I want you all to know how much I love hearing from you. I love writing this blog and you all are amazing.
With so much stuff going on lately, I haven't been able to give The Palmetto Queen the attention it deserves. I am concentrating on some other projects and spending time with my family. Because of this, I will be on blog vacation. I will return January 7th with a great organizing series.
In the mean time, you can follow me on twitter to keep up to date on my latest projects, including the radio show that premiers in January. I now have 2 twitter handles @nighlon and @cari_on
Until then, I am planning some great things. I'll be back with a new and improved Palmetto Queen
90 Day Challenge: Overdue Update
As you all know, I have been participating in the 90 Day Weight Loss Challenge with Creative Bioscience. I have been naughty and not doing as well as I would have hoped. With the chaos of life lately, I was lucky to remember that the drops existed, much less to take them AND eat right. However, I am shocked that I have stayed at the same measurements even though I wasn't taking them like I should.
I have a goody for you today! A special promo code just for you Palmetto Queen readers!
If you go to lifefitstore.com, who has the lowest prices for HCG drops, among other diet products, you qualify for a 15% discount on online or phone orders. Just enter the code QUEEN at checkout or tell the representative when you call! Creative Bioscience has researched this company for quality assurance and they stand behind the lifefitstore.
Enjoy your code. If you have any questions, just let me know. I will be happy to answer them or find someone who can answer them!
Pinterest Kid Crafts
I will be sharing some Pinterest love over the next couple of days, starting with my favorite Christmas Crafts for children. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do. I just love it when you can do crafts from things you have around the house! I'm looking forward to a craft day with my hubby and little guy tomorrow!
Today's blogger is the adorable Jen from Making Our Life Matter. She is one of my amazing blogging buddies and she always gets me in a good mood. Jen sees the important things in life and takes pride in the roles she carries out as mother and wife. She's a baseball mom and loves every minute of it. Check her out, I'm sure you will be in an instant good mood!
What are your plans for this magical weekend?
Today's blogger is the adorable Jen from Making Our Life Matter. She is one of my amazing blogging buddies and she always gets me in a good mood. Jen sees the important things in life and takes pride in the roles she carries out as mother and wife. She's a baseball mom and loves every minute of it. Check her out, I'm sure you will be in an instant good mood!
What are your plans for this magical weekend?
Last Minute Stocking Stuffers
I'm sure you all have been wondering where I have been or if I have just been loopy. Well, I've been a little loopy, but that's not all. I've been dealing with some sensitive family issues that have demanded my full attention. But, that is all behind us and I'm back in full swing. Things are looking up, and so is this blog.
As I have mentioned in a previous post, I love stocking stuffers. There is just something about sticking within a budget and size limit that brings out the creative side in me. I like to do stockings based on their personality (I love shopping for geeks!) and their life stages.
For instance, if I am making a stocking for a college student, I may pick up a thumb-drive, some pens, snacks, and a gift card for their favorite restaurant. You could even do a theme stocking and fill it full of toiletries, school supplies, gadgets, or things that will make them laugh.
I have compiled a list of things that are small enough for a stocking and you can pick up at just about any store- no ordering necessary.
As I have mentioned in a previous post, I love stocking stuffers. There is just something about sticking within a budget and size limit that brings out the creative side in me. I like to do stockings based on their personality (I love shopping for geeks!) and their life stages.
For instance, if I am making a stocking for a college student, I may pick up a thumb-drive, some pens, snacks, and a gift card for their favorite restaurant. You could even do a theme stocking and fill it full of toiletries, school supplies, gadgets, or things that will make them laugh.
I have compiled a list of things that are small enough for a stocking and you can pick up at just about any store- no ordering necessary.
1. Create a simple emergency kit with a flashlight, extra batteries (or even one that doesn't use batteries), non-perishable snacks, an emergency blanket, a first aid kit, bottles of water, a multi-tool, a flare gun, and maybe even an emergency cell phone.
2. Create a stocking of bath goodies like a poof, bath salts, bubble bath, a pumice stone, candles, and some amazing lotion.
3. Gather some jewelry making supplies or other crafty things for the crafter in your life.
The following ideas are for anyone's stocking and not part of a theme.
- Conductive gloves for touch screens
- Phone tripod
- Ornament
- Flask and other travel bar ware
- Travel games
- USB coffee warmer
- Snazzy ear buds
- A fun mug
- Nightlight
- Journal
- Reusable grocery bag
- Crazy Socks
- Picture frame
- Liquor minis
- Phone/ Tablet case
- That CD/ Movie/ Game they have been wanting
- A Subscription service like Audible, GooglePlay, Itunes, Netflix, or Gamefly (This one does require ordering, but you don't have to wait for it to arrive)
- Water Bottle
- Fun and bright colored gadgets and accessories
The ideas for stocking stuffers are endless. I like to think of a few really great things the person I am building the stocking for will like and then just improvise on the rest. I might decide I want to pick up a USB coffee warmer, a fun thumb-drive, and a case for their iPhone Then, I will just browse the dollar/ clearance isles to find other things that the geek I love will like. Half of the fun is making sure it will all fit in the stocking.
What was your genius stocking stuffer moment?
Today's blogger is Raquel from Organized Island. She is absolutely amazing and I just love her diy and practical organizing tips. She also shares tons of recipes that I drool over. Go check her out, she's just fabulous!
Boy Meets Marker: A Sticky Situation #Contest
My son is now 2 and I still haven't gotten used to the messes he gets into. It seems like he is always covered in something. Either cake, spaghetti sauce, or green marker. Not too long ago, the little prince was playing in his room while I was getting ready to run some errands. After too much suspicious quiet time, I called him into the kitchen. He happily came.... then I saw what he had been doing. He had been coloring all over himself with a green marker. That is quite the sticky situation. It only got worse from there. After that, he wanted to color on himself anytime it was color time. So, instead of taking the markers away that he loves so much, we moved craft time into the bathroom to help combat sticky situations. It is much easier to clean up when he is already in the bathtub- that works for anything messy!
Because my little guy is constantly getting in a mess, not only do I keep Wet Ones in his bedroom, in the kitchen, car, my purse, and his toddler bag (for when he's not with me); I have made other arrangements to help deal with the messes. I keep cleaner in a handy bottle that travels with his art supplies, I do messy things outside whenever possible, and keep rags and baby soap in the kitchen for easy hand washing after the dinner mess.
Because my little guy is constantly getting in a mess, not only do I keep Wet Ones in his bedroom, in the kitchen, car, my purse, and his toddler bag (for when he's not with me); I have made other arrangements to help deal with the messes. I keep cleaner in a handy bottle that travels with his art supplies, I do messy things outside whenever possible, and keep rags and baby soap in the kitchen for easy hand washing after the dinner mess.
WetOnes wants to hear about your Sticky Situation and how you handled it. They are holding a contest just for these crazy mom moments. If you enter, you have the chance of winning an iPad Mini or tickets for Six Flags. It just takes a minute, and I'm sure you will get a laugh out of reliving your own Sticky Situation, I know I did!
I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Wet Ones. I
received a promotional item to thank me for participating.
Christmas Tag (You're It, or Are You?)
The FABulously nerdy girl Carrie at The Carrie Gland tagged me in a Christmas game. This is going to be so much fun!
1) What makes Christmas such a special holiday for you and your family?
1) What makes Christmas such a special holiday for you and your family?
After so many years of working retail and worrying about if everyone would be happy with the gift I got them, I got burnt out on Christmas. I started dreading the Christmas season. That has all changed! Now that I'm a mom, I love doing all the fun stuff for the little prince and look forward to it all year long. My husband loves Christmas so he gets really excited. That gets me excited. I love all the fun things we do as a family from decorating the tree, making Christmas cookies, to people watching during the season.
2) Were you told the truth about Santa Claus by your parents or did you find out another way? And...do you plan on lying to your kids (if you have them or plan on having them)?
2) Were you told the truth about Santa Claus by your parents or did you find out another way? And...do you plan on lying to your kids (if you have them or plan on having them)?
Santa Claus isn't real? WHAT? Just kidding.
My dad's friend actually told me about Santa Claus and my parents were not happy about it. They wanted to wait a couple more years. But, they lived in the moment and went with it. I have 2 little brothers that are 2 and 6 years younger than me, so they made it a game and let me help do the reindeer tracks outside and boot tracks inside. I enjoyed helping with the Christmas magic. We do tell our son that there is a Santa Claus, but we want him to know about the legend and the Santa Claus spirit. We want to instill in him the magic of giving - because that part of Santa Clause is real.
3) Real tree or fake tree?
3) Real tree or fake tree?
We have a fake tree now and we did sometimes when I was growing up. However, sometimes my mom would surprise us with a trek into the woods to chop our tree down. We didn't go to a tree farm, we went and found the perfect one in the woods, which added to the wonder.
4) Do you open presents on Christmas morning, Christmas Eve, or both?
4) Do you open presents on Christmas morning, Christmas Eve, or both?
Both. Jammies and a movie on Christmas Eve and Santa presents on Christmas Day. My hubby and I don't wrap gifts to each other, we just pick something out. Watching the little guy open is enough excitement. We also have Christmas Eve breakfast at my husband's grandparents' house. Its always fun with green eggs and ham... and lots and lots of chocolate.
5) What is your favorite Christmas movie to watch? Favorite Christmas song?
5) What is your favorite Christmas movie to watch? Favorite Christmas song?
My favorite Christmas movie is The Christmas Story, but animated would be The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus. My favorite Christmas song is Carol of the Bells. It is just so pretty.
Thank you so much for including me Carrie. I'm starting to think that we were separated at birth (even though we are different ages. The geek world is a better place because of you!
Real Creative Thinking With The Missing Alphabet
As many of you know, my husband and I made the decision to homeschool earlier in the year. This was not an easy decision and the research we have done is never ending. It has touched on almost every aspect of the educational process; from administrative duties to helping our son find his own creative genius.
When I was asked to read The Missing Alphabet: A Parents' Guide to Developing Creative Thinking in Kids, by Susan Marcus, Susie Monday, and Cynthia Herbert (the Founders of The New World Kids Program), I jumped at the opportunity. I want my son to learn to solve problems, think creatively, and build upon and use his knowledge.
The world is constantly changing and we have no way of knowing what it will be like twenty, or even ten years from now. The world is changing at a faster rate than it has throughout history. We have no way of knowing what skills our children will need, what knowledge they will need to possess, or what options they will have. That is why we have to prepare our sons and daughters for the unknown future. We have to teach them to have the problem-solving skills, creative thinking processes, and the desire to solve problems.
The Missing Alphabet explains that creativity is not accurately defined by arts and crafts. Creativity has an important role in life, education, and business. The Missing Alphabet is written to redefine the connection between education and business.
Marcus, Monday, and Herbert rely on their decades of experience to create a guide for parents to encourage the creative thinking process in children. With creative sciences and arts slowly being removed from schools, it is more important than ever to take it upon ourselves to instill creative thinking in our children. The book uses the sensory alphabet that is absent in schools and provides parents with a guide to use it in their own life. The sensory alphabet is broken down into the following categories: line, shape, color, texture, space, sound, light, movement, and rhythm.
I love that this book discusses the things besides letters and numbers that I want to teach my son. It is so hard to figure all of it out, and this is going to be my guide through early childhood. The authors provide tools for figuring out how your children learn and how to use that to your advantage to help them learn. There are easy activities that are suitable for home learning (homeschool or not) because children learn everywhere. They are constantly learning, so why not take advantage of that.
This book is by my side when I am planning the school week and stays in the bag with my curriculum materials. I am even using it with my husband so that he can find ideas of learning activities that they can do together. The Missing Alphabet is the top book in my resources and I encourage anyone with young kids to read it.
The Missing Alphabet was provided to me to review. All opinions are my own.
When I was asked to read The Missing Alphabet: A Parents' Guide to Developing Creative Thinking in Kids, by Susan Marcus, Susie Monday, and Cynthia Herbert (the Founders of The New World Kids Program), I jumped at the opportunity. I want my son to learn to solve problems, think creatively, and build upon and use his knowledge.
The world is constantly changing and we have no way of knowing what it will be like twenty, or even ten years from now. The world is changing at a faster rate than it has throughout history. We have no way of knowing what skills our children will need, what knowledge they will need to possess, or what options they will have. That is why we have to prepare our sons and daughters for the unknown future. We have to teach them to have the problem-solving skills, creative thinking processes, and the desire to solve problems.
The Missing Alphabet explains that creativity is not accurately defined by arts and crafts. Creativity has an important role in life, education, and business. The Missing Alphabet is written to redefine the connection between education and business.
Marcus, Monday, and Herbert rely on their decades of experience to create a guide for parents to encourage the creative thinking process in children. With creative sciences and arts slowly being removed from schools, it is more important than ever to take it upon ourselves to instill creative thinking in our children. The book uses the sensory alphabet that is absent in schools and provides parents with a guide to use it in their own life. The sensory alphabet is broken down into the following categories: line, shape, color, texture, space, sound, light, movement, and rhythm.
I love that this book discusses the things besides letters and numbers that I want to teach my son. It is so hard to figure all of it out, and this is going to be my guide through early childhood. The authors provide tools for figuring out how your children learn and how to use that to your advantage to help them learn. There are easy activities that are suitable for home learning (homeschool or not) because children learn everywhere. They are constantly learning, so why not take advantage of that.
This book is by my side when I am planning the school week and stays in the bag with my curriculum materials. I am even using it with my husband so that he can find ideas of learning activities that they can do together. The Missing Alphabet is the top book in my resources and I encourage anyone with young kids to read it.
The Missing Alphabet was provided to me to review. All opinions are my own.
Southern Charm Sunday: 25 Days of Christmas Edition
Today, I want to share with you some gift ideas for the special hostess in your life. Often at the holidays, we forget to get something for the person that goes beyond what is necessary to throw a wonderful party. Here's to her! (Or him!)
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I think hostess gifts are my favorite items to shop for (and to get).
Grab a bottle of wine and start thinking up what to give the hostesses in your life (and you!)
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I think hostess gifts are my favorite items to shop for (and to get).
Today's blogger of the day is my friend Patricia at The Dolls Are Alright. She writes about her journey and struggles through life. She uses dolls to tell her story. Patricia is a unique soul and I have truly enjoyed getting to know her over the past year. I adore her and I'm happy to say that I have adopted her as another mother!
I love and adore you Patricia, and my thoughts are always with you!
25 Days Of Christmas: Recycling the Holidays With Pinterest
There are a couple of mantras I live by that involve DIY-ing. First, never pay someone to do what you can do for yourself. (Flash back to Legally Blonde!) The second is don't throw it away if you can reuse it. This not only saves money, but also cuts down on waste, encourages us to think creatively, and teaches important lessons to our children.
I was on Pinterest looking for craft ideas for me and the little prince. I came across some amazing recycling projects for Christmas. I will share a few with you here, and you can see the whole board here. Have fun recycling and catch The View From Here after the pinspiration.
This is my absolute favorite:
Today's blogger is JBoog's Mom from The View From Here. Her blog is a combination of her love of her son, her rescue work, and dealing with life in general. She has been handed some difficult cards, yet finds a way to get through life and love her son along the way. JBoog is a cutie too! Go visit her and leave her some love, she's really awesome!
I was on Pinterest looking for craft ideas for me and the little prince. I came across some amazing recycling projects for Christmas. I will share a few with you here, and you can see the whole board here. Have fun recycling and catch The View From Here after the pinspiration.
This is my absolute favorite:
Today's blogger is JBoog's Mom from The View From Here. Her blog is a combination of her love of her son, her rescue work, and dealing with life in general. She has been handed some difficult cards, yet finds a way to get through life and love her son along the way. JBoog is a cutie too! Go visit her and leave her some love, she's really awesome!
25 Days of Christmas: 10 Reasons to Shop Local For the Holidays
One of the most important values my mother instilled in me is a sense of community. It doesn't matter where you live, or even if you like where you live. Community is very important and encompasses much more of our lives than we often realize. I'm not going to get into the sociology of community- I just want to urge you to think of small and local businesses this holiday season.
10 Reasons to Shop Local This Holiday Season
- You would be amazed at the personalization small businesses may offer on gift items. Many times you can get an item embroidered for no charge, or even free engraving on a piece of jewelry.
- You get better customer service when dealing with local businesses. The mom and pop stores take a special pride in their relationships with customers. You will benefit from this relationship.
- More money stays in your community when you shop local. This is because of businesses owners and employees shopping local and the taxes stay there.
- You don't have to pay shipping fees. Just the gas to get there.
- It does everyone good to get out of the house and from behind the computer to interact with others. Put on a Santa cap and make someone's day.
- By shopping locally, you are instilling a sense of community in the younger generations ensuring that your town does not become a ghost town.
- You would be amazed by the truly unique gifts you can find just by walking in the door.
- You are more likely to get a smile and be greeted by the shop owner when you are staying local. There is no way you are going to be greeted by the CEO of Amazon when you log on.
- Quality if of the utmost importance. The items sold in local stores are carefully selected by the owners to provide quality to their customers.
- You will be valued more. Local businesses rely on the good experience of each and every patron for their businesses to survive. There aren't millions of customers to drown out the complaints.
I hope you decide to pop into your local shop this weekend. If you do, let me know what you found and what your favorite shop is!
I have two blogs for you today, written by the amazing blogger Bethany! Bethany writes No Twiddle Twaddle about play ideas and children's literature. She even has a lot of lists of free Kindle Books for kids. No Twiddle Twaddle has become my go to blog for collecting titles for my little prince. I love her blog and her kiddos are adorable. (It must be the South Carolina air that makes kids cute!)
She also writes Kidding Around Greenville South Carolina. Bethany and her friend share kid-friendly restaraunts, hang-outs, cultural opportunities, and activities. She promises no Chuck.E.Cheese in sight! Grab a cup of coffee and find those places to take the kids that you thought were only in your dreams.
Reflecting On The Year
This is the time of year when I usually think about projects for next year. I get a general idea of when I want to accomplish things and events I want to be involved in. The best way I have found to do this is by thinking about events of the current year and which month they took place in. These can be concerts, trade shows, conferences, or festivals. I include things that I want to take my family to and events I want my businesses and organizations involved in.
The way I accomplish this is by seeing which month the event took place in the current year. Then I write the event on the month before for the upcoming year. This gives me time to research and plan the times and involvement I want. If it is a business event, I research event supplies and concession machines, as well as other vendors that are involved and were involved in previous years. This helps me decide what kind of involvement I want and which approach to take.
My roots in marketing began at music festivals and shows. This is where my passion lies and I am aiming to once again be involved in the music industry. This handy infographic will help me jump in once again.
I urge you to look into what projects you want to tackle next year and do what it takes to find your passion again!
The way I accomplish this is by seeing which month the event took place in the current year. Then I write the event on the month before for the upcoming year. This gives me time to research and plan the times and involvement I want. If it is a business event, I research event supplies and concession machines, as well as other vendors that are involved and were involved in previous years. This helps me decide what kind of involvement I want and which approach to take.
My roots in marketing began at music festivals and shows. This is where my passion lies and I am aiming to once again be involved in the music industry. This handy infographic will help me jump in once again.
Infographic Provided by EquipSupply
I urge you to look into what projects you want to tackle next year and do what it takes to find your passion again!
25 Days of Christmas: Letters to Santa
This time of year always makes me think of all the traditions my Mother held tight to every year. These traditions will always have a warm spot in my heart. We always colored an advent calendar; took food to charities; stood outside stores ringing bells; and woke to reindeer tracks and Santa’s muddy boot prints. However, I think what stands out to me the most would be our letters to Santa.
In case you haven’t noticed, my childhood was quite different from most. We have a strict, but very loving Mama who instilled in us many important values. Most of all, she taught us responsibility, manners, respect, gratitude, and thoughtfulness. Things were no different at Christmas time.
Every year, after the tree was put up; the old world Santas were placed around the house; and the Nativity scene placed on the sidebar, it was time to write our letters to Santa. We would sit at the dining room table with homemade hot cocoa and Christmas cookies. Mama would turn on Christmas music and bring out her box of stationary. Inside this box, was the prettiest Christmas paper ever! The best part, it was only used for our letters to Santa. She even had special pencils for us to use.
Now, my mama is a bit different from most when it comes to writing to Santa. There were rules involved. Not only did we have to use our best handwriting, but we also had to actually write a letter- no lists allowed! We were only allowed to ask for one thing. Most of all, we had to show appreciation. Our letters were to include a thank you for last years gifts; a thank you for being nice to so many kids; and what we accomplished that year. I didn’t understand why we did this, but now I am so thankful that my Mama did this. After we wrote our letters, we made Santa a gift- usually an ornament.
As I sit here writing this, I wonder what made her think to do this. Also, I wonder whatever happened to those years of gifts for Santa from three children with an amazing Mother. I have my suspicions that they were either given to family members, the sick and elderly at hospitals or nursing homes, women’s shelters, or even to random charities. I will ask her one day. These are traditions that I will definitely keep going with my own son!
At the following websites, you can find areas to let your children email letters to Santa, as well as receive a letter from Santa!
Today's blogger is Christy, the foodaholic behind The Girl Who Ate Everything. Not only does she share some Ah-MAH-Zing recipes, but she includes humor and stories along with them. Her Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are oh oh oh so yummy! I cannot wait to settle in with some of Christy's Polar Express Hot Chocolate at watch the movie with my little guy!
In case you haven’t noticed, my childhood was quite different from most. We have a strict, but very loving Mama who instilled in us many important values. Most of all, she taught us responsibility, manners, respect, gratitude, and thoughtfulness. Things were no different at Christmas time.
Every year, after the tree was put up; the old world Santas were placed around the house; and the Nativity scene placed on the sidebar, it was time to write our letters to Santa. We would sit at the dining room table with homemade hot cocoa and Christmas cookies. Mama would turn on Christmas music and bring out her box of stationary. Inside this box, was the prettiest Christmas paper ever! The best part, it was only used for our letters to Santa. She even had special pencils for us to use.
Now, my mama is a bit different from most when it comes to writing to Santa. There were rules involved. Not only did we have to use our best handwriting, but we also had to actually write a letter- no lists allowed! We were only allowed to ask for one thing. Most of all, we had to show appreciation. Our letters were to include a thank you for last years gifts; a thank you for being nice to so many kids; and what we accomplished that year. I didn’t understand why we did this, but now I am so thankful that my Mama did this. After we wrote our letters, we made Santa a gift- usually an ornament.
As I sit here writing this, I wonder what made her think to do this. Also, I wonder whatever happened to those years of gifts for Santa from three children with an amazing Mother. I have my suspicions that they were either given to family members, the sick and elderly at hospitals or nursing homes, women’s shelters, or even to random charities. I will ask her one day. These are traditions that I will definitely keep going with my own son!
At the following websites, you can find areas to let your children email letters to Santa, as well as receive a letter from Santa!
enjoy these links!
Today's blogger is Christy, the foodaholic behind The Girl Who Ate Everything. Not only does she share some Ah-MAH-Zing recipes, but she includes humor and stories along with them. Her Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are oh oh oh so yummy! I cannot wait to settle in with some of Christy's Polar Express Hot Chocolate at watch the movie with my little guy!
25 Days of Christmas: Organizing Crunch Time
December is truly the "crunch time" for an organized life. Not only do we have many more obligations and events to keep track of, but life in general is more hectic. We deal with long lines, other people in a hurry, businesses being closed, and trying to manage the never ending to do list. On top of all this, we want to make sure we start the new year off with stress-free organization. I want to share some tips with you on not only how to manage December, but to get started organizing for a fresh start in 2013.
Do for December:
Do for December:
- Check with businesses you will need to patron and inquire about closing schedule. Most businesses either close certain days, stay open later, close early, and even open early. You don't want to pick up a last minute gift, only to find they closed an hour earlier than usual. This is also a good practice for banks, utilities, pharmacies, and any other business you frequent.
- Sit down with your calendar and double check all events. Make sure you have a list of items you need to pick up. This can be gifts, hostess gifts, thank you notes, cans for a food drive, or even a pie for a dinner. This is also a good time to double check times and RSVPs for events. Go ahead and finalize all plans with family members and double check the whole family's calendars. This includes parties, dinners, children's activities, plays, musicals, organization events, parades, etc. along with the normal every month events.
- Go ahead and plan out your menu for the week of Christmas. You will be so glad you did this. Go ahead and plan for the days following Christmas,so you can relax.
- Make a plan to dispose of wrapping paper/ boxes/ etc. Whether you want to recycle, keep for scrapbooks, or throw away. You want to have the needed items ready so that you aren't scrambling at the last minute.
- Make a plan for deep cleaning what you need to before Christmas and what to do daily to keep your home tidy at all times. Maybe even consider hiring some professionals for during the holidays. There are window cleaners, house cleaners, landscapers, and even carpet cleaning. FAB Maintenance in Norwalk, CT is especially great! Even my tiny town has all of these.
- Make a plan for cleaning up between opening gifts and the beginning of festivities.
- Double check and update your gift shopping lists.
- Make/ double check your grocery list. I actually do all of my Christmas grocery shopping at the same time, but separate from everything else. This helps me keep track better and not have regular groceries and holiday groceries to lug at the same time.
Prepare for 2013:
- Decide what projects needed to be tackled to start 2013 off right. I will be sharing mine starting December 26th.
- Make sure all finances are in place to date.
- Buy a calendar. I have forgotten before, so I write "buy a calendar" in my December to do every year.
- Go ahead and transfer at least the dates for January.
- Organize medicine cabinets and throw away expired medication. Here, the cold season is really bad in January. By doing this, I know what I need to pick up and that the medications are fresh.
- Go through your pantry and throw out expired items. Donate non-perishables to your local food bank. I actually keep a box in the bottom of my pantry just for this reason.
- When you have a few minutes, sort one closet at a time. This is a really good time to donate any clothing that is no longer used. The same goes for toys and other household items. There may even be an organization in your area that refurbishes and cleans up toys/ clothes for needy children.
- Work on your winter cleaning list. Especially those items that are for fire prevention.
- Start working on a plan to tame the paper clutter
- Check your 2012 resolutions and start working on your goals for 2013
There you have it- these are the basics of how I stay sane throughout the holidays and new year. Organization has to be part of our lives if it is going to work. What is your plan?
Blogger of the day:
Lisa George is my mother-in-law and an amazing designer. She taught me how to use graphics programs and believed in me. Her graphics are so adorable and perfect for any project you are tackling. Do you have a blog? Do you digi scrap? Do you just like pretty things? Check her out- she even has tons of free gifts!
Blogger of the day:
Lisa George is my mother-in-law and an amazing designer. She taught me how to use graphics programs and believed in me. Her graphics are so adorable and perfect for any project you are tackling. Do you have a blog? Do you digi scrap? Do you just like pretty things? Check her out- she even has tons of free gifts!
25 Day of Christmas: Gift Ideas for Busy Women
I had every intention of putting together a gift guide- complete with my favorite products, my wish list, and some tips. But, with the hectic household, it just didn't get done. So, instead I am sharing some products that are perfect for the busy lady in your life. Just so you know- there are absolutely no affiliate links in this post- these are just things that I love!
Just click on the picture to learn more.
Just click on the picture to learn more.
| MomAgenda- I'm really hoping to upgrade to this wonderful system for 2013 |
| Vision In Progress Box |
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| Daily System |
| InaPikle |
| BeautyBox5 |
| SugarSnap Diaper Bag
I hope you enjoyed my mini gift guide and that you found something for the busy woman in your life.
(for yourself too!)
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Today's blogger is one of my best blogging buddies, Kristin at Quest for Thinner Peace. She is definitely 30-something-and-FABulous! She blogs about managing day to day life, weight loss, self-acceptance, fashion, beauty, and so much more. If you haven't been there yet, you definitely should!
Southern Charm Sunday: Good Southern Manners
It has been pretty chaotic around the castle lately, so I'm catching up on the 25 Days of Christmas, Palmetto Queen style.
Good southern manners are essential to life in South Carolina, especially at Christmastime. Not only are manners essential to every day life and getting through the holidays, they can benefit you in other ways. When you are nice and polite, you are more likely to get your way, and possibly even a better deal. Also, I worked retail for years and there was nothing like someone being polite after a hectic day. I was more likely to give someone a return and tell them about specials they may not know about when they were nice.
Some tips to help get you through the holidays:
Go here to learn more about good southern manners.
As promised, I will have a blog of the day for you as well. Today's blog is A Southern Belle Trying Not To Rust. Leiah is absolutely one of my favorite bloggers. I love reading her posts because she tells a story like no one else can. See for yourself- go check her out. (It would be bad manners not to!)
Good southern manners are essential to life in South Carolina, especially at Christmastime. Not only are manners essential to every day life and getting through the holidays, they can benefit you in other ways. When you are nice and polite, you are more likely to get your way, and possibly even a better deal. Also, I worked retail for years and there was nothing like someone being polite after a hectic day. I was more likely to give someone a return and tell them about specials they may not know about when they were nice.
Some tips to help get you through the holidays:
- Always say please and thank you
- Ask for things, never demand
- Open doors for others
- Remember your table manners
- Don't interrupt
- When possible, don't be in a hurry
Of course, there are many more aspects of good southern manners, but this should help you get through the holidays.
Go here to learn more about good southern manners.
As promised, I will have a blog of the day for you as well. Today's blog is A Southern Belle Trying Not To Rust. Leiah is absolutely one of my favorite bloggers. I love reading her posts because she tells a story like no one else can. See for yourself- go check her out. (It would be bad manners not to!)
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