13 Things You Can Do Right Now to Start Prepping For The Holidays

Now is the time to start thinking about the holidays. As a professional organizer and concierge company, we know a thing or two about the holidays. They get insanely busy for us and we absolutely love every second of it. Below are 13 things that you can start doing now in order to prep for the holidays and get an early head start. Remember, do what you can when you can. If it is not in the cards for you right now or this year, then skip it. 

1. Create a holiday binder to keep all holiday related things together: calendars, gift lists, mailing supplies, meal plans, give back, volunteering, etc.

2. Create a holiday budget. To help with overspending during the holidays, here are some things to consider: shopping, events, giving, cards, house to-dos, meals, mailing / shipping supplies, etc. 

3. Make lists: shopping lists, gift lists, to-do lists, holiday bucket lists, Halloween to-do, Thanksgiving to-do, Hanukkah to-do, Christmas to-do, lists of all the things you need to do around, etc.

4. Print blank calendar pages and begin filling it with school commitments, holiday events, appointments, etc.

5. Book appointments: hair, house deep clean, carpet cleaners, window washers, light hangers, organizers, decorators, concierges, photographer, self-care, any other services you know you will use during the holidays.

6. Book reservations. If you know you want to go to special places during the holidays go ahead and make reservations, if you can. Book date nights, lunch or dinner with friends or any dates you know you may need a break.

7. Arrange for pet care. If you know you will be traveling make sure you have pet care all lined up. 

8. Book travel plans. Transportation, lodging, activities, and anything else related to travel.

9. Book doctors appointments. The end of the year is one of the busiest time for doctors offices, so go ahead and get those dates booked. 

10. Take advantage of sales for holiday events & experiences during the holidays.

11. Start purchasing gifts & begin wrapping. Consider experience gifts like memberships, spa treatments, things to do, etc.

12. Review your address list. Update your addresses for people you know that have moved or for people that their card came back from the previous year. 

13. Purchase gift cards for stores you know you will shop at during the holidays in order to help you budget during the holidays.

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Eco Modern Concierge is Now Booking Holiday Appointments

 

I know it’s early, but we are currently booking holiday appointments! 🎄 🕎 🎁 Thanks for all that have already pre-booked decorating, gift wrapping and event help! We service corporate and residential clients. Feel free to visit ecomodernconcierge.com or email us at info@ecomodernconcierge.com to get on the books. 

Here are some services that we specialize in:

• We offer gift wrapping for individuals and businesses. This is a great way to reduce stress and a benefit for you or your employees during the holidays.

• Individuals - we can help you wrap gifts and get you ready for the holidays

• Businesses and holiday parties - Send us an email at info@ecomodernconcierge.com for rates and more information as there is 2 options available. This is great for small businesses, departments within larger companies, at holiday parties if you are having guests over, and the list goes on & on. Here is what is included:

  • 2 professional gift wrappers

  • 3 hours, all day or we can customize

  • All supplies

  • Discount if you use our services during the holidays.

  • Company pays a set fee and employees or residents pay the happy gift wrappers in tips OR employees or residents pay for services and we charge per package.

• Holiday decorating services
• Errands
• Address and mail holiday cards
• Gift research
• Booking reservations
• Coordinating holiday activities
• Buy gifts and customize gift lists for you
• Ship items
• Get house organized for the holidays
• Organize events help
• Event help set up, errands and behind the scenes help like running to get that extra ice or extra alcohol you need
• Stock the bar and fridge
• Wait services
• THE OPTIONS ARE ENDLESS. Don’t see it here, just email or call and ask!

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Nutcracker Market Houston Must Visit Booths

If you are in Houston than you know that the Nutcracker Market is a big deal. I have clients who hire me to do lots of shopping and it is important for me to get organized with my list when I go to the Nutcracker Market. I have made a list of Nutcracker Market must stop booths below. If you are in Houston it is a great way to get a lot of your shopping done.

Donnie Di Domaini Booth #920- spaghetti sauces.

Pony Pal Stable Booth #1615 - kid ponies.

Bella's Candles Booth Booth #306 - one of my clients introduced me to these candles and they smell SO good.

Blue Cattle Truck Mexican Vanilla Booth #637 - all things Mexican vanilla

Cherry Republic Booth #1173 - tons of cherry related foods.

Houston Ballet Booth #907 - nutcracker and Houston Ballet items.

Paul Michael Booth #925 - home decor, ribbon, and pillows.

The Royal Standard Booth #1863 - home decor.

Paris Texas Co. Booth #600 - a local store. Lots of gifty items.

The Round Top Collection Booth #900 - yard art.

The Brookwood Community Booth #1821 - decor and foods. They are gifts crafted by adults with disabilities.

The Pewter Lady Booth #1669 - lots of pewter products. Great for gift giving.

Ornament Barre Booth #104 - Glass ornaments hosted by the Houston Ballet Guild.

Coton Colors Booth #550 - monogrammed gifts and ornaments.

Copper Kettle Corn Booth #1743 - for all of your kettle corn needs.

The Write Designs Booth #715 - for styrofoam cups and cocktail napkins.

Under Wraps Booth #1753  - for all of your gift wrapping needs.

Toffee to Go Booth #651 - for all your delicious toffee needs.

Marye Kelley Booth #1101 - for gift items.

Photo by Houston Ballet

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3 Holiday Helpers Part 2 | Houston Professional Organizer & Concierge

As a professional organizer and concierge business owner I feel like I always need to be prepared. I have a toolkit that I bring to most projects, but during the holidays there are specific things I make sure to have on hand. From now until Christmas I will be featuring 3 holiday helpers each week that are helpful always, but especially during the holidays.

Here is part 2 that was supposed to be posted last week, but what can I say. Watch the YouTube video above where I explain why I like these holiday helpers. 

All items are linked in the Eco Modern Concierge Shop.

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8 Things We Forget to Do During the Holidays

The holidays can be a crazy time here are some things we often forget to do during the holidays. What is something you forget to do during the holidays?

Take time for ourselves. Relax and go schedule that spa appointment or quality time alone.
Buy batteries. Stock up on extra batteries for all of those toys and electronics that may need batteries.
Clean the fridge. Make way for all the delicious food coming your way.
Check mail deadlines. Don't forget to check deadlines for shipping items.
Budget. Don't go overboard and consider giving clutter-free gifts like experiences.
Make freezer meals. For nights you are insanely busy and don't want to cook.
Say no. Don't over commit to the things that will bring you stress.
Make a packing list. Traveling? Don't forget to make a list of your must have essentials like your passport or tickets to an event you're attending.

Photo by Emanuel Hahn on Unsplash

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15+ Ways to Stay Calm During the Holiday Season

It is no secret that the holiday season can be stressful and frustrating. As a concierge in a big city like Houston, I am pulled 5 million different directions constantly. Here are some ways to stay calm during the holiday season.

• Begin your day by meditating.
• Go for a 30 minute walk.
• Jump on a trampoline for 15 minutes.
• Read a book.
• Cook or bake a new recipe. 
• Sit and watch a movie with no distractions.
• Go for a bike ride.
• Do yoga.
• Write down what you are thankful for.
• Write a letter to someone who did something nice for you.
• Give back.
• Talk to a neighbor, friend or family on the phone you.
• Say thank you.
• Decorate your house a little at a time.
• Choose to look at the positive of the holiday season.
• So NO to things you don't want to do.

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15+ Tips for an Eco Friendly Holiday Season

The holidays can revolve around a lot of material things. Here are some eco friendly was to make your holiday season a little more eco friendly by choosing greener options.

• Recycle your Christmas tree. 
• Buy energy efficient LED lights.
• Give back. 
• Use recycled materials like recycled paper or cloth when wrapping presents.
• Buy carbon credits from sites like TerraPass if you are traveling this holiday season. 
• If you are deciding on where to travel choose and eco friendly or green destination.
• Support local when having your holiday feast. 
• Sponsor a family in need. 
• Give experience gifts rather than stuff. 
• Draw names and only give one gift. This reduces waste and lessens the stress.
• Utilize timers to save on usage. 
• Use nature as a way to decorate. 
• If you are going to different holiday activities with others, carpool.
• Compost leftovers.
• Send digital cards.
• Use non-disposable plates, glasses, flatware and napkins.
• Buy organic or biodynamic wine and alcohol. 

Photo by Jeremy Gallman on Unsplash

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2018 Holiday Bucket List

I love the coziness of the holidays (well here in Houston sometimes it's still hot & humid). Here is what is on my holiday bucket list this year.

• Sit by the fireplace more.
• Have dinner outdoors and utilize the fire pit.
• Go ice skating at Discovery Green.
• Look at Christmas lights in River Oaks.
• Do some fun holiday activity in The Heights.
• Visit the Zoo Lights.
• Make cookies with my grandparents.
• Cut down our Christmas tree.
• Watch holiday movies.
• Host an outdoor movie night.

Photo by Rodolfo Marques on Unsplash

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2018 Holiday Intention

I talked about my holiday intention last year and did really well planning early again this year, especially on the gift giving side of things and with my calendar. Of course there will always be chaos that ensues, but for now I hope to be well prepared as possible for the busy holiday season.  This year my holiday intention was to give back more and it came in unexpected ways.

I am the philanthropy director for the National Concierge Association of Greater Houston and this year our give back project is to bring donations for MD Anderson's Children's Cancer Hospital to our December meeting. Plus, I am rallying my neighbor's like I do most years and some of them will be contributing this year as well. 

Then I was helping Heroes for Children this year and decided to sponsor a whole family instead of a child. Hope this family will have some holiday joy. 

Then of course, there will be volunteer projects sprinkled in this holiday season. 

What is your holiday intention?

Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash

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Made in the USA: Goo Gone

I don't know about you, but I use Goo Gone pretty often. As a professional organizer there is always a sticker to take off of something. Plus, I love that it can be used for so many more things like removing candle wax. Yes! I recently had a candle wax leftover on a white tablecloth from a dinner party and with a little elbow grease and Goo Gone I was able to get it right off. This is a necessary item to have on hand during the holidays in my book. Plus, it is made in the USA!

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Houston Professional Organizers #1 Tips for an Organized and Stress Free Holiday Season

Last month I asked some of my fellow NAPO Houston organizers and business partners #1 tips for an organized and stress free holiday season and below are their tips. What is your tip for a stress free holiday season?

Adonna Braly of Clutter Roundup: "Give experiences, not gifts. https://www.cloud9living.com/"

Naomi Kealy of Charming Spaces: "Make a list for each person you're buying for so you don't forget anything or anyone. I send my kid's lists to the grandparents too!"

Michelle Smithpeter of Pretty Practical Spaces: "As you open up your seasonal decorations, attach detailed labels to each of the tubs/boxes/bags, so you know what goes back where!  And it makes next year that much easier ""

Ann Zanon of A2Z Organizing Solutions: "I keep a list of what I gave to whom every year so I don't duplicate but as Adonna said, we don't give a lot of stuff. I also don't usually give friend gifts. Instead, for many years, I have held a Cookie Decorating Party as my gift to my friends. I bake all the cookies, provide everything except a platter for them to take cookies home and we spend a Sunday afternoon, just ladies, decorating cookies, listening to Christmas music and laughing." 

Mary Jo Contello of Organized by MJ: "Make a list of everything you have to do leading up to the holiday including decorate thetree, bake, buy gifts and list the names and etc. Then try to plug dates with the task."

Dena Wilson of Places! Professional Organizing: "Do as much in advance as possible!"


Ellen Delap of Professional-organizer.com: "Start early! Prioritize. It’s not about doing it all. It’s about doing what has the most meaning."

Tammy Atchison of The Busy Corner: "Know your limits. It’s ok to set boundaries."

Elizabeth Wood of Clean Moving Crates: "Stock up now on hostess gifts and client appreciation gifts. I keep a stock of repurposed wine-bottle candles from Hanh Tran - she also has other glass bottles than wine that she has cut and smoothed - they are a unique and inexpensive gift that supports a local artist. I keep a drawer stocked so I just grab one as I leave for the event - it keeps me from having to stress about giving "the right thing.""


Donna Matthews of Slay the Chaos: "Simple Does It. Let it Go. A place for everything and everything a place Your Way! Also, rather than a ton of "stuff" I love to use scent to transform my home - candles, tea, oils, coffees" 💕"


Suzanne Langford of Re-Vision It!: "Putting up the big tree can sometimes be overwhelming, I now have a handful of small, 3-4 ft artificial pre-lit trees in pots. Each one is stored in its own box with one small subset of ornaments/decor and an extension cord. I can easily put one or two up at a time in 10 or 15 minutes (including tree fluffing). It naturally breaks up the decorating in manageable chunks. If I get to the big, tree, great. If not, I have lovely small trees all around! Suzanne Langford, Re-Vision It!"


Amy Vance of Eco Modern Concierge: "Start early! It makes the holidays so much more less stressful. Also, create a holiday binder with November & December calendar pages, gift lists, receipts, timelines, budgets, etc."

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Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

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Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! May your day be peaceful, merry and bright. 

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Photo by Grant Lemons on Unsplash

5 Things to Organize This Weekend: Last Minute Holiday Organization

Christmas is just days away and you are scrambling to get everything done.

Here are 5 things you can organize this weekend:

Plan. Set out dishes you will need, clothes you know you are going to wear, make to-do lists with top priorities, etc. This will help things go so much smoother.

Get rid of all old food in the fridge. Do a quick scan of your refrigerator and get rid of anything that is expired, you don't need or leftovers that have just been sitting in there.

Spot check the guest room. If you have guests coming over make sure the room is tidy, you have clean sheets for them, extra hygiene products, etc.

Use Amazon Prime &/or Amazon Prime Now. If you haven't finished your shopping yet utilize Amazon to get your last minute gifts in or give clutter free gifts like experiences, tickets, etc.

Delegate or outsource. If you know you will not be able to get everything done, delegate to others &/or outsource what you need done.

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Photo by Sam Beasley on Unsplash

My Top 3 Wishlist Items

There are 3 things that I have been searching for, for many, many, many, many years for a reasonable price and can't seem to find it. Here they are.

Velvet Underground and Nico original album with the actual peeling banana sticker. I have been wanting this for I don't know how long, probably since I was in high school. About 10 years ago or so I was in Half Price Books in Rice Village and they said an original had just let their store for $50. I was SO pissed I wasn't there sooner. I am still on the search......

Photo from NPR

LeeWards Advent Calendar. This is a very nostalgic thing for me because my grandparents have this advent calendar and I remember it so vividly during the holidays from when I was a child. I have been searching for this for a decent price for years. I love the colors and the excitement of putting a new ornament on the calendar during December. I keep thinking I will find it at a garage sale, estate sale or resale shop, but still haven't.

Photo from eBay

James Avery Dr. Pepper Charm. I love Dr. Pepper and have had my James Avery charm bracelet since I was a little girl. I stopped collecting the charms as much because they became super expensive. I still think one day I will find this Dr. Pepper charm for under $100.

Photo from Worthpoint

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My Container Store Gift Wrapping Favorites

I first saw The Container Store display their gift wrapping at the end of October and loved so many things, but the last thing I needed was to buy a whole bunch of new wrapping supplies because I have so much already. With that said, since I am a concierge and do many personal assistant tasks for clients all over Houston, I get to buy a ton of wrapping supplies. That is just as satisfying :). I love to see what my clients pick out. Below are some of my favorite picks from this season.

Christmas Stripe Wrapping Paper: I love the simplicity and colors of this wrapping paper.

Modern Gift Tags: These are fun gift tags and are great if you are going for that modern look.

Green Yarn Ribbon: This green yarn also comes in white and reminds me of when I was younger and gifts were wrapped with it.

Alpine Wrapping Paper: I think this is just such fun wrapping paper.

Nutcracker Tags: These are just classic holiday gift tags.

Star of David Wrapping Paper: Love this paper for my clients and friends celebrating Hanukkah.

Stripe Boxes: I really like that these boxes are inexpensive and cute. They also come in all different sizes.

Holiday Sweater Tissue Paper: I usually like the sweater patterns, so it is no surprise that I would like this tissue paper.

Treat Boxes: I really like these treat boxes to give your homemade treats to others in.

Santa Sack: There is usually a need for large items that can't properly be wrapped or there are not bags big enough, so that is when sacks come into play.

Trees Wrapping Paper: I am always a fan of the simple trees wrapping paper.

Green and Red Shred: I love to put shred into gifts that I am shipping and this shred makes it a little more festive.

Navy Ribbon: When I saw this ribbon in store I loved it. It is great for Hanukkah gifts or to use after the holidays.

12 Days Tin: Need to send homemade goodies? These are super cute.

Santa Gift Card Holder: If you are giving a gift card this is a fun one to use.

Plaid Wrapping Paper: You can't go wrong with a classic plain wrapping paper.

Sleigh Ride Bag: I love this fun bag.

Gold Holiday Sentiments Tissue Paper: Sometimes I like to wrap gifts in tissue paper and I like this one.

Red and White Ribbon: I really like this ribbon because it is simple and festive.

Gift Card Box: You can always use gift card boxes.

All photos from The Container Store

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Setting a Holiday Intention

Last year,  I read on Camille Styles, about the importance of having a holiday intention at the beginning of the season. Your intention can be so many things from giving back more to getting more organized, etc. This year my holiday intention was getting organized before Thanksgiving in order to spend more time with family, friends and doing things that I want to do. So far, I did really well at achieving most of what I wanted to do with just a few loose ends. What is your holiday intention?

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Photo by Emanuel Hahn on Unsplash

My Houston Holiday Bucket List

I thought I would round up some of favorite things to do in Houston during the holidays. I am not sure if I will get to partake in all of them this year, but here are various ideas for you.

• Look at lights in River Oaks
• Cut down our Christmas Tree at Holiday Acres
• Houston Zoo Lights
• Ice skating at Discovery Green
• Houston Ballet's The Nutcracker
• Trans Siberian Orchestra
• Dickens on the Strand
• A Christmas Carol at the Alley Theatre
• Moody Gardens Festival or Lights or Dickinson Festival of Lights
• A Grinch Christmas at Jones Hall
• Magical Winter Lights
• Mayor's Holiday Celebration
• Christmas Village at Bayou Bend

Photo by Lezu Photography

2017 Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

Pocket Magnifier: Great to use for hard to read items or out in nature.

Peeler: We have this peeler and love it. It seriously peels so well.

Multi Tool: A multi-tool is always handy and I'm loving these fun colors.

Dubs Earplugs: I got these a couple of years ago and they are perfect for blocking out all kinds of noises.

Glass Nail File: I think this is such a beautiful nail file. I don't carry one around with me usually, but should.

Eyebrow Razor: I have never used these, but hear great things about them.

Charcoal Sheet Mask: Sheet masks are such a fun thing to do with a group of people and I love the way my skin feels after using them.

Cocofloss: I read about this floss in Fast Company and it gets great reviews.

The Little Book of Tidying: I recently purchased this book and it is a quick, fun read with lots of tidying / organization tips.

Cocktail Muddle: I love the look of these muddlers and you can personalize them.

Citra Sipper: This would be great for kids and adults alike.

Nail Clippers: A good pair of nail clippers makes all of the difference and these are supposed to be great.

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All photos from the links provided for each item

2017 Holiday Gift Guide: Pet Supplies

Feeding Bowls: I have these bowls for our dog and they are perfect. The stainless insert comes out.

Bird Feeder: I love that this bird feeder suctions to glass and what a lovely thing to have in a kitchen window.

Fish Bowl: I have seen these for years and actually had the bird feeder version of this and it is a unique fish bowl.

Cooling Pad: Summers in Houston are brutal, so cooling pads are such a good idea for pets especially during the scorching months.

Dog Coat: This is super cute and will keep your dog nice and cozy.

Cat Scratch Post: The second I saw this I immediately thought of all of my cat friends.

Customizable Dog Cookie Cutter: For when you make those homemade treats. 

Pet Basket: I clipped this out of magazine awhile ago and have loved it ever since. 

Dog Toy: I saw this Oprah magazine and thought it was such a cute toy. Our dog would probably destroy it in a matter of minutes.

Travel Water Bottle: I also saw this in Oprah magazine and loved this water bottle compared to others I have seen through the years. 

Pet Camera: To spy on your pets when you are away. 

Barkbar Dry Shampoo: This is a new product at Petco that I recently bought for my dog. He didn't like it, but it smells great. 

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All photos from the links provided for each item.