Are you snowbound in
the house – with just a touch of cabin fever? Now would be the perfect time to
get caught up on some of those projects around the house that you have been
putting off and putting off…
Clean up your digital life. The end of the year is a good time to edit digital photo files —
you get to reminisce over the past year and create room on your hard drive for the year
to come. Delete the fuzzy, out-of-focus and unflattering shots right away, then
narrow your collection down further by choosing to keep only the best image when you come across a bunch of very
similar shots. Once that’s done, order yourself a book of your favorite
snapshots from 2013.
While you’re at your
computer, be sure to back up data using a cloud service or an external hard
drive (or both) if you haven’t already done so. Collect all of your passwords
in one secure place and clean up your virtual desktop.
Organize your book collection. Sifting through old books is sort of like
going through photos — they offer a snapshot of your interests and passions at
the time you read them. Work your way through your bookshelves (or the piles)
one by one, setting aside books you no longer love in a pile to donate or sell.
Wipe down glass light fixtures. This is one of those
things that are actually pretty quick and painless to do, but that we don’t
necessarily get around to very often. Use a sturdy stepladder to reach the
fixture, and wipe it with a dry cloth or duster. If that doesn't cut it, move
up to a spritz of glass cleaner and another wipe with a dry, lint-free cloth.
Your lights will be so sparkling and bright; you’ll wonder why you didn't do it
sooner.
Organize your wardrobe. Get some new clothes
for Christmas? Make room in the closet by getting rid of a few old, worn or
ill-fitting pieces. Sort what’s left by type (pants, skirts etc.) and then, if
you’re feeling really ambitious, by color.
Sort out the kids’ stuff. After the holidays is a great time to weed
out old toys and clothes from children’s rooms, since kids tend to be more
focused on the new stuff they got as gifts. For very young children, you may
want to do the editing on your own; older kids should get a say. It can help if
you choose a children’s charity together and learn about how the items they give
away will help a child who doesn't have new toys or clothes.
Clean the kitchen from top to bottom. Has marathon cookie baking left your kitchen looking a little
worse for the wear? Give it some TLC for the New Year. Clean out the pantry and
fridge, set your oven to self-clean, wipe down the backsplash and walls, scrub
the sink and counters and, last but not least, mop the floors. Ta-Da!
Build a healthy pantry. Is one of your new
year’s resolutions to eat more healthfully? If so, take this downtime as an
opportunity to set the stage for healthier eating. Look at the raw ingredients
you have and consider making some healthier swaps — whole wheat for white
flour, quinoa or other grains for white rice, maple or brown rice syrup for
refined sugar and so on. Make some healthy meal plans and shopping lists, and
store them in your pantry where you can easily access them.
A special thanks to Houzz.com
