Tag: secondhand

Is Halloween America’s Favorite Holiday?

Posted on by Jordank

You may have noticed that #Halloween gets a lot more attention in the United States these days. Even when you factor in the truly American penchant for catering to — and monetizing — people’s interests, the #holiday has seen incredible growth in interest and participation.

Much of this growth is thanks to adults. Nearly half (47%) of U.S. adults named Halloween as their favorite holiday of the year, according to a new report from Ferrero Group, makers of Baby Ruth, Butterfinger, Kinder and numerous other chocolate and candy brands.

“Last year, we identified the emerging ‘Adultoween’ trend, and now we’re seeing it evolve into a full cultural movement,’ says Chad Stubbs, CMO of Ferrero North America. “Adults aren’t just participating in Halloween anymore; they’re truly embracing it as their own holiday.”

The phenomenon isn’t limited to candy consumption. In 2005, half (52%) of adults celebrated Halloween, according to the National Retail Federation; today, that share has grown to 73%. That’s a lot of candy, pumpkins, plastic skeletons and fake spiderwebs — and no less than $2 billion worth of costumes.

Add to that the fact that the “spooky season” is promoted with horror-movie marathons, TV premieres, “haunted” attractions and more, and you have a seasonal economic juggernaut of frightening proportions — one that attracts more enthusiasts every day.

Unfortunately for the Halloween shopper, candy prices have jumped 10.2% since last year, CNN reports, with chocolate products leading the increases due to tariffs and cocoa shortage. That’s forcing many families to cut down on trick-or-treat giveaways or try to save money elsewhere.

You can #economize on #costumes and household #decorations by #shopping the #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by #donations to ClothingDonations.org, of course. You can also #donate any lightly used clothing and extras throughout the year. Keep the candy, though.

Happy Halloween to the many millions of aficionados in America! We at The Organizing Blog hope you have a safe, spooky and fun holiday.

Beat the Holiday Shopping Crowds

Posted on by Jordank

With prices rising rapidly and the #holidays on the horizon, you might want to start #shopping early. Stock up on any ingredients you might need for your #fall feasts and baking before the supplies run out, and hit the malls ahead of the crowds. You can #save #money and beat the rush by looking for lightly used cold-weather gear such as sweaters and coats (and maybe a few #gifts) at the local #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by your generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org now. Resale proceeds go toward the support of valuable #veterans programs nationwide. #FallActivities

Stock Up on Winter Essentials

Posted on by Jordank

While less is more when it comes to #stuff, there are a few things you might want to have at the ready before #winter if you want to be #prepared for the worst. You might need a good snow shovel, de-icer, flashlights and batteries, a weather radio, an emergency car kit, food that doesn’t require preparation, and extra pet food. Even if you aren’t completely snowed-in, you might like to stock up on #winter staples such as flour and sugar for #holiday baking. In many areas, you’ll need a good winter coat and waterproof boots — and you can find a lot of lightly used winter gear at the #thrift stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org.

How Much Sun Is Too Much Sun?

Posted on by Jordank

With #summer heat arriving early, you have probably already found find yourself doing more in the sun this year. Whether you are a sun-worshipper or an air-conditioning aficionado, it pays to know how much sun is too much sun.

Everyone needs some sun exposure to produce vitamin D, Johns Hopkins says, which aids calcium absorption and builds bone density. “But unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to the skin, eyes and immune system” as well as skin cancer.

Much depends on a person’s complexion. Those with pale complexions and light eyes have less melatonin in their systems — the pigment that causes tanning. As a result, the amount of direct sunlight they can endure without damage or sunburn can be as little as 10 minutes.

People with darker complexions tend to have more natural protection against UV rays, and may be able withstand exposures of up to 60 minutes without protection, according to the National Institutes of Health. Regardless, everyone should be careful to limit exposure.

Applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to all exposed areas is a good start. Blocking sunlight is the ultimate protection; you can cover up with lightweight, long-sleeved garments and a wide-brimmed hat. Protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses whenever possible.

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; a good rule of thumb is to seek shade if your shadow is shorter than you are. Awnings, tents and trees can help. You can also carry your own shade in the form of an umbrella, but remember that surfaces such as pavement, sand and water can reflect UV rays upward.

Look for lightly used, lightweight clothing, hats, umbrellas, and other seasonal accessories at the #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org.

Warm weather makes for #summertime fun. But be aware of how much direct sunlight you can safely handle, and take the appropriate steps to protect your skin and eyes from excessive UV exposure whenever you go out. It’s important to your health!

Shop for Fitness Gear at the Thrift

Posted on by Jordank

Want to start a #winter #workout routine to stay fit even in when the weather is bad, but don’t have any suitable gear to wear to the gym or pool? The #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org are a great place to shop for lightly used sweats, shorts and other athletic gear, as well as exercise equipment. Start a routine, and you might just drop a couple of sizes! Then you can contact ClothingDonations.org for a #free #donation #pickup to get rid of those ill-fitting clothes for good. Somebody might be able to use them, but not the fit new you! #ColdWeatherFitness