Organization

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season. I have really tried to get a lot done so that I start 2016  with a clean slate. Last month I went to Dollar Tree and bought some storage bins and bowls to organize my pantry shelves. 

 I love the shelving that we bought several years ago,  but we organize it - then we start putting things on the shelf that don't belong there.  Hence, a total disorganized mess.

 The shelves were so disorganized I did not want my readers to see them (actually I forgot to take a picture before clearing the shelves) We now have a clean palette to work with. 

 My husband and I put up a table in the den and put everything outside the room. It really was a lot of work but I am very proud of  how we organized it - I think it is a system that we both created so it should be easier for both of us to keep it straight.

 This is a picture of the finished product. We are pleased and so far so good. We have been using this for about 2 weeks. Let me know if you have any good organizing tips - please share.

 Everyone enjoy the holidays and hold your family close.

Merry Christmas!

Handmade 2016 Planner

I am just about finished with all the Christmas shopping (2 items left) and my eyes turn toward 2016. I do not believe in New Year's Resolutions but I have set some goals for myself. My goals involve my health, crafting, my Etsy business, etc. As I thought about 2016 I wanted to make myself a planner that was inexpensive and created for my needs.

 Let's face it - I am retired and I am no social butterfly. I do not have a busy schedule and I like it that way.However, my memory is just not what it used to be so I write EVERYTHING down. I chose to buy a little Avery notebook (about 9" tall and 7" wide) and also bought dividers and protective sheets.

 I used some paper and stickers and decorated it to my taste. It does not look business like - it is something I created.

My dashboard has some post-it notes, pens, paper clips, and a small ruler.

 The back contains small tabs, ruled cards, a small notebook, and a piece of cardboard which is the template for the notebook.

 I made copies of a small calendar and put everything in the planner in protective sheets.

 I divided the planner into sections like Things To Do, Medications, Contacts, and needed information ( like what size is the air conditioner filter, etc.)

 I made copies of a shopping list and put a lot of them in this area.

I also have a section for grocery coupons and store coupons. I did not show the sections for crafting, gift ideas, Etsy, etc. I included lots of extra paper in each section and also put in a lot of paperclips. I know when I begin using it I will need to make changes as needed. I plan on taking this little book everywhere I go. What kind of information do you like to include in a planner? Let me know what you think I should include. I hope you are enjoying the holiday season!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

It is beginning to look like Christmas around my house. Our local Christmas festival was today and I am decorating the tree tomorrow. I like decorations but I never want my home to look like Pee-Wee's Playhouse. LOL! This is a short post to show you a few items I have made or bought in the last several weeks. I hope all of you are enjoying the holidays as well - share a favorite decoration you have made or bought. I LOVE Christmas.

 I bought an old black purse, one just like my grandmother used to carry. The thrift store is full of old purses. I glued a small frame on the front (no glass) - leaving the top open with no glue and placed a Christmas card in the frame. I hung it on the wall and filled with flowers. I used a rubber band to connect the 2 clasp so it did not open to wide. It really gives a vintage feel. After Christmas I will put some other flowers and a picture of the family. It will work for all seasons and all holidays.

I filled my Tussy Mussy (Yes that is what it is called) with poinsettias. Just a little reminder of Christmas on the dinning room wall.

The above picture is the Christmas frame wreath I made for the front door. I was really pleased how it turned out.

The plant was a gift and I made it festive with Christmas picks and a couple of white candles in Dollar Tree candle holders. There is also a vintage candy dish on the table.

My favorite purchase is my Charlie Brown Christmas tree. I made quite a scene at Hobby Lobby when I discovered the 50th Anniversary tree. Peanuts is my all time favorite and our family always said it was not Christmas till a Charlie Brown Christmas aired. It plays the theme song. I am soooo thrilled.

Not only did I buy the tree, I found the - For Unto Us A Savior Is Born- wooden sign to put in front of the tree. I can just hear Linus explaining to the peanuts the true meaning of Christmas. This little tree has made Christmas 2015 one of my favorites.