Holidays

Tips for Labor Day Celebrations

/

laborday-004

Labor Day is a celebration of the American Worker. Despite all the economical and political dishevel (I won’t even begin to go there!) American’s need to step back and recognize how every worker, whether paid or volunteer, from Main Street to Wall Street, is what makes this country run. Like a fine machine we all are important and need to work together to make this country run at it’s best.

Okay, now I’ll get off my high horse and give you some information you can use to help make this Labor Day a celebration. Not everyone gets the day off (firemen, police, retail store workers, etc.) so if you run into any of these people working be sure to thank them for helping this country run.

I’m leaving town to visit my son so I have been using my “Travel Planner”.  If you are traveling this weekend I suggest you read the following article and blog posts to help make the traveling more organized.

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/make_travel_easier_with_a_travel_planner

http://organizebythemonth.com/traveling-by-car/

http://organizebythemonth.com/are-we-there-yet-travel-games/

 

labor day bbq 21

Here are some sites that have information and ideas on how to celebrate Labor Day.

http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/laborday.htm

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/labor-day/

http://labor-day-weekend.com/

http://dailyholiday.info/labor-day

 

Have a safe and fun holiday weekend.

Janice

Tips for Labor Day Celebrations Read More »

Clutter Free Mother’s Day Gifts

/

Mother’s Day is this coming Sunday. Have you bought her a gift yet?

Mother’s Day is one of the most commercial holidays in the United States. Lots of cards and gifts are given on this day to honor our mothers. The problem arises when these gifts add clutter to their homes. When celebrating the holiday this year think of all the things you can give or do that don’t add clutter. Here are some ideas.

You may want to pass this list to your own children and/or spouse and ask them not to buy you anything that adds to your clutter. It’s the thought that counts. And even more important it is to honor mothers for all they do.

  • Give flowers. They are beautiful to see first thing in the morning and last about a week.
  • Take her out to eat or have her over for brunch. Spending this precious time together is what counts.
  • If you want to buy a gift make sure it is one she either wants or is something she can use up. Bubble bath, candles, or lotion would work.
  • If she likes candy but is watching her diet than look for a small but special candy she wouldn’t buy for herself.
  • You can give her a gift card for the theater or a movie. No clutter there.
  • Print out gift certificates for services you can do for her. You can promise to wash her car or trim her hedges. Make it things you can easily do for her when she turns in the certificate for your service.
  • You can buy a gift certificate for a day spa so she can pamper herself.

There are lots of things to do or give your mother without adding clutter. The best thing you can give her is your time.

To a lighter load along the way.

Janice

Clutter Free Mother’s Day Gifts Read More »

Mailing Those Cards and Packages

/

If you haven’t already bought and shipped those Christmas gifts then you better get moving. Time is running out. Here is a timeline for sending cards and packages through the United States Postal Service.

Dec. 4 Military mail destined for Iraq or Afghanistan (First-Class & Priority Mail)

Dec. 15 Parcel Post

Dec. 20 First-Class Mail

Dec. 21 Priority Mail, the best bargain in shipping

Dec. 22 Express Mail

Mailbox_Filled_with_Toys

Here are tips on addressing those cards and packages. If you follow the USPS guidelines you’ll have a better chance they will be delivered on time.

http://www.usps.com/send/preparemailandpackages/labelsandaddressing/usingthecorrectaddress.htm

Since my handwriting won’t win any awards I try to print out my addresses for most of my mail, especially any packages I send. Avery labels have many different kinds to fit most situations. They have free templates you can download to make holiday labels for both return addresses and mailing addresses. Here is a list of some mailing tips from their website.

http://bit.ly/fKpaRA

I’ve been old fashion and have been hand addressing my holiday cards, a few each evening. After reviewing the tips at the sites above I think it’s time to print out the address labels. I had the Avery Wizard for Microsoft Office (free download) on my old computer. Time to download it on the this new computer and create those holiday labels. It will save a lot of time so I can get my cards mailed out. Now if I can only learn how to set up an address file and use the mail merge on Word then I’ll really be able to save time.

Instead of spending time writing out addresses, make those labels and spend time writing inside the cards. People throw away the envelopes immediately but cherish and remember the handwritten messages.

Janice

https://cutclutterwithscissors.com

Facebook Page: http://bit.ly/99D10k

http://twitter.com/jlscissors

If you have piles of paper clutter then you need to get my eBook, “Cut Out The Paper Clutter”. It can help you clear out the piles and organize the important papers.

3Debook_Clutter8

http://organizebythemonth.com/CutOutThePaperClutter.html

Mailing Those Cards and Packages Read More »

Sharing Your Abundance

/

Christmas is less than two weeks away. Maybe you have already bought some or all of the gifts for your children. Or maybe you’re one of those last minute shoppers and haven’t even begun. Either way, you are probably wondering where all the new gifts and toys are going to go when there are already so many other items and toys filling the house.

Christmas presents

If you are in this dilemma with too many things then feel fortunate and count your blessings. There are so many families today that are struggling. There are also many children who know they may not get much or even anything for Christmas.

Now is a good time to go through some of the old toys, clothes, and other items that are outgrown or not used but are still in real good shape. Donate them to a local charity, women’s shelter, or homeless shelter. Many churches and synagogues have new or slightly used toy and clothing drives also.

You’ll be sharing your abundance with those less fortunate. You’ll be making their Christmas special. Be sure to include your children in the decluttering of their items so they can learn how good it feels to bless others. After all, isn’t that what the spirit of the season is all about!

Janice

Sharing Your Abundance Read More »

Stressed Out About the Holidays?

/

Our expectation for the holidays is to always make this year the best year ever! But as it gets closer and closer the stress builds when we realize there is still so much to do and very little time left to do it.

If you find yourself getting stressed out each year then you may have what I call Pre-Holiday Syndrome. The media, movies, and even your own memories (often distorted) promote expectations of a wonderful Christmas that we should all aspire to having. For most people it’s unrealistic and we set ourselves up for unnecessary stress. Don’t buy into it!

Decide what is realistic and important for you and your family. Here is an article I wrote with lots of tips to help you have a realistic, happy, and less stressful holiday.

Pre-Holiday Syndrome

To find more time to get things done be sure to check out the 10 Time Wasters at the end of the article.

Janice

P.S. Be sure to check out my new Facebook Page. Become a fan and keep updated with lots of tips on decluttering and organizing.

https://cutclutterwithscissors.com

http://twitter.com/jlscissors

Stressed Out About the Holidays? Read More »