Walking through Walmart in October... I found myself irritated that I hadn't even taken my bats and ghosts down yet, and they were making room for Christmas decorations! The clock had started. Ready, Set, Go! How does starting the Holidays so early affect us and our children, and how can we get organized, squeeze all of that Holiday "Joy" in and keep our families in tact in the process?
First, keep in mind that the earlier we "get started" on holiday preparations, the longer we increase the "wait time" for our children. Do what you must do early, but try to keep it "under the radar" if possible, and if anything, don't torture the kids by displaying presents weeks before opening.
Keep a Holiday Planner - Take a careful look at your time Just like money, time in the future looks like it will cover more than it actually will. be sure to mark down EVERYTHING: school events, houseguests, service projects, work parties, cookie exchanges, shopping, presents, church events, and school breaks. Preparations such as; baking, cards, pictures, and decorating. Deadlines for mailing cards and presents. Recognize when the calendar is full - then stop. Be sure to leave some down time and family time. And remember- more activities mean more mess, so leave extra time for cleaning. If you find there is not enough time for it all, decide what is REALLY necessary and prioritize. You can best manage your time by recognizing your limitations and learn to say no. Quit stressing yourself out!
As the big day approaches, children get anxious, excited and even hyper and need help coping. We are working so hard to make the Holiday's perfect, that children are often lacking companionship and attention. With the lack of attention, and all of the excitement it is inevitable that it seems as if they are going behind you "undoing" all of your hard work! Instead of threats that "Santa won't come" look for ways to let them be part of the preparation. Let children seal envelopes, help decorate the tree, help bake, crack nuts, and learn songs. Be prepared with a few craft projects, let them string popcorn, make place mats or gift tags, make homemade wrapping paper with potato stamps. Remember those? Also, be sure to pick a compassionate service project to participate in during the school break to avoid boredom, reduce the "what am *I* getting?" obsession, and help them to experience and enjoy the fun of giving.
Stay calm. Accidents will happen, someone will get sick, kids and adults get overtired and there is a good chance on the big day, your child may say "Is this all?" If so, take heart in knowing that this is all normal, and just like the house next down the street. Give yourself a gift this holiday and lower your expectations. Some problems can be avoided with some time management planning and great organizational tools, and others by simplifying our lives, paying attention to stress and anxiety we are creating for ourselves and our children during the holidays and lastly, in accepting imperfections.
For some Holiday organization tips - and other organization ideas and thoughts, check out my blog simplyorganizedbysandy.blogspot.com
Have a Happy and Peaceful Holiday - Sandy
Friday, December 7, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Green Winter Holidays
By Marcela Abadi Rhoads, AIA
Abadi Architecture
Architects have been talking about sustainability and green design longer than Kermit the frog was speaking about how is not easy being green. As designers, we are tasked to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but environmentally friendly. Even the building codes now are requiring us as designers to deliver a more efficient design for our clients. During the holidays we tend to see a lot of waste. There is a significant increase in the amount of garbage that we throw away, and so much more energy that we use.
So in keeping with the theme for sustainability, here are a few things you can do this holiday to make sure we are doing our part to be friendly to the environment:
1. Consider decorating a reusable Christmas tree rather than a real one. This way, you will be saving trees and in the long run saving money since you are not buying a tree every year. If you are going to use a real tree, consider recycling it.
2. Send e-cards rather than paper ones. The 2.65 billion Christmas cards sold each year in the United States could fill a football field 10 stories high or circle the planet 10 times. The virtual card shop is on the rise.
3. Use fluorescent light bulbs to light your tree. There is a great product that is called a light rope which comes in different colors, and last a lot longer than your standard incandescent lights without emitting so much heat.
4. Don't gift wrap! Use re-usable bags if possible, or give gifts that don't require wrapping, like lottery tickets, home baked goodies etc. If you are going to use gift wrapping paper, then try to open the presents carefully so you can re-use them later.
5. Don't drive to the mall to do your shopping. Do your shopping online. This will not only save in fuel cost and less emissions to the atmosphere, but it will keep your sanity during the busy shopping season.
If we all try to do our part this holiday season to be a little more concious of not wasting our resources, then we can rest easier and still enjoy ourselves. Remember, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Abadi Architecture
Architects have been talking about sustainability and green design longer than Kermit the frog was speaking about how is not easy being green. As designers, we are tasked to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but environmentally friendly. Even the building codes now are requiring us as designers to deliver a more efficient design for our clients. During the holidays we tend to see a lot of waste. There is a significant increase in the amount of garbage that we throw away, and so much more energy that we use.
So in keeping with the theme for sustainability, here are a few things you can do this holiday to make sure we are doing our part to be friendly to the environment:
1. Consider decorating a reusable Christmas tree rather than a real one. This way, you will be saving trees and in the long run saving money since you are not buying a tree every year. If you are going to use a real tree, consider recycling it.
2. Send e-cards rather than paper ones. The 2.65 billion Christmas cards sold each year in the United States could fill a football field 10 stories high or circle the planet 10 times. The virtual card shop is on the rise.
3. Use fluorescent light bulbs to light your tree. There is a great product that is called a light rope which comes in different colors, and last a lot longer than your standard incandescent lights without emitting so much heat.
4. Don't gift wrap! Use re-usable bags if possible, or give gifts that don't require wrapping, like lottery tickets, home baked goodies etc. If you are going to use gift wrapping paper, then try to open the presents carefully so you can re-use them later.
5. Don't drive to the mall to do your shopping. Do your shopping online. This will not only save in fuel cost and less emissions to the atmosphere, but it will keep your sanity during the busy shopping season.
If we all try to do our part this holiday season to be a little more concious of not wasting our resources, then we can rest easier and still enjoy ourselves. Remember, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Exciting Savings
We have an exciting announcement to make about saving MONEY. Our members have gotten together and decided to offer a special discount to our clients. This will save you money across the board with all NEW businesses. We have Creative Memories, Simply Organized by Sandy, Little Impressions, Salerno Expressions Photography and this only names a few. Look for our coupon in the mail. If you have not received one, email us and we will send you one. Great Savings in time for the holidays!
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Holiday Photo Time
I know you are thinking it can not be that time of year again! Oh YES, get the reindeer sweater from Aunt Milly out of the closet....but don't use it in photos again this year. :)
Holiday Family Portraits can be a bit stressful for parents.
Here are a couple of invaluable tips to help ease you into a winning pose:
1. Be sure your kids are well fed and rested before the session with your photographer.
2. A treat in the purse works wonders! Even I resort to bribing my own little one at times.
3. Try not smiling for some photos.
4. Have fun and don't get stressed out! Your little ones pick up on that and work it.
5. Coordiante your family's look. Your photo will look well composed. You don't have to be matchy-matchy, but great solid shirts all in red or blue will create a striking photo to cherish for years.
6. Make your appointments NOW for family holiday portraits. :)
Have a wonderful holiday season!
Johnita Salerno
Salerno Expressions Photography
Holiday Family Portraits can be a bit stressful for parents.
Here are a couple of invaluable tips to help ease you into a winning pose:
1. Be sure your kids are well fed and rested before the session with your photographer.
2. A treat in the purse works wonders! Even I resort to bribing my own little one at times.
3. Try not smiling for some photos.
4. Have fun and don't get stressed out! Your little ones pick up on that and work it.
5. Coordiante your family's look. Your photo will look well composed. You don't have to be matchy-matchy, but great solid shirts all in red or blue will create a striking photo to cherish for years.
6. Make your appointments NOW for family holiday portraits. :)
Have a wonderful holiday season!
Johnita Salerno
Salerno Expressions Photography
Digital Dilemma Solved
When was the last time you saw someone using a film camera? Can’t remember? That’s not
surprising. The age of digital camera’s and picture taking is truly here. The instant gratification of immediately viewing your pictures, the ability to delete those that didn’t come out quite right and just the convenience of it all has pretty much made traditional picture taking obsolete. The digital age is great, but, if you are like me, you now have a new challenge: How to organize and view pictures so that all can enjoy them, even those who don’t have computers or when you
can’t access a computer. Here’s a perfect example - I recently had dinner with a friend I hadn’t seen in over a year and wanted to bring current pictures of my son. However, I was short on time and they were “trapped” in my computer. One option to solve this digital dilemma is to utilize software to organize pictures and create digital albums or scrapbooks. Once you’ve
completed the album you can determine how many printed copies you want and purchase on-line. The benefits of organizing your pictures digitally are obvious. It saves time compared to printing out the picture and placing it in a traditional album, and makes it much more convenient to make multiples to share the special moments with others. Another big advantage over printing and placing in a traditional album is the ability to personalize-to tell your story.
Creative Memories, a well-known provider of scrap booking materials and training has introduced their solution for digital picture takers called StoryBook Albums. StoryBook Creator Software can be downloaded easily from their consultant’s websites and it’s free! You can choose from an array of custom templates and unique designs, drag and drop your photos where you want them, and tell your unique story. You do not pay anything until you decide to print the
album. An added bonus – assistance and training on the software is available through local
consultants. Printed StoryBook Album pages are high-quality; acid-free, lignin-free, buffered and stitched for durability. Best of all, they are a convenient and beautiful way to tell your story
and share your memories with others at any time.
For more information on StoryBook Albums and StoryBook Creator Software or to view a demo contact Senior Creative Memories Consultant Danielle Mohr at 214-705-1022 or go to
www.mycmsite.com/daniellemohr (CM ID number 67767333).
surprising. The age of digital camera’s and picture taking is truly here. The instant gratification of immediately viewing your pictures, the ability to delete those that didn’t come out quite right and just the convenience of it all has pretty much made traditional picture taking obsolete. The digital age is great, but, if you are like me, you now have a new challenge: How to organize and view pictures so that all can enjoy them, even those who don’t have computers or when you
can’t access a computer. Here’s a perfect example - I recently had dinner with a friend I hadn’t seen in over a year and wanted to bring current pictures of my son. However, I was short on time and they were “trapped” in my computer. One option to solve this digital dilemma is to utilize software to organize pictures and create digital albums or scrapbooks. Once you’ve
completed the album you can determine how many printed copies you want and purchase on-line. The benefits of organizing your pictures digitally are obvious. It saves time compared to printing out the picture and placing it in a traditional album, and makes it much more convenient to make multiples to share the special moments with others. Another big advantage over printing and placing in a traditional album is the ability to personalize-to tell your story.
Creative Memories, a well-known provider of scrap booking materials and training has introduced their solution for digital picture takers called StoryBook Albums. StoryBook Creator Software can be downloaded easily from their consultant’s websites and it’s free! You can choose from an array of custom templates and unique designs, drag and drop your photos where you want them, and tell your unique story. You do not pay anything until you decide to print the
album. An added bonus – assistance and training on the software is available through local
consultants. Printed StoryBook Album pages are high-quality; acid-free, lignin-free, buffered and stitched for durability. Best of all, they are a convenient and beautiful way to tell your story
and share your memories with others at any time.
For more information on StoryBook Albums and StoryBook Creator Software or to view a demo contact Senior Creative Memories Consultant Danielle Mohr at 214-705-1022 or go to
www.mycmsite.com/daniellemohr (CM ID number 67767333).
The Disapperance of Dinnertime
Many things have changed over the last thirty years including the fact that more women are part of the professional workforce. This means both parents are providing for the family unit. It also means due to time constraints, healthy traditions such as family mealtime are disappearing.
As a matter-of-fact, in 2004 Americans spent over ten times more eating out than in 1974. Out of that spending, over half is on fast food according to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
Convenience is the name of the game. And fast food is convenient. So the question remains, how can we change the current situation? The answer is quite simple: Meal Planning! Meal planning businesses are now a reality, providing families’ healthier food choices and complete meals.
You simply pick your date and time and go in to assemble a months worth of meals, or stop by to pick up a quick, yet nutritionally complete meal on your way home. Could you plan out your meals a month in advance and freeze them yourself? Absolutely, but these businesses offer the convenience of doing all the shopping and clean up. And with time at a minimum you can’t beat that! Another benefit of utilizing a meal planning service is the social aspect. Getting together and chatting with other women while assembling the meals makes the task much more fun, seeming a lot less like work. Homemade Gourmet is a family-friendly business with the goal of “Bringing Families Back to the Dinner Table.” Senior Distributor Kala Meyering has taken
the business one step further and created her own meal planning business out of her home using
Homemade Gourmet’s great tasting products.
For more information on Kala’s Monthly Meal Making Parties email her at kalameyering@tx.rr.com or call (972) 731-9446.
As a matter-of-fact, in 2004 Americans spent over ten times more eating out than in 1974. Out of that spending, over half is on fast food according to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
Convenience is the name of the game. And fast food is convenient. So the question remains, how can we change the current situation? The answer is quite simple: Meal Planning! Meal planning businesses are now a reality, providing families’ healthier food choices and complete meals.
You simply pick your date and time and go in to assemble a months worth of meals, or stop by to pick up a quick, yet nutritionally complete meal on your way home. Could you plan out your meals a month in advance and freeze them yourself? Absolutely, but these businesses offer the convenience of doing all the shopping and clean up. And with time at a minimum you can’t beat that! Another benefit of utilizing a meal planning service is the social aspect. Getting together and chatting with other women while assembling the meals makes the task much more fun, seeming a lot less like work. Homemade Gourmet is a family-friendly business with the goal of “Bringing Families Back to the Dinner Table.” Senior Distributor Kala Meyering has taken
the business one step further and created her own meal planning business out of her home using
Homemade Gourmet’s great tasting products.
For more information on Kala’s Monthly Meal Making Parties email her at kalameyering@tx.rr.com or call (972) 731-9446.
Support Women-Owned Business
When you support a NEW member business you are supporting a woman-owned business. Many NEW members worked several years in Corporate America before becoming entrepreneurs; many driven by the need for flexibility in raising their children. We appreciate your support and look forward to connecting with you!
Did you know there are 9.1 million women-owned businesses-more than 1/3 of all US companies.
Did you know there are 9.1 million women-owned businesses-more than 1/3 of all US companies.
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