New Year’s resolutions are fun to make but often difficult to keep. It’s easy to get swept away and find yourself with dozens of resolutions for improvement in every area of life. This will most likely lead to failure, however. When making resolutions this year, follow these simple tips:
The holidays are over and it’s time to take down the Christmas tree and other holiday decorations. Rather than just throwing all the ornaments, lights and other items randomly into boxes for storage until next year, take the time to properly prepare and package the holiday decorations for storage.
Clean and De-clutter
As ornaments are removed from the tree, inspect them for damage. Do the same for other items that have been displayed throughout the home. Thoroughly inspect all items and repair or discard, as appropriate.
Prior to storing, make sure that decorations are clean. Wash and thoroughly dry decorations that are washable and vacuum those that are not. Donate decorations that you no longer want to charity. Keep only those decorations that you know will be of use during future holidays. (more…)
A lot of planning generally goes into Christmas. Unfortunately, much of it may get done at the last minute. Often things turn out splendidly and other times you just hope to get through the season with your sanity intact. It doesn’t have to be this way! Now that Christmas is over, start planning right away for next year.
Do It Now!
While it’s fresh in your mind, write down everything you can think of about this holiday season. Make a detailed list of the things you want to repeat and the things you want to avoid in the future. Documenting what worked and what didn’t will make next Christmas go smoothly. Also, update your mailing list based on the Christmas cards that were received. (more…)
Once the holidays are over, the real work often begins. Cleaning up after the holidays can be a daunting task. To make clean up easier, ask for help. Enlist the aid of family members and the job should be finished in no time!
Remove Decorations
Unless the decorations are fragile or of sentimental value, this is a great job for kids. Have them carefully remove ornaments from the tree and wrap or box them. Especially outside, avoid climbing up and down a ladder by handing lights and garlands to someone on the ground. (more…)
Being away from home for a week or so is common during the holidays. Unfortunately, houseplants left without care may dry out, causing damage or even death. Ensure that your plants stay adequately hydrated by following these tips.
All plants need water and a Christmas tree is no exception. Whether pot grown or fresh cut, a Christmas tree needs adequate water to stay fresh through the holiday season. To ensure the freshness of your tree and avoid the mess of dropped needles, supply your tree with sufficient water.
Fresh Cut Christmas Trees
Always display a cut Christmas tree in a stand with a reservoir that holds sufficient water for the size of the tree. Just before placing the tree in the stand, cut another 1cm straight across the base of the trunk to allow for the maximum uptake of water. If the tree cannot be placed immediately into a stand, store it in a cool place with the trunk submerged in a bucket of water. Display the tree away from any heat source. Check the water level at least daily and ensure that the base of the tree stays continuously submerged. (more…)
There are many reasons why a last minute Christmas gift may be needed. Sometimes Christmas suddenly arrives or someone was simply forgotten during holiday shopping. Whatever the reason, being caught at the last minute without a gift is easily rectified.
Gift Cards
Available at a variety of places or online, gift cards are the perfect last minute gift. Choose the recipients favourite store or buy a card that can be used in many places. If time is really short, opt to purchase a gift certificate online that can be delivered immediately by email. (more…)
Decorating a Christmas tree is an annual tradition in many homes. While some families may go out to the tree farm and cut their own, others purchase a tree at a tree lot. Live trees or artificial trees are also options. The type and size of tree you choose depends on a variety of factors.
Live Trees
There are unique advantages to choosing a pot grown Christmas tree. The tree stays fresh through the holidays. Once Christmas is over, you have a beautiful tree to add to the garden. If the tree is small enough, it can be re-potted in a larger container and kept outside the rest of the year to be brought indoors during a few more Christmases before being planted permanently in the garden. (more…)
Every house-owner at least once encountered a roof problem. Imagine this: it’s summertime, hot outside and you only wish for something to cool off. Yet, even in the sanctuary of your home it is not granted, as the sun shines upon your dark roof which absorbs all the heat… And the wisest thing to do would of course be to switch color to as light as possible. But then, after few months the winter comes and suddenly you’re glad that you didn’t go with the roof painting, as the same sun that bothered you during the summer now helps you lower your bills by increasing the temperature. Obviously, re-painting the roof every two seasons is not the best solution. And the problem remains. (more…)
With Christmas fast approaching, an assortment of cards will soon be arriving by mail. With the coming new year, a new calendar will be needed. Old greeting cards and calendars can be recycled in a number of cute and clever ways. Instead of discarding these items, recycle them into postcards, envelopes and gift boxes.
Postcards
Cute postcards can be made from old greeting cards. Just cut the fronts to the size required for mailing. On the reverse, draw a line vertically down the centre. Write a message to the left of the line and the address to the right. Heavyweight cards are best. Avoid cards that are thin or flimsy. (more…)
