Last Minute Presents

Author: Fiona Muller

Christmas always brings with it the decision of what to buy for people that you know and love. Many people deal with this by getting a job lot of gift vouchers but I tend to think that is rather unimaginative and dull. This year why not find something a bit different for your friends that they will be able to use and enjoy and also that gives them that extra bit of sparkle which is always important at this time of year.

In this article I will concentrate on some ideas for gifts for the women in your life. This year in the shops there are some really splendid accessories that as well as being great to finish off a look also make great Christmas presents.

There are beaded purses which are colourful and exotic – not only do they make a great addition to that special outfit but with their shimmering colours they are reminiscent of an Aladdin’s cave of jewels. Some are even like peacock fathers, the designs so opulent and reminiscent of Art Nouveau that they are something any self respecting woman wants to possess. They make a brilliant present for ladies of any age but especially for younger women who need a small purse to take out with them and appreciate something a little special.

In fact there are a range of different purses to choose from this year. There are embroidered bags that are amazing too. Used when you are wearing a plain outfit they will really get you noticed.

Another great gift for a female relative regardless if age is jewellery. Look through some of the high street clothes and accessory shops and you will find a whole host of different items to suit a range of people and a range of pockets. Chunky bangles with ribbons, are good for any age as are ethnic strands of beads which can dress up or down an outfit. There are also a fair few Murano glass pieces at the moment, those with their foil inserts give any outfit a touch of class.

Something that is also in the shops and is that little bit more special are beaded slippers – these are great with any outfit – making a bit of a statement but also providing comfortable yet glamorous footwear. Ideal for slipping into your bag to change into when you are going to a house party they negate the embarrassment of having to walk around in stockings or wearing muddy shoes.

And if all is lost and you really can’t find anything else a scarf is always a welcome present. By scarf I don’t necessarily mean woollen scarf – there are such a wide range of silk, embroidered and devore numbers that can be as glamorous or as basic as you like.

So there is no excuse for giving vouchers or money as gifts – get out into your local shops and start using your imagination.

About the author:
Fiona Muller is a trained textile designer and has written a textile thesaurus. She is interested in fashion and how it can work for anyone regardless of age, size or race. For a great range of gifts go to www.east.co.uk/c/Gift
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All About Christmas Cards--7 Organizing Tips

Author: Marilyn Bohn

Last week at my rug hooking group we were chatting about Organizing ideas for Christmas and about our favorite memories and organizing ideas surrounding Christmas cards.

One woman said she likes to write a little family history even though she knows no one likes getting them. I take exception to that. I hear that too, but absolutely everyone I know loves being caught up to date with their friends. And we all agreed we love to get cards.

One of the cleverest cards I have received told something about each family member and tied the story in with that person's favorite recipe. It was fun to learn about different family members in such a fun and clever way. And then when I tried the recipe it brought memories of them again.

Another non-tradition Christmas card is photos copied onto paper showing activities of the family throughout the year with captions telling of the experience related to the photo.

The traditional cards are precious too. I still decorate one door frame in our home with the ones we receive. The one year I decided not to put them up my family asked if we didn't get any cards that year.

Photo greeting cards with a photo of the family or the kids and the dog are fun to get and an easy way to send cards.

Here are some organizing tips to help reduce the stress of sending out Christmas cards:

1. Have all of your addresses in one place, either in an address book or on the computer. If you haven't heard from someone in two years, take them off your list.

2. Make a list of people you want to send cards to. Keep this list on the computer or print it off. You then have a template and only have to make a few corrections next year instead of starting from scratch.

3. If you didn't buy Christmas cards last year when they went on sale no worries, many stores run pre-Christmas sales before Thanksgiving on cards.

4. Schedule a time to write your Christmas letter or card. To reduce pressure and stress do this before December.

5. Have a target date when you will send out your cards. Mark this in your planner or on your calendar.

6. Delegate the addressing of the envelopes to a family member.
This could be a job you pay a child to do; one who is capable of doing this and wants to earn money for Christmas spending.

7. Buy your Christmas stamps early, definitely before Thanksgiving to avoid the rush at the post office. I buy my stamps on line at usps.com. It costs $1.00 for postage no matter how many items I order and I have them in 2 to 3 days delivered to my door.

Christmas cards are fun to receive, so to continue to receive them from friends and family, make sure you put your return address on all of the envelopes. When you receive cards check their return address and if you need to update your list tear it off the envelope and have one specific place you put the new address. In January when things are less hectic make changes in your address book.

Marilyn is a professional organizer who works with women and seniors in clearing clutter and providing organizing tips.
Clearing clutter helps those she works with to have less stress in their lives and feel more joy in living.

Marilyn invites you to visit her website http://www.marilynbohn.com where you can find organizing solutions. You will find fun stories and free organizing tips in her blogs, articles and videos.

About the author:
Marilyn is a professional organizer who works with women and seniors in clearing clutter and providing organizing tips.
Clearing clutter helps those she works with to have less stress in their lives and feel more joy in living. Marilyn invites you to visit her website http://www.marilynbohn.com where you can find organizing solutions. You will find fun stories and free organizing tips in her blogs, articles and videos.

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