Not enough time to exercise? Resolve to go to bed 30 minutes earlier, wake up 20 minutes earlier, do 15 minutes of yoga and 5 minutes of meditation. You’ll thank me. Happy New Years!

Label holiday boxes in the order their needed next year then store in reverse, i.e. OPEN FIRST goes back last. Now label yourself SMART.

For a lucky some, Christmas sees an influx of STUFF! Feel good (and cut down on clutter) by donating old items to worthy organizations!

Pearl of wisdom: Shuck those hard plastic clamshell packages with an old-fashioned rotary can-opener. No cuts, no stress, no problem. 

Installing automatic door closers on storm doors = automatic savings, especially when it’s bitter cold or hot out.

No dismissing low-emissivity! Windows, that is.  Replace old ones with “low-e” windows which keep heat and cold from getting through!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, ELVES!  Here's a quick Christmas tip that will help me as I set off for my snowy swing around the world to offer glad tidings and good tidy-ings: don't salt on my blue seude shoes!  A 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water rubbed gently over leather shoes removes salt safely!

Merry Christmas Eve, elves! Tonight is Santa's big night, so here's a holiday helper for Christmas morn: keep a garbage bag handy when opening gifts and teach your little elves to toss the paper inside as they unwrap. Save yourself one big mess later!
(Thanks, Dad!)

Suitable Suitcase Packing Tip: Bulk up! Save space and potentially money by wearing your heaviest clothes on the plane!

Sticky zipper and running late? Dip a cotton swab in olive oil, lubricate the teeth, and zzzzzip, you're off!

Winterize your water: turn off your outdoor water supply, empty/detach garden hoses, and use a faucet cover to protect against freezes!

ClockWISE advice: when dusting a room, go clockwise.  It keeps you from zigging, zagging, and zipping around the room with no plan.

LIGHTEN your mood: when hanging Christmas tree lights, go up and down, not round and round the tree. Easier to put up and take down! 

Keep a journal of your day to see how much time you spend doing what you love vs. what you don’t! Then revamp your day! (I suggest @HeiditheTidyElf)

Staying healthy is the ultimate timesaver! During flights, BYOB.  The “B” is BLANKET - airplane blankets & pillows are rarely washed!

A tidy tip to stay sane: know your limitations. If you HATE a specific chore, switch off with someone in your household or find a service!

Suitable suitcase packing tip: rock and ROLL! Roll T-shirts, jeans and cotton items tightly to save space.

Santa Spotlight: LOW-FLOW SHOWERHEADS. They cut water use in half, as well as the energy it would’ve taken to heat all that water.  Saves thousands of gallons per year!

Does your kitty litter…when she eats? Set bowls on top of plastic storage tub lids to contain messes and spills. 

Out of toilet cleanser? Don’t get bowled over! Sprinkle baking soda along the sides of the bowl, let sit, sprinkle vinegar, scrub, and flush. 

Before travel, buy travel-size toiletries, pack in a freezer bag, then pack in an outer pocket of your suitcase for easy access.  TSA-OK!

Cheer up Kermit, it’s easier being green! A gentle first step: swap household cleaners (i.e. detergents) for plant-based, eco-friendly ones!

Special thanks to Kate Schweigart for this week’s “Help Heidi Friday” tip.  A tidy elf is a prepared elf, and no one is more prepared than Kate: her nonprofit, KateNation, created a free online tool that links people with needed emergency services after a disaster.  Go check it out at www.katenation.org.  You never know when you may need it. 

De-clutter your entryway with an inbox, anything from a nice wicker basket to a shoebox, to stash bills and mail in for later.

Know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away…by wearing clothes twice! One load of laundry = 40 gallons of water.

Santa Spotlight: Petroleum Jelly! Winter's tough on locks - smear your key with petroleum jelly, insert into your lock, and twist away!

Keep your natural tree watered - dry trees are more likely to catch fire. And keep your tree lasting longer with ginger ale or 7-Up!

Chrysanthemums the word: houseplants are beautiful and nature’s original air fresheners – get some and reduce your home’s air pollutants!

Never underestimate the power of plans. Take 10 minutes in the morning or night before and plot your day. It actually creates time.

S’no problem: Spray non-stick cooking spray to both sides of your snow shovel and snow won’t stick. (Your back will thank you!)

Healthy elves love exercise. ’Tis the season to be snotty, so be sure to get at least 15 minutes of it daily to keep your immune system jolly!