Gift cards can replace cash, and many businesses offer gift cards to customers as a way to shop for goods and services. Corporate gift cards, holiday cards, and even cash-back cards are offered for redemption online or at the store. But redeeming them may not always be easy, and if done incorrectly, one can miss out on significant savings and incentives. Here are five shopping blunders to avoid when using gift cards: Not treating gift cards like cash It is advisable to treat gift cards like cash and keep them where they are easily accessible and visible, like in the wallet. Additionally, holding off using them is a common gift card mistake, as one can easily forget or misplace the card So, treat it like cash to ensure that it is put to the best use whenever necessary. Forgetting to cash out Many retailers allow people to cash out a small balance left on the gift card after making a purchase. Retailers in some states are even required by law to pay the remaining amount. In certain states, the threshold for the payout is as low as $1. This option of immediate cashback is usually valid at physical stores. Here, one can even combine gift card balances and ask for store credit.

A healthy heart is a necessity for a healthy life. Whether you have already made some changes or are thinking about it, we are here to share information that can help. Coronary heart diseases are a common affliction these days. One of the significant contributors to heart disease is the food we eat. Therefore, it is essential to change our food preferences and switch to foods that are healthy for the heart without compromising on their taste. Avocado The green fleshy fruit is a perfect addition to eggs or on its own as guacamole. It is an amazing food to add to the grocery list considering its benefits for the heart. The fruit is a natural source of healthy fat and is sodium-free, transfat-free, and cholesterol-free. Almost 75% of the fat in avocados is unsaturated, taking it to the top of the list of heart-healthy foods. It also has plenty of fiber, reducing the risk of heart disease. Dark chocolate Yes, chocolate is lovely to eat when adding foods to the menu that are good for the heart. Dark chocolate specifically has higher protein and fiber content. Plus, the higher cocoa content lowers the amount of sugar in it. Choose a dark chocolate concentration that is palatable to you.

Embarking on a new journey and checking into a hotel can be an exhilarating experience filled with anticipation and excitement. However, amidst the eagerness, one must approach the hotel check-in process cautiously. Avoiding common mistakes during check-in can save you from unnecessary stress and ensure a seamless start to your stay. Knowing these mistakes will make you well-prepared to breeze through the check-in process and enjoy a delightful hotel stay. Lack of research One of the most significant mistakes travelers make is not conducting the proper research before booking a hotel. Failing to research the hotel’s location, amenities, and guest reviews can lead to unpleasant surprises upon arrival. By taking the time to read reviews, explore the hotel’s website, and consider factors like proximity to key attractions and transportation facilities, you can make an informed decision and avoid any potential disappointments. Ignoring check-in time Hotels have specific check-in times for a reason, usually in the afternoon or early evening. Arriving very earlier than the designated check-in time serves no benefit, as your room may not be ready. Furthermore, arriving late without notifying the hotel staff of your late arrival could lead to your room being released. Therefore, be mindful of the check-in time and communicate any necessary changes to the hotel staff to avoid inconveniences.

In today’s world, the need for awareness about respiratory virus hotspots is greater than ever. Understanding the environments that serve as breeding grounds for these infections is crucial for safeguarding public health. From bustling transportation hubs to seemingly innocuous daily spaces, each location presents a unique set of challenges. Due to the constantly changing weather and other factors leading to increasing respiratory issues, here are several places that can be hotspots for respiratory viruses. Public transportation hubs Public transportation hubs are bustling centers where people from various walks of life converge. The proximity of individuals in buses and trains and inadequate ventilation create an ideal setting for respiratory viruses. To reduce the risk of transmission, commuters should wear masks, use hand sanitizers, and maintain a safe distance. Airports With their constant influx of travelers, airports are potential breeding grounds for respiratory viruses. The confined space of airplane cabins and shared facilities increases the risk of transmission. Travelers are advised to use personal protective equipment, practice frequent hand hygiene, and maintain physical distance to mitigate the risk. Shopping malls The vibrant atmosphere of shopping malls, especially during peak hours, facilitates the rapid spread of respiratory viruses. Shoppers can reduce risk by limiting time spent in crowded areas, maintaining distance from others, and diligently sanitizing their hands after touching surfaces.

Replacing old tires is a key step toward ensuring a hassle-free driving experience. Tires improve the vehicle’s traction, performance, and safety. However, worn, under-inflated, or unsuitable tires can become a major safety hazard on the road. Further, hasty and incorrect decisions when choosing new tires can endanger lives as well as property. So, here are six of the most common mistakes one can make while buying tires and how to avoid them: 1. Ignoring personal driving style The type of tire one needs is determined by their driving style. Some tires may be able to go faster than others, while others may be able to handle a high load capacity. One must always consider their vehicle’s needs and driving style while buying new tires. 2. Not understanding tire basics Not all tires are made the same. Tires have around 19 to 25 basic components, including the inner lining, belts, beads, and rubber. These components work together to stabilize the tire while driving. The material (rubber) of the tire may also determine its suitability for certain environments. For instance, tougher, rigid tires may last longer in hot weather, whereas softer rubber may offer better traction in cold temperatures. One must spend some time learning these basics to choose the right tire.

In recent years, buy now, pay later (BNPL) apps have become increasingly popular. These apps are convenient for users because they allow them to divide their purchases into equal, small payments. At times, with no interest and late fees. Users can find small and long-term financing options for various purchases. Some apps also feature loyalty programs that can be coupled with rewards, in-app purchases, and discounts to help save on purchases. Here are 5 apps one can check out: Affirm Available on both Apple and Android, Affirm is one of the most reliable BNPL apps for phones. Users can access various financing options covering a wide range of purchases. The app offers simple payment options for both small as well as big purchases. When buying via Affirm, users also get an idea about their monthly payable amount against the purchase. With its allowance for high-ticket items, Affirm is equivalent to loans that can be repaid within a set period. The platform integrates with numerous e-commerce platforms and usually has a no-late fee clause. PayPal PayPal is a popular payment gateway available globally. It has recently entered the short-term repayments market. The Pay in 4 by PayPal is a service available to the citizens of the country that distributes their purchases into 4 equal repayment amounts.

Black Friday shopping can be an exhilarating experience. You are doing your best to tick off all the items on your shopping list, fighting the growing crowd, resisting the flow, and carving your path. Sounds very heroic, but being a hero can come at a steep price. To avoid paying the price with your time and rest, it is important to have a plan. Here is a Black Friday shopping guide: Go local One of the most significant benefits of skipping big names is cutting big lines. Instead, when you decide to support the local businesses, you also are helping the community survive and thrive. You stand a chance to get better service than in crowded stores with Black Friday shoppers. Online is winning There’s a possibility of saving a few extra dollars with an in-shop purchase instead of buying things online. However, it is not always the case. Plus, why bother if the price difference isn’t even that huge, and you will have to spend most of your day on that one deal? Wouldn’t you instead get some rest on your day off? Keep the list small Before you let yourself loose in the store or on the websites, remember that the excellent deals on Black Friday are only on a few products.

Your garden is the entryway to your home. Not only can they give you fresh fruits, flowers, and vegetables for your home, but they also beautify the space. A clutter-free, colorful garden can help relieve stress and become a quiet place for reflection. No matter the size of the yard, it’s only natural to want to beautify the space and get the most out of it. Here are 5 tips to decorate your garden: Add flowering plants Flowering plants can add a lot of color to your garden. They break up the green patches and give the garden focal points. They also attract pollinators like butterflies and bees to naturally pollinate your yard. Consider planting flowering plants in your garden and assorting them by color to give your yard a well-organized look. Add yellows and oranges with plants like orange marigolds, yellow capsicums, calendula, cosmos, and nasturtiums, purple with beetroot, lavender, violet, purple basil, rainbow chard, and petunia, and blue, white, and gray with sage, alyssum, cabbages, cauliflowers, leeks, and other plants. Make your yard look larger To make a small yard appear bigger, use horizontal layers of different heights to add the illusion of depth. For example, planting low shrubs before a slightly higher fence and taller shrubs near the house can add dimension to your garden and make it look much bigger.