Merry Christmas!

Organized by Cathy (that's me!) wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a HAPPY new year!

Christmas Cards...from Hurry to Happy!

With the Christmas season quickly approaching, here’s a trick that I like to use to keep things simple and enjoyable during the holidays. I choose an evening to slip away and head out to my favorite book store (Borders.) I order a yummy holiday drink, search for the comfiest chair I can find, and sign my Christmas cards free from interruption with relaxing holiday music playing in the background.

Here are a few things I like to bring with me...

My address book
Christmas cards
Holiday stamps
A comfortable pen to write with
Return address labels
Christmas stickers
And a clip board to write on

This is one of my favorite traditions as the holiday season draws near. It gets me into the Christmas spirit, and makes me feel festive and happy. It sets the tone for the rest of the month as I finish the remainder of my holiday preparations. Maybe I'll even mail out my Christmas cards a wee bit earier this year!

Happy organizing, saving & getting ready for the holidays,

Cathy

Apple-Pie Order

Hello, everyone! I hope you are having a terrific day!

Lately, I've been looking forward to September, and all the baked goodness that Autumn brings. And with October being right around the corner, I've been wondering where the phrase "apple-pie order" got its start. So, I did a little research on the web, and this is what I found...


The History Behind “Apple-Pie Order”

“The housewives of New England cut their apples in even slices. Then they filled pie pans with them in an organized way, row upon row. As one writer said, the women of New England loved to have everything in its place. This perhaps explains why it generally is believed that the expression apple-pie order began in New England.” (courtesy of voanews.com)

I can't wait to go apple picking this year and come home to bake-up all my favorite homemade goodies...apple sauce, apple turnovers, and of course, apple pie! Now is a great time to begin gathering recipes...ahhhh, I can smell the cinnamon already!

Happy organizing, saving & baking,

Cathy

My {Happy} Organizing Accident

Just last weekend I traveled to Southern California for my nephew's baptism day celebration. And while I only had a short amount of time to pack, I experienced a happy accident along the way. You see, purely by luck I discovered an already packed overnight bag ready and waiting for me in my closet! All I had to do was add a few things, and my overnight bag was ready to go! Yay!

You may be asking yourself, "Why did Cathy have an already packed overnight bag in her closet? And why is she so excited about it?" Let me just tell you! A couple of weeks ago, I planned to spend the weekend at my brother's house where my parents were visiting. I packed my bag, brought it with me, and ended up staying for only one night. When I got back home, I put the bag in my closet, intending to unpack it later that evening. Little did I realize, I forgot all about my packed bag...until it came time to pack it again!

For me this was a very happy accident! Then I had a light bulb moment. Wouldn't it be nice to keep a pre-packed overnight bag ready and waiting in my closet all the time? This way, whenever I need to spend the night again, my packing will be done in no time at all.

So that's exactly what I did!

Here are the contents of my (newly pre-packed) overnight bag...

an unopened toothbrush
a tube of toothpaste
shampoo & conditioner
a comb & ponytail holders
an extra blow dryer
a make-up bag
sunscreen
a baseball cap
a camera
a pair of pajamas
underwear and socks

The next time I go away for the weekend, all I have to do is pack a few outfits, some shoes, and I'll be ready to go! Easy! Who knew a little procrastination could actually lead to better organization? ; )

We had a wonderful time at my nephew's baptism, and the day couldn't have turned out nicer.

What items would you include in your own (pre-packed) overnight bag?

Happy organizing, saving & packing,

Cathy

Photo courtesy of Vanessa Christenson

An Attitude of Gratitude

Today, I'm feeling grateful for this beautiful brick church across the street from our home in Michigan. Every afternoon, the church bells ring, and they are such a peaceful presence in our neighborhood.

Here is a lovely and inspiring quote written by Author Melodie Beattie...

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It runs what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

What are you feeling grateful for today?

Happy organizing, saving & feeling grateful,

Cathy

My "Real" To-Do List

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon in the park watching my hubby play a game of volleyball. Afterward, we all went out for some ice cream, and as I waited for my chocolate sundae, a colorful ceramic plaque behind the counter caught my eye. It read...

The “Real” To-Do List
Sing
Smile at strangers
Keep learning
Notice kindness
Eat ice cream
Hope
Count your blessings
Laugh
Love
Love some more

This plaque makes me happy. Maybe because it reminds me of all the little things in life that really matter. In just three short months the summer will be over, the weather will be turning cooler, and the trees will be changing to the colors of Autumn.

I want to savor every last drop of summertime this year. I want to eat ice cream, go for long bike rides, and enjoy all of life's little blessings. So here's my own "real" to-do list this summer...

Go swimming
Pick a flower
Lay in the grass and look up at the clouds
Dance
Cuddle with my pet rabbit
Spend quality time with my family
Count the stars in the sky
Run my toes through the sand at the beach
Catch a firefly
Try something new
Read a book that I've always been curious about

What are some of the "real" things on your own to-do list this summer?

Happy organizing, saving & eating ice cream,


Cathy

Photo courtesy of pet shed.

Organizing is like Dancing

This beautiful young lady is my niece, Jianna. Last weekend, I helped her get ready for her end of the year dance recital. Jianna did a wonderful job and had lots of fun dancing with her friends!

She was so happy! And her Auntie Cathy is so proud of her!

If you like to dance just as much as Jianna and I do, you’ve probably heard of the term “muscle memory.” This is when our muscles remember movements even after our brains forget them (and why I can remember so many of the dances that I learned when I was Jianna's age...and all of the songs that go with them!) The more I practiced, the better I knew the steps, and so my muscles "remembered" the dances.

We all use our muscle memory for various daily living activities. While brushing our teeth, walking down the street, or driving a car, we are using our muscle memories. This is because when we do something repeatedly, pretty soon it becomes a natural reflex.

The same principal holds true for organizing. The more times we repeat a motion, the more likely we are to remember it. So lets pretend that every time I come home, I put my keys exactly where they belong (in the little yellow basket next to the back door.) If I do this on a regular basis, pretty soon I’m forming a new habit (or muscle memory) and the motion will become a part of my daily routine. But best of all, my keys will always be there, exactly where I hoped they would be.

Just like learning new dancing steps, we can practice new organizing steps, too. Is there one item in particular that you are consistently prone to losing? Like keys, a wallet or a cell phone? If so, exercise your memory muscles! Practice putting that one item away in the same location every single day. By doing this, you will be engaged in the process of creating a brand new daily habit. Eventually it will become second nature to you. And then guess what??? No more lost keys! Now that's really something to dance about! : )

Happy organizing, saving & dancing!

Cathy

Three Generations of Handwritten Recipes

Is there such a thing as organized handwriting? If so, my mom has it! Her handwriting is so pretty that it should be turned into a computer font. The interesting thing is, my own handwriting is very similar to my mom’s handwriting. Is it because I have the shape of her hands? Or is it because I've always wanted to have handwriting just as beautiful as hers? Maybe its a little bit of both. :)

Here is a recipe written by me. My handwriting resembles my mom’s, but the strokes are larger and a little bit rounder. I've always loved my mom’s handwriting...and I think that I have nice handwriting, too.

Below is a recipe written by my Grandma. The three of us have similar handwriting styles that all slant gently to the right. I feel so blessed to have my Grandma's recipes...like this one for apple jelly.

I recently got to wondering how my mom has been able to perfect her handwriting over the years. After thinking about this for a while, I realized that she always takes her time when she writes. Even when she makes her to-do lists, she always writes very slowly and intentionally. Each and every time she writes its as if she’s practicing the art of calligraphy.

Calligraphy seems to be such a lost art these days, and having nice handwriting comes in very "hand-y." From writing thank you notes and birthday cards, to labeling presents and pictures in a scrapbook - it seems like there is always a good reason for having pretty handwriting and for jotting something down.

We all have the potential to have nice handwriting. Ask yourself what you would like you’re handwriting to look like. Is there someone who has handwriting that you admire? Maybe you could check out a calligraphy book from the local library, or print out a computer font that you like. The key is to practice and take your time...even when writing checks and making to-do lists. Be patient and kind to yourself while you are practicing. And remember mistakes can always be erased.

There is a Japanese term called “kira-kira” that translates into “something that glitters." To me, my mom’s handwriting is kira-kira. And so are her hands. They are very graceful and her fingers are long and elegant. But what I love even more than the way they look, is all the good they have done throughout the years.

It would be fun for someone to analyze my handwriting someday. Is anybody a handwriting expert out there? :)

Happy organizing, saving, & writing by hand,

Cathy

Reusing Leftover Flower Vases

My childhood friend, Julie, recently wrote to me with this question...

"Have you considered doing a segment on leftover flower vases? I mention this because I recently had a birthday and received a lovely vase of sunflowers (my favorite). Like most people, I have a whole bunch of flower vases stored away. What I'd really like are some ideas on what to do with them besides making flower arrangements."

I hope you had a wonderful birthday, Julie! I'd be delighted to share some of my organizing ideas for re-using leftover flower vases in your home. But first...

Making her appearance for the very first time, I'd like to introduce you to my adorable dog Sydney! She's a border collie/husky mix, and she's going to be my model for today. She was such a sweet little thing and sat so still while I took her picture. What a good girl!

Now, back to the flower vases! I used this leftover glass flower vase to plant an herb garden on my windowsill. I added little rocks to the bottom so the roots will have enough drainage to grow.

This particular variety of basil has purple flowers that I think are just beautiful. I'm going to be planting some rosemary, parsley, oregano, and cilantro, too.

Here are some more ideas for reusing leftover flower vases...
make-up brushes in the bathroom
extra toothbrushes in the bathroom
plastic combs in the bathroom
hair accessories in the closet
spare change in the closet
pens and pencils on desk
scissors in the arts & crafts room
paint brushes in the arts & crafts room
puppy treats in the pantry
people snacks in the pantry
scrub brushes under the kitchen sink
vitamins on the kitchen table
wooden spoons on the kitchen counter
yarn and knitting/crochet needles on a nightstand
lemons and limes as a centerpiece
breadsticks on the dinner table
sipping straws at a party
garden gloves in the garage
box tops in the garage
decks of cards in the game area

This is Sydney visiting with Sadie, our next door neighbor's dog. Isn't it amazing how they look so much alike and their names are so similar, too? Sydney and Sadie are best friends and have lots of fun getting together for play dates.

Playing is lots of hard work!

I think I need a rest.

Ready for playtime again!

Well, I'm off to go play ball with Sydney now! She loves to play as long as I chase her, and she won't retrieve unless I bring her puppy treats. (Is she a little spoiled, or what???;)) I hope you like these ideas for flower vases and until next time, happy organizing & saving!

Cathy : )

Everything & the Kitchen Sink

Good morning, everybody! I hope you are having a wonderful day! Today I’d like to share with you a few quick and easy kitchen organizing tips. Each of these will help you save time, and be more efficient all around the kitchen!

#1 - Laminate place mats on the dinner table means no more washing and drying the fabric kind. Not only are laminates lower maintenance, but they keep their color and last much longer, too. Just wipe up spills with a wet dish cloth, and you are ready to set the table!

#2 - Store eggs inside a berry bowl. Berry bowls are an "egg-cellent" way to store eggs within easy reach. Donate leftover cardboard containers to egg merchants at the local Farmer's Market.

#3 - Keep a stack of folded plastic trash bags inside the bottom of the kitchen garbage can. Every time the trash is taken out, a new bag will be ready and waiting!

#4 - Remove the utensil caddy from the dishwasher and place it inside the kitchen sink. This makes loading the dishwasher faster, and saves time when unloading it, too. Rinse and sort the silverware into the caddy and place it back inside the dishwasher when full.

Do you have any favorite tips that help you save time around the kitchen, too? If so, I'd love to hear them!

Happy organizing & saving time in the kitchen!

Cathy : )

Organizing Family Photos

Boxes and bins and baskets, oh my! This is how I felt recently with over 1500 photos to organize. My goal was to go completely digital by scanning and backing them up on CDs. I finally accomplished this major project, and boy-oh-boy, does it feel good to be finished! If organizing photos is on your to-do list too, here are a few of my simple suggestions to help you get started and moving in the right direction...

Its a good idea to set aside time each day to work on sorting your photos. Even if your schedule is wide open, I’d still recommend just 30 minutes a day. It feels good to take your time. Look closely at each photo, and really enjoy them.

Group like-sized photos together. Some of my photos were 3x5, and others were 5x8. I separated them into two different stacks, and first scanned one pile, and then the other. A small number of photos were different sizes (like wallet or portrait photos) and I put these into their own piles, too. Each pile got it's own paper bag that I labeled by size to make the scanning process easier.

If possible, opt for a multi-photo scanner. This made scanning so much faster because I could feed in up to 20 photos at a time. Check with your local photo center to inquire if they have a multi-photo scanner. A flat bed scanner will work just fine, too.

Organize photos on the computer. Once I scanned my photos and uploaded them, I labeled them on my desktop by date, event and year. This way, I'll always be able to find them, right when I really want to use them.

Burn photos to CD for back-up. After I saved my photos on my desktop, I burned them to CDs, and made extras copies for back-up.

Choose a safe place to store back-up CD's. Store backup CDs inside a fireproof save or in a safety deposit box at the bank. They can also be saved and stored online at photo sharing websites such as Flickr.

Organize and store the original photographs. After I finished backing-up my photos, I separated, labeled and alphabetized the originals by the people and events in the photo. (For example: James' birthday, our Hawaiian vacation, John and Lora's Wedding, etc.) I keep them inside several pretty photo boxes which I store on a shelf in my office.

This was a very special journey for me as I took a walk down memory lane. I laughed, I cried, and I felt joy and gratitude for all the precious memories that my photos brought back to me. I hope these tips that I have learned will help you along your photo organizing journey, too!

Happy organizing, saving & picture taking,

Cathy

Happy Mother's Day!

This adorable little girl is Elia, the daughter of our dear friends, Sandy and Shawn. Elia has been taking ballet lessons for the very first time this year. What a beautiful little ballerina!

I'm sending out a very special Mother's Day congratulations to Sandy and Shawn today...for the adoption of their newborn baby boy!! James and I are so very happy for you!!

And to you, mom, happy, happy, happy Mother's day! You are the kindest, sweetest, most loving and caring woman a girl could ever ask for in a mom. And I'm so proud to be your daughter. I love you!

Cathy
xxxooo

Eye Candy Monday

Today I want to bring you some fun organizing pictures to brighten your day! These photos are from Do You Mind if I Knit, my new favorite blog in the whole wide world. If you've got time, do stop by to see Vanessa Cabban's charming and fun blog. I just LOVE how colorful her photos are. Enjoy!

Button, button, who's got the button?

I like buttons. Can you tell? ; )

This wire basket is so pretty! Vanessa made this adorable tag.

It reads, "A basket to fill with lovely bits 'n' bobs. I painted it for you myself."

Luggage tags that are simply enchanting. Who wouldn't want these adorning their luggage?

These little gift tags are so much fun!

Here they are on Vanessa's presents.

Such a cheerful shade of yellow! The pink polka-dots are a pretty touch, too.

Hello, little flower! : )

The cutest little bag of yarn.

A gigantic vase of yarn!

What a sweet little puppy. She looks comfy on her pillow. : )

Crochet circles inside a basket. And pretty yellow daffodils, too.

Lots and lots and lots of crochet circles. I wonder what Vanessa is going to be making?

This lovely scarf! I'll bet it keeps her toasty and warm.

Flowers and knitting...simple and elegant.

A pretty tray filled with flowers to be planted.

I can imagine Vanessa enjoys these roses while she paints the illustrations for her latest children's book.

Isn't it sweet how she keeps her paint brushes inside this tiny, white porcelain vase?

Yellow daffodils and pink gingham...a very pretty combination.

Wouldn't you just love to sit down here and read this book and sip cappuccino?

I hope that all these photos by Vanessa Cabban have brightened your day and made it more beautiful! Have a lovely Monday!

Cathy