Making Changes in the New Year.

I love the start of a new year. And I love to make resolutions. And like every other year, my top resolution this year is to become more organized. What does that mean? I'll no longer stack mail and school papers on the counter and in my office. I'll clean out my closet and keep clothes off the floor. I'll dust and vacuum on a regular basis. I'll keep the clutter to a minimum. Whew. My husband will be glad to hear this. Oh wait. He has heard this before. Last year. Okay, I typically start the year off strong and then things kind of fall apart. Isn't that what resolutions are all about. Hope and then failure. No. I'm kidding. I choose to set goals and hope for great things in the new year. Don't we all need a "new beginning" once in a while .. or every year.

Have a safe and happy New Year's celebration. And set a resolution.

I enjoyed this movie ...

I hope you had a great weekend! With just over a week until Christmas we were busy with a Christmas party, kid's activities and just a bit of shopping. I did, however, get a chance to watch a good movie. It's called "Catch and Release" featuring Jennifer Garner. It takes me forever to get around to watching movies so this one is not a new release and it's a "chick flick." Enjoy!

Treat Yourself ..

Are you in the mood for a warm treat, but don't want all the calories that go along with it? While paging through the November 13th issue of Woman's Day I came across this low-calorie dessert drink that will warm your bones during the upcoming winter.

Here's what it said:

Head over the Starbucks and order yourself a Gingerbread Latte. Order it "tall" nonfat with sugar-free syrup and the drink is only 100 calories. (I always get a little whipped cream on top. The few extra calories are worth it to me.)

Stay warm and have a happy day.

It's the Christmas for Fleece

Are you looking for a great Christmas gift for the kids to make for grandparents, teachers, or really anyone? How about a fleece scarf. I like to have the kids make Christmas gifts for certain people every year but don't want to repeat what we've done in the past. The kids have already made book marks with their pictures and magnets, but this is the year of fleece.

Go to a fabric store and pick a favorite fleece pattern. Have them cut the fabric 9-12 inches wide. Take it home and trim up along the sides so it's even. Lay it out on the floor and have the kids cut 1 inch wide/3 inch long pieces on the ends of the scarf. Make sure you have an even number of pieces. Then have them tie two pieces together at a time. Tie them right over left and then left over right. It's very easy for the kids and the grandparents love the presents. At least ours did. We've already celebrated Christmas with one set of grandparents.

If my instructions are not clear, the employees at the fabric stores can usually tell you what to do. They're all so crafty .. and well, I'm not ... usually.

Happy shopping!