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3 Mistakes Couples Make When Planning Their Wedding

Feb 22nd, 2012 by

In my previous blog post, I talked about 5 Tips on Saying “YES” to the Dress.  But your special day isn’t just about the dress.  Wedding planning can be a daunting task. By paying attention to the details you can avoid the many pitfalls that engaged couples find themselves in. Here are 3 common mistakes couples make when planning their wedding.

1. Not enough time

Giving yourself plenty of time for your wedding preparation is important to ensure your wedding goes as flawlessly as possible. If you are having a large wedding, you need to plan at least 12-18 months ahead of time. Why? Venues that can accommodate large numbers, get booked up 1-2 years in advance. If you choose to have a small wedding, 6-8 months is sufficient. When you allow sufficient time to plan, you can usually find the venue you want, the perfect wedding dress, and give your bridal party the time they need to save money for their attire for the day.

When it comes to planning, remember to discuss the details together as a couple, so one doesn’t feel left out.

2. Bridal Party

When choosing your bridal party, be aware that not everyone can afford to be in a wedding. Items like the dress or suit, shoes, accessories, etc., can be costly.  It is important to be mindful of that when you ask.  You will also want to choose those who will be reliable.  There is no rule about who you have to ask to be in your wedding. However, it is an honour and a duty that should be taken seriously. Once you have chosen your bridal party, remember to ask them for help. Create little “To Do” lists for them; that is why they are in your wedding, to HELP! If you think you can do it all yourself, you are going to be stressed out and you won’t enjoy your wedding day.

3. Ceremony & Reception Venue

When booking your ceremony and reception venue, take time and location into consideration. Consider a venue that is within 20-25 minutes of the ceremony. Having your guests (especially if they are from out of town), driving all over the place can be frustrating.  Try to book your reception within 2 hours of the ceremony.  If they are too far apart, some guests tend not to come to the ceremony and only show up for the reception. If you have waited for this day your whole life, you will probably want everyone to see you walk down the aisle. I know it’s not always possible to get it close together, but consider it as a priority. I have known couples that have changed the date of their wedding, just so they can accommodate having them close together.  One more thing to consider is the season you choose; weather can be a factor as well.

If you are not an organized person or have no idea how to start planning your wedding, then consider hiring a wedding planner. You can hire someone just for a one or two hour consult to get you started, someone to work with you from start to finish or someone just for your wedding day. More information on reasons to hire a wedding planner can be found by clicking here.

I’d love your feedback. Feel free to share your stories with me. Also, consider taking advantage of the commentluv you get here on my blog by leaving a link back to your own blog when you leave a comment!

Until next time,

Kathy

 

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5 Tips on Saying “YES” to the Dress

Feb 7th, 2012 by

As a wedding/event planner, brides tell me that their wedding is the most important day of their lives. And, one of the most exciting steps of planning your dream wedding is choosing your dress.  Here are 5 tips on ensuring that you say “YES” to the right dress!

Tip # 1 – Prepare your budget

  • Who is paying for the dress? This is key.  If you are paying for your own dress you need to be realistic about setting a budget that you can afford. It’s tempting to go above that number but you need to consider potential alterations, shoes, accessories, veil, undergarments and for some dresses, a crinoline. You will be surprised how quickly the amount adds up.
  • If someone else is paying for it, then there are a number of other variables. They will likely want a say in the dress, they will want you to respect their opinion and they will want to come along. You have to respect their opinion, however, at the end of the day, you still have to love the dress.  Remember, it’s your day!

Tip #2 – Getting started

  • Before you decide on the dress you want, here are some things to think about:
    • The date of your wedding lets you know how much time you have to look.
    • The time of year you are getting married. If you are considering a summer wedding, then you probably don’t want to wear a long sleeve, heavy dress with a train. You want to be comfortable and enjoy your day.
  • Look through bridal magazines, attend bridal shows, look on-line and talk to your friends who can share their experiences.

Tip# 3 What’s your style?

  • Before you go shopping, think about one of the five wedding dress styles:
    • A-line,
    • Ball gown,
    • Mermaid,
    • Sheath (straight form-fitted, and
    • Empire (raised waist line, sits below the bust-line).

How do you envision yourself on your wedding day? Remember different dress styles suit different body shapes. Know your body and what looks good are you and what you are comfortable in.

  • What looks good on the model may not look the same on you. Everyone’s body type is different but remember,  we are all beautifully shaped in our own way!
  • Think about fabric, necklines, strapless, and long or short dresses. I am seeing a lot more summer brides choosing new length dresses. Depending on what style dress you choose, you have to find, shoes, veil/tiara, jewellery etc., that will compliment your dress.

 Tip #4 Visiting Bridal Shops/Boutiques/Outlets

  • Ask your friends what they recommend. Call bridal shops to ask what their prices ranges are and remember your budget.  If you have some specific dresses in mind and know which stores carry them, visit those locations.
  • Tell the sales consultant your budget.  Show him/her some of the pictures you found so they have an idea of what you are looking for.
  • When trying on dresses, think about comfort.  You will likely be wearing the dress for at least 14 hours so consider the weight of the fabric. Also keep in mind, you will be going up and down stairs, sitting, dancing, standing for periods of time and posing for pictures.
  • Bring a trusted friend, parent, sister or relative. Also bring appropriate undergarments, shoes or similar shoes to the height of what you plan on wearing. If the store permits, bring a camera or use your cell phone to take pictures of the dress.
  • Lastly, bring a notebook and take notes.  If you find a dress, write down:
    •  the style number,
    • designer,
    • size and measurements,
    • the date your dress will be ready, and,
    •  the amount you paid.

Be sure to read the contract (if there is one). With all the excitement going on, you don’t want to forget these important details.

Tip #5 Saving money on your dress

  • When you have done all your research on wedding dresses, remember, you can always find a dress within your budget. You just need to do your homework. Keep in perspective that you are only wearing this dress once, so stay on budget, I can’t stress this enough – so many brides get caught up in the moment and over spend.
  • Contact local bridal shops and boutiques and ask if they have samples sales – they’re usually held in the ‘off season’.
  • If you can’t afford the dream designer dress, find an excellent seamstress, take her/him  your picture and get a quote. No one has to know you didn’t buy it in a bridal salon.
  • You will pay much more to alter a dress that is more than 1 size up from where you are.
  • Get everything in writing, so there are no hidden costs.
  • There is always room to negotiate the stated price. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

Being smart and doing your homework on your wedding dress, will help create the atmosphere for your dream wedding. Many brides have told me they got caught up in the moment and some regret over spending…

So, did you do your homework?  Is this your dress? I’d love your feedback. Here on this blog, you’ll get commentluv. What a great way to leave a link back to your own blog too!

Until next time,

Kathy

 

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7 Ways to De-Clutter Your Home

Jan 17th, 2012 by

As an Organizer, I am often asked for help on de-cluttering people’s homes. The most common clutter that people face is the amount of paper, clothing and ‘kid stuff’ that comes in the door. I always suggest beginning with the area that causes you the most stress. Here are my 7 ways to tackle the job.

1. Incoming Paper

Designate a spot for all incoming paper, flyers, mail, receipts and school stuff. Paper often accounts for overwhelming clutter. Find an easy system that will work for you and your space. Try a colour file folder system or baskets or boxes labelled with the following:

  • bills to be paid,
  • receipts to be filed,
  • kid stuff/important stuff

Flyers and newspapers, once read, should be put in the recycle – do not stack them on the table or the chair!

2. Kitchen

De-clutter the kitchen area by clearing off the countertops. Only keep the necessary day-to-day items, like;

  • coffee makers,
  • toaster and
  • kitchen tools (which should be in a basket/container).

Everything else should be in an organized space in the cupboard.  Also, don’t clutter the top of the fridge with cook books and nick-knacks. Put them away. If you’re not using them, they should NOT be out.

3. Hallway Area

Hang your keys on a wall key rack. This way you are guaranteed never to lose your keys again. If you have a small table or unit in this space, have three small baskets on it:

  • One for cell phones, wallets and sunglasses
  • Second one for a purse/book and
  • Third one for small miscellaneous items ie; change for a delivery man, pen to sign, paper to write a quick note to leave for someone.

Your shoes/boots should be on a mat in closet and coats should be hung up in closet.

4. Living Room/Family Room

If this room is cluttered with books, toys, movies, magazines, games and photos, it’s time to de-clutter. If you have a book shelf, great! Get some decorative boxes/containers or small baskets (label them all) put books in one, magazines in another, movies etc. in yet another.  If you have toys, get some fun containers or baskets to put them in.

Chances are if you have the containers/baskets right there, your children will be more likely to put them away. Teach them that if they have to do it at school, it should be the same at home.  Also, you don’t need to go buy all kinds of containers. Be creative and use what you have at home. Consider decorating them with wrapping paper.

5. Home Office 

If you work from home or run your own business, this should be a simple, clean, organized space. You should have a bookcase or cabinet that you can keep files in or on, books can stand on the shelf (for easy access), your accreditations and photos should be hung on the walls.  Most home offices are small, so you need to utilize and de-clutter as much as possible. Your desk should only have your computer, phone and note pad. Pencils and accessories should be in the drawers and paper should be underneath the printer or on the bookshelf, in a basket. Having a de-cluttered and organized office is key to productivity and your success!

6. Bedroom

Your bedroom should be clutter free and a space of calm and relaxation! However, sometimes space is limited because we have so many clothes and other personal items in that space. Consider

  • Organizing your clothes closet by seasons, this helps keep everything in its place.
  • Shoes can be kept in the boxes they came in. This way you can label and stack them underneath your hanging cloths.
  • Purses can be placed on the top shelf.

For other items, use small decorative boxes to store them. Don’t forget to label them and again, put them up on the shelf above the clothes or store them underneath the hanging clothes. Clear your closet and drawers of things you no longer fit or wear!

7. Bathroom

De-clutter the counter-tops by only keeping three things on top;

  • Soap
  • A cup and
  • Your toothbrush.

The rest can go under the counter in baskets. Shaving kit, make-up bag, hairbrush/combs and toothpaste do not need to be on the counter. If you have a medicine cabinet, clear out everything you are not using or that is outdated.  I bet if you looked right now, you would find something!

Finally, here are a few things to remember when de-cluttering:

  • Start small – take baby steps and keep it simple
  • Create new habits – I know you can do it!
  • Finish what you start – start with 15 minutes a day and in no time, you will be clutter FREE
  • Teach children to put things away – set a good example for them
  • Remove things entirely from your space after deciding to part with it. Do not put it in the garage. Instead, put it right in the car – Great Job!
  • Stay positive – don’t get discouraged. This is a process. It takes time and you will get there as long as you stay focused and positive. NO NEGATIVE THINKING allowed.

Remember, de-cluttering is a constant process. You have to do it every day but just think how good you will feel when there is nothing left to DE-CLUTTER!  I am so proud of you for taking this first step, by reading these tips.

GOOD LUCK! Let me know how it goes! I love getting feedback. And, here on my blog, you’ll get commentluv. This is a wonderful opportunity to leave a link back to your own blog when you leave a comment.

Until next time,

Kathy

 

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5 Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner

Jan 3rd, 2012 by

Congratulations, you’re getting married!  For most of you, this will be the first time you are planning an event as important as this one. There are so many details to think about and weddings can be quite expensive and stressful.  Getting professional help will be one of the smartest decisions you make. Here are 5 great reasons to hire a Wedding Planner.

1.       Save You Time

Your time is valuable! Did you know that the average wedding takes well over 225 hours to plan? Wedding Planners know how much time is involved and what needs to be done from a year prior to the day of the wedding.  And, while the final decisions are always the bride and grooms, the Wedding Planner is responsible for all the leg work (which is what takes the most time).

2.       Save You Money

Yes! At the end of the day, a Wedding Planner can actually save you money. Many people assume hiring a Wedding Planner is an additional cost.  The fact is, Wedding Planners deal with vendors and suppliers all the time and are aware of all the hidden costs.  They are better equipped, experienced and in most cases, can negotiate a better deal for you because of the relationships they have developed.

Most Wedding Planners today have all types of packages that are affordable. There are all inclusive packages and then there a smaller packages for ‘just the day of’ wedding planning help. A good Wedding planner will not only do their best to create a package that works within your budget but will work with you to keep you on track.  This is the special day you have dreamed of your whole life, so you don’t want to start off in debt!

3.       Experience

There are a lot of wedding books out there to help you – however they can only help with ideas.  What they don’t give you, is real live experience that Planners can share from their own experience.  This is key.  There is no substitute for a professional Wedding Planner who has had the experience of organizing many weddings, has the necessary contacts and is committed to your vision. When hiring a planner, make sure they are certified, have done weddings in the past, have client testimonials and/or references you can check and are insured.

4.       Details

There are so many details involved in planning a wedding. A good Wedding Planner will keep you on track and on a monthly basis, guide you on what needs to be decided upon at that stage of the planning. It could be from announcing your new engagement, discussing a date, deciding on the church (or no church), choosing your reception venue – these are just a few key elements of the start of the planning process. Wedding Planners are also able to assist with the design, budget details, wedding etiquette, family issues and all other issues that may arise pertaining to the wedding. A wedding planner will also evaluate vendor contracts to ensure you are covered, before you go ahead and sign them.  And in all this planning, something unexpected always happens. The number one job of the Wedding Planner is to be prepared to handle the unexpected and deal with it without you having to knowing or get stressed out about it.

5.       Stress

How can you enjoy the most important day of your life if you are stressed from all the pre-planning and then trying to look after all the details on the day of your wedding?! Hiring a Certified, Professional Wedding Planner, who will look after all aspects of your wedding, including the day of, will allow you to enjoy this special day with each other and your guests.  Relax! Someone else is looking after everything and will be able to deal with the unexpected. Having the experience and support of an outside resource like a Wedding Planner, is your “peace of mind”.

The important thing to remember is that it is still 100% YOUR wedding.  Wedding Planners are there to ensure the wedding is a reflection of you – the bride and groom. It’s your special day, not anyone else’s. My job is to help your vision become a reality.

Let’s get planning!

I would love your feedback! Share your stories with me.  Here on this blog, you’ll get commentluv. This is a great opportunity to leave a link back to your own blog when you leave a comment.

Until next time,

Kathy

 

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5 ways to Get Organized for 2012

Dec 20th, 2011 by

We’ve just had another busy year and there is another holiday season upon us.  Let’s begin this New Year with a fresh start and aim for less stress so we can spend time on things that really matter. Here are 5 ways to get organized in 2012.

1. Downsize your stuff - As you start to put away your gifts from the holidays, make a commitment to yourself, that for every new item that you received, you get rid of two things. I call it the get one, give two rule! Now, before the rest of the family puts their new items away, get them to commit to putting a bag/box of old toys, clothes or books in a bag/box for charity. Once the bag/box is ready – call Canadian Diabetes 1-800-505-5525, mark it with the letter “D” and they will come pick it up, no charge.  “Get, Give, feel good”!

2.  Organize  & De-clutter  - This is your year to divide and conquer and get everything organized as we enter a new year. There is no time like now to do it! Start with simple things; like all your Christmas stuff.  Pack it up in either a plastic container (worth the investment) or in good sturdy boxes, that are stackable. Make sure you label in black marker, all four sides and top of the containers or boxes, so you can see it when stored in the basement or garage.

Tip – When you mark the boxes, put what’s in them – kids stockings, wreath, lights etc… For the items you didn’t even put out this year (whether its new or not), get rid of it.

3. Simplify your life  – It often  feels like we’re constantly running in the fast lane. Breakfasts are a free-for-all, with everyone rushing most mornings, dinners are even crazier and homework goes on way past bed times. Many of us didn’t grow up like this and life was so much simpler.

We seem to have merged into the fast lane of family life and we can get stuck there if we don’t take the driver’s seat now. Try this:  Have everyone in the family have a maximum of 2 activities, hobbies or sports event per week. 2012 is your year to learn to say “no”.  Why do we feel we need to put our kids in everything?!

Make outings more effective, by planning accordingly. Before you even leave the house, make a list and each time you go out to drop off or pick someone up, try and do one or two items on the list. Just think how good you will feel when you can check something off the list. Simplify!

4. Save money -  We seem to spend money on things we don’t really need and too many extracurricular activities for the kids. Try harder to pare it down by at least one less activity or item that you really don’t need. Make a list of all the bills that you have to be paid monthly, mortgage, insurance, gas, phone, groceries, cable, loans etc…Remember we are simplifying, so set a solid budget and try extra hard this year to stick to it. Cut back on things like Starbucks, eating out, buying more clothes, shoes….. I know you can do it!

 Tip – You can save money on water and electricity if you do your laundry after 7:00 pm at night, so try and do one load an evening, so you aren’t spending your weekend with this chore.

5. Focus on Yourself – It’s time to take care of yourself & be the best you can be. Now that you have organized your stuff, set your new budget, you need to take care of yourself. Spend your valuable time on things that important to you and not on things like running errands, dry cleaning, shopping, gift buying  etc., Consider using a Personal Concierge – they are affordable and they give you the gift of time!

It’s time to give yourself peace of mind, knowing you are spending time on the real things that matter, taking time for you, re-charging your batteries, having the energy and patience to be good to everyone you love! You can always make more money – but you can never get your time back!

I’d love your feedback! Here on this blog, you’ll get commentluv. What a great way to leave a link back to your own blog when you leave a comment.

See you back here in 2012! Happy Holidays.

Kathy

 

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Planning, Hosting or Attending a Holiday Party or Dinner?

Dec 6th, 2011 by

  Whether you are planning, hosting or attending a Christmas party or dinner this season, here are some general helpful tips to making the event a successful one; both for the party planner and for the invitees.

As the Host

Knowing what type of party you are hosting and how many guests you are having, helps decide whether this should be a sit-down formal dinner, buffet, pot-luck or cocktail party. Once you have decided, here are steps to help plan it:

Have a Budget – Your biggest expense will be food and beverage.

“To- Do” List – Write everything down. This way, you can keep track of what you have done and what you still have to do. Believe me, it will make your life a whole lot easier…..

Theme – With it being Christmas, this usually means a colour theme. Go through all your Christmas ‘stuff’. You should be able to come up with a nice colour theme to use. If you choose red, pull out everything you have that is red and incorporate it into the decorating and even your invitations. Keep it simple and elegant.

Invitations (if time permits). A hand written invite is nice to receive.  Remember to include:

  • Date
  • Time
  • RSVP date
  • phone number
  • Parking availability
  • Does it include children?
  • Food allergies, and
  • Directions.

Drinks - When choosing wine, here are 4 easy things to remember:

  1. Weight,
  2. Flavour,
  3. Color and
  4. Cost.

If you’re having fancy drinks, make sure you have the mixes, ice, garnishes, fancy glasses, pop, drink napkins and alcohol.

Table Setting – If you are not using everyday dishes for this event, you can set the table ahead of time (one less thing to do on the day of your event). When setting the table, my recommendation is to use a white table cloth. This way, you can accent with your theme colour.  Use white plates if you can.  It is inexpensive to rent dishes and cutlery, so you may wish to consider this if you don’t have enough.

Many people struggle with proper cutlery placement.  Here is a template to help you with proper placement. Forks go on the left. Usually, you have at least two forks; one for salad (smaller fork) and the dinner fork. Knife and spoon go on the right; spoon on the outside. Napkin can go to the left of the plate or on the plate. Bread and/or salad plate go on the left side above forks. Wine glass and water glass are angled and go above the knife and spoon. Make little “place setting” cards and (use your theme colour).

click image to enlarge
Food Preparation -  Prepare as much as you can ahead of time, so you can actually sit and enjoy your guests.

Decor – Candle light – Always use “unscented” candles when you’re having dinner at the table. The candles do not all have to be the same size. They should complement your table and colour theme. Stay away from cheap candles as they will drip and they look tacky.  You can opt for battery candles; there are some really nice ones out there right now.

Centerpiece - Your centrepiece should relate to your theme and should NOT over-power your table. It should be simple and elegant, I can’t stress this enough.

Music - You should have soft Christmas music playing in the background so your dinner guests can have a conversation.

As the Guest

If you are the guest, here are some helpful tips to remember:

  • RSVP as soon as possible
  • Bring a host/hostess gift
  • Be on time
  • Be sober
  • Thank them for inviting you when you get there
  • Lastly, don’t over stay your welcome!

Dinner Etiquette – Wait until you are asked to be seated. Unfold your napkin and place it on your lap. You eat from the left and drink from the right. Use the first utensil on your left (for example your fork) and work your way in from there. Unless you are asked, wait for everyone to sit down before you start eating. When finished eating. do not get up until the host gets up first.

Clean-up – If the host allows you to help okay, however do not start clearing the table unless the host starts and then allows you to help, Otherwise this would be considered rude.

Guest Thank you – Always thank your host and then follow up with a hand-written note.

I hope these tips will help you this holiday season. Please send me your comments on how it went! I love getting feedback. And here on this blog, you’ll get commentluv.  This is an ideal way to leave a link back to your own blog as well.

Until next time,

Kathy

 

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4 Planning Tips to Get Control of the Holiday Season

Nov 22nd, 2011 by

In my last blog post, we covered a lot of pre-planning ideas for the upcoming holiday season! I hope you found some helpful ideas and are feeling a little more organized. From here on in, time will fly by with all the pre-Christmas stuff; school pageants, parties, parades, baking and my favourite, shopping! Here are 4 more helpful planning tips to help you get control of the holiday season.

1. Holiday Wardrobe:

Check closets for you and your family members and make sure they have an outfit for the holiday season and make sure it fits! If it needs cleaning or pressing, do it now before it gets any crazier. If you need something, you can get it now in the size and colour you want. If you wait, you’ll have trouble – I guarantee it! DON’T LEAVE IT TO THE LAST MINUTE…..

2. Catalogue & On-Line Shopping

If this is the method for you – great! However, you’ll need to get busy and place your orders now to ensure you will have it in time to pick up, wrap and deliver.  You may find that the supplier is already ‘out’ of an item and they will tell you  that it will delivered on time. They can never guarantee this however, so have a back up gift ordered as well. You can always return it if your item does come in.  It’s better to be safe than sorry.

3. Gift Wrapping Centre

Set-up a wrapping centre somewhere in your home.  Hopefully it has a door and a lock if you have peekers! But if not, at least find a dedicated spot. The space  should have:

  • a table,
  • chair,
  • tape,
  • tissue paper,
  • gift tags,
  • boxes,
  • ribbon,
  • gift bags, and
  • an envelope to put all receipts in,

so, when you’re ready to wrap, you can sit comfortably and have everything at hand. (Don’t forget to scout out all the wrap you have laying around from last year). Take a photocopy of your shopping list and post a copy in your wrapping centre.  As you purchase gifts and place them in your designated area, you can mark them off the list! Wow, what a great feeling!

4. Setting Limits

Has a gift exchange with a friend, colleague or neighbour gotten too expensive or elaborate over the years? Here is what I did with a girlfriend. I said to her, “why don’t we just set a $20.00 limit?” That way, you don’t have to worry if you’ve spent enough. She was so relieved.

For many of us, gift giving is the most stressful part of the holidays. Christmas gift lists are not carved in stone. Things change, family dynamics change, finances may change, loss of a job, etc. Sometimes, adjustments to the holiday gift list might be needed. By taking the lead, re-shaping gift exchanges that seem to have lost their meaning,  you save time, money and being stressed out. Most of all, you’ll bring back the holiday tradition “A Celebration of Life, Love & Friendship”.

How about you? Do you have some great tips to share? I’d love your feedback. Here on this blog, you’ll get some commentluv. This is a wonderful opportunity to leave a link back to your own blog when you leave a comment.

Until next time,

Kathy

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11 Holiday Planning Tips for a Stress-Free Christmas

Nov 8th, 2011 by

There are only 46 days until Christmas – Let’s get organized for a stress-free Christmas season!

1. Christmas Planner

Get a notebook at the dollar store, cover it with Christmas paper and call it your Christmas Planner.    This will help keep you focused for Christmas and in the holiday spirit!

2. Budgeting

Make a commitment to spend 15 minutes each day to write down things to do to prepare for the holiday season.  It’s time to prepare your holiday budget and STICK TO IT!

3. Events

Place a copy of the November calendar (print one using your computer software or from the internet) inside your new Christmas Planner. You can stay on track by penciling in upcoming events so you don’t over commit.

4. Gift List

Start a gift list (at the back of your Christmas Planner).  As you think of an item, flip to the back and jot it down. Even if you have purchased a gift already, keep it on the list. You’d be surprised how you can forget what you have already picked up. As a personal shopper, I start my shopping in September.

5. Gift Receipts

When you purchase a gift, ask for a gift receipt and before they put the item in the bag, asked to borrow their tape or stapler and place the gift receipt on the item right away. This will save you the hassle of looking for the gift receipt when you go to wrap it.  Gift receipts make your life easier if the person has to return the item for any reason.

6. Christmas Cards

Start a Christmas Card list – gather all the addresses. When you’re finished, consider typing your list on the computer, so you’ll have it for next year. If you kept last year’s cards, before you dispose of them, look for ones that you can cut and use as gift tags. Using a hole punch, pop a hole, place a piece of ribbon through it & attach it to your gift.  Or, you can cut it into a square and use that as a gift tag. This is a great way to recycle!

7. Christmas Photo

If you are planning to do a family photo, book it now so you will have it in time to go in your Christmas cards and/or as Christmas gifts.

8. Stamps

Purchase stamps now, so you don’t have to worry about it when it comes time to sit down and write them. This will also save you that long lineup at the post office closer to the holidays.  If you have a limited budget for Christmas cards, only send them to the people you haven’t seen in a year. Your family and friends will understand.

9. Travel Plans

If you are planning on travelling for the holiday season, make your plans and reservations this week. Make sure to note it in your Christmas planner.

10. Parties/Open House

If you are planning on having a Christmas party, cocktail party or Open House, get those invites out this week! People are already getting booked up for the holidays. As a party planner, getting your invites out early is key to having the people you want at your party/open house.

11. Giving Back

Remember others and try to give back to the community whether it be food drives, toy drives or volunteering!

See you back here on Nov 22nd for more holiday planning !

In the meantime, feel free to share some of your favourite Christmas planning ideas. I’d love your feedback. Here on this blog, you’ll get commentluv.  This is a great way to leave a link back to your own blog when you leave a comment.

Kathy

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Fall Home Organizing Checklist

Oct 25th, 2011 by

Fall has arrived and pumpkins are out everywhere.  The days are getting shorter, the colder mornings are here and before you know it, the snow will be falling….YIKES!  Do you have your Fall organizing checklist out?

Hi, I’m Kathy Russell, The Butler Girl. Welcome to my new blog! As an event organizer and personal Concierge, I love helping people organize all aspects of their busy lives.

Please peruse the site and find out all the cool things I do! I hope you will find some valuable information here. Visit often and join in the conversation.  Now on to the cleanup!…

Fall Clean up for outside your house:

  • Wipe down and pack/store your outside furniture, planters, garden trinkets, kids’ toys and bikes.
  • If you have any railings or decks with peeling paint, do a quick touch up. By using a wire brush, remove the paint. For wood decks, prime wood first.
  • Check around all windows and doors to ensure they have caulking and re-caulk where necessary.
  • Make sure the garage door, side door and front door/s all close tightly. If not, they may need weather stripping .
  • Wash all exterior windows.
  • Take your outside garden hose, drain it and wrap it up. For sprinkler systems, have them blown free of water.
  • Check your gutters for leaves and debris and make sure your downspouts are unclogged and pointed away from the house.

Fall clean up for inside the house:

  • Turn your mattress/es over and end-to-end to balance out wear.
  • Wash all bedding, pillows, comforters, duvets and blankets ( if you have a smaller sized washer, take an hour and go to the laundromat and get it all done at once.
  • Get your kitchen ready for holiday cooking. Clean and organize your cabinets, ensuring all your baking equipment is in one spot. This will save you time when you need it.
  • Any small appliances you are not using daily, should be taken off the countertop. De-clutter.
  • Pull your fridge out and vacuum the condenser coils located on the back of the fridge. Some are located underneath as well.  (Use a long vacuum hose attachment for those).
  • Wash all ceiling light fixtures with plain soap and water.
  • Empty central vacuum containers, located in your garage or basement.
  • Clean or replace humidifier elements.
  • Check dryer vents/hose for lint build-up and for any little birdies looking to make their winter nests.
  • Check or have your furnace inspected and stock up on furnace filters for the winter season.
  • Drain hot water tanks for any sediment that settles on the bottom of the tank.
  • Change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Now you are prepared for the winter season approaching. Stay tuned for the next blog, where we will be counting down every two weeks till Christmas! We will talk about what you need to be doing to be ready on time!

In the meantime, please share your fall organizing tips with me! I love getting feedback. And here on this blog, you’ll get commentluv. This is a great opportunity to leave a link back to your own blog when you leave a comment.

Until next time,

Kathy

 

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