Take the Stress Out of Holiday Shopping

12/9/2016 (Permalink)

The holiday shopping season is in full force with shoppers racing to get the best deals of the season. For many of us, the holiday shopping season is a time of stress and anxiety. How can I possibly stay within my budget and wow everyone with gifts on Christmas morning? Realsimple.com has provided a list of shopping survival tricks to help anxious shoppers get through the holiday season.

• Make a List: Yes, make a list and check it twice! Write down everyone you plan to buy for, including those that you will want to give holiday tips (mail carrier, hair stylist, etc.) Include gift ideas and the maximum amount you are willing to spend. This will help with managing your budget.
• Start Early: Don’t wait until after Thanksgiving to begin your shopping. Keep an open “Christmas gift buying mind” all year long. You just might happen upon the perfect Christmas gift for dad in July!
• Research Online: Research brands or models for particular items online before buying. Read online reviews and feedback for just about anything you are considering. Check price comparison sites to find the best deals available on items you wish to purchase.
• Brave the Black Friday Crowds: The day after Thanksgiving is truly a day for good shopping deals. If you are willing to fight the crowds, you may save some money on Black Friday.
• Take Advantage of Cyber Monday: Cyber Monday is the Monday after Black Friday and is the biggest online shopping day of the season. Most retailers participate by offering discounts on this day so if you have online shopping to do, be sure to check out Cyber Monday.
• Get No Cost Holiday Shipping: Look for Free Shipping deals whenever possible when shopping online for holiday gifts.

This season take the stress out of your holiday shopping. Consider these tips in order to lessen your holiday gift spending and still provide the perfect gifts for your family and friends! Happy Holidays from SERVPRO of Boone County!

COPING WITH BUSY HOLIDAY TRAVEL

11/28/2016 (Permalink)

If you are traveling during the holiday season, don’t let the stress of the hustle and bustle get you down. Realize ahead of time that there are millions of others that are also traveling and take steps to help cope with the situations that may arise due to the busy holiday traveling season. Travelchannel.com has provided the following tips to help you survive and calmly get to your destination.

Holiday Travel Tips

• Do Your Research: Plan alternative routes when traffic gets overwhelming. Maybe there is a more scenic route that might take a little longer but has less traffic. When flying, be sure to check the airline’s restrictions ahead of time. Know the fees for carry-on luggage and checked bags.
• Stay Connected: Load your smartphone with all the latest travel apps before leaving home. There are apps to provide updates on flights, airport lines, cheapest gas, cleanest bathrooms, etc. You name it and there’s probably an app for that!
• Pack Light: If possible, avoid checking bags at the airport altogether.
• Pack Earplugs: The best way to escape stressful surroundings is to escape to a quiet place. Pack earplugs to turn down the crying babies, loud music, or loud talker sitting in the next aisle!
• Pack Snacks & Drinks: It’s more difficult to remain calm and make good decisions when you are hungry and your belly is growling. Always have snacks handy for when the need arises.
• Ship the Gifts or Give Gift Cards: For lighter travel, ship your gifts ahead of time or give gift cards.
• Travel on Off-Peak Days: The day before the holiday is always the most highly traveled. Try traveling on the actual holiday to avoid crowds and traffic.
• Travel Early or Late in the Day: Flights that leave early in the day are on-time more often. And avoid heavier traffic on the highways by traveling by car through the night.

Busy holiday travel is much easier to cope with if it is expected and planned for accordingly. While the hectic crowds and stress may not be completely avoided, one can definitely overcome the challenges by considering these tips when planning travel. Happy Holidays from SERVPRO of Boone County!

Give Thanks for the Little Things Too

11/11/2016 (Permalink)

A Day of Thanks

What does it mean to be thankful? Around this time of the year, people reflect on what they are grateful for. They think about the people in their lives and the things they have. They come together with loved ones and enjoy a meal together. Some families might have the tradition for each family member to share one thing that they are thankful for. What will you say this year when it is your turn to share?

Many will share the old clichés like, “I am thankful for my family.” Or, “I am thankful for my friends, home, pets, food, etc….” Of course these are all very important to be thankful for…probably the most important! But did you ever stop to think about those random little things in your daily life that make life just a little more pleasant?

10 Simple Things to be Thankful For in a Day

1. Snooze button on the alarm clock
2. Hair dryer, hairbrush, toothbrush
3. No line at the drive-thru
4. Password auto-fill option
5. Coffee
6. Light traffic
7. Garage door opener
8. Dishwasher
9. TV remote control
10. Blankets, pillows, socks and slippers

How about adding a little creativity to this year’s “What are you thankful for?” conversation…This year take a moment to think about and appreciate the little things too, the things that we have every day and don’t even really realize. These are just a few examples…What can you add to this list?

Happy Thanksgiving from SERVPRO of Boone County!

Thank a Veteran on November 11th!

11/4/2016 (Permalink)

Veterans Day is November 11^th and it is a day set aside to honor all American veterans, both living and dead, who have dedicated themselves to the loyal service of our great country. It is a time to give thanks to the American veterans and show them appreciation for the great sacrifices that they have made in their lives to preserve the freedom of our country.

Because it is a federal holiday, some American workers and students will have the privilege of enjoying the holiday free from work or school. On this special day, how nice would it be if every veteran could receive even a small gesture that shows they are appreciated? Even the simplest act can mean so much!

There are many ways to show appreciation to veterans on this day. One of the most meaningful activities that people can do is to send notes or cards to hospitalized veterans or veterans living in retirement homes. And a brief, in person visit could be even better! Ask a veteran about his service…Sometimes just lending an attentive ear is enough to show appreciation. Other simple ways to honor a veteran on November 11^th include attending a Veterans Day event, flying the American flag, or donating to an organization that directly helps veterans in need.

So this year, on November 11^th, remember and appreciate those who have sacrificed to serve our country. Take just a moment to thank a veteran!

SERVPRO of Boone County Holds Employee Appreciation Cook-Out

8/8/2016 (Permalink)

The mission of SERVPRO of Boone County is to develop a team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness, and mutual respect. We want to provide the best service possible to our customers and we believe that having excellent employee morale in the workplace will lead to better teamwork and better production. This, in turn, will result in jobs well done and customer satisfaction!

In order to show our appreciation to our great employees and continue to build employee morale, SERVPRO of Boone County most recently held an employee appreciation cook-out. Our employees enjoyed a fantastic lunch of grilled burgers, hot dogs and a variety of side dishes and desserts. The casual setting of the cook-out allowed our employees to gather together, chat and build personal bonds. 

SERVPRO of Boone County appreciates the dedication, commitment, and hard work of all our employees. Our success would not be possible without them!