Frugal Feasts: Save Money on Holiday Meals

Save money on holiday food
   November 11, 2021 by Cynthia Ewer

"Frugal" holiday meals? Something of a conundrum, isn't it? The very nature of holiday meals is to express the value of abundance. Finances, on the other hand, have definite limits--and never so much as during the holiday season.

Take heart! It's possible to serve bountiful--yet frugal--holiday meals with a bit of care and forethought. Consider these tips to plan holiday menus without breaking the bank:    Read More >>

We are Thankful: Thanksgiving Blessings Mix Recipe

   November 5, 2021 by Cynthia Ewer
Blessings Mix Gift Tag

Set a pretty holiday table, or share with friends with these small Thanksgiving favors!

Easy to make and fun to eat, Thankgiving Blessing Mix is a simple snack mix favor to remind us of our nation's blessings. Get the how-tos with our Blessings Mix Tutorial.

Bagged in favor-sized gift bags and decorated with a harvest poem, Thanksgiving Blessings Mix brings a festive touch to your Thanksgiving table.    Read More >>

Halloween Treat: Make A Haunted Gingerbread House

   October 13, 2021 by Cynthia Ewer
Halloween Gingerbread House Recipe

Gingerbread houses aren't just for Christmas anymore! Use our easy-build methods to create a Halloween Gingerbread House to brighten your autumn home or workplace.

Using melted bark coating or candy melts makes this craft simple enough for kids.

A black cat peeps from piles of pumpkins. Orange and black gumdrops light the path on Halloween night. Spiders creep and bats flap.

Don't miss our friendly ghosts!    Read More >>

Under Construction ... to Get Ready for Christmas

Working on the site
   August 11, 2021 by Cynthia Ewer

Just an alert: behind the scenes, the Internet Elves are upgrading our Web site and preparing for the upcoming holiday season.

Check back in a few days, as we prepare for an organized Christmas together.

--Cynthia

Cupid Poop: Valentines Day Gag Gift

   February 6, 2020 by Cynthia Ewer
Cupid Poop Poem

Valentine tricksters, take note ... it's Cupid Poop! Surprise your Valentine with this easy gag gift.

Making Cupid Poop is as easy as placing a handful of candy hearts, seasonal marshmallows, or red jelly beans in a small zipper food storage bag.

Seal and label with a free printable Cupid Poop gift tag or bag topper, or handwrite a tag using the poem below.    Read More >>

Seasonal Storage Tip: Holiday Stragglers Box

Holiday Stragglers Box
   December 29, 2019 by Cynthia Ewer

Christmas has come and gone ... or has it?

Lights are stored, the tree is down, and holiday decor rests in boxes in the storage area, waiting for next year.

Then you turn the corner and spot an overlooked Santa, shining on top of the piano.

In the refrigerator, the holiday butter dish hides the last remnants of a stick of butter. Holiday linens, napkins and kitchen towels pop up in the laundry area this week, next week and the week after.    Read More >>

Post-Holiday Debriefing: Get Organized for Next Christmas

   December 26, 2019 by Cynthia Ewer

It's over for another year!

Wild and woolly or sane and sedate, we've passed through the holiday season and into a new year. Breath caught, it's time to debrief.

You know debriefing, right? The astronauts do it, spies do it, pilots do it: a measured after-the fact evaluation of the mission or flight.

Smart holiday planners should do it, too--because taking time now to note what worked, what didn't will be a road map to a more organized Christmas next year.    Read More >>

Organized Christmas? Easy Tips to Get Ready For Next Year

   December 23, 2019 by Cynthia Ewer

Christmas is here ... but you're not ready? The e-mails in my inbox tell the story: "I wish I'd found this site earlier!"

During this time of year, I hear from scores of readers who came looking for holiday help at the height of the celebration-and faced with the reality of Christmas chaos.

Stumbling over our site, they see that it's possible to be organized--and joyous--during the holidays. They just wish they'd found us in time!

So say you're starting now, to think about next year. What's the secret to a stress-free season? Plan ahead!    Read More >>

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