Preparing your home for winter is largely about COMFORT; you'll be spending much more time at home in the upcoming blustery months, so make your home feel cozy and warm by creating an environment that nurtures you, body and soul. A little planning today will make for a comfy tomorrow.

                          RING OUT THE OLD - RING IN THE NEW

 UNDECK THE HALLS

 RING OUT

* the Christmas tree

* holiday lights and decos

* stacks of old newspapers & magazines

 RING IN

* storage containers in which to put 

  holiday items. Then stow (labeled, of course) in the farthest recesses of your closet or attic. Check out  storage options at Stacks and Stacks.

                                         RING IN - extra blankets/comforter(s)

to cuddle up in while reading or watching movies; toss over the back of your favorite chair, or store in an ottoman (in the family room) where you'll be using them.

                                         RING  IN - adequate lighting so you can

better enjoy your space. Winter can be dreary enough. Don't make it drearier with insufficient lighting. Some people require special lighting during the winter months to elevate their mood. (Google Seasonal Affective Disorder). At the very least, "Let the sun shine in" and throw open the blinds.

                                    IN THE KITCHEN

                                          RING OUT

            *  OLD CANNED GOODS you know you'll never use.

            *  Expired food from refrigerator, freezer and cupboards. 

            *  Storage containers without lids, lids without bottoms

            *  Broken appliances

            *  Redundant items (You don't need 5 meat thermometers)

                                          RING IN    

            *  Pantry, refrigerator and freezer basics.    

    There's nothing worse than having to run out because you ran out

                               * "COMFORT" food

* ZipLoc Bags in all sizes             

* Fresher Longer Food Containers 

They miraculously keep food fresher days - if not weeks- longer than other containers, thanks to their special nano particle

technology.

   Slow Cooker - my favorite time saver of all in the  winter months, and well worth the $25 investment, in my opinion, providing you have the requisite 10 inches of

counter space. Prepare quick, easy, healthy,

EFFORTLESS meals in no time. The Best Part: Come home to

the smell of home cooking wafting from your kitchen without

actually "home cooking".  (Freeze left-overs in 'Fresher Longer

Containers').

                 AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST..............