Given the hardships so many of us have experienced this year, the idea of giving thanks can be a tough pill to swallow. The fact that many families will spend this Thanksgiving separated from their loved ones further underscores this. However, in difficult times like these, it’s all the more important for us to identify the good in our lives and express our gratitude. While 2020 is certainly not a year of abundance, we nonetheless have plenty to be thankful for, even if it’s not immediately obvious. In the spirit of such persevering gratitude, we’re resharing this post from last Thanksgiving. We wish you all a safe and happy holiday. Read more

Let’s face it—this Thanksgiving is going to be really different for most of us. My family started talking about how we might safely get together for the holiday back in October. All options were discussed, ranging from everyone doing their own “thing” to having a socially distanced barbecue outside. We also thought people could stagger their visits and stay outdoors (there are only nine of us) with some overlap. We all agreed on the main thing: it’s a pandemic Thanksgiving, so everyone has to be flexible. The final plan isn’t finalized and it will most assuredly evolve until we get closer to the holiday. Read more

With the holidays approaching quickly, most people are scrambling to get their shopping done. Unfortunately, buying gifts isn’t as simple as it sounds—after all, you have to figure out what to buy, which can be a challenge depending on who you’re buying for. If you’re feeling stumped on what to get your spouse, relative or close friend, here are 10 unique ideas to consider: Read more

The holidays are an interesting time of year for commerce. While industries like retail and travel typically see a spike in sales, others experience a considerable slowdown. For savvy consumers, the latter of these two extremes presents a unique opportunity to save money and get a jump on the coming year. Here are five ways you can take advantage of the holiday slowdown: Read more

Everyone knows the best part of Halloween (other than the candy) is dressing up in costume. Most of us have at least one Halloween costume that stands out in our memory, whether it made us feel proud, slightly awkward or downright embarrassed. Whatever the case, these memories can make for amusing and even heartfelt stories later in life. Below, we’ll hear from members of the Diamond Certified Resource team as they reminisce about their most memorable Halloween costumes. Read more

If you’re planning to travel and stay with family or friends during the holidays, it’s important to take proactive steps to safeguard your home in your absence. Consider the following tips: Read more

During the month of November and the Thanksgiving season, most of us are more focused than usual on the gift of gratitude. But given the positive impact of gratitude on others, perhaps we should think about ways to express our gratitude throughout the year.

I started reflecting on that the other day after listening to my voicemail. A local framing store manager called to let me know that my two paintings were ready to be picked up. Then, he added something extra—he said he sincerely appreciated my continued business, which meant a lot to him. Read more