The Monthly Organizer

October 2006

Monthly Motivation

Monthly Organization Tip

Now, if you will humor me while I jump ahead a little, I would like to expand upon this month's organization tip to save you time, money and frustration. As soon as you have all of the necessities for Halloween taken care of I want you to start thinking about Christmas (or Hanukkah or Kwanza, whatever holiday you celebrate). Most people think I am crazy when I tell them that I get all of my Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving, but I am the one smiling when I am sledding with my son or curled up on the sofa sipping hot cocoa and watching Christmas movies while they are out getting pushed around at the overcrowded malls, grabbing whatever they can get their hands on because they are running out of time to shop.

Here is what I do each year: As soon as I have Halloween taken care of I start my Christmas gift. I write down the names of every person I want to purchase a gift for, including teachers, co-workers, contributions to charities, etc. If any gift ideas immediately jump into my head I write those down as well. I keep the list with me in my purse so that I can jot down a gift idea whenever it hits me. Then I start shopping. It doesn't matter that the stores have not gone into full-swing Holiday sales mode yet because I have plenty of time to compare prices and shop around for the best deal. I also have plenty of time to really put some thought into what I want to buy for the people on my list rather than just get them the first acceptable thing that I see because I waited until the last minute to shop.

I also have plenty of time to ship gifts to my out-of-town relatives without worrying about whether or not it will arrive on time. I find that the holiday season is much more relaxing and enjoyable when my shopping is done early. Make it your goal to get your shopping done early this year and recapture the joy of the holidays.

Money Saving Tip

Eat your meal slowly and allow yourself at least 20 minutes after finishing before deciding if you want more - this is how long it takes your stomach to notify your brain that it is full. You will eat less and maybe even lose a few pounds, plus you will save money by bringing your lunch to work instead of buying it.

Recipe of the Month

Pumpkin Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 Tblsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lb. bulk sausage
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 fresh sage leaves, minced
• 1 cup white wine
• 14 oz. chicken broth
• 1 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. nutmeg
• salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 lb. rigatoni
• parmesan cheese

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions.

While pasta is cooking, heat a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 Tblsp. olive oil and brown the sausage. When the sausage is brown remove it from the pan and drain. Set aside. In the same pan, add another Tblsp. olive oil and saute the onion for five minutes. Add garlic, sage and wine and reduce for 2 minutes. Add broth and pumpkin and cook, stirring until smooth. Add the sausage back to the pan and add the cream, cinnamon and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper and simmer for 5 minutes.

When the pasta is done, add the pasta to the pan and mix to combine. Serve topped with parmesan cheese and enjoy!

October Entertaining Idea

Find great party games and activities online. Don't forget the monster pinatta! Get all of the Halloween party supplies and decorations you could possibly need with a simple point and click from the comfort of your own home and your party box will show up on your doorstep.

Make it easy on yourself to throw the best Halloween party in town!

Enjoy the season.

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