Plan ahead, save money, and reduce hassle. Increase the likelihood of on time arrival with these USPS guidelines.
Image by Djordje Vezilic from Pixabay
Are you a shopper who mails holiday gifts through the US Postal Service? If yes, take note of these upcoming dates. This year, not only will the following USPS guidance ensure package delivery by December 25 (Christmas Day), it also happens to be the first night of Hanukkah. Kwanzaa begins December 26.
Plan ahead, save money, and reduce hassle. Increase the likelihood of on time arrival.
Ship by:
December 18 for Ground Advantage Service- “USPS Ground Advantage™ service is an affordable and reliable way to send packages inside the U.S. expected in 2–5 business days for items up to 70 lbs.”
December 19 for Priority Mail Service- “Domestic deliveries arrive in 1-3 business days depending on where your package starts and where it's going. Tracking and insurance are included, shipping boxes and envelopes are free, and with Priority Mail Flat Rate®, you don't need to weigh shipments 70 lbs and under.”
December 21 for Priority Mail Express Service- “Priority Mail Express® service provides next-day to 2–day delivery service by 6 PM with a money–back guarantee.” There are exceptions so please visit the website to read all the details.
The sooner you begin purchasing gifts, the less rushed you will be down the road. Note: that was also advisement to myself. I have a slew of birthday celebrants and holiday honorees on the horizon. Oy.
Seal your holidays with a kiss. Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
I’m more a huggy than kissy person. Kisses were never really my thing, except I truly dig this KISS principle, “Keep it Simple Sweetheart (KISS)”. In deference to my squirrely brain, the simpler the better. The less stuff around me or on my calendar, the better. The better I’m able to focus, operate, and be tolerable. Simplicity means lower taxation on my senses resulting in reduced overwhelm or anxiousness about getting to everything and finishing it all.
If you relish the fall/winter holiday season, from now until January, feels like a whirlwind of frenzied fun. Celebrations surrounded by love, laughter and good cheer. What could be more precious? Unless that’s totally not your scene. As a closet introvert, I get you. Even for holiday revelers, despite the very best intentions, I’ve witnessed good intentions gone sour. Too much internal, and potentially external, pressure applied to bandwidths that are already fraying causing our emotional edges to snap. What’s behind the pressure? Perfect scenes, ideal gifts, spectacular meals, long guest lists, the right guests, perfectly-appointed decorations, meeting impossible expectations. Did I cover it all? Probably not, as we all have our own things. The more we put upon ourselves, the harder it is to stay organized and keep our heads above water.
Recently, I read Gabor Maté’s book When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress. In fact, I’ve been on a Gabor Maté frenzy lapping up many of his books over the past 6 months. Currently I’m in the midst of Scattered Minds, feeding my ever-growing curiosity around causes and symptoms of ADHD and other neuro challenges. I haven’t yet gotten to his recommendations for symptom management. I’ll share juicy tips, if applicable, in the future. Scattered Minds, although published back in the late 1990’s and since then, there’s been new research and discoveries, his cataloguing of neuro development and potential ADHD causes from utero to early childhood experiences are worth digesting if you or someone in your circles is trying to understand and cope. Fascinating stuff.
Back to When the Body Says No. If you’ve ever been sidelined by illness or injury in the midst of unusually frenetic swaths or even typical daily tumult, your body may have intervened to shut you down, a fail-safe measure, before you completely breakdown. Not unlike the police pulling over a speeding car. Slow it down, keep everyone, including yourself, safe. There’s a growing body of neuroscience research demonstrating strong connections between the mind and body. Correlations between emotions and illnesses ranging from the common cold to serious diseases.
Discussions on this topic have led to shaking heads and scoffs by people in my own life. I understand. But it’s not woo or incomprehensibly “out there”. Nor is it suggesting that our ailments are figments in our heads. If this connection seems implausible, think about butterflies in your stomach when you’re nervous. Tension in your neck or shoulders when stressed. Those are minor signals. The western medical model has made it clear that uncontrolled stress can lead to artery constriction, heart attack, and stroke. If that’s not a mind-body connection, then what is? Just so you know Dr. Maté is an MD who has worked in family practice medicine, palliative care, childhood development, mental illness and drug addiction. His books run the gamut of those topics. They’re easy reads, citing a compendium of patient case studies in support of his contentions. I may not always be in agreement with some of his theories, but I’m open to consideration.
The most assured way to sabotage the holidays is to stress yourself (or others) out to the point that the scales tip from hoots and hollers to shouting and angry frustration. What can you do to seal your holiday season with a KISS? Let’s revisit tips from previous years that have garnered thumbs-up from clients and readers alike. Good reminders are worth repeating. They’re timeless, they’re practical, they’re worth a try. Start early, start now if you’re prone to running behind and playing catch-up. You’re less likely to go wrong when you right-size.
1. Right-size the crowds
Planning a holiday gathering?
2. Right-size the menus
Not all budgets, schedules, and bandwidths can support major feast preparation.
Lessen the burden on you.
3. Right-size the gifts
The rough economy over the last several years isn’t breaking news. Wallets and bank accounts have taken a sizeable hits. No one will fault you for respecting your financial boundaries. And, if they do, it’s a shame we can’t really gift a dose of compassion.
Of course, it’s tougher when it’s the kids wanting items beyond realistic reach. Yet, think about the value of learning to live within our means. That budgeting lesson might be one of the best gifts you can give. If it would truly break your or their hearts, there is also the option of looking to cut elsewhere (such as the pared down guest list to save on grocery purchases) to make it happen or splitting the cost with other relatives who are looking for gifting ideas.
If your space is overloaded, consider material-alternatives such as gifting or receiving a certificate to a new restaurant you’ve been eager to try. A community play or concert series. As I’ve mentioned many times in the past, financially supporting my adult children’s cell phone service via an annual family plan saves them money, and is an uncomplicated gift from my husband and I each year. Sometimes, the simplest ideas are overlooked and highly appreciated. Check in with the giftee first to see if that will be well received.
4. Right-size the mailing list
Each year, hubby and I receive less greeting cards and more e-cards. Not quite as satisfying as finding holiday greetings in the mailbox and holding a family newsletter in your hands. The reduced environmental impact outweighs my physical fulfillment.
5. Right-size your expectations
Most importantly, and this is something that I have to work on 24/7, it’s right-sizing expectations. We often want to give everything our all. To make all the bits shiny, beautiful, and memorable. But if we’re stressed out and stretched too thin, the memories we leave behind might not be as shiny as we’d like. Give yourself the grace to set boundaries and operate within them as well you can. That will render the finest holiday for you and those around you. Right-size and it will be alright.
Holiday Clean Up & Restoration
Now that the holiday season is behind us, are feelings of warmth and connection lingering in your heart? If so, that’s a notable benefit of family and friend celebrations.
How about what’s lingering in your home? Decorations? A dried out shedding Christmas tree? Knickknacks collecting dust on your mantelpieces and tabletops? Ornaments dangling from the threadbare branches?
If you’ve answered “yes” to these questions, but thinking you’d rather be saying “nope”, then it’s time to put December to bed…finally.
Even the cat is saying it’s time to put away the decorations
Take a deep breath. Call a friend or family member to give you a hand if that is an option. If not, crank up the music, grab the boxes and let’s get to it.
- The Tree
- If you invested in a live tree, ensure it is curbside or delivered to a tree recycling event by the deadline.
- The Ornaments
- To get the tree ready for drop-off or boxing up, start by removing the ornaments and lights (unless the lights are affixed to the tree).
- It helps to label ornament boxes with a description to take the guesswork out of which ornament goes in which box. That definitely speeds up the process and ensures that delicate ornaments are packed away with care.
- Lay all the small ornament boxes out in rows so that you can quickly spot the one you need.
- Then set the filled ones off to the side. Waiting until all the ornament boxes are filled before putting them into a bigger storage box allows you to thoughtfully arrange them so that they all fit back in.
- Place heavier or cushiony ornaments on the bottom and delicates on the top.
- The Lights
- If your tree lights are removable but lack a savvy way of storing them to avoid breakage and tangling, here is an eco-option. Find a sturdy piece of cardboard and cut slats into each of the opposing sides. Then wind the lights back and forth (see photo) until they’re secured. A zippered plastic linen bag (the kind that new bedsheets are packaged in) are ideal for safely containing the lights. Gently slide the cardboard into the bag to avoid smashing the bulbs.
- The Disposables
- Toss away any broken, ripped, and unwanted decorations.
- While most holiday decorations hopefully have happy memories associated with them, do you have any that remind you of soured relationships or times that weren’t highlights of your life? Think of your celebrations as a guilt-free zone. If there is something that is an obstacle to joy, it’s ok to let it go.
- Donate or recycle if possible. Maybe even gift it to someone else who would appreciate the sentiment. Sometimes trash is the only option.
Wind holiday lights around cardboard with cut out slats to prevent tangling.
Once your rooms have been restored to pre-holiday tidiness, you’ll be able to get your mind back into the daily routines. Then wait with anticipation until the 2022 holiday season celebrations begin anew.
Carefully store the cardboard wrapped lights in a zippered plastic linen bag
5 Tips to Right-Size the Holiday Season
So Your Brain & Budget Don’t Explode
For some, 2020’s holiday season felt painfully small, for others it was just right. For 2021, if you’re not quite ready to jump back in full throttle, here are 5 thoughtful tips to keep the season more manageable for your head, energy, time, and budget.
1. Right-size the crowds
Planning a holiday gathering? If your mix and mingling comfort level is still unsettled, the pandemic persistence is the perfect excuse to pare down the guest list. It’s ok to decide ahead of time what types of protocols fit within your values and comfort barometer. Vaccinations, masks, social distancing…any and all of these are your call. Letting your guests know ahead of time will take the guess work out of the equation for them and allow them to make their own choices.
2. Right-size the menus
If your budget, time, or energy aren’t ready for a major feast, you might wish to offer less selection and larger portion sizes, asking other to contribute to a pot luck, or purchase pre-prepared sides or desserts to lessen the burden on you. In the meantime, start little by little with tossing in a batch of cookies to bake when you have a few spare minutes then freezing them until you’re ready to thaw them before serving. Set a reminder for yourself to pull the batches from the freezer.
3. Right-size the gifts
The rough economy over the last 2 years isn’t breaking news. If your wallet or bank account has taken a sizeable hit, no one will fault you for respecting your financial boundaries. And, if they do, it’s a shame we can’t really gift others with a dose of compassion. Of course, it’s tougher when it’s the kids wanting items beyond realistic reach. Yet, think about the value of learning to live within our means. That budgeting lesson might be one of the best gifts you can give. If it would truly break your or their hearts, there is also the option of looking to cut elsewhere (such as the pared down guest list to save on grocery purchases) to make it happen or splitting the cost with other relatives who are looking for gifting ideas.
4. Right-size the mailing list
Greeting cards and stamps aren’t cheap. This year might be a grand opportunity to only send to your nearest and dearest. Or opt to mail to those who only hear from you once a year. Those with whom you wish to maintain a thread of connection. An alternative is a phone call if the cards and stamps would take too big a bite. Another inexpensive, yet less personal approach is to email a family newsletter and forget the card altogether. You could also postal mail the newsletter without a greeting card. Just ensure you have a supply of printer paper, envelopes, and toner on hand along with the stamps.
5. Right-size your expectations
Most importantly, and this is something that I have to work on 24/7, it’s right-sizing expectations. We often want to give everything our all. To make all the bits shiny, beautiful, and memorable. But if we’re stressed out and stretched too thin, the memories we leave behind might not be as shiny as we’d like. Give yourself the grace to set boundaries and operate within them as best you can. That will render the best type of holiday for you and those around you. Right-size and it will be alright.
Happy New Year!
May all your practical and wildly bold dreams come true in 2021.
Live for today. Stay safe for tomorrow.
Sherri Curley (aka The Practical Sort)
Before the buddy call
Do you have tons of to-dos on your list to prepare for the holidays? Would you rather catch up with friends or family members? If you’re a socially-oriented person, then that’s no surprise. Well, here’s a tip for you. Why not combine to-dos with catching up? If you have home-bound tasks such as cleaning up and clearing out, do it with a buddy, virtually of course.
After the buddy call
Arrange a time with a friend or family member who might also wish to do some paper, closet, pantry, or home office organizing. Set up a convenient time for both of you to work on a video call so that you can see each other. It will make it seem like you’re working together in person, sort of. If you don’t have access to video calls, then use the phone. This method also works great for simple tasks like dusting, sorting clothes, tossing in a load of laundry. Ear buds are recommended so you can stay hands-free. I don’t use ear buds. Instead I tackle simple, one-handed tasks during phone calls (esp. if I’m on extended holds during customer service calls).
Months ago, I suggested to 2 of my super social clients, I knew they were friends, to give this technique a try with each other. As time went by, I figured they forgot about it. Then a few weeks ago, I received excited texts and photos from both of them letting me know how much fun it was to combine work and social time. It made the tasks go faster in a fun way. That was a huge win for both of them because they got long awaited tasks done. More importantly, they got to spend precious time with each other.
Give it a try. See what you think. Yes, it is multi-tasking. And yes, your attention may not fully be on your friend, but they will understand as they are doing the same. If you wish to get into some deep details that require more attention, as you take occasional breaks for refreshments and movement, use that time to delve into the juicy stuff.
Let me know if it works for you too.
Plan Now for Holiday Gift Shipping Deadlines
My suspicion is that postal services will be extraordinarily busy this year delivering countless more packages than ever before as we gather less. With that in mind, if you’re going to be mailing gifts take note.
Plan gift giving for on time delivery
According to the US Postal Service, they advise that you keep these dates in mind for shipping packages and cards so that they arrive on time. Mark your calendars and start backtracking to fit gift purchasing into your busy schedule.
December 18 for First Class Mail Service
December 19 for Priority Mail Service
December 23 for Express Service
Save money, avoid the stress, start soon. This year in-person shopping and waiting on lines to ship gifts may not be prudent. Therefore, consider online purchases. Verify sites to ensure that the vendors are reputable. Or if you wish to shop locally, which I heartily encourage, reach out to your local shops to see what options they offer. Our brick and mortars desperately need our support. Small Business Saturday is November 28, 2020. When our community economies are stronger we all benefit.
Order your holiday stamps asap to ensure they arrive on time
If you’re a minimalist like me, look for consumable items like grocery or bakery gift cards, coffees, teas, chocolates, or even an entire prepared meal from a local restaurant. For those struggling to put food on the table, this might be highly appreciated. Note, I said might. Be sure to check in with the recipient to see if they’d be on board, note dietary needs and if they’ll be home to accept the delivery. You wouldn’t want yummy food going to waste.
Lastly, holiday stamps are now available from the US Postal Service. They do advise to allow extra time if you plan to order online due to holiday volume.
An Altered-Reality Thanksgiving Celebration
For many of us Thanksgiving is going to look oh so different this year. Adjustments to our expectations and preparations may not be easy or desired. But there are a number of things we can do to still make one of our favorite holidays a day of true thanks.
Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
This will be the first year in over 20 years that neither of my kiddos will be with us. It will be the first year since the birth of my daughter that my husband and I will be the only ones at our table. Prior to her birth, we always had friends and or relatives joining us as well as every year until 2020.
Will we buy the smallest turkey I can lay my hands on or go with a new tradition of hens, quail or duck? My husband is a die-hard traditionalist and since our first Thanksgiving together, he has been the chief chef. Turning out an exquisitely browned turkey with sumptuously tender meat is his forte and joy. He usually churns out a pie or 2 along with the stuffing recipe that both our moms used and some potatoes. My contribution is a dessert, salad, and vegetable along with cleaning the house, prepping the table and keeping the kids occupied when they were little. That was a lifetime ago. All that has changed. Will he concede to a non-turkey dinner? Shall we scale down on the sides and desserts? Ok, maybe the veggies, but the dessert stay.
I will need to consult with him since I am the grocery getter, but here’s what I’m thinking. We go with a small turkey which will likely give us a week or more of leftovers. Prep a side or 2. He will likely make his pumpkin pie. I will whip up a vegan, gluten-free dessert. We’ll uncork a bottle of aged wine that we saved for a special occasion.
We also plan to arrange to Zoom with the kids either before, during or after the meal. That will all depend upon what their plans entail and owing to the time difference. We may loop in other relatives who will be spending the holiday solo. We hope that we can do our part to provide good cheer to those who will be struggling with possible solitude. It will be hard for so many who are used to celebrating among a large table of celebrants.
Here are some suggestions for creating a special day in light of the circumstances:
1. Arrange a time with loved ones to video chat or share a meal. Try to plan your cooking so that all foods are ready about the same time. Be sure to consider time zone differences. A turkey ready at noon on the east coast is probably not going to work for west coast folks, so a later dinner hour is probably more reasonable.
2. Share family favorite recipes so that you can all experience a nearly shared meal. Chat about the final product. Did it come out well? If it was a new recipe for other members, were there hiccups or did it go smoothly? Be sure to share any prep secrets so that their meal is savory too. If heirloom recipes are like those in my family, my grandmother was famous for non-specific ingredient amounts. If you know the exact tablespoons, teaspoons, or cups, let others in. Pounds per hour may feel like second nature to some of us, but for those who’ve never cooked a turkey, noting the weight prior to ditching the packaging can mean the difference between a raw or overcooked bird.
3. Send a grocery store or bakery gift card to those who may be struggling financially to help out with the grocery bill so that they can enjoy a special dinner. Not only does it help the family, choosing a locally-owned option will help the merchants too. If you receive a gift card, spend it asap as financial viability of businesses changes sadly by the minute.
4. Visit your recipes ahead of time to do some math calculations to reduce proportions if your gathering will be smaller than usual. Keep in mind supply shortages due to the pandemic, so grab ingredients when you see them.
5. Check with your grocery store meat department or butcher for appropriate size and entree selections so that you’re not living on leftovers til next Thanksgiving and you purchase the finest quality for the price. Begin loading up now as grocery store shelves have been more barren this year.
Image by hudsoncrafted from Pixabay
6. If you plan to have guests, ensure that you have lots of easily accessed hand cleansers available and fresh towels or towelettes. I typically advocate avoiding single use goods, but this year, do what makes you comfortable and keeps everyone safe. Masks, distance, all that is your call. Give guests a protocol heads up ahead of time to see if they’re on board. Giving them the choice ahead of time can avoid embarrassing situations if their practices and values are not in alignment with yours.
7. And finally, take a few moments to give thanks for what we do have this year. Believe me, I know for many that will be a challenge. But even if it is for a small chocolate bar or breathing without the aid of a respiratory device, there is likely something to be thankful for in a year of emotional, financial, and social complications.
Have a fabulous and practical Thanksgiving celebration. You deserve it.
Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay
If we have 20/20 vision we are blessed with eyesight clarity and sharpness. If we look back, our hindsight is 20/20. We see what has transpired. We notice the things that went right or wonky.
Unless gifted with supernatural insights, in 2 days we will slide into a new year, blindly enter a new decade, with little understanding of what’s in front of us for the next 364 days or the next 9 years and 364 days. Yet whatever awaits us, maybe there will be opportunities to:
Be a smidge kinder
Lend a helping hand
Share a random smile or hello
Love a little deeper
Pay it forward
Catch up with an old friend
Image by Ben Kerckx from Pixabay
Send a friendly greeting or phone call
Release an household item or 2 to an individual or family in need
Liberate a grudge
Celebrate a success
Image by Karolina Grabowska from Pixabay
Plan a special meal
Give an extra long hug
Use a tip to simplify your lifestyle
Let go of one item on your calendar and replace it with a few moments of contemplation, meditation, or thanks
Clear out space in a closet, pantry, bookshelf, desktop, or countertop to make tasks simpler or heighten your home’s “aaaahhh” factor
But most importantly, stride into this new year knowing that you’re doing the best that you can at any given moment, and that you are LOVE.
Happy New Year, Happy New Decade, Happy 2020
Quick Holiday Travel Prep Tips
Will you be hitting the road or skies for holiday travel?
Before you leave your home:
Image by meineresterampe from Pixabay
If you’re taking a road trip, fuel up, check tire pressure, and fill the car with snacks, water bottles, blankets, tire chains, first aid kit, and other winter weather gear. Map out your route before hitting the road.
Flying? Don’t forget your passports if traveling overseas, driver’s license, extra $$$, some nibbles for the plane ride, and activities to keep everyone busy. Pack as light as possible, although some of us truly struggle with that. I like to be prepared for unforeseens.
Set light and sound timers if you want to make your home sound lived in. Timers that go on and off at different times each day is ideal. Consider outdoor light timers that light up your front porch at dusk and again before dawn are good options and/or motion sensor lights around your home perimeter for extra security.
Stop mail and newspapers or better yet ask a housesitter to grab your mail and keep a watchful eye for any packages set on your doorstep. If you know packages will be arriving while you’re away, arrange to have delivery to another location such as a neighbor’s home (with their permission of course), or request that the post office hold packages until your return, or have them delivered to an area of your home that is not visible from the street.
Speaking of housesitter, make arrangements for pet care, indoor plant care, extra eyes on your home to ensure everything is groovy, and leave a key with a neighbor even if you don’t need a housesitter. If the temps should drop below freezing while you’re away, you may wish to ask them to open your faucets to allow them to drip to prevent a burst pipe flooding situation upon your return.
If trash day occurs while you’re away, then ask your neighbor if they can pull the cans in and out. This will ensure that your house looks occupied and it will also given them a chance to double check that everything is A okay with your home.
If you set a home security alarm, set a temporary code to give to anyone who might need to enter your home during your absence. Reset it again when you return.
Image by Kevin Sanderson from Pixabay
Leave your emergency contact information with the caretakers or someone you trust.
If you’re shipping cards and gifts prior to your travel, schedule a day or 2 on your calendar to shop and ship. You’ll also need to set aside time to sign cards, write personal messages, and print mailing labels for them, then drop them in a postal box. Don’t forget holiday stamps while running errands or have stamps shipped directly to you. Choose Forever holiday stamps in case you don’t use them all this year. Shipping is running a few days behind schedule, so try not to leave them for the last minute.
Don’t forget to pack the gifts you plan to take with you. Save room in your carry-on for any valuables. My advice is to tote gifts unwrapped and bring along gift bags and tissue paper neatly tucked in the bottom of your suitcase. This will save you hassle if security wants a look-see.
For more tips on traveling with minimal hassle and holiday prep, visit some of my previous Practical tips.
Remember the Boy Scout Motto? Be Prepared [Traveling for the Holidays]!
If you’re staying at home and entertaining, you might wish to visit: Holiday Preparation is Key to a Successful Celebration
To download Simplify Travel For Adult ADD/ADHD Prepping for Future Travel: Scheduling & Alerts template designed to assist folks with ADD/ADHD, but will assist anyone, click here.
I hope that your holiday preparation for whatever your plans entail are smooth and stress-less.
Image by klimkin from Pixabay
Holiday Photo Op
Do you have boxes or piles of photos that you plan to get through…SOMEDAY? Will you be hosting any holiday gatherings? If so, how about turning someday into a holiday family event?
After the table is cleared and clean, pull out the photos. Laugh about old hair and clothing styles. Reminisce about vacations or birthday parties. Remember and honor those who are no longer at the holiday table. As you go through them, it will also enable children, grandchildren, siblings to request photos they would like in the future. Write the requestor(s) name(s) on the back of the photo in the bottom corner so you remember who gets what. If multiple copies are needed, set those photos aside for reprints or to scan and send digital copies or if quality is not important to them, they can snap a shot with their mobile phone.
As the photos make their way back around the table, sort them into piles by date/year, event, relationship, etc. If you have boxes, shoes boxes will do for now, put the photos in and label the boxes accordingly. Then store long-term in archival safe albums or boxes.
This will be a fun and simple way for you to get through a boring task. Caveat: you may wish to preview the photos for scenes that might be inappropriate, painful, or incriminating before disseminating. Reminders of affairs or tragedies would be a stupendous way to ruin a celebration. Don’t dawdle, just preview. Save the reminiscing for later.
Enjoy the memories. Bask in the organizing success.
Travel can be fun. Delays and cancellations not so much. Make the best of bad situations with preparation.
When the flight information board throws your plans into a downward spiral, you will be ready.
Remember the Boy Scout Motto? Be Prepared!
Traveling for the holidays? Whether you are flying to visit family or exploring an exotic destination this holiday season, or any time of year for that matter, expect the unexpected. Erratic weather, oversold seats, flight delays or cancellations are unpredictable so it is best to be prepared. That means packing an overnight kit for your carry-on bag. Zippered reusable plastic linen bags, the kind that sheets or pillowcases are sold in work great. I also like using lightweight, reusable ZizzyBee bags for dry goods. Have kids? Throw some small toys or crafts in to keep them occupied.
Even if your travels remain on land, keep some essentials in your car. Weather could waylay your plans or you might choose to stay overnight in a quaint village along your journey. You will be ready.
Keep liquid goods well protected by double bagging and try ZizzyBee bags for dry goods such as toys or crafts to occupy children.
Opt for wrinkle-free pants and shirt and travel-sizes to keep the bag compact and lightweight. During the flight or on a layover, if a drink spills, you won’t be uncomfortable the remainder of the trip. Simply change in a restroom.
I always keep a small cosmetic pouch in my purse, but if that is not your practice and you cannot live without foundation and mascara, throw those into the travel kit. If you are lucky enough to score a hotel room if your flight is cancelled, most hotels fortunately have blow dryers. That saves you from lugging even a small unit. A comb or hairbrush might be useful. I just use my fingers to fluff my hair.
Remember that any liquids must be 3.4 ounces or less under TSA Regulations. Spray, gel, and roll-on deodorants fall within the 3.4 ounce rule. Powder, stick, and crystal deodorants are allowable in any size. To be on the safe side, ensure your toothpaste is travel-size as gels are likely to get flagged. When packing liquids, keep them in a sealed plastic bag to avoid leakage onto your clothes or ruining paperwork or electronics. I place the liquids in one bag, then put that bag inside another baggie with a toothbrush, then that larger bag goes inside the zippered linen bag.
Phone charger
Undies/socks
Toothbrush/paste
Deodorant
Medications
Travel-size Shampoo (this can also serve as a body wash)
Shirt
Yoga pants
Snacks
These are the essentials, but there may be other items such as books, E-readers, reading glasses that you cannot live without. Next time you travel you will be prepared for those hiccups.
Happy, safe, and easy travel!
While this starter is not organic, you might be able to locate organic starter or make your own.
Need a quick breakfast or snack idea for holiday guests? How about whipping up a batch or 2 of yogurt. If you have a yogurt maker (and this tip is based upon using a yogurt maker with boxed starter for quick and simple prep), you can begin cranking out the batches now. My yogurt maker which yields 7 jars of lush, creamy yogurt, cost approximately $20, and has gotten lots of use. Most of the organic yogurts in my grocery store average between $1.20 to $2.19, times that by 7. I paid $6.26 for the milk, cream, and yogurt starter yielding at least a $2 savings for each batch. I definitely made more than 10 batches over the last 6 years, so the maker has paid for itself. Before you purchase a yogurt maker, ask around to see if you can borrow one to determine if yogurt making is your thing.
I use a combination of 2 cups organic 1% milk and a pint of organic half and half along with the starter which unfortunately is not organic. Sometimes I make my own starter which is then organic. While I am typically dairy-free, I have not attempted any dairy-free yogurts, although I should. Someday. But don’t let this stop you from experimenting.
Depending upon the ratio of milk to cream, the result will either be thinner or more like sour cream. I do not add sugar consequently for my family members, it is not sweet enough. Therefore my son in particular adds a sprinkle of sugar and jam. I ferment the yogurt for a full 24 hours. The low temps and long ferment allow the bacteria to consume the sugar or lactose in the milk while stimulating more beneficial bacteria creation. This is ideal if you are on a low lactose diet or need to supplement with beneficial bacteria for better digestion or if you have been on a course of antibiotics. Yes, the end result might be a bit too tart for your taste, but go wild with toppings according to your dietary needs.
Add some fruit, jam, granola, nuts, seeds, coconut. By bulking up the servings, you might even be able to divide those 7 jars into at least 2 servings per jar to feed more folks. In fact, you can dump all the jars into an attractive serving bowl surrounded by an assortment of toppings and allow guests to serve themselves with a create-your-own nutritious treat.
Prepping is really simple, the milk and cream get heated to 180F (a digital read thermometer is a must). Shut off the stove once it reaches 180, then let it sit for roughly 30 minutes depending upon the temperature in your kitchen. Once it reaches 108F it is ready for the next step. I pour the starter into the measuring cup I used to ensure 4 cups of combined milk and cream (less to clean). Then I pour the cooked milk into the measuring cup and give it a stir to dissolve the starter into the batter. Using a measuring cup will allow for easier pouring into the jars. Once the milk is in the jars, turn on the yogurt maker and let it do its thing for the next 24 hours.
At the 24 hour mark (it doesn’t have to be exact) shut off the maker, and let the yogurt cool for about 10 minutes before refrigerating. My jars have lasted in the refrigerator for several weeks without going bad. But if you have guests arriving for the holidays, it likely will not sit around for long.
Top the yogurt with a variety of nuts, seeds, coconut, jams and fresh fruit to bulk it up and create an even more delicious treat
Your guests will be blown away that your yogurt is homemade and you will be grateful that it really did not take much time yet it hits the spot.
Use a variety of seasonal fresh, organic ingredients if possible for a healthy dish
A Simple, Tasty Menu Item Serves a Boatload of Guests
Hosting a boatload of guests this holiday season? Running short on prep time between work, extracurricular activities, holiday prep? Oy, how will you ever get it all done? Well here is one trick to simplify your menu.
For meals, select dishes that are super simple, feed lots, and require very little prep time. One of my go-tos is a large roasting pan filled with veggies for roasting. I throw in a variety of seasonal colors, textures, and flavors. For this time of year, I choose carrots, beets, onions, squash, sweet potatoes, parsnips, garlic, radishes, fennel, apples, pears, leeks, cranberries, and any other produce that strikes my fancy at the grocery store. I select elongated Japanese sweet potatoes, the longer and thinner, the quicker and less dangerous to cut.
Preheat your oven to 400F. Wash all ingredients. Peel those for which you do not wish the skin to remain on. Obviously the onion, parsnips, carrots, beets, squash, and sweet potatoes fall into this category unless you wish to follow the directions below for the squash.
The garlic skin easily falls away. Chop and add to the rest of the mix. Collect peels in a strainer then compost
If you wish to roast your garlic separately, you can put the entire bulb or individual cloves into foil with some olive oil and roast them 30-40 minutes skin on. When they are finished, the skins will fall away. Definitely keep an eye on these from about 25 minutes onward because burnt garlic is not so appetizing. You can cut them up or leave them whole and add to the rest of the veggies.
Roughly chop the ingredients or use a chopper to make the process go faster. I hand chop the beets because I do not wish to stain my chopper or spurt beet juice across my counters. This batch I hand cut everything keeping all to uniform in size for even cooking.
If I add cranberries, seeds, or nuts, I add them during the last 10-15 minutes so that they do not burn or get overcooked. You may wish to do the same for any fruit. I do not mind my apples and pears getting soft, so I throw those in with everything else.
I roast my butternut, acorn, or other autumn squash separately and uncut. They are often difficult to dice raw. Wash them, then poke a few holes around the perimeter, coat in oil, and roast for 45-60 minutes. Depending upon size, they may take longer. Once they are fully cooked and somewhat cooled, cut away the skin, scrape away any seeds, dice them and add to your mix. You can roast whole, unpeeled potatoes separately as well, then skin them as they cool.
Roast the squash whole since they are tough to cut raw. You can add the garlic bulb in foil to the same pan for easier clean up. Just remember to set the timer for approx. 30 minutes to pull out the garlic bulb before it burns. Clean out squash seeds after it cools, dice, and add to the mix.
Toss your ingredients in a very large mixing bowl with olive, sunflower, or other favorite oil and swish them around with your hands to ensure they are all fully coated. Then dump them into a 9x12 roasting pan which you may choose to line with parchment paper or leaves such as spinach, beet leaves or swiss chard for ease in cleaning afterwards. Add some garlic powder and freshly ground pepper or any other spices you adore to enhance the flavors. Bake for 30-40 minutes, but begin checking for softness of the hard veggies after 30 minutes as ovens cook at different rates. You may also choose to cover the pan with foil to prevent overcooking.
Add your favorite oil, seasonings, and herb to enhance the flavors then place in the oven at 400F for 30-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it so that the veggies don’t burn.
Prepping the ingredients took about 15 minutes and clean up was a breeze. I placed rags under the veggies and cutting boards to catch any ick, and used a small bowl to place cores, root ends, and other debris until I was finished. I also use a strainer in my sink to catch peels. The detritus is them dumped into my compost bin. The utensils and bowls then go into the dishwasher, and the roasting pan is easily scoured as the leaves kept bits from adhering to the bottom and sides of the pan. A quick wipe down in case there were any drips, and voila. Finished.
For the last several weeks, I have been making a version of this changing up the ingredients to suit whatever is in my produce bin, and it usually lasts nearly a full week saving me time as I do not need to make any side dishes for my nightly entrees. It also serves as a snack or lunch when I am on the go.
Collect peels in a strainer then compost
Voila. Fast, easy, yummy, colorful, and enough to satisfy your holiday guests.
This is a groovy option for serving vegetarians/vegans. Add some pumpkin seeds or roasted cashews to bulk it up with proteins. A few evenings ago I decided to take a different route. I tossed the roasted veggies into my food processor to create a luscious puree. It was amazing although the color might have been a little off putting for some as it was a mocha tone. Had I added beets, it likely would have been bright red but my husband is not a beet eater so I spared him.
I hope that you find roasted veggies to be fast, simple, and tasty for you and your guests.
Order your 2018 Holiday Stamps
Get a jump start on your holiday planning. Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa stamps are now available at USPS.com.
Hanukkah begins the evening of December 2. In a few blinks of the eye, it will be here. This year the US Postal Service collaborated with the Israeli Post to issue a joint stamp.
Kwanzaa starts the day after Christmas on December 26. Order now or pick up holiday stamps the next time you’re in the vicinity of a post office or grab them with your groceries if your supermarket carries postage stamps. You will be prepared to mail your holiday cards as soon as you finish addressing the envelopes provided you still send out paper greetings.
Click here to order your stamps: USPS.com.
2018 Hanukkah stamps issued jointly with the Israeli Post.
#Holiday Stamps, #Kwanzaa, #Hanukkah, #Christmas, #USPS
Ship Those Gifts
Did you have a productive Black Friday?
Snag great deals on Cyber Monday?
Do you still have holes in your gift giving list?
Now is the time to make some headway and purchase the remainder of your gifts. Feel the satisfaction of crossing off to do list items. Begin mailing presents to those who live out of town.
Don't have time to go from store to store and then the post office battling the traffic and long lines? Consider ordering gifts online. Have the retailer gift wrap and ship to save you time and possibly some money. Look for product discounts and free shipping options to stay within your holiday budget.
Be web savvy. Stick with sites that use https in their web address. Ensure that the website belongs to the official brand merchant. If your credit card company offers virtual account numbers, they are an awesome way to keep your card secure.
Need additional suggestions for keeping on track during the busy holiday season? Contact ThePracticalSort.com to get sorted right away.
Want to stay on top of your holiday to do list? Before the mad rush of the season is in full swing, begin aggregating your mailing list data. Ensure that addresses are up-to-date. Have you corrected any name changes due to marriage or divorce? Added the newest family members since last year's mailing? Or perhaps you need to edit labels to account for those who have passed on.
To speed up the greeting card process, consider creating a spreadsheet with all of the pertinent label information. Yes, it is more work upfront, but with a few minor edits each year, you will thank yourself that you invested the initial time. Once all of the name and address information is entered, use a word processor's mail merge to create the labels. I use Excel for the spreadsheet and Word for the labels, but you can use whatever programs you like.
I prefer to add a holiday graphic to each label to dress them up as seen on the left.
Consider using the same spreadsheet to track gift ideas and purchases. Or you can use The Practical Sort's Gift Tracking Guide click here to access.
Best Holiday Travel Times
Chances are you have already booked your Thanksgiving holiday flights. And if you are traveling into or out of PDX, your travel should go relatively smoothly as it ranks #10 on Forbes list of on-time performance airports.
However, if you are planning a road trip, according to AAA 45.5 million other travelers will be on the roads which is a 3.2% increase over last year. AAA states that these drivers will also pay the highest gasoline prices since 2014.
Travel & Leisure recommends Portland travelers avoid the roadways Wednesday and Friday 4 pm Thanksgiving week. Ideal times are typically Thanksgiving and Sunday mornings at 6 am. Click on the highlighted sources if you wish to view their airport best and worst lists and suggested travel times.
Before you start your car review this checklist:
1. Check your destination's weather for your trip's duration to ensure you are packing appropriate clothing.
2. Planing to travel in high elevations and through the mountain passes? Put tire chains in your car if you do not have studded tires. Ensure that your tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended PSI.
3. Toss in some extra blankets, water, snacks, first aid kit with flares, gloves, extra socks, hat, dry set of clothes, ice scraper, snow shovel, jumper cables, phone charger, and flashlight.
4. Let someone know that you are leaving and your expected arrival time.
5. Fill up your gas tank.
6. If you are bringing a covered dish to the dinner, check to make sure that you have serving utensils along with all the items needed to do last minute preparations before plating.
7. Remember the host/hostess gift?
8. Set timers for your home lights and stop the mail and newspapers if you will be away for a more than a day. Don't forget to toss in your overnight toiletries kit.
Safe travels and enjoy your celebration.
Holiday Preparation is Key to a Successful Celebration
Last week's tip was a reminder to place your order for your Thanksgiving turkey, ham and any fixin's to go along with the meal. Provided that you have already done so, here are some additional last minute tips to ensure that you are prepared for a special celebration.
1. Check your rsvps to confirm # of guests expected
2. Iron your table cloth and napkins
3. Purchase a centerpiece
4. Ensure that your grocery list has all necessary ingredients to avoid last minute trips to the store especially on the holiday or the immediate days prior when the pickings are slim and lines are long
5. Begin baking
6. Stock up on beverages to pair well with the entrees and dessert. Don't forget coffee and tea (caffeinated and decaf).
7. Count and rinse the china, stainless, and glassware if they have not been used in ages. Do you have an adequate supply of each?
8. Do you have enough seating or do you need to borrow some chairs and tables?
9. Place guest towels in your powder room
10. If your oven is not large enough, begin cooking items ahead of time that can be refrigerated or frozen then reheated
11. Prepare guest rooms for overnight visitors
Have a fantastic Thanksgiving celebration filled with much warmth and happiness from The Practical Sort.
