her philanthropic message. She reflects, “ Being a philanthropist and founder of my own non-profit, I love when companies support organizations to better the world in moving forward.”

The petite powerhouse founded her own non-profit in 2018, Supportingwater.org, inhopes of making a difference globally.  Guglielmo is known as The American Mermaid and informs audiences about her mission through aquatic appearances, interviews and partnering up with other like-minded foundations all over the world.

“Supportingwater.org is a not-for-profit organization that brings new, innovative ways for developing nations to have drinking water with L630 Miniwell Portable Straws,”she explains further.  ”It’s a fast, lifesaving solution that can be used with any puddle or stream to filter it into proper drinking water.”

As Emily dips her delectable toes into a variety of incredible endeavors, including a new mermaid-inspired cosmetics line, she is certainly poised to make a formidable mark.  Emily Alexandra Cosmetics is a brand that represents class along with health conscious components. 

Emily Alexandra Cosmetics ~

• Vegan
• Cruelty-free
• Water-Resistant 
• Sweat-Resistant 
• Hypoallergenic 
• Ocean-friendly

It’s easy to see why spectators are going wild for this savvy, compassionate, clever beauty and her makeup line.  Guglielmo’s passion for body diversity and universal beauty is one of they many reasons she is making a mark globally.  She is one quarter each of Italian, Puerto Rican, English and Polish, making for one stunning cocktail of beauty.  Intoxicating pairings of her feminine figure with aquatic elements created sublime images that keep her customers in thrall on Instagram. Emily emerged as a personification of her art by literally living her dream.

@EmilyAlexandraCosmetics     #GoOnGetYourShineOn

@EmilyGuglielmo      @SupportingWater   @TheAmericanMermaid_

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxVRYz2P_1w&feature=youtu.be 

Madden Talent Agency is a full-service, talent agency serving clients worldwide since 2003. President, Richard Storch has been running the agency since 2019, his contact email is Info@MaddenTalent.com.  Madden Talent, has clients in many fields such as modelling, acting, business, music, etc. They have booked talent for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, the Palm Beach International Film Festival, Vitalizer, and many more. Look at what Madden Talent has to offer on their website https://maddentalent.com/.  

Madden Talent logo design by Danielle Carchman

One Pot Cheesy Rice Skillet

I am a huge fan of one pot meals that are delicious and filling for the whole family! They are super easy to make and are very cost efficient for those on a budget. I am always looking for ways to save in the kitchen and with growing kids always eating this meal is a life saver! 

Easy One Pot Skillet

• One yellow onion
• Two cloves of garlic
• 4 mild Italian sausage links 
• 1 can black beans 
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 1/2 cups salsa
• 2 cups long grain rice
• 2 cups grated cheese

1. Start by sautéing the yellow onion in a large pot with a bit of olive oil. Cook the onion until it is translucent and then add two cloves of garlic. 

2. Once the onions and garlic are mostly cooked squeeze the sausage out of its casings and add the mild Italian sausage to the pot and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease. 

3. Drain and rinse then add the beans and salsa and stir until well combined. Add the rice and chicken stock. Let the contents come to a boil and then turn the heat down to low and let simmer for 30 minutes covered.

4. After 30 mins the rice should be cooked and all liquid absorbed. Fluff it with a fork and then sprinkle with cheese. Put the lid on with the heat off until the cheese melts and then serve! 

Enjoy! This recipe freezes very well to so you can stock your freezer with goodness for those busy days that never end! 

Love Makes the World Go Round: 9 Romantic Things You Can Do to Celebrate Your Relationship Anniversary

Anniversaries are special and when a loved one remembers the day it presents an exceptional opportunity to celebrate the couple's love. Planning out the anniversary makes the day or evening go more smoothly. Lovers who want to plan out the perfect day review the 9 romantic things you can do to celebrate your relationship anniversary.

1. Recreate Your First Date

Recreating your first date is a fun opportunity to remember how the relationship started. Book reservations for the same restaurant and follow the same plans. Showing that you remember the fine details makes your significant other feel appreciated and loved.

2. Create a Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is a wonderful way to present gifts to your significant other on your anniversary. Each clue could lead to a new trinket and an opportunity to give a loved one something new for their anniversary. At the end of the hunt, the primary prize leads the loved one to a larger gift or special plan. Reviewing personalised gifts for her offers incredible choices for making the anniversary more memorable and exciting.

3. Couple's Spa Day

A couple's spa day helps the couple get a full day of relaxation. Spas offer a variety of treatments, including massages and skin treatments. Spending the day relaxing in a stress-free environment helps couples bond and make great memories in their relationship. Booking the spa day ahead of time ensures a couple of guaranteed reservations.

4. Exotic Weekend Getaway

An exotic weekend getaway is another brilliant way to spend a couple's anniversary. Travel agents throughout the world provide affordable packages for a weekend getaway. Reviewing the packages helps the couple find a better experience and save on their travels. Planning the trip according to a loved one's preferences makes it even more special.

5. Create a Day of Culture

Couples who love culture get a better experience by planning out their day or evening. A cultural trip begins with a visit to museums that provide details about the culture. Art and history museums are a great choice for experiencing other cultures. Local events related to a specific culture could also present an intriguing choice for an anniversary outing. Reviewing local opportunities helps the individual plan out the cultural trip and impress their loved one.

6. Attend Concert by the Artist Who Sings Your Song

Attending a concert is a fun and invigorating option for couples. Most couples have a love song for each other. A great idea would be to get tickets to a show for the artist that sings the couple's song. When choosing a love song for a significant other, an individual often chooses from the music they already love and enjoy.

7. Schedule a Month-Long Excursion

A month-long excursion is a wonderful way of sharing in the memories of a beautiful relationship. Couples book a month-long vacation during the month of their anniversary. The opportunity to great for breathing new life into the relationship.

8. Plan a Road trip

Planning a road trip is an extraordinary way to enjoy more experiences as a couple. Choosing a destination helps the couple plan out their road trip and each stop along the way. It is a great way to find new dining and entertainment options that become the couple's favorites.

9. Go to a Class Together

Taking a class together gives the couple a chance to bond and learn something new. Terrific options are painting, language arts, and cooking classes. Local classes make it easier to plan out the opportunity.

Anniversaries are a more individualized opportunity to share the love and celebrate the relationship or marriage. Several terrific opportunities are available to couples who want to celebrate theri lobe. Planning out the perfect day or evening makes a girlfriend or boyfriend fall in love all over again.

 

Seasnax Make A Plant Based Lifestyle Easy And Delicious

With plant-based a lifestyle becoming more and more popular it makes sense to add delicious seaweed snacks to your diet! Your family will go nuts for these amazing products and they are much healthier than their high fat competition. 

 SeaSnax-a-Dillas

(serves 1-2)
 

Ingredients: 

1 pack SeaSnax large sheets, Toasty Onion or Classic (4 sheets needed)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar style cheese, or dairy free “cheese” of choice, divided

1 cup diced bell peppers, multicolored

1/8 cup yellow onion, small diced

1/2 small avocado, pitted, sliced

1/2 cup pico de gallo, or salsa

1/2 jalapeno, small diced, seeds removed

Fresh cilantro and chopped scallions for decor, optional 

 

Method: 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

On a baking sheet, place two large sheets of Onion SeaSnax, side by side (but not touching).

Sprinkle each sheet with a light layer of cheese of choice and then place another layer of SeaSnax over the cheese. Sprinkle each new “layer” (SeaSnax sheet) with another light layer of cheese again. Set to the side. 

At the stove, lightly spray a hot skillet with cooking spray and add diced onion to the hot pan. Over high heat, quickly saute onion for 1 minute, or until lightly browning, and then add diced peppers. Reduce heat to medium low, continuing to saute for an additional 2 minutes then cover. Remove from heat. Use a spatula to carefully scoop sauteed peppers and onion onto each large sheet of SeaSnax, as evenly as possible, staying away from the edges. 

Sprinkle with any remaining cheese, and then place in the oven for three minutes. Carefully remove from oven. Using an oven mitt to steady baking sheet, use a sharp knife, or pizza cutter to make a horizontal line through your cheesy SeaSnax stack. Using your free hand, fold the sheet over the crease, so that the peppers and cheese are no longer visible, creating a stack. Take the knife again to cut each SeaSnax-a-Dilla into 2 large squares. Plate one small stack on top of the other, creating two stacks of two and top with fresh avocado, pico de gallo, cilantro, scallion and jalapeno when ready to serve.

Serve it up with a fork and knife. 

Visit Seasnax on Facebook for more amazing recipes! 

How To Grow Organically On Pinterest The Right Way

I have been blogging for 7 years now and I have learned so much it’s crazy! I absolutely love to write and share with people how they can improve their lives and live happier! As I have grown I have learned many ways of using social media to grow leaps and bounds and reach a broader audience. You do not need to be a part of Tailwind to grow consistently and I have proven this myself. 

Pinterest is one of the best platforms for growth and gaining new followers daily. The best way to grow organically on Pinterest is not nearly as much work as you think and anyone can do it if they follow these simple steps:

Maintain categories that suit your niche and interests. People can tell when you are truly passionate about something and when you are just adding it to follow trends. Passion leads to great content which brings in a vast audience and more followers.

Post new pins daily from your site even if it is just a couple. Keeping up with your account and creating new content is crucial in keeping up with the flow of Pinterest users. Pinning happens constantly throughout the day so fresh pins keep you exciting and interesting.

Pin from others daily as well to establish growth in other places. Getting your name across Pinterest to millions of users requires pinning from others as well as your own site. 

Follow new accounts once in a while but not constantly. Only follow those you truly care about and do not try to follow and unfollow to gain more followers for yourself. This doesn’t help you grow and is an improper use of Pinterest. 

You do not need to spend all day on Pinterest to grow and keep growing, I work full time all day and complete my writing and pinning in the evening and can still maintain steady growth. Don’t ever think you don’t have time to grow and learn, if you have goals in mind push yourself to get it done. You only live once and dreams are only acquired through hard work and dedication!

Follow these simple steps to grow your account gradually over the next year. It takes time to grow the right way but this is the best possible growth formula I have used and makes you an important part of the Pinterest community! Be sure to follow me on Pinterest to learn more and become a better blogger, writer, entrepreneur and more! 

Hosting Friendsgiving on a budget

To many, Thanksgiving signals a day to eat yourself silly while gathered with loved ones. The season is most closely associated with being grateful for the many good things in your life, turkey, and of course, being with your family. However, family doesn’t always have to be blood-related—in many cases, people choose to celebrate “Friendsgiving” with their chosen family instead. 

No matter if you celebrate the traditional Thanksgiving or the newer Friendsgiving, you want to throw an unforgettable holiday celebration. Everyone knows it’s not a party without decor—however, many of the holiday decorations gracing the shelves of your local stores are a little pricey, especially considering you can only use them for a couple of weeks at a time each year. So the question remains—how do you celebrate Friendsgiving without blowing your whole budget on decor, making sure you have enough money to buy the traditional turkey?

Luckily, printable decorations are an extremely viable option for any budget. It is free, reusable (or recyclable!) and easy to store for next year. The team at Mint.com put together some printable decorations to level up your Friendsgiving feast to the next level and ensure your guests (friends and family alike) have an unforgettable, festive feast.

The first step for hosting an amazing Friendsgiving is setting your table up. Elevate your tablescape up and impress your friends with personalized place cards that are reminiscent of the fanciest Thanksgiving held at your relative’s house. If your feast is more casual, use the cards to label the dishes you’ll be serving—or have your friends fill them out if it’s a potluck. The more creatively you decorate your card, the better!

Speaking of decorating, give your home a festive (but still inexpensive!) vibe with printable posters that will set the vibe for a truly thankful feast. Tape them up on the wall or frame them for a dining table centerpiece—no matter what you do, these prints will remind all of your guests of the many things that they have to be thankful for.

It doesn’t matter how well you plan your menu, you are bound to end up with leftovers—it’s basically a rule of Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving alike. As the host, the last thing you want to do is end up with a gallon of mashed potatoes to finish on your own, so share the wealth with your guests! Make dinner cleanup a breeze with printable leftover labels you can use to distribute the leftovers among your guests. Use these with reusable takeout containers (or ask guests to bring their own!) and dinner will be put away before you know it. Not only are you feeding your friends for the foreseeable future, but you’re taking the mystery out of what they brought home—and what more could a friend ask for? 

Once the decorating is done, remember to take a second to be thankful for the many things you have in your life. This season only comes around once a year, so make the most of it and celebrate your loved ones—and don’t forget the cranberry sauce! 

Photos:

Place Cards:

Posters:

Leftover Labels: