As you can imagine, the month of November is one of the best times to go shopping for most items. With the gift giving holidays coming up, the sales are going to be just about everywhere during this month and next month. You’ll especially find some unbelievable deals when Black Friday arrives just after Thanksgiving. However, there are some items that you probably shouldn’t rush to buy during the month of November. These items are usually offered on sale during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but more often than not, you’ll find an even better deal later on in the season. So, if you’re looking to save then skip out on these items unless you find a ridiculously good deal.

1. Toys
When you have kids, it’s hard to hold off on shopping during the busy season. However, if you want to shop toys you should try to work past your need to shop and wait until December arrives. The prices of toys are still going to be a bit high during November, so even the toys on the hot list won’t be worthy of buying. Your best option is to wait until December when toy stores bank on parents coming in to get their kids toys. You will see a lot of sales and good prices, so don’t miss out because you took care of your shopping too early. The best thing you can do is shop around for items you might want and keep an eye on the stock. If the item seems to fly off the shelves then go ahead and buy it, but if not keep your cool as the sales will only get better and better. Some items will be on sale during Black Friday, but these usually aren’t majors gifts. January is also a time in which they roll out new toys, so if you missed out on an item for Christmas then it will most likely hit the sales rack when the new line of toys is released.

2. Exercise Equipment
During November, there aren’t a whole lot of deals on exercise equipment. Usually, people are trying to get the most out of their gym memberships before they expire for the year, so not a lot of people want to purchase items like this. It isn’t a common holiday gift either, which forces stores to concentrate on other sales. If you’re looking to save big on items like this then January is the time to do it. Most stores are banking on customers who have made New Year’s resolutions to lose weight. Thus, the sales will draw in more people and earn them a lot more money. You should find major discounts during this month, so if you’re in no rush to buy the equipment then wait until the holiday season is over.

3. Travel
Unfortunately, you’ve missed out on the window for holiday travel deals. Now, everything you purchase is going to be way overpriced. This especially includes airline tickets as soon every flight will be booked entirely. Your best bet on getting a flight is to get on a standby list and hope for the best, but even then you might not get a great price. Booking hotels can also be a real pain, especially if you need a room actually on a holiday. You will have to pay double the price in most places and you may not even find a suitable place to stay. Another problem is going to be renting cars as many will be booked and some companies might even require extra insurance. Your best option for purchasing travel is to book for Spring Break, as you might still be able to find a good deal.

4. Christmas Decor
You’ve probably noticed that stores love to put out their holiday supplies well in advance. November probably isn’t even going to be the first month that you’ll see holiday gear in the store. However, it still isn’t going to be the best time to shop for holiday supplies. Usually, when supplies first reach the shelf they are going to be at their base price. As soon as December arrives, prices will decrease slightly. The closer it gets to the holiday’s date, the more the holiday items will decrease. Better yet, when the holiday is over you’ll have so many discounts to choose from that it’ll be impossible not to over shop.

5. Winter Gear
In some locations, it might already feel like Winter is coming around the corner. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s a wise time to grab the gear you’ll need for winter. Prices are still hiked up now for those who wish to grab winter supplies before winter actually strikes. Winter gear includes everything from fashion pieces to the supplies you need to get the snow off of your driveway. Your best option is to wait until winter arrives when stores will be trying to get rid of their stock. However, if you’re lucky you might find a good, random deal on Amazon to satisfy your urge. If you want to save even more then shop winter gear in the spring and save it for next year.

6. Family Photos
In November, there always seems to be a mad rush for people who want to get into the studio for a family portrait. This is largely because people would love to send out holiday greeting cards with their perfect picture enclosed. Booking a slot for a photo session during this time might cost you a bundle though. Usually, photographers up the price because they have so many wanting to take advantage of the session time. Your best option is to get your photo taken in October, when no one is worrying about holiday cards. You might also have better luck waiting until the season is over and having a non-themed family photo taken. Of course, if you really want the holiday portrait without the price tag then there’s many DIY options to try out.

7. High Powered Computers
November is a great month for technology. Black Friday and Cyber Monday alone are the perfect time to grab a piece of technology that you’ve had your eye on. However, there is one group of tech that doesn’t follow this rule of thumb. That is, high powered computers won’t fall into the sales category this month. These computers tend to be much stronger than your average laptop and many people don’t bother to buy them anymore. Thus, if you’re looking for a more high powered option then it would be best to wait until August or September when Back to School sales begin. You should see tons of discounted items during this time. In fact, you might even get better deals on spare parts, so you can build your own computer with ease.

8. XBOX 1S
The XBOX 1S is going to be the holiday gift this year, if you know a gamer. However, if you’ve had your eye on this machine then you might want to take a few steps back during the month of November. Since the console is making its debut, you might find that the price is going to be pretty even across the board. Unless you managed to get in a pre-order, you’re probably looking at spending a little extra than other people did. Your best option is to wait, at least, until December when stores begin to put their excess items on sale. You might also look on Black Friday to see if you’re fast enough to catch a deal. Of course, the third option is to simply wait it out. After all, it might be wise to do this whenever there is a new console as glitches can be frustrating and costly.

9. Bedding
Another poor option for shopping is bedding. Anything from sheets to comforters aren’t going to be on your must-have list this month. Even Black Friday tends to miss deals when it comes to these items too. Your best option is to hold off until January when the White Sale begins. This is your best option for discounts on items like this. Of course, if you miss these sales then hold out for Back to School days when stores are trying to sell their items to dorm rooms. If you’re really desperate for these items then it might be wise to shop on Cyber Monday at a website that specializes in these items.

10. Autumn Clothing
Although you might be waiting on pins and needles to finally find sales on your autumn wardrobe, you might want to hold out just one more month for this. As the end of December nears and the winter solstice begins, you’ll find your autumn styles will be one sale at a huge discount. This will allow you a few weeks to wear the clothes you purchase. Of course, most winter clothes can also be incorporated into your winter attire too, which should keep you very fashionable for the year.

Although November is a lot of fun when it comes to shopping, you’re sure to be better off if you avoid these items. Pretty soon, you’ll be able to find even better deals on the items, which is certain to help you save more money for presents and other items your budget must be able to afford.

The weather is rapidly beginning to cool, which more often than not means we’re going to be experiencing the dry air that winter often brings. This can certainly do a number on your skin if you’re not prepared for the cold months to arrive. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to spend a small fortune on skin regiments that will drain your budget while forcing your skin to rely on products that are largely made with chemicals. There are actually many frugal and natural ways to keep your skin looking and feeling incredible during the winter months. These ten tips should help you find the perfect balance for your budget and needs, so don’t fret about feeling uncomfortable when winter does make its way to town.

1. Use Sunscreen
A lot of people don’t think to use sunscreen when the temperature drops. It is always advertised as a summer product and even features summer friendly smells. However, you should wear sunscreen all year long, especially if you’re going to be out in the sun for hours. Although the sun might not seem as harsh as it is in the summer, UV rays can still cause a lot of damage. In fact, you can even get sunburnt on an overcast day, so keep a bottle of sunscreen handy throughout the entire year. This alone will help keep your skin vibrant and healthy. It will also help cut back on damage that could cause major problems in the future.

2. Fast Showers
Without a doubt, the cold weather makes it very tempting to hop into a hot shower for a long period of time. However, this can be one of the worst things for your skin. Hot water actually dries out the skin considerably, which will add to the dryness problem you will already be working to defeat due to dry air. Rather than hiking up the water’s temperature, you should try to deal with a warm shower. It might not be as relaxing, but it will help you out considerably. Long showers are another major culprit. Instead, try to get in and out of the shower as fast as you can. If possible, you might turn on the water long enough to get wet, then soap up with the water off and turn it back on to rinse. Using this method is great for the environment and your skin, so you’ll be doing yourself a few favors. Not to mention, your water bill will also drop considerably.

3. Skip Showers
In our society, showering every day has become a bit of a social norm. So, it might seem weird to think about skipping more than a day a week. However, we are actually showering more than we should be, which is causing a lot of damage to our skin. This is especially true when it comes to the winter months when the skin is naturally drier than normal. It is actually much better for your skin if you only take two to three showers a week. Of course, if you’re not comfortable with this then showering every other day should do magic for your skin. You will see that the natural oils return, which allow your skin to look younger for longer and reduces the itchiness that winter brings. This method saves a lot of water too. You might make a point to clean areas that might be subject to more sweat and germs with a wash cloth outside of the shower though.

4. Hair
Your hair, namely the skin on your scalp, also needs some extra attention during the winter months. You may notice more itching and dandruff during this time of the year due to the dry air. Part of the problem is shampooing daily, which will dry out your scalp even in the summer months. It is important that the scalp has time to replenish oils, in order to maintain health. So, skip the daily shampoos whenever you can. If your hair still feels dry and brittle then you might consider using mayonnaise to deep condition it. This works wonders and will give your hair an irresistibly soft feel. Mayonnaise is also a lice remedy that you might want to keep handy as lice tend to hit schools more often during the winter months. If you notice your hair looks dull, then douse it in vinegar and let it sit a few minutes before showering. Static is also a problem that dryness brings. To combat this, simply rub your hair with a dryer sheet. The static will disappear and your hair will smell amazing.

5. Swap Cleansers
One major problem that we run into is not swapping shampoos, conditioners and soaps when the season changes. Cleansers designed to deal with oily skin in the summer, will only harm your body when it comes to the winter months. Instead, you should look for cleansers and conditioners that work to provide your body with more moisture. Usually, creamy cleansers are best for your skin as they add moisturizers to the mix. However, all skin is different, so you should play around with a few different options to see what works best for you. This will help you get more out of your cleanser, so your skin won’t feel as tight and uncomfortable during the cold winter months.

6. Use a Humidifier
As mentioned before, dry air is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to the winter months and how they affect the skin. One of the best ways to combat this issue is to leave a humidifier going in the home as often as you can. A humidifier will add moisture to the air, which will bring your skin even more health. It will also help your sinuses cope with all of the dryness they are enduring. Humidifiers can be used in combination with essential oils to bring even more health to the household. Of course, they also work wonders with vaporizer rub when someone in the home is sick. These devices don’t cost a lot either, so you might want to have a few for the home, especially if you have children. If you live in a tight space, then you might consider buying a small diffuser, which will still add moisture to the air, while taking up much less space.

7. Take Vitamins
Another great way to keep your skin looking and feeling great is to keep up with your vitamins. During the winter months, we aren’t getting as much Vitamin D as we should be. So, a multi-vitamin is already in order to keep up with your health. If you want to give your skin the extra boost it needs, you might look into taking a vitamin with Vitamin E. This is the best vitamin for skin, hair and nail health. Of course, keeping up with all of the vitamins and nutrients you need will keep your skin healthier than ever. You might also want to look into getting a lotion with collagen to help with skin repair. By doing this, you should notice that your body feels and looks better than ever.

8. Moisturize
One of the most important things that you should do all year long is moisturize. However, this is especially important during the winter when your skin is already feeling dry. You can moisturize whenever you feel the need to, but there are some points in time that are more efficient than others. For instance, you should always apply lotion when you get out of the shower. Your skin is still slightly moist and you’ve just exfoliated, which helps brings the moisture into the body. Choosing a moisturizer is important too. Unless you talk to a dermatologist often, you might have to try a few different options until you find a lotion that works best for you. Try to find one that has more natural ingredients than chemicals though as this will do your body a lot of favors.

9. Hydrate
Water is essential for life and most of us aren’t getting enough of it. You might feel more inspired to grab a glass of water if you know it will do your skin wonders though. Water will help hydrate the body, which will benefit the skin immensely. It has the power to get rid of dryness, while also ensuring you don’t break out due to your dry skin. Drinking water will also help you cut back on overeating and drinking beverages that aren’t going to do your body any favors. So, load up on water when you can. You might want to grab yourself a personal water bottle to help you keep track of the amount of water you are drinking on a daily basis.

10. DIY Treatments
There are an unbelievable amount of skin products on the market and many of them will cost you an arm and a leg. The unfortunate thing is, these products often don’t do anything more than homemade remedies can do. So, you might as well save some money and see what you can do with the materials you have in your own home. There are many DIY recipes online that will work wonders for your body. So, you might want to start by researching remedies for your specific issue. For instance, if you have dark bags under your eyes then a tea bag will help reduce the puffiness while dulling the darkness. You might also take a lot of pleasure in some of the sugar scrubs, which get rid of dead skin while adding moisture to the new skin. There are even recipes for homemade soap and lotion that can save you lots of money while allowing you to take control over what goes on your body.

Dealing with dry skin during the winter months can certainly be a pain. Luckily, these ten remedies can help you keep your skin looking and feeling amazing without forcing you to go out of your way to spend money. Now, all you have to do is play around with what works best for your body.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a teacher or a helper, coming up with classroom party ideas can be tough. Usually, teachers end up having to do a lot of the planning or choosing parents to lend a helping hand. On the other side, some parents are more than happy to cut their child’s teacher some slack and take over the job. If you’re on either side of the spectrum, you may be looking for some quick ways to make the Halloween party cheap, yet fun. Luckily, there’s lots of great ways to do this. So, grab your favorite costume and get ready to party in style for a lot less.

1. Ask Parents For Help
Whether you’re a teacher or a parent, you shouldn’t have to bear this burden alone. So, don’t be afraid to reach out to other parents. You can easily send out a memo to other parents asking to bring in treats. If you’re a teacher and you have a list of parent’s emails this is probably the most efficient way to go. Parents can bring in spooky treats to help make the party a success. Some can even stop by to help keep the party in order. The more helping hands you are able to rustle up, the easier you’re going to have it when it comes to planning and organizing. The excess help will also cut back on spending, for an individual person. Thus, the party will be a lot better without forcing the teacher to sacrifice even more money out of budget.

2. Make Halloween Masks
One way to keep the kids entertained during the party is to allow them to create their own Halloween masks. All you will need for this is large paper bags or paper plates and some form of string or popsicle sticks. You can also pull our craft supplies that the students already have or bring in a few extras to add even more fun to the activity. Students can use their imaginations when it comes to their masks. They can be anything from their favorite monster an astronaut or dinosaur. The best thing about this activity is it ensures every child will have a costume to where to the party. If you want to add an educational element then have the kids right now a story about the character they created.

3. Wrap the Mummy
A quick and easy game to play with kids of many ages is wrap the mummy. All this game takes is a few rolls of toilet paper. You can split your class into a few teams for this experience too, to help the game move along faster. Once you have teams, one child will become the mummy and everyone else will use the toilet rolls to wrap up the mummy. You can limit toilet rolls to add difficulty to the game too. If a student wants more toilet rolls they will have to pass trivia questions to get it. The fastest team to entirely wrap up their mummy wins the round. The game can be repeated until every student has had a turn as the mummy. Then, the team who wrapped the most mummies the fastest is the overall winner.

4. Paint Pumpkins
A lot of people know how to get bulk deals on pumpkins, so you might want to purchase small pumpkins for your class to paint. Of course, you can also request parents send them to help save money. Either way, this is a great artistic activity for your Halloween party. You can even have the kids make hats and other accessories out of paper and cheap fabrics. Of course, if you want to keep things simple then the kids will have lots of fun with some basic washable paints and q-tips for application. You may even have the kids display their creations in your classroom window until it is time to break for Thanksgiving.

5. Decorate the Class
Instead of spending a lot of time decorating the classroom for the kids to enjoy, you might want to have the kids join in on the fun. You can hand out coloring sheets as an easy way for kids to show off their personality. Of course, you can also take things a step further. One easy way to do this is make a giant spider web out of yard. Kids can then paint their own spiders and place them in the web. You can also do body tracings and have the children turn themselves into monsters by coloring them and cutting out the traced image. Then the monsters can be placed around the classroom. You can even make jack o lanterns out of paper plates. Another fun idea is to stuff the top of tissue paper to make little ghosts that can be hung from the ceiling.

6. Organize Trick or Treating
Trick or treating is one of the best parts of Halloween for children. It’s a little hard to organize a day of trick or treating for kids, but you can have a little fun with it for half an hour or less. This can be done by contacting other teachers to see if they will participate in your trick or treating adventure. The other teachers can simply give out candy or school supplies. Of course, you can spice this up a bit too. Teachers can pass out coloring sheets, mazes and word searches that can all be used to keep the kids entertained during the rest of the party. This activity can also be transformed into a scavenger hunt. Teachers can give out clues to help your class find the ultimate prize. You can play around with the ideas to suit your needs and to create an amazing experience your class will remember forever

7. Costume Contest
If your school allows children to dress up for the holiday or on a specific day, then hosting a costume contest is always a great way to let the kids have fun. You can organize the contest like a fashion show so everyone can see the costumes in a fun way. You might want to bring some dress up clothes for children who might not be able to afford a costume, so they can participate too. After everyone has shown off their costume, you might want to host a secret vote so everyone can choose who they thought had the best costume. You can even organize it into multiple categories to ensure there are multiple winners.

8. Spooky Music and Dancing
Children, especially those that are quite young, love to dance and have fun. Thus, playing spooky music and having the kids dance might be a great form of entertainment for your classroom’s party. One of the best ways to handle the music is to look for kid-friendly playlists online. You might also want to use a streaming network to come up with your own playlist. Once you have the music in order, try to come up with some spooky dances. You can even ask the kids to come up with a dance that is specific for their character. This will bring lots of laughs and will ensure everyone has a lot of fun.

9. Halloween Stories
Story time is one of the best times for younger children. Luckily, there are lots of great books to help you out. You can get a list of Halloween inspired stories online so you can purchase your own or ask your local library to get them for you. Children will love listening to stories about their favorite characters enjoying Halloween, especially if you accompany story time with snack time. If you have an older group then you might want to have them make up their own stories. You can even have them play a story game where everyone carries on with the story where the last person left off. It is a great way to work on creativity and will help children bond while enjoying their Halloween party.

10. Themed Snacks
One of the aspects of Halloween is all of the amazing treats that you can enjoy. You can easily whip up a few treats in the shape of spooky creatures using rice crispy treats or cookies. Of course, you can also get really crafty with foods that are designed to actually look spooky. For instance, you can easily come up with spaghetti to use as worms. You can also use grapes as eyes. These snacks are perfect for a haunted house. If you’re shy on ideas to whip up there’s tons of ideas online. You can also ask other parents to bring in their own take on Halloween treats.

Your classroom can have a spectacular Halloween party if you set your mind to it. Best of all, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to help make your students happy. These ten ideas will help any teacher or parent plan a classroom party that will make the rest of the school jealous.

If you love autumn, then chances are you’ve already planned on making a trip to an orchard to do some apple picking. As you know, this activity isn’t the most frugal item on your list of things to do. However, you can take the price of admissions and use it to your benefit simply by treating your apples right. There are a long list of things you can do to get more out of your apples, so you don’t have to feel bad about spending so much just for the apple picking experience. So, hang tight, because these ten tips are sure to make your apple picking experience even more enjoyable, especially since you can reap the benefits for months.

1. Pick Properly
One of the key components to picking apples is to actually pick them properly. Many people will just grab any apple in sight, especially if the apple is large. They also toss them into their apple basket, which is another no-no when it comes to this activity. Luckily, it doesn’t take long to read up on ideas to help you pick your apples properly. One of the first clues is to check an apple for ripeness before you pick them. You want to choose apples that won’t be going bad in a week, so if an apple is considerably ripe then you may want to leave it, or choose it to eat right away. When placing your apples in your basket do it gently. This will help prevent bruising which will keep your apples from going bad too quickly. Another thing to look out for is bugs, which can completely ruin your apple before you even get it home.

2. Store Properly
Another way to get more out of your apples is to store them in a cool and dry place. The refrigerator isn’t the best of places for this as there is usually too much moisture, which will cause your apples to rot faster. If you have a dry basement or cold storage area, then this might the best place for them. You might consider placing them inside cardboard to keep them even drier. Another option is to store them in rows. This will prevent one rotten apple from causing the rest of your batch to go bad. There are many great storage tips you can find online too, so if you’re looking for the best way to preserve your apples then look around. You might find an option that is entirely convenient for your home.

3. Pre-make Pies
One of the main problems people run into when going apple picking, is they just don’t know what to do with the abundance of apples. Eating them all before they go bad isn’t always an option. Luckily, the holidays are rapidly approaching, so you might want to grab a few of your apples to bake into pies. There are many great pie recipes out there, so you can even explore to see which one you like best. You can pre-make your pies in two different ways too. The first way is to just make the pie filling and freeze it for the special occasion. However, if you have some free time on your hands then you might want to make the pie dough too. Then, you can assemble the pie and place it in the freezer. On the big day, all you’ll have to do is pop it in the oven. This is perfect for gifts for the holidays too, so don’t let your apples go to waste as there’s plenty of delicious recipes to try out.

4. Apple Cider
During the cold months, you’ll have more than just hot chocolate to turn to in order to warm you up. Apple cider is one of the best drinks to have on hand for the autumn and winter holidays. It is also a great drink for the kids when the temperature drops during outdoor playtime. You can easily transform your abundance of apples in some apple cider that will please everyone that pays you a visit. The best thing is, this drink can be made in a huge batch and then frozen to individual portions so you can have a warm treat before work every day or whenever you’re having a moving marathon on a cold night. You’ll be thankful for this amazing beverage and how great it makes you feel.

5. Applesauce
If you have kids then transforming some of your apples into applesauce might just be the best way to go. This isn’t a long process and can give your kids a healthy snack that they will enjoy. The apples work great as baby food too, so you can get even more out of your cooking session. Applesauce isn’t entirely hard to make and you can even use your slow cooker to do the job, if you’re shy on time. Best of all, like most other things on the list, applesauce freezes well so you can keep a back stock of it without worrying about it going bad.

6. Apple Chips
Snacking on greasy potato chips can be satisfying, but isn’t exactly great for you. This is especially true in the colder months when you’re not going to be as active. Instead of snacking on these chips, you might want to try something a little different. All you have to do is thinly slice your apples and bake them. You can add a little sugar, cinnamon or anything else that strikes your fancy. The result of your baking experience will be delicious chips that have the crunch that you love while adding a healthy touch to your diet. You can even pack these in the kids lunches to make their lunches even better. These chips aren’t just delicious, but they’ll be just as satisfying as their potato counterparts.

7. Jam
Without a doubt, when you have an abundance of food to get through, preserving it is the most traditional way to go. So, you might want to check out some jam recipes to see what you can do with your stock of apples. You can easily mix the apples with other forms of fruits and spices to add to your flavor palette. Jam is fairly easy to make too, but if you’ve never done it before then you can find easy tutorials online. You might even consider trying your hand at making apple butter once you get your jamming techniques down. Making jam will allow you to keep your apples for much longer. They will also make great additions to breakfast or sandwiches.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Over the years, apple cider vinegar has increased in popularity. It is said to have a wide variety of health benefits as well as heavy cleaning qualities. So, you might want to use some of your apples to make your very own apple cider vinegar. Although you might not enjoy the smell a whole lot, this can help you save money and will ensure you have a huge stock of the hottest item on your grocery list. There are lots of recipes online to guide you through the process, so don’t be afraid to try a few different things to see which works best for you.

9. Fruit Leather
If your kids are into fruit roll ups, then you might want to try to make them some fruit leather. This is a healthier and homemade snack that most kids will go crazy over. The best thing is, you can easily make fruit leather from apples. This takes a special process to make, but don’t worry you won’t be spending all day in the kitchen to make this treat a reality for your kids. The best thing you can do is surf around for recipes and find one that looks easy for you. You can also check online videos and follow along through the process. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be making fruit leather in your sleep. You’ll also have to pat yourself on the back for making something healthy and delicious that your kids won’t be able to refuse.

10. Apple Stamps
Your apples don’t have to be all about the food though. Instead, you might want to make some stamps from your apples. This is especially great as the apples begin to age and feel more leathery than fruity. All you have to do to make an apple stamp is cup it in half. Kids can dip each half in different places to create apple prints on paper. Each apple will have a unique design, which is a great way to teach your children about apples. Apple stamps can be used for random fun, but you might also consider using them to make decorations for Halloween or Thanksgiving. The apple prints make the perfect look for a placemat for your guests. If you get fabric paint, you might consider using the stamp on a cloth napkin for a seasonal look that everyone will think costs a bundle. Your creativity is the limit here.

Apples can certainly be one of the best aspects of the autumn months. These ten ideas will help you choose the best apples and how to preserve them. This should give you a little more to show for all of your hard efforts. It might even make you want to go apple picking more, so you can transform your bounty into spectacular holiday gifts that everyone will adore.

Working on a bucket list can get pretty hard when the weather cools down, especially if most of your items involve outdoor activities or travel. There are many things you can do to work on your bucket list when you can’t get outside or the time off to travel. Luckily, these bucket list items won’t cost you a fortune and might even give you a boost of confidence along the way. So, don’t let your bucket list collect dust just because you’re trapped indoors as you are sure to have some fun accomplishing the items on this list if they aren’t already on your bucket list.

1. Write the Novel
If you’ve always dreamed of writing a book, then autumn is the perfect time to give it a try. The chilly months are a great time to grab your favorite warm beverage and cuddle up with your laptop to let your story come out. Often, many people claim that the chilly months give them plenty of inspiration to get their heart and soul out on paper. To make things even better, November is actually National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, which should give you the inspiration you need to get your book started. You can join in on a lot of groups that will help push you to write as much as you possibly can. There are even publishers who are excited to except work from this period of time. You might only get a section published, but it is still a start to make your bucket list shine.

2. Break a Habit
No one is entirely happy with themselves, so you might want to use this time to break a habit of your choice. It actually only takes 21 days to ditch a bad habit, so if you can work on something for a little less than a month you can make big changes by the time New Year’s rolls around. There are lots of things you can work on without even having to set foot outside. For instance, you can quit something that might be harming you, like ditching smoking or eating junk food. If you’re willing to put in a little more work, you can build a good habit in just 66 days. So, you might want to try something like picking up yoga, aerobics or any other workout program that you can do indoors. You can learn to cook every night instead of going out. You might also try building a habit of calling friends and family more often.

3. Pick Up a Hobby
A lot of people have hobbies on their bucket list, which makes autumn the perfect time to invest in this aspect of your list. For instance, if you want to learn an instrument then use the time you have indoors to do so. You might start by purchasing or renting an instrument to see if you actually like it. Then, you can check out free lessons online so you’ll be on your way to marking this off of your list. Another great option is to learn a new language. There’s lots of free ways to do this too and you’ll have ample time to practice during rainy days. Apart from that, you might consider picking up knitting or any other hobby that can be beneficial around the home.

4. Break a Record
If you have a lot of time on your hands then you might want to use it to break a record. This can be accomplished in a couple of different ways. You can easily pick a record out of the World Record Book and try to beat it. There’s a whole lot of fun records, so you don’t even have to pick anything too tough if you don’t want to. This will give the whole family a goal to work towards and will land your name in the world record book if you succeed. Another way to accomplish this is to choose a personal record to break. This can be for just about anything. For instance, if you are particularly proud of your running record then try to break it. This is an amazing way to challenge yourself, so you can feel fulfilled in everything you do.

5. Attend Oktoberfest
One big event that happens during the autumn is the traditional Oktoberfest, which is a famous German celebration. Of course, going to an actual Oktoberfest in Germany isn’t exactly on the frugal side of things. Luckily, there is a number of Oktoberfests that take place all over the world. You may even find one in your own community. This will give you a great experience to enjoy while showing you some culture. Of course, you might want to look into the Oktoberfest near you before you buy tickets. Some are family friendly while others only allow people in who are of drinking age. If you don’t want to visit an Oktoberfest that is close to your home then there are actually a lot of popular Oktoberfests in many countries that you can check out. These are usually family friendly and offer a lot of other forms of entertainment, like rides and shows.

6. Hit the TBR List
Nothing will say autumn quite like curling up with a good book and a cup of coffee or tea. This season, you might want to go through your To Be Read list in order to mark it off of your bucket list. If you don’t have a TBR list right now then now is the time to get one. You can find many suggestions for books to read based on your personality online, so check out some reading websites to see if you find anything you like. You might also want to check out books based on books that you liked previously. Without a doubt, you won’t have a hard time building up your list, which will give you plenty of things to do when you have plenty of time to hang out indoors.

7. Sleep Beneath the Stars
There is nothing like sleeping out beneath the stars when the air is nice and crisp out. Autumn can be one of the best times to go camping or simply to sleep out under the stars in your own backyard. The weather won’t be so cold that you’ll freeze, so you should be good just to use your own jackets and blankets to keep warm or even basic sleeping bags. There is actually a lot going on astronomically during the autumn months too. You might get a closer look at some of the planets in our solar system or new constellations. You can even check out where to look using your favorite astronomical websites or apps.

8. Help Someone Out
A lot of people don’t just want to do for themselves when it comes to their bucket list. So, if you want to mark something good off of your bucket list then you might want to try volunteering during the cold season. Autumn and winter tend to see a spike in homeless shelters, soup kitchens and other services. So, if you want to make a difference then this is the place to start. You can also donate food and water or simply give someone on the street a nice meal. There are other volunteer programs to check out too. For instance, you might consider Habitat for Humanity, which is still putting in a lot of work to get families in homes for the holidays. There are many things you can do to help others out too, so don’t hesitate. You don’t even have to branch out from your own inner circle as there is usually someone in need.

9. Experience Foliage Somewhere New
One of the best parts of autumn is seeing all of the foliage change colors. However, if you are witnessing the same foliage year after year then you might want to take a trip to see how the foliage looks in other places. This might be the perfect time for a weekend road trip, or a long day’s drive. There are many iconic places that you might want to check out, but it could be just as rewarding to hit the wide-open road and see where it takes you. You will be able to admire the beauty of the world around you. You may even find new places to vacation when you want a quick getaway from home.

10. Save for a Trip
If you don’t really have anything on your bucket list that you want to complete in the autumn or winter then you might want to use this time to save up for one of the bucket list items that isn’t on the frugal side of the spectrum. For instance, you might want to start up a swear jar. This will help you put money back while working on changing a bad habit. Another idea is to place change from transactions into a jar. You might want to switch to cash to complete this one, which could save you even more money. There are lots of ways to save though, including simply putting back money every week. No matter what you choose to do, it can help you mark off one of your buck list ideas faster than you expected.

Working on your bucket list should be a fun process, so don’t let the weather or the money stand in your way. These ten ideas should help you find the perfect way to work on your list without venturing too far from the comfort of your own home during the cold months.

It isn’t often that Friday the 13th lands on a day in October, but when it does many fans of horror and Halloween love to take it by storm. If you’re ready to have a blast this Friday the 13th, you might be wondering how you can do so without spending a fortune. This can be especially important with Halloween just around the corner, as costumes, candy and decor can really eat up a budget. Luckily, there’s lots of great things you can do to celebrate the rare occurrence. So, don’t fret your budget too much because you can really get a lot out of the holiday by spending very little.

1. Movie Marathon
One of the best ways to enjoy the holiday is to stay in for the night and enjoy a movie marathon. There’s a ton of movies to pick from too, which should meet your spooky criteria. Of course, you can always go for the movie series named after the date itself. If you don’t have a lot of movies that suit the category then you can always tune in to cable if you have it. A lot of channels love to follow the theme and play a marathon of movies to help people enjoy the occasion. If you don’t have cable there there’s still many rental ideas to choose from. Since the 13th happens to be on a Friday, you will probably only have the chance to binge watch three or four movies if you are working or in school. So renting shouldn’t cost you a fortune and can create an enjoyable experience you can share with friends and family or keep to yourself, if you’re feeling brave.

2. Listen to Music
Believe it or not, but there’s actually a lot of songs that are written about Friday the 13th or at least follow the theme of the day. If you find yourself particularly busy on the day or you don’t care for movies, then you might want to have a jam session. If you love to check out new music, then there’s a lot of Friday the 13th playlists to choose from. You might also consider doing a little research for yourself to see if you can find a few hidden gems on your own. This is a great way to enjoy a commute or have some fun while completing work or household chores.

3. Try Your Luck
Friday the 13th is considered to be an unlucky day. The fact that it is happening in October makes it even less desirable for some people. This means that a lot of people will back out of luck based games like gambling or even raffles. This might be your chance to win big though. So, instead of buying into the superstition of the date, you might want to try out a game or two. For instance, you can take a chance and buy a lotto ticket. If you go to a party hosting a raffle then you might want to indulge too. You never know, with less people willing to spend money on such a thing you may find yourself winning big. If you’re planning on gambling, now might be the time to do it too. Casinos won’t be as packed which will give you a good selection of slot machines and tables to work with. Even if you don’t win, you will still have a bit of fun and will take a stand against superstitions.

4. DIY Halloween Costume
Friday the 13th is just a little over two weeks away from Halloween. So, if you want to enjoy something spooky and fun for the day, it might be the perfect time to get started on your Halloween costume. There are a lot of great ideas out there that are really simple to complete and will allow you to have costumes for the whole family under budget. There have already been many ideas posted online, so you might start thinking about your favorite ideas now. If you don’t get around to making the costume on the 13th, you might still discuss what you would like to do and perhaps even collect the materials to make the costume. Once you have all of this planned out, everything else should fall into place, so you’ll be ready to Trick or Treating when the time comes.

5. Put Out Spooky Decor
If you’ve been putting off decorating for Halloween, now is the perfect time to do it. Since Halloween is only two weeks away, you won’t be so early that your neighbors will get bored of seeing your ghosts and goblins on display in the front yard. It also gives you the perfect excuse to embrace all things spooky. You might start by working with the items you already have, so you won’t feel tempted to go out and buy new things. Of course, if you are shy on a few things you might try to make them yourself before you go shopping. This will help save money and will even add some fun to your Friday the 13th celebration. For instance, if you’re lacking spider webs then look no further than some white yarn. This can be stretched across doors and windows to create life sized webs. Your kids might even love arranging spooky items in the web each day to keep the look fresh and exciting.

6. Check Out a Haunted House
There should be a few haunted houses popping up around your community. If not, you might want to check out other communities to see what options you have. Going to a haunted house can really get you in the spirit for the upcoming holidays, but also for the mood that Friday the 13th often brings. If you don’t have any haunted houses just yet, then look around for festivals. More often than not they will host a fun house that can serve as a similar experience. These are also a bit more family friendly if you have small children. Some farms will even turn their corn mazes into a scary experience for Friday the 13th, in order to bring in more crowds. So, if you can’t find anything in your region, think out of the box because there may be more things to check out than you think.

7. Scary Videogames
One of the best ways to scare yourself senseless is to pop in a scary videogame to help make the occasion seem real. There are lot of top names available that can leave you shaking in your boots this Friday the 13th. You might start by playing a game you already own so you won’t spend money. However, if you’re looking for something new you might try to rent instead of buying a game. This is especially convenient if you’re not a huge fan of the horror genre. One option you might consider is the games based off of the Friday the 13th movies. If you won’t want an entirely in-depth game then you can always check out some of the freebies online. This method of celebrating might fit your busy schedule the best and will give you a pretty good scare too.

8. Host a Campout
If you love to get the creeps then hosting a campout is one of the best options for you. You don’t even have to go far if you don’t want to. If you want to save money then the backyard can work wonders for you. However, if you’re looking for a real experience then you might check out creepy areas in your area and find out what the camping laws are. Make sure to pack snacks for your trip and items to build yourself a campfire. Of course, one of the most important aspects is to bring your best scary story game. There’s still time to look up stories to share if you aren’t ready to make up your own on the spot. You might find camping out on the 13th is your new favorite way to get creeped out and enjoy the occasion.

9. Calculate Dates
If you’re looking to kill a little time on the 13th, or you want to help your kids work on their math, then working to calculate the number of Friday the 13ths you’ll experience can be a lot of fun. If you aren’t ready to come up with an equation to do this, there are lots of websites that can help you out. Some will even explore the number of Friday the 13ths that happen in October. This can help everyone appreciate the special date even more. Plus, anything that makes math fun is always a plus when you’re trying to convince your children to learn the subject.

10. Throw a Party
Of course, one of the most popular things to do to celebrate the fun of Friday the 13th is to throw a party. You don’t have to go all out in order to do this though. For instance, you might want to invite guests over and have them bring a potluck dish and their own beverages. You might also ask people to bring specific items to make the party go smoother. A theme is always a great idea, so follow your gut. An early costume party can be fun and will allow people to wear old costumes or try their new ones on for size. You can also create an unlucky party theme. There are lots of ideas online to help guide you through the planning. Games and movies are always as easy options for these parties, so you don’t have to add any extra expenditures to your list.

It isn’t often that we get to enjoy a Friday the 13th in October. So, don’t let your budget hold you back when it comes to having fun. These ten ideas can help you have a good time without forcing you to spend money that is already dedicated to upcoming holiday activities.

Fire Prevention Week is October 8-14, which gives you plenty of time to have a little fun with this crucial week. This week is all about learning how to prevent fires, while also protecting yourself if there is a fire. This is a particularly crucial week for children who don’t yet know all of the rules regarding fires. However, it can also be a great week for adults to brush up on their knowledge and to support those who work to put out fires. Luckily, this isn’t an activity you will have to spend a lot of money on, as fire prevention is free and easy to understand. So, give these ten activities a try in order to get the most out of
Fire Prevention Week.

1. Check smoke alarms
One of the most important things you can do during this week is to go through your home and check your smoke alarms and other critical alarms in your home. You can easily check these devices by pushing a button and seeing if an alarm sounds. However, if you want to be extra careful then create smoke near the device and see if it goes off. If the device seems slow or doesn’t sound then you may want to replace it. Of course, you might also want to replace these devices every few years anyway to ensure absolute safety. During Fire Prevention Week you should make a point to swap out the batteries in all the smoke detectors in your home, as well as carbon monoxide alarms. You should also make sure your home has enough smoke detectors to ensure everyone’s safety.

2. Visit Fire Department
Nothing will inspire children to practice fire safety quite like a visit to the local fire department. Make sure you call ahead to see if it is okay to stop by though. By doing this, you will be able to meet real firemen who risk their lives daily to save lives and prevent fires from destroying buildings and habitats. Your local firemen might even show your children around the station, which can be even more exciting. Sometimes, during fire prevention week, the fire department will put on presentations to help children in the community understand the value of Stop, Drop and Roll as well as other common fire rules. Thus, you might want to check in to see if any of these presentations will suit your schedule. If you would like to say thank you, then whip up some baked goods or have the children create cards with special messages.

3. Fire Drill
Fire drills can be crucial in every home. If you don’t already have a plan then you might want to use Fire Prevention Week to come up with one. This is the perfect time to test out your fire drill too. Have the children run through the initial scenario first, so you will know that they understand the game plan. Then, mix things up a bit. One day, you can use yarn to create a wall of smoke that children will have to register into their escape plan. You can also move furniture to block certain escape routes. Another option is to make flames out of cardboard and construction paper. These will help your children come up with alternative routes and will give them a basic understanding that things don’t always go according to plan when there is a fire. You should also give them pointers about breathing and what to do if their clothing catches on fire. You might even make this into a game by timing their progress and having them work to beat their previous records.

4. Teach About Fire
One thing that really comes in handy when working through Fire Prevention Week is learning about various types of fires. This is important because you can’t put all fires out the same way. For instance, if a grease fire occurs in the kitchen then you won’t want your children trying to put it out with water. This will only feed the fire, which can lead to a huge problem. Showing children the different methods to deal with a fire is crucial. So, make flash cards, draw up a chart or simply quiz them until they have it memorized, because this information could one day save their lives. You can also come up with activities to do this. Of course, you should also talk about fire. For starters, how they begin, the colors of the fire, temperature and more. With knowledge comes power, especially when it comes to knowledge that can save a life.

5. Teach Safety Songs
It is hard to sit down with younger children and teach them the ins and outs of fire and how they should behave around it. One of the best ways to teach them is actually through song. You might hammer the message home if you can add in some dance moves too. A lot of songs already exist to teach about Stop, Drop and Roll and other fire safety procedures, so looking them up will be a breeze. You might even find videos online of the songs performed, which will help your children connect with the songs. If you are feeling creative then make up your songs and have a little fun with them. You might even ask the kids to pitch in. Having fun while learning will help the information stick in their minds.

6. Read About Safety
Reading is one of the best ways to help information stay in the mind. There are a wide variety of books that you can check out to help children learn about fire safety. Perhaps, you can even share a book a day during the week, so children will be exposed to a wide selection of books. There are books written for older children too, so the whole family can enjoy reading about the subject matter. If you’re curious about fire, then check out some of the books firemen must read before beginning their career. You might also want to look at tutorials for camp fires and other activities that use fire.

7. Watch Programs
Many TV stations do a good job of incorporating information into their daily programs. During Fire Prevention Week, you may be able to find documentaries on fires and advertisements encouraging people to be as safe as possible. More importantly, there will be specialized programs for children. PBS, to name just one channel, celebrates Fire Prevention Week with customized shows to teach children about fire. So, your child will be able to learn from their favorite characters. You can even download activities to go along with the specialized shows to help children further understand the importance of fire safety and how to help those who have been affected by fire.

8. Build a Campfire
You might not think that building a fire is the best way to celebrate Fire Prevention Week, but you might be surprised as to how much this can actually help. Building a fire will teacher children that it is okay to enjoy fires in a safe setting. Spending time near a fire will also show children the pain that a fire can cause. The heat radiating off of a fire is tolerable, but children will see how uncomfortable they feel after merely standing next to a fire. This will discourage them from playing with fire. Building a camp fire will also show children the proper way to put out a fire. This is crucial, especially in areas that can easily be caught on fire. Make sure there is not a burn ban in your area before you build your campfire though. Don’t forget to have some fun with it too, with campfire treats that will make everyone happy.

9. Put Away Fire Starters
Although your children might be right on track when it comes to fire safety, you should never leave out a fire starter in your home. This includes, matches, lighters, camping flints and more. Even if you trust your children, you never know what might be happen when you’re not directly supervising them. So, the best thing you can do is keep any fire starter in a safe place. A lock box can be one of the best places if you have children that like to climb and are naturally curious about things hidden away. However, if your child tends not to go looking for things, placing them in a hard to reach place is perfectly fine. Make sure you don’t leave them out by the grill as well. Some children might even feel courageous enough to light the fire themselves, so removing temptation is your best weapon against fires and potential injuries.

10. Trim the Yard
With autumn here, there are a lot of fire hazards to be found in your own yard. So, in order to celebrate Fire Prevention Week, you might want to head outside and take care of a few things. For instance, you will want to cut the grass down before the snow begins to fall. This will prevent brush fires that might occur on accident. You should also pick up the falling leaves as often as possible. Another major problem is dead trees or limbs that are too long. While you’re working, you might check the gutters too as dried debris can help fires spread. This is the perfect week to get started on your yards cleanup too, as the autumn weather isn’t at its peak yet.

Fire Prevention Week can be a lot of fun and incredibly informative for all ages. This week, you might want to check out these ten tips to see if you can spread some knowledge to your family members, while ensuring everyone in your household knows the fire safety rules. After the week is over, these tips should leave you feeling more secure.

If you’re in the mood to hit some sales, then Columbus Day is the last holiday to do so before we move into the exciting days just before Black Friday. Whether you celebrate Columbus Day or not, you won’t be able to turn down some of the deals this year. However, there are some things you may want to skip out on during this holiday too, as you’re certain to find better deals in just a few weeks. So, in order to guide you through the last big shopping day, here’s ten categories you should shop in if you want to maximize your holiday sale savings.

1. Jeans
Back to school sales are certainly long gone by now, but there’s still going to be a lot of jeans leftover for people to pick through. Since stores have so much leftover stock, Columbus Day is the perfect time to unload it before the holiday months begin. You will be able to find deals as high as 60% off jeans, especially when it comes to children’s sizes. These deals should help you prep your wardrobe for autumn and winter. There will also be big sales on some of the hottest denim on the market, so if you’re still rocking last year’s jeans, Columbus Day will be the perfect time to add a couple new pairs to your wardrobe.

2. Travel
Most people don’t plan vacations in October, but now might be the perfect time to do so. In fact, Columbus Day brings a lot of great deals on travel. You might be able to grab a quick weekend getaway trip or a longer trip at a fraction of the price that you would pay for a summer vacation. Now is also the perfect time to get in your holiday travel plans. Secure your plane tickets, book your hotels and even reserve a rental car if need be. Soon, the holiday season will make all of these elements of travel incredibly expensive. If you really want to enjoy some travel, then book a cruise during this month. You will enjoy huge savings and can look forward to a vacation that is out of this world. There are many new cruise lines departing early next year, so grab a spot now at a price that won’t harm our budget.

3. Accessories
If you love to look good then you’re sure to find something right up your alley during the Columbus Day sales. During this special day, you should be able to find a whole lot of deals on accessories. Hats might be one of the best things you can grab during this time. There should be a lot of summer hats available at a low price, but you also might want to look for winter hats too to help prepare your wardrobe for the upcoming months. Handbags, clutches and other clothing accessories will also be at a great price, which might even inspire you to stock up on accessories for holiday gifts. Jewelry and other accessories will also find a price cut, don’t forget to look for a few pieces to make your collection look great. Finally, shoes will also be a great price during this time. Everything from fashion pieces to running shoes should be the perfect buy during the holiday.

4. Mattresses
When it comes to holiday sales, mattresses are usually up front and center when it comes to a good deal. Columbus Day won’t be any different as you should see sales in stores and online for a wide variety of mattresses. Even some of the more modern memory foam mattresses should offer a big sale on top of online discounts, so make sure you don’t miss out. This is actually the last holiday of the year for incredible mattress deals, so if you’re in the market for something new, you might not hold your breath in hopes of finding something on Black Friday. The next major sale for mattresses won’t show up until Memorial Day, so don’t hold out if you don’t have to.

5. Outdoor supplies
With the weather cooling down, it makes perfect sense that stores will want to ditch all of their outdoor gear during the Columbus Day sale. If you are in the market for patio furniture, then start shopping now because you probably won’t be able to find these items in stores and marked at a decent price until spring returns. This is also the best time to buy a pool and pool supplies, so you’ll be all set for summer. Of course, you can also stock up on gear for sports like football, soccer and even sports that aren’t in season. Finally, you might want to grab any lawn equipment you need, as you won’t see many sales on it until the snow stops

6. Furniture
Furniture is another must when it comes to shopping on Columbus Day. This comes at the perfect time to give your home a little boost before you have company for the holidays. When it comes to furniture, it is hard to tell which store will concentrate on which area. Many stores might push beds around this time of the year to create a cozier appearance in the bedroom or guestroom. Whereas, other stores might have great sales on recliners, so you can stock up for the holidays. Other stores may push signature items like TV stands that dual as faux fire places to inspire shoppers to make their homes cozier for the holidays. The best thing you can do is pay attention to local ads or surf your favorite websites to see what your options will be.

7. Appliances
New appliances just dropped in many stores, which means there’s going to be a lot of sales around this time of the year. This is especially true when it comes to Columbus Day. You should see items up to 30 or 40% off, which can save you a lot of money. Another big thing around this holiday is bundle deals. This is perfect if you’re remodeling the whole kitchen or you want a washer and dryer bundle. Of course, you should shop around before you decide to make a purchase this holiday. Black Friday deals could still beat out these. So, if you’re not in a hurry you might want to take your chances and see what you can get after Thanksgiving.

8. Autumn Clothes
If you’ve been holding out on autumn fashions then you can finally rejoice. Columbus Day will see many sales on clothing, so make sure to shop around to see what you can find. These sales don’t specifically target autumn clothes so you can shop older fashions too. However, if you want to save on new things for this season then shopping now is a good plan. Black Friday typically isn’t the best for clothes shopping, so if you get this expenditure out of the way you’ll be set to purchase other items when Black Friday arrives. Many of the sales you will see will be online too. So, make sure you check out your favorite lines to see what the sales can afford you.

9. Photography Supplies
Since vacation season is pretty much over, many camera shops are willing to offer some pretty amazing sales on their supplies. Cannon is one of the most popular brands to slice prices on Columbus Day, so you might want to begin your search there. During the sales, you should be able to find a great deal on a camera, lenses and other accessories that you might need or want to suit your hobby or profession. Other brands will also be offering competitive prices, so shop around before the sale to get an idea of what you need and want. This sale comes at a great time as you will be able to preserve all of those holiday memories with your new camera. It will also prep you for next summer when you can’t find a good deal to save your life.

10. Home Improvement
Home improvement season is pretty much over. With the weather already becoming cold with high levels of moisture, you can pretty much bargain that most people aren’t going to want to work on a project. This makes it the perfect time to host a sale on home improvement items. One of the biggest sales will be on items like wallpaper and paint, because updating these aspects of the home won’t be popular. You will also be able to find deals on things like light fixtures and other small details that will make your home complete. You might also want to look for tools and others items you will need to complete home improvement projects as some stores may even include these items in their sales.

Columbus Day Sales will certainly bring you a lot of savings this year. As the last big sale of the season before the big sales begin, you’re sure to have fun while browsing for items to shop for. With a little pre-shopping and knowledge of what to look for, you should be able to find some amazing things on your shopping list at a fraction of the price.

National Get Organized Week is upon us, which can be a huge motivation for anyone looking to get the house in order before the snow begins to fall. With this amazing week dedicated to getting your home in tip top shape, you’re sure to find some inspiration in these ten tips. Best of all, you won’t have to spend a fortune on supplies to get you organized with these tips. Rather, you will be able to use items from your own home to cut down on the clutter and make things so much easier to find. So, don’t get flustered yet, as these ten ideas are sure to make Get Organized Week a little fun.

1. Shelves
When it comes to the home, shelves are probably the best thing you can do. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have books or a lot of space in your home, as shelving is the perfect way to ensure you can declutter and look organized for a very low price. If you don’t want to put a lot of elbow grease into this concept, then the best thing you can do is purchase the shelves. Usually, tall shelves from a department store like Walmart range around $30 and smaller shelves are a mere half the price. So, you can purchase a few without breaking the bank. You might also consider building your own shelves to help keep back the costs and to ensure they are sturdy enough to last for years. You shouldn’t disregard hanging shelves either. This can be perfect for nick-knacks and lighter books. Once you get your shelves up, use them for all sorts of things. You can even buy decorative bins to store your junk items without creating an eyesore.

2. Hang Things Up
When it comes to clutter, hanging things up can be one of your best defenses in getting rid of it. This is especially true when it comes to the kitchen. For instance, if you don’t have a lot of décor on the walls you might consider hanging up your pots and pans. Not only will it look rustic and chic, but it will also give you access to the items you need in a hurry. You might also consider hanging up some of your kitchen utensils, unless you have an abundance of them or don’t think they would look great on the wall. Another option is to hang up your mugs under the cabinets. This can be simply done with a small hook and will add a cute look that makes mornings a breeze. This method comes in handy in the garage too, as you can put things like shovels, hoes and even tools on the wall, as long as they are secured properly. Try to do the same in the home when you come across things that might look great hung up. You can even hang old toys from the ceiling to add a cute look to a child’s bedroom or playroom.

3. Control Cords
One of the biggest reasons why a space looks cluttered has to do with the visible cords. These are definitely an eyesore that is hard to control. If you have children then they may cause even more problems for you. So, this Get Organized Week, you might want to handle the cord issue once and for all. The first trick for this problem is to use a toilet roll. You can cut holes in a toilet roll to feed the cords through, which will prevent them from getting all tangled up. You can also wrap up the cords and hide them in a toilet roll to keep them from going all over the place. Best of all, you can paint the toilet roll to suit your own personal style. Another option is to use twist ties. This will allow you to get rid of some of the slack that the cords have, so they won’t hang all over the place. If you don’t like the unsightly look of the cords, then buy tape that pairs well with your work space, this can hide the appearance. You can also create a back board for your desk that will keep the cords out of your sight. This can be done with cardboard or old wood. You can even paint it to suit your needs.

4. Pantry
The pantry can be a place of nightmares when it comes to organizing. Often, things get shoved in, so you don’t know where anything is. This can cause cooking and cleaning to take even longer than it needs to. One of the first things you can do to ease this problem is grab some old sofa boxes. The twelve pack boxes should allow you to store your bulk cans in one area. This will allow you to grab what you need in mere seconds. You can even stack these boxes to take up even less space in your pantry. Spices are another big problem when it comes to the pantry. If you have a lot then it might be impossible to find anything you need. You can always place your spices in a shoe box or two and place labels on the top of them. If you don’t have a lot of spices, or you only frequently use a few of them then you can add a magnet to the back and place it on the side of the refrigerator. If you don’t like the way this looks, then add a magnet to an old baby food jar and transfer the spice there. You can even buy chalkboard paint to add some style to the jar and to make labeling a breeze. Another great option is to use cereal containers to stack your favorite breakfast supplies and snacks.

5. Freezer
If your freezer doesn’t have a lot of storage space then you’re probably in for a big headache. You can easily organize your freezer though, even if it doesn’t have the shelves you desire. One of the best options is to add a small curtain rod. You can find these at the dollar store as they are designed for bathroom and basement windows. This can easily be adjusted to the top of the freezer. From there, you can hang all of your food that comes in a bag. This is especially great for anyone that does food prepping. A quick way to add shelves into your freezer is to pick up some plate stands. These are designed for stacking plates in your shelf, but they’re perfect for allowing you to stack foods in the freezer without having to fear an avalanche every time you open the door.

6. Office/Craft Supplies
Office and craft supplies can take over a room quickly if your let them. Rather than buying storage for these items, it might be wise to take to your recycling bin to help keep your area neat and tidy. For instance, you can place a wide variety of supplies in oatmeal containers. These long cylinders are perfect for yarn, markers, sewing supplies and so much more. If you have lots of scrapbook paper, sticker sheets, patterns and other similar products then a cereal box can be your best friend. These will keep the items in order and flat, so they’ll look their best when it is time to use them. Mason jars are also the perfect storage item, especially if you don’t want the item easily accessible. Plus, you can later transform your mason jars into a craft when the mood strikes. Smaller items like sequences, beads, paperclips and more can be stored in a berry container for convenience.

7. Condense closet
Closets are one of the most disorganized places in a home, more often than not. There are a lot of simple tricks you can use to get your closet in order though. For starters, you can use the tabs off of your favorite canned drinks to stack your hangers. This will allow you to store three or more items in one spot, so your closet won’t be overflowing with clothing items. This especially comes in handy with pants. Your shoes can be stacked up to help prevent overflow too, but if you want the closet to look well put together then you might want to get a shoe organizer. These can be purchased for a fairly cheap price, but you can also build your own to save some money. There are lots of DIY ideas out there, so look around to see which suits your style. If you have a lot of linens in the closet then place them in a trash bag. You can suck the air out with a vacuum to help the items take up less space.

8. Toys
You have probably had a few moments of frustration over the toys in your home. Luckily, there’s a lot of great ways to work on organizing these items. One of the best bets is to invest in storage bins, but if you don’t want to spend money then consider using shoe boxes or wooden boxes that you build yourself. You can color coat these items to help children place specific toys in specific areas. Smaller items can be placed in oatmeal containers or even plastic bottles to help keep them in one space. If your child enjoys action figures or dolls like Barbie, then you might consider hanging a shoe organizer on the back of the door. These toys fit perfectly in the slots and will keep them off of the floor.

9. Invest in Storage Containers
One of the best ways to get your home in shape is to invest a little money in storage containers. These items can make the home look cleaner and will help keep all of your items organized. You can always save on your budget by buying one storage container at a time. This will also allow you to organize slowly, so the job isn’t too overwhelming. Luckily, most storage containers don’t cost a lot of money either. You can also purchase containers that fit into tight spaces. For instance, you can buy or make a container that fits next to the refrigerator, which doubles as a space for spices or canned goods. There are also bins that fit perfectly under couches and beds to store away items like magazines or clothing.

10. Minimize
Of course, one of the fastest ways to combat clutter and disorganization is to actually cut back on the items you have. You might want to take this week to go through your excess items and see if any of it actually brings you joy. If it doesn’t improve your life in one way or another then get rid of it. You can sell it, donate it or even toss it. When you get rid of your excess clutter, you might feel a lot better about your home’s environment. It will also help you organize the things you do have, so you can enjoy the space you live in even more.

National Get Organized Week is the perfect time to jump on the tasks you’ve been planning on working on for some time. This week will help you prep for the cold weather and ensure your home is functioning like a well-oiled machine. It may even help you find new hiding places for all of your kids’ holiday gifts.