Decorating for the holidays is always fun, but it doesn’t take long for costs to add up. This Halloween, consider using items around the house or try your hand at some DIY projects to keep holiday décor affordable! 

·       Bring the outside indoors: You don’t always have to use artificial décor to spruce up the house for Halloween. Visiting your local store (and head outside) to grab some dry branches, leaves, and assorted pumpkins to place around the front door and foyer. Dry branches and flowers also makes for the perfect centerpiece at the dining table!

·       Enjoy craft time: Get the kids in on the action and have them cut out shapes of pumpkins and ghosts from construction paper. Affix them to string for a cute garland that hangs over the entertainment center.

·       Don’t forget lighting: Nothing screams spooky more than flickering candlelight in October. Keep it safe by swapping out real candles for flickering/flameless LED candles and add them to all the cozy nooks throughout the house.

Add in holiday textiles: Dress up the dining table or kitchen with Halloween fabrics. Tablecloths, table-runners, and napkins can all be swapped out for spook-friendly options found at the local craft store.

Affordable Ways to Get Your Home Halloween Ready

Sure, swapping out the whites and blues of summer for richer autumn tones is always a good move come September. Instead of sticking to the traditional color palette, consider adding in some of these trending options to add a pop to your wardrobe or living space:

·       Butter yellow – Instead of deep marigold, look for softer tones of yellow to mix in with rich browns and reds. Buttery yellow is that perfect transition color from the creams and tans of summer into the cooler months.

·       Ice blue – Sure, ice blue might sound like just the thing for winter but don’t limit yourself to just one season! Ice blue offers a monochromatic touch to your seasonal palette and serves as the perfect neutral when you want to create balance in a space.

·       Firey red – Maroons, burgundy, and classic red are all seasonal essentials for a reason. When you want to take your autumnal look to the next level, swap out your standard red for a red pepper or firehouse red hue instead.

·       Camel – A quintessential neutral that adds a chic touch to both your outfit and your home décor. To get the most bang for your buck, pick up some of the season’s essentials – handbag, mules, coats – in this trending-yet-perpetually-classic color.

The Shades of Autumn: Your September Color Palette

When life begins to get crazy after summer, it can feel overwhelming to keep up with everyone’s schedules. You likely have kids going back to school, picking up hobbies again, and managing your own personal obligations. These easy tips will hopefully help you find balance between life and your kids’ hobbies.

 

1! Keep a Calendar

Maybe you are someone who loves writing in a planner or you prefer to use a Google calendar. Either way, try to write down everything that is happening for the week including extracurricular activities, work commitments, and personal obligations. This will allow you to see how much free time you have for the week so you can add things in or give yourself some time to relax.

 

2) Set Limits

It is great for kids to be involved in extracurricular activities, but it is also important that kids do not become completely wrapped up in activities without being able to do other things. Depending on how much time each activity takes each week, you may need to limit your child to one or two extracurriculars. They also need time to rest and focus on schoolwork.

 

3) Don’t Expect Perfection

If you are managing extracurriculars for multiple kids, you must understand that things will not be perfect. You might miss a practice or game here or there. That is okay! It is difficult to manage schedules for multiple family members and there will be times when things do not go as planned. Be okay with bumps in the road!

 

4) Check In with Your Kids

 It is also important to check in with your kids. Be sure that schoolwork is getting completed, they aren’t falling behind, or feeling overwhelmed. It is critical that they are happy with their extracurriculars and are not getting burnt out.

 

We hope these tips will help you manage your busy household and still enjoy the extracurriculars! It is important to find a good balance so that every family member remains happy and having fun.

Managing Extracurricular Activities: Finding Balance for Kids’ Hobbies

Summer is (unofficially) over and it’s time to get your home ready for all the cozy vibes of autumn. Whether you want to swap out a few simple pieces or you need a total overall, this guide will help get you well on your way to creating a space you’ll want to spend every day enjoying!

 

·       Set the tone from the start with your front door! Swap out your current doormat and replace it with a fall-friendly design. Add a pumpkin or a potted plant to create the ultimate welcoming space. Play with colors and layers outside – black, cream, and deep oranges pair beautifully!

·       Use LED candles throughout the living space. Nothing sets a cozier vibe faster than candlelight. Instead of going for the real thing (especially if you have pets or children at home) consider using LED candles – they look real and give the room an inviting warmth.

·       Place chunky knits around the room. Add a few chunky knit blankets to the couch to cuddle up with at night and, for even bigger cozy factor, add knitted blankets to the foot of the bed so you can wrap yourself up no matter where you’re lounging.

·       Use natural elements instead of flowers. Flowers aren’t always the most affordable or easy to care for over time, so look for alternatives such as sleek branches, dried leaves or flowers, and wooded accents to give your space a warm touch that lasts throughout the season.

Fall Home Décor: Getting Your Home Cozy-Season Ready

From crisp apple to maple syrup or tobacco leaf – there really is no limit to the best scents of the season. Whether you love a gourmand scent or you prefer something more woodsy, you’ve got plenty of options for burning this autumn!

·       Harvest – If you love the spell of cinnamon and spice, harvest candles are perfect for you. Featuring earthy notes of grass and nuts combined with hints of cinnamon or chestnut, this scent is truly autumn in candle form.

·       Gourmand – Some of the best-scented candles are available during the autumn season – pumpkin, apple spice, caramel, and bourbon or maple syrup infused candles give you that ‘just-baked’ scent in your home. Smells delicious without the cleanup!

·       Woodsy – Sage, cedar, sandalwood – if you love an earthy scent then these are right up your alley. Look for candles with additional notes like charcoal, rose, and dried leaves to get that camping under the stars essence in the home.  

Cozy – From hints of cotton to cashmere sweaters and flannel, cozy candles feature notes of rose, musk, vanilla, and other essential oils. When you want to create a warm and inviting space, these are perfect options to illuminate during the autumn season.

Embracing Autumn’s Aromas: The Ultimate Guide for Fall Candle Scents

Isn’t it crazy how fast summer goes by each year? The days of shorts and tanks are almost gone and it is about time to start preparing your wardrobe for fall. We are going to discuss the essential items you need to help you transition into the cooler weather.

 

1! A Great Pair of Denim

There is nothing better than your favorite pair of jeans and this is the ideal item to help you transition into the fall season. Pick a style you love, whether that is a straight leg, boyfriend fit, or wide leg. Your denim can be styled with a tee for days that are a bit warmer and you can throw on a light sweater if it begins to feel chilly.

 

2) Neutral Cardigan

Cardigans are coming back in style and rightfully so. They provide the perfect lightweight coverage you need for those fall mornings and evenings. Pick a neutral color that can be worn with almost any outfit and you will have an easy go to piece to grab from your closet. For an even more chic look, you can wear a tank and tie your cardigan around your shoulders to have on hand in case you want it.

 

3) White Button-Down

A white button-down is one of the most versatile pieces you can have in your closet and it will be put to great use as we transition from summer to fall. No matter if want to style it with a pair of trousers for a day in the office or with a pair of denim and sneakers, you will get unlimited use out of this piece.

 

4) Light Jacket

When the weather transitions, it can be difficult to know how to dress. However, having a light jacket on hand will give you the option to dress for warmer or cooler weather. Feel free to choose something that fits your personal style, whether that is a beautiful blazer or an edgy leather jacket.

 

We hope these transition pieces will help you when you are shopping for your fall wardrobe. Bring on the cooler weather, pumpkin spice lattes, and incredible smelling candles!

Transitioning into Fall: Wardrobe Essentials for September

Fall is the coziest time of year, and it is the perfect time to update your closet. But you might be left wondering what shoes you should style with your new wardrobe. We are going to talk about four shoe staples that you absolutely need to have in your closet for this season.

 

1) Loafers

Platform loafers are making a statement this year and fall is the ideal time of year to style them. You can pick a simple black pair or a colored pair with beading or hardware. These will quickly become your go to as you pair them with a pair of denim and your favorite tee or a great pair of trousers for that “cool girl” look.

 

2) Comfortable Sneakers

Sneakers are one of the easiest pairs of shoes to style and you can wear them with a variety of different outfits. For a casual outfit to run errands throw them on with a pair of denim and a button-down, or if you want to create an effortless look to grab dinner, you can wear a pair of trousers with a tank and cardigan.

 

3) Cowboy Boots

Cowboy boots have been one of the trendiest fashion items this year and they are here to stay. Whether you want to wear them with a dress for a fun night out or with a long denim skirt for the ultimate trendy look, they can be styled in a wide variety of ways while also keeping your feet warm.

 

4) Booties

Each year, booties make their comeback in the fall season and there is a reason why. No matter what your personal style is, you can find a pair of booties that you will love. Maybe you want a pointed toe with a heel, or you prefer something with a short block heel in a neutral color. Either way, you can find a pair that you will love all season long.

 

As you prepare to get your closet ready for fall, keep these shoe styles in mind! With these four styles, it will be easier than ever to put together your outfits in the morning.

Shoe Staples for Your Fall Closet

Everyone knows that choosing a nail color may be one of the hardest decisions you have to make! There are endless options, and it can feel overwhelming to know what will look good and what is on trend at the moment. These are our top nail colors for September that we know you will love.

 

1)Candy Apple Red

Red is always an ideal choice for fall. It is classic, timeless, and will always look great. September is the perfect time of year to choose a bright red because you can still enjoy a brighter color as summer comes to an end, while beginning to embrace the fall season.

 

2) Dark Green

We know you might be thinking “no way” to green nails but hear us out. Green became one of the go-to colors in spring and it is carrying over into the summer and fall seasons. If you are hesitant about green, consider a darker green as it will give beautiful fall vibes while not being anything overly eye-catching.

 

3) Maroon or Burgundy

As with each year, you can never go wrong with shades that are reminiscent of red wine. Nothing screams chic more than deep maroon or burgundy nails. If you are unsure about going with a dark color for fall, you won’t regret this color.

 

4) Shades of Brown

Neutral nails tend to be the comfortable go-to when it comes to picking a color. If you prefer something that will go with any outfit you wear, consider different shades of brown. A deep chocolate brown can be beautiful, but you may also want to steer towards a lighter tan.

 

We hope these colors will give you some inspiration for this fall season that is quickly approaching! Next time you go to pick a nail color, choose one of these and you are guaranteed to be on-trend.

Nail Colors We’re Loving This September

Show your loving grandparents just how much you love and care for them this Grandparents’ Day! If you’re looking for the perfect gift, we’ve got some ideas to help get you started:

·       Digital photo frame loaded with all your favorite pictures!

·       Jewelry featuring the initials of grandchildren for grandma.

·       Engraved pocket watch (or traditional watch) for grandpa.

·       Personalized books featuring the names of grandchildren to read during story time.

·       Customized apparel for new grandparents – baseball caps or pullover sweatshirts are great options!

·       Photo box to hold all the special drawings from the grandchildren through the years.

·       Framed handmade art from the grandkids!

·       Stepping stones, featuring handprints or footprints from the grandkids to place out in the garden.

·       A tablet or device for those weekly video chats between grandparents and the kids!

·       Gourmet food basket – wine or chocolates for grandma and coffee or beer for grandpa – a perfect gift from adult grandchildren to grandparents.

Grandparents’ Day is Coming Up! 

It can be fun to see older trends coming back into style and for our 90s kids, this is a dream come true! You might be wondering how to style these 90s trends that are making a comeback, so we have rounded up our favorites!

 

1. Cardigans

Cardigans were a huge trend in the 90s and now they are being seen everywhere. Instead of wearing it over a tank like it used to be worn, it is chic to be worn buttoned up as its own top. You can find cardigans in a wide range of colors and choose whether you want something oversized, fitted, or even cropped. It is perfect to pair with your favorite denim or leather pants for a fun night out!

 

2. Claw Clips

We all remember the huge hair clips that were worn all the time in the 90s and they seem to be here to stay! You can find them in almost any color along with a standard claw style or even a square version for something a little edgier. Twist your hair back and wear your clip to work or for a casual drink with friends!

 

3. Bike Shorts

Bike shorts have become a key staple in a great athleisure outfit. For a true 90s look, you can pair your bike shorts with a great crewneck sweatshirt and pull on those tall socks with your favorite chunky sneakers. Not only are bike shorts great for a casual athleisure look, but they also make a comfortable outfit for the gym or yoga!

 

4. Fanny Packs

Sometimes referred to as belt bags, fanny packs have become increasingly popular again in recent years and we can see why! Whether you want to wear it casually with workout clothes or buy a leather version for a chicer and dressed-up look, they are the perfect way to store anything you would carry in a purse and allow you to keep your hands free!

 

5. Slip Dresses

Slip dresses were all the rage in the 90s and now you have probably seen them everywhere! They are made in almost every color and length and you are sure to find one that fits whatever event you are attending. From a date night to your best friend’s wedding, a slip dress is a simple, but stunning way to make a statement. 

 

Now you are ready to rock those 90s trends and make everyone jealous! Wearing something that has gone out of style and is now making a comeback can feel scary, but we know once you try out these 90s essentials, you will be in love!

Reviving Retro: The Return of 90's Fashion and incoporating it into your wardrobe 

Shop Pink Pantha for a chance to see P!NK LIVE! A winner will receive 2 concert tickets to see P!NK at the FLA LIVE Arena on November 15th, 2023. 1 entry per sale. Enter as many times as you want. Contest ends November 6, 2023. In store purchases only. See store for details.

WIN Tickets to P!NK

We’re excited to announce that Timburr, the Muscular Pokémon, will be featured during October Community Day!

PCTC is a local HUB for Pokémon GO during its Community Day. You will discover featured Pokémon and perform exclusive attacks on this digital platform.

Timburr will appear more frequently in the wild.

If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny one!

Pokémon GO October 2023 Community Day: Timburr

Presented by the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, this family-friendly event will have fun activities like inflatables (bounce house, obstacle course), cool vehicles to check out (Fire Truck, Helicopter, etc.), a DJ, TREATS and More!

Admission is FREE!

This FREE Event is presented by the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office

Cops & Goblins 2023

Centennial Real Estate Management L.L.C.

Port Charlotte Town Center promises shopping success! Shop our anchors and more than 60+ specialty stores and eateries located in the mall.

Keep yourself in the know