Shop Till You Drop! Or Not.

THIS SAYS IT ALL! 

"Mail your packages early so the post office can lose them in time for Christmas." ~ Johnny Carson

"I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas with a note on it saying: 'Toys not included.'" ~ Bernard Manning

     I've been accused of a lot of things in my life but procrastination is not one of them. I'm the one you hear about that has a never ending conclusion to a "To do list". As soon as I scratch something off, I'll add two new things. I don't know I guess it makes me feel important or something. Sad to say they are usually very menial task that don't amount to much but for some reason striking through one of my "To do list" items brings great joy to my day. Needless to say as soon as October rolls around I become completely obsessed with the Holidays and everything it has to offer.
     So with that being said, some of my future blogs will be directed to the Holiday Season. Shopping, cooking, decorations etc. So for those of you who are limited on time, patients or all the above my intentions are to try to make your life a little easier and your holidays less stressful.
      Yes, I'm one of those who believes that Thanksgiving gets overpowered by all the hoopla of Christmas but the truth of the matter is that the preparation for Christmas is far more time consuming and tedious especially for mothers. So in the grand scheme of things you really have to get a jump start in order to be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas. At least that's how I like to do it. Who knows, something might strike your fancy and just maybe you'll be ahead of the game to enjoy one of the more fun things on your "To Do List".   Let the Holidays Begin.
     Today's holiday blog will start with task that you can already get a head start on such as Christmas Cards,  paper products and more. Don't procrastinate, I promise you a much more relaxed Season!

Christmas Cards-Always a dilema at our house. Can't get everybody under one roof and if I do they don't want or feel like grooming for a pic so I just gave up. You have to pick your battles and a photo or lack of is not my choice.  Prepare your list, order and start addressing. It's that simple. Next time your at the post office go ahead and get your stamps. One less time-consuming item off your list. Of Course you may need additional time to apply for a second mortgage to pay for the stamps!  SERIOUSLY!

The sky is the limit with Christmas Cards. Here are a few of my favorites:

The Stonehouse Collection
If you are into boating these are incredible. You can even add you boat name to the card.

http://www.stonehousecollection.com/cards/boat-nautical-xmas-cards.html

Want a photo Christmas Card?. Here you go!
Some really cute things to choose from....Love the colors.

http://www.tinyprints.com/

I love these address labels also from Tiny Prints. Brown seems to be the Holiday theme this year. At Tiny Prints you get a lot of color options. Good Prices.


Charming Cards  http://www.charmingcards.com/
Your just going to have to sit down and start digging on the web-site yourself.  Way too many cute things to try and post.  Here is the link.  So Cute!

Now if your really busy and just want to get the photo cards done you can't go wrong with
www.walgreens.com  

I did mine yesterday online and they were done in one hour.  Now with this much time left I really do suggest ordering one box to make sure you are completely happy with them.  You just need to sign up on line, go to photos, pick out a card, upload a photo  and drag it onto your card.  Type your Greetings and that is it.  Preview it in the large mode.  A box of 20 is only $12.99.  You can pre pay or pay when you pick them up.  Now that's easy.  Also, take a look at the photo gifts they offer.  Calenders, etc.  Going to get my mom a photo calender with the grand kids baby pictures that she so loves.  

Christmas Paper Plates.
http://www.charmingcards.com/category/holiday-plates/c187

YES CUTE, AGAIN MUST BE THE CHRISTMAS SEASON FOR BROWN.

Now this makes you want to have a party.  Another Martha Stewart creation.
I think this would also be cute to put around the top of a bottle of wine or as napkin holders.

Cut out 3-inch ovals from colorful card stock. Using a hole punch, make a hole at each end, and then neatly write your guests' names on the ovals with black ink. Thread ribbon scraps, each about 6 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide, through the backs of the place cards. Notch the ribbon ends, and place a card at each plate setting 

                                          

Each time I post I am going to add a recipe.  Start a Chistmas file and start printing any or all that sound good.  Go ahead and make a master grocery list as you add them.  One more step to a uncluttered Holiday.  Stay tuned for some Thanksgiving ideas. 

Your First Holiday Appetizer Recipe-Easy and delicious..

HOT SPINACH AND ARTICHOKE DIP

Ingredients
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
2 (13 3/4-ounce) cans artichoke hearts
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 cup grated pepper jack cheese


Directions


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a casserole dish with nonstick spray.

Heat the spinach in a microwave oven on high for 5 minutes and squeeze dry. Drain the artichoke hearts and coarsely chop in a food processor.
Combine all the ingredients except the jack cheese in a large bowl. Stir well. Scrape into the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the jack cheese on top. Bake for 30 minutes. Transfer to a chafing dish and keep warm over a low flame. Serve with bagel chips or Fritos.



REMEMBER IT'S NEVER TO LATE TO PROCRASTINATE..