DIY Cardboard Christmas Lights Organizer

Don't throw away those Christmas boxes just yet.  You can tear down a couple and turn them into inexpensive Christmas lights organizers.   

Materials:

• Scissors
• Pen or Marker
• Rectangles cut from cardboard boxes

Directions:

Fig. A

Fig. B

Fig. C

1. Use the scissors to cut the box along the creases.  You should end up with several rectangular pieces.
2. Then use the scissors to make about of 1 inch long cuts at points 1 and 2 (See Fig A).
3. Then insert one end of the wire in slot 1 (See Fig B).  Then start wrapping the Christmas lights around the cardboard working yourself from left to right.  Make sure you leave about 2 inches of space from the edge (See point 3 in Fig A).
4. After you are done hook the end in point 2 (See Fig A). 
5. Now label point number 2 with "Unwind Starting Here" and at point 4 you can label the Christmas light description.  For example, "Christmas Tree Lights, 1 of 2."
6. Store lights away in a container for next year!

365 Health and Happiness Boosters

Photo: 365 Health and Happiness Boosters by M.J. Ryan

True happiness isn't contingent on circumstances.  

It is a sense of contentment that exists independently of the good fortune that might find us.

I would describe myself as a strong, happy, positive person.  I generally can find the silver lining in any situation, find solutions to problems, and have the discipline and strength to resolve any issue.  Of course, that was easy for me because up until a few years ago I have lived my life pretty much the way I had planned it.  I did have my share of trials and tribulations along the way, but there was nothing that I could not overcome on my own.  

Then all of a sudden I was blindsided with some life-altering events that completely derailed me from my life plan.  My future as I had envisioned it had been demolished.  For the first time in my life, I was stuck.  I was in limbo and I hated it.  I could not see my situation clearly, and I knew I needed some additional help this time.  Talking to a therapist was not for me, and talking with family and friends had their limitations so I turned to books.  

This is one of many books, I have read.  It is actually the book that made me realize why I could not dig myself out of my depression: "Feeling stuck is what causes most of the misery" (p. 11).  Difficulties no matter how overwhelming they may seem at the time are still temporary.    When I read this passage I realized I needed to work on acceptance, reevaluate myself and create a new set of goals.    

This is such a great book that I decided to read it all over again one day at a time.  This book is filled with great ideas to "boost" or "enhance" your own happiness.  It is a light-hearted, easy read and is really meant for everyone.  I highly recommend you start the New Year with this book!   

Michigan Bulb - Free Shipping Code, No Minimum Order

As you probably already know, I am a huge fan of Michigan Bulb Company.  They have great prices and a lifetime guarantee on their plants.  I received a couple of great coupon codes in my inbox, and I wanted to share them with you.


Free Shipping on Any Michigan Bulb Order - No Minimum  (Expires 12/31/2011)
Enter Coupon Code: 0820062 


Save $20 off your purchase of $40+ or Save $40 off your purchase of $80+ (Expires 12/31/2011)
Enter Coupon Code: 0820063


Note: To take advantage of any future coupon codes, you can always sign-up for free email alerts on their website.