Showing posts with label projects. Show all posts
Showing posts with label projects. Show all posts

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Centerpiece!


Tonight's 15: Let's work on the centerpiece tonight (unless, of course, you are using fresh fruits!). If you decided to make your own, start tonight. This way you have time to actually enjoy the craft! If you are undecided, look in a magazine or the internet for ideas. Keeping it simple? Pull out the candlesticks or what have you and clean them up. If you need candles, put them on the shopping list. This is definitely something the kids can help with, too! And have fun!!!

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Decorations!!!

Who doesn't LOVE decorations?? I know I do!!! I know I have had too many decorations in the past. I've also had sentimental items that weren't quite right for my decor but I still couldn't let go...so I kept them in the box and stored them year after year. 
And then I stopped. I gave myself a limit for each holiday. How many crates seem reasonable to you? And be reasonable. ; ) I then went through every single decoration one at a time and asked myself do I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it? AND would I buy it again? Downsizing was so easy to do with these two questions. 
If possible, have a friend join you in the process. My sister was right by my side, checking out every item. Did she just gasp at those skeleton tongs?? Here you go!!! So fun and easy to give away something when someone you love really wants it...She also snagged a very large, very funny chick candle. When she couldn't stop laughing, I couldn't hand it over fast enough!
Also, when you are checking out each piece one by one - you really see it. You see the chips, scratches, bad paint jobs, etc. Sometimes you find your not crazy about it anymore but it's what you've always hung on the door (without really thinking about it!). Let it go if it doesn't make you smile or make you feel great. Isn't that why we decorate? 
I had a ton of sentimental pieces that I photographed, scanned and then said goodbye to. You can put those pictures in an album that's displayed every holiday so that those sentimental pieces can be shared and enjoyed. Then tuck the album away with the decorations- it takes up a lot less space, doesn't it? 
I also think it's a lot more fun to decorate and un-decorate when there is less to do. It doesn't seem like such a chore and it's actually fun! Give it a whirl and let us know how you do!
Here, I'll start you off...Happy Holidays!!!



Monday, September 26, 2011

Let's Talk Trash!

Ok, so it's garbage night and you finally get someone to empty the trash can...but have all the wastebaskets been emptied? Let's make garbage night a chore for everyone...not just mom. Everyone empties their wastebasket and recyclables from their room, bathroom, office, whatever. Don't forget the laundry room! While we're at it, let's get rid of everything! Take this time to empty the fridge of all expired foods, unused leftovers and those things that have gone bad. One simple guideline my mom always said "When in doubt, throw it out!" While we're at it, let's give the freezer a once over- really quickly. Now, all the garbage is out of the house, the garbage trucks will whisk it away tomorrow and you have a clean slate! How lovely! : D










Saturday, July 30, 2011

Let the Kids Help!

Summertime is the perfect time to establish new routines and habits into your household.  The kids are home from school and the daily routine has slowed down a bit. (I know, just a bit!) Are you taking advantage of this time? It's also a great time to do some things together while getting "chores" done. Make cleaning out the garage a family event! Make it fun. How about throwing in a scavenger hunt? Whoever finds mom's 45 of  "How Deep is Your Love?" wins a prize or gets to skip a night of doing dishes...use your imagination and make it fun!! Then move onto the next project. It's a great time to start teaching the kid's how to do things...here's where you need to let go of "perfect" or "crazy"a little.  For example, towels don't need to be folded a certain way - they really don't.   A ten year old will load the dishwasher like a ten year old - not like you but hey, dishwasher is loaded...let it be! Be sure to incorporate these new chores into  the schedule on a regular basis so when school starts, the routine is already in place and expectations are already being met!!