Cool weather has come, which is so very exciting! In Georgia, the fall scenery seems to have been on pause, but over the past week or so, the oranges, yellows, and reds in the trees finally seem to be showing off their beauty. To me, this means that the holiday season is finally upon us and I truly think that it is one of the best times of the year.

Why? Because everyone just seems happier. No matter what you celebrate, who you celebrate with, and what your traditions are each year, this time of year just brings out the best in people. In an effort to start spreading that joy and happiness early, I wanted to write an article on 5 ways to prepare for Hanukkah. Check out my best tips here:

Get Your Shopping Done Early

I always prefer to get my shopping finished early because around the holidays, the crowds are always wild and I personally prefer to shop in peace. Nowadays, it is very easy to get all of your shopping done over the internet, so you don’t even have to leave your house. That’s a good way to avoid the crowds if you don’t want to shop early. For grocery shopping, you have a few ways that you can avoid the crowds, as well. For starters, with Instacart, you are able to place your order and have it delivered to your home. I believe you are also able to set a delivery for a future date, which is always nice to help you plan in advance. Another option would be to do Kroger or Walmart orders. The store will bring it out to your car for you, which is such a nice perk when it is cold, when you are busy, or when your kids are sick or tired.

Prepare Your House For Guests 

People will more than likely be coming over to your home all throughout the holidays, so make sure you prepare it by not only doing your deep winter clean (sometimes this is better than a spring clean!), getting your menorah and candles ready, and by making sure you have enough essentials for your guests. I always make at least one store run for essentials such as pillows, sheets, towels, toilet paper, etc.

Create A List Of Recipes 

I’m sure you have some tried and true recipes stored away, so make sure you get them out and make a list of what you are making during Hanukkah. Staying organized is essential for having a great holiday while staying somewhat sane, as well. While it is fun trying new recipes out, sometimes your basics can be winners, especially when it comes to family traditions.

Get Children Involved 

There are so many fun ways to get your children involved in Hanukkah, but one of my favorite ways is an idea I received from Clay Today. In 2017, they said, “In an effort to welcome in the holiday of Hanukkah, which officially begins Dec. 12, Rabbi Shmuly Feldman, the co-director of the Chabad of Clay County, with help from the Lowe’s near Orange Park, hosted a Menorah-making event last Sunday. As nearly a dozen kids made their way to the back of the lumber aisle in Lowe’s, they were treated to donuts, selfie stick fun and the story of Hanukkah.

The event began with donut decorating. Sure, donuts are a delicious food that most people love but they also have significance with the holiday.

“Because of the significance of oil, we bring in the holidays by eating foods cooked in oil,” Feldman said. “So, potato pancakes, donuts and other foods fried in oil usually accompany our meals around this time of the year.”

After decorating and eating their donuts, the children were able to don a kippah – also known as a yarmulke – and take a selfie. Once everyone’s selfies were done, Feldman asked them to join him for the story of Hanukkah.

Prepare Financially 

Between getting your home ready for guests, buying presents, and hosting parties, Hanukkah, just like all other holidays can be very costly if you let it get that way. I understand that you want the ‘best’ Hanukkah ever, but occasionally times can be tough, or your payday doesn’t fall on a convenient day. If this is true for you, but you still want to go all out for your children (which is definitely understandable), you might want to think about a 30-day collateral loan. Chapes-JPL, located out of Atlanta, Georgia offers low-interest 30-day collateral loans on jewelry, gold, watches, diamonds, cars, and handbags. “Chapes-JPL has one simple goal, to provide affordable asset loans on jewelry, gold, diamonds, watches, and other valuable assets, at a low rate and at fair value. We offer loans as low as $100 and as high as $5 Million at some of the best interest loan rates in the industry. Unlike typical pawn shops that lend at extremely high rates (and in public storefronts for the world to see), Chapes-JPL provides loans at a low rate and in private financial offices.” In business for 38+ years, Chapes-JPL has built their reputation because of their trust and security, experience, fast cash, discreet and confidential location, and their amazing interest rates (as low as 3%!).

How are you preparing for Hanukkah? I’d love to know in the comments below!

Mary's birthday was just over a month ago and it was the first time she had it at the bowling alley. She wanted a really special outfit to wear so thanks to Eshakti, she was able to customize her dress to exactly what she wanted.

She decided on the cotton check and cotton knit belted shirtdress which seemed to be her favorite. Then she customized the size to her exact measurements. She made the dress calf length and added 3/4 inch sleeves. And lastly, she added a peter pan collar.

Eshakti is an amazing site because you pick out the item you like and then they will make it just for you. You can pick the length, sleeves, collar, etc until it's just right for you.

If you've never tried Eshakti, make sure to check them out!

Last month I shared about how the Race for the Cure was coming to Chattanooga. The race was on October 14th and it ended up having a great turnout. I remember participating in my first Race for the Cure when I was fifteen years old with my mom in West Palm Beach, FL. My mom always thought it was important and I remember the feeling of proudness I had when we crossed the finish line together.



Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women, with skin cancer being the first. And about 1 in 8 women born today in the U.S. will get breast cancer at some point in their lives. That's a scary thought.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease, offer information and support to those affected by breast cancer and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. So what better month to have the Race for the Cure!

No one deserves to die from cancer and I believe a cure is out there. If you want to participate on your local Race for the Cure, you can check where your nearest race is.
Valpak has joined the community of bold companies that share in the vision of Susan G. Komen for a world without breast cancer. To amplify awareness around this common vision, Valpak will turn its Blue Envelope pink this October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month while also working to raise local awareness within the communities that they serve and funds in support of the fight to end breast cancer.

If you can't participate in a race, you can still help my donating towards the cause too. There is a cure out there for cancer and we need all the help we can get to find it.