Goodbye Organized Home

   December 14, 2019 by Cynthia Ewer

Today, I'm announcing my retirement and the closing of web site OrganizedHome.com.

For the past 21 years, it's been my privilege host a cozy corner on the Internet, devoted to better home organization and management.

Not that this was planned! When I sat down in January, 1998 to write a little personal home page, I couldn't spell HTML. I had no idea that within 9 months, that site would win the USA Hotsite Award--or that I'd have to learn how to run a high-traffic Web site from the ground up.

As the century dawned, this little hobby site brought amazing opportunities in its wake. In the coming years, I'd appear on national television, publish a couple of books, and launch other Web venues like sister holiday planning site Organized Christmas.

While I tried not to let it show, this enterprise has been a one-woman operation; I write the content, develop the Web site front end, and serve as systems administrator to publish the site to the Internet.

After 21 years, it's time to retire from Web publishing and move to a new phase of life. To that end, I'm bringing OrganizedHome.com to a quiet and happy end.  I have loved every minute--and each one of you--along an amazing journey.

[What's next for Cynthia?  I'll pop up from time to time at Tidier Than Thou, a new blog.]

My readers and friends, I wish you all the best ... and may you get organized!

Cynthia Ewer

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 >>

Keeping New Year's Resolutions: New Year, New You!

   December 21, 2019 by Cynthia Ewer

New Year's Eve ... a festive beginning to a new year. It's a good time to take stock and decide to move toward a happier, more organized life.

But too often, what looks so easy as the minute hand approaches midnight falls away in the cold light of January days.

For most of us, New Year's resolutions die a slow and quiet death. They're tossed aside, along with the party hats and noisemakers.

As January winds down, so does motivation, energy and desire for change.    Read More >>

Puzzler Puzzle Mat: Make-It-Now Gift

Make a puzzle mat
   December 16, 2019 by Cynthia Ewer

Every parent knows the story: jigsaw puzzles are fun to work, but tough to work around. What's the solution to tying up table tops or floor space with a puzzle in progress?

Its a Puzzler! This one-seam easy-sew puzzle mat allows puzzles to be worked at will, then rolled up and stowed away between play sessions. It's crafted from a short length of craft felt and a recycled gift wrap roller.

Make them in multiples for the holidays. The Puzzler puzzle mat is perfect for teacher gifts. Paired with a new jigsaw puzzle, the Puzzler Puzzle Mat makes a special family gift.    Read More >>

Chill Chaser: Make A Winter Warmer Jiffy Pop® Popcorn Topper

Winter Warmer Jiffy Pop Popcorn Topper
   December 12, 2019 by Cynthia Ewer

It's a cheery gift for a dreary day: a Winter Warmer Jiffy Pop® Popcorn Topper!

Add our free printable template to a package of Jiffy Pop® brand pop-in-pan popcorn for an inexpensive "popcorn topper" craft gift.

Paired with Snowman Soup, you'll bring warmth and fun to a wintry day!

How To Make Jiffy Pop® Popcorn Toppers

Printable Winter Warmer Popcorn Topper Template    Read More >>

Adult Journal in a Jar: Make-Ahead Gift to Print

Journal in a a Jar
   December 10, 2019 by Cynthia Ewer

Looking for an easy make-ahead holiday gift? It's a journal in a jar!

Jumpstart journal writers with a quart-sized canning jar filled with folded strips of paper. Each one contains a single thought provoking journal prompt. Paired with a pretty blank book, a Journal Jar makes a great gift.

We've made it easy to craft your Journal Jar. Free printable journal prompts have colorful legends and graphics to make a pretty gift. Add a free printable gift tag for a professional touch.    Read More >>

Child's Journal in a Jar: Printable Journaling Prompts

Child's Journal in a Jar
   December 9, 2019 by Cynthia Ewer

Spark young writers with a clever non-food gift in a jar: a Child's Journal in a Jar!

This set of colorful journaling prompts asks simple, kid-friendly questions. Cut, folded and tucked into a mason jar, you'll create a Journal in a Jar to turn journaling sessions into fun!

We've made it easy to craft your Child's Journal Jar. These free printable prompts include colorful legends and graphics to make a pretty gift.

Add a free printable gift tag to your Journal in a Jar for a professional touch. Perfect for teacher gifts, stocking stuffers or Secret Santa!    Read More >>

Tiny Christmas Craft: Graham Cracker Gingerbread House

Graham Cracker Gingerbread House
   December 8, 2019 by Cynthia Ewer

Simple, no-bake Graham Cracker Mini-Houses are a sweet holiday treat. Use them as place cards for holiday meals, or hang them as ornaments on the Christmas tree.

Decorations are applied while pieces are flat, then pieces are assembled with melted bark coating in a plastic squeeze bottle.

While an adult should trim the graham cracker sections, decorating and assembling is easy enough for kids.

Makes 10 - 20 houses, depending on breakage and number of crackers.    Read More >>

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