November 18, 2008
The Monthly Organizer
December 2008
Monthly Motivation
The holiday season is in full swing now. Thanksgiving is just over a week away here in the United States and Christmas is just five weeks later. If you're not ready, don't panic. There is still time to pull it all together. This issue of The Monthly Organizer will focus on staying organized through the holidays and making them a time of true enjoyment.
I would like to take this opportunity wish you all very happy, healthy and organized holidays!
Monthly Organization Tip
If you are still trying to put the final touches on your Thanksgiving preparations, these Thanksigiving dinner recipes will help guide you through the process. If you have your menu planned already, don't forget about the smaller details like which serving pieces you will use and how you will set your table. The more decisions you make ahead of time, the less frantic you will be on Thanksgiving day.
Now let's shift our attention to Christmas. The Organized Christmas section of Tips to Organize Life contains all of the shortcuts, tips and tricks you need to enjoy a peaceful and stress-free holiday.
Organized Christmas If the one thing you are wishing for this Christmas is a little time to relax the Tips to Organize Life Christmas Guide will make your dreams come true.
Organize Your Christmas Gift List Find out how a Christmas gift list can get you on your way to an organized Christmas.
Organize Your Christmas Cards A little Christmas card organization can turn a tedious task into an enjoyable holiday event.
Organize Your Christmas Decorations Find the right Christmas storage solutions for an organized Christmas every year.
Organize Your Christmas Supplies Spend less time searching for bows and more time creating beautiful packages with these easy gift wrap storage solutions.
Christmas Recipes The place to find Christmas recipes, preparation tips and help to get your Christmas cooking organized.
Create a Christmas Budget Give yourself the gift of financial comfort this Christmas. Learn how to save some money with a Christmas budget.
Preserve Your Christmas Customs Find ideas for new Christmas customs and ways to turn your existing traditions into lasting memories.
Dealing With Stress Need help dealing with stress during the holidays? Find tips to help you cope.
If you don't already have it, now is the perfect time to get yourself a copy of Tips to Organize Events, the Tips to Organize Life party planner that helps you plan the perfect party every time!
Monthly Money Saving Tip
This month's Money Saving Tip focuses more on your gift recipients rather than you. We are living in very difficult financial times right now and, although we all want to save money, wouldn't it be nice if we could help our loved ones save some money with the gift we choose to give them this holiday season?
Just this morning I received an email warning me not to purchase gift cards this year because so many retail stores are closing as a result of tough economic times. The logic was that if you purchase a gift card the store may be closed by the time the recipient is ready to use it.
I think gift cards make excellent holiday gifts, especially in a tough economy. The trick is purchasing the right gift card. One that will help the recipient save money where it is truly important. Here are some ideas for gift cards that will be useful and appreciated by anyone on your gift list...
A prepaid Visa or MasterCard gift card. These can be used anywhere credit cards are accepted.
A gift card for the local grocery store. With food prices increasing, anybody would be thankful to receive the gift of free groceries. This would be an especially good idea for the elderly and young families.
A prepaid gas card. Although gas prices are starting to come down here in the U.S., anybody would be thankful to fill their tank for free.
A drug store gift card. We are heading into cold and flu season and medication is expensive. A drug store gift card would help ease the blow for somebody you know that might be living on a tight budget.
On the less practical side, if somebody on your gift list enjoys a particular hobby, chances are they have put their hobby on hold because their money was needed elsewhere in their budget. A gift card for their favorite hobby store would allow them to bring back the joy of what they love, without breaking their budget.
Recipe of the Month
I think it's pretty safe to say that Green Bean Casserole has become synonymous with the holidays. If you want to spice things up a bit this year, try this fancy twist on the old classic. This made-from-scratch version takes the traditional side dish to a whole new level.
Green Bean and Pearl Onion Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. fresh green beans
- 2 cups frozen pearl onions
- 2 Tblsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tblsp. butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 shallot, diced
- 2 bay leaves<.li>
- 3 cups assorted wild mushrooms, chopped
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 Tblsp. fresh thyme
- 3 Tblsp. flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 can fried onions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Blanch the green beans for 2 minutes. Remove and place into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and melt. Saute the garlic and shallot 2 to 3 minutes being careful not to burn the garlic. Reduce the heat if you need to. Add the bay leaves and mushrooms. Season with salt, pepper and thyme. Continue cooking for 2 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Add the milk and bring to a boil. Continue boiling for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. Add the onions and heat through, 2 to 3 minutes more. Add the green beans and toss to combine.
Place the mixture in a 2 quart casserole dish. Bake for 30 minutes. Top with the fried onions and bake an additional 10 minutes until the onions are golden brown.
Monthly Entertaining Tip
Host a Holiday Open House. An open house is the perfect way to gather with friends, neighbors and acquaintances that you want to share some holiday spirit with, without having to break the bank purchasing small gifts as a way to show you care. Ask each guest to bring a dish to share and make it clear that no gifts will be exchanged. Have your home decorated for the holidays and play soft holiday music to keep everyone's spirits up.
Plan your open house early so that it will not interfere with your guests' family gatherings. Early December is a great time for an open house because it can really be a great way to kick off the holiday season. Keep the menu simple, you can even just serve appetizers and drinks. The point is to enjoy a wonderful evening surrounded by friends.
