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October 8, 2024

October 8, 2024

Explore how retailers are transforming Halloween with pink decor, blending spooky vibes with stylish whimsy!

October 08, 2024

Good morning! It’s that magical time when our homes transform into spooktacular displays. As you dig out those Halloween decorations, remember — this is the only season when having a ghost and a spider hanging out in the living room is totally acceptable! And picking the perfect pumpkin? It’s like finding the right avocado — just make sure it lasts until Halloween and doesn’t spoil by next week!

P.S. With Hurricane Milton making its approach, we'll be taking a rain check this Friday. Stay safe, and we'll catch up next week!

Sleigh Your Budget: 5 Smart Ways to Save for the Holidays
Between Tween and Terrific: Surviving the Preteen Rollercoaster
Holding Space: How to Comfort a Friend After a Miscarriage

BUDGETING

Jingle bells, not debt.

Ah, the holidays! Festive lights, family gatherings, and — let’s face it — stress over finances. But don't worry! We’ve got some savvy tips to help you navigate holiday spending without losing your budget-friendly cool.

Set a Holiday Budget Early
Think ahead! Create a budget now so you don’t get blindsided by last-minute expenses. Here’s your three-step budget breakdown:

List your expenses: Gifts, travel, food, decorations, and events.
Set spending limits: Be realistic and build in a cushion for surprise costs.
Divide by paychecks: Spread your savings across the remaining months to hit that holiday sweet spot.

Start a Holiday Sinking Fund
Saving bit by bit can make the holiday splurge so much more manageable.

Determine how much to save: For example, $200/month over four months gives you $800 — just in time for shopping season.
Separate your savings: Open a separate account or even an envelope to keep this stash untouched.
Automate it: Let auto-transfers do the work. Less thinking, more saving.

Track Deals & Shop Early
Why pay full price when you can score a deal?

Start now: Sales happen year-round, so don’t wait until Black Friday.
Use price-tracking apps: Tools like Honey and Rakuten help you cash in on the best discounts.
Buy in bulk: Get creative with DIY gift baskets. Think candles, snacks, or cozy bath products.

Gift Thoughtfully, Not Expensively
It’s the thought that counts, not the price tag!

DIY or experience gifts: Homemade treats or a fun day together can be way more meaningful (and affordable).
Regift with care: A great item deserves to be enjoyed — even if it’s not brand-new to you.

Cut Back on Non-Essential Spending
Finally, trim the fat where you can:

Simplify décor: DIY and reuse! Your Pinterest-worthy tree doesn't need a brand-new theme every year.

Host a potluck: Share the holiday meal prep love. It’s fun and frugal.

PARENTING

Tweenage dreams (and drama).

If you think raising a preteen sounds like a wild ride, well, bingo. As experts point out, this stage comes with emotional ups and downs that can make even the most seasoned parents question their approach. But don’t worry — you’re not alone on this coaster. Here’s what the pros have to say about navigating the tween years.

Emotions: Prepare for All the Feelings
According to experts, preteens are in the middle of some major hormonal changes that affect everything from their mood to how they interact with you. One minute they’re happy, the next... not so much. Clinical psychologists recommend approaching these mood swings with patience and empathy. Think about how you felt at that age — giving them the benefit of the doubt can help maintain a healthy relationship.

Independence: Let Them Solve Their Own Problems
You’ve probably heard this before, but experts agree: you can’t always swoop in to save them. Tweens are figuring out how to be more independent, and that means letting them face their own challenges. Psychologists suggest guiding them through difficult situations instead of solving problems for them. Trust that you’ve given them the tools they need — it’s tough, but in the long run, it helps them build confidence.

Screen Time: Set Boundaries Early
Let’s face it: screen time can be a black hole for preteens. Research shows that managing device use is critical at this age. Experts recommend setting clear time limits and monitoring their use of apps and social media. Pro tip: use tech tools to set restrictions on devices, but make sure they always have access to call or text in emergencies. Balance is key.

Quality Time: It Still Matters
Even if it feels like your preteen is drifting away, research suggests that they still need that one-on-one time with you. Carve out space to connect, whether it’s through shared interests or just some unplugged hangout time. Not only does this strengthen your bond, but it also helps you keep up with what’s going on in their rapidly changing world.

Confidence: Positive Reinforcement is Everything
Experts stress that the tween years are crucial for building self-esteem. Encouraging them through their failures and celebrating small wins can go a long way. Remember: how you handle this stage can shape how they face challenges as they get older.

AND ALSO

In their corner.

When a friend experiences a miscarriage, it can be tough to know how to support them. You may worry about saying the wrong thing or feel unsure about how to help. Here’s a quick guide to being there for your friend during this difficult time.

Say you're sorry. A simple, heartfelt “I’m so sorry for your loss” can mean the world.
Acknowledge their pain. Validating their feelings helps them feel seen. Just saying, “This sucks” can show that you understand the emotional toll.
Ask what they need. Everyone copes differently, so ask your friend what kind of support they’re looking for.
Practice active listening. When they talk, listen to understand, not just to respond.
Mention the baby’s name. If they’re comfortable, acknowledging the baby can help memorialize their loss.

Remember: It’s okay if they want to keep things private. Just letting them know you’re there when they’re ready can provide immense comfort.

Halloween is getting a vibrant makeover with the rise of "Pinkoween," a trend that brings a whimsical twist to spooky decor. Think pink pumpkins, skulls, and other festive accents that allow fans to embrace Halloween in style. Retailers like HomeGoods, Michaels, and Target are stepping up their game, expanding the classic orange and black palette to include shades of pink, proving that Halloween can be both cute and spooky!

SNIPPETS

Choi Soon-hwa makes waves in Miss Universe competition — An 81-year-old contestant, Choi Soon-hwa, has captured attention as South Korea’s most glamorous granny in the Miss Universe pageant. Competing against much younger contestants, she embraced the chance after age limits were lifted, ultimately winning the "Best Dressed" title while advocating for older women to challenge traditional beauty standards.

UNOS sneakers expand to fit your growing feet — A new sneaker design, UNOS by Sz, is revolutionizing footwear by expanding as your feet grow. These innovative sneakers stretch up to half a size for kids and a full size for adults, thanks to a patented Z-shape sole, offering a more sustainable option that accommodates diverse foot sizes and helps reduce waste.

AV1 robot connects chronically ill children to their classrooms — The AV1 robot, created by Norwegian company No Isolation, is transforming education for children unable to attend school due to chronic illness. This innovative robot acts as a remote presence in the classroom, enabling sick kids to stay connected with their peers and participate in social activities, helping to alleviate the emotional toll of their absence.

Celebrate Pinkoween: Spooktacular decor for a softer Halloween! 🎃✨

Halloween Hey Boo Cute Ghost Throw Pillow Covers: Add a spooky yet adorable touch to your home for $13.99! Get them here.
Pink Pumpkins Doormat: Welcome guests with this charming doormat for $45. Shop now.
5.75" Knit Quail Tail Cable Pumpkin Figurine: Perfect for a pop of pink decor, available for just $5. Find it at Target.
Minatee Large Pink Ghost Candles: Set the mood with these cute candles for $12.99. Get yours here.
Artoid Mode Pink Pumpkins Kitchen Towels: Add some flair to your kitchen with these towels for $17.99. Check them out.
Soft Pink Pumpkins Plush Blanket: Cozy up with this adorable blanket for $22.49. Find it on Etsy.