Organized Christmas? Easy Tips to Get Ready For Next Year

Submitted by Cynthia Ewer on

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!

Submitted by Cynthia Ewer on

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

Submitted by Cynthia Ewer on
Make a puzzle mat

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

Submitted by Cynthia Ewer on
Winter Warmer Jiffy Pop Popcorn Topper

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

Submitted by Cynthia Ewer on
Journal in a a Jar

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

Submitted by Cynthia Ewer on
Child's Journal in a Jar

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

Submitted by Cynthia Ewer on
Graham Cracker Gingerbread House

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 >>

Reindeer Poop: A Silly Stocking Stuffer To Make

Submitted by Cynthia Ewer on
Reindeer Poop Gift Tag

Santa knows if you've been naughty or nice, so what does he leave for naughty little girls and boys? Reindeer Poop!

A silly stocking stuffer (of dubious taste!), Reindeer Poop is easy to make with this simple recipe, Reindeer Poop poem, and free printable Reindeer Poop gift tags.

Mix up a batch today to get a seasonal giggle from coworkers or family members.    Read More >>

Welcome Home ... for the Holidays!

Submitted by Cynthia Ewer on
Create a welcoming home for the holidays

The approach of the holidays! There's nothing quite like it to turn our hearts toward home.

Literally. As the holiday nears, are you suffering from "Housing Dissatisfaction Disorder?" It's a little-known seasonal indicator of the coming of winter--and it afflicts many of us as we plan Christmas celebrations.

Look around. What do you see? Dirty carpets. Furniture that's seen better days. Mismatched china, cluttered kitchens, drab and bedraggled window coverings.    Read More >>

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