Tackle It Tuesday....er Wednesday

My Tuesday night was spent working on baking biscotti and baking and icing these guys:

Inspiration from Good Things Catered

Here is my advice when creating a care-package: Allow yourself plenty of time to get done what needs to be done. I was rushing last night to get everything baked and packaged, then couldn't even finish because my frosting was not set.

I typed up this little note to insert into the box so my family would know what was in the box when they opened it, which is my tip of the day:

Here it is all ready to go to the post office! I used the flat-rate box, and the USPS worker said I saved around $13! Can't beat that!

WFMW: On Death's Door

Nothing works for me today except sick days. I went home sick today and am probably going to stay home tomorrow. I feel like crap and just want to sleep. Both girls have been sick and I have been surrounded by sick kids. I knew it was coming. And here it is.

What works for me today? The same thing that will work for me tomorrow. My couch, blanket and DVR. And that is about it.

What works for you this Wednesday? Find out at We are THAT Family.

Works for Me Wednesday: Holiday Tips

This week, WFMW is asking for holiday tips and advice.

Over the last few years, with two stepdaughters and the insanity of graduate school and planning a wedding, I found out how extremely important it was to remain organized while Christmas shopping and prepping for the holidays. Here are some bits of advice from me.

1. Make a budget! And stick to it by tracking how much you spend. I create an Excel spreadsheet of what we spend and what we purchased for each person. At the end of the season, I am able to go back and see where our money went and if we spent it wisely and what we can change for next year.

2. My Christmas notebook: I keep this in my purse and jot down what I purchase and wish lists for everyone on our list. Makes it easy if I forget what I have already gotten or who is left on the list!

3. For entertaining: PLAN AHEAD. Last year I hosted our Christmas Day brunch and found it super helpful to have a plan and get as much accomplished ahead of time as possible. You will feel so much less stress if you do this!

4. Enjoy the holidays. I LOVE Christmas shopping and even the insanity of Black Friday. I love to spend time with family and bake and cook and even more, I love Winter Break (ok, maybe not more than spending time with family, but it sure is up there!). Have fun and don't be a Grinch!

Visit We Are THAT Family for more WFMW and holiday tips!