Top Thanksgiving Dishes

Thanksgiving is fastly approaching. We’re looking forward to the food we’ll devour during our annual dinner. From scrumptious turkey to decadent pies, Thanksgiving brings all the goodies directly to us.

Keep reading to learn about our top ten dishes for the season and the recipes to make them.

1. Turkey

It’s a standby for a reason. It’s just so darn good. This turkey recipe is sure to make everyone at your table wanting seconds. Just remember to use fresh herbs for the best culinary experience!

Ingredients

– 12-14 Pound Turkey, giblets discarded and neck to the side
– 2 Sprigs plus 1 Tbsp. Chopped Thyme
– 2 Sprigs plus 1 Tbsp. Chopped Sage
– 6 Tbsp. Unsalted, Room Temperature Butter
– 2 Carrots, Halved
– 2 Celery Ribs, Halved
– 1 Onion, Quartered

Directions

– Preheat Oven to 350. The key to a great turkey is longer roasting at a lower temperature.
– Combine butter and chopped herbs in a bowl. Add salt and pepper as you see fit.
– Place veggies and herb sprigs at the bottom of a roasting pan with 2 cups of water; top with roasting rack.
– Rub butter mixture underneath the breast skin; season turkey and cavity with salt and pepper; place on roasting rack and tie the bird’s legs, folding wings under; place in oven.
– Baste every 30 minutes, adding more water if vegetables begin to burn.
– Remove turkey when thermometer reads 165 when inserted in the thickest part of the thigh; place chicken on counter or platter to rest for 30 minutes, saving cavity juices, turkey neck and any drippings in bowl for gravy.

2. Gravy

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without gravy, and this one is sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

– Turkey Drippings
– Turkey neck
– ½ c. White Wine or Chicken Stock
– 4 c. Chicken Stock
– ¼ c. Flour
– Salt and Pepper
– 1 tsp. Thyme
– 1 tsp. Sage

Directions

– Place neck and drippings in a sauce pan; cook until thickened and brown.
– Add wine or chicken stock; cook for 6-8 minutes until syrupy
– Add flour and fresh herbs; stir 30 seconds.
– Slowly add chicken stock; allow to thicken, stirring often for roughly 15 minutes.

3. Candied Yams

Who doesn’t love the world’s most delectable side dish? These candied yams are perfect for picky eaters as well as those who just want a sweet treat.

Ingredients

– 1 (29 oz) can of Sweet Potatoes
– ¼ c. Butter
– ½ c. Brown Sugar
– 1 ½ c. Mini Marshmallows

Directions

– Preheat oven to 400 degrees
– Drain sweet potatoes; place in baking dish; place butter evenly on top of sweet potatoes; sprinkle with brown sugar; place marshmallows on top.
– Bake for 25 minutes; Sweet potatoes will be tender and marshmallows melted.

4. Stuffing

While we don’t recommend putting stuffing in your bird, you’re more than welcome to! This recipe is easy, breezy, and yummy.

Ingredients

– 1 ½ Loaves of French Bread (day old)
– 3 c. Chicken Stock
– 2 Sticks of Butter
– 1 Onion
– 4 Celery Stalks
– 1 ½ Tbsp. Poultry Seasoning
– 1 Tbsp. Fresh Oregano
– 2 tsp. Fresh Rosemary
– Salt and Pepper to Taste

Directions

– Cut bread the day before; store in paper bags.
– Preheat oven to 350 degrees; Grease casserole dish with softened butter.
– Dice onion and celery.
– Melt butter in saucepan; add diced veggies; cook veggies for 8-10 minutes; add spices and stir over low heat until spices and herbs become fragrant.
– Add 2 cups of stock to pan; heat for one minute; remove pan from heat.
– Place bread in mixing bowl; add stock/butter mixture in one cup at a time.
– Add additional stock as needed.
– Place in casserole dish; bake for 30 minutes with foil on top; remove foil and bake an additional 30 minutes.

5. Green Bean Casserole

This is by far the easiest recipe on our list, but that doesn’t mean your guests won’t be impressed!

Ingredients

– 4 (14.5 oz) cans of Cut Green Beans, drained (do not get the French cut green beans!)
– 2 (14 oz) cans of Cream of Mushroom Soup
– 1 Can of French’s Fried Onions

Directions

– Preheat oven to 350 degrees
– Mix green beans, soup and 2/3 of a can of fried onions; Place in baking dish; bake for 45 minutes; add remaining onions and bake an additional 5 minutes.

6. Cranberry Sauce

We know the stuff you get out of the can is great, but trust us when we say homemade is SO much better. You’ll want this all year long.

Ingredients

– 1 lb. Fresh Cranberries
– 2 c. Water
– 2 c. Sugar

Directions

– Heat water and sugar until boiling; allow to boil for an additional five minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
– Stir in cranberries; boil for 5 minutes (cranberries will begin to pop); place in serving dish and cool for at least three hours.

7. Mashed Potatoes

Is any Thanksgiving complete if it doesn’t have mashed potatoes? We don’t think so either. Trust us when we say these potatoes are heavenly.

Ingredients

– 3 Pounds of Potatoes, peeled and quartered
– 1 Tbsp. Salt
– 4 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter
– ½ c. Cream
– Pepper to Taste

Directions

– Place potatoes and a tsp of salt in a pot; cover with water; bring to a boil and allow to gently boil for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender; Drain.
– Place potatoes back in the pot and let sit for up to two minutes to remove moisture.
– Mash potatoes to the consistency you like; add remaining ingredients; mash ingredients together, adding more cream as you see fit.

8. Yorkshire Pudding

Okay, we know this comes from our British cousins, but trust us when we say these rolls are so much better for Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

– 3 Eggs
– 1 c. Milk
– 1 c. Flour
– 2 Tbsp. Butter

Directions

– Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
– Beat eggs and milk together; add flour; set aside
– Butter a muffin tin with roughly ½ tsp. of butter per cup by placing butter in tin and melting in hot oven; add batter to cups.
– Bake in oven for 5 minutes; reduce heat to 350 and bake an additional 25 minutes.

9. Brussels Sprouts

The time to hate brussels sprouts is long gone, and these delicious little morsels will quickly become a staple in most households.

Ingredients

– 1 Tbsp Butter
– 2 tsp. Olive Oil
– 24 Brussels Sprouts, Trimmed and Thinly Sliced
– 2 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
– Salt and Pepper to Taste

Directions

– Heat butter and olive oil in a sauté pan over high heat for 1-2 minutes.

– Add Brussels Sprouts and lemon juice into butter/olive oil mixture; stir constantly until sprouts start to soften, usually about a minute.
– Season with salt and pepper and serve.

10. Pumpkin Pie

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without pumpkin pie, and this recipe is sure to be a standout that makes everyone salivate.

Ingredients

– 1 unbaked pie crust
– 1 Tbsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
– 1 (14 oz) can Sweetened Condensed Milk
– 1 (16 oz) can Pumpkin Puree
– 2 Eggs

Directions

– Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
– Combine all ingredients, except pie crust, in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
– Place crust in a pie dish; poor pumpkin mixture into crust.
– Bake for 15 minutes; reduce oven to 350 degrees; bake pie an additional 35-40 minutes, placing foil on crust if it begins to burn.

We hope you enjoyed these easy recipes that are sure to make any Thanksgiving the best your family has ever had. With adequate help and some planning, you can easily get this feast on the table with as little work as possible. We hope you have a marvelous Thanksgiving, Happy eating!

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Thanksgiving on a Budget: Tips and Recipes

Thanksgiving can be such a refreshing holiday; time spent with loved ones without the pressure of gifts, no events, or mandatory activities. It’s a break from all of that: a reprieve before the true chaos begins. But for a Thanksgiving host, well it’s a different story entirely. Hosting Thanksgiving can be very overwhelming and extremely costly. Feeding so many people so many different dishes—it’s a big ask. But we’ve compiled a few tips and easy recipes that will help you host thanksgiving on a budget. After all, you deserve to enjoy Thanksgiving just as much as Uncle Frank who’s usually taking his post-meal snooze before you’ve even made your plate!

Thanksgiving on a Budget: Saving Tips

Here’s our no-stress, low-cost guide to hosting a classic Thanksgiving.

Easy Does It

The beauty of a Thanksgiving meal is in its simplicity. These dishes are tried and true. They work for a reason. Stick to the basics. Don’t feel pressure to impress or outshine. The stuffing that’s been passed down throughout generations is more than good enough. Don’t try to fancy it up with new recipes or new ingredients. Your guests came for nostalgia, this makes it easy to do thanksgiving on a budget.

Bulk Buying

Shopping at big box stores will save you time and money. Everything is cheaper in bulk and there’s no better time to take advantage of that fact than Thanksgiving. For many of your recipes, you’ll need the same things: eggs, flour, sugar, butter. Even potatoes and herbs can be purchased in bulk! You can freeze leftover herbs in olive oil (see this fancy little trick here!) and as for the other items, plan ahead of time to split your purchases with a friend who is also hosting their own Thanksgiving. You’ll both save money and have more than enough ingredients.

Shop Generic

For those items that can’t be purchased in bulk, opt for generic brands. Generic or store brands are way less expensive in the long run and honestly, no one will know the difference. Add enough herbs and spices and nothing on your Thanksgiving table will taste generic, guaranteed.

Plan Ahead

Don’t wait until the last minute to do your grocery shopping. You’ll be surprised how quickly stores will run out of the cheaper items, leaving you to spend more than you initially planned. Additionally, most stores run specials or discounts on Thanksgiving items a week or two before the holiday. These sales are great opportunities to grab all your canned items or frozen foods.

Frozen Foods

Speaking of frozen foods…frozen ingredients cost a lot less than fresh ones, especially when you have to buy a lot. Considering most Thanksgiving dishes are some variant of a casserole, it’s unlikely that your guests will notice what was fresh and what was frozen. Save yourself some money (and time since most frozen veggies come pre-chopped!) and buy frozen.

Make a List

Make a list well before you head to the store. Going in without a list will only make it a more stressful experience. You’re likely to buy too much or too little of something, eventually costing yourself more money. Once you have a list, stick to it! Impulse purchases can add up. Trust that the list you prepared ahead of time covers everything.

Share the Burden

No rule says the host must provide every single dish at Thanksgiving. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself! If you know there are a few dishes that are just completely out of your purview, ask a few people to pitch in and bring a dish. Most people will be happy to help. Ask around; some folks may already have a dish in mind that they consider their specialty! They’ll probably be thrilled to prepare it for Thanksgiving.

Easy Thanksgiving Recipes

Here are some yummy, expensive dishes you can make for your thanksgiving on a budget!

Old Fashioned Stuffing

The main ingredient in this recipe is an entire loaf of bread. But once again, no need to go fresh! Start saving stale bread, or the end pieces that no one ever eats. Freeze them until you are ready to make the stuffing. Then they just need a quick thaw. Chop them into cubes and use them just as you would fresh bread! Although, this does require you to plan ahead!

Most folks have their own tried and true recipe for stuffing, but just in case, you can find a reliable one here.  You’ll need butter, onion, celery, chicken broth, and sage. Hopefully, those are all items you already bought when you shopped EARLY with your fully prepared list.

Candied Yams

This is one circumstance where you might want to go fresh. Fresh yams are relatively cheap this time of year and tend to be less expensive than canned yams. This casserole calls for (more) butter, brown sugar, and marshmallows. You can also substitute yams for sweet potatoes.

Find the specifics here.

Mac & Cheese

Not much can beat classic mac & cheese. This is another one of those dishes that doesn’t need anything fancy. Making mac & cheese from scratch couldn’t be simpler, and when cooking for a crowd, it ends up being cheaper than boxed options.

You just need the basics: pasta, milk, cheese, butter, and flour.

Mashed Potatoes

If you have the ingredients for mac & cheese, then chances are you can make mashed potatoes. Even without gravy, mashed potatoes are perfect alongside turkey and stuffing. It’s what comfort food is all about!

For easy mashed potatoes you just need potatoes, milk, and lots of butter! If you want to make them extra creamy, consider adding sour cream. Estimate approximately one potato per person.

Pumpkin Sheet Cake

Instead of several pumpkin pies, consider making one giant pumpkin sheet cake! You’ll save yourself so much tedium and you’ll satisfy all the pumpkin cravings. Sheet cakes are so much more convenient for large crowds, not just in the preparation but also in the serving. Cut up a few squares, add a dollop of whipped cream to each, and dessert is served! It’s a delicious win-win.

Find an easy-to-follow recipe here.

Unfortunately, the most wonderful time of the year can also be the most expensive. But it doesn’t have to be that way. By following these tips and recipes, you can host an incredible thanksgiving on a budget. Remember to stick to the classics and you’ll be fine. Yes, Thanksgiving is about food. But it’s also about friends, family, and gratitude. Your guests will be grateful to you for hosting and won’t care whether the turkey was fresh or store-bought. (By the way—buying from a store brand is another way to save!)

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Best Places to Shop on a Budget for Fall & Winter Clothes

Here are our picks for the Best Places to Shop on a Budget for Fall & Winter Clothes. As we officially head into the colder months, it is time to start planning and preparing for your warmer wardrobe. Most people like to keep up with current trends and add to the selection in their closet with the season’s changes. However, everyone knows that keeping up with the latest clothing fashions can be hard on your wallet. Shopping for new clothes is a lot of fun, but if you don’t know where to shop, it can also do some serious damage to your bank account.

Luckily, these days there are many options out there that will allow you to keep up with the latest fashions and stay well within your budget. When you find affordable retailers buying your favorite trendy apparel feels a lot more practical! 

ASOS

Asos offers customers a wide range of seriously hip fashion at low prices. ASOS is the best place for clothing essentials, including jeans, t-shirts, and simple dresses. They also have a fabulous selection of formal wear at low prices you won’t want to pass up!

They offer sizes from petite to plus-size, so everyone will definitely find something they love on the ASOS website. Stylish winter coats, boots you will love, and trendy tops. Tops include sophisticated sweaters, blouses, turtlenecks, and more. You name it, and ASOS is sure to have it!

Mango

Mango‘s clothing line will give you a high-fashion feel for affordable prices. They offer fabulous sales and deals regularly. You will find unique cuts and fabric combinations that you will love to wear through the fall and winter months.

Amazon Fashion

As with nearly everything else, Amazon offers consumers exceptional deals on the latest styles and trends. They are an excellent choice for trendy clothing, and they refresh their clothing catalog regularly. Spend some time on the Amazon Fashion website, and you will find fashionable clothes you love at unbelievable prices.

There are many budget-friendly choices, and they offer an excellent selection of well-known designers. Another great perk of shopping on the website is the customer reviews. Customers always write detailed and helpful critiques about the sizes and quality of the clothing. As with all of Amazon’s merchandise, Prime members get free two-day shipping on most items.

Target

Target has long been a clothing favorite. Over the recent years, they have seriously expanded their styles, sizes, and designer collaborations. Target is a store everyone should check out when they look to update their fall and winter wardrobe and need to stay on a budget.

TJ Maxx

TJ Maxx has been at the top of its game in offering affordable prices for designer clothing for a long time now. You can find anything from designer bags to trendy clothes at a discount, and they consistently provide discounts from 40% to 60% off. TJ Maxx offers an array of styles and trending brand names for women, men, and kids.

Old Navy

If you haven’t checked out Old Navy‘s vast clothing selection lately, you may not recognize the retailer anymore. They work hard to keep up with all the latest trends and fashions. The thing that will never change about Old Navy is their excellent low pricing!

You can find all sizes ranging from petite to plus-sized, and many fashions and styles. They are also almost always offering discounts on top of their already low price tags.

ROSEGAL 

ROSEGAL offers customers the latest fashion and trends at affordable prices that you will love. If vintage-style clothing is your forte, you will fall in love with their apparel. They have a vast vintage selection and offer a wide range of sizes.

ROSEGAL is especially popular for its selection of plus-size clothing and a wide selection of clothing at affordable pricing. The online retailer offers choices in women, men, and children’s clothing and accessories.

6pm Online Shopping Company

6pm is an online low-cost footwear retailer. They also offer a limited clothing and accessory selection. However, you will find amazing deals on a wide range of heals, tennis shoes, and sandals.

6pm is the sister site of Zappos, and you can find great shoes at a discount that didn’t sell at a much higher price. They also offer speedy shipping on purchases! You will find name brands at fabulous discounts from COACH, J. Crew, Bebe, Nike, and more.

H&M

H&M has all your favorite stylish winter essentials. They have a vast selection of outerwear, sweaters, turtlenecks, and cute blouses. The most exciting part is that their clothing, shoes, and accessories are affordable and won’t break your budget.

LuLu’s

Lulu’s offers a wide range of affordable formal attire, pretty dresses, and adorable separates that anyone looking for trendy deals should check out. You can browse all the latest trends without spending a lot of money. They offer all the latest styles in work attire, from dresses and skirts to sleek blouses.

DressLily

DressLily is another great retailer for affordable and stylish fashion, and they offer the latest trends in every style. They always provide amazing discounts plus additional discounts to new customers.

Whether you are into gothic styles or a fitness buff, you will find things you like. Stop by the DressLily website to find the latest fashions and at prices, you can afford. Not to mention the latest chic crazes that will make you look like a fashionista!

Uniqlo

Uniqlo has all the stylish and unique clothes you need to keep you cozy and warm through even the coldest winter months. They combine simplicity with sophistication and produce quality attire.

Uniqlo provides trendy layer pieces and comfortable, warm sweaters that you will love. You will definitely find clothes you love at prices you can afford.

Kohl’s

Kohl’s is an enormous department store where you can find excellent prices for blouses, skirts, jeans, shoes, and so much more. Kohl’s also has a great clearance section that you must check out on every visit.

Kohl’s offers stylish department store clothes at crazy low prices. You can fill your closet with outfits, shoes, boots, jackets, and coats that you will love wearing all winter long.

Stylish fall and winter clothing and accessories can be costly, so it’s important to stay on the lookout for affordable alternatives. The bottom line is, you don’t have to be rich to stay fashionable this fall and winter. There are plenty of options for retailers that offer all the latest fashions and trends at cheap prices you can afford.

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Top 10 Easy Budget-Friendly Crafts for Fall

Spend some time making budget-friendly crafts for fall that are easy on your wallet. Decorate your home and make exciting costumes with the whole family! Simple and easy instructions make spending time crafting a breeze. From beautiful fall lanterns your kids will love to DIY gifts for your friends and family, this fall will be the craftiest of them all.

Ditch the DIY crafts with long lists of expensive items to buy. These Budget-Friendly Crafts for Fall have 5 components or less each and are inexpensive to purchase. With these ideas, cheap doesn’t mean tacky or clunky. Each one of these fall crafts is fun, fabulous, and easy to make. Try making these budget-friendly crafts for fall with your friends, family, or co-workers!

1. Fall Leaf Lanterns

Nothing says fall like leaves and warm light. This project is simple, easy, and ecological. All you need are a couple of cheap items from your local dollar store and some fall leaves. It’s impossible to mess up and a great activity to do with kids! Try this idea out for a centerpiece on your table or on top of the fireplace.

For this craft you’ll need:

  • A mason jar or vase
  • Modge Podge
  • Leaves from outside
  • A paintbrush
  • Tealights

2. DIY Fox Ears Headband

Looking for an easy DIY costume? You can easily make this no-sew costume with a few simple items. This versatile craft can be used to make all different types of animal ears for endless possibilities. This costume project can be made with low-cost materials like felt, plastic headbands, and hot glue. Easy enough to make with children and fun!

For this craft you’ll need:

  • Felt
  • Hot glue
  • Thin plastic headband
  • Scissors
  • Sharpie

3. Crayon Drip Pumpkins

If you have kiddos in the house then no doubt you have crayons. Possibly even hundreds of broken crayons, which is perfect because they’re exactly what they need for this project! This beautiful way to recycle crayons and decorate for fall is cheap and simple, perfect for everyone. Make rainbows, stick to your favorite shades, or go monochromatic. Try it out this week!

For this craft you’ll need:

  • Pumpkins
  • Crayons
  • A hairdryer

4. Mummy Candles

Super cute candle holders are just a few steps away! These spooky little mummies are simple and fun to make. An excellent choice for little ones and great for brightening up the house for movie night, these mummies will light up the night. Get ready to spend an afternoon of fun making these little guys and prepare to bask in the glow!

For this craft you’ll need:

  • Mason jars
  • Large googly eyes
  • First aid gauze
  • Tealights
  • Hot glue

5. Fairy House Jack-O-Lantern

Creating a fun fairy house out of your jack-o-lanterns is a great way to use biodegradable ingredients. For this simple project, all you need is a pumpkin, a carving knife, a tealight, and a good imagination. You can add your own personal style to this craft with paint, flowers, and maybe some glitter too. Create a whole fairy garden with your family this fall!

For this craft you’ll need:

  • Pumpkins
  • A carving knife
  • Tealights
  • Decorations

6. DIY Coffee Cup Candles

This craft makes for a great gift for the holidays or a decoration. Transform your old mugs into wonderful candles with your choice of essential oil. You’ll be surprised at how easy candle-making can be with a few cheap ingredients from your local craft store and a whole lot of fun. Customize your signature scent and light up your home with candles that will impress your friends!

For this craft you’ll need:

  • Candle wax flakes
  • Scented oil
  • Candle wicks
  • Mugs
  • A pot

7. Easy DIY Bat Costume

If you or your kiddo need a costume in a hurry, this easy DIY bat costume is the perfect project for you. You can easily put together this costume with simple sewing or alternatively hot glue. Making this costume for the whole family will undoubtedly win any costume contest. Get ready for tons of batty fun and adorable memories!

For this craft you’ll need:

  • 1.5 yards of black fabric of your choice
  • 6 inches of elastic
  • Thick black fabric (or felt)
  • Hot glue or a needle and thread

8. $4 Dollar Tree DIY Halloween Wreath

Decorate your door with a festive Halloween wreath! You can make it spooky, leafy, or even witchy. It’s all up to you and your local dollar store. You’ll be amazed at how festive and fun these cost-effective decorations can be. All you have to do is piece them together and you’ve got a brand new wreath you can use year after year. With easy wreaths like this, everyone can decorate their own!

For this craft you’ll need:

  • A wreath form
  • A Halloween door sign (or fall-themed)
  • Garlands
  • Hot glue

9. Happy Fall Wooden Entry Sign

Make your entryway as cute as can be with this adorable wooden entry sign. This craft is cheap to make and can be tailored to your liking as you see fit. Go crazy with paint, ribbon, fabric, and more! This project is great for the whole family. You can each make your own or collaborate on one big sign altogether. Your creation awaits!

For this craft you’ll need:

  • Wood background for the sign
  • Paint
  • Hot glue
  • Lettering template
  • The decor of your choosing

10. Book Page Leaf Garland

Enjoy this classy-looking garland that is great for the entire fall season. Great for kids that are able to cut with scissors, this garland will liven up any room. For next to nothing, your entryway, mantle, bookcase, or door frame will look beautiful when you add this finishing touch. Take it a step further and stamp the leaves with fall colors or throw in a bit of synthetic greenery.

For this craft you’ll need:

  • Old books
  • Cardstock
  • Elmer’s glue
  • Hot glue
  • Floral wire

Spending time making crafts this fall is a wonderful way to bond as a family and enjoy decorating together. There’s something about making things yourself that provides a sense of accomplishment. Making these crafts will be fun, exciting, and won’t break the bank. It’s a win-win-win all around. Try your hand at any of these simple and easy projects and you’ll have a fall to remember!

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Top 10 Things To Do in October on a Budget

Are you looking for things to do in October? You can have fall fun while minding your budget.

Just because the days are getting cooler doesn’t mean you can’t still have loads of fun. Of course, with the holidays just around the corner, many people tighten up on the money front. They know that Black Friday is coming, then holiday gifts and spending a lot of money in October isn’t always wise.

The good news is that you can have your cake and eat it too. Check out these 10 budget activities that are perfect to do in October!

1. Decorate for Fall

Get in the spirit for Halloween and decorate your house near the beginning of October. With all the fallen leaves, cheap pumpkins, apples, and other items on hand, it’s easy to make your own decorations quite cheaply.

Stuff some old clothes with newspaper or straw to set a scarecrow on your porch. Paint his face on a pumpkin head or stuffed burlap sack.

Place a pumpkin spice candle in a bowl and surround it with colored sand for an inexpensive, yet elegant centerpiece. Create a garland with colorful fallen leaves to frame windows and doors.

The list of ideas goes on and on. Plus, there are plenty of fall crafts you can do with your kids!

2. Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice Latte

For many people fall wouldn’t be fall without a generous serving of pumpkin spice latte — multiple times. Unfortunately, supporting a fancy coffee habit gets expensive quickly.

This idea gives you something fun to do on a cold afternoon as well as helps you save money. Once you learn how to make your own pumpkin spice latte, you won’t have to stop by the coffee stand once or twice — or thrice — every day.

Here’s a delightful recipe to get you started!

3. Road Trip!

In many areas of the US, October is a delightful time to take a road trip. The hills are on fire as the trees burst into brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange.

Not sure where there is a pretty drive in your area? There are online tools you can use to help find a route.

If there is a quaint town with a historic district nearby, you can turn it into a day trip. Wander along the streets and get lost in a simpler time. Keep an eye out for photo ops! You’ll find one around every corner in a charming spot in small-town America.

4. Go For a Hike or Bike Ride

Summer gets all the attention when it comes to activities like hiking and biking, but the reality is that October is the perfect time for them. The weather is cool enough that you won’t get overheated as you work up a sweat, but not so cold that it is uncomfortable to breathe.

As a bonus, it’s also another great way to enjoy the fall foliage. Hikes typically take you to a high point where you will have a breath-taking reward for all your hard work on the trail. Many also have scenic spots along the way to tease the appetite.

If good hiking hills are scarce in your area or you have small children, go for a bike ride instead. Strap a seat on the back of your bike or use one of those little trailers to haul your kids plus snacks.

Don’t have the equipment and don’t want to spend the money on it? Ask around amongst your friends. Chances are, somebody has a bicycle they’d be willing to lend you.

5. Host a Potluck Party

Potlucks are such a fabulous way to get together with your favorite people without dumping too much work on your shoulders (or spending too much money). Invite a few of your friends and have everybody bring their favorite fall dish.

You’ll have plenty of food to go around without all the work and expense that tends to come with parties.

To add some extra intrigue, make it a themed party. You could choose a certain type of food, perhaps ethnic dishes like French or Indian. Or you could choose a party theme like fall or Halloween. Add a prize for the best dish or costume to inspire a little friendly competition.

6. Try Some Pumpkin Recipes

Did you know that you can use pumpkin in almost everything when it comes to baking and cooking? Pumpkin can go in cakes, cookies, donuts, pies, soups, hummus, cheesecake, and so much more!

Pumpkins are cheap and readily available anywhere at this time of year. Don’t be intimidated by them, it’s actually really easy to cook with pumpkin. Furthermore, pumpkin is really good for you (as long as you don’t add buckets of sugar to the dish).

Plus, you have to eat anyway, so why not make a fun activity out of it? Have a baking day with your kids and prepare all sorts of warm pumpkin spice dishes and desserts. Freeze what you won’t eat right away for quick snacks and meals. You’ll be thanking yourself for a few easy dinners during the busy holiday season!

7. Scary Movie-Thon

Now that you have all these pumpkin sweets on hand, gear up for Halloween with a scary movie night. There are tons of classic family movies like Ghostbusters or Halloweentown that are fun to rewatch with your kids.

Adults might like something a bit more thrilling and there are plenty of movies to choose from in that department. Pro tip: scary movies make great date movies — your date won’t let go of your hand the whole evening!

8. Scary Book-a-Thon

Are you a reader? Rainy October evenings are the perfect time to curl up with a good book and enjoy a night in. Make yourself a pumpkin spice latte and grab one of the pumpkin treats you made and settle in for some well-deserved me-time.

To get in the spirit of the season, choose a thriller or scary book (think Stephen King’s classics).

9. Park Picnic

October days offer some of the last chances most of us will have to enjoy a meal outdoors until spring. Once November rolls in, the temperatures are officially too low to have an enjoyable picnic.

Grab your sweetie and pick a sunny spot at your local park to lay out a picnic blanket and have a delightful meal. Bring a frisbee or ball to play with your kids or furry friends. Summer days are fading away and you’ve got to savor it to the last possible moment.

10. Marshmallow Roast

If you’ve got a fire pit out back, this is the perfect way to spend a fall evening outdoors. Grab some marshmallows, your favorite chocolate bar, and some graham crackers. Then, challenge your family to who can roast the perfect marshmallow.

Don’t have a firepit? Not a problem, get creative and roast marshmallows over the stove or find out what happens when you put a marshmallow in the microwave! (Just have some warm soapy water on hand to get it cleaned up quickly).

Having Fun Does Not Mean Spending Tons of Money

There are plenty of ways that you can have fun in October without spending a ton of money. Some of the ideas we’ve presented on this list are even money-saving when you do it right!

So enjoy this month, enjoy life, and let us know what other ideas you come up with in the comments!

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Fall Bucket List

Autumn is officially upon us and soon the hustle and bustle of the holiday season will be here. But in the meantime, what are some fun things you can do with your loved ones during the fall? We made a fall bucket list just fo you.

We’ve rounded up a fantastic fall bucket list of must-do fall activities that you will absolutely love. The best thing is…they won’t break the bank. Because no one has to spend a bunch of money to have fun, Check out these fall bucket list ideas here!

1. Go Camping

Winter is on the horizon and this is the last chance you’ll have for a while to enjoy time outdoors without shivering the whole time. Make the most of it and take one last camping trip of the year.

Leave the iPads and Netflix behind and spend some time in nature. Scientists are discovering an ever-increasing list of physical and mental health benefits of spending time outdoors. Feeling skeptical? Just ask anyone who has spent some well-needed time in nature.

Worried about spending too much money on the trip? There are lots of places where you can camp for free!

National and state parks tend to be pricey, but you can camp in national forests, grasslands, and the Bureau of Land Management lands for free. You just have to be willing to forego amenities like bathrooms and showers.

2. Camp in Your Backyard

If camping in the wilderness is a little too adventurous for you, keep it closer to home. Camping in the backyard is also free and can be an exciting adventure. It also comes with a big bonus — it is accompanied by electricity and running water.

Regardless of where you camp, be sure to build up a nice fire, swap ghost stories, and roast marshmallows. There’s something mesmerizing about watching the crackles and pops of the flames while enjoying that sticky, chocolatey goodness.

Couple that with spending time with your loved ones and this is an experience you won’t soon forget.

3. Road Trip!

Camping might not be your thing, but a road trip might catch your fancy. Fall is a wonderful time for a family drive, particularly out in the country where the colorful fall leaves are on full display.

You can make it a day trip that will only cost you some gas, or book an inexpensive Airbnb in a nearby town. This is a particularly great idea if you can find a quaint little town nearby.

Go on a walking tour of the area, enjoying the fresh air and small-town atmosphere. Walk through the historic section to check out the old houses and wonder at days gone by. Stop in at the local cafe for a slice of homemade apple or blackberry pie.

You might be surprised at how relaxing it can be to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city for a little while.

4. Go Hiking

Autumn is the perfect time to go hiking. During summer, hiking gets really hot and sweaty. Fall weather is cool enough to make your trek pleasant, but not so cold that you’re fighting numb toes and fingers.

Plus, when you get to the top, the colorful vista before you will make the hike more than worth it.

5. Participate in a 5K Walk/Run

Another great way to get exercise is to participate in a 5K walk/run. It’s almost guaranteed there will be one going on somewhere nearby. Organizers like to take advantage of the pleasant fall weather for events like these.

The entrance fee for community race events is generally pretty low. Plus, many of these races are put on to raise money for a local non-profit. In that case, your entry fee will be tax-deductible.

Furthermore, you can help with the fundraising by encouraging others to participate in the race with you, or sponsor your ticket if they’d prefer.

Helping others is always rewarding and you get a fun day out of the deal as well!

6. Fall Festival

There is more than one way to party in the fall. From Oktoberfest to harvest parties to Halloween parties, there is something for everyone.

The entrance fees are usually pretty cheap, and some are even free to get in. You’ll have to pay for refreshments, games, and candied apples, or you can just stroll around and enjoy the atmosphere.

For bigger savings, consider volunteering at the event or joining the organizing committee. Usually you’ll get a few tickets as a thank you, plus the satisfaction of being a part of something that brings joy to others.

7. Make Your Own Halloween Costume

September is almost gone already and Halloween will be upon us before we know it! Get prepared (and save some money) by making your own Halloween costumes this year.

Storebought costumes can get pricey, especially if you want something that looks halfway decent. But your local thrift store is your friend when it comes to making your own costume. Get a little creative and you can craft something exquisite out of a few cheap thrift store finds.

Plus, you’ll have a whole lot of fun with your family digging through the bins and browsing the racks, looking for the perfect materials. It’s almost like you’re on a search for buried treasure!

Wondering what kinds of costumes you could possibly find at a thrift store? Here’s a big list of ideas to get you started!

8. Scary Movie Marathon

Planning to stay in on Halloween? Or maybe you’re getting in the spirit before the big night comes. Regardless, having a scary movie marathon with your family can be frightful fun!

Get some fall delights like apple cider and pumpkin donuts to enjoy while watching witchy classics like Hocus Pocus or Ghostbusters.

9. Pumpkin Carving

Pumpkin carving is perhaps the quintessential fall activity. Start the adventure by taking the whole family to the supermarket to pick out their favorite pumpkin. You can pick up cheap carving kits almost anywhere this time of year. If you don’t want to buy anything, kitchen knives, pocket knives, and any other sharp tools work for carving as well.

If you have small children, you might paint the pumpkins instead of carving them. Regardless, it’s an inexpensive activity with a bonus — the finished products serve as decoration for Halloween!

Pro tip: don’t throw away the seeds, save them to make roasted pumpkin seeds. They make a delicious snack to go with your movie marathon.

10. Make a Gratitude List

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, it doesn’t hurt to sit down and think about the things you’re thankful for. This activity doesn’t cost a dime but the riches you receive from it are priceless.

Make it a fun time with your family. Take lunch to the park for one last picnic and make your lists there. Talk about the good things that have happened this year and the hopes you have for the next one.

No matter how much life knocks you down, there is always a reason to smile. Sometimes you just have to actively look for it.

We hoped you enjoyed this fall bucket list!

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Help with Paying your Bills this Winter

It can be hard paying your bills this winter. That’s why we offer installment loans. Installment loans are very simple. They are loans that are paid back conveniently in installments. Our loans may be paid back early at any time with no prepayment charges!

What makes us different than other companies, is that we have an easy applications, you receive quick results and you get your cash fast! Apply today, and feel free to chat with one of our live agents with any questions you may have. APPLY HERE

How to Save Money to Pay for Your Bills this Winter

We want to provide some ways for you to save money, so here are a few tips and tricks.

Warm Clothes and Warm Blankets

Instead of cranking the heat all the way up, put it up a few degrees and then bundle up with a sweatshirt and a warm blanket! This keeps you warm, and may actually be even more comfortable.

Home cooked meals

Not only do home cooked meals save you money, but they can also help warm your house. When you open the oven the heat transfers into your home (much quicker than opening a door does in the summer). Here is a link to some winter recipes: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/top-20-winter-recipes

Lights

Turning your lights and electronics off can always be helpful, but it is even more important in the winter when other bills will be going up. At the end of the night do a quick sweep of your home and make sure everything is off!

Coupons and Sales

If you look hard enough, you can find a good holiday sale to save you some money! When it comes to gifts, another good way to save money is by making someone a gift rather than buying one.

Learn More About Saving Money with the CashFurther Community

Paying your bills this winter shouldn’t be difficult. Join the CashFurther Community to learn easy ways to save money. Members receive exclusive access to helpful content-packed emails, a private Facebook group, online educational events, and more – all for FREE! Join today.