September Acres

I can't remember a time when I have been so happy to have a year behind me but I have to say that 2012 is a year I'm not too sad to say good-bye to.  As the saying goes 'it was the best of times, it was the worst of times'.  It was a roller coaster year for us for sure. So with that I wish you all a very happy, healthy 2013! Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey

As the year comes to an end, I always like to look back to see what I worked on over the year and what themes or ideas were popular here at September Acres.  I love reading year in review type posts and there are a ton of them out there right now.  I hope you will enjoy reading (or re-reading) my most popular posts from this past year. 31 Days of Organization-Day 1 - This is where the series starts.  It has links to all of the posts for the month (a few of them are also on the top 12 list). Home Management Notebook - Also part of the 31 Days series.  The notebook has been such a useful tool for me. DVD/CD Storage - Even with MP3 players and the like DVD & CD storage can be a bear.  This solution really helped keep our home looking a bit neater.  This was also part of the 31 Days Series. Organizing Basics - Yet another in the organizing series.   Key Lime Bar Recipe - We spent a week organizing our kitchens and I loved taking a break t...

May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace, The gladness of Christmas give  you hope, The warmth of Christmas grant you love. ~Author Unknown From our family to yours, have a very Merry Christmas filled with love and the wonder of a child.

Hot Cocoa Bars are all the rage now.  Hot Cocoa is the perfect treat for after school or at the end of a hard day.  Adding mix-ins and marshmallows makes it an experience.  Just what you need to warm up on a cold winter's day.  We set up our hot cocoa bar this weekend and it's been a hit (I know it would be). I found this cute printable sign here .  There are many other printable signs out there and most are free (you have to love that!) I stocked our hot cocoa bar with Swiss Miss packets but you could make your own mix  and store it in a pretty jar instead.  Keep plenty of mugs on hand for your thirsty crew. Be creative with your mix-ins.  Of course we have marshmallows on hand as well as candy canes (they make the perfect stirrers), peppermints and chocolate chips (white and milk). Our resident artist has been drawing up a storm since school has been out and this seemed the perfect spot for a picture of Timmy the Elf...

In my book, if you're shopping on December 21st for Christmas Gifts, it's pretty much the last minute.  Many of the toys, electronics and clothing that are the HOT gifts this year have been snapped up by the early birds.  But that doesn't mean that it's socks and underwear for everyone on your list.  Here are some fun, thoughtful and quick gift ideas. Photo Gifts and Books - There's still time to download your photos and make cute gifts for everyone on your list.  Walmart.com offers a few same day gifts: prints on canvas, calendars and photo books to name a few.  Download your photos online and pick up your personalized gifts today.   Snapfish also offers store pick up on some gifts at places like Walgreens & Duane Reade.  Photo gifts look like you put much thought into what the recipient likes yet most sites are very user friendly.  The hardest part is picking out the perfect photo. Gift Cards - I know what you're thinking, "how per...

This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone.” ~ Taylor Caldwell (1900-1985), English novelist.

One of my favorite things about Christmastime is the movies.  I love watching them over and over each year.  The classics like "It's a Wonderful Life" and newer ones like "Four Christmases" are equally popular here at September Acres.  I am especially fond of the hokey Lifetime movies ('it's a wonderful lifetime')  You know the ones: there's usually a female lead named Holly or Noel and a male named Nick or Chris as well as a Santa type character.  They're very predictable but so fun to watch on a Saturday afternoon.  Grab some popcorn and join me as I list my very favorite Christmas movies.  You'll probably find a few of these are some of your favorites.  And maybe you'll get some ideas for new ones to watch this year (and beyond). I've broken the movies up into categories since some are family (kid) friendly and some aren't. Family Friendly Favorites Home Alone -  Slapstick comedy at its best. I am fond of the ori...