Stacks and Stacks of Catalogs… *sigh*
Posted By AmyD. on November 6, 2009
It seems I have all these wonderful gift ideas float through the fog in my brain and before I can get around to my list they’ve already escaped. Catalogs are coming in by the droves and at the moment there is only one I know for sure I’m ordering out of. The rest I’m doing my very best to be all “FlyLady” about and send out to the trash instead of letting them stack up in piles around my office and nightstand.
Speaking of FlyLady… I’ve been carefully filling in my Holiday Control Journal and keeping up with my decluttering. The entry closet looms in my future but I’m pretty sure I can take it.
Last year with the economy being so awful I elected to purchase the majority of my gifts from Etsy preferring to patronize “mom and pop” shops instead of the usual corporate owned chain stores. It worked out well and everyone seemed happy with their Christmas treasures.
This year, I haven’t quite settled on a game plan. I wish I could be one of those people who had a stack of presents in the closet by October just waiting to be wrapped, but I’m not and I’ve accepted it for the most part. Sometimes the thrill of the chase this “late” in the game is more fun anyway.
It’s no secret that 90% of my shopping is done online. I suspect with the H1N1 virus running about that there will be more people joining me in the germ-free zone of cyberspace this year. Who needs to worry about whether someone sneezed on their shopping cart or the display case you’re about to peer into?
Besides all that, there are few things as warm and cozy and snuggling up in your pjs and slippers to listening to your favorite Christmas music and shopping online to find that perfect gift for that special someone. I love the treasure hunt of looking for that perfect, unique gift, whether it’s a very cool bowl made out of a vintage record or home made bath bombs.
I recently had a gift site brought to my attention. They seem to focus on Valentines Day gifts but after perusing the site there are lots of nice gifts that would make great Christmas presents too and the prices seem fairly reasonable. They even have a section for gifts under $50 which always comes in handy to narrow things down when you are on a budget.
I’m still waiting for that spark of divine inspiration to point me in the right gift direction. Usually by this time of year I have a theme or game plan and this year there has just been SO much going on that I haven’t had a lot of time to give it any thought. I guess it’s time to turn back to the catalogs for some ideas…
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I have been thinking of doing the Fly Lady, but I’m holding out until the start of the new year.
However, I am PaperBackSwap-ing, and I’m enjoying it greatly. My bookshelves are no longer bowing in the center, books are not falling off at random times to clatter loudly on the floor, and I can actually find a book when I’m looking for it!
I’m still holding out for the handmade gifts this year. I have a bookcover for my sister, and some wash clothes I need to finish knitting up. I have (I think) 7 more people left to do gifts for… I think I’ll have to break and actually buy something.
Marissa´s last blog ..Sometimes
AmyD. Reply:
November 6th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
It sounds so Stepford Wife-y, I swear, but I stuck my toe in and then just had to keep going.
I really want to learn to knit. That would be awesome.
Shame on you for making me think about Christmas. However, I have about 6 different toy catalogs on my desk as I type this. I also have about 3 things bought. I love shopping for the perfect gift and then wrapping it up. I have about 3 huge containers full of wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, and labels.
I’ve been peeking at The Fly Lady site. She kinda scares me. Maybe I’ll be brave and start her after the holidays. We’ll see.
Becky´s last blog ..Game. Set. Match.
AmyD. Reply:
November 6th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
FlyLady does look intimidating and I admit, I don’t stick to all of it. Some of it is like – really? Huh. *backs away from crazy lady* you know?
But, I do the shiny sink think and the swish and swipe and I do the 15 minute declutter thing… and I have a control journal that is a work in process. It’s actually kinda fun and definitely makes you feel better about yourself if you aren’t one of those “born organized” people.
Although… given your containers of wrapping paper that sound all deliciously organized, maybe you are a born organized person.