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Spending Christmas Gift Cards: Best Organizing Products
Many of us received gift cards as Christmas gifts this year. It seems they are going in popularity every year! If you received gift cards to specialty stores such as Starbucks or iTunes, it is pretty clear how you should spend those. But if you received generic gifts cards to stores like Target, IKEA or a Visa gift card, here are a few items you could purchase that would immensely help your organization (if used properly...doesn't do much good if it just get stuffed in a corner!).
First, on the sidebar of my blog are my favorite products from Office Depot. These are the products I have my clients purchase for projects I we work on in their homes, but I would like to highlight other helpful products, which could be easily used in combination with my favorites.
1) File cabinet
A good file cabinet is wonderful for holding all those important papers that clutter up your desk. I recommend the small two drawer cabinets opposed to the giant 4 or 5 drawers where essential files can get lost. The important thing to remember is to clean it out at least once per year.
2) Drawer Organizers (or Dividers)
These wonderful inserts work in every drawer in your home: kitchen, bedroom, office, bathroom, etc. Used in the kitchen to organize the junk drawer...the bedroom to keep socks separate from underwear...in the office to make it easy to pens vs. pencils...in the bathroom to organize a cluttered makeup bag...they are a wonder.
3) Under Cabinet Shelving
We all have those cabinets that are too tall. Bathrooms and kitchens are the most likely places to find these vast and inefficient cupboards, but by purchasing a few under cabinet shelves, you can increase your storage and make items easier to find and use.
4) Small Storage Boxes
These little boxes are are great for organizing small things that seem to take over. Perfect for a home office that looks cluttered...For example, keep all your loose pens in one, all your notecards, all your stamps, whatever seems to taking over your desk.... Purchase a bunch in the same color and size for a sleek look.
5) Label Maker
While it is already on "my favorites" list on the sidebar of my blog, this product is essential. For visual people, the label maker saves the day. No more having someone ask you, "Where is ......" If everything is labeled, it just makes it easier to find.
Enjoy spending that gift money, and stay organized,
Frances
P.S. Today, I'm joining this link party:
First, on the sidebar of my blog are my favorite products from Office Depot. These are the products I have my clients purchase for projects I we work on in their homes, but I would like to highlight other helpful products, which could be easily used in combination with my favorites.
1) File cabinet
A good file cabinet is wonderful for holding all those important papers that clutter up your desk. I recommend the small two drawer cabinets opposed to the giant 4 or 5 drawers where essential files can get lost. The important thing to remember is to clean it out at least once per year.
2) Drawer Organizers (or Dividers)
These wonderful inserts work in every drawer in your home: kitchen, bedroom, office, bathroom, etc. Used in the kitchen to organize the junk drawer...the bedroom to keep socks separate from underwear...in the office to make it easy to pens vs. pencils...in the bathroom to organize a cluttered makeup bag...they are a wonder.
3) Under Cabinet Shelving
We all have those cabinets that are too tall. Bathrooms and kitchens are the most likely places to find these vast and inefficient cupboards, but by purchasing a few under cabinet shelves, you can increase your storage and make items easier to find and use.
4) Small Storage Boxes
These little boxes are are great for organizing small things that seem to take over. Perfect for a home office that looks cluttered...For example, keep all your loose pens in one, all your notecards, all your stamps, whatever seems to taking over your desk.... Purchase a bunch in the same color and size for a sleek look.
5) Label Maker
While it is already on "my favorites" list on the sidebar of my blog, this product is essential. For visual people, the label maker saves the day. No more having someone ask you, "Where is ......" If everything is labeled, it just makes it easier to find.
Enjoy spending that gift money, and stay organized,
Frances
P.S. Today, I'm joining this link party:
Prepare for Christmas: Organize Closets
If you are like any of my Memphis clients, your (or your children's) closet might be a mess:
As Christmas approaches, if you are like me, you are anticipating receiving a few new clothes from your loved ones. What can be worse than adding these new gifts to a closet that looks like that? It would just be depressing.
To get your closet in the Christmas spirit, set aside an afternoon or a block of time where you will not be interrupted and you can dedicate yourself to tackling the closet. You will want to make room for your new clothes, but also get rid of items that no longer work for you and are just bringing clutter and chaos to your life. To get started:
1) Shut the door to your room (no interruptions)
2) Crank up the carols on your ipod, pop a Christmas movie in your laptop or do something to make it a more pleasant task for you.
3) Remove everything from your closet....everything!
4) Vacuum, dust and ensure the closet is spick 'n span before you begin putting items back in.
5) Set up a large "Donate" box/bag near your closet door so you can easily toss items in. (Be prepared with more than one so you don't have to stop mid way through...) Also, if you are looking for some extra cash and you have quality clothes/shoes/purses, set up a "Consign" box.
6) Try on every single item. If it doesn't fit just right, donate it. If it is broken or has a hole, donate it. If you haven't worn it in years, donate it. If it is out of style, donate it. If you just don't like it anymore, consign it.
7) Only put back items that you love. Organize them by type and color (see photo below).
This is something that should be done in every closet in your home. Just before Christmas might not be the best time for you because of all the commitments, but be sure to do it with each member of your family or each closet at least once per year. That way your closets will look more like this:
Stay Organized,
Frances
P.S. Today, I'm joining these link parties:
As Christmas approaches, if you are like me, you are anticipating receiving a few new clothes from your loved ones. What can be worse than adding these new gifts to a closet that looks like that? It would just be depressing.
To get your closet in the Christmas spirit, set aside an afternoon or a block of time where you will not be interrupted and you can dedicate yourself to tackling the closet. You will want to make room for your new clothes, but also get rid of items that no longer work for you and are just bringing clutter and chaos to your life. To get started:
1) Shut the door to your room (no interruptions)
2) Crank up the carols on your ipod, pop a Christmas movie in your laptop or do something to make it a more pleasant task for you.
3) Remove everything from your closet....everything!
4) Vacuum, dust and ensure the closet is spick 'n span before you begin putting items back in.
5) Set up a large "Donate" box/bag near your closet door so you can easily toss items in. (Be prepared with more than one so you don't have to stop mid way through...) Also, if you are looking for some extra cash and you have quality clothes/shoes/purses, set up a "Consign" box.
6) Try on every single item. If it doesn't fit just right, donate it. If it is broken or has a hole, donate it. If you haven't worn it in years, donate it. If it is out of style, donate it. If you just don't like it anymore, consign it.
7) Only put back items that you love. Organize them by type and color (see photo below).
This is something that should be done in every closet in your home. Just before Christmas might not be the best time for you because of all the commitments, but be sure to do it with each member of your family or each closet at least once per year. That way your closets will look more like this:
Stay Organized,
Frances
P.S. Today, I'm joining these link parties:
Christmas Card Organization
If you are like me, you get an overwhelming amount of Christmas mail. Between the cards, invitations, coupon fliers, bills and junk mail, it can get out of control. Having a system to keep track of mail is essential, especially during this time of year when you don't want to miss any important greetings or mailings.
To help my Memphis clients who need help this time of year organizing the chaos in their lives I recommend a mail system similar to this:
This organizing mail system is often hung next to the back door (where it is in my house) and is a great place to sort mail. I often suggest clients place this right next to their waste station (recycling bin/shredder/garbage) so they can toss the items easily as they walk in the door. Not letting that unneeded mail in the house is a sure way to prevent excess paper piles.
To organize the mail, I suggest putting items you want to need to follow up with in the "mail slot" and clip the necessary coupons or flyers to the white board. Christmas greeting cards can go the the bottom slot so when the New Year rolls around, you can gather them in one hand full, sit down and update your address book, read and enjoy the cards and then, finally, recycle them.
If this system seems to much for you, an organized mail system can be as simple as a basket similar to this:
As long as you have a place where mail is sorted and recycled, you are doing good. The key is to deal with your mail in a manageable way so the paper in you home does not build up and become overwhelming to you. This simple basket can do the trick as long as you only put mail there AND you go through it frequently.
Hopefully, these tips will help you enjoy and organized and Merry Christmas!
Stay organized,
Frances
To help my Memphis clients who need help this time of year organizing the chaos in their lives I recommend a mail system similar to this:
This organizing mail system is often hung next to the back door (where it is in my house) and is a great place to sort mail. I often suggest clients place this right next to their waste station (recycling bin/shredder/garbage) so they can toss the items easily as they walk in the door. Not letting that unneeded mail in the house is a sure way to prevent excess paper piles.
To organize the mail, I suggest putting items you want to need to follow up with in the "mail slot" and clip the necessary coupons or flyers to the white board. Christmas greeting cards can go the the bottom slot so when the New Year rolls around, you can gather them in one hand full, sit down and update your address book, read and enjoy the cards and then, finally, recycle them.
If this system seems to much for you, an organized mail system can be as simple as a basket similar to this:
As long as you have a place where mail is sorted and recycled, you are doing good. The key is to deal with your mail in a manageable way so the paper in you home does not build up and become overwhelming to you. This simple basket can do the trick as long as you only put mail there AND you go through it frequently.
Hopefully, these tips will help you enjoy and organized and Merry Christmas!
Stay organized,
Frances
Christmas Notebook: Traditions II
Today, I'd like to get back to our Christmas Notebooks. If you are looking for new and meaningful traditions to begin with your family, I'd like to tell you about a great tradition that my family loves.
One of the easiest ways to get organized is to set goals. Often, those goals take the form of New Year's resolutions. But, New Year's resolutions are often long forgotten by mid-Feburary. To keep my family on track and moving forward to toward major achievements, we all take part in a Christmas tradition: Goal Setting. Conveniently, you can file this under "Traditions" in your Christmas Notebook.
When the whole family is together, have everyone sit around the tree, maybe late in the afternoon on Christmas Day with a cup of hot cocoa 
and pass around the following sheet:
Christmas Tradition: Goal Setting
Everyone fills in their goals for the coming year and the goals they accomplished this year from the previous year. The person who accomplished the most goals on their goals sheet gets a prize (...something good, that people would really want...want bad enough to accomplish all their goals). Be sure to save everyone's sheets in your Christmas Notebook under "Traditions" so you can find them easily next year. That way, they are on hand so everyone can see how much they accomplished during the previous year (and look forward to the next year!).
This tradition not only teaches kids about determination and commitment, but shows them that they can accomplish their goals. It keeps the whole family moving in the right direction...toward good things in their lives that they made happen.
Have fun with the whole family this Christmas, and, as ever....
Stay Organized,
Frances
P.S.
Today, I'm joining these linking parties:
Crafty Christmas Gift: Memory Box
Today, I'm joining Kate at Censational Girl for her craft linking party. While this is not a decorating craft, it is a great Christmas gift craft.
For my children lost there dad in 2003 to a car accident, I put together a memory box for each of them for Christmas one year of items that were close to my my husband. It is a powerful reminder for them of their dad as it is full of items that he used everyday. If you, or someone in your family suffered a loss this year, this is a very meaningful Christmas gift that is easy (but can be difficult emotional) to put together.
All you need are:
1) A nice box
2) A few small items that were close to the loved one
3) A good picture of the receiver with the loved one
3) Optional: An engraver or calligrapher
Here is what the top of the box (from Hobby Lobby) I chose looked like:
Inside, I glued a picture of the child with their father and wrote his name and dates on the inside lid of the box. Then I included items such as his watch, gloves, metals, pocket knife, camera, business card, key ring, driver's license, sun glasses, wallet, etc.
They are a great way to organize small, old belongings and preserve the memories of someone close to you. And, they make a very special, meaningful gift.
Stay organized,
Frances
P.S. Today, I'm joining these linking parties:
For my children lost there dad in 2003 to a car accident, I put together a memory box for each of them for Christmas one year of items that were close to my my husband. It is a powerful reminder for them of their dad as it is full of items that he used everyday. If you, or someone in your family suffered a loss this year, this is a very meaningful Christmas gift that is easy (but can be difficult emotional) to put together.
All you need are:
1) A nice box
2) A few small items that were close to the loved one
3) A good picture of the receiver with the loved one
3) Optional: An engraver or calligrapher
Here is what the top of the box (from Hobby Lobby) I chose looked like:
Inside, I glued a picture of the child with their father and wrote his name and dates on the inside lid of the box. Then I included items such as his watch, gloves, metals, pocket knife, camera, business card, key ring, driver's license, sun glasses, wallet, etc.
They are a great way to organize small, old belongings and preserve the memories of someone close to you. And, they make a very special, meaningful gift.
Stay organized,
Frances
P.S. Today, I'm joining these linking parties:
Christmas Notebook: Wish Lists
Paper often clutters our lives. We are overwhelmed with newspapers, files, post-it note reminders, children's homework assignments, grocery lists, receipts and the list goes on....
So, when I find something that keeps me organized and doesn't cause clutter, I'm all for it. Creating yourChristmas (or Holiday) notebook is a great way to organize all the holiday papers: invitations, receipts, events, schedules, wish lists, recipes, etc.
Today, I'm going to focus on the "Wish List" section of your Christmas notebook.
My family and clients often like to do this activity on the Friday after Christmas (while we are still all together for Thanksgiving). We all gather round and fill out these custom wish lists I've created for my family and clients. The Wish List PDF is available for you to download, here: Christmas Wish List. Just click, download, and use with your family and friends. It was a great idea I got from my cousin! You never know where an organizing idea with hit you.
So, when I find something that keeps me organized and doesn't cause clutter, I'm all for it. Creating yourChristmas (or Holiday) notebook is a great way to organize all the holiday papers: invitations, receipts, events, schedules, wish lists, recipes, etc.
Today, I'm going to focus on the "Wish List" section of your Christmas notebook.
My family and clients often like to do this activity on the Friday after Christmas (while we are still all together for Thanksgiving). We all gather round and fill out these custom wish lists I've created for my family and clients. The Wish List PDF is available for you to download, here: Christmas Wish List. Just click, download, and use with your family and friends. It was a great idea I got from my cousin! You never know where an organizing idea with hit you.
It covers all the main points: "You can't go wrong with getting me..." "I have to much of...." "Products I always need...." and "My favorites are...." and "I would really like to receive...." It is an activity better done with older children or adult family and friends who you will be exchanging gifts with. Have everyone fill out their sheet while enjoying each other's company during your Thanksgiving visit.
Once all the sheets are collected, photo copied, three-hole punched and redistributed (depending on how your family exchanges gifts) you then put the wish lists you need the "Wish Lists" section of your Christmas notebook so you have it on hand when you need it.
Stay Organized,
Frances
P.S. Today, I'm joining Link Parties at:
and Christmas Notebook: Meal Planning
If you are anything like me, you are looking through magazines and cookbooks looking for meals to serve your family during the holidays. It can be confusing to try to remember what magazine or cookbook the recipe you found and loved was in.... Instead of saying, "Oh, where was that great recipe for..." when you see recipes that look good, rip out the page, circle the recipe if there is more than one on a page (so you can find it faster when you really need it) and put it into a page protector and add it to your Christmas notebook.
Similar to the "Calendar" or "Schedule" section, here is an example of what the "Menu" section can look like:
Nothing is more destructive to organization than procrastination! Add it to the Christmas Notebook when you see it, or you may never be able to find the delicious looking recipe again! If you find it in a cookbook, or friend's cookbook, scan it, photocopy it, or ask your friend to e-mail it to you and then print it out and put it into your Christmas Notebook immediately!
Then, you can show your selected recipes in your Holiday Notebook to your family and ask them which yummy dish they would like you to make. Using your Christmas Notebook will make your holiday celebration special and memorable.
Stay organized,
Frances
Similar to the "Calendar" or "Schedule" section, here is an example of what the "Menu" section can look like:
Source: Forever, For Always, No Matter What
Nothing is more destructive to organization than procrastination! Add it to the Christmas Notebook when you see it, or you may never be able to find the delicious looking recipe again! If you find it in a cookbook, or friend's cookbook, scan it, photocopy it, or ask your friend to e-mail it to you and then print it out and put it into your Christmas Notebook immediately!
Then, you can show your selected recipes in your Holiday Notebook to your family and ask them which yummy dish they would like you to make. Using your Christmas Notebook will make your holiday celebration special and memorable.
Stay organized,
Frances
Holiday Preparation: Cleaning Our Your Fridge
My "Must Do Monday" tweet was about getting your fridge ready for the holidays. With Thanksgiving just around the corner and Christmas not too far behind, you will probably be having guests over and feeding large groups between now and the end of the year. Like your home, your fridge should be clean and spotless, too, but is often overlooked when doing your regular cleaning.
While cleaning out your fridge seems painful and time consuming, follow these easy steps and get it organized and spick and span in the before the holiday craziness takes over:
1) Set your timer for 25 minutes (be sure stop and move on to something else when the buzzer goes off)
2) Fill your sink with hot soapy water
2) Remove everything from the fridge and set it on the counter.
3) Remove drawers and shelves and put them in the water to soak
4) Get a wet soapy sponge and wipe down (and out) the mess and crumbs
5) Get a dry rag or paper towel and wipe out again to dry it out
6) Wipe down the shelves and drawers and then dry off with rag or paper towel.
7) Replace shelves and drawers
8) Go through all items on counter and toss expired or unused items/leftovers
9) Put all remaining items in fridge grouped by like items
10) Close door and wipe down the doors and handles and treat yourself....your fridge is now organized and clean for the holidays!
Hopefully, when complete and ready for hosting, your kitchen and fridge will look something like this:
Stay Organized,
Frances
While cleaning out your fridge seems painful and time consuming, follow these easy steps and get it organized and spick and span in the before the holiday craziness takes over:
1) Set your timer for 25 minutes (be sure stop and move on to something else when the buzzer goes off)
2) Fill your sink with hot soapy water
2) Remove everything from the fridge and set it on the counter.
3) Remove drawers and shelves and put them in the water to soak
4) Get a wet soapy sponge and wipe down (and out) the mess and crumbs
5) Get a dry rag or paper towel and wipe out again to dry it out
6) Wipe down the shelves and drawers and then dry off with rag or paper towel.
7) Replace shelves and drawers
8) Go through all items on counter and toss expired or unused items/leftovers
9) Put all remaining items in fridge grouped by like items
10) Close door and wipe down the doors and handles and treat yourself....your fridge is now organized and clean for the holidays!
Hopefully, when complete and ready for hosting, your kitchen and fridge will look something like this:
Stay Organized,
Frances
Christmas Notebook: Traditions
This Christmas, be prepared for your family's favorite traditions and maybe even begin a few new traditions!
Using your Christmas Notebook, now is the perfect time to ask your children and family what traditions they would like to be sure to include this Christmas season, so you can include them in your notebook and be prepared to make them happen.
You can create a new section called "Traditions" in your notebook, or file topics under their corresponding category such as "Calendar," "Menus/Recipes," or "Decor."
Here are just a few holiday traditions ideas for the whole family to get you and your family started:
Using your Christmas Notebook, now is the perfect time to ask your children and family what traditions they would like to be sure to include this Christmas season, so you can include them in your notebook and be prepared to make them happen.
You can create a new section called "Traditions" in your notebook, or file topics under their corresponding category such as "Calendar," "Menus/Recipes," or "Decor."
Here are just a few holiday traditions ideas for the whole family to get you and your family started:
- Operation Christmas Child (have your children fill and wrap a shoe box for gifts to children in developing countries)
- Adopt-A-Family though the Salvation Army
- Read the Christmas Story before bedtime on Christmas Eve while drinking hot cocoa
- Open just one Christmas gift on Christmas Eve
- Go as a family to chop down your Christmas tree and take family photos at a your local Christmas Tree Farm
- Go to your local church on Christmas Eve
- Eat Monkey Bread on Christmas Morning before opening gifts (torture for small children!)
- Cook a traditional Christmas Meal on Christmas Day
Stay Organized,
Frances
P.S. Today I'm linking up with
Frances
P.S. Today I'm linking up with
Give It Away
Halloween is on Sunday, and I am eager to see all my neighborhood's children come to my doorstep in their cute costumes. One of the unfortunate things for me about Halloween is all the leftover candy. It's hard to estimate how much candy to buy and I NEVER want to run out and turn off my light when there are more princesses and Buzz Lightyears wandering to my door. But, usually, I am left with way to much leftover candy that I must resist eating (especially when I need to fit into my wedding in about a month!). Since I don't have little ones at home to eat up all the leftovers, I look for a way to recycle or get rid of my candy without letting it go to waste. There is nothing worst than having clutter around your home in the form of chocolate!
While many magazines and blogs recommend fabulous recipes for leftover candy, that doesn't help me in my quest not to eat it at all. Instead, why not take your leftover candy down to your local food bank? (Memphis) They often only have the budget to give out necessities, and we both know there are children who would love to have such a treat who might not be able to go trick-or-treating.
Here are a few other organizations who might accept your leftover candy:
While many magazines and blogs recommend fabulous recipes for leftover candy, that doesn't help me in my quest not to eat it at all. Instead, why not take your leftover candy down to your local food bank? (Memphis) They often only have the budget to give out necessities, and we both know there are children who would love to have such a treat who might not be able to go trick-or-treating.
Here are a few other organizations who might accept your leftover candy:
- Meals-on-Wheels (and here in Memphis)
- Your local homeless shelter (here are a few in Memphis)
- Ronald McDonald House Charities (here in Memphis)
- Our brave soldiers fighting overseas. Put together a candy care package and send it to the troops through Any Soldier.
But, if you really want to keep it and have more will power than me. You can use it in your Christmas decor like gingerbread houses or stocking stuffers. Just don't let it sit around as clutter!
Stay Organized,
Frances
Stay Organized,
Frances
