These reader letters were sent to me way back in 2009...but they're still timely as ever.
Hope you enjoy them as much as I did pulling them out of the vault!
GON Reader Letter #1
School Sales for Smarter
Storage
In August, when the back-to-school sales are going on, I buy clear, plastic pencil boxes and use them to organize bathroom items, like first aid, Q-tips, samples, etc. They are easy to stack and I use a label on each for the contents.
-- Mary Snow, Denver, CO
GON Reader Letter #2
A Special Box for School Memories
In order to keep up with my daughter's school worksheets and artwork that she brings home, I used some scrapbook paper, decorated a small cardboard box, and made it special just for her. She simply inserts her papers into the box. At the end of the month, I empty the box and put all her work in a crate with folders.
I plan to use this system through the elementary school years. Maybe through junior high as well. It's neat to watch how much her handwriting and art has progressed during the year.
-- Kara Wyckoff, Rougemont, NC
GON Reader Letter #3
White Elephant, Big Laughs
Our ladies club group
has come up with an idea. About three times a year we take a break from our regular meeting and have a social.
At that social we are to bring a white elephant bag. Items are to be put in a brown paper bag and then we pick a number. No one is allowed to buy anything for the bag. It has to be something we already have, but do not want or
use any more.
I myself have accumulated so much stuff in my basement such as decor items, cooking items, etc. For this week's social I've added body and bath lotion that I know I'm not going to use. It's easier to part with these items and you'd be surprised how many of us fight over some of the stuff someone else is getting rid
of.
Some of it is just plain hilarious and we laugh our heads off. Whatever we get stuck with, if not usable for us, it's easy to donate. It sure has been a fun way to get rid of so much stuff. I don't even mind the nicer things when you see someone else is getting so much pleasure out of it.
-- Marlene Haffner
GON Reader Letter #4
A Second Life for Greeting
Cards
Greeting cards, received from friends and family, can be put to use. I cut the pictures on the front of the cards in half and use them for party games.
For
children you can put the card halves in two separate piles. Give the children 5 minutes (say) to pick a card half from one pile and then go to the other pile and find the other half to that card. The aim is to collect as many whole cards as possible in the time allotted.
For an adult party ice breaker, give each person a card half and
tell them they have to find the person who has the other half of their card. Then have them do something as a pair. We usually had them do a treasure hunt. Your party will go with a swing from that point on!
-- Sally Peterson, Manassas, VA
On another note...
Pretty and Practical Hostess Gifts
When someone invites you into their home, a small hostess gift is a kind way to say thanks. These picks are both beautiful and useful...perfect for showing your appreciation without adding clutter to their space! Access my carefully curated list here
