***Holiday Planning, 2015***

[Nancy]

Cost an arm and a leg! Ouch.
Thankful for over time.

I am making hot pads for gift baskets. I still have dish clothes from last knitting jags of doing those.

[Harmony]

I am determined not to have a rushed Christmas like last year. Shopping was so hard, I remember the hurting muscles from all the shopping on hard floors. You gals are inspiring me!

I have some ideas. Was wondering how y'all handle some things: If you buy some things ahead, how do you handle the guarantee thing? I have something picked out for DD1 but it is a mechanical thing and I'm not wanting to buy it too early because then the warranty might be up before she gets to use it. And if I wait, it's likely to be out of stock.

I've decided on a couple gifts to make also. Need to get started on those soon and I want to bake ahead. How long do you think cookies will last in the freezer?

I'm right with you on the village, blessed. I never got any help with mine and did not regret giving it away recently. I may rethink keeping the one cathedral I kept...that may go also.

[Nancy]

Harmony U might ask the store that question, have U considered lay a way? I have been making up pot holders destashing yarns as I do. Counted them today working in the tenth one now.

[blessedw2]

hi dear harmony and d nancy!!! that's a great idea re: lay away

I am actually buying visa cards for me to use for the month before things are due so all my money is out at the beginning of the month and then I see monies left over.
I.E. my meds cost 280 a month so I bought a 300.00 jewel/osco card at the beginning of the month (also cat is about 280 to 292 ever 2-1/2 months so I bought a 130.00 on jewel/osco to put aside for when the medicine needs to be refilled.

This month - I haven't taken money out of checking account yet to put in Christmas account.
I will however, this afternoon, buy 2 gift cards for dd's to victoria secret (they like their bras/underwear). My Christmas box is building a bit.

[Harmony]

The store I was in actually does lay-away. I will have to ask. I bought some material today, going to make another gift. Will take a while, but not too bad. Now all I have to do is find the time.

What about cookies in the freezer? Anybody know how long they stay good in there?

[blessedw2]

d nancy makes cookies for the Christmas - I know she can help you. I know 6 months for batter is about it.

have a great day d harmony

[Harriet]

For one idea
The Holiday Grand Plan (earliest of the online plans) includes, "Make one batch of holiday goodies" for each of the 10 weeks beginning mid-September (13th this year). Before that it only includes planning which goodies and purchasing ingredients. After mid-November, there's no more baking in HGP. There's no mention that earlier baking is not a good idea, just that this should be enough work in that area.

And, By The Way, this from the HGP site ...... (drumroll)

Ready to create an organized Christmas?
Holiday Grand Plan 2015 kicks off on August 30, 2015, so join us!

Just so we all know how close things are.

[Nancy]

I do dough starting in the fall, cookies do not last here h eats em.

[Harmony]

Nancy, LOL, my problem here will be ME. I remember discovering frozen cookies taste just as good....

[Nancy]

I have found dough shaped in balls before freezing is helpful saves time and is much less hassle.

I am weaving some gifts and have hats to knit up I am about half way done with this hat project. Great for stash busting yarns I have on hand.

Next holiday Labor Day my bday I want some green accents will be on the look out for sage greens.