A Extra Minutes = A Lot of Saved Time

A few years ago, I decided to make coordinating wired bows for my staircase banisters, mantle, grandfather clock, etc. So I took the financial plunge (with coupons, of course) of purchasing quite a lot of good quality ribbon and got busy with my floral wire. Several evenings (and sore fingers) later I was pretty proud of my accomplishment.

So I think it's understandable that I take a bit of extra care in storing them. Each year, when I take them down ("boo" to putting away Christmas decorations!) I stuff them with fresh tissue paper. Any that were made in special sizes (a bit larger for the mantle and clock) are marked with paper tags labeling where they are to be placed the next year. Not as OCD as you might think, really.

I also have numerous garlands that swag up two levels of staircase, and overlook bannister, mantle, playroom windows...you get the idea.
I tag these with placement in the same way as the bows. Long slips of paper slipped through loops or around branches with reminders about where they go. Last year, I even marked the tops of each "swag point" with a colored paper clip. Wow, I loved not having to measure those lengths this year.

I can't tell you how fun it is to open these boxes each fall to find nice, fluffy bows and ready-to-go decorations. It doesn't take much more time than just packing them the old-fashioned way...but it makes them a LOT more fun to open and use the next year!

Ho Ho Ho...Let the Countdown Begin!

I know that I should be anticipating Halloween (since it's only a couple of days away), and at the very least starting to think about Thanksgiving...

But I'm ready for the onset of the Christmas season!

It seems every year that time just slips away as things that I meant to get done before the big day get pushed aside to take care of day-to-day necessities. So this year, I've decided to do more than glance at The Christmas Countdown, and at least reference its suggestions on a more regular basis.

The Countdown has already begun, and offers a wonderful group of checklists, to do lists, suggestions and organization ideas to keep the holiday-hectics under control. Hop over and visit their website to see all of the tools they offer.

The basic premise is to begin NOW to set aside at least 15 minutes a day to do things to prepare for Christmas. It isn't a lot of time, but it sure adds up. The program (which is free) helps you to put together an organization binder for the season that will become your one-stop reference point for information regarding Christmas card lists, shopping/gift purchases, home cleaning checks and more.

This week in the Countdown is "Get Organized" week. I've checked their planner notes, and will be working on a couple of small projects this weekend. So far this week I'm proud to say that I have ordered my photo Christmas cards and holiday stamps, and begun to review/update my address list.

The stamps are easy to take care of, since you can now order them online instead of standing in long lines at the post office. So nice to have them magically (after a credit card charge) appear in your mailbox! Just check out the USPS website and choose from a variety of holiday designs. Easy...hurray! We love when things are easy!

I have also purchased a small plastic box to keep all correspondence materials together, and a medium size tote to tuck my pre-holiday gift purchases into as I make them. That way everything is in one place.

So as much fun as I have had getting ready for Halloween, next week I'll be happily packing it all away to make room for all of the fun to come!

What are the first things you do to begin getting ready for Christmas?

Its So Very Thrifty

saturday soiree

Saturday is Crafty Day

Weekend Wander

Weekend Wrap Up Party