Oh the possibilities

Sometimes, when I wake up, I think of so many things to do that day...happy things, productive things...that I freeze up because I don't know where to start. In comes my lists. Lists help me see what I need to do as well as see what I've accomplished. Sometimes, if I do an extra chore or project, I'll add it to the list and cross it off. I feel like I'm only giving myself credit for what I do if I make that list. Sounds silly, but its the only thing to help me focus. I can clean aimlessly for hours and the house looks tidy, but the justified three hours that I spent dusting, sorting, vacuum, only looks to some like I straightened the livingroom. Interested in other list makers, I started nosing around online.

I found this article on NPR's website. #6 is my favorite "Making lists can make you famous!"
10 Reasons Why We Love Making Lists

There wasn't much else out there on the web discussing the psychology of list making. There were lots of resources on "how-to" but I tend to fall back on my favorite blogger for organization matters. Clean Mama She also has a new e-book out called "Pulling Yourself Together" with tons of printables and rules to live by! Her blog is just amazing. Organized. Pleasing to the eyes. And, most importantly, tons of free printables. She also has a shop on Etsy, Clean Mama Printables, with more detailed and colorful printables, most available for instant download!

Now that you have the tools, the know how, and a little of the history, get your list making on! There are underoos to be washed and papers to be filed, for Pete's sake!!  Or, go play on Pinterest and dream about what you could be doing instead. You lollygagger. 

December To-DIDS!

Ok, so, I was never out of the action, just a different kind of action. I work at the world's second largest package sorting facility. AKA Santa's workshop. AKA UPS. During the Holiday season, I basically cease to exist to friends and family. I love my job but I wish our busy time was in July instead of missing all of the Christmas activities with loved ones. BUT!  Its over. FINALLY!!  AND! I'm ready for more projects. I have a few to post about that I did for Christmas and through December.

First up on the list is my new burlap garland that I made for my new Christmas tree that Hubby surprised me with!  It was super easy to make and looks FABULOUS!!
Burlap Garland

I used this blogger's tree as my inspiration: http://brennaball.blogspot.com/

Its so beautiful and natural. I love me some pinecones, especially sparkly ones!

Next we did a hot chocolate bar for a Christmas party. I did not much care for the crockpot hot chocolate recipe found on pinterest.com so I shan't be posting it. BUT, we did do the Candy Cane Marshmallow swizzle sticks!  I used traditional shaped candy canes with the hook so it could stay hooked on the mug while it melted! Stick one end into a marshmallow, then dip the marshmallow in some time of chocolate and then into sprinkles or sanding sugar for sparkle!  Sit them on wax paper to harden up and you're done!  

Candy Cane Marshmallow Swizzles

A new tradition that we started in the house is the Elf on the Shelf. Never was I happier to see Christmas, than knowing that I didn't have to find new ideas for that stinkin elf, Jake, every day!  At first it was fun because Soph was very unsure of Jake. He TP-ed the tree. He roasted marshmallows over a candle. He painted her nose red. He made her elf donuts. (cheerios covered in sprinkles) He drove around in My Little Ponies' convertible with Tina, her stuffed Llama. He made snow angels on my kitchen counter. He hung snowflakes and white paper chains all over the diningroom, like in the movie, Elf. One day, he was riding a deer that was on my mantle. The list goes on and on. Glad to say that Jake is in his box, awaiting his 2013 debut. I guess I should start looking now for ideas. It was fun though. I want things to be magical for my girls. I want them to believe in elves, fairies, gnomes, Santa, the Easter Bunny, talking animals. Whatever. All with the understand of why we celebrate certain events. I just want the lives, their eyes, their imaginations to sparkles. There IS happiness in magic. Watch them when they believe.

Stay tuned...we are already back into projects full speed ahead. The diningroom is going to supercalifragilisticexpialiawesome!