Gift Giving

Make a gift list and keep in an excel spread sheet.  This will keep you from having to do the same thing over and over each year.  Plus, you can even list the gift given.

Try going on line to purchase your gifts.  Most stores will give you a discount or waive the shipping fee for purchasing over a certain amount.  Going on line will also save you time, gas and possibly money.  Your less likely to spend more money on line.  Keep an eye out for sales on purchases at the retail stores and start buying now.  MOST IMPORTANT - stay to your list which will keep you in budget.  Nothing like taking all next year to pay for this years gifts.

Set up a spot out of way to wrap gifts.  Don't forget name tags, bags, wrapping paper, tape, scissors.  Go ahead and wrap gifts as you purchase them.  Just put a sticky note on the package what's inside and don't forget the name tag.

Happy Gifting!!!

Holidays and the House

Schedule 2 - two hour sessions to declutter, clean and prep your house for guest.  It's always easier to declutter your house before cleaning.  Make sure you have everything that your guest will need.  Check with your guest and see if they have any special needs (food allergies), etc.

One step closer to an enjoyable holiday.

Holiday Schedule, Budget (boo) and Food (yeah)

Sit down now before everything gets crazy and schedule your activities for November and December.  Schedule your holiday time with relatives and friends, shopping time, travel time and yes even "a little me time".

Now for the "dirty word" budget.  Think of your holiday budget as a freeing experience.  Last year our family decided to just buy gifts for the kids.  Instead of stressing out about what to buy, shopping for the gifts (standing in long lines) and feeling guilty about money being spent on me when things are tight we focused on just spending quality time together.  I enjoyed taking the focus off items and putting my energy into my family.  Now some people might feel that was a bit extreme.  If you do then please make sure you do decide on how light your bank account will be and have no regrets come January 1.  Things to consider when setting your budget:  decorations, tree, travel, baking and cooking, gifts, wrapping, parties and childcare.

Food, food and more food.  Plan your menu now and make a list of the ingredients.  Start your shopping now for items.  Put on your schedule when food can be prepared and cooked.  Try using dishes like casseroles that can be frozen, this way you are not spending all day cooking.

Let me know any ideas you have - Happy Holidays!!!

Lets talk about time management and the HOLIDAYS!!!

I wanted to talk this week about time management and the holidays.  Please let me know any questions you have and I will try and answer.

I will also be giving you tips to help you managment your time so you can enjoy the holidays more with family and friends.

First and foremost to start your plan you need to ask yourself two questions.  What is my goal for the upcoming holidays?  Second question is what did I do last year that I don't want to do this year?

One of my goals for this year is to send Christmas cards.  The answer to my second question is easy.  Mine is not to come down with the shingles while in New York and having to cancel my Vermont Christmas.  So, knowing these two things I know I need to make a Christmas card list with address.  I also need to take care of my health and stress levels so I don't get sick this year.  I hereby promise to everyone that I will have my Christmas card list done by November 8th and will start walking on the treadmill monday.

I will keep everyone posted on my accomplishments.  Now please post at least one answer to each question above.

Happy Holidays!!!

Kitchen Tips

Mason Jars - make great storage for rice, pasta or beans
Organize shelves and areas by types (example, snacks together and pasta together)
Clear countertops and put everything away except for items you use at least 2 times a weak
Put all leftovers together and make sure to label and date

Let me know any tips or questions you would have on time management or organization.

Simplify Your Life and see what you gain!!!

Laughter

My husband laughing when he doesn't know I'm listening is my favorite thing to hear.  It will always put a smile on my face.  Laughter is something people understand no matter what their culture or language may be.

Hope everyone can find some laughter in their life today.

Hello Again

Well no one asked me to leave... so far so good.  I've started playing around with the design of the page.  It's fun but very time consuming.

Right now I'm working on photos from a bridal shower.  I enjoy so much taking candid shots of people.  I love the idea that I might actually catch a moment in time in their life that they will remember forever.

Off to catch memories!!!

Hello World

Okay - Where to start???  Needless to say I'm new at this so please be patient with me.  I have several hesitations about doing this.  First, I'm a very private person.  Second, English was not my best subject so I'm scared of grammar and spelling (FYI spell check had to fix the way I spelled grammar).  Lastly, who cares what I have to say.  So with all these fears (and my hands are literally shaking right now) I have decided to start.

Wish me luck!!!