Tag: thrift

The Holidays Are Coming in Hot

Posted on by Jordank

It happens every year — no sooner do the leaves start to turn and suddenly, it’s the #holiday season. This year, however, the #holidays are coming in particularly hot, so you can strap in for a wild couple of months of entertaining, socializing and shopping.

If you think that calendar “creep” is getting worse, you aren’t imagining it. “‘Summerween’ became a July phenom, pumpkin spice lattés launched at Starbucks in August, and Hallmark kicked off its Christmas movie hype in September,” says the advertising blog Muse by Clios.

With the economy on shaky ground and inflation on the rise, advertisers are focusing on value. You may have less money, time and energy to spread around during the season, not to mention fewer days to shop after a late Thanksgiving. How will you handle the season without succumbing to stress?

First, manage expectations of yourself, says UC Davis Health. Don’t overschedule. Calendar events and list your responsibilities. Simplify travel plans to reduce the time spent in cars and airports. Take a break when you fell stressed from #shopping, #cooking and #cleaning.

To stay within budget, manage your gift-giving. You don’t have to spend money you don’t have or give every single person you know a gift. You may be able to make some of the gifts you give or #thrift a few items at a discount. Crafting or baking homemade goods might even become a holiday tradition!

Make a list and check it twice, says the American Bankers Association. Note the people for whom you plan to buy, what your price range is and a few ideas for gifts. Look for bargains on the targeted gifts and (try to) resist impulse buying onscreen and in stores.

The holidays are also a season for giving to charity. About 1 million #veterans nationwide rely on SNAP benefits, which were recently interrupted; you can #donate to the local food bank to help solve some of that food insecurity at least temporarily.

You can also schedule a #donation #pickup at ClothingDonations.org to benefit #veterans at any time of year. Your lightly used #clothing and #household goods will be resold to fund programs that target food and housing insecurity, veteran health care, and more.

We’re in the thick of the holiday season already, but don’t stress. Get #organized — sort out what you need to do and tackle those essential tasks one by one. Then, kick back and enjoy!

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!