Nothing Better on a Cold Night Than Hot Chocolate!

Tuesday, January 31st, 2023

It's that cold season of the year again, a perfect time for National Hot Chocolate Day! One of the best ways to get through the long cold dark nights is with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Add a few marshmallows, whipped cream or sprinkles to really make the drink special. The perfect hot beverage for kids and adults alike, always a good alternative to coffee.

You may think, what is the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa? Hot Chocolate is from ground chocolate that contains cocoa butter, this makes the chocolate thicker and a more flavorful drink all around. Chocolate drinks have been part of the Aztecs' history since 1400 AD and it has only developed since then. Opposed to having to melt your own chocolate, now you can buy an instant pack of chocolate where all that's needed is hot water or hot milk to really make it the toasty warm drink.

Celebrate this national moment with your own special cup of hot chocolate. Start with grabbing your favorite cup to make the hot chocolate in. If you don't have one yet Zazzle has hundreds to choose from, find the perfect mug for you today. Take your mug, fill it with hot chocolate, add the topping of your choice and cozy up next to the fire for a cheerful chocolaty evening.

Feel the Love!

Monday, January 30th, 2023

Roses are red, violets are blue, and it's that time of year to say I love you! With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, now is the time to start planning how you will spoil your loved ones this year. Show your love with flowers and candy, cards and gifts, dinner and dancing, or whatever your love language may be.

It all started when Saint Valentine (a priest in Rome) defied anti-marriage laws made by the Roman Emperor Claudius II in 270 AD. Valentine secretary married young couples, and ultimately died for his acts of love. The first Valentine’s Day was in 496 AD with the celebration of the Feast of Saint Valentine. By the 18th century, couples in England used the holiday to convey their love for each other by giving flowers, offering sweets, and sending greeting cards which were nicknamed valentines cards! Today, it’s such an enormous holiday that there even was a movie (even named Valentine’s Day) made about it back in 2010.

Sending gifts with a personal touch or customized to your loved ones interests is a sure fire way to help them feel loved to the moon and back! Zazzle has you covered when it comes to getting the perfect Valentine's Gift.

Whether you're buying for him or for her, for your kids, or for your own Galentine's day event with your best friends, Zazzle is your one stop shop for all your Valentines day needs. Even get your custom cards and even personalized baked goods! Your loved ones will feel exeptional and cared for on this special day.

All the Pieces Will Come Together!

Sunday, January 29th, 2023

Finishing a puzzle can be the most delightful feeling! Whether your joy is brought to you by a crossword, a book of Sudoku, or a jigsaw, a puzzle is the perfect way to exercise your mind. This great activity can be a solitary experience, a group session that all the family can participate in, or a unique date idea. Spend a night putting all the jigsaw puzzle pieces in the right place while getting to know more about your date. You two could go together like two puzzle pieces!

Did you know that the earliest puzzle can be traced back to ancient Egypt? Map puzzle drawings were very popular with the upper class. It wasn’t until the 1700s that the first jigsaw puzzle was created by a mapmaker named John Spilsbury. The first puzzle was a map glued to a sheet of paper and cut along the country lines to create the different puzzle pieces.

Celebrate this long history of puzzles with getting your own puzzle to complete. Find the perfect puzzle for you, or even gift a puzzle to a loved one. Zazzle has you covered! Find the perfect jigsaw puzzle or word search that you can even customize with your own picture and your own words.

Daisies for Days

Saturday, January 28th, 2023

Just like when a daisy blossoms with the coming of morn, our Today’s Moments continue to sprout up on Zazzle.com. And as the petals unfurl on January 28 – or National Daisy Day, as it happens – Today’s Moment reveals some interesting information about the background of this humble flower.

Firstly, the word ‘daisy’ is derived from the Old English phrase ‘daes age’ or ‘day’s eye,’ referring to the fact that daisies open at dawn and shut at dusk. And while they’re sometimes considered to be a weed, daisies actually possess some medicinal properties: they’re edible, contain large amounts of Vitamin C, and were used by the ancient Egyptians to treat sores and bruises. Daisies are often seen to be synonymous with purity and innocence, too; think of the times you made a daisy chain or crown in your childhood, and when you plucked he-loves-me/he-loves-me-not petals from one in your teenage years!

So, the next time you see a daisy, don’t dismiss it as a blight upon your garden; try to appreciate this beautiful flower, which comes from one of the largest – and oldest – plant families in the world! And while you’re at it, take a look at our daisy-themed invitations and announcements, which will put a spring in your guests’ steps this season.

Classroom Decoration Ideas

Friday, January 27th, 2023

The end of January is here, and the kids need something new to look forward to as the post-Holidays excitement winds down. Those festive decorations are long gone, and your classroom is in dire need of some re-decoration for 2023. We’re here to help you get a spring in your step!

When it comes to stimulating young minds and keeping them focused, a number of factors need to be considered. Colors can have a positive impact on a kid's concentration, but can be overstimulating for certain children with specialized needs. Therefore, to make your classroom a welcoming place for all, choosing a color scheme for your décor is important. Positive reinforcement is another great way to go! Displaying signage with inspirational quotes can help with their self-esteem, confidence, and more. While you’re currently midway through the school term, it’s a brand new year to change things up.

If you want more information on re-decorating your classroom we do have a lovely article called; "Classroom Decoration Ideas for the School Year 22-23". In this article, you’ll find a great selection of decoration ideas and products you can use to get inspiration for your classroom. Don’t hesitate, find some helpful ideas today!

The Yin to My Yang

Thursday, January 26th, 2023

It should come as no surprise that there’s a day for spouses. And after the whirlwind of December and the chaos of Christmas that had you taking care of others (especially if you have kids), it’s now time to celebrate each other and the bond the two of you share. Happy Spouses Day!

There’s many different ways you can choose to celebrate Spouses Day but just in case you’re stumped, here’s some fun ideas! Start by recreating your first date! Did you go for coffee, a walk in the park, or maybe you impressed your spouse with your bowling moves down at the alley? Either way, taking it back to the first time you met, also makes you appreciate how far the two of you have come. As Christmas was only a short time ago, instead of choosing to exchange gifts, exchange experiences. Book something you can create more memories with, like showing off your skills in a cooking class, swirling around the dance floor during a tango lesson, picking up new techniques from a coffee-making workshop or gaining knowledge from a new museum.

Spouses Day doesn’t need to become complicated or expensive. Complimenting your spouse, engaging in a deep conversation, sharing your favorite memory, or looking through old photo albums are other budget-friendly ways the two of you can spend Spouses Day together. Whichever way you decide to celebrate Spouses Day, we hope it’s filled with love and laughter!

You Won't Find Any Leprechauns Drinking This!

Wednesday, January 25th, 2023

We’re celebrating National Irish Coffee Day today! As January brings us some of the coldest temperatures, we can assure you a nice Irish Coffee will heat you up in no time. While Irish Coffee doesn't have a secret arabica bean, we do add a certain liquor to a hot cup of coffee. While you may have created your own twist on this, Irish coffees are traditionally made from whiskey, sugar, coffee, and whipped cream.

Get ready for a journey to all new heights as we take you through Irish coffee's fascinating history. Back in 1943, Brendan O’ Regan opened a restaurant in in Foynes airport terminal in County Limerick. A flight that was destined for New York had to turn back over bad weather. A morse code was sent to the terminal about the passengers' return, and suggesting that have hot drinks and food ready for their arrival. The head chef Joe Sheridan had the genius idea to add Irish whiskey to their drinks to keep them warm. So we ask if you knew a flight destined for the Big Apple played a part in this historic discovery? If you didn't, well now you know!

If you want a true taste of Irish whiskey or culture, we’ve some great news for you! Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum is open to the public in County Limerick, Ireland. They'll bring you on a historical tour of what went wrong in that transatlantic flight and the invention of Irish Coffee. Now, if a trip to the Emerald Isle isn't possible, that’s okay! Adding some whiskey to your coffee today will do the trick!

The Power of Sisterly Love!

Tuesday, January 24th, 2023

I'm sure we can all agree this movie is a favorite with kids and adults alike. The movie Frozen takes us on a journey of sisterhood in the lovely little town of Arendelle where the ‘ice queen’ Elsa and her quirky little sister Anna are on a path of self-discovery. There are a number of catchy songs that will always be ingrained in our minds, but have you ever pondered the real meaning behind the lyrics?

Starting off with “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” Although this song is upbeat, essentially Anna is pleading with her sister to come out and play with her. Moving on to “For the First Time in Forever” Anna gives us a glimpse of her excitement over seeing her sister for the first time in three years as well as the opening of Arendelle castle doors. “Let it Go” is the biggest song to come out of the movie and while many people may want others to let the movie go, there is a lot of sentiment in this song. Elsa is singing about the realization of letting go of the fear and anger behind her superpowers and accepting herself. As we see her singing her way to happiness in her self-made ice castle, we feel that she is trying to achieve contentment by thinking loneliness is her path. Luckily, Anna is on a quest to save her and bring her back home in total acceptance of who she is.

If you are fortunate enough to have a big sister who would do anything to protect you, you sure are lucky! Although, you may never be subjected to an ice heart because of your sister's superpowers, her love and admiration for you is unlike anything else. If we could ask anything of you, please find a reason to hug your big sister or little sister today! And if you end up watching the movie again after reading this, that’s an even bigger bonus!

The Apple of My Pie

Monday, January 23rd, 2023

Let’s face it, food is life! It's great to look forward to delicious meals every day, and they taste even better when they're homemade. Bring on the pies! Here in Zazzle headquarters we can not decide on what type of pie is best – fruit or savory? We’re here to open up the debate and we can’t wait to celebrate National Pie Day.

Don’t worry we won't start quoting math equations to you; Pi day falls on a different day, so you don't have to work for your sweet treat today. Speaking of sweet treats, fruit pies didn't make an appearance until the 1800s. Fast forward to the 1970’s where nuclear engineer Charlie Papazian decided his birthdate should be known as National Pie Day. We wish we could all have national celebrations on our birthdays. The American Pie Council are now proud sponsors of the event (yes, they are real)!

So, after our step back in time, have you decided on what your favorite pie is yet? Maybe you can have a slice of humble pie, and make homemade pies to share with your friends and family. We recommend a selection of savory and sweet with blueberry, pumpkin, sweet potato, and key lime pie. You don’t need to wait for Thanksgiving or specific holidays to make pecan pie; today’s a fine occasion to cook whatever your heart desires!

Happy Lunar New Year!

Sunday, January 22nd, 2023

Xīnnián kuàilè to all you Mandarin speakers out there. Gong hei fat choy to our Cantonese-speaking friends. Chúc Mừng Năm Mới to those of you from Vietnam. Saehae bok mani badeuseyo to the South Koreans, and Saehaereul chuckhahabnida to those from the north. If you’re wondering what our multilingual introduction is all about, you might not be aware that today is the beginning of the Lunar New Year, commonly known as Chinese New Year.

Lunar New Year festivities last 15 days: beginning with the new moon that falls between January 21 and February 20, and ending with the subsequent full moon. In Mandarin, the celebration is called Chūnjié, meaning ‘Spring Festival,’ while in Korean it’s called Seollal and in Vietnamese it’s Tết. These, however, are not the only countries in which the Lunar New Year is celebrated. The occasion is also marked by festivities in places such as Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore, to name but a few. In China, New Year celebrations involve fireworks, loud drumming, and an abundance of red clothes and décor. This tradition comes from ancient mythology, as it was said that a beast called Nian, who would attack villagers at the beginning of each New Year, feared loud noises, bright lights, and the color red.

If you’d like to wish someone you know a happy and fruitful journey through this year of the rabbit, there’s still time to do so. We have a whole host of Chinese New Year cards, and you’ll also find a selection of suitable gifts for the occasion right here on Zazzle!

That's a Paddlin'

Saturday, January 21st, 2023

Have you been swept up in America’s latest sporting craze yet? Pickleball, yes pickleball, is the nation’s fastest growing sport, according to a Sports & Fitness Industry Association report published in 2022. In fact, participation in the game has seen a near-40% increase since 2020. Meanwhile the number of courts in the country has doubled in the last 5 years and now sits at 35,000. But what is this game with the unusual name that’s taking the nation by storm?

Pickleball is sometimes described as a blend of ping pong, badminton, and tennis. It’s played with solid, lightweight paddles that create a distinctive 'thwack' sound when they make contact with the perforated, hollow, plastic ball. It can be played both indoors and outdoors, and the standard court is about the size of a doubles badminton court. The net is set slightly lower than what you’d find on a typical tennis court. One of the major appeals of pickleball seems to be its accessibility. The game is easily picked up and it’s not quite as intense as tennis, racketball, or squash. As a result, it’s played by the young and the old alike.

To learn a little more about pickleball, its origins, its rules, and how it got that strange name, check out "9 Interesting Facts You Should Know About Pickleball" over at Zazzle Ideas. If you’ve read enough and you’re already thinking ‘sign me up,’ you can pick up your very first pickleball paddle right here at Zazzle!

Amazing Aquarians

Friday, January 20th, 2023

January 20th marks the beginning of Aquarius season! It’s time to celebrate all of the awesome Aquarians who walk the earth. Aquarius is the eleventh sign of the zodiac, ruled by the planet Uranus, and is an air sign.

Aquarians were born between January 20th and February 19th, and tend to be humanitarian, philanthropic, assertive, and independent people. Many Aquarians are progressive thinkers, who strive to make the world a better place. Did you know that the star sign of Aquarius is actually the rarest one in the U.S.? This is due to the month of February currently having the least amount of births! The zodiacal constellation of Aquarius can be found in the southern sky between Capricornus and Pisces. In Latin, Aquarius means 'Water Bearer.' The star sign of Aquarius is represented as a person pouring water out of a jug. It has been thought that this symbol originated due to the rising of Aquarius occurring during a time of floods and rain in the Middle East.

Aquarius season invites us all to focus on creating positive change, collaborating with others, and standing up for the things we believe in. If you’ve got a special Aquarian in mind, our selection of Aquarius-themed gifts is where you’ll find the perfect present!

Snuggle Up and Get Cozy!

Thursday, January 19th, 2023

On these long, dark, cold winter evenings, is there anything better than curling up under a warm, cozy blanket on the couch? Actually, there is: curling up under a warm, cozy, personalized, Zazzle blanket on the couch!

Here at Zazzle, we offer four different styles of blanket: delicate and buttery-soft fleece blankets; durable but luxurious Sherpa blankets; warm, gentle, and downright adorable baby blankets; and versatile, all-season throw blankets. Each one is ideal for those winter snuggles, and, when emblazoned with your chosen design, will bring a warm accent to your home décor—whether it’s in your living room, bedroom, or nursery. Speaking of designs, you’re certainly spoiled for choice there. At the time of writing, we offer almost 175,000 designs in our Blankets & Throws section, encompassing the modern and the vintage, the simple and the extravagant, and everything in between. You’ll also find a whole host of officially licensed designs from our brand partners Disney, Marvel, DC, and many more. Best of all, every design is customizable to some extent, so you can add your own personal touches to create stylish décor for your own home or truly special gifts for friends and family members.

For more wonderful accents and furnishings, visit our Home Décor section, where you’ll discover plush pillows, charming doormats, rugs, and much, much more!

Hip, Hip Poohray!

Wednesday, January 18th, 2023

If you’re feeling rumbly in your tumbly and you’d like a little smackerel of something sweet today, go ahead and indulge. If you’re feeling like a walk in the woods or a game of Poohsticks, just go for it. If you feel like befriending a small pig, a melancholy donkey, a hungry bear, and an unpredictable tiger, go… actually, perhaps you should forget about those last two. Just stick with the piglet and the mule for now. Anyway, the point we're trying to make is that it's Winnie the Pooh Day, and that’s certainly worth celebrating!

Winnie the Pooh was created in 1926 by English author A. A. Milne, who was born, not so coincidentally, on this very day in 1882. The character was inspired by a teddy bear, a real bear, and a swan. Yes, a swan. The teddy bear, according to CBC, was one that Milne gifted his son—Christopher Robin Milne—for his first birthday. Originally named Edward, the bear was later renamed Winnie, after a black bear at the London Zoo. Presumably, a deed poll wasn’t necessary. Pooh, then, was a name that Milne and Christopher gave to a swan they saw on vacation. It was subsequently tacked on to complete the moniker of one of the most iconic characters in the history of children’s literature and—later, after Disney acquired the rights—animated film.

If you’d like to celebrate Winnie the Pooh Day in an apt way, you could have a teddy bear picnic, play a game of the aforementioned Poohsticks, read one of Milne’s books, or watch one of Disney’s classic animated features. You could also visit our Winnie the Pooh store to discover a charming array of officially licensed merchandise featuring Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, and, of course, Winnie himself!

The Healing Process

Tuesday, January 17th, 2023

Considering the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the Civil Rights Movement, and the inspiration he has provided to so many activists, politicians, and religious leaders in the years since, it’s not surprising that, in 2017, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation chose January 17 – the day after Martin Luther King Day – as the ‘National Day of Racial Healing.’ The National Day of Racial Healing is the crux of the Foundation’s ‘Truth, Racial Healing & Transform’ campaign, which seeks to "promote healing as a critical path for ending racial bias."

This January marks the seventh National Day of Racial Healing, and libraries, universities, museums, and philanthropic organizations will be commemorating the occasion with lectures, workshops, and cultural performances. Participate in any of these events and you’re sure to play a role in the healing process.

Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Monday, January 16th, 2023

"Hate is too great a burden to bear. I have decided to love." - Martin Luther King Jr.

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This special holiday falls annually on the third Monday in January, and aims to honor the achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., a man who bravely dedicated his life to the nonviolent struggle for racial equality in the United States.

Martin Luther King Jr., born on January 15, 1929, was a Baptist minister and civil rights activist. Dr King routinely spearheaded marches for civil rights including the right to vote, and to stop segregation, becoming one of the most prominent figures in the Civil Rights Movement. His powerful speeches had a profound impact worldwide, and continue to be relevant to this day. As a result of his activism, King went on to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

To observe this important day, we encourage a visit to The King Center, which was established by Martin Luther King Jr.’s wife, Coretta Scott King, in 1968. The King Center is an educational and social change institution, striving to keep the King legacy alive in order to create positive social impact.

Wake Up and Smell the Roses!

Sunday, January 15th, 2023

On January 13, we spoke about winter weddings and proposed – see what we did there – the idea of getting married in November, December, January, or February. Something else that may help you decide on your wedding date, however, is the availability of certain flowers; seasonal flowers are easy to source and cost a lot less.

We’ve covered the topic in more detail in our "What Flowers are in Season for Your Wedding?" article over on Zazzle Ideas. Beginning with January – because why wouldn’t we start there – you’ll find a list of the most sought-after wedding flowers, month by month. For example, those convinced by our winter wedding trends may be interested in using gardenias, water lilies, and white roses, but on the other hand, sunflowers and dahlias will be easier to come by in June and July. At the end of the article, you’ll also learn about some alternatives to wedding flowers – such as using artificial flowers, silk flowers, or even no flowers at all! There’s something for every couple here; we didn’t leaf anyone out.

The Knot also reminds us to keep our minds open, and to speak with your florist about what’s easiest and least expensive. And at the very least, you can create a custom bouquet of floral wedding stationery with the assistance of your best bud, Zazzle.com!

Old Year, New You!

Saturday, January 14th, 2023

Happy New Year, readers, and we hope you’re ringing in the New Year in style! If you think that our well-wishes are a little belated, though, then you may want to consult your calendar: we’re on Julian time right now, which means New Year’s Day is 13 days later!

Orthodox New Year – or ‘Old’ New Year as it’s sometimes known – dates back to 46 BCE. Based on the advice of the Egyptian astronomer Sosigenes, Julius Caesar reconfigured the Roman calendar to line up with the solar year (as opposed to the lunar year, which had proved problematic). However, Sosigenes had made one miscalculation: he had overestimated the length of the solar year by about 11 minutes. This meant that the newly founded ‘Julian’ calendar – named for Julius – would eventually fall out of sync with the solar calendar, and in 1582, Pope Gregory XIII updated the calendar again, naming this the ‘Gregorian’ system.

Not all Christian groups accepted this change, however, and the Eastern Orthodox Church, the second-largest Christian denomination, opted to stay with the Julian calendar (which was revised again, slightly, in 1923). Today, Orthodox New Year is mainly celebrated in Eastern Europe, and through dancing, music, and dinner. Once again, then, we wish you the best of luck in 2023 – no matter what calendar you abide by!

Walkin' in a Wedding Wonderland

Friday, January 13th, 2023

It was once the case that weddings were a summer staple – June, July, and August were the peak months, as couples and their families traveled to sun-kissed beaches and villas in the countryside. However, according to The Aisle Wedding Directory, "trendy brides are [now] booking lavish winter weddings from November through February," with the cozy, romantic atmosphere of the holiday season proving hard for prospective couples to resist!

Wedding trends change from year to year, but some winter wedding ideas are more common than others. For example, it’s customary to have warm, cooked meals, wedding party gloves, hats, and boots, and Christmas tree-themed décor at a winter wedding. In 2023, we can add sustainable options to this list: continuous discussion around climate change and extreme weather in 2022 have encouraged couples to hold eco-friendly weddings, with "farm-to-table meals, recycled paper invitations, and repurposed decorations." The events of the pandemic – which brought with it reduced guest lists and canceled ceremonies – have also led to an increased focus on "high-quality details," with smaller, intimate weddings now more popular than large, extravagant weddings. Vintage themes are also ‘in,’ with old-fashioned accents evoking the nostalgic feelings we normally associate with this time of year!

Winter weddings are full of personality and romance, and we hope that, upon hearing these trends, you’ll have no objections to considering the season for your own upcoming nuptials! A lot of preparation IS required, but that’s true of any wedding, no matter when it’s held. If you’re interested in pursuing the matter further, check out our "Should You Have a Winter Wedding?" article on Zazzle Ideas, which should hopefully make up your mind!

Let's Talk About Self-Care...

Thursday, January 12th, 2023

At this time of the year, with so many people resolving to get more exercise, eat right, practice meditation, and take other measures to improve their physical and mental well-being in 2023, there’s a lot more talk about the importance of self-care. And that’s a good thing.

Self-care is defined as “the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.” Thanks to work, family, and other commitments—as well as ubiquitous electronic devices that bring with them endless distractions—it’s easy to become overstressed, yet few of us actually set aside enough time to combat this by practicing self-care. However, in an article published to Zazzle Ideas in 2019 called “5 Ideas for Practicing Self-Care,” we detailed some of the ways in which you can develop healthier habits and create a self-care routine that will benefit every facet of your life. Following up on that, we recently published another article in which we listed some handy self-care products—from Zazzle and elsewhere—that will help you to de-stress and become a healthier, happier you. It includes simple items like journals for cathartic self-expression, water bottles to make sure you stay hydrated, and supportive mattresses to help you get a better night’s sleep.

If you’d like to learn more, check out “10+ Thoughtful Self-Care Gift Ideas for Yourself or Others” over at Zazzle Ideas now, and help yourself or someone else stick with the healthy routine they’ve established this New Year throughout 2023—and beyond!

New Year, New Hobbies!

Wednesday, January 11th, 2023

It’s now 2023! After the much-needed, indulgent, and relaxing holiday period, you may be feeling like starting afresh and living by the familiar mantra ‘New Year, New Me!’

This new year, why not take up a hobby that you’ve always wanted to try? While you can always start a new hobby at any point during the year, January can often feel like the perfect time to pick up something new. Having an enjoyable hobby (or hobbies) can totally enrich your life! Not only are hobbies simply lots of fun, they can also relieve stress, help us make new connections, and provide us with valuable new skills. Having an outlet for your physical, creative, or spiritual energy is a massively important factor when it comes to leading a healthy and fulfilling existence.

At Zazzle, we encourage you to take on new hobbies! We’ve got a wide selection of awesome, customizable products ranging all the way from sports and game supplies to crafting and drawing supplies that’ll help you on your way. Whether you’re going to take up skateboarding, scrapbooking, or pickleball, we would like to wish you the best of luck in any future endeavors! You’ve got this.

In Touch with Your Roots

Tuesday, January 10th, 2023

If you pay attention to your Today’s Moments – and why wouldn’t you? – then you may notice a slight botanical bent in the coming days. We’re due to discuss seasonal flowers on January 15, and we’re also going to demonstrate how you can add a natural, eco-friendly touch to your winter-timed wedding on January 13. In the meantime, however, it’s National Houseplant Appreciation Day, and this green-fingered writer is about to tell you why we bloomin’ love them!

National Houseplant Appreciation Day was started by the Gardeners’ Network as an "opportunity to acknowledge the value houseplants add to our lives", and January 10 was chosen as the date because of the potential neglect houseplants may have suffered during the holiday season, making them deserving of a little TLC. Most interesting, however, are Apartment Therapy’s ways to celebrate National Houseplant Day, which include serenading them with music, spoiling them with top-of-the-range plant food, and – bear with us here – talking to them. According to a study quoted by the Food Network and Apartment Therapy, talking to your plants can help them grow faster and live longer. And they laughed when we had that Zoom call with our bonsai tree!

Houseplants are also a way of increasing the humidity in your home, as they expel moisture, and as they convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, they can also help to improve air quality. By now you should be ready to visit your local nursery, and if you’re not, we’ll be back again next year, with another bud – sorry, bid – for your attention!

Become A Zazzle Creator Now!

Monday, January 9th, 2023

Ever dreamed of designing your own mugs? Or shoes? How about posters? Well, with the magic of Zazzle, now you can! Become a Creator on Zazzle and earn royalties every time a customer purchases one of your unique products. If you’re unsure of where to start when it comes to becoming a Creator on the site, we’re here to help!

Whether you’re a professional artist, photographer, graphic designer, or just a total beginner, you can make your own store on Zazzle and sell products that can be purchased across the U.S. and wider world. The first step in becoming a Creator is simply to ensure you have a Zazzle account. Then, head to your ‘My Account’ page and click on ‘Create A Store.’ From here, follow the prompts to set up your store! You can add a biography to tell potential customers a little bit about yourself, and change the look of your storefront. To learn more about posting an item for sale in your store, please refer to our ‘5 Steps to Opening a Creator Store on Zazzle Inc.’ article.

Opening a store on Zazzle is the ideal way to earn revenue while having fun and being creative! We really hope to see you join our team of fantastic Independent Creators soon, if you’d like to. Happy designing!

Start As You Mean To Go On

Sunday, January 8th, 2023

A brand-new year is upon us! Now is the perfect time to pick up some healthy habits that’ll benefit you in the months to come. We’re here to inspire you to become the best version of yourself by sharing some life-changing ways to start the new year off right!

When it comes to enhancing your well-being, there are three key areas to focus on – your mental health, physical health, and emotional health. Some sure-fire ways to improve your mental health include journaling, meditating, and getting better sleep. To look after your physical health, you could create a work-out plan, get a massage, or try to stretch more. In terms of improving your emotional health, it helps to reconnect with old friends, meet new people, and visit your family. However, what constitutes good well-being is totally unique for every individual, so if you find something that helps you feel your best, we implore you to prioritize it!

To read the full list of new year's resolution ideas, feel free to check out our article ‘15 Life-Changing Ways to Start the New Year Off Right’. We even share our top picks for products to help with nurturing your mental, physical, and emotional health. We truly hope that 2023 brings you everything you could wish for!

Put Your Pen to Paper!

Saturday, January 7th, 2023

If you’re in the market for a new notebook or journal, you’re in the right place! Yes, you could opt for a regular boring notebook or journal, or you can head on over to Zazzle to find one that brings a little more excitement to your life. Follow along to learn more about how to choose the perfect notebook or journal for you!

First decide on what your journal or notebook will be used for. If you’re looking for an everyday journal, consider one with an inspirational quote. Maybe you need a place to keep all your recipes, a place that isn’t a kitchen drawer that’s overflowing with unorganized cookie printouts. Speaking of which: could it be time to get yourself a recipe book, where you can keep all of your favorite recipes in one place? Any brides-to-be out there? You can’t start planning your wedding without choosing the perfect wedding planner, and boy, do we have a lot to choose from! Keep important dates, catering information, and your guest list organized on the lines of your new notebook.

Not only can you choose your design, but you can choose the style of your notebook and size, which even includes the option to select a notebook in the shape of a heart. You have the choice to select a hard or soft cover notebook, and you can also choose from 10 different paper designs – some of which include checklists, bullet journaling paper, or graph paper. Start designing your very own notebook or journal on Zazzle today!

2023 Is Your Year to Get Organized!

Friday, January 6th, 2023

You don’t need to be a Virgo to get organized. Yes, they say it comes more naturally to those born during this star sign, but with a few small changes and some dedication, you too will be a new and more organized version of yourself. Of course, we’re here to help with some tricks and tips on how to get started on the new year, new you – organized edition!

The most obvious thing to do when wanting to get organized would be to declutter! Start by going through your clothes and donating anything that no longer fits, or anything that you no longer wear. Adopt the ‘touch it once’ rule, which involves having a proper place for everything within your home. Once you pick something up, put it back in the same place instead of leaving it on the sofa, or table top, which would result in you at some point having to pick it up again. Reducing clutter is also said to skyrocket productivity, so make sure you keep a clean and organized workspace. Take additional steps to becoming more organized by writing things down, like to-do lists and your schedule. This simple step gives you a space to structure your day, week, month, or year.

There’s so many more ways you can learn to commit to being more organized like investing some time in a podcast, or you can read all about it by choosing one of these 35 books on building organizational skills. Or, if you’d rather get some more use from your Netflix account, watch Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.

Bird is the Word

Thursday, January 5th, 2023

Do you know what rhymes with bird? Absurd! Moreover, it would be absurd if you were unaware of National Bird Day today! You can take our word for it. Heard also rhymes with bird, so if this is your first time hearing about this national treasure, we’re here to fly you through it. Happy National Bird Day!

We’re the jack of owl trades here in Zazzle HQ. Not only do we sell high-quality custom products, we also inform you of heron-ic days. In 2002, the Avian Welfare Coalition created National Bird Day to raise awareness of the hardships and plights of endangered birds. It’s unfortunate that the threat of endangered birds is increasing every year. In 2022, 12.5% of bird species were believed to be vulnerable, which amounts to around one out of eight species.

A little bird told me you may want to help our feathered friends. Did you know you can adopt a bird with the World Bird Sanctuary? You can help provide food and care by signing up here. You can support them by being a fan, friend or sponsor and will be provided information on how each one works. We can all flock together, help each other and our air-born friends.

There's No Better Time to Get Started!

Wednesday, January 4th, 2023

Let’s get in shape! For some people, getting in shape means losing weight or finally overcoming the yo-yo diets, but it’s so much more than just that. In this Zazzle Moment, you’ll learn different ways you can get into shape this new year, and more importantly, have fun doing so.

They say by failing to plan, you’re planning to fail. So our best advice to you would be to have a foolproof plan for your getting-in-shape journey. This should include what you want to achieve, like losing a couple pounds, running a marathon, drinking more water, or building strength and endurance. Make sure to incorporate a realistic timeline to achieve your goals, and write down different ways on how to achieve these goals. Try to add something new in your plan to keep you motivated and excited. One way you could do this is by signing up for a class you’ve never tried before at your local gym, or online. Some of these classes could include zumba, boxercise, pilates, and HIIT among many others.

And remember, you don’t have to take the journey of getting in shape on your own. In fact, it’s a lot easier to stay accountable when doing it with someone else. Find a friend or family member with similar goals and hold each other accountable. We know you can do it!

Make Your New Year's Resolutions a Reality in 2023!

Tuesday, January 3rd 2023

Welcome to 2023! And with a new year comes the opportunity to take part in New Year’s resolutions! If you haven’t already committed to your New Year’s resolutions, we’re here to remind you that it’s not too late! We can’t wait to share with you some unique resolutions and how you can achieve them over a certain timeframe.

Choosing a New’s Year resolution is easy, but sticking to your resolutions and keeping yourself accountable seems to be the tricky part. So to get you started on the right foot, here’s some tricks that we’ve gathered that can help you stay on track. Start by limiting your resolutions to ones that are achievable. For example, signing up for a marathon that’s in a week's time, when you’ve never run before, could set you up for failure. Which brings us into setting realistic timeframes. Remember that New Year’s resolutions aren't a race. And as the story goes, slow and steady wins the race. Finally, having a great support system behind you makes an incredible difference when it comes to conquering your New Year’s resolutions.

Now that you’ve learned some different approaches on how you can follow through on your New Year’s resolutions, let's talk about some other kinds of resolutions and habits you could take up this year, beginning with choosing to spread positivity rather than gossip, drinking more water, donating clothing you don’t wear, or always opting to put on sunscreen, even on those cloudy days. For even more cool and unique resolutions, check out this list of 55 ideas for 2023 from Parade.com.