DIY Christmas Ideas

Apartment Therapy has some great suggestions for do it yourself holiday decorations.  Everyone from felt snow balls to a fur wreath with instructions on how to add these pieces to your house.   Do you have any homemade decoration tips that you use at your apartment?

After buying presents, food for the holiday meal, and a tree, there isn't always much left over for extras. This year we're trying to save money in my household - and have some fun - by making a lot of our own ornaments and decorations, but still want a modern look. Here are fifteen DIY ornaments that fit the bill:

1. Winter Wonderland Ornament: Craftberry Bush
2. Felt Ball Garland: My Sparkle
3. DIY 'Confetti System' Ornaments: A Lovely Lark
4. Felt Snow Ball Ornaments: The Purl Bee
5. Pom Pom Ornaments: Design Love Fest
6. Patterned Paint Marker Ornaments: Aesthetic Outburst
7. Faux Bois Vases: Centsational Girl
8. Felt Ogee Ornament: Betz White
9. Twine Snowflake: Fellow Fellow
10. Brass Tack Baubles: Fellow Fellow
11. Doily Star Tree-Topper: Martha Stewart
12. Accordion Paper Trees: Julep
13. Geometric Straw Ornament: Elsie Marley
14. Fur Wreath: Nesting Place
15. Flapper Trees: The House that Lars Built

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Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope everyone has a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Spend some time with your friends and family and remember everything in life that you are thankful for.

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Alternative Thanksgiving Plans

Do you have a child or friend that does not get to leave college for Thanksgiving break?  Here are some great tips on different ways to enjoy the holiday.  There are still some great ways to enjoy the holiday, and get a break from the daily grind of classes.  Keep reading to learn some tips and tricks to enjoy your holiday away from home.

Many college campuses look like deserted ghost towns around Thanksgiving. The vast majority of students usually head home for some good food, R & R, and family time. But for those students who can't -- or don't want to -- go home, there are still some great options for how to have a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday.

1. Volunteer. No matter where you live, there are undoubtedly places nearby that could use volunteers on Thanksgiving Day. Check out women's shelters, homeless shelters, places that serve veterans, hospitals, and even local foster homes. Giving back can make you feel great while providing you with some great companionship -- and grub, of course!


2. Go home with a friend. If you live too far away to head home, try heading home with a friend or roommate. You can see an entirely new part of that person's life, have fun, and still get that fantastic feeling that comes from being "home."


3. Organize something on campus. Chances are, you aren't the only student on your campus not planning on heading home for Thanksgiving. Organize an event that includes a nice dinner, volunteering, or even a movie-watching marathon. It can be a great opportunity to meet new people and enjoy yourself while still feeling relaxed and like you're on vacation.


4. Offer to housesit for friends or others. Know someone -- a friend, a faculty member, an administrator -- who is going to have an empty house? Offer to housesit over Thanksgiving. You can enjoy the comforts of being out of the residence hall without having to deal with the inevitable drama that comes from having family running around. Additionally, you can always cook a nice Thanksgiving dinner in a great kitchen and have a few friends over for a nice, relaxing meal.


5. Take the day for yourself. There are some of us out there who enjoy being alone from time to time -- which is nearly impossible as a college student. Spend the day sleeping in, catching up on homework, watching movies, and doing whatever it is you wish you had time for when your schedule is crazier. Just make sure to treat yourself to some slow-cooked turkey and cranberry sauce in there somewhere!
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Get Rid of That Junk!

Do you need to get organized and unclutter your life?  Here are three great sources that will help you get rid of your junk.  Have you ever used any of the sources below?

Junk: It comes in the mail. It balloons to fill every inch of space in your garage. It multiplies like Gremlins in your inbox. 

It's estimated that each American household receives some 800 pieces of junk mail annually.

Then, of course, there's also the spam, the newsletters you never signed up for, and the stuff crammed into your closet (that you do remember buying, but wish you could forget).

Junk-busting start ups and online communities have been popping up recently, claiming to banish all different flavors of junk, virtual and physical, with just a few clicks. Here are a few that might prove helpful:

 

PaperKarma
Use this iPhone app to snap a picture of your junk mail (showing your address), press send, and the junk mail will supposedly stop.

Unroll.me
After being granting access to your inbox, Unroll.me will manage your newsletters in one central spot. You can opt out of any email newsletters with one click.

Freecycle
This free platform is a place where users can connect to give away (and take!) old stuff. It is made up of grassroots members (over 9 million worldwide) who coordinate an effort to give (and get) things for free.

For more information see Apartment Therapy.

Continental

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