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Giving Back

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Donations

Giving Back

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us our attention turns to the next holidays. While we are still basking in the theme of giving, why not explore ways to give back to your community? Here are a few organizations that are always looking for help.

  1. Food Banks – They are always looking for donated food and funds. The local food bank not only is a resource for providing food assistance to those who need help but also provides assistance in helping people apply for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), which is a nutrition program that gives money for food based on income and household size. They are connected to community food pantries in your area. By starting here, you can connect to a local pantry to then see how you can best help them. My church works with the food pantry in our town, and we are provided wish lists of various needed food. At Christmas time, we collect brand new blankets for them, and they gift these to community families.
  2. Local Animal Shelters – Besides donating money, you can volunteer your time in various ways such as fostering a pet, attending an event, creating a fundraiser, and donating supplies such as cat and dog beds, or toys. As I am working with clients and they have gently used towels or sheets they no longer want, I will take them to a local animal shelter or vet office. I always call ahead as sometimes they do not have the space to store these items. I know what they are looking for, so I do not just dump unwanted items on them.
  3. Council on Aging/Senior Centers – Call your local center to see how you can best serve your community seniors. My local center has two collection bins that accept books in one and clothing in the other. Funds generated by these bins help support the center.
  4. United Service Organizations (USO) – The government does not fund this organization, so they depend on donors. To volunteer, you can go to their website to see if there is a location near you.
  5. Toys for Tots – Who doesn’t love watching a child open a gift? Help by donating a toy to a drop site near you. In my county we can donate from our homes by going to a specific website and all the items ordered get delivered to the local warehouse.

There are many other local organizations that can benefit from any assistance you have to offer. I wanted to focus on national organizations as my readers are from all areas of the United States and beyond.

Photo: Pixabay

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Sharing Your Gratitude for Posterity

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Family, Holidays, Thanksgiving

Sharing Your Gratitude for Posterity

This Thanksgiving, start a new tradition: the gratitude tablecloth.

Set your table with a plain white tablecloth. Give everyone a Sharpie or other permanent marker. Have all guests write something they are thankful for this year. Do not forget to include the little ones—they will have the cutest comments. Of course, you will need to write it out for them, but, depending on their age, they can write their name or draw a picture. Or you can trace their handprint. Make sure that everyone signs their name and the year.

After the holiday, wash and put the tablecloth away till next year. As the years go by, you will all enjoy reading past years’ comments. And you will cherish the comments from those who have since passed away.

A nice white linen tablecloth paired with a set of markers also makes for a nice wedding gift!

Some people use butcher paper and provide crayons, colored pencils, and markers instead. This method might not stand up to year-to-year reuse, but it is another option.

If you do not want to use the tablecloth as your yearly gratitude vessel, you can also do the same thing by using 3” x 5” index cards. Each year you can review the past years and continue to add to your Thanksgiving tradition as guests change over the years.

Photo: Pixabay

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Let These Apps Stretch Your Shopping Dollars

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Apps, Budget, Shopping

Let These Apps Stretch Your Shopping Dollars

Nowadays, all of us are experiencing the impact of higher prices. Perhaps we are especially feeling this sad new reality around this time of year with the big holiday season right around the corner. Want to try to save money on your holiday (and year-round) shopping? Check out the following tools that let you compare prices and apply discounts (promo/coupon codes).

Here are some websites/apps you can check out:

RetailMeNot: Receive coupon codes, deals through the app, cash back on purchases with certain retailers. Retailmenot.com

PayPal Honey: Install the browser extension and Honey will search for and apply relevant coupon codes in your shopping cart. joinhoney.com

Rakuten: Install the browser extension for coupon codes and cash back. rakuten.com

CamelCamelCamel: Tracks prices on Amazon, provides price history, and alerts you if a product you’re interested in has a price reduction. camelcamelcamel.com

CNET Browser Extension: Get promo codes, price tracking, comparison pricing, and price drop alerts. cnet.com

Google Shopping: Find sales and special deals, track prices. shopping.google.com

Do not overlook retailers’ websites, Facebook pages, and apps, which might offer special deals and coupons to loyal shoppers and followers.

Photo: Pixabay

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What to Do with Leftover Halloween Candy

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Halloween

What to Do with Leftover Halloween Candy

If you have leftover Halloween candy and are looking for creative ways to use or get rid of it, here are some ideas:

  1. Donate: Consider donating the candy to local shelters, food banks, or organizations that support troops overseas. Many places accept candy donations to bring a little sweetness to those in need. Your local senior center might put out a bowl of candy at the reception desk or around the facility.
  2. Freeze for Baking: Chop up the candy and freeze it to use in future baking projects. Add candy pieces to cookies, brownies, or even homemade ice cream.
  3. Decorate Baked Goods: Use the candy to decorate cakes, cupcakes, or other baked goods. It can add a colorful and festive touch to your desserts.
  4. Make Trail Mix: Create a trail mix by combining leftover candy with nuts, dried fruits, and pretzels. It is a sweet and salty snack that can be enjoyed on the go.
  5. Save For Gifts and Party Favors: Save the candy for upcoming birthdays, holiday parties, or other events where you can use it as party favors or small gifts.
  6. Use For Educational Activities: Use the candy for educational purposes. You can use it for counting, sorting, or even science experiments with kids.
  7. Melt and Dip: Melt down chocolate-based candies to use as dipping sauces for fruits like strawberries or pretzels. You can also use them to create chocolate-covered treats.
  8. Break Up For Ice Cream Toppings: Crush or chop the candy and use it as a topping for ice cream sundaes.
  9. Use For Charitable Fundraisers: If you are involved in a charity event or fundraiser, you could use the candy as prizes or giveaways.
  10. Regift or Share: If you have friends, family, or coworkers who would appreciate the candy, consider sharing it with them.
  11. Utilize For Craft Projects: Get creative and use the candy for craft projects. Create candy-themed artwork, ornaments, or decorations.
  12. Trade or Swap: Organize a candy trade or swap with friends or neighbors who might have different types of leftover candy.
  13. Use For Cooking Ingredients: Incorporate small candy pieces into your cooking. For example, you can use them as a surprise ingredient in pancakes or muffins.
  14. Save for Next Year: Some candies have a long shelf life. You can save them to give out next Halloween or use them for decorations.
  15. Take to Office: Bring the candy to your workplace to share with coworkers or leave it in a common area as a treat for everyone.

When Halloween is over, make a note of how much you purchased and have left over so that next year you will not over purchase and have to deal with leftover candy again.

Photo: Pixabay

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Safe Internet Sales

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Internet, Safety

Safe Internet Sales

Do you buy from or sell to strangers through the internet? Here are some tips to safely help you navigate the process.

  • Check out the seller and buyer’s Facebook profile: Are there any recent posts? Any mutual friends?
  • Always communicate only through the app.
  • Meet at a public site, preferably a police station.
  • Ship if possible.
  • Is it a large item? Move to your driveway if possible, so not in your house and never be alone when meeting someone at your home or theirs.
  • Cash only. If they claim not to have cash, tell them where the nearest ATM is.

Buying and selling on the internet can be convenient and efficient, but it is important to prioritize safety to avoid scams, fraud, and other risks. Here are some guidelines to help you safely buy and sell online:

Tips for Buyers:

  1. Research: Before making a purchase, research the product, the seller, and the platform you are using. Read reviews, compare prices, and verify the legitimacy of the website or seller.
  2. Secure Websites: Ensure you are using secure and reputable websites. Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock symbol in the address bar, indicating a secure connection.
  3. Check Seller Ratings: If you are buying from an individual seller on a marketplace, check their ratings and reviews from previous buyers. Be cautious if the seller has a low rating or a lack of reviews.
  4. Pay: Use secure payment methods such as credit cards, PayPal, or other reputable online payment systems. Avoid using wire transfers, money orders, or direct bank transfers as they offer little to no recourse in case of fraud.
  5. Avoid Public Wi-Fi: When making online purchases, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks as they can be less secure and more susceptible to hacking.
  6. Review Privacy Settings: Regularly review your privacy settings on online platforms to control the amount of personal information you are sharing.
  7. Beware of Deals Too Good to Be True: Be cautious of deals or offers that seem too good to be true, as they might be scams.
  8. Use Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts, and consider using a password manager to keep track of them.
  9. Watch Out For Email Phishing: Be wary of unsolicited emails or messages asking for personal or financial information. Verify the legitimacy of the sender before clicking on any links or providing information.

Tips for Sellers:

  1. Provide Accurate Information: When listing items for sale, provide accurate and detailed information about the product, including its condition, size, specifications, and any defects.
  2. Use Clear Photos: Include clear, high-quality photos of the item from different angles to give potential buyers a clear understanding of what they are purchasing.
  3. Write Honest Descriptions: Be transparent about the item’s condition and any imperfections. Honesty builds trust with buyers.
  4. Communicate: Respond promptly and professionally to inquiries from potential buyers. Clear communication can help establish a positive relationship.
  5. Select Payment Methods: Choose secure payment methods that offer seller protection. Be cautious of buyers who insist on using unconventional payment methods.
  6. Ship and Track: Use reliable shipping methods that provide tracking information. Clearly communicate shipping costs and estimated delivery times.
  7. Verify Payment: Before shipping an item, ensure that you have received the payment and that it has been verified. Be cautious of payment confirmation emails that may be fake.
  8. Meet in Safe Locations: If you are selling locally and meeting in person, choose a safe and public location to conduct the transaction.
  9. Trust Your Instincts: If a transaction seems suspicious or too good to be true, trust your instincts and proceed with caution.

Remember that while these tips can help mitigate risks, no method is foolproof. Always exercise caution and stay vigilant when buying or selling online. If something does not feel right, it is best to walk away from the transaction.

I have sold several items via Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Some items sell quickly, and others linger. I have not figured out the rationale behind that. Timing is everything!

Photo: Pixabay

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Declutter Your Bedroom

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Bedroom, Jewelry

Declutter Your Bedroom

Did you know that our bedrooms should be relaxing places to sleep? It is hard to relax and do so when surrounded by distractions. Here are five ways to declutter your bedroom.

  1. Bedding – Do you make your bed before you leave your house? You might think that is an unnecessary task to do. Take a moment to think about how great it feels to walk into your bedroom and see you bed made? The largest item in most bedrooms is the bed. Having your bed made automatically sets the stage for relaxation. While we are at it, do you have any ripped or stained linens you are still using? Do not feel guilty letting go of them. You can donate to an animal shelter or give to a textile recycler. Ask for new linens as a Christmas gift this year if you are short of gift ideas.
  2. Shoes – Where do you store your shoes? Please tell me they are not just all over your floor waiting for you to trip on. As we in the northeast are facing cooler temps, now is a great time to put away all your summer shoes. Hopefully that will decrease the number of shoes you actively use. A few ways to store shoes are in shoe boxes (either original or purchased shoe boxes), using a shoe shelving unit, or using an over the door shoe pockets. If you must keep any of your shoes out in the open, please makes sure they are organized and out of the main floor space.
  3. Books – How many books do you have on your nightstand? Aim for no more than two books to eliminate the visual clutter. The rest should be in a bookcase.
  4. Laundry – Do you have a laundry basket or any kind of receptacle for your dirty clothes? Half the battle is corralling the clothes rather than throwing them on the floor. There are so many decorative styles of laundry baskets that you can purchase to match your décor. If you have room in your closet, kudos to you as you can hide your laundry and make your room more of a sanctuary.
  5. Jewelry – How do you store your jewelry? Is it scattered all over your nightstand, dresser tops, or any flat surface? Fixing this is one way to quickly tidy your bedroom. If you are a visual person, there are many jewelry organizing solutions that you can either purchase or make to display your treasured pieces. If you would prefer to have them out of sight, there are many jewelry cases or organized solutions for purchase. The key with jewelry is to make sure you put it away after you wear it so piles do not accumulate.

Peek at sites like Pinterest for creative ways to eliminate clutter in your bedroom. When the clutter disappears, you will feel a sense of calmness when you enter your room to go to sleep. Sweet dreams!

Photo: Pixabay

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Borrow, Do Not Buy

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Eco-friendly, Shopping

Borrow, Do Not Buy

So many people have too much “stuff” that they buy, use a few times, and then stow somewhere until a professional organizer helps them clear it out. They may even toss into the trash where it ends up in a landfill.

If you may be one of those folds, why not consider an alternative? For those items that you need only once or twice, consider borrowing from your local library’s “Library of Things”.

Many public libraries have started collections of “things” beyond traditional books and DVDs. Items that might be available to borrow from your local library include tools, binoculars, telescopes, board games, video games, birding kits, induction cook plates, wireless hot spots, or jigsaw puzzles. Some even have a seed library and exchange of packets of seeds for flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

Check out your library’s website to see what items you can borrow instead of buying.

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Shoo the Shoes

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Closet, Clothes

Shoo the Shoes

I recently worked with a client who had to move everything out of her bedroom closet so that a single-pane window could be replaced with an energy-efficient one.

This was a great opportunity to do a quick purge. Before hanging up an item, she would think of the last time she wore it and the likelihood she would wear it again. Anything she had not worn in the past few months but still loved first had to pass the “does it still fit?” test. She was able to set aside a few items to donate that someone else could put to better use.

The big space saver, however, came with the shoes. We had taken down a dozen shoe boxes stacked on a shelf. Why were they on the shelf and not the shoe rack? Because they were not in her regular rotation of footwear. These were the dressy heels she would wear to weddings, or the fun sandals worn because they were cute but not comfortable if she had to do a lot of walking. In other words, they equated to shoes she probably did not need. A couple of pairs of dress shoes fit, but she did not like wearing them. Why did she still have them? Because they were in fantastic condition and cost enough that she did not want to be wasteful. Well, they were not useful sitting in a box in her closet. Somewhere out there is a woman who would be thrilled to have them, and whose feet would be happier wearing them. She said it felt good donating them to Big Brother Big Sister.

How long did the shoe purge take? Less than 10 minutes. So worth it that you might want to consider doing the same!

Photo: Pixabay

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Are you Stockpiling Old Magazines?

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Magazines

Are you Stockpiling Old Magazines?

Some of us love our magazines so much that we save them. Not that there is anything wrong with that—if you have the space to store them and you look at them again.

Those of us of a certain age remember stacks and stacks of mustard-colored National Geographic magazines stored in the basement because the photographs inside were so amazing that tossing them in the trash seemed sinful.

If you grew up in the pre-Internet, pre-Google Dark Ages, you saved magazines for a few reasons.

  • For reference (school or work). Back in the day, to read back issues of a magazine, we had to go to the library, in person (!), fill out a slip at the desk, and wait for the librarian to retrieve the items from storage. Sometimes instead of a physical magazine, you were handed microfiche, a film that you viewed with a special device.
  • Our mothers saved magazines to be cut up for school projects, such as illustrating book reports. Some of us inherited the “just in case” gene.
  • Another reason we saved magazines is that they were not available at libraries. I am referring to niche magazines published for a limited readership, such as those for hobbies.

Nowadays, you can find most—if not all—magazines online.

If you find yourself with stacks of magazines that you are saving “just in case” and need to free up some space, check your local library, including the networks it belongs to, to see if the periodicals you like are stored. Also check the publisher’s website to see if you can get access through your subscription.

Why clutter up your precious space when the magazines you would be interested in looking at again can be obtain elsewhere?

Photo: Pixabay

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A Tisket, a Tasket, Store it in a Basket

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Storage

A Tisket, a Tasket, Store it in a Basket

Baskets are inexpensive and handy containers for organizing all kinds of stuff: clothes, toys, linens, cleaning supplies, home office supplies, bathroom supplies… you name it.

They are one of the most versatile and simplest organizers you will find.

The size of the basket limits what you can put in it, which in and of itself forces you to get organized to some degree.

Many baskets have handles so you can carry them around as needed, especially as you pick up toys from around the house. Some baskets are designed to be stacked or can be hung from a wall. Others fit nicely in a cabinet. For example, a friend stores all her dogs’ toys and gear in attractive, cloth-lined baskets that fit side-by-side on the bottom shelf of a cabinet.

Baskets come in a variety of materials, to suit your home décor: wicker (great for towels and spare rolls of toilet paper in the bathroom), wire (for office supplies or kitchen utensils), and plastic (toys, beach stuff, or cleaning supplies). I keep a plastic basket under my kitchen sink for the various cleaners and sponges I use regularly. Then, when I need to clear out that cabinet, I just must move one item, the basket, instead of a dozen cans, jars, and bottles.

What do you store in baskets?

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