Getting Organized - Getting Things "Holiday Ready"

Last week our guest posters gave us some great holiday shopping tips. This week, I'm going to talk about getting our homes and lives "Holiday Ready". As crafters, this time of year can get REALLY hectic. With lots of shows and sales to prepare for it's easy to let our housework slide.

The holidays still arrive no matter how busy we are and if we're not prepared, it can be really crazy and unenjoyable for you and your family if you're not careful.

I did some searching and found some articles to help us prepare for the holidays, starting now.

First, there's FLY LADY. I have mentioned this popular website in previous posts, and actually I've been considering trying her methods out. (I know, now's the time if I am going to. *wink*)

Then I found, Obsessive- Compulsive’s Guide: Top 12 Organizing Tips, Plus Resources. They have some great tips that include, cleaning as you go and creating routines.

Style At Home has 11 tips for stress free holidays. You'll find some good ideas there too!

One of the things I do to help save some time is getting food prepared ahead of time and freezing it. Whether it's holiday food or everyday food, it will allow for more time when you need it.

Another thing I do is stock up on things in advance that I know I will need for the holidays. Things like paper plates, cups, plastic cutlery and napkins are always available at the store way in advance. Buy them before you need them, then you're not making that hectic trip to the store the day before a holiday. Same goes for cooking ingredients.

It's not too early (or too late) if we begin to prepare now.

Let's all have a stress free holiday season this year!

Thanks for joining us!
Deena Davis
www.byyourhands.blogspot.com

Handmade Blog Party - The Season of Giving

We have entered the Season of Giving and we thought today we would have a different kind of sharing party.

What are you giving away this holiday season? Are you sharing a free pattern, a free printable, a tutorial, a recipe, etc. on your blog? Are you having a giveaway on your website or blog? Are you offering a free gift with each sale from now until Christmas?

Just add a picture of the freebie and the url to where they can get it to the link below.

The rules are simple:

1. Follow our blog

2. Handmade items only.

3. You may list up to 2 items.

4. Family friendly items only.

The success of this link party depends on the participants so spread the word to your friends, visit the shops, post about it on your blog, in a forum or on your favorite social networking site, grab the button and put it on your blog or website.

Just click on the Add Your Link button at the end of this post and add your items.

And if you would like to add a link to the party you can grab this button below.

<a href="http://www.byyourhands.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i782.photobucket.com/albums/yy110/ByYourHands/blogparty.jpg" /></a>

Handmade Sampler Giveaway -- Christmas Ornament Giveaway DONE

Welcome to another By Your Hands collaborative giveaway.

This time we have a large assortment of handmade Christmas Ornaments brought to you by these talented designers.   Be sure to visit their websites listed below.

1.    http://www.etsy.com/shop/WanderingWhimsies  
2.    http://www.etsy.com/shop/SnugglebugBlessins
3.    http://www.etsy.com/shop/MotherlodeToad
4.    http://www.artfire.com/users/smidgen (Sharon Neths Treasures)
5.    http://www.etsy.com/shop/CreeksideWhimsies
6.    http://www.etsy.com/shop/CozyExpressions
7.    http://www.etsy.com/shop/PrimitiveSeason
8.    http://www.etsy.com/shop/EweNMePrintables
9.    http://www.etsy.com/shop/GobblernobPrimitives
10.  http://www.etsy.com/shop/CornerstonePrims
11.  http://www.etsy.com/shop/Primgal
12.  http://www.etsy.com/shop/HandmadeByBette
13.  http://www.etsy.com/shop/PrimOuthouse
14.  http://www.etsy.com/shop/SadiesSnippets   
15.  http://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodworkerOnWheels

You can earn two entries by doing the following...

1... Earn one entry by becoming a follower of this blog.  Already a follower?  Just let us know so we can give you credit.

2... Earn an extra entry by posting our button on your blog and linking to us. We've made it easy... just copy and paste the html code below and add it to the side bar of your blog. Be sure to let us know if you'd done this.

<center><a href="http://byyourhands.blogspot.com/2010/10/handmade-sampler-giveaway-christmas.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Handmade Ornament Giveaway" src="http://i782.photobucket.com/albums/yy110/ByYourHands/HOG150.jpg"></a></center>

The giveaway will start today, Saturday, October 30, and the winner will be announced on Friday, November 19.  We will announce it here and contact you by the email address you have left.  Final day to enter is Thursday, November 18, 2010. 

(USA and Canada entries only, please)

Have fun and good luck!

Deena and Bette

www.byyourhands.com

We Have a Winner for the Snowman Gift Box

Congratulations to Eryn G. of Colorado on winning the Snowman Gift Box from Sharon Neth's Treasures. You can check out Eryn's photo stream on www.flickr.com/photos/xrynx

The winner was picked using the true random number generator on Random.org. We want to thank ALL of you who took the time to enter and for all the wonderful comments.

Be sure and come back again tomorrow, we will have a new giveaway starting that you won't want to miss.

Would you like to be a sponsor for one of the giveaways on our blog? It is a great way to get your craft business noticed. For information email us at byyourhandsblog@gmail.com

How to Be Comfortable While You Quilt or Sew

Being comfortable while sewing is sometimes over looked by sewers. Crazy Shortcut Quilts tells us how to set up your sewing table for comfort.