Welcoming a baby into a world is a great experience, but there’s many challenges that go along with it. One challenge is whether or not you should breastfeed your child or give them formula. Breastfeeding tends to be one of the most popular options for mothers and babies because it offers the most nutrients for the child. Of course, it is also one of the cheapest feeding options. Although breastmilk is free, there are lots of accessories and storage options that can cost you a pretty penny. You shouldn’t fret though because there’s lots of great ways to save money on your breastfeeding needs, so you can spend more on your child’s needs while cutting back on your budget’s stress.

1. Utilize Insurance
When it comes to breastfeeding, insurance is absolutely on your side in this day and age. Thanks to changes in policies with insurance, breast pumps are now covered by most insurance companies. If you’re expecting, make sure to get in touch with your insurance company to see how you can request your breast pump. This alone will save you a fortune and will set you and baby off on the right foot. Some will even help you out with accessories, so you can enjoy spending even less on your feeding needs. Many insurance companies will also utilize a maternity program for women who are expecting. This program will provide you with an on-call hotline, so you can ask nurses as many questions as you’d like. These programs also provide you with free items like educational books, pamphlets and blankets.

2. Skip the Clothes
There’s a huge market for nursing clothes these days, which can really add up on your maternity spending. These clothes are exactly necessary though, so you might want to rethink them before you end up spending a lot of money. For generations, nursing clothes didn’t even exist, so finding a way to get around them won’t be a tough task. You can ask relatives what they did to help with the nursing process as they are sure to have a ton of ideas to help you out. There’s also great DIY tips to help you out with your nursing dilemma. Often, this involves altering the clothing you already have, so you can easily nurse. You may also want to choose baggier clothing to help cover your body when you’re nursing around other people. If you’re at a loss for ideas, there’s lots of topics on motherhood forums that will help you find some of the best options that have already been tested out by other mother’s.

3. Skip Storage Bags
Pumping is a big part of breastfeeding, especially if you send your child to daycare or you have family or your spouse feeding the child. This often means buying lots and lots of storage bags so you can freeze your supply for your baby. These bags can really add up though, especially if you’re buying the brand associated with your pump or other brand names. Instead of doing this, you can freeze your breast milk in ice trays. This will allow you to store them in simple resealable bags or storage containers, which will cost you next to nothing. This form of storage will make labeling dates simple too, so you won’t have to worry about leaving your supply in the freezer for too long.

4. Look for Tax Deductions
You may be surprised to learn that your breast-feeding supplies can actually help to get you a tax deduction at the end of the year. Depending on what your insurance company helps you with, you could be in for a bit of money back on your items that you purchase yourself. As always, when you go in to do your taxes bring the receipts in for the items that you’ve purchased. Your tax agent should be able to steer you in the right direction as far as a deduction goes. You can also look the information up ahead of time to see if you actually qualify. Utilizing this could really help you out financially though and will ensure you will be reimbursed for feeding your child.

5. Free Advice
Many new mothers struggle with breast feeding when they bring home a new baby. This is largely because they haven’t had the help they deserve when it comes to feeding the baby. Every infant is different, so even if you’re an experienced mother you may still run into some problems. Luckily, there’s a whole lot of free advice that you can get. After giving birth to your child, you can see a lactation consultant in the hospital to ensure your baby is latching and you know everything you need to ensure your child gets the food he or she needs. There are also many free resources online, including websites, videos and forums. If you’re having trouble with lactation you may even be able to get online and talk to a doctor in order to try to figure out the problem. Some programs will even help you out if you are low income, so talk to your doctor if you’re having trouble and see if he or she can point you in the right direction.

6. DIY Nursing Pillow
If you talk to most mother’s that are nursing, you’ll find that having a nursing pillow is about the best thing you can do for your breast-feeding adventure. The pillow helps keep your child comfortable and in a great position to nurse, which will ensure your child gets the food needed and can help with indigestion later on. The pillow is also great for mother’s too as it helps keep your posture comfortable, which is especially great after delivery. The only bad thing about this is nursing pillows can put a huge dent in your baby budget, especially if you buy brand names. By the time you’ve purchased the pillow and a couple of covers, you’ve probably already spent more than you ever thought you would on a simple pillow. Luckily, there’s a couple of hacks to help you with this problem. For instance, you can use an innertube with a cover on it to create a similar effect. You can also sew your own pillow to save money. There’s plenty of tutorials and patterns online, so don’t be afraid to dive in and try it out for yourself.

7. Nipple Care
Taking care of your nipples is essential when it comes to breastfeeding your child. If you don’t take care of them, you may find the process to be even more painful than it has to be. Many women purchase ointments before they deliver their child to help prevent pain. However, these creams can really add up and many contain chemicals in them that you may not want you or your child exposed to. There’s many healthy alternatives, like coconut oil, to help ease pain while preventing your nipples from drying out. Soap can be harsh on your nipples too, but it is the best way to keep clean. When bathing, use very little soap and always pat your nipples dry rather than wipe or rubbing them harshly. Nipple pads can always add up too, so don’t feel bad about improvising. You can use a variety of cloth to help out, including cut up socks from the missing sock drawer.

8. Milk Production
One problem many women face when it comes to breastfeeding is not having enough milk for their baby. This often leads the woman to stop breastfeeding altogether, which leads to spending a fortune on baby formula. Luckily, there’s a few things you can do to help improve the amount of milk you’re producing. In fact, there’s many foods that actually help you produce more milk. The good news is, these foods are usually on the comfort food list for most women so you won’t have to stress over eating foods you don’t like. Chocolate, for instance, can really help, especially when it comes to hot chocolate. You burn a lot more calories while producing milk too, so don’t stress over indulging a little bit. Of course, you should also keep fluids on hand at all times as maintaining hydration is the best way to keep your milk supply going strong. There’s lots of great remedies online too, so try a variety and see what works for you.

9. Utilize Aid Programs
There’s a lot of programs out there that will allow you to get some assistance if you’re having trouble making ends meet. Most of these programs are based on income, but there are some that can help you out if your child isn’t getting the nutrition needed. WIC, for instance, is based on nutrition and can give you vouchers for dairy, grains and fruits in order to help you keep up your milk supply. This will help both you and your child survive and thrive through this crucial portion of life. Your local area should have lots of information on the programs available to you, so ask your doctor or check in with a welfare office to see what you qualify for. Even if you’re not sure you’ll qualify, you should still apply just to make sure.

10. Skip Brands
Buying products for breastfeeding can be on the pricey side, but if you avoid brands you should be well on your way to saving a whole lot of money. For instance, shopping for generic bottles can help you cut back on spending. Usually, each pump has its own brand of bottles, but this doesn’t necessarily mean your baby will want to take these bottles. Instead, stick with generics in case you end up with a batch of bottles your baby won’t touch. You should also consider genetics when it comes to storing, warming and freezing your milk. Although you may want to spend more on these items, checking out reviews can help you find the best generic brands out there. Even shopping for a pump doesn’t mean you have to go for a name brand. Most of today’s pumps are designed to give you the best quality product, so you can enjoy the cheaper pumps without worrying about sacrificing quality.

Breastfeeding your baby can be one of the most rewarding experiences around. It is also a cheap way to feed your child without sacrificing nutrients. However, keeping up with breastfeeding can add to your budget and cause you to do a bit of juggling. These tips will help you cut down on your spending, while easing tension when it comes to money and feeding time.

Tis the season for giving, which also means it’s the season for taking too. Crime rates skyrocket during the holiday months, but there are some crimes you can avoid. Scammers constantly prey on anyone they can get their hands, which makes it hard to keep up with your money over the holiday season. Being aware is one of the best ways you can prevent falling victim to a scammer during the holidays and throughout the entire year. Luckily, there’s many scams that we are aware so having knowledge of them can be incredibly powerful for your security. So, grab your notepad and jot these ten items down, because they would help save you a small fortune.

1. Secret Sisters
This major scam started running its course on social media last year and has targeted a pretty large audience. Although many have fallen for the scam already, there are still many more that will fall for it this holiday season. The scam is directed towards women and promises a fun Secret Santa experience that will earn participants lots of gifts for very little. You’re given a list of people to shop for with the promise of receiving a lot more gifts in return. The only problem is, once you send the gifts off to other people you more than likely won’t get anything in return. The scam has a weird way of explaining the math behind it, but if you sit down and work the numbers for yourself you’ll quickly discover that it just doesn’t add up. So, do yourself a favor and avoid any Secret Sister groups in order to save you a lot of money and a few headaches.

2. Phony Websites/Apps
All year long, there’s plenty of websites that are designed to fool you as a consumer. These sites usually offer great products at a price that is unheard of. These sites often sell phony items or will simply take your money and never send the item out. Worse yet, some are even designed to seem like official websites for companies you shop with on a regular basis. This can lead to you losing large amounts of money, especially if the website uses phony products in order to steal your credit card number. There are ways to protect yourself from these websites though. For instance, if you look around for the Better Business Bureau seal (BBB) then you know the website is safe to use. Also, if the checkout area is secure and locked then you should be safe. Of course, you should always look at reviews on websites before you purchase from them.

3. Gift Cards
There’s many websites dedicated to selling gift cards. You can buy them brand new, slightly used and so on. However, this makes it incredibly easy for people to sell gift cards that are a scam. You could wind up spending a fortune on a gift card that is completely empty. When shopping for gift cards you should always shop with a reputable company, so if there is a problem you can easily dispute it to ensure you get your money’s worth. Better yet, you should also shop with the store or restaurant you are buying a card from. This makes it easier than ever to dispute and activate cards with a receipt. There are also many email scams that will say you’ve won a gift card. These are never true unless they come from a valid company, so don’t click on any links from unfamiliar services.

4. Social Media Coupons
Coupons for freebies seem to run rampant on social media throughout the year, but during the holidays they pop up even more. These coupons are usually shared by people on your friend list who believe that sharing them will actually earn them the free mileage or grocery shopping trip. These coupons are absolutely not real though and clicking on them could cause you a whole lot of problems, especially if you enter in your bank account information or even just login to your social media account on their websites. One of the more famous scams of this type is a $200 coupon for the grocery store Wegman’s. Of course, you will find them for airfare, cigarettes and just about anything else you could desire too. So, remember, if it’s too good to be true then don’t click on it or share it.

5. Card Skimming
It doesn’t matter if you’re shopping online or offline, your card could be in danger. Online, hackers can get ahold of your card information easier than you think, so it’s important to always be aware of where you’re shopping. Usually trusted retailers won’t pose a risk to your security, but if they do you will receive a message from them as well as reimbursement options if there is a problem caused by them. Some will even offer credit monitoring to ensure your information is safe and sound. If you choose to shop online, you might want to use secure payment methods like Paypal, so you can dispute any charges that you didn’t make. Even shopping in local stores can cause a problem. Whenever you swipe your card anywhere you should check to make sure the system looks untampered with. This is especially true when it comes to locations like gas stations. You can protect yourself from these problems with chip cards which are harder to steal, but being aware of your surroundings is one of the best options.

6. Fake Charities
Donations to charities increase substantially during the holiday season and scammers are quite aware of this fact. Thus, many will set up fake charities to help rack in some cash from unsuspecting givers. These charities pop up on websites, in churches and just about anywhere people would be willing to give money. Some will even set up stands complete with brochures that make them look like a legitimate charity. The best thing you can do during this season is to not give money to anyone you’re not sure of. You can do quick research online to find charities that are real and that accept funds in both check, money orders and online payments. Usually, Salvation Army collections are noticeable too, as you can see the company’s logo on the side of the collection basin. However, be leery and don’t give large sums of money to this type of collection as it could still be a scam or it could put the collector at risk for robbery.

7. Loan Scams
Most people are looking for a little extra money during the holiday season so they can make their family’s dreams come true. Many loan companies know this and begin to hunt down people to loan to as soon as the holidays begin. Although this can be very helpful for people who need the money, more often than not it can lead them in a world of trouble when it comes to finances and credit score. Some of these companies are an absolute scam and won’t give you the money promised. You could end up paying double to triple back due to high interest rates or other fees that they tack on to take advantage of unsuspecting borrowers. If you do need to take out a loan, try to visit a local bank or credit union to do so. This will help you get the money you need at a fair interest rate that won’t escalate later on. Payday loans can also lead you in a world of hurt too, due to the extra money you have to pay back. So, try to avoid this at all costs too.

8. Email Phishing
This year has already seen a lot of emails from high profile companies like Amazon, Paypal and Walmart, so the holiday season is sure to be filled with scammers trying to take advantage of your needs. The emails tend to look exactly like they came from the company, which is why so many people fall for them. Usually, the email will say your account has been hacked into or someone has purchased something from your account. The email will also give you a link to follow where it will have you login to your account. This is where the hacker gains your information and can then steal your card numbers, account balances and so on. There are many clues you can follow to avoid these scams though. Make sure you look at the email address, as usually they will be slightly different from the original website’s. Misspelled words and other discrepancies are another major clue your email isn’t from the website too. Of course, if you’re simply not sure, then get out of the email, clear your cookies and log into the website from the actual site. If there is a problem, you will be able to view it from there. Make sure you report these emails for phishing too, so they can’t steal other people’s information as well.

9. Lodging
For some people, the holidays are a time for travel which opens up a whole new world of scams. There are many websites that will offer you amazing rates on hotels, beds and breakfasts, and time shares. At a time when booking a place to stay is usually more expensive, you should always be leery of arrangements that are too good to be true. Air BnB can be one of the biggest culprits. Some people on the site will take funds and then close their account before you can check into your room. Although the website does try to remedy these problems, it can cause a real inconvenience when you need a place to stay and you’ve lost the money you’d set aside for it. Others will post up images of their rooms and they will look entirely different when you arrive. So, before you book, make sure you look over reviews and other information before you give out your information.

10. Old Fashioned Pick-Pockets
Even shopping in local stores can cause a problem with your finances. Most people aren’t thinking as cautiously as they would when shopping normally, which leaves your cash and cards at risk. Many pick-pockets will wait until they see an open window to swoop in on your goods. This usually happens when you’re struggling with your bags or checking out at a register. Even if you keep your money close by, the items you’ve already purchased can be at risk. If you sit your packages down to pay or take a break for a while, people can swoop in and grab a bag without you even realizing it. So, in order to be safe, you may want to take bags out to your car each time you shop so you know your items will be safe and sound. You should also avoid carrying around a purse if you can as this can give thieves easy access to your items. Being aware of those around you can help considerably though, so keep your eyes and ears open when shopping on the busy days.

Scams are a big part of the holidays, but they don’t have to leave you high and dry. These ten scams can be avoided, so make sure you keep them in mind while you’re shopping online or off. With a little luck, you’ll be able to get through the holiday season without losing money or holiday spirit due to other people’s cruel actions.

With the month of November already half way over, you may already be thinking about what you plan to do for Hanukkah fun. This amazing holiday has a lot to offer, including a wide assortment of ways to bring even more festivity to the celebration. Although many people choose not to decorate for Hanukkah, those that do or have the pressure of Home Owner Association on their back, may have a hard time finding frugal decor items to show off their holiday event. Luckily, there’s lots of great ways to decorate using items you can make with your own two hands. So, round up the family and have a little fun this season as you decorate for the big occasion.

1. Lights
If you like to keep things simple and subtle then buying exterior lights can be one of the best ways to get in some decorations without being too in your face about your decorative options. White and blue lights can be found any time holiday lights are being sold, so you shouldn’t have to look too far to find what you’re looking for. Of course, you should be careful as to which lights you choose to buy though. For instance, any lights labeled Energy Star will help you get the most out of your lights without forcing you to spend a small fortune. LED lights will also allow you to have brighter, more vibrant lights, without adding a whole lot to your power bill. You may want to shop the clearance section too, if you want to find the best deals. Usually, lights take a huge price hike after the holidays, which is sure to help you find plenty of decorative items for next year.

2. Tinsel Star of David
Another simple option is to make your own Star of David with beautiful tinsel to draw attention to it. All you need to do this is to grab some cardboard, if you plan on keeping the item indoors, or scrap wood, if you plan on keeping the item outdoors. Simply cut and glue or nail the cardboard or wood together to form your Star of David. You can keep the item small or large depending on the message you want to send out or where you will be displaying the item. Once you have the star complete and it is dry, you should choose silver, blue or white paint to give it a nice coat. Then, when this is dry take a glue gun or staple gun and begin to put down your tinsel. The tinsel will stand out more if you choose the opposite color than you did for your paint. For instance, if you chose silver paint then use blue tinsel for a dramatic effect. Once this is done you can add lights if you want. The Star of David can be hung up like a wreath or mounted to the ground for a spectacular look.

3. Dreidel Wall Hanging
The dreidel plays a great role in the celebration of Hanukkah, which also makes it a great idea for decorating. One way to accomplish this is through the old-fashioned tapestry method. All you need for this is some old fabric, tassels, glue and paint. There’s many tutorials for this online and you will be surprised as to how fashionable it looks when you’re finished with the item. In fact, you may choose to leave it up all day long. If you don’t want to spend time on a craft, then have the children get to work. They can create dreidels out of popsicle sticks, brown bags or simple paper. You can also print out coloring sheets for them to fill in and hang up on the wall. You could even hang old dreidels up from the ceiling to add to the charm of your holiday decor.

4. Renovate Menorah
Menorahs are a beautiful festive item that can transform your home in one easy swoop. If you have an old and beat up menorah that you stopped using, then now may be the right time to pull it back out to show off to friends and family. If you don’t have an old menorah to work with then shop around at a thrift store or look for a cheap one in any store that may sell them. Once you have the perfect one to work with then let your imagination soar. You can add onto it to give it a modern flair that will look great on display or you can restore it to give it an ancient style that your ancestors would have been proud to use. You can even let the children work on their own menorah to see what they come up with. You might even consider having them decorate based on what the holiday means to them, so they will learn from the craft and take pride in their heritage.

5. Gift Tree
Tis the season for giving, so a gift tree may be a great addition to your home. The tree can be made of any fake or real tree that you already have in the home too. You can also build your own using stray branches you find outside. If you choose to go the faux tree or branch route, then you may want to consider painting the tree gold. This will help create a beautiful look that is sure to stand out. Once your tree is ready to go, hang ornaments like dreidels and the Star of David on it. It’ll creature a beautiful style that is certain to make gift giving amazing. Since Hanukkah isn’t all about the gifts, you should be able to fit your gifts under the tiny tree, which will add to the magic of the holiday. The tree can also make a great centerpiece for your serving area.

6. Snowglobes
Snowglobes are a winter classic that can be used for just about any holiday you can think of. So, why not decorate your home in snowglobes for Hanukkah? These globes are simple to make and will mesmerize the children while they show off their art skills too. Better yet, you can even use some of the globes as a gift for relatives or guests. The globes don’t have to be too intricate, especially if the younger children are working on them. All you need is water, silicone, glue and an old mason jar to create the globe. Then, add fake snow or glitter to create a beautiful effect. You can even add a dreidel, Star of David, menorah or anything else that strikes your fancy. You’ll fall in love with how easy these are to make and how cute they look with the rest of your amazing holiday decorations.

7. Gelt Table Decor
One popular item around the holiday is gelt, but this item can go a lot further than your games and snacks. Instead of giving away all of your gelt, save some to use as decor. You can glue the beautiful pieces together to create a table runner that certainly won’t go unnoticed when your dinner table is all set up. You can also sprinkle gelt throughout the table to add the little touch of shimmer that will certainly grab the kids’ attention. Once the meal is finished, kids can snack on the gelt pieces or use them for their games. You might also consider gluing gelt to toilet paper rolls or other items to create cute napkin holders that are sure to change the way your table looks. There’s lots of great ideas for gelt though, so get creative and have a little fun with your decorating time.

8. Dreidel Gift Box
If you plan on treating the children visiting during the holiday to a little something special, then you may want to try your hand at making a dreidel gift box. There’s lots of different ways to go about this though, so you can find an option that works specifically for you. These boxes are great because you can hide them all over the house as decorative items before you gift them out. You can even make a hide and seek game out of the gifting, which will make the decor fun as well as the time spent in the home. Most of the boxes don’t require a whole lot of work either, which is sure to make life a whole lot easier as you plan out your treats and the rest of the party. The best thing is, when the kids have pulled out the treats from the boxes, they can use the dreidels as toys that will help keep them entertained for hours on end.

9. A Luminaries
Nothing sets the mood quite like dim lighting on your holiday table. A luminary is a great way to accomplish this while still keeping your budget in check. One way to create a fun luminary is to take an old tin can and polish it up. You can add paint or stain for effect too. Once you have the can how you want it, punch small holes in the shape of a dreidel, Star of David, menorah or a special message. Your options are endless, so let your imagination run wild. Once the holes are complete, add tea lights, a candle or battery operated lights to the mix and admire your creation. You can also make one of these with a mason jar. Use mod podge to add tissue paper to the jar in any color you like. Then use a darker color to add on the dreidel or other decorative item. Once everything is dry, add your light and you’ll be good to go.

10. DIY Chain
Another simple craft to add to your decorative items is a chain. Most kids will know how to make these, which could help keep them busy as they help you decorate the home. You can make the chain out of just about anything, which will make finding supplies a breeze. Magazines are a great option, especially if you have a bunch you want to get rid of. The chains can be used for a variety of things too. You can turn them into a menorah, hang them around doors and windows or drape them from anything you have in mind. The chains can also be used as a fun countdown down for the kids to get even more excited about the upcoming holiday. When the holiday arrives, you can add a game to each link of the chain. The kids can then tear off this link to find out what fun is in store for them every day of the holiday.

Decorating for Hanukkah doesn’t have to leave you feeling frazzled. These ten simple ideas will allow you to find the perfect look for your home, while allowing the family to have a lot of fun with the decorating process. You may even find your guests in a cheerier mood as they celebrate the holiday surrounded by your lovely decor.

Thanksgiving is practically here only to be followed by a wide assortment of other amazing holidays. So, you’ve probably taken some time to book a hotel room near relatives or your exciting vacation spot. Hotels during the holidays can be pricey and crowded, which never helps with the holiday spirit, but there are a few ways for you to get more for your money when it comes to your stay at just about any hotel you book. These ten tips will make your stay away from home actually feel like a getaway, so you can feel the joy of the holidays without stressing over the financial loss of the hotel.

1. Be Loyal
The first step you can take to make your trip better is to be as loyal as possible. Choose a hotel that you know you love and that you’ve stayed with before, so you can choose a rewards card through them. This will allow you to receive benefits from the hotel service long before you step foot in your room. Many of these hotel chains will offer free rooms after so many nights spent in the hotel, which comes in handy if your holiday stay is going to be a bit long, or you plan to stay with the hotel more than once during the holiday season. Many hotel chains will also provide their reward customers with special treats during the holiday season, so you might find a little more warmth to your stay than you otherwise would. Make sure you provide your rewards card when you sign up though as this will qualify you for all of the rewards the company has to offer. If you don’t already have a rewards card, then take to the website or ask a local chain to help set you up.

2. Use the Gym
Chances are, you’re going to be pretty busy when it comes to the whole holiday festivity thing, especially if you’re spending your time with family. However, if your hotel comes equipped with a free gym or pool, you may not want to pass up the opportunity to use it. Usually, the amount of amenities gets added onto every bill to help upkeep things like pools, gyms and so on, so you’re technically already paying to go. By skipping your visit, you’ll be throwing away money that you paid, which is never a good idea. Plus, even if you’re busy, you may want to take some time to get in a workout. It can help reduce stress that holiday visits often bring. Not to mention, it will boost your energy, so you’ll be ready to take on the next day even if you were feeling particularly drained.

3. Check In Early
Most hotels will give you a set check in time which is pretty standard in the hotel community. However, most of the time the rooms are ready at a much earlier time, so you can always see if you can check in at an earlier time. You may want to request this when you make the reservation though as some desk managers may allow it while others won’t. If it is in your records, then you won’t have to stand around arguing about who told you what when you do go to check in. This will allow you to get a little more out of your room and will help you relax after traveling and before you wind up visiting with loved ones. Of course, there are times when you simply can’t check in early, but if you express a need the desk manager may be able to move you into a different room so you can enjoy this feature.

4. Skip the Websites
You’ve probably booked a hotel or an entire vacation on a website, at one point or another. These websites are very convenient and claim to help you save a bundle of money on the best rooms around. Although the rooms may be cheap, you will generally end up with some of the worst rooms in the hotel. This is because chains tend to see customers who shop this way as a one-time customer, so they aren’t as eager to impress. The best thing you can do is hop on these websites to get a ball park figure of what you will be paying for them. You can also use the sites to check out reviews, look at photos and map the location of the hotel. Once you decide on a place then call the hotel up directly. Try to avoid calling toll free numbers too, as these number will lead you to operators who will give you a flat rate. Calling the hotel directly will give you to a floor manager who can negotiate price with you and ensure you have everything you will need for your stay.

5. Continental Breakfast
This can be one of the biggest money savers available, especially if you have a hotel that offers more than just dry cereal. Before you book, look around for a hotel that does offer a hot breakfast, so you can fill up for the day and save a bit of money on meals. Some hotels will offer some of the better deals on breakfasts by serving eggs, bacon, waffles and more. Even if they only offer bagels and fruit you’re still set up to keep going for a few hours during the day. You may find that this will help you even go past lunch for a little while which will save you even more money. Most hotels will even offer breakfast until 10:30 of 11 in the morning, which is a great late start to the day, so you can fuel up until midday or whenever your family decides to serve meals at your get-together. Some hotels will even allow you to take food up to your room, which can serve as a great snack for later in the day.

6. Think About the Pets
If you didn’t want to or couldn’t leave your pets home alone for the holidays, then you will want a hotel that is considerate to the furry members of your family too. Luckily, there are a lot of hotel that will offer a pet friendly policy when they check in. Many hotels won’t even charge you the extra amount, which is sure to make your stay even more pleasant. The key is to look into which hotels are pet friendly though, as this will ensure you won’t end up paying a huge pet deposit when you check in. Some places will even offer special signs for the door, so you won’t have to worry about the staff coming in while you’re away. Better yet, some hotels have nearby dog parks or an area to walk your pet, so they will feel more comfortable too.

7. Ask For Fresh Items
When you’re staying in a hotel, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask for fresh items as the hotel won’t charge you for this. One of the main things you should ask for is a fresh bed spread. These aren’t always swapped out between customers and sometimes aren’t cleaned, so don’t use them if you don’t have to. Instead, ask housekeeping to bring up a new bedspread or spare blankets to help you get a more hygienic stay out of your hotel. You can also ask for towels as much as you need to. Usually, leaving the towels in a pile will help housekeeping know you’re hoping for new ones, but if they don’t comply then call down to the front desk. You shouldn’t have to reuse towels if you really don’t want to. Last but not least, feel free to ask for extra soaps, coffee or tea packages and any of the other complementary items. The hotels usually don’t care about this, and they come in handy on road trips or for guests in your own home.

8. Draw Attention to Celebrations
When it comes to traveling for a special occasion, you never know what kind of goodies you can get simply by letting the front desk know what’s happening when you book your room. For instance, if you’re on your honeymoon, you may be privy to free wine or champagne, a room upgrade or even special treats left in your room. Anniversaries, especially those celebrating a milestone, are also a good reason to share for the free items. Even birthdays can get you’re a few extra bonuses in your room. You may have to remind the front desk when you check in why you’re traveling though, so don’t be afraid to over-share when it comes to checking in. If you’re a rewards member you may already get special items for your birthday too, so make sure to check your email when the big day comes around.

9. Dispute Charges
If you’ve ever stayed at a hotel and found out there were charges on your bill that you didn’t make, then you may have gone from pleasant to irate in a few seconds flat. Minibar charges are one of the main complaints for people in hotels, but luckily they are simple to dispute. Most people at the front desk won’t want to argue with you over these items, so make sure to call in if you see something on your tab that you didn’t touch. Another option is movies. You can easily get out of movie fees by calling the front desk. If the movie didn’t work, paused a lot or was of lower quality than advertised then you can get it taken off of your bill in no time flat. Many people will do these things just to save money, but that is up to your moral compass. All the same, most hotels don’t like wasting time over these disputes, so call it in if you feel you shouldn’t pay for it.

10. Complain
A lot of people don’t bother to complain when there is a problem with the room or those surrounding the room. Rather, they just have a bad time and blame the hotel for it later. Most hotels are willing to meet their customers’ needs if they are told what they are doing wrong. If there’s an issue with the room, go down to customer service and politely explain what’s happening. You may be surprised as to how quickly they fix the problem. You may even get a few freebies out of the deal too, which is sure to make your stay even better. If you have a loud neighbor or they are smoking in areas in which they shouldn’t then let the front desk know. They will get to the bottom of the problem or move you to another room so your stay will be more comfortable.

Spending time in hotels doesn’t have to be a huge burden on your budget and your good time. With these ten tricks, you should be able to get a lot more out of your time in the hotel. Now, you can feel like your favorite hotel is your home away from home for the holidays, which is sure to make you feel a little bit better about spending the money.

Getting the whole family together for Thanksgiving can be a world of fun and a great reason to be thankful. However, for anyone hosting the event, keeping everyone busy and entertained can be the hardest part of the entire occasion. Kids are especially hard to keep track of, which could lead to trouble if you’re not careful. There’s no reason to buy a lot of expensive activities to keep your bunch happy though. In fact, there’s many ways for you to incorporate the children into the holiday fun without them feeling bored. So, this Thanksgiving make the kids table the place to be with these ten fun ideas that will work for an assortment of age groups.

1. DIY Parade Floats
For many families, the Thanksgiving Day Parade is a must watch. However, some children don’t really have an interest in the parade on the TV, which can mean a lot of wandering around when everyone else is sitting and enjoying the floats and musical programs. One way to engage the kids in the process is to pull out your art supplies. You can instruct the kids on how to make their own floats for the special event. Of course, you won’t be able to make floats exactly as they appear in the parade, but you can use many items to create crafts that will appear like floats. For instance, an open paper bag with a wooden or plastic pole attached will create the illusion of a float. You can also staple two paper plates together with a straw as a handle to create a fun effect. Kids can paint their floats to their heart’s content. You may even want to print out coloring pages so kids can create their favorite characters. Once the painting is complete and dry, try adding streamers for a final touch. Then, the kids can parade indoors or out with their floats for all the adults to see.

2. Thanksgiving Story Book
The story of Thanksgiving is obviously a great thing to share during the special occasion. Children of all age groups can work together to create a special book to share the story with the adults in their life. After you tell the story to the children, hand out blank pages or coloring sheets for the kids to put together. Each child can tell a portion of the story, so they will have their own special place in the book. When all of the pieces of the book are finished, you can easily bind them together and show the children what they created. Older children may want to take turns reading the book to the adults in order to share the holiday spirit. Another option is to have each of the kids sit down and write or draw what they are thankful for. Once they’ve finished, bind it together and share it with everyone before you all enjoy the feast.

3. Make Place Mats
The display of the holiday table really makes the feast feel even more spectacular, which is why you might want to have the kids work on crafts designed to help make the table look great. One way to do this is to have them make placemats, which will add to the aesthetics and make clean up a bit easier for everyone. You can make place mats in many different ways, so you might want to look online for tutorials to help you out. Of course, if you want to follow tradition, you may find that having the kids weave the placemats will make the meaning of the holiday stand out. This can easily be done with construction paper if you have little ones that may not have a long attention span or those who are still working on their motor skills. Another option for older kids is to have them work with string. This will eat up a lot more time, but the finished product will look incredible and can be reused as the years pass. When the placemats are complete, place them on the table and watch as your holiday table transforms with festivity.

4. Assemble Headbands and Hats
Many people associate Thanksgiving with pilgrims and Native Americans due to the first holiday. Thus, it might be a lot of fun to make traditional pilgrim hats and Native American headbands. Although these designs might not fit completely with history, particularly the headbands, they are still a fun way for the kids to have a little fun while participating in the holiday magic. Headbands are incredibly easy to make and may be the perfect option for the youngest kids in the group. Simply use pre-cut construction paper to measure the various sizes of heads in your group. You can staple, glue or tape these to allow them to hold. Once you have the band ready to go, let the kids go to town by making designs with markers. They can even glue on beads and feathers for even more fun. If the kids are feeling ambitious, then they may want to weave their own headbands with string. Pilgrim hats can be a bit tougher, but these will keep older children busy for much longer. Try downloading a template to make these designs a little easier. The kids can make the hats for themselves or loved ones. You may even choose to use the different hats for games later in the day.

5. Turkeys
What would the holiday be without a few turkeys to help celebrate? Most people have made turkeys at some point in their life because it is a classic school craft, so older children may even be able to lead in this craft. One way to make your decorative turkeys is to trace the children’s hands and then cut them out. You can glue the handprints together to make the turkey’s tail. Then, use a simple turkey cut out to form the body. Another option is to use a paper plate or coffee filter. You can paste the cut out of a turkey body in the center of the plate or coffee filter, then let the kids color in the rest to form the tail. There’s tons of turkey crafts online to keep everyone busy though, so have a little fun with it. You may even hang the turkeys up to add to the decor of the special occasion. There’s many turkey crafts to choose from, so don’t limit yourself. Try looking on craft sites for ideas or print outs to make this craft even more exciting for the kids of all ages.

6. Thankful Wreaths
When it comes to the holiday, nothing will help you celebrate it quite like showing the whole world what you’re thankful for. One way to do this is to work on a thankful wreath. All you need to do to start out is cut a circle out of poster board or cardboard. Then, cut out the inner circle to form the wreath. When you have your wreath ready to go, grab autumn colored construction paper and cut it into the shape of leaves. You can even use real leaves as the basis of your wreath’s leaves. When everything is cut out and ready to go, the kids can add the reasons why they’re thankful onto each leaf, then simply glue them on and wait for the beautiful wreath to transform. You can do this with one large wreath or make small wreaths for each child to make their own. When they’re all finished, the whole family should have a blast reading what each child contributed to the wreath.

7. Centerpieces
Without a doubt, the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving Day table makes a huge statement to all who see it. So, the children will love having a hand in making it. There’s a whole lot of options when it comes to this craft though. For starters, you can stick with a simple autumn theme by using leaves or other items to create an adorable look. You might even consider using autumn inspired produce. Another option is to use Native American ideas to create a fun look that will teach the children about a new culture. For instance, a totem pole is simple to make and will allow the children to work together to show off their individual personalities as well as how they combine as a family. You can even use this idea to make small napkin holders by using toilet rolls instead of larger craft supplies. Finally, you may consider making the Mayflower as a centerpiece. This may sound like an intimidating craft, but it’s easier than it looks and will have older children beaming with pride over what they created.

8. Games
Of course, crafts aren’t the only option when it comes to keeping the kids busy. There’s lots of great things you can play in order to have fun. If you have clothes pins lying around, then simply draw a turkey face on them. These can be used to play tail feather tag, which is essentially like regular tag only players have to remove the clothes pin off of the other player’s clothes in order to tag them as out. If you have kids that love to do scavenger hunts, then you may want to try a game of hide the feathers. This is a lot like sending the kids on an Easter egg hunt only there are no treats within the feathers. However, you could utilize a prize system based on the color of the feathers that you hide. If its cold outside and you want a more indoor based game then try hangman, mad libs, charades or Pictionary based around holiday themes. Finally, when the adults go out to play football, set up a game for the kids too. It’ll start them out on the tradition early.

9. Create Foods
When it comes to Thanksgiving, the action is all in the food. Most kids are curious about the cooking process and would love to lend a helping hand creating some of their favorite dishes. Luckily, there’s plenty of items on the menu that kids can help out with, so don’t let their talents go to waste. You’ll obviously want to base this activity on the child’s age and skill level, but you should be able to find something for everyone. Some options include baking and decorating cookies, having children work on a casserole, or even letting them knead the dough for rolls. Before you know it, you’ll easily be able to keep the kids enthralled with their task while showing them they’re capable of cooking.

10. Share Ancestry
Thanksgiving is all about the first time the Native Americans and Pilgrims came together, but you can also see it as the first major feast of the country that would eventually come to be. Thus, this can be a great time to teach the children their roots. If you know your family came over on the Mayflower, then share a little bit about those ancestors. You can also talk about family members that have passed. Learning about your legacy can be exciting and passing it down to little ones can also be a lot of fun. So, start checking out your family tree to see what exciting stories await you all. You never know what you’ll learn.

Thanksgiving is a great time to have a blast with the little ones in your family. These ten tips should help make it easy for everyone to have fun and stay occupied on the special occasion. With any luck, the kids in your family may even decide Thanksgiving is their new favorite holiday thanks to your awesome hosting skills.

If you’ve never heard of Universal Children’s Day then you’re in for a real treat this year. The holiday is designed to celebrate the joy that children bring to the world and to show them how important it is for them to just be children for the time being. Although the holiday is often celebrated at different times around the globe, this year November 20 has been dedicated as a day to recognize children globally. Don’t worry though, because this holiday doesn’t mean you need to go out and spend a fortune on your children. Rather, you can keep your holiday budget safe and sound by following a few frugal tips to make your children feel happy and appreciated without the big price tag.

1. Reminisce
Spending time with your children is always great and can warm your heart. However, for children’s day you may want to do something a little special for both of you. For instance, a great way to show them how much you’ve loved them is to pull out the old baby things, like the baby book. Share special memories with them that they won’t be able to recall and show them their milestones. This will help your children realize how much you admire them and want them to do their best in life. You can even ask them questions or see if they have questions for you. If you have home movies from when they were young, then show off those too. Kids will adore watching themselves learn and grow before their very eyes.

2. Write a Letter
Universal Children’s Day may be the perfect time to begin writing letters to your child every year. You can start by talking about how much you care for them, what they have achieved and what you hope for them in the future. The letters can be long or short, depending on your comfort level and can even be filled with drawings, poems or photographs. You can choose whether or not you want to give the letters to your child right away. You may want to put them away until the child turns 18 and then present it as a coming of age gift. Or, you could take the time to read the letter to your child and then put it away for them to revisit when they’re older. No matter what you choose to do, make sure you put your heart into it so your children will know just how important their childhood was to you.

3. Restaurant Outing
If you want to do something special with the children, then you might want to make plans to go to a restaurant on this holiday. You might want to choose a place that is child friendly though, particularly restaurants that allow kids to get up and play games. If you can, let the children have some input on the choice; however, if there is too much sibling bickering then you may want to avoid the option altogether. Try not to choose a location that is too expensive though, as you don’t need to go overboard this close to the holiday season. If you do want to make each child feel special, then have them choose numbers. The first number can choose the first restaurant and so on. You can span this out throughout the week or month to ensure each child gets their special day.

4. Budget a Savings Plan
Starting a savings plan for your child can be one of the most important things you can do for your little one. If you haven’t already started a savings account for your child, then Universal Children’s Day is the perfect time to start. You can easily start by doing a little research on various savings accounts. There are even some programs that will keep your child’s savings account locked until they turn a certain age. After you research, do a little work with your finances to see what you can put into the account each year. You don’t have to invest a whole lot each month, especially If the interest is high. You can also set certain terms for the plan. For instance, you can set it up for college, a car or even the down payment on a home. Once you get the account up and running, you can share it with your child or keep it a secret. Either way, you can rest assured knowing they have a nest egg that will benefit their future and show your appreciation for them.

5. Visit a Children’s Hospital
Many children spend their days stuck in a hospital, which makes their lives lonely and uncomfortable. If you want to do something special on Children’s Day then head to a children’s hospital or a children’s unit in a local hospital and visit with the children. Most will be excited to have someone come in and talk to them. Recently, there has been a trend of people who have decided to dress up as popular cartoon characters and superheroes to help cheer up the kids. This is an easy option and can make the visit even more memorable for you and the children. If you don’t want to dress up, then consider bringing books or games to help keep the children entertained. You may even consider buying second hand books or crafting gifts to help lift the children’s spirits while they spend their time healing.

6. Join Big Brother/Sister Program
Not all children have someone to dote on them on Children’s Day, or on a regular basis. If you don’t have children or you simply want to make a difference in the life of a child in your community, then you may want to consider joining the Big Brother/Sister Program. This program pairs you with a boy or girl in your community that needs a little extra attention. Often, these children come from single parent families or live with parents who have to work often to make ends meet. You’ll be given a list of interests that your new sibling enjoys, so you can cater to their needs. You may find the volunteer work to be one of the best things you’ve ever done. Not to mention, you will change the life of the child you are paired with. With a little compassion, you may find you set a child up on a path to success, which is one of the best things to celebrate on Children’s Day.

7. Donate
When it comes to making a difference on Children’s Day, the best thing you can do is donate money if you planned on spending anyway. There are a lot of great children’s charities available to choose from too. By doing this, you will show that you appreciate not only your children, but the children of the world. You can choose a charity based on your own values or personal interests. For instance, if you have had someone in your family pass away or fight off cancer, then you might want to donate to a children’s hospital foundation. There are also fundraisers to help children get the food they need to grow up strong and healthy. You can even think further and send money to a charity that sends girls to school in third world countries. If you don’t want to donate food then go through your pantries, wardrobes and toy bins and donate the items you no longer need or want. These items can go to children in need, which is sure to help out. Make sure you do your research though, as not all charities are looking to spend your money wisely.

8. Learn About Celebrations Around the World
Children’s Day isn’t exactly the most celebrated holiday in this country yet, but it could make its way up the chart soon. This means that many people don’t know exactly what is going on when it comes to celebrating the holiday. One way to start out the celebration is to learn how different cultures celebrate. In other countries, like China and Australia, Children’s Day is actually a major holiday that involves lots of different ways to make children realize the importance of their childhood days. There’s lots of research on the topic as well as games, foods and other entertainment that you can utilize into your own celebration. You may find this holiday to be one of the best times to improve your knowledge of culture while broadening your horizons through trying out the varied tradition.

9. Channel Your Childhood
Let’s face it, childhood is a lot different today than it was when you were young. That’s why you may want to take children’s day to show your children what it was like to be a child when you were young. You can show off your favorite games and compare them to pass times that your children currently enjoy. You can even share childhood memories or talk about your favorite childhood TV shows, books and movies. If you’re really feeling like exploring childhood further, you can bring up games your parents taught you. This will show the kids that there are a lot more ways to have fun, especially when you take technology out of the equation. This will also show your children how important it is to make memories during childhood, because they will bring happiness throughout your adulthood.

10. Make Gifts
Children’s Day can be a great time to show your children how to have compassion for other children. You can do this by having the kids sit down and make crafts for children who are less fortunate. You can make simple toys to help keep children occupied if they don’t have toys of their own. There’s many great ideas online that will offer cheap ideas to get you started. You can also come up with cute gift baskets that will give needy children treats that they don’t often get. If you choose to make gifts then you can donate these directly to a charity, pass them out to children in the community or sell them and donate the money to a charity of your choice. By doing this, you will teach your children that all children should be celebrated and they should have compassion for those less fortunate. You may even ask your children to go through their closet and toy boxes to come up with gifts for children that you know need a little assistance.

Spending time with your children can be one of the best aspects of their childhood. Children’s Day will allow you to have fun with your kids while showing them just how important it is to celebrate their special time in life. These ten celebration ideas should put you on the right track to Children’s Day fun without forcing you to blow your holiday budget.

November is here, which means Black Friday is just around the corner. If you’ve been keeping up with Black Friday news, then you probably already know that the madness has begun on sites such as Amazon. With the hype already starting then you can probably guess how intense this Black Friday will be. Don’t worry though, as there are a few things you can do to keep yourself sane and ready to save on some door busters during this time. So, don’t let the Black Friday news get you too hyped up, because a little patience and know-how can make the experience a little less stressful and a lot more frugal.

1. Co-Shop
One of the best things you can do for yourself during Black Friday sales is to bring along a shopping partner. May it be your significant other, a family member or a close friend, having support on such a busy occasion will help you keep your head on your shoulders when it comes to all of the deals. Shopping with a partner will also allow the two of you to split up, so you have better chance of getting the items you’ve had your eye on. Before you go shopping on Black Friday, make a game plan which will allow you to take a portion of the store and your partner to take another portion. Simply make a list for each person to grab and you’ll be all set to take on the crowds without losing out on the items you’ve wanted.

2. Pre-Shop
Before Black Friday begins, make sure to spend some time doing a little pre-shopping so you can make your day a little easier. Most stores begin to set up for Black Friday the day before or the day of Thanksgiving. So, if you have some spare time head to the store and scope out some of the displays that are going up. This will allow you to know exactly where the items are going to be that are on your shopping list. With this knowledge, you will be able to head directly to the item you want, so you won’t miss out on the deal, nor will you find items you don’t really need. You might also consider talking to the staff during this time to see if you can get any insights on sales or important information that can lead your shopping experience to be a bit more convenient.

3. Hire a Babysitter
If there’s one thing you probably won’t want to deal with during the Black Friday rush, it’s children. Black Friday sales are typically characterized by crowds, pushy people and those who have about zero concern for the well-being of your children and yourself. Not to mention, it’s really hard to get the good holiday deals on things for your kids when they’re right beneath your nose. It’s also a lot harder to get around with a cart during these sales, and if you have the children with you there’s a good chance you’ll also have a cart in tow. The best thing you can do is make money for the expense of a babysitter. This will help keep your kids safe, while making the Black Friday experience a little less stressful. Of course, if you have friends or family willing to take the kids then you probably won’t have to spend as much and you can stress a little less about the children while you shop til you drop.

4. Price Checker
One of the biggest complications when Black Friday shopping is knowing if you’re going to get the best deal possible. Often, you don’t have enough time to look up the deal on a competitors site as you will either miss out on the deal at that store or the store you’re currently at. One easy way to remedy this problem is to download a price checker app. There’s many of these apps available that can help you find the information you need so make sure to do some research so you find just what you need. A lot of major retailers will also offer price checkers of their own, which makes shopping a whole lot easier. These apps generally allow you to scan an item in any store and will compare it to other stores both locally and online. If there’s a better deal out there or if the sale isn’t exactly a sale at all, you can quickly find out with just the scan of a bar code.

5. Shoot for Door Busters
If you’re actually planning on going out on Black Friday then you may want to just concentrate on door buster items. These items will actually be advertised a couple of weeks in advance so you can start planning which items you want to grab. Some stores will have some of the same door buster items, so try to pick items that are going to be in the same store or within close proximity of one another. Some of the deals will also have time limits though, which is something to keep in mind when you’re doing your shopping. Many of the other sales in the store won’t actually save you as much money as you think they will. If you still plan on shopping for other items, then hit the door busters first and then look around to figure out what will actually save you money. You may be surprised as to how much of a store offers the illusion of a good deal. Most of the other items you’ll want will also be available during Cyber Monday though, so don’t stress the smaller stuff if you don’t have to.

6. Rewards Cards
When you hear to your favorite stores on Black Friday, don’t forget to lug around you rewards cards that each store gives you to use throughout the year. Typically, the rewards cards won’t do a whole lot for you when it comes to getting a greater discount on your items, although some stores will offer this. You should, for the most part, be able to rack up a lot of points if you intend on doing a lot of shopping at the store. These points can be used on discounts later in the year or will allow you to get freebies after some time. It doesn’t cost you anything to have the card swiped either, so there’s no reason not to do it. Make sure you know what your card has to offer though, so you can double check to ensure your points were calculated properly.

7. Bring a Shopping Bag
There’s no doubt about it, one of the keys to getting what you want on Black Friday is finding your way around all of the crowds. If you plan on getting a few items then a cart may be in your future, but this can really slow you down and it will leave all of your items at risk of being surfed through when you’re not paying attention to the court. Another option is to grab your favorite shopping bags and taking them with you. The bigger the bag the better as they will hold more without forcing you to worry about countless straps. These bags will keep your items closer to you, so you will be able to get by people without having to worry about a clearing for a basket. It will also prevent people from being able to go through your things. Another great thing about the sales bag is you can easily bounce from one line to another if a new cashier opens up, which could get you out of the store faster. Above all, the bags are ecofriendly, so you won’t have to worry about bringing home a bunch of plastic bags to deal with.

8. Price Protection
Shopping with cash can be a great idea when you’re trying to keep to a budget. However, you do miss out on some benefits when you leave your plastic behind. Many credit card companies are jumping on board with price protection, which does a world of good for shoppers on Black Friday. This benefit of your card will allow you to shop without having to stress about missing the best possible price. If the credit card identifies a better price within in a few days of your purchase, then you’re refunded the extra amount. Of course, you may need to look at your cards policy when it comes to this as some companies may require you to call in about a price drop and/or prove it in order to receive the discount. All the same, it could be well worth the trouble if the price change is great enough.

9. Store Policies
Before you choose to shop at a store during Black Friday, you may want to check out some of the store policies. For instance, some customers go into stores planning on using the store’s typical price matching policy. However, a lot of these policies are void when it comes to Black Friday. You may find yourself waiting for an overworked and cranky manager to tell you that you won’t be able to get the item at the price you wanted. This can waste both your time and the staffs’, so it’s best to know what you’re working with before you choose where you’re shopping. Some stores offer return policies that are a huge headache too. Between gift receipts and exchanging items, you may find that shopping at the store isn’t really worth it. This is one thing you’ll want to know before you have to spend hours in the return line, so make sure to read up on the policies before you pick a place to spend your time on Black Friday.

10. Bring Your Ads
You’ve probably already started receiving shopping ads in the mail, but if you haven’t don’t worry because they’re on their way. The ads you collect for your Black Friday shopping can be incredibly important when you actually do head out for the big day. First of all, the ads can actually serve as a guide, so you remember where all of the best deals are. You can easily make a game plan based on these ads too, which is sure to help save some time. If you find a store that has a price match policy, then you will need to have your ads in order to get the price you want. Some stores may not have an item priced as advertised too. In these cases, you will need to show a manager the ad in order to get the price as advertised. So, make sure to grab the ads for every store you plan on hitting, because you never know when they may come in handy.

Black Friday can be a bit of hand full when it comes to getting your shopping in while still keeping your sanity. These ten tips should help you get the items you need, so you can enjoy the holiday shopping without losing your cool or spending too much of your budget. With a little patience, you should be able to come out of the holiday rush on top.

With the cool weather blowing in and the gray skies dominating the weather, you may feel a little down in the dumps. Season Affective Disorder affects many people, but even if you’re not suffering from this disorder, there’s still ways to prevent the weather from bringing you down. Luckily, on November 12, everyone has the chance to celebrate Chicken Soup for the Soul day, which is certain to lift your spirts. This is a great time to dig deep and find the things in your life that makes you tick. Of course, it’s also a great time to start coming up with ways to keep your mood up during the long autumn and winter months. These ten tips should help you find your way without forcing you to spend a fortune.

1. Buy Second Hand Books
For decades, the Chicken Soup for the Soul books have helped people all over the world find emotional and spiritual guidance to help them get through the hard times in life. These books come in a wide variety of topics too, so you can find the perfect book to suit your needs. You can even find these books for children and teenagers, which will ensure the whole family feels like a million bucks even when they aren’t getting the weather that helps perk them up. Since the Chicken Soup for the Soul books have been around so long, you should be able to find them at just about any second-hand book store or thrift store. This will allow you to find the help you need for mere scents. Of course, you can reach for other books during this time too that could help you find the assistance you need.

2. Submit a Story
Many people get a lot of joy from writing down their feelings. For many, it is a relief to get all of the emotions out on paper, which boosts mood and reduces stress. Of course, if you feel like you have a story to tell others then you might want to consider submitting it. This will allow you to concentrate on your personal story, so you can perfect it and find the right words to express yourself. By putting time and effort into your story, you should find confidence in your story. Chicken Noodle Soup for the Soul still accepts submissions for stories and even pays for those that they publish, which could make you feel even better about your story. You never know, writing down your feelings could actually help someone else in the world.

3. Comfort Food
If you’re feeling a little down, then you may want to alter your food menu to find some dishes that will actually make you feel better about life. Since the weather is cooling down, then it may be time for some of your favorite comfort foods. For instance, you may want to start out a weekend with a nice hearty breakfast of biscuits and gravy. Other than that, you can always cook some of your childhood favorites like pot roast, meatloaf or anything else that makes you remember the warmth of childhood. It’s also a great season to pull out your crock pot for delicious meals, which could make you happier anyway. With less dishes to clean up, you may find planning a menu is easier than ever. Of course, it might be a lot of fun to find a chicken soup recipe to help celebrate this occasion. If your family doesn’t already have one, there’s lots of amazing recipes online to start you off.

4. Let in the Light
One of the major problems that affects people during the autumn and winter is the lack of sunlight. With gray skies, it’s harder to get in the light that we need to get the vitamin D that keeps us going. In the spring and summer most of our light comes to us without extra effort, thus when the skies aren’t as bright you actually have to go the extra mile to get what you need. Instead of keeping your curtains and blinds drawn, open them up and the sunlight flow in. You may also choose to sit closer to the windows when working on the computer, reading a book or simply watching TV. Getting out of the house more often will also help you get the sunlight you need. Apart from that, you may want to go to extra measures if you’re still feeling a little low. A light box can make a huge difference in your life and may even be prescribed for those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder.

5. Change Your Music
It’s easy to fall into the routine of listening to the same music over and over again, but in the autumn and winter you might want to make an effort to switch things up. If your favorite songs tend to be a bit on the mellow side or have lyrics that you find depressive or aggravating, then you might not be doing yourself any favors. Instead, toss on an upbeat album that will make you want to get up and move around to the beat. By listening to this music, you will instantly feel a wave of energy and your mind will feel more relaxed and happier. Of course, you can always put on songs that bring back happy memories too as this should help lift your spirits. If you’re not a huge music person and find yourself in silence more often than not, then it might be time to listen to music more in order to help keep those spirits lifted.

6. Exercise
Getting and keeping fit isn’t always as fun as people make it out to be, but it is one of the best ways to beat the blues during the gray seasons. In autumn, try to get out and take a walk or go for a run. The fresh air and light will do you good and having your body move will help make you feel happier and healthier. Of course, getting outside isn’t always an option, especially as the snow, wind and rain take over the days. When the weather keeps you in then try out something you may not have otherwise tried. For instance, you might want to give yoga or Tai Chi and try. This will allow you to easily feel relaxed, while working out your body. The best thing is these exercises work around all fitness levels. You can also keep it simple by doing pushups, sit ups, jumping jacks and so much more. You may even wind up learning a bit more about yourself and your physical needs during this time.

7. Invite People Over
One of the biggest things that can help you find your happiness during these months is to invite people over. Even if you’re an introvert, a little social interaction can be a good thing when the sun isn’t shining and the weather seems far too gloomy for words. You don’t have to have people over every single day, but you should try to invite others over to suit your own comfort level. This is especially important during the holiday season, if you don’t live near your family. Make sure you choose people you’re comfortable with though as this will help make you feel even better. Friends and family are a must, but you may try to meet new people or have small dinner parties with friends from work. As long as you’re engaging in social interaction, your spirits should be lifted.

8. Take “You” Time
It’s always important to treat yourself, but in the months when you’re feeling down and out this can be crucial to your mental health. A lot of the time, we seem to get lost in the holiday work grind, especially those who are hoping to bring in extra money for presents. This can really weigh you down when it comes to your mental health. Thus, you should always take a day to do something entirely for you. This doesn’t mean you have to spend a small fortune though. Rather, you can easily get the break you need by engaging in pass times you enjoy. For instance, if you are a musician then pick up your instrument and play for a couple of hours. You might even dedicate the day to learning or writing a song. You can even just spend your day in bed reading or binge watching your favorite TV shows. No matter what you choose to do, try to eliminate the stress from your life, so you can find happiness and peace of mind again.

9. Add Plants
In the winter, we usually don’t have a whole lot of plants around to brighten our day. Since it’s a little tough to keep them alive outdoors, you can always use this time to add some beauty to the inside of your home. It doesn’t matter what level of green thumb you have, you can easily find a plant that suits your needs. Of course, make sure to consider your pets in the mix, as there are many plants that can be harmful to them. It isn’t just the sight of the plants that can bring happiness to you. Plants will actually help cleanse the air, which will make you feel healthier. The act of caring for them will also bring meaning to your day to ensure you feel needed and wanted in the home. Of course, the lovely colors and fresh scents will help lift your spirits too, so try to add a few different varieties when you choose which plants are right for your home.

10. Add Supplements
Sometimes, eating healthy and getting the right amount of exercise isn’t always enough for our bodies. In this case, a supplement could be the right way to help make you feel healthy and happy again. There’s many supplements that can help your body get back on track. For starters, you may want to try out B12, which can give you more energy and help with cognitive functions as well as other health benefits. Omega-3s are another supplement known to help you feel better about your life and health. Not to mention, they’re one of the best supplements to add to your diet. If you’re feeling particularly down, then St. John’s Wart is a natural anti-depressant that can also help with anxiety. You might want to talk to your doctor about supplements before taking them though as he may have more insight into your health and what would help maximize your mental and physical health.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Day is a great time to examine your overall health, especially when it comes to how you’re mentally feeling. With so many people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, you may find yourself dealing with its symptoms too. These tips should help you cheaply lift your spirits while allowing you to enjoy life more during the gloomy months.