A GON Reader Asks

Hi Maria,

I want to give homemade soap for Christmas this year but wanted to know if it is too early to start making it now for Christmas? How should I store it to keep it nice?

This Reader Question was submitted by:

--Linda Paro, Heriington, KS


Maria Gracia responds...

First of all, I wanted to say how wonderful I think it is that you are investing the time to make such special, homemade gifts. I always feel so special when I receive something, such as your homemade soaps, that can't be purchased in a store. Second, more power to you for planning ahead with your Christmas gift giving. In my mind it is never too early to begin making gifts for Christmas. So many people that I know suffer undo stress around the holidays as they scramble last minute to try to find gifts for their loved ones. In doing so, they miss out on the fun that is supposed to come with the holiday.

You will be putting yourself way ahead of the game by starting now. As far as storing it, soaps should be air dried for about 4-6 weeks before wrapping. Put the soaps on a shelf in a cool, dry place and make sure that the bars are not touching. This will allow the excess water to evaporate out of the soap. After the 4-6 week curing period, wrap the individual bars in wax paper. Wax paper, unlike plastic wrap, allows the soap to breathe better. You can then store the bars in a plastic container until you are ready to wrap them for Christmas. Do not store different scents in the same container, however, because the scents will blend, changing the fragrance you started with.

So even though we are in the throws of summer, it is not too early to plan for the holidays. For example, when out shopping, you may find amazing deals on summer merchandise that the retailers are trying to clear out of their inventory. Maybe you know somebody who would love to have a new grill or new beach towels for next summer.

Pick them up now while they are significantly less expensive and then save them for Christmas gifts.

Also, keep your eyes open for online deals as they pop up. Online retailers often have sporadic deals on things that you can purchase now and save until Christmas. Doing this will allow you more free time around Christmas to do the things that you really want to do.

Thanks for the letter!

--Maria

Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the AUGUST 2019 issue and I know you're going to love it. Check it out:

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Here are the topics in the August Issue...

9 Little-known ways for more joyful days
Life is filled with chores, TO DOs, bills, work, traffic, etc. That's why it's important to refocus our minds and resurface the joy

Last-minute ingredient substitutions
You're in the middle of a recipe only to discover you're fresh out of a key ingredient. Before you run to the store, here are possible last-minute ingredient substitutions

12 hacks for simplifying life
If simplifying your life sounds like the perfect goal for you, here are some easy ways you can begin your journey

Living small.the tiny house movement
Have you ever thought about living in a tiny house, under 600 square feet of living space? Some folks are doing just that

10 things you should quit today and why
The act of quitting something generally has a negative connotation, but quitting isn't always a bad thing. In fact, it could be one of the best decisions you've ever made

How to be a more interesting person
Have you always wished you could be more interesting? Here are 9 ways to begin working on that goal and succeeding with it

I don't remember what I just read
Have you ever read something and then forgotten what you read minutes later? What's that about and how can you improve your reading comprehension?

Wisdom for book lovers
If you love to read, you'll love our inspirational quotes of the month, especially for book lovers

If you don't already subscribe to my 'Anything and Everything' resource, you can learn about how to do so here:

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We have thousands of readers who LOVE it...and I'm certain you will too!

Maria

P.S. BONUSES...Only Until 11:59 p.m. on August 9th: When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will receive tons of bonuses, plus ALL the BACK ISSUES COMPLIMENTARY!

Top 10 List Reclaim your productivity: Top 10 Time Wasters
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GON Featured Video Visual Time Management...this 'I Love Lucy' video is a riot
getorganizednow.com/video-visual-time-management.html


Dirty Little Secret The more you do this, the more likely you are to feel anxious and stressed...
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In ADDITION, on my home page, you'll also find lots of NEW and featured STUFF including...

New Web Poll When do you prepare for a typical day? Vote in our web poll and let us know

Having a stressful day? These quotes of the week may help to bring things more into perspective for a calmer tomorrow.

Facebook Feature MA: The Japanese Concept of Minimalism and Beyond

Laughter is the Best Medicine Two featured comics by one of my favorite comics, Jeff Atkinson. Hope they brighten your day

August Organizing Checklist Make this last full month of summer 2019 your most organized yet. Start with our NEW August Organizing Checklist, but don't look back. Start with today's date and move forward

August Organizing Mini-Challenges For August, our mini challenges are focused on Being Prepared. This week, focus on WEEK ONE.

Access all of the above on my home page. Visit:
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'That's the thing with handmade items. They still have the person's mark on them, and when you hold them, you feel less alone.' --Aimee Bender, The Color Master: Stories

I'd love to hear from you.

Comments, suggestions, or just to say hello. Just REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

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