How do you store your Christmas wreath?

Is that a wreath in the attic?

If you have an attic, most likely you are storing some sort of Christmas decor. Artificial wreaths should always be stored in something to prevent mice from chewing on those cute sprigs of berries. Are your items too big for a tote?

Are you using black trash bags? Re-purpose those black bags for trash collection or for a collection of items for Goodwill this year. Go and purchase clear bags for storage instead.

One of the primary steps of organization is to know what you have. Clear, clear, clear! This is allows you to see what you have especially if you have a dark attic. ~ Amy

How Tos for your To Dos

What's on your list?

Keep your "to do" list ON your calendar, not "in" your calendar but "on" each individual day.  As you go through daily tasks and appointments you stay on task and on deadline by designating a scheduled amount of time to complete each task.  This habit forces you to evaluate how long a task actually takes and whether you need to delegate or edit your "to do" list.  For instance, you may discover that your time is worth too much to drop off and pick up the cleaning and that is well worth the gratuity to have it delivered.

If I get another Lands End catalog, I'll just...

Give your mailbox a makeover and reclaim space on your kitchen counter!

Check out dmachoice.org.

Register for a free account and receive access to contact information for magazines, catalogs and direct mailing services at your fingertips.

Mail order shopping is a greener option than filling up your car with a tank of gas and driving long distances to the mall to window shop. This website gives many options and it is nice to see that you can register deceased or very ill members in your care to be removed from direct mailing lists. This can be a difficult task to complete.

Holidays are right around the corner and our mailboxes begin to bulge, stop that junk mail from junking up your counter!

Are you sure that was a cat eating your pet food?

Pet food left in unattended bowls outside or improperly stored in opened bags in the garage will attract other unwanted animals. Possum, raccoon, mice, who knows what else?
Keep all pet food it in a storage bin with a tight fitting lid. One on casters is nice so that the storage area can be easily swept if a spill occurs.

Save paper towels!

sometimes smaller is better 

Save money and paper towels by buying what Bounty calls "Select-A-Size."  All the major brands and some store brands have the option of paper towels perforated at what is typically half the size of a regular paper towel.  Look for this option in your favorite brand.  The half size will do the job in almost every case for which you would use a regular paper towel.  We dare you to try it!  You'll save paper towels, trees, and money.

Easily Made Bed

Use a duvet!

The best way to keep your bed made is to have an easily made bed.  Try a European style duvet or comforter cover.  In combination with a fitted sheet, all you need is a down or down alternative comforter and a cover that coordinates with the fitted sheet. No top sheet or blankets are needed.  You can even use an older patterned comforter that you are tired of because the cover hides it. In the morning it takes one tug on each side of the bed to get it made. Throw on the pillows and your done. 

Great for kids too!

This is a particularly good idea for young children.  Any chores they can do themselves, helps you, and positively impacts their self esteem.

Finding sheet sets that have coordinating duvet or comforter covers can be tricky.  Go online for best results.  LL Bean, The Company Store and Pottery Barn Kids are good resources.

Making your bed will take two minutes in the morning but can make you feel better all day. Getting an easy task done, starts your day with a feeling of accomplishment, and can set the tone for the rest of your day.