Pages

Showing posts with label thanksgiving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thanksgiving. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

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

Monday, October 14, 2024

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/

Thursday, November 26, 2020

Happy Thanksgiving!

 


Happy Thanksgiving!

Photo by Karolina Grabowska

Sunday, November 15, 2020

Tips on How to Organize Your Pantry Before Thanksgiving and the Holidays


Thanksgiving is next week and the holidays are basically here at this point this year. Being a professional organizer and holiday concierge in Houston, we have organized and planned our fair share of pantries and all things holidays through the years. Here are some tips to get your pantry organized for Thanksgiving and the Holidays.

Purge. We often don't think that we have that many expired items and more times than not we see that clients do have more expired items than they think. Purge these items to make room for new pantry items.

Sort like items together. So things are not scattered everywhere throughout the pantry, sort like items together like all canned goods, baking, pasta, etc.

Take inventory. Take inventory of what you got rid and see what you need to restock. 

Organize. Once items are sorted together, organize in a way that works and makes sense to you. As you have seen in many of our projects, we use baskets and bins to contain items, give them a cohesive look and keep the items organized. 

Label. Label your bins, baskets or shelves so you know exactly where everything is. 

Make a list & use sticky notes or sticker dots. Make a list and use sticky notes or sticker dots to mark which items you know you will need for Thanksgiving if you do not want to take those items out of the pantry or put in a designated area. By making a list and using sticky notes /dots will insure you know exactly what you will need.

Stock up on essentials you will need. Begin to make a list or make a list on your preferred grocery store's website for items that you know you will need and schedule a time to have the items delivered, picked up or shopped for. Tip: early mornings and evenings are some of the best times to go to the store when there are less crowds. 

Here are some common pantry items that people stock up on for Thanksgiving and the Holidays.

  • Spices - cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt & pepper, etc.
  • Baking items - sugars, flours, etc. 
  • Broths - chicken, vegetable, beef, etc.
  • Herbs - fresh or dried
  • Meats
  • Vegetables
  • Fresh & dried fruits
  • Canned goods 
  • Milks - cow's, evaporated, condensed, nut milks, etc.
  • Extracts
  • Oils

How do you prepare for Thanksgiving and the holidays?

ecomodernconcierge.com




Friday, October 23, 2020

Thanksgiving Must Haves: For Organized and Stress-Free Thanksgiving Hosting



When hosting Thanksgiving there a few things you want to make sure you have on hand for those just in case moments and for moments when you may need a little extra something. What do you like to keep on hand during Thanksgiving for those unexpected moments.

  1. Red Wine Stain Remover: We have all been there where somebody accidentally spills something, so much suer you have red wine stain remover handy.
  2. Carpet Cleaner: For all other stains from food to kids to pets. I have used this stuff for many, many years and it is all of the sudden super popular again. I think because some blogger posted about it, who knows lol. If you are local in Houston, you can get it at Bering's Hardware.
  3. Goo Gone Pen: for markers, when you see a label on a new dish that you need to get off, etc. 
  4. Silver Polish: If you use silver on a regular basis, this is great 
  5. Something that smells good: whether that is a reed diffuser, candle or essential oils. You want people to step into your home feeling welcomed. 
  6. To go containers: If you are hosting Thanksgiving there is sure to be leftovers, so make you sure you are prepped and ready to send people home with leftovers. You can find reusable containers at Sam's Club & Costco or online. As you probably saw in this post. One organizer suggested downsizing your personal storage container stash. 
  7. An iron, steamer or wrinkle releaser: If you are the type that likes to have fresh, crisp linens on hand than this is especially helpful. If someone arrives super early and wants to help have them freshen up the linens for you.
  8. Mints or mouthwash in the bathroom: After a full meal some feel like to have something on hand to freshen up their breath. Decant mouthwash and have a little station set up with mini cups for your guests to use. I have been to many of houses where where they have mouthwash stations and I always think it is a great idea.
  9. Folding chair: It is always nice to make sure you have plenty of seating for any unexpected guest that may show up. 

ecomodernconcierge.com

Monday, October 19, 2020

#1 Tips & Tricks for an Organized Thanksgiving from NAPO Houston Professional Organizers



Are you ready for Thanksgiving? I know it is still a little over a month away, but now is  a great time to start thinking about it in order to be prepared and ready for everything that the holiday season entails. I asked my fellow NAPO Houston professional organizers what some of their #1 tips were and here is what they had to say. 

Amy Vance of Eco Modern Concierge: "Stock up on stain removers for whatever stains may happen like red wine, food, markers / crayons from kids, etc." 

Nikki Bell of Just Organized by Nikki: "Check expiration dates on spices and pantry items. Running out to the grocery store during the rush is never fun."

Helen Schutz of HBS Organizing: "Try to get a head start on your meal planning - if ordering out, allow 2-3 weeks before Thanksgiving to place your orders early."

Laura Gunn of Strategic Hourglass Solutions: "Make and freeze ahead what you can. Lots of desserts and some side dishes fit the bill for this."

Blanka Molnar of Your Sorted Space: "Use a holiday planner and break your To-do-list (I like to use “to-achieve-list“) down. What can you do a month before Thanksgiving or 3 weeks before Thanksgiving."

Neitra Blair of Organizing Lifestyles: "The holidays are good for getting rid of unused Tupperware and Togo containers. Your guest can use those to take good home"


Ellen Delap of Professional-Organizer.com: "Buy holiday serving pieces to give away with treats."


Mary Jo Contello of Organized by MJ: "Start planning the menu and assign guest task/items to make so everyone can enjoy the day."


Tammy Atchison of The Busy Corner: "If you have family traditions and recipes, take time to write them down and keep them together for the future. Many years ago my mom was unable to prepare /host Thanksgiving dinner due to an awful case of shingles. We were clueless...lol...any way, mom was able to tell us everything from recipes to what serving dishes. Success ðŸ¦ƒ My admin sister typed up a word document on “How to Prepare Mom’s Thanksgiving Dinner” from that year on we use that to help her, we had no idea how much work it was, she made it look so easy."


Linda Cresswell of Shelf Genie: "Get your order in now so your glide out shelving is in for the holidays. ShelfGenie. 832-666-6391"


Nancy Devlin of Efficient Living, Inc: "In my family for Thanksgiving, we set a nice formal table. Begin 2 weeks before Thanksgiving: polish silver, clean china and crystal and iron tablecloths and napkins. Use all of your nice table settings and decor that doesn't get used often!"

ecomodernconcierge.com


Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Happy Thanksgiving!


Happy Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for? Thank you to all who have supported and continue to support Eco Modern Concierge.  I am thankful for so much today and always.

Photo by Pro Church Media on Unsplash

ecomodernconcierge.com

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Happy Thanksgiving!



Happy Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for? Thank you to all who have supported and continue to support Eco Modern Concierge.  I am thankful for so much today and always.

Photo by Pro Church Media on Unsplash

ecomodernconcierge.com

Thursday, November 23, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving!


Happy Thanksgiving! I am grateful for so much in my life. Hope you have a wonderful day!


ecomodernconcierge.com

Photo by Simon Maage on Unsplash

Friday, November 10, 2017

Thanksgiving / Friendsgiving


Are you hosting Thanksgiving or a Friendsgiving?  We try to host Friendsgiving every year, but as we get older life gets in the way. This year we ARE going to do it and make sure it happens. Thanksgiving is my husband's favorite holiday, so I want to make sure he has a GREAT one. This book is easy to read, funny and outlines why it is important to stick to traditional Thanksgiving meals. What are you doing for Thanksgiving?

ecomodernconcierge.com

Monday, November 6, 2017

How to Get Organized for Thanksgiving



I wrote this post last year, but thought I would repost.

Thanksgiving is only a few short weeks away so now is great time to start planning for it if you haven't already started.
  • Create a Thanksgiving binder. This binder will hold everything you need from to-do list to meal plans. There are all kinds of checklist that you can search for online that will give you time lines of Thanksgiving prepping. I am not going to reinvent the wheel this year ;) and figured you could just do a quick search. 
  • Write a to-do list. Make a list of everything you need to do this includes what you are cooking, linens you will be using, dishes you will be using, decorations, guests, gratitude notes, games, etc.
  • Declutter. If there are dishes or decorations you have been hanging onto for years and you no longer have a use for or you just don't like them. Donate them. Decluttering will help you feel less stressed.
  • Meal Plan. Plan what you will be serving and what dishes guests will be bringing.
  • Create a grocery and liquor store list. Make a list of everything you will need from the grocery and liquor store, this includes food, flowers, beer, etc.
  • Schedule to clean your house or hire a house cleaner. Get it on the books at least 2-3 days before guests arrive that way you won't stress too much about it.
  • Order your turkey and buy non perishable items. Try to get items ahead of time that you know you can get especially canned or frozen items.
  • Plan to finish 2 days before Thanksgiving. Obviously you will not have all of your cooking out of the way, but plan to wrap most everything up on by the Tuesday the week of Thanksgiving. This will give you ample time to think about all of the things you may have forgotten about. Make sure to set the table ahead of time as well.
  • Label. Set out all serving dishes about of time and label what will be going in them. Make labels for the meals if you want guests to know what is in them. Make name tags. 
  • Plan for to -go containers. I love these Reynolds Heat & Eat containers, which are in a blog post coming up. 
  • Accept help. If you someone sees that you are overwhelmed and offers to help you, accept it! It will be a relief in so many ways. 
  • Relax. Go get reflexology, pedicure, a massage or something to help you relax. 
ecomodernconcierge.com

Photo by rawpixel.com on Unsplash

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Happy Thanksgiving!


Hope you are having a very happy Thanksgiving! We are spending time with family and eating lots of food.

ecomodernconcierge.com

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

How to Get Organized for Thanksgiving


Thanksgiving is only a few short weeks away so now is great time to start planning for it if you haven't already started.
  • Create a Thanksgiving binder. This binder will hold everything you need from to-do list to meal plans. There are all kinds of checklist that you can search for online that will give you time lines of Thanksgiving prepping. I am not going to reinvent the wheel this year ;) and figured you could just do a quick search. 
  • Write a to-do list. Make a list of everything you need to do this includes what you are cooking, linens you will be using, dishes you will be using, decorations, guests, gratitude notes, games, etc.
  • Declutter. If there are dishes or decorations you have been hanging onto for years and you no longer have a use for or you just don't like them. Donate them. Decluttering will help you feel less stressed.
  • Meal Plan. Plan what you will be serving and what dishes guests will be bringing.
  • Create a grocery and liquor store list. Make a list of everything you will need from the grocery and liquor store, this includes food, flowers, beer, etc.
  • Schedule to clean your house or hire a house cleaner. Get it on the books at least 2-3 days before guests arrive that way you won't stress too much about it.
  • Order your turkey and buy non perishable items. Try to get items ahead of time that you know you can get especially canned or frozen items.
  • Plan to finish 2 days before Thanksgiving. Obviously you will not have all of your cooking out of the way, but plan to wrap most everything up on by the Tuesday the week of Thanksgiving. This will give you ample time to think about all of the things you may have forgotten about. Make sure to set the table ahead of time as well.
  • Label. Set out all serving dishes about of time and label what will be going in them. Make labels for the meals if you want guests to know what is in them. Make name tags. 
  • Plan for to -go containers. I love these Reynolds Heat & Eat containers, which are in a blog post coming up. 
  • Accept help. If you someone sees that you are overwhelmed and offers to help you, accept it! It will be a relief in so many ways. 
  • Relax. Go get reflexology, pedicure, a massage or something to help you relax. 

ecomodernconcierge.com

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year has been a tough one for us. We have had 3 losses in the last five months, but we also added a sweet, new cousin this year. 

Appreciate and be grateful for all that you have. 

I am grateful for so many things, my husband, family, our sweet boy (our dog Rothko), friends, a house to live in, food in our bellies, etc, etc.




Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Thanksgiving by Numbers


I found these Thanksgiving statistics from StatisticBrain.com to be interesting

Thanksgiving Holiday StatisticsData
  • Total number of Turkeys that are consumed on Thanksgiving Day  51,000,000
  • Total U.S. spending on Thanksgiving dinner food $2,375,000,000
  • Average household spending on Thanksgiving dinner $54.18
  • Average household spending on Thanksgiving weekend $302
  • Number of families that will travel for Thanksgiving 39,000,000
  • Number of places in the U.S. named Plymouth 37
  • Average cost per pound of Turkey $1.15

Thanksgiving Related Food StatisticsData
  • Average number of Turkeys raised in the U.S. each year 248 million
  • Annual consumption of turkey by the average American 16 pounds
  • Annual tons of green beans produced 656,340 tons
  • Pounds of sweet potatoes produced annually 2.4 billion pounds
  • Value of all pumpkins produced annually $117 million
  • Pounds of cherries produced annually 266 million pounds
  • Barrels of cranberry produced annually 7.5 million barrels
  • Total value of turkeys produced in the U.S. annually $4.37 billion

Monday, November 25, 2013

DIY Thanksgiving Pinecone Wreath



For some reason this past year I have been into holiday wreaths. I really prefer simple wreaths. I was thinking of a Thanksgiving wreath that I could make or buy depending on if I found something that I really liked. I looked and looked and finally saw one online that was a simple all pinecone one. I had every intention of going to the park and picking up pinecones. Growing up I remember seeing pine trees everywhere, but now living in the downtown Houston area I rarely see pine trees in our neighborhood area. I was at Hobby Lobby picking up some crafting supplies and happened to see bags of pinecones for 80% off, so I ended up buying two bags for $2 each (which saved me time) and I bought the wreath form there as well and had a 40% off coupon, so it ended up being just a little over $2 for it. 

It was extremely simple to make. Literally all I did was hot glue the pinecones onto the wreath. It smells good because the bag of pinecones had cinnamon sticks in it as well. 





Thursday, November 21, 2013

Ways to "Green" Your Thanksgiving


There are plenty of things you can do this Thanksgiving season to make it a “green” one.
  • When shopping for food bring a reusable bag
  • Plan meals ahead of time so you don't over buy
  • Try to buy local, seasonal and organic food 
  • Shop at farmers markets and support local shops. Houston has a ton of great places to pick up local foods. Some of my favorites are The French Bakery, Revival Market and House of Pies
  • Try to buy items that do not have a whole lot of packaging
  • Stay at home with family
  • If you're hosting Thanksgiving, ask guests to bring their own to go containers
  • Don’t use paper plates and plastic utensils. Break out the china, silverware, cloth napkins, etc.
  • Try to buy turkeys grown without hormones and antibiotics
  • Recycle your glass, plastic and aluminum foil
  • Recycle the turkey fat
  • Donate leftovers to a shelter
  • Compost your scraps
  • VOLUNTEER at a local shelter
  • Make your own decorations, reuse the ones you have or buy some from a resale shop
  • BE THANKFUL