How many Days

White Rabbit Syndrome


How many days until the Holidays never mind just Christmas but the days until Thanksgiving. It is never enough! I don't care that I have had 365 days to prepare the fact is it always comes too soon! To top it all off with the state of the economy then anything that cost you money always comes too soon. I don't mean to sound like a Scrooge it is just that common thing that we all do.....put things off. But in my mind I have been preparing thinking of things that I could do for others to make their holidays special. So this past week I have been making way to the busiest time of the season and preparing my home so that I will have a smooth transition.

Getting Cleaned Up

You know as I have mentioned this time of year brings stress to everyone. Commitments to family and to yourself well you can end up just beating yourself for not being this way or that. So I have found that when your home is in order (clean, tidy, and pantry stocked) then other things can be enjoyed, like shopping or visits to friends and family cooking that favorite dish etc.
The first thing I undertook was the cleaning of my china and silver and stem ware. Nothing says holiday (and by this I mean all major holidays from Chanukkah to Easter) like a sparkle and a shine. You just feel good and the festiveness shows through when things radiate. You are never caught off guard when someone "drops" by for a visit. Now I love my things on display year out (no not Christmas decor I may be southern but there are limits) My china is displayed on shelves. So I HAVE to keep it clean it is part of the wall art! So down it comes and soon it is back up and displayed. I have threw on a wonderful tablecloth to get me in the mood for the holidays.

Silver and Gold

Here in this image you can see that I have displayed my sterling silver in an old wine box. Now you don't have to have silver to display it like this you everyday ware would be just as nice and it is easy for your company and family to grab and go.
In fact all around my home I tuck little bits of sterling. Photo frames or jams and jells bowels. It adds a sparkle and a glimmer for any occasions. So why keep grandmothers silver under lock and key get it out and enjoy it everyday. Use it that is what it was created for. Make your tea time a special occasion and celebrate all times of the year.
Even if you don't own silver ware you can always visit your nearest thrift or estate sale and find some reasonably priced.
I never use a liquid dip for my silver I use wrights silver polish for a long lasting shine.

Grocery Tips

The next thing that I did was to use a grocery app to start to get my goodies for the pantry. Those items are so important because the last thing you want to do is to have to drop everything and run to the store to pick up your baking items. Now there are two that I have on my iPhone one is "Grocery G" and the other is "Groceries" now these are both very good apps. The "Grocery G" allows for your own photos or images for your products and price now I don't know about you but anytime I have been in the position of having to send my "Benevolent Dictator" (husband) there is always something that gets purchased that was not the tried and true brand that I wanted. So this allows for that image to be a reminder to anyone as to what they are looking for. You can also share both Apps list with those who are out and about when you are at home and you want them to bring home somethings from the store. The other one is just great for that everyday list and in fact I use that one quite a lot. Although it does not allow for images or price it is just great to operate out of. These apps also help in planing! In fact if you look at the apps on this picture you will also note that there is a app. from the web site All Recipes! Oh man what a great meal planner in fact the app. has what they call a meal spinner where you can pick different dishes on your app. and the app. will then pair them with different ideas for your next meal. On their main web site you can choose from hundreds of thousands of recipes for your every day dilemmas to you next big bash. Just fantastic ideas.
Until next time