2024 Holiday Tips Pt.2

 

The holidays are fast approaching and here are some things that you can do this week to start prepping for the holidays

🌿 Buy Halloween candy

🌿 Plan for Fall / Halloween / Dia de los Muertos activities, parties and teacher gifts

🌿 Book end of year appointments &  doctors appointments

🌿 Get Halloween costume

🌿 Plan Friendsgiving

🌿 Clean your chimney

🌿 Stock up on gift cards or start putting money aside for holiday expenses

🌿 Begin to organize your garage, attic & basement

🌿 Book holiday travel

75 Holiday Blog Content Ideas for Organizers

1. Fall Bucket List
2. Holiday Bucket List
3. Christmas Buck List
4. Fall Maintenance Checklist
5. Winter Maintenance Checklist
6. 10 Ways You Can Prep for the Holidays Now
7. Thanksgiving Checklist
8. Halloween Checklist
9. Christmas Checklist
10. Hanukkah Checklist 
11. Ways Your Company Can Help Clients and Potential Customers During the Holidays
12. Ways to Give Back During the Holidays
13. Sustainable Holiday Swaps to Make in Your Business
14. Sustainable Holiday Swaps to Make in Your Home
15. Greeting Card Organization
16. "x number" of Spaces You Should Organize to Prep for the Holidays
17. Pumpkin Patches in Your Area
18. Sustainable / Green / Eco Halloween Ideas
19. Sustainable / Green / Eco Thanksgiving Ideas
20. Sustainable / Green / Eco Christmas Ideas
21. Sustainable / Green / Eco Hanukkah Ideas
22. Giving Tuesday Post
23. Recycling During the Holidays
24. What to Declutter Now in Order to Prepare for the Holidays
25. Local Places to Make Donations to During the Holidays
26. How to Get Organized for Halloween
27. How to Get Organized for Thanksgiving 
28. How to Get Organized for Christmas
29. How to Organize Halloween Decorations
30. How to Organize Thanksgiving Decorations
31. How to Organize Christmas Decorations 
32. How to Organize Hanukkah Decorations
33. Ways Have, Give & Show Gratitude During the Holidays
34. Holiday Gift Guides
35. Utilizing a Personal Concierge During the Holidays
36. Tips to Getting Organized in the Fall
37. Tips to Getting Organized in the Winter
38. Tips to Getting Organized in the New Year
39. Ways to Save During the Holidays
40. Last Minute Tips for Hosting a Halloween Party
41. Last Minute Tips for Hosting a Thanksgiving Party
42. Last Minute Tips for Hosting a Christmas Party
43. Last Minute Tips for Hosting a Hanukkah Party
44. Last Minute Tips for Hosting a New Years Eve Party
45. Small Business Saturday Post (celebrated the 1st Saturday after Thanksgiving)
46. Clutter Free Gift Ideas
47. 5 Last Minute Things to Organize This Weekend: Last Minute Holiday Organization
48. Setting a Holiday Intention
49. 10 Last Minute Things to do to Get Organized for the Holidays
50. My Container Store Gift Wrapping Favorites
51. First Day of Fall: Time to Purge and Organize
52. 5 Services to Outsource During the Holidays
53. 15+ Ways a Personal Concierge Can Help You Stay Sane During the Holidays
54. Professional Organizers #1 Tips for a Stress Free Holiday Season (poll fellow NAPO members or other organizers you know)
55. Professional Organizers / Concierges Must Haves
56. 8 Things We Forget To Do During the Holidays
57. 15+ Tips for an Eco-Friendly Holiday Season
58. 5 Ways to Get Organized for the Fall
59. 5 Ways to Get Organized for Thanksgiving
60. 5 Ways to Get Organized for The Winter 
61. 5 Ways to Get Organized for The New Year
62. Professional Organizers' #1 Tips & Tricks for Getting Organized for The Fall
63. 20+ Holiday Helpers To Make The Holidays Go Smooth
64. 21 Tips and Tricks for Getting Organized After the Holidays
65. The Importance of a Holiday Binder
66. Apps to Help You Stay Organized During The Holidays
67. 5 Money Saving Tips for The Holidays
68. 15 Ways to Spread Acts of Kindness During The Holidays
69. Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar
70. Organizing Advent Calendar Starting in November
71. 7 Ways you are Grateful 
72. 7 Ways to Help Small Businesses During the Holidays
73. How to Keep Pets Safe During the Holidays
74. How to Organize a Gift Wrapping Station
75. How to Budget for the Holidays

Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics.com: https://www.pexels.com/photo/pine-leaves-and-christmas-balls-on-a-green-background-5485110/

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!

ecomodernconcierge.com

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.

ecomodernconcierge.com

Photo by Sam Beasley on Unsplash

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

ecomodernconcierge.com

Made in the USA + Eco: Holiday Scents

I remember when I was younger my mom used to buy this potpourri, but then I hadn't used it in many, many years. One day a few months ago, my neighbor took me to Kirkland's and this was the first thing I saw when we walked in and LOVED the smell of it. I was happy to see that it was made in the USA and was eco-friendly. It is has essentials oils, is 30% recycled paper and is 100% biodegradable.  They last a surprising long time. I have one in my car and one in my 1/2 bath.

ecomodernconcierge.com

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?

ecomodernconcierge.com

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.

ecomodernconcierge.com

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. 

ecomodernconcierge.com

All photos from the links provided for each item.

2017 Holiday Gift Guide: Organization Gifts

Reusable Bags: I love mesh bags for all kinds of things from toting around office supplies to travel supplies.

New Order Book: This is a great organizing book. Full of all kinds of tips and tricks.

Blind Cleaner: Jump start on your spring cleaning with this blind cleaner.

6-in-1 Tool: This thing is always so handy to have around. I use it on all kinds of organizing projects.

Microfiber Towel: Microfiber towels are great for all kinds of things and I tote them around with me on projects.

Eco Modern Concierge Gift Certificate: Shameless plug. If you need help getting organized give us a call. EMC gift certificates make GREAT gifts.

Metal Bookplates: I use these all the time on organizing projects. They give organization projects a polished look.

Magazine Holder: I have been eyeing these since earlier this year. They are the perfect addition to any office.

Sharpies: These are always a must for various organization projects. The different colors are perfect to add color when making list or using on your planner.

Magnetic Cord Holder: Contain those cords with these magnets cord holders.

Lightening Flash Drive: This is perfect for getting all those photos off of your phone and onto your computer.

Basket: This is a stylish, inexpensive basket to help contain clutter.

ecomodernconcierge.com

All photos from the links provided for each item

2017 Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts That Give Back

Cuddle + Kind Dolls: For each doll sold, it feeds children in need.

FEED Bag: Well it is no secret that I am obsessed with FEED bags. I love this one. It feeds 370 school meals in Kenya.

4Ocean Bracelet: This bracelet is made of 100% recyclable materials and with each purchase it helps remove one pound of trash from the ocean.

Audubon Adopt a Bird: When you adopt a bird it helps the Audubon's mission to help protect birds against climate change.

Green Goo: This travel pack will have portions of the proceeds go to various charities.

Placemats: These placemats can provide 89 sachets of oral rehydration salts.

Cheeky Plates: For every pack of plates that you buy, one meal will be given through Feed America.

Tatcha Powder: With the purchase of this item it funds one day of school for girls through the Beautiful Faces, Beautiful Futures program in partnership with Room to Read.

Belvedere: 50% of the profits from this bottle go to Global Fund to help fight AIDS.

Grounds and Hounds: 20% of proceeds support rescue missions across the country.

Kendra Scott Charm: Proceeds from the purchase of this charm go to support pediatric patients at MD Anderson. On a personal note, MD Anderson holds a special place in my heart. I bought this charm a couple of years ago.

Basket: The purchase of the basket helps support women by improving housing, putting their children through school, and helping to feed their families.

ecomodernconcierge.com

All photos from the links provided for each item. Tatacha photo from here

2017 Holiday Gift Guide: For Dapper Gentlemen

So I am going to prefuse this post with this is a gift guide that I made for a client of mine earlier this year. The price points are higher because the budget was higher and they wanted something that was not an Apple product or electronics. They were needing ideas on what to give for their clients who are mostly men. I think these are such fun ideas and thought I would include it in my holiday gift guides. 

Away Carry-On Luggage $225: This luggage is awesome and many of my clients have it. There is a built in battery where you plug in your USB cord and can charge your devices.

Daniel Wellington Watch $229: This is watch is classic and perfect for the sales manager on the go.

Custom Dress Shirt price varies, but around $200: There are various places throughout Houston to get custom shirts made like Sid Mashburn and many will come to you to take measurements.

Age Your Own Whiskey $150 - $250: You can age and customize your own at home whiskey barrels. This is great for whiskey lovers.

Yeti Roadie Cooler $250: This is a great cooler to keep your items cold for extended periods of time. They also come in various colors. I know this has been popular for a while, but I believe they still make great gifts and are so useful.

Custom Etched Wine / Liquor Bottle price varies: There are several different glass etchers in Houston where you can etch a variety of things on wine / liquor bottles. They make great keepsakes.

Leather Dopp Kit $150 - $200: If the sales managers travel a lot this is great because you can personalize them and then fill them with products like Jack Black or Manready Mercantile, a Houston favorite.

Toolbox $125 - $250: This can be customized and you fill it with all kinds of tools because you can never have too many tools.

Wood Fire Pizza Oven $299: I know there are other pizza ovens a little less expensive, but this one constantly gets great reviews and is so fun!

ecomodernconcierge.com

All photos from the links provided for each item