I’m taking a sabbatical and have lined up a few posts ahead of time. I’ll also be re-sharing some of my fave OTR articles and introducing you to new guest authors as well as other interesting info while I’m away. Enjoy this post by Feng Shui expert, Ann Bingley Gallops! 

The holidays are here! Now is that unique time of year when we transform our homes to celebrate and give thanks with our loved ones. This festive season is also the most quiet “Yin” time of year (in the Northern Hemisphere), so it’s important to keep your home in balance with lively “Yang” elements.

1. To activate positive Yang energy make sure you have adequate and attractive lighting inside and outside your home. Family and social gatherings will wake up your space and get you moving, even if your natural tendency might be to hibernate right now!

2. Your kitchen is especially important during the holiday season since the stove and cooking activity there give this room the most Fire-y Yang energy in your home. Be sure to keep your stove burners active. From heating up cider to baking bread, the delicious smells from a healthy kitchen bring good Feng Shui nourishment into any home.

Perhaps you already knocked out your holiday shopping in one fell swoop with Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Or perhaps you’re like me and purposefully avoided Black Friday craziness and just couldn’t find time to take advantage of Cyber Monday deals.

Those of us in the latter boat are quickly running out of days to get holiday shopping done. This time of year is overwhelming, to say the least, but it can be a little less stressful with some organization and list-making tips:

1. Don’t let yourself be a day-before shopper – For sanity’s sake, a little planning is necessary when tackling holiday shopping. Print out a clean December calendar and mark every holiday party and gift-giving date you know of. If you plan to give your child’s teachers gifts, mark the day they’ll take the gifts in on the calendar.

Also, keep in mind extracurricular coaches and instructors – schedule when your child will take their piano teacher/basketball coach/dance instructor’s gifts. This way you’re fully prepared for such occasions.

2. Shop before school breaks – Get a big chunk of your shopping done before schools go on holiday. This will help you avoid crowds and also be discreet if you have little ones who expect gifts from Santa. However, you may want to let your child be involved with some holiday shopping. In this case, I suggest getting to the mall as early as possible to avoid crowds.

3. Make a list, and check it twice – Rack your brain and think of everyone you want to purchase gifts for. Next to their name, jot down a couple gift ideas. Don’t be too specific, or you may end up driving all over town looking for something that’s unavailable.

4. Cover your unexpected bases – It’s unavoidable: You will forget to purchase someone’s gift. I suggest stocking up on a couple gift cards to general places where you frequently shop. This way, you can give the cards away as gifts if needed – or, you can keep them and use them as you would normally make purchases. Starbucks and places you often frequent for meals are good options for these backup gifts.

5. Set up a gift wrapping station – Designate an area of your house to be your gift wrapping area. It may be as simple as a card table in a corner – or as big as a spare bedroom. Stock your station ahead of time with all the necessities:

• Wrapping paper

•  Bags

Get your fridge in on the action when planning for the holidays. Sarah Beckman has a plan for you to follow.

We’re nearing that time of year when every other week means another holiday party and reason to cook up a storm. And, is it just me, or does your refrigerator seem to shrink come this time of year?

Rather than pushing to the back those items that never seem to run out, this is the best time of year to clean out your refrigerator so it’s ready for a season that calls for lots of good food.

What you need:

• A large trash can lined with a heavy-duty trash bag

• Coolers packed with ice (unless you happen to have a spare refrigerator

• A refrigerator coil brush

• A solution of ¼-cup baking soda and 1-quart warm water or soapy water

• A multisurface spray

• Kitchen sinks full of warm, soapy water. Or, a larger laundry room sink tub or bathtub would work well

• A couple of rags and a sponge

• An old toothbrush

What to do:

1. Gather everything you need first. You’ll want to be as quick as possible when cleaning out your refrigerator.

2. Unplug the refrigerator.

3. Throw away anything that’s expired. Also throw away anything that’s nearing its expiration date that you know you won’t use.

4. Throw away those random items that have sat in your fridge for ages and never seem to get eaten. It could an obscure ingredient that you used for one recipe and you have no idea what else to do with it.

5. Remove what’s left from your refrigerator and put the items in the coolers. Group like-items together. So, condiments go together, lunch meats and cheeses go together, fruits go together, and so do veggies.

6. Remove the refrigerator’s drawers and shelves and put them in the sinks/bathtub of soapy water or the baking soda/water solution (this is purely your preference). Wash them off with a rag or sponge. Rinse. Let them air dry.

7. Spray the interior of your refrigerator with the multisurface cleaner. Wipe the surfaces with a clean and damp rag.

8. Use the toothbrush to get small crevices, as well as the rubber gasket that lines the edge of the door.

9. Take the refrigerator coil brush and run it under the refrigerator’s kick plate (along the floor). This will clean up food debris that become lodged under the fridge.

10. Plug the refrigerator in and make sure it’s set between 35 and 38 degrees.

11. Wipe off all jars and containers that you’re putting back in the refrigerator.

12. Now it’s time to put your foods back inside. Because you already grouped like foods together, put them back in the refrigerator in these groups. Keep in mind that:

• Cooked foods should be located above raw meats.

• Fruits and vegetables should be stored in the warmest part of the fridge, which is at the bottom. They should be stored separately, which is why the two drawers most fridges have at the bottom are best for fruits and vegetables.

• Bottles and jars do well on the inside of the refrigerator door because they stay preserved even with temperature fluctuations that happen with the door opening and closing.

• Eggs do best on the top shelf, where it’s coldest.

• And, you’re less likely to lose little items like pudding cups and string cheese if they’re on the top shelf.

What are you waiting for? Get cleaning!

About the Author

Sarah Beckman is a writer and editor at Affordable Scarves where she develops content on celebrity style. As a lover of fashion, she must keep her closet organized at all times!

Connect with Sarah: Web |  Twitter | Tumblr

Today’s guest blogger, Jennifer Tankersley, has some timely tips on how to keep the holidays calm and peaceful.

October, November, and December are three of my favorite months of the year. It’s a time to enjoy family, reflect on what’s important in life, and demonstrate kindness to those you love and goodwill to those that are less fortunate. Unfortunately, these three months can also be a time of mounting stress and multiplying to dos. The key to a peaceful holiday season is to start early and plan ahead.

Here is a list of things you can begin to do now to lessen the anxiety of the holiday season and make this your most beautiful Christmas yet.

1. Gifts

Inventory the gifts you’ve purchased throughout the year. Sit your family down with catalogs to discover what is first on their Wish Lists. Create your own thorough Gift List with space for each person you plan to make or buy gifts. Don’t leave anyone off. You’ll only cause stress if you have to make a last-minute run for a forgotten gift for your child’s bus driver. Begin shopping online and in stores whenever you are able.

2. Cards

Although this is a completely optional part of the holidays, many people find it the perfect way to stay in touch with friends and loved ones both near and far away. This week, focus on choosing a card or design, purchasing materials and stamps, scheduling a photo opportunity, addressing envelopes, writing an update on your family, and assembling the cards. Please keep in mind that nothing completes a holiday card like a personal note to each recipient.

3. Meal Planning

You can cover two holidays in one sitting if you will take time to make both your Thanksgiving menu and Christmas menu. Don’t forget any cookies/candy or food gifts you may have planned for December. Gather all of your old, favorite recipes. Scan the internet for new possible food traditions. Once your menus are established, create a shopping list for each menu. Note which recipes can be made ahead and schedule baking days.

4. Cleaning/Decorating

Many people will be hosting feasts involving their dearest friends, neighbors, and family. Once the turkey has run its course in leftovers, Christmas decorations of all shapes and sizes will begin to emerge from basements and attics. Vow not to put anything out until it has a dust-free surface to rest on. This is a good motivation for thoroughly cleaning your house in time for the holidays.

5. Party Planning

Whether it is a brunch, an afternoon tea, a cookie exchange, or an evening gala, many people will find themselves host to some type of holiday event. Guest lists must be made, invitations sent, menus created, activities scheduled, and a myriad of other details must be confirmed.

6. Giving

What are the holidays if not an opportunity to give? Yes, there are expectations from family members. Yes, there are traditions that must be carried out. However, if we forget that the meaning of the holidays is to give, whether it be through some sacrifice of our time, our abilities, or our resources, we forego the happiness we allow for ourselves and others. It truly is better to give than to receive.

7. Cooking

There are few associations with special occasions as important as food. Once you’ve planned the menu, then you’ll need to stock your pantry and refrigerator. It will soon be time to apply the magic of food preparation to create mouth-watering memories and continue traditions that have been passed down for generations.

About the Author

Jennifer Tankersley knows a thing or two about planning ahead for a peaceful holiday season. She is the author of the 100 Days to Christmas 2011 eBook, now available for Kindle and Nook. She is also the creator of ListPlanIt.com, where members have access to hundreds of lists and planning pages all geared to helping to live a more organized life, including the holidays.  

Connect With Jennifer:  ListPlanIt.com | 100 Days to Christmas eBook | Twitter | Facebook 

Washington, DC Image Consultant, Ketura Persellin, has a few budget-friendly ways that can help you look fabulous during the holidays.

You know you’re going to be getting greeting cards. And gifts for family and friends. But have you taken a few minutes to plan what you’ll be wearing for the holiday-related events you’ll face over the next six weeks?

Here are a few guidelines to get you ready to celebrate in style — without breaking the bank:

1.  Use what you have. You likely have some treasures hiding in your closet: a gorgeous ruby-red cashmere cardigan, a flirty velvet skirt or a beautiful charmeuse blouse. These are a great as a jumping-off point for your holiday outfits.

2.  Add sparkle. Those basics can form the foundation for not one, but possibly several holiday outfits. With a velvet skirt, you could wear boots and a turtleneck for a low-key family gathering. Then swap those out to up your glam quotient for a more dressy affair, a sequined or beaded top and some embellished shoes would be perfect. One of my current examples of very versatile clothes that can be styled many ways is J. Crew.

3.  Accessorize for interest and polish. Most of my clients, even those with closets full of gorgeous clothes, don’t have enough accessories. And you don’t need to spend a fortune to get them, but it’s quite possible you could benefit from some a few strategic, on-trend purchases.

Consider these ideas: restyle what’s already in your jewelry box (wear a few strands of pearls and chains rather than just one, or pile on the bangles); scour the bins at your local consignment and thrift stores; and visit affordable, trend-friendly stores like H&M and Forever 21 for items that will add a modern twist to the classics you own. These are good sources for a smaller, dressy, fun bag.

4.  Invest in one special piece — or one great basic. You may have some lovely basics in your closet but no stand-out special piece — a sequined shawl or sweater, a shoe in a great texture or color, or a skirt with really special details. Those are the things that will give you the unique style many women crave.

Or, you may have those, so you just need some up-to-date quality basics, like go-anywhere dark-wash denim trousers or an A-line neutral-color wool-gabardine skirt — versatile pieces that will take you through a variety of social situations.

5.  Plan ahead. Finding a quiet half-hour to play in your closet to see what’s there to make holiday outfits with — and what gaps you may need to fill. Then you’ll be ready for whatever the holidays send your way.

About the Author

Need help putting together a few dazzling holiday outfits? Ketura Persellin is an image consultant in Washington, DC, and surrounding suburbs, and she’ll help you find three to four holiday outfits using mostly what’s in your closet. Visit The Wardrobe Workshop for details.

Today’s post was submitted by guest blogger, Linden Coyne.  She tells about her recent experience with lots to do, limited time, and three children to tend to.

It’s Friday night, the week before Halloween, and a friend invites us to her house on the Eastern Shore for a Halloween Parade that Sunday. Sounds great, but we don’t have costumes. Few things seem more painful than walking three rambunctious kids through a Halloween store to pick out overpriced, plastic costumes that will only be worn once (if at all).

Saturday morning, determined to find materials to make costumes, I come across two yards of felt – one pink, one brown. Using a photo from a recent Pottery Barn catalog I begin to create a cupcake costume for my daughter Nola, who was really only excited about the strawberry that would go on her head. I also find a template for a spider costume designed for a dog on MarthaStewart.com for my 2-year-old Rocco.

Saturday night I begin sewing on the couch with a sleeping baby on my lap and a screaming husband watching football. Sunday morning I’m stitching and stuffing all the way to the Eastern Shore. We arrive just as I finish hacking together my hair bands to secure Rocco’s spider to his back.

As we pull into the driveway Nola sees a friend in a Sleeping Beauty dress. The tantrum begins and the cupcake costume stays in the car. Ten minutes later I find Rocco’s spider in the bushes. Success? Maybe not, but the kids had a great time without their costumes. I also avoided the trip to the Halloween store, I saved money, I don’t have environmental guilt, and my shoddy stitching was complimented for its “boutiquey” look (SCORE!).

Now let’s see what happens on Halloween.

You know what I’ve been wondering? I’m trying to figure out if there is a date when all holiday decorations should be put away and if that date is different for everyone. I’ve been in a few client’s homes since the holidays have wrapped up (no pun intended) and noticed traces of garland and other sparkly things. For one of my clients, all the sparkly things were still up. Has your date passed or has it not arrived yet?

So, usually when a burning question like “Are your holiday decorations still up?” pops in my mind, I ask a bunch of people to see what they have to say. Actually, three questions popped in my mind and since my Twitter and Facebook friends always come through for me, I checked with them first. The responses were varied and everyone did something specific…or not so much.

On January 7th, here’s what I asked…

(1) Have you put away all your holiday decorations (including xmas cards)?

(2) Are they organized by category (i.e., lights, ornaments, garland, etc.) and in clearly labeled containers?

(3) Where are they stored (e.g., basement, attic, garage, closet, etc.)?

and here’s what they had to say…

Jaime Papa Maerz (Trenton / Princeton, NJ) wrote on Facebook on January 7, 2009 at 7:13am
1. I took my holiday decorations down yesterday (though the tree was on the curb over the weekend – couldn’t stand the pine needles falling). The cards are still up, though. I was not ready to part with my Christmas wall outside my office, which is quite cute, if I do say so myself. Has an art project I did with the kids, using their hand prints, and all the picture cards we received displayed around them.

2. Not organized by category, but they are in containers with only other Christmas decorations…clearly marked, not yet, but plan to work on that soon.

3. They are stored with all our other bins, in our basement storage area. :)

Nadine Tabachnikoff Coleman (Teach For America) wrote on Facebook on January 7, 2009 at 7:50am

1) cards in a pile to be filed. ornaments still on tree… yes, you heard that right. TREE. Hubby didn’t take it out last week, will go out tonight! :-)

2) Not organized, one big bin with lights, ornaments, ribbons, etc… is that bad?

3) Attic!

ChristinaJade on Twitter
@dallisonlee i have been strictly forbidden to take down the tree before Saturday by a certain 8 year old! then it will get packed back to 10:08 AM Jan 7th from web in reply to dallisonlee

@dallisonlee the attic in the NEWLY LABELED STORAGE TOTES! :) 10:09 AM Jan 7th from web in reply to dallisonlee

LiaSong on Twitter

SagLady09 on Twitter
@dallisonlee Since “Three Kings Day” is over (which was yesterday), the Christmas decorations will come down today. 10:31 AM Jan 7th from web in reply to dallisonlee

Kim Oser wrote on Facebook on January 7, 2009 at 3:39pm

Karen Glover (New York, NY) wrote on Facebook on January 10, 2009 at 5:30pm

Cards are sitting in a stack on top of the TV. Tree with decorations and Giant Bow on the screen on the porch still up and tree is on right now

Decorations will be down by the 15th and 3 part tree goes in a box with lights and bulbs in basement

Charli Jessup (Los Angeles, CA) replied to D. Allison Lee Professional Organizers’s post on Facebook on January 12, 2009 at 8:15am

1. No my Holiday decorations are not still up. I took them down this past weekend. As I have to wait for the use of son-in-laws truck to get my containers and then take them back I have to plan around his schedule.

2. They are organized into plastic bins; garlands, ornaments, candles, etc. The containers are not labeled as they are the only containers with decorations that I have.

3. I store them in my daughters garage as I live in an apartment.

~Related Information~

• How Long Should Holiday Decorations Stay Up?
• Storing Holiday Decorations
• Holiday Decorating – How Soon is Too Soon?

Brandie Kajino,  The Home Office Organizer and author of the new food blog, Joy of the Kitchen, shares some timely tips on holiday meal planning. She’s organized and a foodie so you know her tips will be great!

Thanksgiving is coming up, can you smell the pumpkin pie? Everyone has a favorite holiday, and Thanksgiving is mine. What’s not to love about a holiday that’s all about family, friends, thankfulness, relaxing (after the dishes are done), hanging out in the kitchen all day and eating what you make? It’s also about the shared tradition and the stories that go along with it.

And don’t forget all the food preparation and dishes! So, how to enjoy this fabulous holiday and find some joy in your kitchen this year? One word…

Preparation. Here’s some tips on how you can make your holiday meal go a little more smoothly.

Get help. The Thanksgiving meal isn’t for wimps. It’s a big deal! There’s plenty of pressure, tradition and food to go around. However, it can be a lot of fun if you’re prepared. If this will be your first meal, girlfriend, call in reinforcements! There are a lot of dishes to make, which all need to be hot (or cold) at the right times. Call someone who has done it before to help out. If it’s not your first time, offer to help with someone else’s dinner (She’ll thank you for it!).

Order ahead. A few years ago I started ordering a fresh local bird, and I will NEVER go back. But, it needs to be ordered ahead of time, and picked up the week of Thanksgiving. Also, if you are thinking of ordering anything (like side dishes) for your meal, get it in asap.

Make a menu and a list. Know what you are going to make, and when you are going to make it, before the big day. Make your menu and if you’re up to it, do some math and figure out start + prep times. Post this list on the fridge and refer to it as you get closer, making sure you have all supplies ahead of time. (Some local kitchen shops and magazines have great lists, so take advantage of them!)

Prep ahead. Something you can cook ahead, like pies and cranberry sauce. You can also chop veggies, prepare bread for dressing, etc. Look at your menu and see what can be prepared ahead. You can even set the table the night before if you are feeling ambitiou

Enjoy! If you’re properly prepared and have a game plan, you’ll enjoy the holiday so much more. Take a few minutes and plot out what the day will look like, so you will feel a little better on T-Day. Then, wake up get moving and enjoy the day.

Cheers, and Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

About the Author

I’m an enthusiastic foodie + baker who finds joy in the kitchen. I love when a friend or family member widens their eyes, nods their head and utters “Mmmmm…”  When they enjoyed what I just created with my own hands, THAT brings me joy.

Connect With Brandie: Web | Twitter