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Preparing for Un-Decorating This Season

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Christmas, Holidays

Preparing for Un-Decorating This Season

Have you had enough of your Christmas and holiday decorations yet? Someone I know leaves her Christmas tree up until Valentine’s day, and another, leaves her artificial Christmas tree up all year long. She takes off the ornaments but loves the ambiance of the white lights on the tree throughout the year.

Whenever you begin to dismantle your holiday decorations, take inventory of what you liked and the way you decorated by capturing the room or themed area with a photo. When you put the items away, try to keep them together to make next year’s task an easy, peasy, repeat, and decorate! Do not forget to label your bins after you put the cover on.

Take note of items that you still have boxed up that you did not put out this year. Is it time to let them go? Constantly re-evaluating your items keeps you from overstoring unwanted ones. As you buy or are given new holiday decorations, take stock of what you have, and switch things up, especially if you have grown tired of a certain theme like snowmen or Santas or if you have decided to have minimalistic décor. It is your house; you can do what you want!

Next, make a list of holiday themed items you are running low on such as wrapping paper, gift tags, ribbon, bows, plastic ware, or paper goods. When you are out shopping, you may come across deep discounts on these items. Keep the list handy so that next year you know precisely what you do and do not need to restock if you have not been able to find these items on sale after Christmas.

The year flies by so quickly, and we may not exactly remember the various ways we like to decorate or entertain for the holiday season. Maintaining pictures and lists may just give our memories the boost they need to make next year’s holiday more enjoyable and perhaps even easier on us. Enjoy your last few days of 2023!

Photo: Pixabay

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Organizing Gifts Ideas for the Holidays

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Christmas, Gifts, Products

Organizing Gifts Ideas for the Holidays

If you are still struggling with finding gift ideas for your family/friends/co-workers, here are a few ideas that will help even the most organized person feel even more organized!

  1. AirTag – I bought a packet of four AirTags prior to my trip to Italy in July. I put one in my checked luggage and one in my anti-theft crossbody bag. The other two I gave to my friend who was traveling with me, and she placed her two in her luggage and crossbody bag. She did not have an iPhone, so I traced our devices along the way. They came in handy when we were waiting and waiting at Logan, after our trip, for our luggage to come out. The same bags kept going round and round and not ours. I used the Find My app to make sure they were indeed at Logan and viola, they were! I know people who use these on their dogs, key rings, and bicycles. Handy to have for lost items. A client even slipped one in a packed box to track the truck as it moved her items from a storage unit in MA to her in FL. She knew exactly when it left and where it was on route.
  2. Cable Cord Box – Who likes looking at a jumble of cords under their desk? This box makes your home office look ten times better with the ability to put a power strip INSIDE the box and run the cables through the slits in the front and one the sides of the box. Since there is a cover, you can even set your phone, watch, or ear buds on of the box with all their charging cords hidden below.
  3. Universal Lid for Pots and Pans – This stainless-steel lid is perfect for two reasons. One is that you do not need to have a separate lid for every pan/pot in your kitchen. Two, if you have lost a lid to your favorite pot, here is your replacement! It fits cookware between 6 inches to 12 inches.
  4. Laptop Bag Set – Need to protect your laptop when in transit? Want to also have a laptop stand? This bag does both! It is stylish and no need to carry a separate laptop stand.
  5. Linen Sheet Organizer – What is the best way to organize your sheet? This product is amazing. It keeps the entire set together, and the best part is that you do not have to properly fold your sheets to store them. Bonus – there is a window that shows you the sheet color and a place for you to label what is inside. This can transform your messy linen closet!

May your holidays be less stressful this year and may this list make the gift recipient feel more organized in 2024!

Photo: Pixabay

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Fed Up with Companies Selling Your Personal Data?

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Apps, Safety, Security

Fed Up with Companies Selling Your Personal Data?

Are you sick and tired of companies selling your personal data? Consumer Reports has developed an app, “Permission Slip,” that reveals the kind of data that companies collect, trade, and sell. With a simple tap in the app, you can tell those companies “Do not sell my data” or “Delete my account.”

All you need to do is enter your information—name, address, email address(es)—into the app and the app will send the necessary documentation to the company.

The app is free, and you do not need to subscribe to Consumer Reports to use it. It is available in the Apple Store for iPhones and Google Play for Android phones.

How easy is it to use? In less than 10 minutes I made 21 requests, which the app estimates would take 42 hours if I had to navigate each site and make the request manually. How effective is it? Well, the only way to prevent the giants (such as Amazon, Google, Facebook, X) from selling your account is to delete your data and delete your account. So, it’s not perfect, but it’s something.

Photo: Pixabay

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Giving Back

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Donations

Giving Back

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us our attention turns to the next holidays. While we are still basking in the theme of giving, why not explore ways to give back to your community? Here are a few organizations that are always looking for help.

  1. Food Banks – They are always looking for donated food and funds. The local food bank not only is a resource for providing food assistance to those who need help but also provides assistance in helping people apply for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), which is a nutrition program that gives money for food based on income and household size. They are connected to community food pantries in your area. By starting here, you can connect to a local pantry to then see how you can best help them. My church works with the food pantry in our town, and we are provided wish lists of various needed food. At Christmas time, we collect brand new blankets for them, and they gift these to community families.
  2. Local Animal Shelters – Besides donating money, you can volunteer your time in various ways such as fostering a pet, attending an event, creating a fundraiser, and donating supplies such as cat and dog beds, or toys. As I am working with clients and they have gently used towels or sheets they no longer want, I will take them to a local animal shelter or vet office. I always call ahead as sometimes they do not have the space to store these items. I know what they are looking for, so I do not just dump unwanted items on them.
  3. Council on Aging/Senior Centers – Call your local center to see how you can best serve your community seniors. My local center has two collection bins that accept books in one and clothing in the other. Funds generated by these bins help support the center.
  4. United Service Organizations (USO) – The government does not fund this organization, so they depend on donors. To volunteer, you can go to their website to see if there is a location near you.
  5. Toys for Tots – Who doesn’t love watching a child open a gift? Help by donating a toy to a drop site near you. In my county we can donate from our homes by going to a specific website and all the items ordered get delivered to the local warehouse.

There are many other local organizations that can benefit from any assistance you have to offer. I wanted to focus on national organizations as my readers are from all areas of the United States and beyond.

Photo: Pixabay

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Sharing Your Gratitude for Posterity

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Family, Holidays, Thanksgiving

Sharing Your Gratitude for Posterity

This Thanksgiving, start a new tradition: the gratitude tablecloth.

Set your table with a plain white tablecloth. Give everyone a Sharpie or other permanent marker. Have all guests write something they are thankful for this year. Do not forget to include the little ones—they will have the cutest comments. Of course, you will need to write it out for them, but, depending on their age, they can write their name or draw a picture. Or you can trace their handprint. Make sure that everyone signs their name and the year.

After the holiday, wash and put the tablecloth away till next year. As the years go by, you will all enjoy reading past years’ comments. And you will cherish the comments from those who have since passed away.

A nice white linen tablecloth paired with a set of markers also makes for a nice wedding gift!

Some people use butcher paper and provide crayons, colored pencils, and markers instead. This method might not stand up to year-to-year reuse, but it is another option.

If you do not want to use the tablecloth as your yearly gratitude vessel, you can also do the same thing by using 3” x 5” index cards. Each year you can review the past years and continue to add to your Thanksgiving tradition as guests change over the years.

Photo: Pixabay

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Let These Apps Stretch Your Shopping Dollars

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Apps, Budget, Shopping

Let These Apps Stretch Your Shopping Dollars

Nowadays, all of us are experiencing the impact of higher prices. Perhaps we are especially feeling this sad new reality around this time of year with the big holiday season right around the corner. Want to try to save money on your holiday (and year-round) shopping? Check out the following tools that let you compare prices and apply discounts (promo/coupon codes).

Here are some websites/apps you can check out:

RetailMeNot: Receive coupon codes, deals through the app, cash back on purchases with certain retailers. Retailmenot.com

PayPal Honey: Install the browser extension and Honey will search for and apply relevant coupon codes in your shopping cart. joinhoney.com

Rakuten: Install the browser extension for coupon codes and cash back. rakuten.com

CamelCamelCamel: Tracks prices on Amazon, provides price history, and alerts you if a product you’re interested in has a price reduction. camelcamelcamel.com

CNET Browser Extension: Get promo codes, price tracking, comparison pricing, and price drop alerts. cnet.com

Google Shopping: Find sales and special deals, track prices. shopping.google.com

Do not overlook retailers’ websites, Facebook pages, and apps, which might offer special deals and coupons to loyal shoppers and followers.

Photo: Pixabay

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What to Do with Leftover Halloween Candy

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Halloween

What to Do with Leftover Halloween Candy

If you have leftover Halloween candy and are looking for creative ways to use or get rid of it, here are some ideas:

  1. Donate: Consider donating the candy to local shelters, food banks, or organizations that support troops overseas. Many places accept candy donations to bring a little sweetness to those in need. Your local senior center might put out a bowl of candy at the reception desk or around the facility.
  2. Freeze for Baking: Chop up the candy and freeze it to use in future baking projects. Add candy pieces to cookies, brownies, or even homemade ice cream.
  3. Decorate Baked Goods: Use the candy to decorate cakes, cupcakes, or other baked goods. It can add a colorful and festive touch to your desserts.
  4. Make Trail Mix: Create a trail mix by combining leftover candy with nuts, dried fruits, and pretzels. It is a sweet and salty snack that can be enjoyed on the go.
  5. Save For Gifts and Party Favors: Save the candy for upcoming birthdays, holiday parties, or other events where you can use it as party favors or small gifts.
  6. Use For Educational Activities: Use the candy for educational purposes. You can use it for counting, sorting, or even science experiments with kids.
  7. Melt and Dip: Melt down chocolate-based candies to use as dipping sauces for fruits like strawberries or pretzels. You can also use them to create chocolate-covered treats.
  8. Break Up For Ice Cream Toppings: Crush or chop the candy and use it as a topping for ice cream sundaes.
  9. Use For Charitable Fundraisers: If you are involved in a charity event or fundraiser, you could use the candy as prizes or giveaways.
  10. Regift or Share: If you have friends, family, or coworkers who would appreciate the candy, consider sharing it with them.
  11. Utilize For Craft Projects: Get creative and use the candy for craft projects. Create candy-themed artwork, ornaments, or decorations.
  12. Trade or Swap: Organize a candy trade or swap with friends or neighbors who might have different types of leftover candy.
  13. Use For Cooking Ingredients: Incorporate small candy pieces into your cooking. For example, you can use them as a surprise ingredient in pancakes or muffins.
  14. Save for Next Year: Some candies have a long shelf life. You can save them to give out next Halloween or use them for decorations.
  15. Take to Office: Bring the candy to your workplace to share with coworkers or leave it in a common area as a treat for everyone.

When Halloween is over, make a note of how much you purchased and have left over so that next year you will not over purchase and have to deal with leftover candy again.

Photo: Pixabay

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Safe Internet Sales

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Internet, Safety

Safe Internet Sales

Do you buy from or sell to strangers through the internet? Here are some tips to safely help you navigate the process.

  • Check out the seller and buyer’s Facebook profile: Are there any recent posts? Any mutual friends?
  • Always communicate only through the app.
  • Meet at a public site, preferably a police station.
  • Ship if possible.
  • Is it a large item? Move to your driveway if possible, so not in your house and never be alone when meeting someone at your home or theirs.
  • Cash only. If they claim not to have cash, tell them where the nearest ATM is.

Buying and selling on the internet can be convenient and efficient, but it is important to prioritize safety to avoid scams, fraud, and other risks. Here are some guidelines to help you safely buy and sell online:

Tips for Buyers:

  1. Research: Before making a purchase, research the product, the seller, and the platform you are using. Read reviews, compare prices, and verify the legitimacy of the website or seller.
  2. Secure Websites: Ensure you are using secure and reputable websites. Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock symbol in the address bar, indicating a secure connection.
  3. Check Seller Ratings: If you are buying from an individual seller on a marketplace, check their ratings and reviews from previous buyers. Be cautious if the seller has a low rating or a lack of reviews.
  4. Pay: Use secure payment methods such as credit cards, PayPal, or other reputable online payment systems. Avoid using wire transfers, money orders, or direct bank transfers as they offer little to no recourse in case of fraud.
  5. Avoid Public Wi-Fi: When making online purchases, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks as they can be less secure and more susceptible to hacking.
  6. Review Privacy Settings: Regularly review your privacy settings on online platforms to control the amount of personal information you are sharing.
  7. Beware of Deals Too Good to Be True: Be cautious of deals or offers that seem too good to be true, as they might be scams.
  8. Use Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts, and consider using a password manager to keep track of them.
  9. Watch Out For Email Phishing: Be wary of unsolicited emails or messages asking for personal or financial information. Verify the legitimacy of the sender before clicking on any links or providing information.

Tips for Sellers:

  1. Provide Accurate Information: When listing items for sale, provide accurate and detailed information about the product, including its condition, size, specifications, and any defects.
  2. Use Clear Photos: Include clear, high-quality photos of the item from different angles to give potential buyers a clear understanding of what they are purchasing.
  3. Write Honest Descriptions: Be transparent about the item’s condition and any imperfections. Honesty builds trust with buyers.
  4. Communicate: Respond promptly and professionally to inquiries from potential buyers. Clear communication can help establish a positive relationship.
  5. Select Payment Methods: Choose secure payment methods that offer seller protection. Be cautious of buyers who insist on using unconventional payment methods.
  6. Ship and Track: Use reliable shipping methods that provide tracking information. Clearly communicate shipping costs and estimated delivery times.
  7. Verify Payment: Before shipping an item, ensure that you have received the payment and that it has been verified. Be cautious of payment confirmation emails that may be fake.
  8. Meet in Safe Locations: If you are selling locally and meeting in person, choose a safe and public location to conduct the transaction.
  9. Trust Your Instincts: If a transaction seems suspicious or too good to be true, trust your instincts and proceed with caution.

Remember that while these tips can help mitigate risks, no method is foolproof. Always exercise caution and stay vigilant when buying or selling online. If something does not feel right, it is best to walk away from the transaction.

I have sold several items via Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Some items sell quickly, and others linger. I have not figured out the rationale behind that. Timing is everything!

Photo: Pixabay

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Declutter Your Bedroom

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Bedroom, Jewelry

Declutter Your Bedroom

Did you know that our bedrooms should be relaxing places to sleep? It is hard to relax and do so when surrounded by distractions. Here are five ways to declutter your bedroom.

  1. Bedding – Do you make your bed before you leave your house? You might think that is an unnecessary task to do. Take a moment to think about how great it feels to walk into your bedroom and see you bed made? The largest item in most bedrooms is the bed. Having your bed made automatically sets the stage for relaxation. While we are at it, do you have any ripped or stained linens you are still using? Do not feel guilty letting go of them. You can donate to an animal shelter or give to a textile recycler. Ask for new linens as a Christmas gift this year if you are short of gift ideas.
  2. Shoes – Where do you store your shoes? Please tell me they are not just all over your floor waiting for you to trip on. As we in the northeast are facing cooler temps, now is a great time to put away all your summer shoes. Hopefully that will decrease the number of shoes you actively use. A few ways to store shoes are in shoe boxes (either original or purchased shoe boxes), using a shoe shelving unit, or using an over the door shoe pockets. If you must keep any of your shoes out in the open, please makes sure they are organized and out of the main floor space.
  3. Books – How many books do you have on your nightstand? Aim for no more than two books to eliminate the visual clutter. The rest should be in a bookcase.
  4. Laundry – Do you have a laundry basket or any kind of receptacle for your dirty clothes? Half the battle is corralling the clothes rather than throwing them on the floor. There are so many decorative styles of laundry baskets that you can purchase to match your décor. If you have room in your closet, kudos to you as you can hide your laundry and make your room more of a sanctuary.
  5. Jewelry – How do you store your jewelry? Is it scattered all over your nightstand, dresser tops, or any flat surface? Fixing this is one way to quickly tidy your bedroom. If you are a visual person, there are many jewelry organizing solutions that you can either purchase or make to display your treasured pieces. If you would prefer to have them out of sight, there are many jewelry cases or organized solutions for purchase. The key with jewelry is to make sure you put it away after you wear it so piles do not accumulate.

Peek at sites like Pinterest for creative ways to eliminate clutter in your bedroom. When the clutter disappears, you will feel a sense of calmness when you enter your room to go to sleep. Sweet dreams!

Photo: Pixabay

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Borrow, Do Not Buy

Posted on by Dawn Link Posted in Eco-friendly, Shopping

Borrow, Do Not Buy

So many people have too much “stuff” that they buy, use a few times, and then stow somewhere until a professional organizer helps them clear it out. They may even toss into the trash where it ends up in a landfill.

If you may be one of those folds, why not consider an alternative? For those items that you need only once or twice, consider borrowing from your local library’s “Library of Things”.

Many public libraries have started collections of “things” beyond traditional books and DVDs. Items that might be available to borrow from your local library include tools, binoculars, telescopes, board games, video games, birding kits, induction cook plates, wireless hot spots, or jigsaw puzzles. Some even have a seed library and exchange of packets of seeds for flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

Check out your library’s website to see what items you can borrow instead of buying.

Photo: Pixabay

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