Category: Popular Thrifty Tips

Everyone wants to win the lottery. Some swear by lucky methods, others allow the machines to pick for them. But winning the lotto could change your life, so next time, don’t leave it completely up to chance.

Most countries around the world participate in lotteries, making millionaires of citizens overnight. No matter where you play the lotto, there are a few strategies you can employ to up your chances of becoming the next winner.

While there is no foolproof method for winning, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of winning big or at least earning some extra money.

Read on to help you develop your strategy on how to pick winning lottery numbers.

How to Pick Winning Lottery Numbers: Choose Numbers That Win Most Frequently

Many states will offer free statistics to allow you to see how frequently numbers are chosen. Some numbers get picked more often than others. This may be due to chance, but it doesn’t mean that they don’t get their time to shine more often.

Don’t incorporate the most frequently chosen numbers all at once, however. The odds of all of them being chosen at once is incredibly rare. Instead, focus on one or two most frequently drawn numbers.

Statistics differ for different types of games. The most frequent numbers for Euro Millions, for example, will be different from Powerball, which will, in turn, be different from Mega Millions. Make sure you’re looking at the correct chart before you choose.

Remember, even though numbers get drawn more frequently, each number still has an equal chance of being drawn.

Keep playing the numbers that get drawn the most frequently. Although they may not come up immediately, since they do come up often, over time you will eventually see a win. This may not mean you’ll win the jackpot, but you’ll likely win a consolation prize at some point.

Using the Same Numbers Over and Over

Some people choose numbers based on lucky numbers, significant dates or birthdays of family members. There are stories of individuals who have won after choosing the same numbers for the past 20 years, and finally having their lucky day.

If you frequently buy lottery tickets, purchasing two tickets is advisable when employing this strategy. One ticket should have your “lucky” numbers, while another should have tickets chosen from a different strategy.

You may even repeatedly enter the same set of lucky numbers to double your chances of them coming up eventually.

Choose Numbers That Haven’t Come Up in a While

While all numbers, statistically speaking, have the same chance of coming up, choosing numbers that are overdue can also be a significant strategy.

Using the same statistics, you can tell which numbers come up least often, or which numbers have not come up in years. In some lotteries around the world, statistics state that they haven’t had some numbers come up for over 70 years. That doesn’t mean the number is actually due to come up, or that it ever will, but it is still a strategy some people employ.

The numbers will come up eventually, however. And it might be you who gives them their moment to shine.

Don’t Toss Away Second-Chance Games

Many lotteries offer second chance games. These can be in the form of scratch-off, name draws and a variety of other contests. Some people get annoyed when they don’t win and toss their tickets, which can mean they have actually lost out on a chunk of money.

While you may not win the $300 million jackpot, you might still be in the running for $100,000. While it’s a pittance compared to the jackpot, for many, $100,000 would be a life-changing amount.

Double and Triple Check Your Numbers

Make sure you double and triple check your numbers. This may sound like common sense, but people have thrown out their winning lottery tickets because they misread them. Imagine realizing that weeks later!

Go over each number as carefully as possible, and make sure you’re checking the correct lottery. There are several lotteries that operate at once, and it can get confusing. Double check the name of the game as well.

Enter as Many Games as Possible

As mentioned above, there are many different lotteries going on at one time. You can go to this website to check out what’s going on in the United States. But if you have family that lives abroad, or you’re going abroad, you can also enter the lottery there.

This increases your chances, and also means you have several amounts you can win.

If you do this, you need to be extra vigilant about which numbers you’re checking. Read and re-read the names of the lotteries so you don’t check against the wrong ticket. Again, you don’t want to lose out because you misread it.

If You Find a Ticket Dropped or Thrown Out, Don’t Discard It

They say one man (or woman’s) trash is another man’s treasure. This couldn’t be truer than when it comes to lottery tickets. Often people misread their tickets or check them against the wrong lotto, and then throw their tickets out.

Later, a stranger finds the ticket in the trash or on the ground and it turns out to be their ticket to riches.

If you do find a lottery ticket on the ground or discarded, don’t just leave it. Check it against the lotto it is for and see if you’ve won. You might be a winner without even having to buy a lotto ticket.

Use a Random Number Generator

Although not as exciting, using a random number generator can help you reap rewards. Use Random.org, which is programmed for 280 lotteries all over the world. Simply plug in which lottery you’re looking to win and it will generate the required amount of numbers.

This is probably as statistically sound as any “quick pick” you get when you buy a randomly generated ticket, but many people prefer to use this system. This way, they can see the numbers first, and then approve them before they take them to purchase their lotto ticket.

Buy Lotto Tickets Frequently

Don’t go overboard, or you might go bankrupt while trying to play the lotto. Most people, however, don’t win on their first try. Instead, many play week after week, month after month, and even year after year before they see results.

Continue to enter the lotto as much as possible, if you can afford it. Don’t charge lotto tickets to a credit card if you can’t afford it, as it might not be a profitable pay-off in the end.

You can also ask for lottery tickets for special occasions, such as having them tucked away in birthday cards or for the winter holidays. This will be a cheap gift for someone to purchase for you, in addition to giving you yet another chance to win the game.

Although you may never win the big jackpot, if you continue to play, you’ll likely one day win some money. It might be a few thousand dollars, but that is a better payout than absolutely nothing.

Use the Ticket That Has Performed the Best in the Past

Statistically speaking, there are tickets that have won frequently in the past. There are some numbers that would have garnered someone a few million dollars by now if they had continually played them in every lotto for several years.

Although this strategy is similar to picking lucky numbers, it involves simply finding out which ticket has performed the best in the lotto you’re playing.

Over time, you’re bound to win some money, even if it isn’t the whole $100 million jackpot.

Use Statistics

There are some statistical approaches that work well, and if you learn them, you might be able to increase your chances.

The Delta Method, for example, involves choosing numbers between certain digits, adding them together and randomizing them to create number sequences.

The Wheeling Approach involves purchasing several tickets and using every single combination of one set of numbers. While this method is incredibly popular, it can become expensive relatively quickly. In the UK lottery, for example, any one set of numbers can have as many as 5005 combinations.

While this certainly ups your chances of winning, it also means you’re spending a big chunk of your paycheck on lottery numbers. However, the Wheeling approach is good for those who are going in together as a group and plan to split the winnings in several ways.

Go in As a Group

You can pool money together with coworkers, family or friends and purchase hundreds of lottery combinations. This method, however, involves the promise that you will actually split the money if you win and can cause serious issues among people in the event of a winning ticket.

But, it can be a good method for jackpots that are hundreds of millions of dollars.

The Takeaway

There is no clear answer to the question of how to pick winning lottery numbers. There is no science, as ultimately, it is all up to chance. Winning, though, can change your life if you’re one of the lucky ones that manage it.

Check out our blog for more information on saving money and how to make your paycheck stretch as far as possible.

Do you dream of a closet that’s as perfectly organized as your favorite celebrity’s?

Do you know that you have a seriously crowded closet on your hand, but feel overwhelmed by even the thought of organizing it?

Would you like to buy new pieces, but understand that you just don’t have any room in your closet for this season’s hottest trends right now?

If so, then you need to keep on reading this post.

In it, we’ll tell you three of the top tips about how to organize your closet and cut clutter and old clothes out of your life for good.

1. Get Ruthless

The first step to tackling a crowded closet?

You need to have a serious discussion with yourself about the things that you actually wear.

First of all, remove anything that still has a tag on it and has been in your closet for over a month. If you haven’t worn it yet, you’re not going to. Sell it on places like Poshmark to make a profit.

Or, donate unworn or gently used clothes to a local charity or homeless shelter.

This is a great way to open up space in your closet, and it will allow you to plan your outfits more quickly in the morning.

You’ll probably also rediscover pieces you’ve completely forgotten about.

2. Invest in the Right Hangers

The types of hangers you buy don’t just upgrade the look of your closet. They can also be serious space-saving tools.

You can even color organize closet space by choosing hangers that have several different tiers.

For example, layer all of your jeans on hangers. Then, next to it, place all of your white pants on a tiered hanger. Hang your leggings, hats, and even purses on specialty hangers and organizers, as well.

This will make it much easier for you to find what you need. Plus, by hanging items vertically, you’ll save yourself a ton of space.

3. Bag up Out of Season Pieces

So, what if you’re a little bit more of a clothes horse than most people, and your wardrobe has officially outgrown your crowded closet space?

Before you call in the services of a professional closet organization, try separating your clothes according to the season.

Instead of having your large winter coats take up half of the space in your closet, bag them up and store them instead.

Invest in vacuum sealer plastic rolls like these from Save It Fresh. Not only will this save you some serious space, it will also help to protect your clothing from getting damaged in the storage process.

Simplify your Crowded Closet with These Tips

We hope that this post has taught you just how easy it can be to tackle and organize a crowded closet. Remember to buy the right hangers, get rid of what you don’t need, and store out of season pieces in vacuum bags.

Looking for more advice about how to organize your life and save some serious money in the process? We’ve got you covered.

Keep checking back with our blog for more tips on how to master everything in your life.

Did you know that mommies-to-be who exercise regularly lower their risk of developing gestational diabetes by more than 27 percent? They also gain fewer excess pounds and experience less back pain. Since swimming’s one of the best low-impact maternity exercises, it’s time to invest in maternity swimwear.

Swimming and water aerobics also help you sleep better and stay more fit. And some doctors believe that regular training can even ease labor. Now, what expectant mom can’t get behind that?

But where to start? How do you find a bathing suit that makes you feel sexy and confident when you can’t even see your toes? Read on for our ultimate guide to maternity swimwear…

Where to Start

Maternity bathing suits, like other swimwear, come in countless styles, colors, and prints. And the best ones make you look and feel radiant. Finding the perfect fit for your changing body can be a little overwhelming at first, though.

But don’t fret! Maternity swimwear has come a long way over the years. Just check out the stylish, comfortable pieces at this site.

Today’s manufacturers provide easy-to-use size charts to ensure a great fit. Better yet, many base maternity sizing on pre-pregnancy sizing.

So, if you wore a size 8 before becoming an expectant mom, shop for a size 8 in bathing suits. But here’s the caveat. If you’re expecting twins, go up a size.

No matter the size, choose comfort, flexibility, and a little room to grow. Avoid swimwear that constricts your expanding belly or causes discomfort.

Quality maternity swimwear should grow with your curves over the course of your pregnancy. It should hug and support you in all the right spots while flattering your body type.

More on the Right Size

Look for swimsuits that offer comfort while fully and securely covering you. Now’s not the time to go down a size on principle. Besides discomfort, you risk a serious, confidence-shattering wardrobe malfunction.

Your breasts, tummy, and hips need expanding room. Don’t squeeze into tight swimwear, or you may find yourself in a compromising situation at the pool. Towel anyone?

Still feeling a bit anxious about finding the right size? Consult a salesperson in the maternity department where you’re shopping. They’ll be happy to offer assistance.

Look for Added Value

During pregnancy, your body adapts in miraculous ways. Good maternity swimwear should come with special features that guarantee stylish appeal and optimize comfort.

These extras provide additional value and ensure your bathing suit goes for the long haul. Look for the following:

• built-in shelf bras or molded cup bras with extra elastic support
• supportive yet comfortable materials like Spandex, Lycra, and Nylon
• adjustable straps at the neck or back
• versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched post-pregnancy
• a band of support around and under the belly
• two-piece suits that make bathroom breaks a cinch
• plenty of stretch in the tummy, breast, and hip areas

These are just a few of the design features that you’ll want to look for to ensure the optimal fit. But they will definitely increase the comfort and fashionability of your swimsuit. Besides looking for a great fit, always think comfort.

Look for Added Comfort

The next generation of maternity swimwear can be surprisingly comfortable. Especially if you know what to look for…

Choose maternity swimwear with thin mesh lining. Why? It offers extra support while helping you avoid the pulling and pinching that comes with poorly fitting or cheap swimwear.

When it comes to straps, be absolutely certain that they’re not too short. How will you know? They’ll gouge into your shoulders.

If you notice this, then go up a size or look for another suit. Adjustable straps are another option that will help you avoid maternity swimwear that’s simply too short for your torso. If you think it’s a little tight now, wait until your baby starts putting on weight during the third trimester!

Make sure that arm openings and leg openings fit well and aren’t too tight or rub the wrong way. There’s nothing more painful than a suit that chafes around your legs or armpits. So, nip this in the bud right now by paying attention to arm and leg openings.

If you opt for a swimsuit that has an underwire bra, make sure the underwires feature extra padding. Otherwise, the wires could dig into your skin causing painful chafing around your breasts. That’s no fun either…

Body Type Matters

It’s important to look for swimwear that complements your body type just as you did prior to pregnancy. But what does this mean in terms of maternity swimwear?

If you’re tall, consider wearing horizontal stripes. They’ll balance out your height giving you a more proportional appearance.

Likewise, if you’re less endowed in the height department, invest in vertical stripes. Vertical stripes will accent your torso making you look longer and leaner.

If you have large hips, choose suits with low-cut openings or a small skirt or flounce. These styles offer extra coverage where you need it most. Or, consider a bathing suit with vertical stripes that elongate your shape.

For mommies-to-be with short legs, look for higher-cut leg openings. Why? They create the illusion of legs that go on forever…

If you have ample cleavage, then a supportive shelf bra or built-in molded cup bra should be a top priority. Depending on your comfort level, you may wish to opt for a higher neck that provides extra coverage.

If you’re actively trying to minimize an ample upper body, choose a dark color on top and a lighter color on the bottom. This will trick the eyes while minimizing large busts.

If you’d like to enhance small breasts, go for a halter-style top to create instant cleavage. A plunging neckline will bring more attention to your upper body. Or, consider a top with ruffling, sparkles, or texture at the bust line to amplify your curva-licious charms.

Color Choices to Consider

When it comes to bathing suit colors, it’s hard to beat black–pregnant or not. It’s an amazing color that creates sleek, minimal lines and flatters ANY body type. Black slims and streamlines curves, making it a sophisticated, confidence-inspiring option.

Other hues, mixtures of color, or prints can also flatter your physique. Options abound, and some can even be related to your pregnancy. For example, some expectant moms go with bathing suit colors that relate to their child’s gender.

So, if you’re in the mood to get playful with it, why not go with a pink or blue suit? Or how about your favorite color? Above all else, pick a hue or print that makes you feel like the fierce, amazing creature that you are.

Types of Maternity Swimwear

One-piece swimsuits come with their charms. And for some moms, they offer the most compelling mixture of coverage and security. But they can be a pain to get in and out of every time you need to stop for a bathroom break.

A two-piece might sound a little scary if you’re feeling nervous about your pregnancy curves. But they’re stylish and practical. For example, a tankini still covers you thoroughly while allowing quick and easy access for bathroom breaks, which only get more and more necessary as your pregnancy progresses.

Not only are they handy, but they make you feel sleek. And they provide all important room for growing hips and your tummy. Finally, they can be mixed and matched with other pieces, and the tops can sometimes be reused post-pregnancy with a different pair of bottoms.

Besides tankinis, some two-pieces provide complimentary tummy covers. These protect pregnant skin from the sun when it’s more sensitive due to hormonal changes.

There are those brave, adorable mommies-to-be that slay in a bikini. And if you’re one of them, more power to you, Mama! But there are a few things you need to know about the differences between maternity bikinis and their non-maternity counterparts.

Maternity bikini bottoms should be cut low in the front and higher in the back. That way, they allow room for your growing tummy yet still provide ample derriere coverage. Remember that whole wardrobe malfunction thing?

Here are a few more things to think about when it comes to maternity swimwear ensembles. Look for maternity tops that tie in the back. They allow you to adjust the fit of your bust line over the course of your pregnancy.

While you might be tempted to stick with a non-maternity tie-back top, they aren’t actually designed to accommodate size expansion like their maternity counterparts. So, stick with mommy-to-be tops.

Some maternity swimwear allow you to tie your top at the neck, across the back, or both for added ease-of-fit. These are fabulous and make adjustment throughout your pregnancy as simple as retying.

Which Bathing Suit Fits You?

Which bathing suit is right for you? As you’ve read above, maternity swimwear has never offered more choices for a comfortable fit and a fashionable look. Shop online to access reviews from other expectant moms.

Online shopping also gives you access to helpful sizing information. And you can nix the annoying fitting room thing altogether by having suits shipped directly to your house. Simply return what doesn’t fit.

Just like maternity clothing, you can find the perfect fit at an affordable price. And you shouldn’t settle for anything less. So, dive into shopping with an eye for the factors that we’ve mentioned above.

When it comes to affordable, gorgeous maternity swimwear, we’ve got you covered. Interested in more tips for living frugally and beautifully? Check out our website where you’ll find loads of deals, freebies, giveaways, and coupons.

Although they don’t have the 10 million views they once had, millions of people still watch the Kardashians’ every move.

Wyatt Cenac has even called them the closest thing America has to a royal family. During these times of political turmoil, a New York Times essay even advocated reading celebrity gossip and celebrity websites to stay sane.

As Instagram reaches nearly a billion members, there are more ways than ever to follow our favorite celebrities. But everything we see on social media is never the full story. Reading celebrity news and gossip sites enable us to read between the lines and see what our favorite famous or infamous personalities are up to.

There are dozens of major celebrity gossip websites that people go to for learning about celebs. These three are the best celebrity websites to keep you entertained and informed.

1. ONTD

If you’re not reading Oh No They Didn’t, you’re way behind. You’ll get a wide variety of celebrity gossip and important news about music and entertainment here.

They’ve got the hook-up on in-depth articles about what celebrities are up to and even what great games are coming out.

You can get information here before it shows up anywhere else. ONTD employs some of the best celebrity gossip columnists who have their finger on the pulse of Hollywood and beyond. If you love celebrity news, this is your one-stop shop.

2. TMZ

TMZ has been a powerhouse in the celebrity news industry for at least a decade. Short for Thirty Mile Zone, their reporters are great at stalking celebrities and getting the latest dirt about all of them.

They know everything about celebrities from their love life to who makes their fabulous accessories. This is similar to celebrity sites like Elfann.

They pride themselves on breaking new information first. Celebrities will even go to TMZ with exclusives to get ahead of other gossip columnists. When someone famous wants to break up with another famous person, they go to TMZ first to make sure they can control the narrative.

3. Perez Hilton

Perez of Perez Hilton has been dishing on celebrities for years. He’s legendary for not only breaking news but being able to see between the lines and call out BS when he sees it.

His tabloid news gives you all the good stuff, like which couple was fighting at which hot NYC bar this weekend or who might be cheating on their spouse. Celebrities beware: he’s usually right.

Celebrity Websites Are Meant To Entertain

While there can be some mean-spirited posts, they’re often only about mean-spirited people. Typically these sites just allow us a way to check out of our own drama and plug into someone else’s. It can be nice to find out other people are as screwed up as us.

If you’re interested in more ways to kill time online, contact us for ideas.

Traditional family photography is great, but sometimes, you want something a little more memorable. Looking for unique family photography ideas? Then you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know to get a family portrait that really shows personality. Whether it’s funny, playful, silly, or something else, there are countless ideas that can help your family portrait give the feeling you want.

Keep reading to learn the top ideas for interesting family photography!

1. Use Triangles to Arrange People

Whether your family is large or small, triangles and diagonal lines are a great way to arrange everyone in a way that’s interesting to the eye.

Arranging everyone in squares or rows looks too stiff and formal. For interesting family photography, you’ll need a different technique. The triangle shape is great because it works for any size family.

This shape creates a feeling of closeness since it allows less space between people. Diagonal lines lead the eye from one place to the next, making these photos more visually pleasing for anyone who sees them.

Use height to help make those diagonal lines. Use props like chairs, or have some people sit, stand, or kneel, to create lines between different heights. This pose eliminates the stiff look of standing in rows.

Of course, if you have a large family, you almost need to arrange everyone in triangles. Standing side by side can make it impossible for everyone to fit in the picture!

2. Play With Foreground and Background

Use the setting of your family photography to give the feeling you want. Using depth of field adds creativity and artistry to an image.

Of course, you’ll want a photo where everyone is sharp and focused. However, once you have that shot, try moving things around to give different effects.

Try putting different members of the family at different distances from the camera. This can highlight interesting family dynamics, or give every member their turn in the spotlight. Arrange for a contrast of poses or actions between the foreground and background for a fun, interesting picture.

3. Include Your Pets

What better way to get a great, fun, unexpected photo than to let the pets join in? Furry friends are notoriously bad at posing, which gives that much more potential for a fun, unexpected candid shot.

To get your best photos, shoot in an area that your pet is already familiar with, so they won’t be quite so distracted. Or you can have a play session ahead of time, so they burn off all their excess energy before they need to pose for the camera. (This is great for small children too!)

Bring some treats for your pet to reward them for good behavior. This will make them look forward to future family photography sessions, too. Don’t forget to be sure your pet is clean and groomed – you might want to bring some rags for last-minute cleaning before the photos.

4. Get Playful

Use interaction and playfulness in your photo shoot to get the best image. The candid shots from a play session can make some of the most memorable family portraits.

Choose a picturesque setting, so the background of the photo is beautiful. You might use a favorite park or another outdoor location, or even your own backyard. Pick an activity that the family likes to do together, to capture the memories for years to come.

Maybe your family is more low-key, so you might get a simple photo of everyone walking down a path or trail. Or maybe picnics, beach days, or even playing music together is more your style. No matter what you choose, just make sure it’s genuine so it accurately represents your family dynamic.

The best part about these photoshoots is that they don’t need to be posed or choreographed. Your photographer might give you some instructions on what to do, such as whether or not to look at the camera. However, from there, all you need to do is just be yourselves.

5. Use Props

Props are a great way to make family photography fun and creative.

Pick some props that represent your family. Letters are a great choice: you can use letters that spell out a word like “love” and have each family member hold one letter. Or, you can use letters that spell out your last name instead.

Seasonally-appropriate props are another great choice. In the fall, use props like pumpkins, colorful leaves, or a festive blanket. During the Christmas season, use mugs of hot cider or a sled.

The only rule with props is not to overdo it. Since multiple faces will be in the picture, lots of props can make things look busy. Just choose a couple of props so the picture doesn’t become distracting.

6. Consider the Time of Day

If you can’t decide on where to shoot your photos, you can at least decide on when. Different times of day offer different kinds of lighting, which can give your photos all kinds of different effects.

One of the best times of day for photography is what’s known as the “golden hour.” The first or last hour of sunlight makes for beautiful family photos with warm, soft light that’s flattering for everyone.

Many photographers find this kind of light much easier to work with. A great way to harness the magic of the golden hour is to use backlighting, or stand with the sun to your backs. This can make a beautiful contrast between the people and the background.

7. Focus on Notable Events

If there’s a notable event in the family, like a graduation or a pregnancy, you’ll definitely want to memorialize the event with your family photography. Check out this post to learn more about the reasons to invest in maternity photos.

What Will You Do With Your Family Photography?

There are so many ways to take amazing family portraits. Try different ideas to capture different aspects of your unique family.

For more ways to keep your family having fun, check out these tips for getting your kids to stay active.