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DIY – Inexpensive, Handmade Gift Wrap Ideas

Handmade wrapping paper is beautiful, but can be expensive. Here are some inexpensive, do-it-yourself gift wrap ideas that look fabulous, but won’t put a dent in your wallet this holiday season.

A repeated holiday phrase in a script font becomes elegant packaging for small gifts. It’s simple, inexpensive and can be easily done at home with your computer and printer. Thanks Better Homes & Gardens!

Blogger, Creature Comforts created this darling gift wrap using celery {yep, the veggie} as a stamping tool. Here’s the step-by-step.

Here is another clever stamped gift wrap idea using buttons. To create a button stamp, Martha Stewart suggests affixing button to a cork with double-sided tape. Top the present with a pretty button tied on with baker’s twine.

This spray painted lace wrapping paper by Eddie Ross is gorgeous and is a fraction of what hand block wrapping paper costs. Love the batik look.

Martha Stewart’s nature inspired wood grain wrapping paper is one of my favorite this year. Here is the how to.

Whether it be in satin, velvet or grosgrain a beautiful bow always puts the finishing touch on your gift. Need a refresher on how to tie a bow or square knot?

But, it’s the thought that counts right? Here is a picture of the gifts my little girls wrapped for one another. My five year old has no idea that the heart she put on her sister’s gift reads, “hot babe.” Too funny!

And now to organize all that wrapping paper neatly away – here’s five gift wrap storage solutions for you to consider. Happy holidays!

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Read full story By on December 16, 2009 in Christmas, holiday decor, home organization

Top 10 In-Flight Essentials for the Holiday Traveler

Traveling on an airplane this holiday season? Long flights, weather delays and uncomfortable seats {most like filthy too} can drive you crazy while traveling. Keep your cool by planning ahead and being organized – here are simple tips on how to pack for a trip.

Now for your carry-on. Here are some essentials to make your plane flight as comfortable as possible:

1. Quiet Comfort 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones {so you don’t have to listen to the poor baby with the ear infection that won’t stop crying} by Bose ~ $269.95,
2. Sleep Mask Wings {for that cat nap} from Flight001.com ~ $22
3. Evian Facial Spray {why not?} from Flight001.com ~ $6
4. EO Sanitizing Hand Wipes {organic & biodegradable} from Amazon ~ $37.92 for a 2 pack {insane price for hand wipes I know – the non-organic version is less $}
5. Dolce Shawl Collar Popover sweater {easy-fitting sweater that will look great when you arrive at your destination} by JCrew ~ $58
6. Grid-it Grey Med {gadget organizer} from Flight001.com ~ $22
7. Alpha Continental 20″ Carry-on {because it’s the best} by Tumi ~ $595
8. Classic – Stripe Tissue Tee {layer it} by JCrew ~ $32.50
9. White & Warren Cashmere Wrap {instead of the issued plane blanket} from Neiman Marcus ~ $275
10. Kindle {for endless reading options and a huge space saver} from Amazon ~ $259

Happy holidays and safe travels!

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Read full story By on December 11, 2009 in home organization, travel tips

Beautifully Organized – Custom Ribbon Display Boards

Finally an easy and beautiful way to organize and display invitations, family photos and children’s artwork! Designed by San Francisco Bay Area mom, Jodie Strecker, Strecks Collage Boards are stylish, functional and adaptable. Select from over 50 designer fabrics and choose two ribbon colors to create a custom board that coordinates perfectly with your existing decor. There is even an option to supply your own fabric for a one-of-a-kind look.

Sliding ribbons are used to frame photos or artwork. There are no tacks, magnets or push pins that can be dangerous for children {thank goodness}. Display boards can be changed by simply taking it down and sliding the ribbons around to any configuration.

Strecks is offering all Simplified Bee readers 10 off all orders over $50. Simply enter the coupon code: BEE. Hurry, this offer is only good through December 13, 2009. Just in time for the holidays!

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Read full story By on December 9, 2009 in baby and children, discounts, home organization, interior design

Organizing – 5 Gift Wrap Storage Solutions

Keeping gift wrap supplies neatly organized is a year-around task, but during the holiday season it can get out of control. Here are five different gift wrap storage solutions designed to help you organize all those pretty tags, papers and ribbons.

1. The Wall-Mounted Craft Organizer from Pottery Barn is one of my favorite. This space saver is designed so you have all your gift wrap supplies in easy reach.

2. Ballard Designs’ Wrapping Cart is very comprehensive. I love how it has hidden casters and can be rolled away when not in use. Thanks to Deliciously Organized for pointing this one out!

3. Organize.com’s Underbed Storage Chest for gift wrap is an affordable solution for those with limited storage options. Having a pair of these storage chest would be ideal – one for everyday gift wrap needs and one designated for the holidays. And of course this storage solution doesn’t have to go under your bed – it is also suitable for the closet, garage or attic.

4. Another affordable and space saving gift wrap solution is the Hanging Gift Wrap Organizer from the Container Store. Perfect to hang in a closet or on a door or wall hook.

5. For those of you with very limited storage space, a series of stacking vintage suitcase would cleverly store gift wrap. Thank you Apartment Therapy for this fun idea!

Which solution is right for you and your space?

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Read full story By on November 24, 2009 in Birthdays, Christmas, home organization, organization tips, Organizational tips