With #tariffs increasing costs on a wide variety of essentials, many parents are wondering how to stretch their back-to-school dollars — 85%, in fact, according to U.S. News & World Report. Mom.com offers five ways to save this season: Shop back-to-school sales and clearance racks for kids’ clothing, but concentrate on the basics at larger retailers because better discounts may be on the way. State sales tax holidays can help save, especially on high-dollar items such as computers. But perhaps the best way to save is to go used at a clothing swap, consignment store or thrift supplied by donations to ClothingDonations.org. #BackToSchool #Inflation
Tag: thrift shops
How Much Sun Is Too Much Sun?
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!
Setting the Table for Easter Brunch
If you’re hosting an #Easter or #springtime #brunch, pick “a color palette that represents the season,” says blogger Stacy Ling. Use a garden as inspiration; many flowers are coming up in spring colors of yellow, purple and pastels. Bring the outdoors in with a festive floral centerpiece, and consider breaking out the special dishes. “And yes, you can totally mix vintage pieces with your fine China or other dinnerware,” she says. “Mixing things up adds more interest to the table.” You can always find decorative plates, vases, table linens and more at the #thrift stores supplied by generous #dontions to ClothingDonations.org. #EasterBrunch
Cooking Brunch for a Crowd
If you want to stage a good Easter or springtime #brunch for a crowd, stick to recipes that can be made en masse to feed lots of people. Breakfast casseroles are easy to make in bulk, and they range from savory egg bakes to sweet French toast. Anything eggy is a natural at #Easter time, and while egg prices remain high, deviled eggs are a homey favorite. “Looking to put seasonal produce to good use? Try the show-stopping carrot tart, crowd-pleasing strawberry muffins or wrap asparagus in bacon,” says The Pioneer Woman. “Just don’t forget to pour yourself Easter cocktail.” #EasterBrunch
Look to a Thrift for Quality Tableware
Even the most seasoned chefs don’t always have the specialized cooking equipment a new recipe calls for. Home cooks who are missing an oddly shaped pan or dedicated fruit peeler should browse the shelves at the local #thrift and #secondhand shops supplied by your generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org. Thrifts can be a great source of the dishes, bakeware, tools and small appliances that designed to make #cooking a breeze. They are also a great source of the seasonal decorations, serving dishes and tableware that will make your Easter or springtime brunch a big success. #EasterBrunch