Saturday, October 9, 2010

Getting ready for winter

Winter is just around the corner. It's hard to imagine it I know. It barely even feels like fall. I just turned off the ac less than a week ago! It's important to get ready for winter though so you don't end up spending or losing a bunch of money later. Here are some things on my list.

1. Outdoor furniture. Clean everything off and store cushions indoors. Cover everything up. Big Lots has furiniture covers on sale right now.

2. Now is the time to aerate, seed, and fertilize the lawn.  Clean out and mulch the flowerbeds.

3. Clean out the gutters, sweep off the roof, cut the trees back away from the roof. Seal the chimney. Check roof for any damages and fix if necessary. Get a chimney sweep.

4. Program your thermostat, replace heater filters, and check insulation around windows and doors. Consider a tune-up on your heater.

5. Clean and store all above ground pool equipment. Store filter in a dry place for winter. 

6. Start planning for Christmas. I know it isn't even Halloween! Now is the time though to start making your handmade gifts for Christmas so it's not so stressful during the holiday season. I'm making fruitcakes this year that have to be made way in advance anyway.  I already have Eli's costume for Halloween, and I'm ripping recipes out of magazines for Thanksgiving. It's never too soon. If you don't already have a Christmas fund, now is the time to start one. Shop now, avoid crowds and holiday markups. If you have it all done months in advance just imagine going to holiday parties and just enjoying yourself instead! Personally I am fascinated with the fruitcake process and I can't wait to get started this year to see how they turn out. Wish me luck!

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