The winter holidays have come and gone and we are well into the new year.  March marks the arrival of spring, though the weather doesn’t always cooperate! I know we haven’t all kept the old-school spring cleaning in our home repertoires, but I know when the warm breezes arrive and scents of spring are in the air, I am compelled to get things cleaner than usual.

Somehow, somewhere I was taught that the addition of an oriental rug added depth and richness to a room- and in between that somehow and somewhere, I fell in love with them. With real hand-knotted rugs, I understood the amazing work that goes into creating this art. They are as important as a well-loved bookcase or fine desk from your grandfather. They add richness to a room- even when it is a setting full of Ikea  furniture. It creates an ambience, and there will never be two of the same. They are what I search for at tag sales, neighborhood yard sales and on ebay and Craig’s list.

Before you go to the table, wash your hands, coming in off the school bus, wash your hands. returning from shopping, wash your hands. Just get you and the family in the habit and keep the cold and flu contagions at bay.

Oh my, every year my junk drawers, yes, that is plural, require a huge facelift, a clean-out, a rebuild. It seems to be a project I dread doing; with the holiday frenzy gone, I should be enjoying the quiet during January and tackling these dull must-do’s.

Some of my finds were treasures and some total mysteries. Best finds: Missing buttons, dead whoopie cushion, restaurant menus long since shuttered, lost keys, the missing prescription ointment, tv remote, bike helmet pads and an odd dog tag!

While the search for the perfect gift for your spouse or mother-in-law is complete & the holidays are now well-done, why not use January to treat yourself.  These are my practically perfect gifts for you. None of these items will break your budget and the rewards they bring to you in organization and ease of use will make them all the more valuable.  These are my personal sanity secrets, the “me gifts”.

Having once lived in Louisiana,  I know hurricane season is a way of life.  With Harvey slamming into Texas, and Florida bracing for Irma, I am reminded how important it is to protect our family memories. Our stuff is just stuff, and yet it is a valuable chronicle of our family history. Wedding photos, scrapbooks, kiddie art, tattered baby blankets, well-worn teddy bears - these are the things that are worth preserving for future generations.