Nifty Gifty Ideas for any Holiday

gift ideas

I stink at choosing gifts because I agonize over each gift, buy it, return it and cross my fingers they like it.  Then I wised up and decided to stop buying stuff for the sake of buying stuff.  It didn’t feel aligned with who I am (the Queen of decluttering). If you want to be…

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A calm holiday season: Yes, it is possible!

holiday organizing

The holiday season is approaching. Here are five things to do now to prepare for the holidays to avoid feeling frantic. Plan: It’s a busy time of year between traveling, work parties, school events, social activities, guests and all the other events that happen during the holidays. Schedule these activities in your calendar so you don’t…

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12 Days of Simple yet Meaningful Gift Ideas

christmas gift

Gifts can be meaningful and fun without adding more stuff to the recipient’s life.  If this is important to you but you need some inspiration, use this list.   Many of these gifts are available online which is perfect for last-minute shoppers. Days of Meaningful, Clever Gift Ideas  A one-year membership to Amazon Prime for music,…

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Organizing tips for baking Christmas cookies

Do you love to make cookies and other baked goods, especially at Christmas time?  I do too.  Sometimes it feels like more work than fun.  Here are some tips to help you stay organized and enjoy the task with your family. Choose recipes; ask your family for their favorites and add your favorite. Do you…

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Let go and simplify your holidays

Are you stressed about the holidays and getting “everything” done on time? Want to change it up this year and enjoy the holidays with as little stress as possible? All right then, the first step is to let go of perfection.  You don’t have employees like Martha Stewart Inc. does.   I certainly don’t have the…

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Something I treasure

I am a sentimental person but there isn’t a whole lot of “stuff”  I’m attached to or have trouble getting rid of.   This advent calendar, called a Jesse Tree,  is something that I will always treasure.  The felt pieces represent different people or stories from the bible.  Every day, during the month of December, we…

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Gift ideas that save money

Is your gift budget tight this year or most years?  Budget conscious gifts can be very meaningful and won’t leave you with a large credit card balance in January. Here are some suggestions that will save you money on gifts. Homemade items.  Do you knit, sew, bake, cook, make cards? Re-gift items.  Have you received…

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Shop at home

A trip to the store may not be necessary.  Check the nooks and crannies of your home before spending money on the following items. Disposable paper goods: holiday napkins, paper plates, cups, utensils. Baking supplies: cookie sprinkles, cookie cutters, food coloring, cupcake wrappers and other common ingredients. Christmas cards Wrapping supplies: paper, boxes, tissue paper…

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Simplify gift wrapping

I have always envied those who have the gift wrapping gene because I still haven’t mastered creasing corners neatly or curling ribbon.   Whether you are an amazing wrapper or are challenged like me, I have some suggestions to simplify gift wrapping that will also save you time. Gift bags and tissue paper are a…

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Organize for holiday baking and cooking

Do you enjoy creating holiday treats or hosting holiday dinners or parties? Personally this isn’t my idea of fun (I’d rather eat than cook) but I do find it more enjoyable if I’m prepared and organized. Here are some suggestions that will help you prepare yourself and your kitchen for holiday baking and cooking. Clear…

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Organize for Thanksgiving Dinner

Are you hosting Thanksgiving Dinner?  Are you overwhelmed and feeling panicked?   Eliminate the overwhelm by tacking one or two tasks a day and you will be ready, not stressed.  More importantly ASK for help from your family. 1. Write out your menu and delegate parts of the meal to guests, unless you love to cook…

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