I just scrapped off the first layer of frost from my windshield this morning, so I think it's safe to say that any inkling of summer is now officially long gone. And while some of you are still morning the loss of sunlight and warm nights, it's time to start gearing up for the holiday season!

One of the best ways to do this is to get your house looking festive and cozy. After all, you're going to be spending a lot more time indoors for the next few months! I like to occupy myself with some fun DIY holiday decor projects for my home this time of year. From pumpkin carving to soft christmas lights, here are a few of my favorite (and cheap!) ways to get your home ready for the holidays.

Painted Twigs I was inspired by these white branches from ApartmentTherapy.com and I thought, rather than spend money on them, why not let nature do most of the work for free! Simply clip a cluster of branches you've collected down to a length that can easily fit in a vase, sand the dirt and nobs off the branches and paint on a thick coat of white paint. Get 25% off Sherwin-Williams paints and stains.

Tissue Paper Ghosts This classic Halloween decoration is cute and super easy! Have the kids help you place a cotton ball in the center of a sheet of facial tissue and wrap white yarn under the cotton ball to secure the "head." Use the same piece of yarn to create a string of tiny ghosts to display along a window sill or above the doorway. Save $0.50 on Angel Soft Tissue.

Sophisticated Pumpkins I saw this display of pumpkins as I was surfing around for inspiration and I knew I had to try it! Rather than carving out a pumpkin face, simply drill holes to create a pattern on your pumpkin. The flicker of the candle will shine through the holes to create a beautiful design!

Softened Christmas Lights I love the soft light of candles displayed all over my home (save $1.50 on glade jar candles). Another way to soften up the light around your house is to wrap little strips of tulle and lace around each little italian light. It may be a little time consuming, but the outcome is absolutely gorgeous! See for yourself.

Bowl of Candy! Ok, this idea isn't exactly original, but in the spirit of Halloween, busting out the candy jar seems necessary! That is... if you have the self control to turn it down after the tenth piece of the day! Save $1 on Snickers, Twix, M&Ms, Milky Ways, 3 Musketeers and more.

As the days get colder, I can feel my appetite growing. There is nothing like a tasty meal to warm me up on a crisp fall day, and even though cold weather comfort food is not always the best for my your waistline, it won't be long before there's plenty of snow to shovel to burn off those extra calories, right?

When a chill hits the air, reach for this easy recipe:

Pillsbury Biscuits and Gravy

• 1 can of Pillsbury Grands refrigerated buttermilk biscuits. Save $0.40 with this coupon!
• 12 oz bulk pork sausage

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flower
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 3 cups milk

Time to shed those summer shorts and fading tan lines for chunky sweaters and wool hats because fall officially starts tomorrow! Personally, I can't wait for the crisp weather and a new wardrobe, but if you're still morning the end to summer, here are a few coupons to help you embrace the coziness of fall!

Glad Fall Collection - Save $1.50 There is nothing like the smell of a new season that makes you feel like a fresh start is around the corner. Along with the change in temperatures, a change in light and a change in leaves, you can instantly change the vibe in your home with some of your favorite fall fragrances.

Caribou Coffee - Save $1 The best way to get warmed up for fall is with a new selection of coffee! Treat yourself to Caribou coffee grounds and beans to make those chilly mornings a bit more cheerful.

L'Oreal Paris Haircolor Products - Save $2 As the seasons change, so do the trends. Fall is the perfect opportunity to switch up your look. Transition your tresses with rich hair color from L'Oreal Paris!

Kleenex - Save $0.40 Even though flowers are no longer blooming, Fall still has it's fair share of allergy triggers. Between the mold found in damp leaves to the dust getting stirred up once the furnace turns on, allergies are certainly one downside to fall. At least you can be gentle on your runny nose by keeping a box of kleenex within arms reach!

Campbell's Chunky Soup - Save $0.50 By this time of year, cravings for savory soup and warm breads start to pick back up. Stock your pantry with Campbell's Chunky Soup so you're prepared when hunger strikes.

Nature Made Vitamine D - Save $1.00 Every fall, vitamin D plummets. People begin to cover up and stay indoors, and before you know it, the sun will set before you even leave the office. Everyone could use a boost of Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) during the darker months.

Robitussin Cold and Flu - Save $1.00 Most colds occur during the fall and winter months. Opening of school and cold weather prompts people to spend more time inside, therefore increasing the chances of viruses to spread from person to person. Keep colds and flu at bay with Robitussin for the whole family!

Pillsbury Pie Crust - Save $0.50 Cold weather seems to bring a need for comfort foods. Pecan pie, apple pie and pumpkin pie top the list. Plus, holiday season is right around the corner, so now's the time to stock up on pie crust so you're prepared for the holiday feasts to come.

Now don't go throwing fists just yet, it's not that kind of punch day. Today we celebrate the kind of punch you drink! Whether you take your punch in a juice box or with a ladle and a splash of rum, today is the day to bust out the straws and ladles and enjoy!

Here are a few ways to help you celebrate this party-perfect drink.

• Make an original! If you're a purist, the original recipe was actually quite simple, composed of only five ingredients: sugar, water, citrus, spice and alcohol. Follow this recipe for a true taste of punch.
• The temps may be falling, but we can still pretend we're soaking up the rays in paradise with this tropical punch recipe.
• Invite the kids to join the party! With a non-alcoholic version, of course. Save $0.75 on Minute Maid Juice Boxes.
• For adults who have graduated from their Hi-C and Everclear days of college, this recipe is a far less dangerous, but still gives you that extra kick if you choose to use lemon-lime spirit instead of soda.
• Go gummy with this coupon for $0.50 off 2 boxes of Betty Crocker Punch flavored fruit snacks.