Archive for the ‘Holidays’ Category
Monday, December 28th, 2009
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…)
Tags: Christmas, Food, Holidays, Home
Posted in Holidays, Home | No Comments »
Sunday, December 27th, 2009
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…)
Tags: Cleaning Tips, Gift Wrap, holdays, Shopping
Posted in Cleaning Tips, Holidays, Home | 1 Comment »
Monday, December 21st, 2009
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…)
Tags: Christmas, Christmas tree, Plant, WATER
Posted in Eco, Holidays, Home, WATER | No Comments »
Saturday, December 19th, 2009
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…)
Tags: Baking, Christmas, Gift, Holidays, Shopping
Posted in Family, Holidays, Home | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009
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…)
Tags: Christmas, Christmas tree, decorating, Garden, Holidays
Posted in Garden, Holidays, Home | 1 Comment »
Friday, December 4th, 2009
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…)
Tags: calendar, Card stock, Christmas, eco tips, Gift, Greeting card, recycling
Posted in Eco, Holidays, Home | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 1st, 2009
- Image by *CQ* via Flickr
Decorating for the holidays is fun! Whether you prefer traditional or contemporary décor, choose to decorate the entire house or just certain areas, confine your decorating to just the inside of your home or expand out into the yard, start decorating for the holidays today.
Simplify
Decide how much decorating you’d like to do this year. To keep things simple, choose to decorate only certain areas. Select the size and type of tree that fits your space and lifestyle. For a festive look from the street without the bother of outdoor lighting, place lights inside of windows. (more…)
Tags: Christmas, Decorations, Holidays, Home, Lights, Santa, Shopping, Tree
Posted in Holidays, Home | 1 Comment »
Monday, November 30th, 2009
- Image via Wikipedia
Christmas is almost here and so is that long-standing tradition of exchanging gifts. Shops will be creating a festive atmosphere and displaying all sorts of treasures. Keeping Christmas affordable amidst all this temptation can be a real challenge. There are several strategies, however, that can be used to save money this year.
Make a Budget
Determine the total amount of money available for gifts. Be realistic, taking income and all expenses into consideration. Commit to spending cash only. The goal is to save money, not roll expenses into the next year by incurring debt. Decide what you can comfortably afford and stick with it. (more…)
Tags: Christmas, gift baskets, Gifts, Holiday, Money, save money tips, Shopping
Posted in Family, Holidays, Home, Interesting | 1 Comment »
