Systems for Managing Your Mail in Small Doses

Recently I have noticed that living with more than one person that recieves mail, the piles can get out of control and just plain messy. I have decided to throw out a few pointers in getting your mail organized and under control in no time! Everything has a place for it, even your mail. Follow these 5 simple steps:

1. Designate a workspace-it can be a storage box, basket or a bin to put incoming mail (one storage item per person recieving mail). It should no be bigger than holding a weeks worth of mail.

2. Have a recycled bin near the workspace to get rid of junk mail right away. This will decrease the pile of mail to sort through.

3. Make time- Dedicate at least 5 minutes sorting through your mail per day. Or wait till the end of the week and dedicate a half an hour.

4. Develope another filling system to place the different types of mail you recieve. This can be a filing bin or a mounted mail organizer in categories like credit cards, personal mail, utilities, student loans, etc.

5. Get a shredder- Any documents that has personal information and you no longer need should be shredded to avoid identity theft.

Wedding Wisdom is a thoughtfully written book of advice, insights, and experiences from renowned Los Angeles based "Wedding Fixer," Mary Dann-McNamee and co-writer, Wedding Publicist, Leila Khalil. Written from Mary's unique viewpoint with over 18 years of wedding planning experience and 10 years as a marriage and family therapist, thsi insightful book offers sage advice to both Brides and Wedding Planners alike. By addressing the wedding process from all significant angles-emothinally, practically, spiritually, and joyously-Wedding Wisdom helps readers get to "I Do" with grace and ease under the guidance of one of the industry's most respected and admired planners, Mary Dann-McNamee.

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friends

Personally, I don't own any diamonds... But like any other gal, I still love my jewelry!

I've always had a problem storing my jewelry because I hate the idea of bundling everything in a box.  So here are some ideas to organize your jewelry:

How pretty is this Filigree Jewelry Holder from Urban Outfitters for $24.00?  And I love the idea of displaying your jewelry as part of your wall art!

This Hanging Jewelry Organizer for $9.99 from the Container Store is great for someone who is limited on space.  It allows you to see all of your jewelry at once for quick accessorizing.

Or if you're looking to utilize the space behind your door, Crafynest has a great idea for changing a Bamboo Screen into a great accessories holder!

If you have more drawer space than closet space, than this Canvas/Suede Jewelry Organizer from Target for $12.99 may be the one for you!

Looking for something different from what everyone else has?  How about making your own jewelry holder?  Centsational Girl gives you a tutorial on how you can create this gorgeous Jewelry Tree from things in your backyard!

Personally, I sort my jewelry in small Tealight Candle Holders that I purchased from Ikea for $1.99.  I have my jewelry and makeup on a Breakfast Tray, next to my full-length mirror.  I like to group similar color jewelry together for easy matching when I'm in a rush.

TIP: Do you have earrings that you have lost one of the pair to?  Don't just throw the earring away, use it as a pushpin!  It's a great way to add some fun into your daily bulletin board.

Photo Courtesy of Real Simple

Be My Valentine

For those of you who are throwing a Valentine's Day party, or if you're just thinking about giving away little treats for the one's you love, hear are some Valentine favor ideas to give out:

Here's a simple, and personal Valentine to give away.  These are just little clear cellophane bags filled with pink and red candy. Then you can top off with a personal message or picture.  You can mix and match candies for a fun variation.  Message idea: "Kisses from ______ ", and fill with Hershey's Kisses!

Idea Courtesy of The Crafts Dept.

Do you have extra pots, vases or mugs lying around the house?  Then use then to make cute Flower Pot Pens that will brighten up anyone's day!  These flowers are actually pens in disguise.  Just wrap a few ordinary pens with fake flowers using green floral tape, and create yourself a bouquet!

For instructions, visit Do-It-Yourself Gifts

When I saw this cute Valentine Mail, I got really excited because I have an undying love for Target.  And I saw similar mailboxes at Target's Dollar Spot (I think they changed the name of that section, but that's still what I refer to it as.).  The mailboxes come in white,  pinks, and reds. For a dollar each, you can't beat that!  Put a Valentine's Day message inside the mailbox and, voila, you're done!

 

Idea courtesy of Makes and Takes

If you have left over mini candy canes from Christmas, here's an idea for you!  Make these Heart Lollipops!  All you need are candy canes and lollipop sticks.  Melt 2 pieces of candy canes in the shape of a heart in the oven for 5 minutes at 300 degrees.  Once they look like they're starting to melt, take them out and stick a lollipop stick into the center, then pinch the sides in.  Then dress it up as you wish!

Idea courtesy of Skip To My Lou

This year is all about being frugal, so try to incorporate what you got around the house!  Have a box of cake mix in your house?  Then make some Valentine cupcakes!  Have leftover red wrapping paper that isn't too Christmas-y?  Then use that with some white tissue paper to wrap your Valentine gifts!  Valentine's Day is truly the holiday where it's the thought that counts.  So be creative with your gifts, and the receiver will love it!

TIP: If you're looking for ideas for your wedding, just change the color of any of these favor ideas to match your theme!

I Do...Want a Green Wedding!

Here are 4 ways to Green your wedding from Chick Advisor!

1.  Eco-friendly florals
2. Sustainable invitations and paper products
3. "Zero Carbon" Wedding
4. Buy Local

Go to Chick Advisor to read more about it!

TIP:  Instead of registering for traditional wedding gifts, ask your guests to donate to a green charity, such as Greenpeace.  Not only will you save waste from all those wrapping paper, but your gifts will benefit the environment!

I see London, I see France...

I see Victoria's Secret Underpants!

Wedding season is just around the corner, and we're definitely looking forward to it.  Here's a cute gift for a soon-to-be newlywed: The Lacie bridal by Victoria's Secret

Who can't use more underwear?  And what's great about the Lacie is that they are one size fits all!  So you don't have to worry about getting the wrong size.

At $16 a piece, they're a little pricey.  However, you can also get 3/$30 which is a steal!  Honeymoon anyone?  And right now, Victoria's Secret is having their infamous semi-annual sale, so pick up something for yourself too while you're at it!

TIP:  Reconsider the bright colored underwear if the bride's dress is sheer.  No need for explanation...

Love is in the Air

I hate to say it, but Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  And if you're planning to throw a Valentine's Day party, now is the time to start planning!

Photo courtesy of: Purple Trail Party Ideas

Here are a few Valentine's Day party ideas to get you started:

1. Red, Pink or White Party: Wear RED if you're looking for somebody, PINK if you're not sure, and WHITE if you're taken and off the market!

2.  Valentine Cookies & Cupcake Party: Have everyone bring in some sort of candy, frosting, sprinkle, etc...  And have some plain cookies and cupcakes prepared, and everyone can decorate their own, and maybe share it with somebody else...

3. Keys Party: Have all of women drop their keys in a bowl.  Once everyone's keys are in, have each man draw one set of keys from the bowl.  Then they have to find the rightful owner of the keys.  And the women have to explain each item on their key ring.

4. Wine Tasting Party: Now who doesn't like wine tasting?  Have each guest bring a bottle of their favorite wine, and everyone can have a taste!

TIP: Use Evites for your guests for an eco-friendly way to invite guests to your party.  It's free, and now they have numerous designs to fit any theme!