Guest Post:Tame Your Clutter: Tips To Get And Stay Organized All Year

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Whether you live in an apartment, a single-family home or you share a home with roommates, finding room for all your belongings can be a challenge. All though this holds true all year round, the holiday season and new year is a time when many folks seek to become more organized.

If you aren't sure what to do with all your new stuff, or your resolution for the upcoming year is to finally tame the clutter and get more organized, then you could probably use some storage tips.

Minimize, Prioritize And Organize
These are three important stages of organization. First, you want to minimize by getting rid of stuff that you don't need. This can be the hardest part. You may be loathe to part with some of your stuff, but if you don't need it, or use it, then it isn't earning its place in your home.

Guest Post: 12 Energy Saving Days Of Christmas

With the big day just around the corner, we’ve put together this list of nifty energy saving tips to see you through the 12 days of Christmas.

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Pick a tree
Opt for a real tree instead of an artificial one. Plastic trees are not biodegradable and emit a lot of carbon in production and shipping, whereas real trees are carbon neutral. For bonus energy saving points, get your tree from a company like Forever Green Christmas, who will deliver a potted tree to you and then take it away in the New Year to look after it until next Christmas.

About DIY: Recycled Gift Tags

Hello World!

The holidays are coming and what better way to show your friends and family that you really appreciate them, than offering them a handmade gift! I love handmade gifts; they are special and made with love. I didn`t have time to make everyone a handmade gift this year, but I made my own gift tags. It is easy, it costs nothing and the most important- it's from the heart and it’s recycled! 

Let me show you how it’s done! 

How to make recycled gift tags?

Guest Post: Keep It Simple: Easy Holiday Decorating

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The holidays are a warm, festive and glowing time, filled with family, good food and the sights and sounds of the season.

Getting your home decked out for the holidays may seem a bit overwhelming if you haven't yet accumulated a lot of seasonal items, but it doesn't have to be. Decorating your home by targeting a few specific areas can make a big impact, giving your living space a good dose of festivity for the holidays.

Where To Start?
Think of the places you and your family spend the most time, and focus on those. Most holiday gatherings center around meals, so sprucing up your table is one way to go.

Table decor doesn't have to be elaborate or expensive. You can check out holiday home clearance sales for Christmas table linens, festive serving platters and centerpiece decor. It's a good idea to start with a theme. Some theme ideas:

• Traditional green and red. Think holly, poinsettias and mistletoe.
  
• Go with an elegant theme. Think silver or gold and white. You can add accent colors like red or blue for a pop of color.
  
• You may prefer the rustic look. Think natural greenery and fabrics like burlap. Centerpiece accessories can include clove oranges, cranberries, cinnamon sticks and similar items.
  

Craft stores are a great resource for these types of decor. You can find containers, bowls and accessories that are perfect for creating a beautiful holiday centerpiece. Candles, silk flowers and greenery are all good choices that can be combined.

A festive table cloth or runner are easy ways to add a touch of Christmas to your table. Add some candles and you are done.

Light Up Your Living Space
Holiday string lights are a quick and easy way to bring the holidays into your home. Battery-operated light strands are great for using in wreaths, table arrangements and other decorative settings.

Another idea for these versatile lights is to place a strand of them in a glass vase or oversized mason jar. You can add any number of things to it such as Christmas ornaments, festive colored marbles or artificial greenery, pinecones etc. Add the lights and you have a lovely decoration for your mantle, table or any other spot that needs some holiday cheer.

Don't forget your fireplace mantle. This is prime decorating real estate. Lights across the mantle intertwined with garland and holiday decorations looks lovely. You can also use lights on indoor stairway railings.

Cozy up your living room with soft throws and pillows in holiday colors. Picture a roaring fire, a mug of hot cocoa and cheery throws in red or green.

Decor For The Bathroom
Easily one of the most used rooms in the house, the bathroom can be made festive for the holidays as well. Holiday guest soaps, themed towels and even fun shower curtains can create a holiday environment.

Incorporate all the senses into your holiday decor. Don't forget that the scents of fresh pine, cinnamon and gingerbread are as much a part of the holidays as the lights and the trees. Add some carols playing and your favorite holiday beverage and you are on your way!


+Jodi Call   Call took her years of experience in home design and décor and now offers an impressive collection of bed, kitchen, bath accessories and home furnishings at bedbathstore.com

Disclaimer: This is a Guest Post and the text, images and links were provided by the post author.

Guest Post: How To Get Your Home Ready For Winter And Save Money On Your Gas And Electricity Bills

Before you deck the halls, string up the lights outside and stock the freezer, there’s plenty more you can do to get your home ready for winter. These simple home improvements will help make your humble abode cozy for Christmas and can reduce your gas and electricity bills, so you have more to spend on posh crackers, mince pies and that perfect gift.

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Keep the big freeze outside
It's time to clear the remnants of summer from your freezer so it's fighting fit for winter. Do away with the frozen lollies and ice packs and defrost your freezer before you go for your big festive shop. By removing excess ice and produce, your freezer can cool your hearty festive stock more effectively. Keep your freezer less than three-quarters full so it can circulate the air without too much strain on the motor.

About Interesting to Read #2

Hello World!

I know it has been a long time ago since I've shared something interesting to read, but finally here are some interesting articles and post that I've read lately that you might find interesting.

How I Organize and Run My Blog @One Little Vice – In her post Angelica explains what she does to keep everything connected to her blog in order, from scheduling shares and posts to brainstorming for ideas.  I found this post very helpful because my blog is relatively new and I am still all over the place. I am trying to be organized but I find it a little bit difficult. The tips in the article really helped me; if you are a newbie blogger  or you need help organizing yourself make sure to check out Angelica’s advice.

Guest Post: Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations in Southeast Asia

So you've just come out of your fabulous wedding day, now what? Now it’s time for the search of your first getaway as a married couple. While most honeymooners want to spend their intimate holiday alongside the blue ocean, others crave for an authentic experience in a place that is far away and completely different than theirs. Good food and plenty of accommodation are also important premises. With that in mind, the exotic countries in Southeast Asia have them all. There’re numerous choices for everyone, from beach lovers, tranquil seekers, food explorers and even luxury travelers. Here are the top 5 destinations for honeymooners in Southeast Asia:

5. Inle Lake, Myanmar

Inle Lake is a must visit in one of the most underrated countries, perhaps in the world. Although the lake is not very large, it is home to a densely inhabited by various tribes. And if you want to have a glimpse of the local’s daily life in a picturesque background provided by Mother Nature, Inle Lake is where you should spend your honeymoon. Take your time and explore the unique culture of hydroponic farming and leg-fishing. In addition, there’re some of the most worth-visiting Buddhist temples located around the lake as well as the opportunity to sample real Burmese cuisine.

Leg-fishing – a scene you’re bound to encounter on Inle Lake

Perfect for: experiencing the local’s life at a slow pace and limited time

Best time to visit: November to February

Nearest international airport: Mandalay

Combination idea: visit thousands of magnificent temples in the plain of Old Bagan for a more complete Myanmar luxury trips

About Christmas Gifts and BornPrettyStore 10% Off Coupon: AMCW10

Hi World!

I have a great deal to share with you!

First of all, the Born Pretty Store has announced some amazing Christmas themed products! You can order something for yourself or buy a great gift for a friend.

Here are some of my favorites:

Luminous Glow in Dark Nail Art Stickers Delicate ChristmasOrnaments Snowflakes Pattern – So cute…and they will go perfectly with the Pair of Contrast Fingerless Gloves which I am giving away!

Source: Bornprettystore.com

About My Extremely Practical Christmas Wish List

Hello World!

I know I have been absent for the last week or so, but first I was sick and then yesterday was my husband’s and mine First Wedding Anniversary, so we went on a romantic gateway for the weekend. 

To be honest the first year went by really fast and when I look back I cannot remember anything significant that happened. However, the most important for me is that I spend another year with the love of my life and I cannot be happier. I wish for everyone to find their soul mate just as I have found mine.

Ok, that’s enough with the romantic stuff, let’s talk Christmas!

You may think that there is a long way until Christmas but December is approaching and until you close your eyes and count to ten the holidays will be here. I love shopping and giving present away, but I am not great at receiving them. I like all kind of presents and I am happy with receiving anything, but when I get something a feel a little bit shy  and always say “Oh, you shouldn`t have to.” instead of just “Thank you”.

About DIY: Recycled Nail Polish Decorated Jar

Hello World!

I love crafts! I love painting! I love nail polish! And decorating things with nail polish combines all there of my passions. I don`t own a considerable amount of nail polishes, but I have enough colors to use for my craft projects. 

One of my favorite things is painting my nails and I love crazy colors. I also hate throwing away stuff, so I keep all of my polishes even if they have gone bad. I recently found an activity that gives old nail polish a new life – nail polish decorating.  Here is an easy and cute DIY polish decorating idea: 

How to decorate a jar with nail polish?

What you need: any shape grass jar, nail polish (old or new), porcelain painter marker (optional), CREATIVITY (mandatory:)).

How much time does it take? – It depends. It took me one hour to paint my jar. It is not time consuming but you have to wait for nail polish to dry in-between layers. 

Purpose: you can use the painted jar as a pen-holder, cosmetic brush holder, vase or any other kind of decoration.

About Interesting to Read #1

Hello World!

I often come across a lot of interesting posts and articles, which really amaze me and I want to share them with someone.  I was reading an article, which made me smile and then the greatest idea came to me- why not share the article with you and make you smile too! So I decided that I will do a weekly roundup of interesting stuff I came across on the internet: posts, articles, pictures, videos. …and here is the first post of the series “About Interesting to Read”!

If you also have some interesting articles to share, don`t hesitate to do it in the comment field under the blog post! I love discovering new things!

Five tips for healthy teeth @Beautiful Solutions – Everybody knows the basics – brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss, pay regular visits to the dentist, however, I to be honest even thought I know what I am supposed to do I don`t do it! I guess it is human nature not to worry about something until it becomes a problem. This post is a nice reminder of how important and easy it is to take care of our teeth!

About Being Unemployed

Hi World!

Here is a fact about myself - I am currently unemployed.  I am doing an unpaid online part-time traineeship, which I really like, but for almost a year now I have been without a stable (paying) job. 

A year ago I had a very good well-paid job. The job was temporary and it was in another country and I had to live away from all my friends and my boyfriend. I decided to quit (anyways I was going to be able to stay there for only 3-4 more months), join my husband and get married in his home country. And here I am happily married but jobless in Serbia.

What I hate about being unemployed…a lot of things!

I hate being at home, doing nothing and wasting my time. Of course I am not just standing in front of the TV the whole day – I am taking two online classes, improving my Serbian and my French, working on my blog and of course looking for a job, which is actually really time-consuming.

About Me

Hello World!

Whenever I am having a job interview or meeting someone for the first time, I always feel strange when asked to tell something about myself.  It really makes me think: “But, who am I?”, “What is special about me?”, “How can describe myself in 5 words?”  To be honest I’m not always able to find an interesting answer to those questions.Is there something special about me? Most of the days I would say “no”.  I am just:

•           A person, like the rest of the 7 billion people in the world;

•           A young woman in her late twenties, who still feels like a child, just like most of young people today;

•           An educated girl with a Master’s degree, which has been out of a stable job for the last  9 months, applying like crazy but not getting everywhere, just like 25% of young people in Europe;

•           A full grown adult who is still not sure what she wants to do in life, exactly like a lot of other adults;

•          A good friend, who loves partying and who is always there when you need her, like all good friends in the world;

•           A loving wife, which still feels like a girlfriend since nothing has changed after the signing of those papers, just like every real girlfriend that becomes a legal partner;

•           An adventurer, who loves travelling and exploring new cultures, just like every open-minded young person in today’s globalized world;