December 15, 2006
The Monthly Organizer
January 2007
Monthly Motivation
January is the month of resolutions. It is a brand new year and we all want to become better people. If you make a resolution this year make it reasonable. Failing at our resolutions can be more disappointing than the behavior we were trying to change in the first place. Small changes can make a big difference so remember to take baby steps with your goals for the new year. The road to success is paved one brick at a time.Monthly Organization Tip
Take some extra time and consideration when you are putting away your holiday decorations this year. You could save yourself a lot of time and frustration next year. Here are some good ideas to keep in mind:1. If you decorate a Christmas tree and have small children, place all of your non-breakable ornaments in one or two carefully labeled boxes. Next year when it comes time to decorate the tree and the kids are overwhelmed with excitement you can simply hand them their special boxes and let them go to town knowing that they will not accidentally break anything.
2. If you have a stash of holiday decorations that, year after year, you decide not to display for whatever reason, put them in a separate box and either donate them or set them aside for your next garage sale.
3. If you have certain holiday items that you like to bring out earlier than others, pack those items in one box and label it clearly. When you are putting your boxes away, put that box in the front so that it will be the easiest to get to next year.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, now go and get yourself organized.
Money Saving Tip
Now that the holidays are over until next year, the stores are trying to get rid of this year's holiday merchandise. This is the perfect time to restock on the necessities of the season. You will save money and get yourself organized for next year. Take stock of what you have and make a list of what you need. Things like wrapping paper, gift boxes and bags, gift tags, boxed holiday cards and decorations can be on sale for 80% or more off the original price. Just think of how organized you will be next year when you reach for your holiday boxes and find that your supplies are fully stocked and ready to go.Keep an eye out for items that would make great holiday gifts as well. Pack these items away with the rest of your holiday decor. Be sure to tag it with the intended recipient's name if you have a specific person in mind. When you pull out your decorations next year you will be thrilled when you remember that some of your shopping is already done!
Recipe of the Month
Here is a recipe that you can use all throughout the year. By simply changing the name, you can make this quick and easy snack mix the perfect hit for any holiday or occasion. Whether you call it Birthday Bites, Sweetheart Snacks, Monster Munch or Reindeer Food this will be your new party mix. This one is also perfect to get the kids involved with.Ingredients:
- Corn Chex
- Rice Chex
- Cheerios
- Mini pretzel twists
- M&M candies
- Peanuts (optional)
- White chocolate bark
Directions:
In a large bowl combine equal parts of the cereals with half as many pretzels, M&M's and peanuts (example: 2 cups each of Corn Chex, Rice Chex and Cheerios and 1 cup each of mini pretzels, M&M's and peanuts). Melt the white chocolate bark according to package directions, a few squares at a time, depending on how much mix you have made. Coat the mix in the chocolate. Melt more if you need to. Repeat until you have reached desired consistency. Spread mixture on wax paper until chocolate has hardened. Break into pieces and serve in a bowl or package in individual snack bags to give away.
December Entertaining Idea
New Year's Eve is a fun and wonderful night to throw a party. It can also be a very dangerous night to be on the roads because of the high number of people driving home after having had a few too many alcoholic beverages.If you are throwing a party this year, take a cue from the kids and make it a sleep over. Invite your guests to spend the night and plan a feast for breakfast the next morning.
If you are attending a party this year be sure to choose a designated driver or offer to be one yourself.
Happy New Year!
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