October 1       Child Health Day. Schedule annual checkups for the family. Make a folder for each child containing vaccination records, medical records and history.  

October 2     Simplify the way you clean your hairbrush. Cut a 2 inch segment from a pair of old pantyhose, and stretch over the bristles of your clean hairbrush.You may need to use a hairpin to push the hose down onto the bristles. The next time you need to clean your hairbrush just lift the layer of pantyhose, and you'll also be lifting the lint and hair, etc that usually accumulates on your hairbrush.

October 3   It's time for the change of leaves. Get your rake and plastic refuse bins ready for collection.

October 4     This Week is Fire Prevention Week. Test all the smoke and CO detectors in your home and replace batteries if need be. Practice your family fire drill. Small children especially need to be able to recognize the sound of the alarm and realize they must exit the house. 

October 5     Today is World Teacher's Day. Take a few minutes today to tell your child’s teacher that you appreciate the fine job she is doing.

October 6     Replace light bulbs that have burned out and batteries that are exhausted around the home.

October 7     Need a use for the plastic bag your newspaper is delivered in? They make perfect holders for wet umbrellas. Stash a few into your wet room umbrella stand or fold on up and attach to umbrella handles with a rubber band so you always have it handy.


October 8     Dried Orange and Lemon peels make a great kindling alternative to paper. Peels are superior to newspaper because they not only provide a pleasant aroma and produce less creosote, but the flammable oils found in the peels help them burn longer, too.

October 9     No idea what to do with mate-less earrings that you can’t bear to part with? Why not use them to add some style to your bulletin board. Use single mate less earrings as a stylish substitute for a thumbtack..

October 10   Since Winter is fast approaching it is time to pack away your summer clothing. Keep packed clothes smelling fresh by adding in a bar of your favorite scented soap.

October 11   Today is a great day to consolidate your contacts. Update and sync your PDA, email and cell phone contacts. Now you are ready to put together your mailing list for holiday greeting cards.  

October 12   Ten minute Tidy. Use a timer to straigten up your desk or work area, on a busy day ten minutes can make all the difference to give your space a little sense of calm in amongst the storm.

October 13   Looking for a few ideas for the pumpkin from the cavity you carved out? Why not buy the ingredients to make a pumpkin loaf or our delicious Pumpkin Pie Bars. Here is another recipe to prepare homemade pumpkin puree.

October 14   Clean your microwave today. Make a solution of 2 tablespoons baking powder and 1 cup of water. In a microwavable safe container. Cook on high for 3 minutes. Remove the container of solution and then wipe down the interior of the microwave with a damp cloth or paper towel.

October 15   It’s time to wipe outdoor flower pots clean and store them away. The oncoming cold weather is often too harsh and can cause cracks to occur in pottery.

October 16   Organize your coat closet today. Donate any coats you no longer wear or your children have outgrown.  Place a few extra hangers in the closet for guests.

October 17   Have you planned this years Halloween costume? Take a trip to your local costume store for ideas  Tidy the yard and get rid of any debris, weeds and clutter that may be lying around the house..

October 18   Tidy the yard and get rid of any debris, weeds and clutter that may be lying around the house.

October 19   Scour the house today for small appliances you never use. Donate it or offer it to a friend who may like it.

October 20   Do you have a wood burning fireplace? It’s time to begin collecting a store of wood.

October 21   Go through your cosmetics drawer today. Are there any empty tubes, dried nail polish or cream jars that need to be thrown away? 

October 22   Clean stained plastic chopping boards today – rub a wedge of lemon over your chopping board to remove stains from the surface.

October 23   Would you like to avoid the holiday shopping rush this year? Why not do your holiday gift shopping online? Put together the gift list with sizes and color preferences and get started – who knows, you may even be done by Thanksgiving!

October 24   Look through your cell phone today? Do you need to empty your text inbox or sent folder?

October 25   Clean and organize your kitchen utensil drawer today. .

October 26   Scout the wooden furniture in your home today for watermarks, A good home remedy is to apply of a small amount of petroleum jelly to the stain an d let it sit overnight. Use a soft cloth to wipe away the marks in the morning.

October 27   Clean your computer mouse today. Moisten a cotton ball with a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water. Remove the ball from its chamber and gently clean out the gunk. Let it dry for a few hours before reinserting. Vinegar works great to remove fingerprints and dirt from the exterior of the mouse, too.

October 28   Sweep clean your front patio or porch today in anticipation of Halloween traffic. Remove any obstacles that could cause injury to pedestrians.

October 29   Keep car windows frost-free this winter. This only works if you park indoors though. Wipe or spray a solution of 1 part water to 3 parts vinegar onto the window. This solution can work for several weeks.

October 30   Flower of the Month: Calendula. This hardy little annual grows well in pots and flower boxes that brighten your doorstep naturally. This is an easy to grow plant – perfect for children or the inexperienced gardener. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and pat down. First flowers should produce after 40-50 days. They will grow in partial shade or full sun, poor soil or rich soil. Happy planting! 

October 31   Today is Halloween. Make today a chore-free day to enjoy.

 By Leanne Naidoo, LifeOrganizers Staff Writer