For the last 3 months, I have not been my usual, completely organized self. I found out in January that I was pregnant with baby #4! YIKES! While we were surprised and a little overwhelmed, we were still thrilled with the news. But as the days of nausea and pure exhaustion settled in, I found myself losing grip on the state of affairs around me! I never thought it was possible! But I am happy to report that I am back on my game; that I am finally feeling normal again and after a fair bit of effort, I am happily organized again. Whew!

I can’t wait to dive back in and help you all with your organizational challenges with great podcasts, tips and finds. We will be starting a new post starting next week that will come every Friday called Fun Fridays that will just be dealing with all the FUN aspects of organizing! (Who knew that it could be so enjoyable?!?!) But we wanted to be able to talk about planning parties, planning forspecial events (Christmas, Easter, Halloween) and making all occasions have that extra little effort that make them all the more wonderful.

I am also really looking forward to feedback from everyone talking about the fun traditions and things that you do as a family to make your events special. Can’t wait!! - Maja

Maja shares her ideas and hints for putting away and storing Christmas decor. She also helps you to organize her holiday decorations so that it’s much easier to find what you need next year!

Step #1: Get Bins to store your precious ornaments and holiday things in (sterilite containers at Walmart etc.)
Step #2: Get your Labels ready, mark down contents of every single bin (Maja uses 3×5″ inch cards and a black marker)
Step #3: Use the Mantra (top to bottom, left to right, focus, focus, focus)
Step #4: Tape gun at the ready
Optional Step #5: Create a Binder or Master list with the contents of each bin for easy reference, don’t forget to number the bins if you choose this method.

Listener Poll: “When do you think is the best time to take down your Christmas decorations?”. Please leave your comments in our shownotes.

If you’re feeling holiday overwhelm, or you’re having trouble doing the Christmas balancing act…this show is for you!
It’s crunch time, and also time to do the “slash and burn” dance and figure out exactly what is most important, while pushing aside things that will cause you too much stress, or that you just don’t have time for.This episode will help you to schedule in the events and memories with family and friends ahead of time. We’re going to be booking activities now, to ease your hectic schedule next week. Maja also talks about the pursuit of “perfection” vs. “happiness”. Do you have BIG Expectations and holiday stress? Maja encourages you to be happy and to “let go of what you have to” to actually enjoy the special moments. Pat yourselves on the back for all you have accomplished so far, take a deep breath and enjoy the Holiday. Merry Christmas!

**Congratulations to our first Giveaway winner “Katie”. You have won a copy of Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld. Thanks so much everyone for participating, we have many more giveaways to come in the New Year.

Today’s tip focuses more on Christmas planning.  There are only a couple weeks left, and Today is the day you revisit your notebook and see how your list is going.

Check list:
Have you figured out what you are buying for people?
Have you finished your sewing projects?
Have you planned your meals with a calendar?
What about your Christmas baking - is it almost done?

Now is the time to regroup and refocus and get back into gear!You will want to be going back to your list a few times over the coming weeks to make sure you are still on target, and make any necessary adjustments. Can you still accomplish all that you want and still be sane?  If not, make some cuts.  It is far more important that you are happy for your sake and your family’s - everyone will enjoy the holidays SO much more than if you are a stress case with everything done and perfect. It’s not about Perfection, it’s about happiness.

Oh, I am so glad my husband’s exams are over and I have access to my office again! Sorry about the temporary hiatus for new info on organizing, but I am back, ready to give you some great tips! I found the greatest gift wrap tool when I was last at Costco. It is a Scotch paper cutter and it is the slickest thing when it comes to slicing through gift wrap (or any other paper). It came in a package of 3 and I now have them stashed all around my house. There is one with my scissors in the kitchen, one in my office, and another at my kids “colour & craft corner” (out of reach of course). I love this it! There is a guide at the tip that makes cutting in a line no problem and is infinitely faster than a pair of dull scissors. I seriously love this thing and highly recommend it for your Christmas wrapping blitz’s! Happy wrapping!
Check it out here>

**P.S. - There is only 12 more hours to sign up for the newsletter and be entered in our draw for “Deceptively Delicious” cookbook by Jessica Seinfeld. (don’t worry - we would NEVER share your e-mail address with anyone, and you will always be the first on your way to being savvy!)