1. Take inventory of your winter wardrobe.
   This winter, plan to be prepared and look your best. Take an inventory of your winter coats, jackets, scarves, hats, boots, gloves and winter underwear. Is everything in good shape, or do you need to let go of some well-worn gear for some new warm apparel? Does everything match, or is your inventory made up of a red jacket, brown boots, and blue gloves? Be sure you have warm, practical choices for work, and cozy fashionable choices for casual winter
   weekends.
2. Initiate the seasonal equipment switch.
   Prepare to hibernate your lawn, garden, and barbecue paraphernalia for the winter. Be sure everything is hosed down and prepped for the cold months ahead so that you'll be ready for the first thaw in spring. At the same time, get your winter equipment ready. The snow blower should be ready in a pinch when the first snowflake falls. Get it serviced early if necessary. Be sure you're equipped with a shovel, salt, firewood and anything else you need.
3. Winterize the house.
   Check your furnace filter and change if necessary. If it's still in good condition, temporarily remove the filter to suction off any dust with a vacuum. Cover your air conditioner to prevent drafts and to protect the unit. Inspect the fireplace and have it serviced if you haven't done so lately. Browse around for drafty areas-- doors and windows--and seal them. Check the chimney to be sure it's clear. Check smoke detectors and change batteries.
4. Get the car ready for Jack Frost.
   Check your vehicle's anti-freeze, hoses, snow tires and so on to be sure it's ready for Jack Frost. While you're at it, stock some winter vehicle apparatus in your trunk, such as an ice scraper, a portable shovel and emergency gear such as a warm blanket, a flash light, motor oil, a compass, jumper cables, emergency lights and some non- perishable snacks. When you're out on the road this winter, be sure to carry along your cell phone. It can be a lifesaver!
5. Grill it--inside.
   When it's just too chilly for your liking to grill outside, it's time to rip out your indoor electric grilling machine. Who says barbecuing is only for the warm months? Warm up your body and soul by grilling those wonderful dishes inside. Grilled chicken, ribs and burgers, along with grilled veggies make wonderful dinner choices for the frosty season.
6. Get in shape.
   What are your exercising plans for the season? If you're a winter-outdoors type of person, you might opt for some winter sports, such as skiing, hockey, football or snowball fights with the kids. If you're a winter indoors type of person, perhaps you'd rather use the treadmill or exercise bike, go bowling or play racquetball at your local club. Use ol' man winter to get in shape this year for your health and well-being. Just remember to avoid over-exertion in winter months. Your heart is already working hard in the cold to keep your body warm.
7. Stock up on food.
   It's a drag to leave a toasty warm house to trek on over to the supermarket in a snowstorm or blizzard. Reduce those errands and spend more time indoors by stocking up on foods for the winter. Buy and freeze meat, chicken and seafood. Hoard winter veggies and store them in your basement freezer. Get plenty of canned goods and fill up your cabinets. And don't forget about stocking up on any medication too!
8. Make plans for winter outings.
   Start surfing the net for some winter outing ideas to enjoy with both your family and your friends. Take advantage of those off-season vacation deals. Plan to do something you haven't done in awhile that reminds you of your childhood-- such as sledding or ice skating. Get tickets ahead of time for those holiday events. Surprise your significant other with a weekend trip to a warm and cozy bed and breakfast, to relax and rejuvenate.
9. Light up the fire and your mind.
   Think up some fun ideas to do while you're relaxing in front of the blazing fireplace. Reading, with the sound of a crackling fireplace in the background and a hot cocoa by your side can be delightful. Gather board games like Scrabble, Pictionary and Scattegories and place them all in a large covered basket. Make an appointment with your family at least one day a week to enjoy one of these games together. Cuddle up with your spouse in front of the flames, wrapped in a warm blanket, and talk about your dreams and plans with each other.
10. Prepare for the holidays.
    Don't wait for Christmas Eve to do your holiday shopping this year. Instead, take the time to make some heartfelt gift giving decisions, and buy, make or order early.
    Write out your holiday cards and mail them at least 2 weeks before you want them to arrive. Put the holiday lights on the house and holiday decorations on the lawn, before the weather gets too cold and icy to do so. Right around Thanksgiving is usually a good time.
11. Work on a project you've been meaning to get to.
    Winter is the perfect time to begin working on that pending project. Perhaps you've been meaning to build a work station, or organize your office, or traighten out the basement, or start a home business. There's never a better time than the present to begin listing some goals, and making a daily go of it.

by Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now! http://www.getorganizednow.com FREE Get Organized Now! Idea-Pak and E-zine, filled with tips and ideas to help you organize your home, your office and your life, at the Get Organized Now! Web site.