Top Ten Resolutions for 2010

Ten more days until the New Year...woohoo. Have you written your goals or resolutions for 2010. Time is of an essence. According to the Associated Content (AC) http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2487506/top_10_resolutions_for_the_new_year.html?cat=2
the top ten resolutions for 2010 are;

1. Losing a Habit
2. Learn something new
3. Finances
4, Careers
5. Family
6. Weight Loss: Diet
7. Weight Loss: Exercise
8. Personal Improvement
9. Happiness
10. Help Others

What are your 2010 resolutions?

Until next time...

Inexpensive Holiday Gifts

You don't have to spend an arm and leg this holiday season on gifts. Be creative and think outside the box. Here are a few of my favorite gifts that cost less than $10. Now you can't beat that.

1. Journal with inscription "Thinking of You".
2. Chocolate wrapped with a pretty ribbon.
3. Small container of coffee or tea with a pretty mug.
4. Stationary with fancy pen.
5. Popcorn, candy and movie wrapped in a popcorn bowl. You can get these at Target for $1.
6. Christmas ornaments.
7. Date book to hold birthdays and anniversary.
8. Internet Password book-who doesn't need one of these.
9. Travel games.
10. Digitial photo key chain.
11. Gift card.
12. Notecards with stamps.
13. Home made toffee-yummy.

And if you really don't have the extra cash, why not spend the day with the person chatting about old times-priceless. I hope you have enjoyed my suggestions and remember it's the thought that counts.

Until next time...

Inexpensive and Easy Crafts for the Holiday

As an creative person, I love designing and creating 'fun stuff'. A few years ago, I started making Candy Christmas Trees. They're easy and budget friendly. The instructions are below...let me know how your candy trees turn out.

Materials


Styrofoam Cone (size doesn't matter, it depends on how tall you want your tree)

Aluminum Foil

Hot glue gun

Mini Bow (optional)

Ribbon (optional)

1-2 bags of mini candy bars or kisses (depends on how many trees you're making) If you make several trees, go to Sams and get their assorted fun-size bags...only two-this will yield a half dozen trees (assuming your cones aren't large)

Instructions:

Wrap aluminum foil around cone. Hot glue the ends.

When you hot glue the candy be sure not to over glue as the candy can be picked and eaten. You don't want to melt the candy-a small dot will do.

Start at the bottom of the cone and work up. Have fun and mix the candies. I like to use the larger pieces at the bottom.

You can add the bow to the top of the tree and dress it up with ribbons.
 
Until next time...

Creative Ways to Display Holiday Cards

Not sure what to do with your Holiday Cards? Display them. I can remember as a child, my mom had several different ways to display our Holiday cards. Here are a few ideas.

1. Display them on a table so everyone can enjoy them.

2. Tape them to a door frame. See if you can fill the door frame by Christmas.

3. Ever considered using them as ornaments?

4. Decorate the mailbox.

5. Create a card wreath.

6. Clip them to garland and hang around the mantle.

7. Have you ever received a really cute card, why not create a picture frame.

As you can see, there are several options for displaying Holiday cards, be creative. Let your imagination run wild.

Until next time...

Birds of a feather...

Birds of a feather flock together, this is so true. This morning I had breakfast with two of my friends from Graduate school. We haven't seen each other in ages, although we still talk on the phone and email each other. It's so great to be able to see your friends face to face. Sitting here thinking about this morning, I realize we have so much in common. We are Adjunct Faculty at several Universities, trend setters, as well as entrepreneurs. WOW!! The list goes on but I'll stop there. ;-)


Last week, I had dinner with a few of my friends from High School. I can't wait to see what's in store for next week. Perhaps lunch with my fellow elementary schoolmates.

When was the last time you connected with someone who are close to? I mean really connected. There are moments when we 'think' about others but rarely do we pick up the phone or drop a card in the mail to say "I was thinking of you." Life is too short so before the year is out, connect with someone who has left a memorable impression on your life. You'll be glad you did.


Until next time...

It's starting to look a lot like Christmas

I thought I would share a picture of my Holiday decorations-excluding the tree of course.

I know what you're thinking-"that's a lot of stuff, what in the world". Don't worry, the organizer in me has it all under control. As you can see I love Nutcrackers and I believe every room in the house has a Nutcracker or two...perhaps three (smile).

Let me know what you think of my set up. The first ten people to respond will receive my Holiday Planner filled with tips, solutions and planning ideas for the Holiday. Offer expires December 7, 2009. Please reply to paris@organizewithlove.com

The Santa Circle

The Little Village that could..yes, there is still room at the table to eat.

Holiday Party Planning

The key to a stress less Holiday is in the planning. Plan as early as possible, try not to wait until the eleventh hour. The 10 key steps are;


-Plan early

-Delegate tasks such as grocery shopping, cleaning, sending invites, etc.

-Have a pot luck for the event. No need to slave over a hot stove all day. This also allows you to sample different foods.

-Sit guests next to those they don't know, so they can mingle and socialize with new people.

-Be mind when serving alcohol, some people may not know their limit. Delegate a helper to keep a watchful eye out. Preferably someone who doesn't drink.

-Shop at Costco, Sam's Club, or BJ's where you can purchase in bulk and get more for your dollar.

-Use scented candles to get everyone in a festive mood.

-If you are hosting the party at your home, make sure you tell your neighbors in the event the music gets loud or you run out of parking.

-If you are hosting the party at your home, clean and decorate the day before. This eliminates any interruptions in your normal family activities and you're not held hostage by the new arrangements.

-Have fun!!

Until next time...