Making the Most of the 'ber Months

Hello, October! This kicks off my most favorite time of the year...October through New Years! The changing of the seasons, the holidays, and all the activities that go along with the the season is a time of family and friends, and a time when we think of others a little more than we do during the rest of the year. It's also a very busy time.

While it's my favorite time of the year, it's also the time when I begin to feel overwhelmed and long for weeknights with no homework or ballgames, and weekends at home watching Hallmark movies and sipping a hot beverage. If you're with me in loving the season but dreading the hustle and bustle, now is the time for thinking ahead, planning and taking action to take away the dread and rock these 'ber months like never before!

Join me in focusing on staying in the present and ahead of the chaos during these last few months of 2022... here are a few things I'm going to be trying!

1. Early Christmas Shopping - Over the last couple years, I have been better at starting my Christmas shopping sooner than Black Friday. With Amazon having their second Prime Days coming up October 11th - October 12th, this is a great time to start looking for deals for December. My problem is keeping track of what I've ordered and what's been delivered. This spreadsheet is going to help me solve this problem! Snag your own copy here! Print it out to tuck in a folder or add it to GoodNotes to edit on your tablet or phone. 0

2. Start Stocking Up! - Last year it was pumpkin. What will the shortage be this year? Perhaps brown sugar or black pepper? Who knows...but now is a good time to start buying an extra bag of powdered sugar here and there to be ready for holiday baking.

With grocery costs soaring, shopping based on the sales is my way to beat the costs. Build your weekly meals around the sales. Grab extra when you can to make freezer meals for those busy weeknights in the future, or make a meal or sweet treat for a friend who may just need to know they are thought of. One more way to think of others would be to purchase groceries for someone in need over the next few months. Perhaps join with some friends to do this for a single mom/dad or a family struggling through a difficult time. You can also contact your local CASA or Family Services office about providing groceries for a family in the foster care system.

3. Buy Gift Cards - Gift cards can not only be given as gifts but they can be used to purchase gifts. Gift cards also come in handy on the nights when you're running kids to basketball, dance, soccer, etc. and you just didn't get dinner made...it's okay to call Dominos! Having a gift card for those nights can help a budget from being busted. Amazon Prime Day is a good time to watch for gift card deals. Kroger and Sams Club are also good places to watch for gift card deals and rewards. Some Kroger gift card deals require a coupon, watch the Kroger app for details of their gift card and gas rewards.

4. House Guest Prep - If you're expecting house guests to come and go over the next few months, take time now to think about the sleeping arrangements they'll need. Do you need extra sheets, blankets or pillows? Now is the time to start watching the sales. Don't wait until a couple days before they arrive to realize you need to purchase items to make their stay comfortable.

Lastly, the 'ber months tend to make us want to do all the things that we think make a good "bucket list". Remember to take time to truly prioritize rest and renewal for your yourself and your family. It's okay to make yourself and your family a priority.