Merry Christmas!

We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday!

Happy New Year!

We hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year!

2012 Through Google's Eyes

Do you ever wonder what the most important moments of the past year are?  Google Video makes a highlight video every year detailing how the world has changed. Check it out below, and tell us how have you changed in 2012?

Greeting Card Storage Ideas

We love getting greeting cards during the holidays, and we are sure that you do too.  However, after the holidays no one really knows what to do with the cards that they have gathered over the past month or so.  Here are some great tips on how to save those memories without taking up a whole closet in your apartment.

1 Scan or Photograph: Keep digital copies of important cards. File them by year, occasion, or filtered in your digital photo album.

2 Turn into A Book: Send your greetings to Cards for Keeps and they'll transform them into a bound book. If you're feeling crafty, you can try doing this yourself by following the blog Something Turquoise's DIY tutorial.

3 Reuse: I love well designed greeting cards. So much thought has gone into the design, so why not turn it into something else? As long as you're okay with losing the greeting part of the card, you could frame it, cut it up and use it for another project, make it into a gift tag, etc. The options are endless!

4 Turn into A New Card: Much in the same vein as above, a card does not need to be used just once. If it's a folded card, cut it in half and use the front as a postcard.

5 Donate to a Charity: Before you toss any unwanted cards, consider donating them. St. Jude's Ranch for Children will recycle used greeting cards and turn them into new holiday and greeting cards. You can also purchase their recycled cards to support their programs and services.

For more information see Apartment Therapy.

Travel Gifts for Your Kids

Your children may travel a lot to see relatives.  The long hours in a car or plane can be boring.  However, this holiday season there are many gifts you can get them to help pass the time or to learn about travel.  Keep reading to find out details on what are some great gifts!

Globe

Maps are useful and portable, but globes fascinate children of all ages. Using a globe, children can learn about countries, continents and oceans. Globes teach children about the true sizes of landforms and help them see the distances between points. Look for a raised relief globe, which shows elevations of mountains and valleys.

Rolling Luggage

Even young children enjoy packing and pulling their own rolling suitcases. Taking care of clothing and belongings gives children a sense of responsibility and turns the tedious task of packing into an enjoyable activity. Look for a rolling suitcase sized for your child or grandchild; a youth-sized rolling bag will be easy for a younger, shorter child to pull. Middle schoolers and teens will probably prefer a larger bag with a longer pull handle. You can find rolling suitcases and duffel bags in all shapes, colors, sizes and price ranges.

Auto Bingo

This classic, low-tech toy can help those hours in the car pass more quickly. Each child takes an auto bingo card, which includes pictures of common roadside items, such as sheep, stop signs and railroad crossings. Players slide a colored window closed when they spot an object on their particular card. The first child to close five windows in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal row shouts, "Bingo!" and wins the game. Auto bingo games come in sets of four cards.

Mealtime Masterpiece Paper Placemats

The only thing more tedious than a long drive is a seemingly longer wait for restaurant food to arrive. Keep your child or grandchild happy and busy with these fun Mealtime Masterpiece paper placemats by Fred & Friends. This stack of 40 11 by 14 inch placemats comes with six marking pens, but you could also bring crayons or colored pencils, which are easier to carry and less messy, for your junior artists to use at the table. Each placemat has a painting-canvas-and-frame design, perfect for "framing" a creative kid's art.

Playing Cards / Boxed Card Games

Card games provide hours of entertainment for children of all ages. A deck of regular playing cards can be used to play Concentration by spreading the shuffled cardes face down on a table and having each player take turns turning two cards over, looking for pairs. The same deck can be used to play Solitaire, Crazy Eights, Old Maid and many more card games. Boxed card games, such as Professor Noggin's educational trivia games and UNO, are both colorful and easy to carry. Tip: Airplanes, trains and hotel rooms are the best places to play card games. It's very easy to lose cards in the car.

Travel Journal / Sketchbook

Children of almost any age can draw or write about their travel adventures in a blank journal or sketchbook. Preschoolers enjoy drawing pictures of buildings, animals and even food; parents and grandparents can write the date and a short description on each sketchbook page. Older children can draw pictures, create cartoons or write about each day's adventures in their journal. Travel journals and sketchbooks come in all sizes and price ranges; younger children will probably prefer to draw their pictures on larger pages. Remember to provide crayons, pencils or pens; marking pens may soak through pages.

For more information see About.com.

Shopping Survival Tips

 Here are some great shopping survival tips and tricks to help you get through the next month.  If you love Christmas, but hate the shopping this blog is for you. 

The leftover turkey is wrapped up and stowed in your refrigerator, the Thanksgiving pies have been devoured, and you’re ready for a long vacation. Unfortunately, the Christmas shopping season kicks off with a vengeance even before you’ve had time to make that cold turkey-stuffing-cranberry-sauce sandwich. Don’t stress out yet—we’ve shared some tips for saving money and staying sane while navigating holiday shopping madness. 

Make a List

Write down everyone you plan to buy a gift for, no matter how small the gift may be. Include ideas of what to give each person, along with the maximum amount you’re willing to spend. Don’t forget to list the people who will receive holiday tips, such as your doorman, babysitter, and mail carrier. This will help you manage your holiday budget. 

Start Early

Don’t wait until after Thanksgiving to start buying holiday gifts. Keep your eyes open all year round for items friends and family would like; it’s often when you’re not looking for something specific that you stumble across the perfect gift for Dad or your best friend Jenny. Once December hits, you’ll be glad that you already have some people crossed off your list. Just make sure to keep all your advance gifts in a designated (and hidden, if necessary) spot so that you don’t forget a purchase you made months in advance. 

Do Online Research

If you’re unsure of which specific item to buy (for example, you want to buy your husband a digital camera but don’t know what brand or model is best), search for reputable online reviews. You’ll have to pay a small subscription fee, but Consumerreports.org has hundreds of expert reviews on everything from laptops to baby strollers to breakfast cereals. Or check sites with user reviews and ratings, such as Amazon.com or Cnet.com, to find out which products have the most positive feedback. To find the best online price, use a comparison shopping site, such as Pricegrabber.com. 

Get No-Cost Holiday Shipping

Last-minute shoppers, here’s a gift for you. On December 17, 2012, more than 1,000 online merchants, like Best Buy and L.L.Bean, will offer free shipping with delivery by Christmas Eve. (Go to freeshippingday.com for details.) Prefer to get your Christmas shopping done early? Peruse this list of popular e-retailers that offer gratis shipping now through December 20.

Do It Yourself

There’s an abundance of homemade pickles, hand-knit hats, and handcrafted stationary these days, thanks to a growing obsession with all things crafty, artisanal, and homespun (just look at all the unique things for sale on Etsy.com). If you’re creatively inclined, avoid mall madness altogether and bake a batch of cookies, sew personalized tote bags, or make beautiful earrings for friends and family. If you need to learn a new skill, look into classes in your neighborhood or invest in a how-to book—there’s one for just about every craft out there. 

For more information see Real Simple.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope everyone has a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Spend some time with your friends and family and remember everything in life that you are thankful for.

Premium Outlet Sales and Specials

 Thanksgiving is a week away.  Do you know where you are black Friday shopping yet?  Here are some tips on Premium Outlets Sales and Specials over the next week.

After-Thanksgiving Weekend Sale
 

Midnight Madness Kick-Off*
 

Fri - Sun, Nov 23 - 25

Mark your calendar Don't miss the biggest sale event of the year. Enjoy exceptional holiday savings and extended shopping hours, plus, experience Midnight Madness as many stores open their doors at midnight right after Thanksgiving.* Some stores may open even earlier. A list of store sale information is posted on each center-specific Sales & Events page. Check center-specific websites for extended sale hours. Select a center from the drop-down menu above.

*Midnight opening after Thanksgiving at all Premium Outlet Centers® except Florida Keys Outlet Center; Factory Merchants Branson, MO & The Shoppes at Branson Meadows, MO; Factory Stores of America centers in: Boaz, AL; Graceville, FL; Story City, IA; Georgetown, KY; Lebanon, MO; Nebraska City, NE.

American Express® Cardmember Offer
 

Aug 1 - Dec 31

American Express is teaming up with Premium Outlets® to bring you this great offer. Securely sync your eligible American Express® Card with Facebook or Twitter to receive a one-time $10 statement credit when you buy $50 or more in Premium Outlets® | Simon® Gift Cards at a participating Premium Outlet Center®.* Visit sync.americanexpress.com to sync your Card.
*All Premium Outlet Centers will participate in this promotion with the exception of Florida Keys Outlet Center, Huntley Outlet Center, Liberty Village Premium Outlets, Outlet Marketplace and Puerto Rico Premium Outlets. Gift Cards must be purchased on-site at centers. Enrollment is limited. Offer valid from 08/01/2012 to 12/31/2012. Not valid for online sales. $2.95 card purchase fee applies. View Full Terms and Conditions.

Sandy Storm Relief: How You Can Help

In Sandy's wake, thousands of people have turned to the Red Cross for help. Every donation brings hope. Visit redcross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Message & Data Rates May Apply.

For more information see Premium Outlets.

Grants for Healthy Living

Congrats to these Dawson Area Schools that have won grants to fight childhood obesity.  This money includes improvements to fitness programs, healthy eating, and health education.  They are also going to use the excitement over the grant to encourage children to do their best with competitions and contests.

Georgia health officials have announced North Hall Middle School, Chestnut Mountain Creative School of Inquiry and Black's Mill Elementary School in Dawsonville are among 21 schools that have gotten state grants to help fight childhood obesity.

North Hall Middle Principal Brad Brown said his school also got another fitness-based award.

"We also won the NFL Play 60 award. A total of $10,800. The $800 came additionally for some other equipment," Brown said.

With the Georgia grants, these area schools got up to $5,000 to implement physical activity and nutrition plans. They come from the Georgia Department of Public Health and the Governor's SHAPE initiative.

Hall County school system spokesman Gordon Higgins said another Hall County school may be in line for the award.

"East Hall middle may also be getting a grant, so we keep getting good news about these initiatives we've got under way to have healthier lifestyles for the children here in Hall County."

Brown said they have a plan in place for the funds. He said one of the big items is activity bands. They cost about $150 a piece. They'll also buy an Ipad to track the data.

"The kids will actually sign these things out, and they'll set personal goals. We call them fuel goals," Brown said.

The devices keep track of the student's activity. When they turn them in, teachers can see if the student met their goals.

"We're going to have individual goals, class goals and competitions, just to try to get people involved," Brown said.

In addition to the grant money, Brown said his school has been busy with a variety of wellness activities. They revamped the school store and changed it to a fuel up station, with healthier snacks and portion sizes. They also do a morning announcement with healthy tips, as well as exercise flash mobs and family fitness nights.

Brown said they also do a morning mile, with students voluntarily coming in early to walk.

For more information see Access North Georgia.

Dawson Forest Apartments

Happy National Candy Corn Day!

Celebrate National Candy Corn Day with these delicious Candy Corn recipes!

Candy corn is an iconic Halloween treat and the holiday doesn't seem complete without them. In addition to eating this classic candy as is, try making one of these delicious candy corn recipes that takes its inspiration from these colorful candies. Serve the tri-colored treats at a Halloween party or place them in boxes or cellophane bags as favors for guests.

Here are some sweet and tasty recipes with candy corn:

• Cupcakes: Bake scrumptious candy corn cupcakes for a Halloween party or even just as a special treat for the kids. Bake either vanilla or chocolate cupcakes and frost with orange, yellow or white frosting. Use a decorative frosting tip to make your first layer of frosting in the color yellow. Create a second layer of frosting in the color orange. Add white frosting to the top. Apply the frosting to create a triangular cone shape to resemble a piece of candy corn. Place a piece of candy corn at the top of the frosting stack.

• Cookies: Make delicious candy corn cookies for Halloween. Ingredients for the candy corn cookie recipe are: 4 tbsp. unsalted softened butter, ½ cup sugar, 1 egg yolk, ¼ tsp. of vanilla extract, ¼ tsp. baking powder, ¼ tsp. salt, ¾ cup flour and a few handfuls of candy corn (35-40 pcs). Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Combine the butter and sugar, and beat the mixture in a bowl. Add the egg yolk, baking powder, salt and vanilla. Slowly add the flour and form the cookie dough. Use a teaspoon to scoop out the dough and roll the dough into balls and place them on a cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Once out of the oven, press a piece of candy corn into the middle of each cookie.

• Rice Krispy Treats: Make chewy, gooey candy corn Rice Krispy treats for a Halloween party. Ingredients include: ½ cup butter, 10 cups Rice Krispy cereal, 9 cups small marshmallows and 2 cups candy corn. Place the rice cereal and candy corn in a bowl. Melt the marshmallows and butter in a large pot, and mix it until smooth. Add the rice cereal and candy corn mixture to the butter and marshmallows. Butter a baking pan, and spread the cereal mixture on top. Once cool, cut the Rice Krispy treats into triangular candy corn shapes. Serve the Rice Krispy treats on a Halloween platter, or send your guests home with favors by placing the treats into individual cellophane bags with orange and yellow ribbon around the top.

Add something extra to your baked goods and dip them in chocolate or add sprinkles. Homemade baked treats will impress your guests and satisfy every Halloween craving.

For more information see Punch Bowl.

Mountain Moonshine Festival

Parades, race car drives, and kids activities are just some of the events happening at the Mountain Moonshine Festival.  Make sure to go to the festival this weekend where proceeds go to the KARE for Kids Foundation.  Make sure to sign up for the race before next weekend, and have a great time at the festival!

 

45th Annual Mountain Moonshine Festival
October 27 & 28, 2012

  KARE for Kids is proud to announce our 2012 Grand Marshall will be Bud Moore

All proceeds go to KARE for Kids, Inc.
“Making the World A Brighter Place,
One Child at A Time”

• See the parade of moonshine and revenue cars to kick off festivities at 9:00 Saturday morning.
• For Lodging Information, Click Here.
• Many great vendors – something for everyone
• Two stages with live entertainment around the square in downtown Dawsonville
• Car Show, Cruise-In and Swap Meet held at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame  formerly known as “Thunder Road USA”
• Moonshine Run on Friday, October 26th, leaving the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame at approximately 10:00 AM, registration to begin at 9:00 AM.
• Meet many legendary race car drivers. See Vintage Race Cars and more Authentic Moonshine-Hauling cars than you’ll ever see gathered in one place anywhere in the US!
• Purchase festival souvenirs such as t-shirts, caps & refrigerator magnets.
• Camper & Hauler parking will be available at the GA Racing Hall of Fame in a designated area only. Please see a KARE representative for assistance. Any hauler or camper parked in a show car parking area or public parking area will be subject to fees according to the size of the camper or hauler.
• Help out with a very worthy cause, KARE for Kids, Inc.

For more information see KARE for Kids.

Ten Tips for College Graduates

College graduates are having more trouble finding jobs than ever before.  As they are forced to move home, they end up working part time retail jobs until they may land a job a few years later.  Here are ten great tips on how to improve your chances at landing a job post graduation.

Many companies are biased against hiring recent grads. Diana Zimmerman of the marketing communications agency CMS Communications, Intl., says she doesn't interview recent college grads anymore: "I have found, overall, they have, (right or wrong) a very different work ethic, and are just too self-absorbed. A job interview is not about them. It's about what value they can bring to the company. Many of them haven't even researched the company they are interviewing for."
But all hope isn't lost. Here's a list of 10 steps you can take to increase your chances of snagging a great job once you graduate.

1. Find hands-on learning opportunities. According to Sabrina Ali, career counselor and writer, participating in cooperative education or practicum opportunities gives college students "paid work experience, industry mentoring, and [they] become a known entity in their industry of choice prior to needing or wanting full-time work, and have a chance to figure out better what they want for themselves in terms of a career after they graduate."
See if your university or department offers opportunities that would allow you to try out working in the field you're studying in.

2. Socialize online (beyond Facebook). Maria Stephens, PR manager at the pattern-based analytics company Emcien Corporation, says it's important to manage your online reputation. According to her, employers will Google you, so it's best to be prepared by knowing what they'll find. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is polished and up-to-date. Either don't post anything embarrassing that might prevent you from being hired on Facebook or Twitter, or change your privacy settings so your updates don't appear in search results.

3. Become more than just a resume. Stephens also suggests managing a blog to give you a leg up in the competitive job market. "[Find] something professional that relates in a way to something that could strengthen your chances of getting an interview because you'll instantly become more than just a resume," she says. "Whether it's your interests with running or cooking, show that you're an interesting person with talents and a personality."

4. Never waste a summer. Sure, you know that interning is one way to get some job experience while still in college, but don't be afraid to take on more than one over the years of your entire college education. "In this tough job climate, it is important that college students prove that they are worth the risk of being hired," says Christie Haynes, president of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau in Dawsonville, Ga. "They can do this by never wasting a summer in college ... Find an internship that allows you to gain valuable experience in the field you hope to enter upon graduation."

5. Take classes outside of your major. You can assume that if you take all the sociology classes your major requires that you'll be hireable when you finish your degree, but the truth is: that's not always the case. Other classes, especially those in business, can give you real-world knowledge that employers will appreciate. Consider taking classes in communications, public speaking, finance, and general business.

6. Get a part-time job in the field you're interested in. Scooping ice cream to pay for your college courses won't do you any good when you graduate. Robert Sollars of Today's Training LLC says if you take an entry-level position in the industry you want to work in (such as working a private security position if you're working toward a degree in criminal justice), you can get a sense of what the work requires to see if you're truly interested in making a career out of it. "This will allow them to get their 'feet wet' and learn more about a different side of the law enforcement community," he says.

7. Meet people. Most college students aren't thinking about networking, but that's exactly what you should be doing before you graduate. Many colleges have strong alumni networks that students can tap into, and many college departments offer opportunities to meet professionals in the community who are working in that field. Get out and shake hands. Get advice on the profession you're interested in and ask questions to get tips on how to best position yourself.

Ali says you should ask questions you can't find the answers to online: "What do you wish you'd known about the job before you started? What skills and traits make someone ideally suited for this kind of work in the long-term?"

8. Know how to talk about yourself. Early in your career, you may find it hard to toot your own horn, but Ali says it's important to be able to do so: "This element is so important and so often overlooked, yet it's a crucial step in determining your success in finding work," she says. "What are you going to say when someone asks: 'Who are you and what are you looking for (in relation to work)?'"

Be confident in your response, and don't be afraid to say what you want. Knowing what you want out of a career proves you're a go-getter, which appeals to employers.

9. Nail the interview process. Even before you apply for your first job, find out what a professional job interview will look like. Talk to professionals that you network with to see what questions you should expect to be asked, and practice your answers. Have a friend mock interview you so you can get your nervous tics out and learn to smoothly answer questions.

10. Be open. If you zero in on one single job that you want, you might miss out on other great opportunities. Spend your college time exploring different industries you could work in, as well as different roles you might be eligible for once you graduate. Your ideal job may come from left field, so be open to possibilities.

For more information see US News.

Three Free Ways to Organize The Things on Your Desk

 Is your desk and computer full of clutter?  Here are three free ways to organize your office supplies.  Organizing your desk can help reduce your stress, and it can make it a little more enjoyable to do some work.


Here are three things you can do today to organize your desk for maximum efficiency. And they're totally free!

1. Edit your supplies: It's easy to acquire an absurd number of pens, pencils and highlighters. They're given away everywhere and seem totally practical — so they're never thrown away. Grab every single writing utensil in your desk and select 10 that you actually like and use regularly. Give the rest away.


2. Create a digital file cabinet: One of the biggest areas of stress for me was my file drawer. It was full of documents I hadn't looked at for 10 years. It can be intimidating, but the first step is to open the file and shred anything you don't absolutely need. Anything you do need, scan and put it in a folder on your computer called "File Cabinet." Within that file, you can create subfolders for your financial information, vehicles, and insurance, for example. Don't forget to back up this file to an external hard drive or to a cloud service like Google Drive.
3. Put a stop to unsolicited mail: Junk mail was one of my biggest problems. I would throw it into my desk until one day I'd open the drawer and coupons for kebabs and life insurance offers would explode all over my floor. If this sounds familiar, the Federal Trade Commission has put together a list of ways you can stop most unsolicited mail. Some of the most frustrating mail for me was the endless credit card offers. By calling 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) or visiting optoutprescreen.com, you can stop all credit card and insurance offers for five years.
   
   For more information go to Apartment Therapy.
   

Do You Have A Well Stocked Freezer?

Do you have a well stocked freezer?  A well stocked freezer can help you in an emergency or even have something you need for impromptu company.  Here are five essentials that apartment therapy recommends, but there are many other things that you can add to your well stocked freezer.

A well-stocked freezer can spare a person a lot of late-night snack cravings or lazy days when you just don't feel like going to the store, and it's absolutely essential if you have friends who like to drop by for impromptu parties. (See our 8 staples for stress-free entertaining here, but be warned: the well-stocked freezer may cause this habit to develop in your friends.) But what constitutes "well-stocked" depends a lot on where we live, how we cook and entertain, and how big our freezers are. 

What are your essentials? Here are five of my own.
 
In a perfect world, I would have the following things in my freezer at all times:

• Cocktail ice — I love making fancy cocktails, and my favorite parties are cocktail parties. But a host always needs more ice than he or she thinks, so I like to keep on hand more ice than makes any rational kind of sense, just to be prepared. And of course I have to keep an ice ball or two around in case my father comes to dinner and wants one in his Scotch.

• Frozen fruit — Freezing summer fruit when it's in season is probably the only thing that gets me through the dark days of December, when the novelty of winter food has worn off and all I really want is a strawberry smoothie.

• Homemade stock — Homemade stock and broth makes such a difference in the way food tastes. I like to freeze mine in muffin tins (each muffin well holds 1/3 cup), then pop them out and store them in bags for later. And whenever we have meat, I like to store the bones in the freezer until there are enough to make a new batch of stock.

• Ground pork — My husband and I make a lot of Chinese food, and a lot of my favorite dishes, like dry-fried string beans, call for just a tablespoon or two of ground pork. Since I can't buy just a tablespoon of pork at a time, I like to freeze the rest in individual portions so it's all ready next time I need it.

• Frozen snacks — I am always happy knowing that there are single-serving pizzas or mini quiches or pork dumplings in my freezer, because it absolutely never fails that I will become suddenly ravenous at exactly the moment the very last delivery place closes, and that's not the time to start making a big meal. Frozen savory snacks are also good to have on hand when you have friends who like to drop by for cocktails. You have to have something to feed them, and this way you don't find yourself stuck in the kitchen making 12 grilled cheese sandwiches while there's an impromptu party going on.

For more information go to Apartment Therapy.

Hunger Games in Dawsonville

Are you a fan of the Hunger Games?  If you are then you are in luck, portions of the sequel to the Hunger Games are said to be filming in Dawsonville.  Actors from the movie have already been spotted in and around town like Liam Hemsworth.  The movie is set to be filmed around the Atlanta area and Hawaii.

The rumors started a few weeks ago that scenes for the popular "Hunger Games" sequel, "Catching Fire," would be filmed in Dawsonville.

While a press release distributed by Lionsgate entertainment last week listed "only existing locations in and near Atlanta" as the film's primary shooting sites, locals are hopeful after seeing a few of the film's stars at area shops in recent days.

Debby Joyner, a barista at a local coffee shop, was working the counter when she noticed a crowd gathering at the location in Kroger.

"It was really busy at that time and I looked up from working and there were a lot of people. I thought, ‘Gosh, why are there so many people' and one of my customers said: ‘Debby, don't you know who that is? That's the actors from the "Hunger Games,"'" she said. "I was so excited because I was reading the third book."

Liam Hemsworth and Jennifer Lawrence, who are reprising their roles in the sequel, were also reportedly seen shopping at the outlet mall the same day.

As of Tuesday afternoon, there was still no official word that scenes will be filmed in Dawson County, though an official with Amicalola Falls State Park has said representatives with the film have been in contact with him.

"There has been some interest in shooting at Amicalola Falls, but there has been nothing definite in place yet," said Matt Owens, site manager at the park.

According to the release, filming began Sept. 10 in the Atlanta area and will be shot on location on the beaches and jungle of Hawaii before wrapping up in late December.

The movie is set to be released worldwide Nov. 22, 2013.

The movie also stars Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Stanley Tucci and Donald Sutherland.

The possible filming in Dawsonville comes on the heels of the release of "Trouble with the Curve," a movie starring Clint Eastwood, Justin Timberlake and Amy Adams that shot scenes at Amicalola 

Lodge just west of downtown Dawsonville earlier this year.

"Trouble with the Curve" hits theaters Friday and is already receiving rave reviews.

Georgia has been one of the country's leading locations for Hollywood film production for a couple of years, thanks to the tax breaks and incentives the state offers.

Passed in 2008, the Georgia Entertainment Industry Act gives production companies a 20 percent tax credit if the company spends a minimum of $500,000 on production and post-production in the state.

Lionsgate was the first company to take advantage of the state's film tax incentive, according to Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Chris Cummiskey.

"Lionsgate has been a longtime partner of Georgia's entertainment industry. The fact that they are continuing to bring productions including this high profile franchise to Georgia reaffirms their 
commitment to our talented crew, diverse locations and accessibility," he said.

For more information see the Dawson News.

Pumpkin Time

Fall is almost here, which means it is time for pumpkins.  Do not just use pumpkins for carving, here is a delicious pumpkin desert recipe for you to make for your family.

Makes: 24 to 36 servings
Yield: 24 to 36 bars 

Prep: 25 mins  

Bake: 325°F 55 mins 

 Cool: 30 mins  

Chill: 3 Hours

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients

• 1 1/4
  cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4
  cup sugar
• 1/3
  cup butter, melted
• 2
  8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 3/4
  cups sugar
• 3
  eggs
• 1
  cup canned pumpkin
• 1/2
  teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2
  teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4
  teaspoon salt
• 6
  ounces semisweet chocolate, cut up, or 1 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
• 2
  tablespoons butter
• 1 1/4
  cups sour cream
• 1/4
  cup sugar
• Grated fresh nutmeg
• Milk chocolate or semisweet chocolate curls

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13x9x2-inch baking pan; set aside. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup sugar. Stir in the 1/3 cup melted butter. Press mixture evenly into bottom of the prepared baking pan; set aside.

2. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and the 1-3/4 cups sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined. Beat in pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt on low speed just until combined. Remove 1-1/4 cups of the mixture.

3. In a small heavy saucepan, combine the 6 ounces chocolate and the 2 tablespoons butter. Cook and stir over low heat until melted. Whisk chocolate mixture into the 1-1/4 cups pumpkin mixture. Pour over crust, spreading evenly. Bake for 15 minutes.

4. Carefully pour the remaining pumpkin mixture over baked chocolate layer, spreading evenly. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes more or until filling is puffed and center is set. Cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes.

5. In a small bowl, combine sour cream and 1/4 cup sugar. Gently spread over cookies. Cool completely. Cover and chill for at least 3 hours. Cut into bars.* Before serving, sprinkle with nutmeg and/or chocolate curls. Makes 24 to 36 bars.

From the Test Kitchen

• Make Ahead Tip Bake and chill cookies as directed; cut into bars. Place in a single layer in an airtight container; cover. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze.
• Tip *Test Kitchen Tip:To make triangle-shape bars, cut the cookies crosswise into four strips. Then cut each strip into five triangles (you'll end up with two half-triangles from the ends of each strip).
  For more information see Better Homes and Gardens.
  

Get Your Home Organzied for Fall

It is time to get ready for fall and winter in your home.  Here are some great fall organizational tips to make sure your home is ready for the upcoming seasons.

Tip #1 Since the floor plan may seem small, the best way to add storage as well as décor to your apartment is through wall shelving. By adding shelves, you're able to make use of wall space by storing CD's, books, videos or any other collections on the shelves and off the floor. Wall shelves are also a great way to display framed photographs or other knick-knacks.
 
Tip #2 As an avid shoe collector, I know that small closet space can be a problem in most apartments. A great way to get shoes off the floor and allow space for other items is to purchase a shoe organizer. They can be found just about anywhere, and are a great low cost alternative to closet clutter. The best ones hang right over your closet door, allowing easy access to your favorite pair of shoes. By organizing your shoes, it also cuts down on time spent looking for them, especially when you're in a hurry!
 
Tip #3 Another great way to make the most of limited closet space is to buy adding an additional closet rod. This apparatus is simply hung from both sides of your original rod by 'hangers', allowing for a second row of clothing to be added below the first. A great space-saver, this item can be found at Bed, Bath and Beyond for a low price.
 
Tip #4 Depending on available floor space, a common storage unit can come from the form of a trunk, or chest. These are good for putting away seasonal items or even extra towels for the guests. They're also a great additive to room décor, and can also provide additional seating in a bedroom or be used as a table for pictures or flowers.
 
Tip #5 In the living room, store books or games in storage furniture like Ottomans or coffee tables with drawers and shelves. Ottomans are essential for living rooms in that they provide a leg rest instead of the coffee table, and they can store things away from sight. You can also use them to store everyday items like the remote controls, or a TV Guide to reduce clutter in the living space.
 
Tip #6 Another good space for storing items is under the bed. While most people do hide things under the bed, most often they're not stored properly and items can get dusty and sometimes damaged. Plastic bins are an easy way to store winter sweaters, extra bedding or items you just don't know what to do with. There are specially sized plastic bins that are made thin enough to fit right under the bed, allowing for easy accessibility and freshness when particular items are needed.
 
Tip #7 If you have extra space on your closet floor, adding plastic drawers can organize and reduce clutter from other areas of the house. Organize belts, scarves, ties or anything else in the plastic drawers to make room in your regular drawers for clothing or undergarments. You can also use these drawers to hold gym clothing, extra shoes or slippers, or laundry supplies to keep with the laundry pile. These drawers, as with any size or type of plastic bin, can be found at discount retailers like Target or Wal-Mart for a low price.
 
Tip #8 Cut down on clutter by adding hanging hooks to the living room, kitchen or bathrooms. These inexpensive items allow for usable wall space to be turned into a storage area for day-to-day items like your cell phone, keys or hats. Use hooks in the bathroom to hang bathrobes or wet towels, or even decorative towels can be used for both display and practicality. In the kitchen, hang dishtowels or spare keys for easy accessibility or organization.
 
Tip #9 An easy way to store a lot of items is to have a TV entertainment center with lots of drawers and shelves. Since they are usually large, make the most of the space it takes up by storing DVDs, CDs, books or video games. Try to find enough shelves to fit the electronics, and when you're all finished setting everything up, clip together the electrical cords to make it look more neat and clean. By clipping all the cords together, it's also easier to vacuum and reduce the amount of dust buildup behind the furniture.
 
Tip #10 The last tip is to shop around for furniture that has multiple uses. You have a limited amount of space to work with, so make the most of it. Most bedroom sets offer beds with drawers, so this is a great way to attain additional storage. Ikea is a great store to shop for storage solutions for affordable apartment settings. Coffee tables, end tables, and even miniature bars all have shelves or storage space, so use it wisely!

For more information see yahoo.

Dawsonville Movie to Open Sept. 21st

"Trouble with the Curve" is set to be released September 21st, and it has the whole town of Dawsonville very excited.  The movie was filmed in a Dawsonville hotel that was renamed "The Grey Squirrel for the movie.  Georgia's tax breaks and movie incentives have brought more movies to Georgia in the past few years, and the area is looking forward to more movies in the future. Praven Patel plans to be among the first in line when the movie filmed earlier this year at his Dawsonville motel hits the big screen next month.     Warner Brothers recently released the first trailer for "Trouble with the Curve" starring Clint Eastwood with several scenes featuring Amicalola Lodge, the motel Patel has owned for the last 20 years. "It's very exciting. The trailer was very nice, and the scenes for the motel look very nice," he said. In the movie, the motel has been renamed The Grey Squirrel. Also featuring Amy Adams and Justin Timberlake, "Trouble with the Curve" stars Eastwood as an aging baseball scout who travels to Atlanta with his daughter to see a hot prospect. While the movie is set to open nationwide Sept. 21, there is no official word yet if it will be shown at the local cinema, though executives with the Georgia Theater Company are aware the movie holds local ties. Official Ansley Scofield said it is up to movie companies to determine when and if special events take place to coincide with openings. Any special events would be advertised and promoted, she added. Georgia has been one of the country's leading locations for Hollywood film production for a couple of years, thanks to the tax breaks and incentives offered by the state. Passed in 2008, the Georgia Entertainment Industry Act gives production companies a 20 percent tax credit if the company spends a minimum of $500,000 on production and post-production in the state. While it remains unclear how much Warner Brothers spent to film the scenes in Dawsonville, officials said the movie lit a spark in the local economy with crews purchasing construction supplies at home improvement stores and crew members shopping the retail outlets at Ga. 400. The Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office launched the Camera Ready Communities program in 2010 to train and certify Georgia counties on how to work with production companies and provide local, one-on-one assistance with productions. Officials have said they see the incentive program as a boon for Dawson County, which is set to be the backdrop for the filming of a second major motion picture. According to Executive Producer Denise Kleiner, a film focused on the north Georgia gold rush and famed local miners is in the works. She reported last week that the script is almost finalized and the production company is preparing a preliminary filming schedule. Although Kleiner has confirmed the film's budget is set at $50 million, she said officials are not willing to release more details until filming locations are set. As of April, officials were seeking confirmation from local property owners on whether they could use the land and home where famed miner Green Russell lived near the Etowah River. For more information see Dawson News.

Ten Easy Steps to a Clean Fridge

Do you feel like your fridge is a mess?  Here are ten easy steps to get your fridge clean.  Read below and get your refrigerator clean for the fall and winter.

What You Need

A sponge
Dish soap
Dish towels
Glass cleaner and a paper towel or two
Plenty of counter space for organizing food
A trash can
An old toothbrush (optional)
If you have a stainless steel refrigerator:
Stainless steel cleaner, vinegar, or oil and a soft cloth
If you have an enameled steel refrigerator:
A multipurpose cleaner

Instructions

1 (optional) Unplug the fridge. If the interior needs serious scouring, you can do this to save some energy while you're cleaning. I left mine plugged in because all the shelves were removable, the rest of the interior wasn't that dirty, and I closed the doors in between steps. If you do decide to unplug your fridge, though, rest assured that this whole process won't take long enough to harm any of your foods.
2 Take everything out of the doors and start using up that free counter space I mentioned. You could take everything out at once, but I found it was easier to do this in stages.
3 Get rid of expired products and consolidate doubles. I really didn't need two jars of sambal oelek or that quarter bottle of cooking wine that had been in the fridge for two months. This is also a good time to group like with like. I had several beers hiding out in the door, and the rest were on the other shelves, so this was when I put them all together on the counter.
4 Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the rest of the fridge. Then repeat them with the freezer.
5 Remove all shelves and drawers.
6 Wash them with warm soapy water. I'm fortunate enough to live in a place with a large double sink and a retractable hose, but if you aren't so lucky, then there's no shame in dragging those bins and shelves to the bathtub. Even in my giant sink the produce drawers got pretty unwieldy.
Dry them with dish towels and set them aside. At this point, I also chose to use some Windex on the glass shelves to get them extra clean and streak-free.
7 Wipe down all the fridge's interior spaces with a damp sponge or towel. For those of you looking for a really deep clean, if there are any shelf seams or rubber seals with buried bits of grime, an old toothbrush will get the job done. Put the shelves and drawers back in and admire the transformation.
8 Replace all your food, wiping down any sticky jars before putting them in your newly clean fridge. I found it helpful to keep all my items grouped by use, which is a task I completed as part of step 3. If you need help organizing the fridge, check out these helpful tips. Stick in a new box of baking soda, and if you unplugged the fridge in step one, don't forget to plug it back in.
9 You're almost done! Now that you've cleaned the inside, be sure not to neglect the exterior of the fridge. If you use magnets, tidy up the items they're holding and discard any outdated coupons, etc. Then give the exterior a quick wipe down with your product of choice. If you have a stainless steel fridge, use a stainless steel cleaner and wipe with the grain of the steel. Alternatively, you could use vinegar and a microfiber cloth or olive oil. For enameled steel fridges, a multipurpose cleaner will do the trick.
10 Admire your clean, happy fridge. 

For more information see Apartment Therapy.

Army Rangers Perform Jump

Jumping out of a plane is terrifying for most people.  However, jumping out of a plane into a lake is just another day of work for the Army Rangers.  The army rangers have been training for eight weeks for this exercise.  On Friday, they jumped from an airplane more than a quarter of a mile into Lake Lanier.

A jump from more than a quarter of a mile above Lake Lanier may not be a normal person’s ideal Friday morning.

But for a U.S. Army Ranger, it is just another day at the office.

On Friday morning, about 90 Rangers parachuted from 1,500 feet above the waters of Lake Lanier during a water jump training exercise.

“One of our hazardous types of landings that we prepare for during our jump preparations is landing in water,” said Lt. Col. Bob O’Brien. “If guys ever land in water, they have some familiarity and training of having done it before.”

Soldiers from the 5th Ranger Training Battalion, based out of Camp Frank D. Merrill in Dahlonega, piled into two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, which traversed the airspace over the lake, dropping off its human cargo six at a time.

“It started out just like a typical jump,” O’Brien said. “You get a slight falling sensation and then you can feel the tug of your parachute coming in. But it’s very different coming down not seeing solid ground — just seeing the lake beneath you.”

But, O’Brien said, about eight weeks of preparation went into Friday’s exercise, including coordinating with local authorities to help with the jump.

“One of the awesome things about today is we have been able to incorporate a lot of the local authorities,” he said Friday. “They’re helping out, so it’s a good training exercise for us from a coordination standpoint, too, because this is the type of stuff we have to do overseas.”

Capt. Thomas Shandy, who was gearing up for the jump Friday morning, said he had “no reservations at all” about jumping. In fact, he was “just happy to do it” after the many weeks of training.

“After practicing, what we’re hoping is it becomes automatic at this point,” Shandy said. “I think at this point, we’re all just ready to jump.”

And while the Rangers were taking the plunge from the helicopters, family and friends lined the beaches of War Hill Park to witness the exercise.

Kristin Snowden, wife of Capt. Joseph Snowden, was one of those spectators.

“I think it’s really awesome to be here to witness because (Joseph) loves doing this so much,” she
said. “He’s always loved being a paratrooper, so to get people out here to witness what they do is a pretty cool thing.”

Snowden, equipped with a camera, said she had no worries about her husband’s jump.
“He’s a jump master, so he’s done this so many times,” she said. “I have faith that he knows what he’s doing.”

Actually, she said, she would like to be in the air with him.

“I would totally jump,” Snowden said. “We’re adrenaline people, so I would love to do it. If I ever get the chance, I will.”

Authorities from Dawson, Hall and Forsyth counties helped with the exercise, as well as the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Georgia Air National Guard.

“It’s a pretty big operation,” said O’Brien, who said the jump was worth all the preparation and coordination.

“It’s been a very long process — many weeks in the making,” he said. “It was a great landing. The water is awesome.

For more information go to The Gainesville Times.

Apps for Back to School

Back to school can be stressful.  These apps are made to help you transition back to school, and they can also help your kids with studying.  They cover everything from Math to English, and they are designed for all levels.

My First Day of School

Is your little one nervous about the first day of school? This interactive book for your iPhone may help. The iStoryTime Kids Book — My First Day of School features the story about a boy, Charlie, who is getting ready for his first day at school. Though he is excited, Charlie is also a little scared, but he ends up really loving school. This interactive book offers three narration options, automatic or manual page turn mode, onscreen text and more.
Price: 99 cents

iStudiez Pro

Get school started off right with iStudiez Pro. This iPhone app allows parents, students and teachers to keep track of agendas, deadlines, grades, homework, tests and more with its scheduling tools and notification system. Whether your children are in elementary school, high school or college, this award-winning app can keep them organized and on target.
Price: 99 cents

iHomework

Another very helpful app for students, iHomework allows you to keep track of homework assignments, projects, reading lists, schedule, teacher contact information and more. This school organizing app is available for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, as well as for Mac.
Price: 99 cents

FlashCards++

You can find a number of flashcard apps to help with studies, but FlashCards++ is one of our favorites. With this app, you can make flashcards on your phone, create image flashcards with your iPhone camera, or download text and images from Flashcard Exchange, Dropbox or Quizlet. You can also import cards from Excel and even listen to vocabulary flashcards with its text-to-speech functionality. Stop carrying around a stack of paper flashcards and access them on your iPhone or iPad instead.
Price: $3.99

Grammar Guide

If your kids' grammar and spelling skills have dropped off this summer, the Grammar Guide app is the perfect solution for back-to-school time. This app is a quick reference guide that will help improve any student's writing with topics on grammar, punctuation, capitalization, misspelled words and more.



For more information please see sheknows.com

Is your family ready for school to start?

Getting organized and being prepared is the best way to make your transition into starting school easy.  School starts next week in Dawsonville so getting back to school ready is priority.  Here are some great tips to make sure your family will be ready when that first alarm clock rings.

Ease the family into a school year schedule.

The first day of school is no time for a drastic adjustment of household sleep schedules. Instead, ease children back into a school year routine gradually. During the last two weeks of summer, re-introduce a school year bedtime. Begin waking late sleepers earlier and earlier, closer to the hour they'll need to rise when school begins.

Don't neglect mealtimes! Younger children, in particular, need to adapt to new meal routines before the school day demands it of them. Plan meals and snacks to accustom little ones to rituals of the school day before the school year begins.

Create Calendar Central

Each school year floats on a sea of schedules. School functions. Lunch menus. Scout meetings and music lessons. What do you do when you're drowning in paper?

Nothing calms school year chaos like Calendar Central: a centralized site for all family calendars and schedules. You'll need a family event calendar to track after-school activities, school programs and volunteer work. Add specialized calendars and schedules, and you have it: a one-stop shop for family time management.

Form is less important than function. A paper calendar with large squares lets you enter information easily. Pre-printed white board calendars are easy to revise when necessary. Color-coding entries by family member helps keep busy lives straight.

 

Paper planner fans dedicate a planner section to serve as Calendar Central, while tech-savvy cybergrrrlz store the info in a smart phone or tablet and sync with multiple computers. Choose a calendar format that works for your family.

Post the family event calendar in a public place near the telephone. Use magnets to attach the calendar to the refrigerator, or tack it to a bulletin board.

Add other calendars to Calendar Central: school lunch menus, class assignment sheets, sports practice schedules. When the room mother calls for field trip volunteers, you'll know at a glance whether you're free to join the group on the bus that day.

Plan before you shop

August is the second-biggest sales month for clothing retailers. Back to school clothing sales begin as early as July! Are you prepared to run the school clothes gauntlet?

An informed shopper is a savvy shopper, so prepare before you shop. Take an afternoon and assess each child's clothing needs. Empty drawers and closets of outgrown or worn-out clothing, and either store or donate the discards.

Working with your child, clean and organize clothing storage before new garments are added--and cut down on school morning calls of "Mom! I don't have any clean . . . . "

Develop a wardrobe needs list for each child. Check for possible hand-me-downs from older siblings as you make your list. If you discuss the needs list and the family budget with your children before you shop, you'll avoid in-the-store tantrums.

Similarly, ask the school for classroom supply lists before shopping for school supplies. Forewarned is forearmed ... and helps protect the family budget.

Do shop early! With back-to-school sales beginning in mid-July, tardy shoppers have a tough time locating needed supplies among September's Halloween costumes and Christmas decorations.

Gather your papers

School entry may require documentation from immunization records to report cards from the previous school year. Athletes need proof of medical examination. A little preparation can prevent frantic last-minute searches for a birth certificate or registration confirmation.
Call your child's school or check the school district Web site beforehand to find out what paperwork will be required--then find it! You won't be sorry come registration day.

Take aim on morning madness

How are school mornings in your home? Crazed and chaotic, or calm and cheerful? Plan ahead to send your schoolchildren--and yourself!--out the door in a happy frame of mind.

Each evening, think ahead to the following morning; where can you lighten the load? Set the breakfast table as you clear the dinner dishes, and make sure breakfast foods are easy to reach. Lay out children's clothing the night before. Scan backpacks or launch pad spaces for missing homework, projects or library books. Make sure musical instruments or sports bags are packed and ready to go.

Do "bathroom wars" break out daily among the small fry? Multi-child households may need a bathroom schedule so that everyone gets equal time before the mirror.
What do you do about books and papers, lunch money and permission slips? 

Make a practice run

How will children get to school? The first day of school is no time to find out it takes ten minutes--not five--to walk to the nearest bus stop!

Before school begins, make a practice run to get children to the school on time. If they'll walk, help them learn the route they'll take and note the needed time. Car-pooling? Make sure the dry run accounts for early-morning traffic! Bus riders will need to be familiar with the location of the bus stop; print and post the bus schedule to prevent a missed bus.

Spiff up household systems

A new school year quickens the tempo of family life. Sports activities, music lessons, church programs and volunteer commitments tap parental time and put new mileage on the mini-van. Get organized! Spiff up your household systems to meet autumn's faster pace:

 

Clean house ... fast! Take a stab at speed cleaning and whip through household chores in record time.

Cut time in the kitchen: create a menu plan and never again wonder "What's for dinner?"

Streamline dinner preparations. Try a session of freezer cooking to stock the freezer with prepared entrees for stress-free dinner on sports night.

Conquer the paper pile-up. Set up a basic home filing system to track school paperwork, volunteer activities and household planning.

For more information see Organized Home.

8 Tips to Keep You Child's Room Organized

Walking into a child's room can be like walking into a war zone.  No one wants to step on that very sharp foot of a Barbie Doll or sprain their ankle tripping over a Tonka Truck.  In order to prevent injuries and chaos, a child's room should have an organizational plan that is good for the parent and child.  Organized Home has some great tips to keep your child's room in the best shape all year around.

Take a child's eye view

Get down to your child's eye level to help him or her get organized. Look at your child's space, storage, furniture and possessions from his or her vantage point. The view may surprise you!

Adult furniture and organizing systems don't translate well to children's needs. Sticky dresser drawers are hard for small hands to manage. Folding closet doors pinch fingers and jump their rails when pushed from the bottom. Closet hanging rods are out of reach, while adult hangers don't fit smaller clothing. Traditional toy boxes house a tangled jumble of mixed and scattered toy parts.

To organize a child's room, solutions must fit the child. For younger children, remove closet doors entirely. Lower clothing rods and invest in child-sized hangers. Use floor-level open containers to hold toys, open plastic baskets to store socks and underwear.

Devise a simple daily checklist for maintenance. To organize a child's room, tailor the effort to the child.

Bring the child into the process

Resist the urge to wade into the mess alone, garbage bags flying. Gritted teeth and threats of "You will keep this room clean!" don't touch the root of the problem: teaching children organization skills and maintenance methods.

Instead, look at the organization process as a learning activity, and put the focus on the child. Professional organizer Julie Morgenstern, author of Organizing from the Inside Out, recommends that you view your role as that of organizational consultant to your child.

As his or her guide, survey what's working, what's not, what's important to the child, what's causing the problems, and why the child wants to get organized.

Partnered with your child, you stand a better chance of devising an organization scheme and system that makes sense to him or her. If they're involved in the effort, children are better able to understand the organizational logic and maintain an organized room.

Sort, store and simplify

It's a conundrum! Children's rooms are usually small, often shared, and generally lack built-in storage. Yet these rooms are host to out-of-season and outgrown clothing, surplus toys, and even household overflow from other rooms. Kids can't stay organized when the closet is crammed, the drawers are stuffed, and playthings cover each square inch of carpet.

The solution: sort, store and simplify. Begin with clothing: sort it out! Store out-of-season or outgrown clothing elsewhere. Finally, simplify! Does your son really wear all 27 T-shirts crowding his drawer? Remove the extras so the remainder can stay neat and orderly in the available space.
For younger children, a toy library is the answer to over-abundant toys. Using a large lidded plastic storage container, large box or even plastic garbage bag, entrust a selection of toys to the "toy library." Store the container in an out-of-the way place for several months.

Some rainy day, bring out the toy library, swapping the stored toys for other playthings that have lost their savor. The stored toys will have regained their interest and freshness--and they won't have been underfoot in the child's room.

Older kids can utilize higher closet shelves to "store" some of their belongings. Clear plastic shoebox storage containers hold little pieces and identify the contents.

Contain, corral and control

Toy boxes and open shelves are no place to store children's possessions, particularly those involving many tiny parts. To organize toys, think "contain, corral and control."

Contain toys and other belongings before you store. Use plastic shoebox containers for smaller toys 

(Barbie clothes, Happy Meal give-aways), larger lidded bins for blocks, trucks and cars, light-weight cardboard records boxes for stuffed animals. Use specialty organizers to corral magazines and comic books, video games, or CDs and cassette tapes.

A bonus: containers help parents control the number of toys out at any one time: "Sure, you can play with the farm set, just as soon as the Matchbox cars go back into their home!"

Make it easier to put away, harder to get out

The premier rule for efficient children's storage? Make it easier to put something away than it is to get it out.

For example, store picture books as a flip-file, standing upright in a plastic dishpan. The child flips through the books, makes his selection, and tosses the book in the front of the dishpan when he's done.

Compare a traditional bookcase, where little fingers can pull down a whole shelf faster than they can replace one book. Build the effort into the getting out, not the putting away.

Organize bottom to top

Befitting a child's shorter stature, start organizing from the bottom of the room, and work to the top. Most used toys and belongings should live on lower shelves, in lower drawers, or on the floor. Higher levels are designated for less-frequently-used possessions.

Working bottom to top, the best-loved teddy bear sits in a small rocker on the floor, while the extensive Grandma-driven bear collection is displayed on a shelf built 6 feet up the wall.

Label, label, label

When it comes to keeping kids' rooms organized for the long haul, labels save the day!

 

Use a computer printer to make simple graphic labels for young children. Pictures of socks, shirts, dolls or blocks help remind the child where these items belong. Enhance reading skills for older children by using large-type word labels.

Slap labels everywhere: inside and outside of drawers, on shelf edges and on the plastic shoebox storage containers that belong there, on boxes and bookcases and filing cubes.
Playing "match the label" can be fun--and turns toy pickup into a game.

Build a maintenance routine

The usual peaks and valleys approach to room cleaning can vex and frustrate children. Their room is clean, they play, and suddenly, their room is back to messy normal.

Help children stop the cycle by building maintenance routines into the family's day. "Morning Pickup" straightens the comforter, returns the pillow to the bed, and gets yesterday's clothing to the laundry hamper. "Evening Pickup" precedes dressing for bed, and involves putting away the day's 
toys.

For more information please see Organized Home.