Here are two good tips to keep Thanksgiving Week an orderly and peaceful event.
1) Use a detailed schedule to plan the activities for the week. Work backwards from the time of the big event (Thanksgiving Dinner is usually it)and schedule the activities in minutes and hours. Be flexible with the amount of time you allow for meal preparation, decorations, clean up, etc. You should do as much ahead of the big day as possible.
2) Do not leave home for Black Friday sales unless you are prepared. Use whatever media you have to decide where you should go, when you should get there and what you will buy. Make a list and stick to it. Being surrounded by great deals on so many items will tempt you to buy items you really don’t need but hate to pass up. This can be a great budget buster as well as a clutter creator. Retailers are counting on getting you in with the super sale only to have you lured into buying the other wonderful items not on your list.
Consider staying home for a peaceful end to the week and shop online if you must make purchases. Many outlets have the same sales online with free shipping this time of the year. With no parking problems, traffic jams or lines at checkout, you can have even more to be thankful for this week.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Organizing Tips for Thanksgiving
This is the week to make final plans for Thanksgiving. Next week begins the preparation. As you get ready for the big day there are some good organizing tips to remember.
1. Keep good records of your planning. This is especially important if you are entertaining at your house. If you use a computer, you can keep a folder just for this holiday and include files regarding guest list, menu, recipes, grocery list, decorations, time schedules,etc. If you prefer paper files, create a master folder or notebook and have a section devoted to each of these items.
2. Make notes as you prepare your house and meal. I print out my menu, grocery list and recipes and make notes directly on them as I proceed throughout Thanksgiving week. If I forgot something that should have been on the list, I write it in. If I should have invited someone that I left off, I make a note of that, etc.
3. After the celebration, I update my files to include my evaluation of what happened. If I had too much turkey but not enough dressing, I make a note of it. If I didn't allow enough time for the ham to cook, I note that on my time schedule. Anything I can think of improving or changing is recorded on the files so that I won't make the same mistakes again.
Keeping good records, notes and updates now can save you time, money and energy the next time you have your Thanksgiving feast.
1. Keep good records of your planning. This is especially important if you are entertaining at your house. If you use a computer, you can keep a folder just for this holiday and include files regarding guest list, menu, recipes, grocery list, decorations, time schedules,etc. If you prefer paper files, create a master folder or notebook and have a section devoted to each of these items.
2. Make notes as you prepare your house and meal. I print out my menu, grocery list and recipes and make notes directly on them as I proceed throughout Thanksgiving week. If I forgot something that should have been on the list, I write it in. If I should have invited someone that I left off, I make a note of that, etc.
3. After the celebration, I update my files to include my evaluation of what happened. If I had too much turkey but not enough dressing, I make a note of it. If I didn't allow enough time for the ham to cook, I note that on my time schedule. Anything I can think of improving or changing is recorded on the files so that I won't make the same mistakes again.
Keeping good records, notes and updates now can save you time, money and energy the next time you have your Thanksgiving feast.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Declutter for Your Health and Safety
We all can recognize that crowded hallways and other traffic lanes in a home can be hazardous. Keeping those pathways clear prevents falls and allows us a way to exit in case of emergencies. It is important to keep clutter from forming in these areas for safety reasons.
Another health hazard concerns the way mold and mildew can form under and around clutter. When bags of items are left on the floor for extended periods, moisture can build and create the conditions for those to appear and grow. Make a point of putting items away as soon as possible so you don't forget and leave them where they will be neglected and become an eventual health problem.
It is not only important to keep pathways in the home clear for safety reasons, but putting items where they belong can promote a healthier environment.
Another health hazard concerns the way mold and mildew can form under and around clutter. When bags of items are left on the floor for extended periods, moisture can build and create the conditions for those to appear and grow. Make a point of putting items away as soon as possible so you don't forget and leave them where they will be neglected and become an eventual health problem.
It is not only important to keep pathways in the home clear for safety reasons, but putting items where they belong can promote a healthier environment.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Organizing After Halloween
Are you wondering what to do with all the Halloween stuff? The candy is easy. Send what no one likes off to work, put the chocolates in the refrigerator and place the remaining in a bowl to be available for anyone wanting to take one. This can be at home or work.
The remaining items are not so easy. To eliminate clutter, see if any of the costume pieces and decorations can be recycled for the remaining fall decor. If not, save only those things that will be in great shape next year. Place those in a labeled container and store out of site. A garage shelf, attic or basement area is the best place.
The best organizing recommendation is to avoid owning too many decorative things that can become clutter. Avoid purchasing items that cannot be transformed into a suitable use throughout many seasons. Recycling is good for the environment, the pocketbook and effective organizing.
The remaining items are not so easy. To eliminate clutter, see if any of the costume pieces and decorations can be recycled for the remaining fall decor. If not, save only those things that will be in great shape next year. Place those in a labeled container and store out of site. A garage shelf, attic or basement area is the best place.
The best organizing recommendation is to avoid owning too many decorative things that can become clutter. Avoid purchasing items that cannot be transformed into a suitable use throughout many seasons. Recycling is good for the environment, the pocketbook and effective organizing.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Trick or Treat Suggestions
This week ends with Halloween and the flood of kids at your door dressed in their festive costumes will be ready for your handout.
A few tips come to mind as we prepare for this invasion. First you want to be sure the pathway to your door is safe. Remember to clean the driveway, sidewalk, steps and porch while it is still daylight. Fallen leaves can be slippery especially when wet so they should be removed as well as any toys, twigs, etc. Make sure this area is well lit by leaving your porch light and any other light fixtures on during the Trick or Treat hours. Those hours are set by each locality.
Your method for handing out candy this year is especially significant this year since the H1Ni and other flu viruses are spreading rapidly so much earlier than the normal flu seasons. It is recommended that you give only individually pre-wrapped candy and keep it in a convenient basket, bowl or other container that is easy for you to manage at the door. You should not allow each child to reach into your container to get the candy since each one could be contaminating the other pieces with his hands. Rather, you should choose and drop the candy into each child's bag yourself. Keep hand sanitizer near the door and use it yourself as often as you think necessary.
As an extra precaution, you may want to use disinfecting wipes to clean your doorbell or door handles if you keep it closed between visitors. This can be done periodically during the evening or at the end when Trick or Treating is over. It is a shame we need to be so careful, but it is always better to be safe than sorry and we want to do our part in keeping our homes and neighbors as healthy and safe as possible.
A few tips come to mind as we prepare for this invasion. First you want to be sure the pathway to your door is safe. Remember to clean the driveway, sidewalk, steps and porch while it is still daylight. Fallen leaves can be slippery especially when wet so they should be removed as well as any toys, twigs, etc. Make sure this area is well lit by leaving your porch light and any other light fixtures on during the Trick or Treat hours. Those hours are set by each locality.
Your method for handing out candy this year is especially significant this year since the H1Ni and other flu viruses are spreading rapidly so much earlier than the normal flu seasons. It is recommended that you give only individually pre-wrapped candy and keep it in a convenient basket, bowl or other container that is easy for you to manage at the door. You should not allow each child to reach into your container to get the candy since each one could be contaminating the other pieces with his hands. Rather, you should choose and drop the candy into each child's bag yourself. Keep hand sanitizer near the door and use it yourself as often as you think necessary.
As an extra precaution, you may want to use disinfecting wipes to clean your doorbell or door handles if you keep it closed between visitors. This can be done periodically during the evening or at the end when Trick or Treating is over. It is a shame we need to be so careful, but it is always better to be safe than sorry and we want to do our part in keeping our homes and neighbors as healthy and safe as possible.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Holiday and Seasonal Wreaths
Living in the colonial area of Virginia all of my life, I have become accustomed to seeing wreaths on doors as decorations. This is especially true during the winter holidays. Unfortunately, storing them can be an organizational problem.
If you have considerable or unused storage space, I recommend using the plastic or cardboard containers designed especially for wreaths. Over time they will save you time, space and money in storage of these items.
If storage space is limited or becoming crowded, I recommend owning only one wreath for your door. Choose a basic wreath color that contrasts with the color of your door. Natural grape vines, cane or straw as well as artificial greenery or other bases are sturdy and can last many years. To it add an inexpensive bow and/or swags of color. Swags of leaves for fall, flowers for spring and summer and holly with berries for winter can be purchased inexpensively to add to the base. Even the dollar type stores carry suitable items for the base.
When the season has ended, dispose of the unsuitable decorations. They have probably faded and become soiled anyway. Then purchase a new set for the next season. The expense of new decorative items is off set by the initial cost of different wreaths for each season and the storage requirements they have.
If you have considerable or unused storage space, I recommend using the plastic or cardboard containers designed especially for wreaths. Over time they will save you time, space and money in storage of these items.
If storage space is limited or becoming crowded, I recommend owning only one wreath for your door. Choose a basic wreath color that contrasts with the color of your door. Natural grape vines, cane or straw as well as artificial greenery or other bases are sturdy and can last many years. To it add an inexpensive bow and/or swags of color. Swags of leaves for fall, flowers for spring and summer and holly with berries for winter can be purchased inexpensively to add to the base. Even the dollar type stores carry suitable items for the base.
When the season has ended, dispose of the unsuitable decorations. They have probably faded and become soiled anyway. Then purchase a new set for the next season. The expense of new decorative items is off set by the initial cost of different wreaths for each season and the storage requirements they have.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
More Tips on Holiday Cards
Since holiday cards are displayed so early and they are picked over long before mailing, I have already reminded you now is the time to find the best selection. I have a few other suggestions.
1. Consider choosing one design for everyone and adding a personl note to make it special. Save one of the cards with the year written on it so you will know you have used it and when.
2. If you do not have time for personal notes in each card or if you want to add a family newsletter, make the newsletter short and sweet. The shorter the sweeter it is. While it is fine to mention you took a trip to China, you need not list every city you visited. If your child graduated from college, you do not need to list all of the awards and job offers. Tell the news but leave off the bragging. In addition, it will take time to read the newsletter and most people do not take the time to do that while opening the daily mail. One paragraph that you are alive and well on planet earth is fine. A family picture printed on the page or added is good, too. Just remember, less is more.
3. Keep your address file up to date so cards are not returned because of incorrect address. And when you receive a card, check the return address to be sure that is the one you have on file.
4. Purchase "forever" stamps and resist the urge to buy holiday stamps unless you are sure you will use all of them. If the price of postage goes up, your "forever" stamps will still be accepted and you will not have to purchase or add those one cent stamps.
1. Consider choosing one design for everyone and adding a personl note to make it special. Save one of the cards with the year written on it so you will know you have used it and when.
2. If you do not have time for personal notes in each card or if you want to add a family newsletter, make the newsletter short and sweet. The shorter the sweeter it is. While it is fine to mention you took a trip to China, you need not list every city you visited. If your child graduated from college, you do not need to list all of the awards and job offers. Tell the news but leave off the bragging. In addition, it will take time to read the newsletter and most people do not take the time to do that while opening the daily mail. One paragraph that you are alive and well on planet earth is fine. A family picture printed on the page or added is good, too. Just remember, less is more.
3. Keep your address file up to date so cards are not returned because of incorrect address. And when you receive a card, check the return address to be sure that is the one you have on file.
4. Purchase "forever" stamps and resist the urge to buy holiday stamps unless you are sure you will use all of them. If the price of postage goes up, your "forever" stamps will still be accepted and you will not have to purchase or add those one cent stamps.
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