I have been inspired to do this by a movie. Crazy, I know. I will spend the next year posting new crafts, recipes, and tips. If it goes well, I may just write that book I've had burning a hole in my brain. 

  I've named my blog Franci vs. Martha because I have always liked Martha Stewart and her work, in addition to also being very creative and good with crafts, baking, and household tips. I'm not really competing with her. I'm merely expressing that I can do those things too!

   I love to write. This will be good for me. I also like to help people and if I can make their lives easier with my ideas and work, that makes me happy. Some days I might even make you laugh. I will theme certain blogs to different holidays. My only problem is sometimes I have so many ideas that I don't know if I can put them all in one place at one time. We'll see. 

   My hope is that when you read my blog you will actually try things out. If you do, I'd love to hear how that works for you!  

   Since this is all so new to me, I am starting small & simple today. Look for something grander tomorrow!

Tip #1; Start a Holiday Binder

  The holidays can get hectic. I have found that when I keep a binder, with all of my Christmas information in it, everything goes so much more smoothly. This is not a new idea, but one that works. I get a red or green binder. I use Christmas colors so it is easy to spot. Fill it with dividers, some notebook paper, pocket pages, zippered pouch, and some clear page protectors. You can even use the clear pages that are used for postcards or photos and put recipes in them.

   Here is what you should have;

• page with Christmas list (who you are buying a gift for, gift ideas, price, where to find it, etc.) Start this list just after the holidays, unless you are just now starting.  Use it to write down ideas for next year’s gifts as they come up. If your child tells you of a certain thing they want, don’t leave it to your memory. Then as you purchase gifts for your family, write it down. The best way not to over-gift someone is to keep a record.
• Christmas card list ( This is invaluable.  It can be referred to every year when preparing to send out cards again. No more starting lists from scratch and no more hunting for last year’s list.)
• calendar for the month with dates filled in of your parties and cookie swaps, etc.  
• You can also include a list of gifts received. It can serve as a reminder of how loved you are and what interest your families had, as well as a reminder if you send thank you notes out.  
• page for notes
• fill pocket pages with cards you receive, 
• use zippered pouch for pens and receipts (so they are handy in case you need to return anything)
• fill page protectors with Christmas photos you receive. (These are fun to look and see the changes in people every year.)
• fill page protectors with Christmas letters
•  a section for crafts (there may templates of gingerbread men or angels or any craft idea you might want to do or have done )
• recipe section (include old ones, favorites, and new ones. You can tear them out of magazines and place in page protectors or write on cards and place in page pockets, or print them out on a computer and put in a page protector.)
• page of traditions (this is good for remembering and passing down through the family)
• coupons (Sales adds to help you remember who has what on sale. And don't forget to include those coupons you get for fast food restaurants. They will be nice to have when you get lunch on your shopping days. :))
• menu plan and grocery list for the big "Christmas dinner"
• party planner page (with guest list, meal plan, grocery list, decorations, etc.)
• memories (This is my favorite. A section with recorded memories of your holiday experiences. Include parties, crafts you made, places and people you visited, who visited you, special ornaments received,  first cookie swap, etc. I once recorded how my two year old son came down the stairs Christmas morning ,after we had to wake him, saw the presents Santa  had left under the tree, then said "Can I go back to bed now?")

      Ok, so maybe that wasn't so small and simple. However, I think it's awesome. I simply love my Christmas Binder! My family enjoys it too!

      Once you do this, take it with you everywhere you go. You may find yourself stopping by a store unexpectedly, or needing to jot something down in your notes, or having to add somebody to one of your lists (including address and phone numbers).

      You can get as creative with this as you like. You might want to add an 8x 11.5 scrapbook page, or decorate it and pages with stickers, colored pens, or tie a ribbon around the top ring and use as a bookmark. Ideas are limitless! 

       Get started, enjoy, and may it help you! Have a blessed Holiday season!

       

    Affectionately,

           Franci