How To Write a Thank You Note

I love receiving thank you cards. I think it's one of the highest forms of gratitude. That's why I also try to give them away generously.

Here's a bunch of adorable thank you cards I've come across:

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Once we've picked the card, how exactly do we write on it? 

In her book Cupcakes and Cashmere, Emily provides a guide to craft the proper thank you card:

•  Address the person
•  Express thanks for the special gift. {If you were given money, thank the person for the "generous gift". If you were given a gift certificate, make sure to mention the actual store. If someone hosted you for a weekend or for a lovely meal, simply thank them for their hospitality.}
•   Describe how you intend to use the item
•   Mention time spent together and the next time you'll see each other
•   Thank them again
•   Sign off 

Not too difficult, right? Write the card as soon as you can and mail it without delay. Because gratitude and acknowledging kindness is always TADA!

Yard Sale Tips

via Country Living

A lucrative way to spring cleaning is having a garage or yard sale. Get rid of unwanted things and earn some cash at the same time...that's double TADA! 

Considering putting one together? Here are a few links:

• Insightful tips for a successful yard sale 

• The do's and don'ts for making a yard sale sign

• Yard sale pricing tips

Here are some more ideas:

Display items on tables and garment racks.

Make sure there's a collective price tag {ex. all shirts $5.00},

or better yet, put a price tag on each piece. 

 Group similar things together.

Make use of boxes... 

 ...bins or baskets.

You can use old suitcases or bags, too. 

Display jewelry like they would in a 

boutique and have some mirrors handy

{including a full length one if there are 

a lot of clothes on sale}. 

Have old newspaper and scrap paper to wrap breakables. 

Have bags in different sizes {opt to reuse paper/plastic 

shopping bags} for customer purchases.  

If you're feeling extra generous, offer free treats

like drinks and snacks for all who participated.

Good luck and may you all enjoy the weekend!

Especially for Drawers

If you come over to my place and decide to snoop around, here's something you'll definitely find in the drawers: 

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Yes, I admit, I like to maximize every inch of sacred space by using dividers. The good thing about these interlocking boxes is that they can be configured to fit any drawer size. If you're feeling a little bit crafty, you can easily make these with empty cartons and tape/hot glue. Being organized...that's blah to TADA!

Especially for Doors

It's all about spring cleaning on the blog this week. One space that has lots of storage potential is the back of a door -- a bedroom door or a closet door.

Turn that under-used area from blah to TADA! with this:

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It's really meant for storing shoes but think of all its possibilities! It can be a home for all your accessories like scarves, jewelry and belts. This can also be used for toiletries if there's limited counter space in the bathroom. The compartments can also keep baby's essentials like diapers, ointments, teething toys and rattles in a nursery. And for the guestroom -- a place to keep extra toothbrushes, bars of soap, bottles of shampoo or mouthwash, and some reading material like city guides and maps.

Blah to TADA! indeed.

Especially for Stuff

I think you'll agree with me that clutter is blah. It's something most, if not all, of us battle with. To curb this frustration, here are some TADA! suggestions:

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Hide or file them away in boxes and bins! I have covered boxes (1) where I keep old photos, collectible DVDs and correspondence. As an alternative, reuse gift boxes or shoe boxes.

I have similar bins (2) that work as a holding area for mail. One is labeled "File" and the other "Shred". The documents hang-out here until I'm ready for the daunting task of filing and shredding.  

These collapsible boxes (3) can be used anywhere. The small ones can store books and journals; the medium ones for toys and art materials that can then be placed on a shelf. Use the bigger ones to segregate recycling or organize sports equipment or stuff in the car.

Hooray for boxes!

Especially for Boots

I have spring cleaning fever! I find it so satisfying to de-clutter and clean, especially now that the warmer months are on their way. This means sandal season...woohoo!

Time to put away my boots that have gotten so much mileage during the winter. Some pairs will be stored in their boxes, while one or two still have room in the closet. But droopy boots are blah.

I found this solution at the store -- boot shapers that look like thin bolster pillows. But why buy, when we can D-I-Y?!

via Real Simple

Our first option is to use empty and clean wine bottles to keep the body of the boot upright.

Another option is to make our own boot shaper: 

I'm using these complimentary airline socks. Because one size fits all, there's no heel and it's shaped like a tube.

Stuff it with fiber fill, add a long ribbon to join both shapers and hem each open end.  

 Then put them in your boots!

The ribbon will make it easier to remove the shapers with just one pull, and you'll be sure they're always a pair.

No more droopy boots ever again. 

For regular shoes, I have a shoe shaper 

right here.

Perfectly Polished

Hip, hip, hooray...we made it to Friday! In the past I shared with you little kits that I like to assemble such as the emergency kit and the first aid kit.

I thought of putting another one together. Something that can be kept in the car or office desk drawer because...well, because you never know. Let's call it the "Polished to Perfection" kit. 

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Here's what I'll put in it: (1) a stain remover pen to magically remove that coffee or ink stain; (2) a sewing kit to mend a hem or attach a loose button; (3) pain medication because a migrane is blah; (4) a lint roller to clean up a dark top from fuzzies, and (5) a toothbrush with minty toothpaste because facing bosses and clients is always TADA! with sparkly teeth and fresh breath.

I'll reuse this plastic zipper bag. It was packaging for a set pillowcases in its past life. It's always a good idea to recycle!

Instantly, I have a bag for my "Polished to Perfection" kit! TADA!

Have a terrific weekend, folks!