Items 21-25: More Stuff From My Closet (Rachel)

I'm so glad that I reserved the right to do multiple things at one time! I took all of these pictures this weekend - but I never got around to actually blogging about them.  Honestly, I'm just proud that I'm still doing this.

It's amazing how much stuff that we have that sits around every day that we just need to let go of. Cleaning out my linen closet, I realized just how ratty some of the things that I've been holding on to have become and I just kept asking myself why?  What else am I holding onto like that?

The answer to that question is, of course, a little more complicated than ratty old sheets.  But certainly, cleaning out this closet has opened the door to exploration.  And that is the true goal of this project.  Stop hiding behind my stuff, stop hiding behind my body, stop hiding full stop.  I need to breathe a little life into my life.  Set some better intentions for myself and live with more purpose.

And start saying goodbye to things that aren't serving me.

I'm not going to blog about these things individually - really they aren't that complicated.  They are just crap from my linen closet.

Goodbye well used things!

Rachel

ps. sorry for the inappropriate inclusion in the picture - I'm donating that too!

Item #: 21-25
Items: Various Linens/Bedding
Gone to: Thrift Store, Garbage

Postponed Decisions (Laura)

"Clutter is postponed decisions."  - Barbara Hemphill

I have never lived in one of those houses that were "pristine."  Piles of things were the norm at my house.  And God save you if you touched someone's pile and re-arranged its organization.  At work, I was notorious for having a plethora of piles.  I knew where everything was.  Mostly.  Well, it really depended on how important the information was to me.  If it was important to someone else, to be honest, it really depended on how important that person was to me.  I would regularly get inspired and go through the piles and be surprised at what was there.  It was equal parts exciting, frustrating and embarrassing.

When I moved, I had to move my piles.  It hasn't been easy.  I had a system (of sorts) that was working (marginally) for me.  I could find the important stuff and ignore the stuff I wasn't ready to face.  Bills, mostly.  

But, when we moved into Mom's house, her piles were already established.  She had her own system that didn't have safeguards in place for other people (or naughty dogs) placing things in or around those piles.  I figure if I can get my ducks in a row and eliminate most  ALL of my piles, then maybe, the rest of my family will follow.

I can dream, can't I?

Item 20 Gift Bags (Laura)

These are cute.  The gifts they held were fantastic.  I am not going to store them until Christmas.  Someone else can.

Item 19 Hello Kitty McD's toy (Laura)

A few years back I got really good at getting rid of these after they had been in the house for a few days.  This one escaped.

I don't object to toys being a part of the Happy Meal.  My kids have only ever asked to go to McD's for a toy when they were really into Beanie Babies.  I don't think that government needs to legislate how restaurants market to their customers.  If parents don't want to feed their children chicken nuggets and french fries, then just say "NO!"  It's as simple as that.

Good bye, Kitty.

Item 18 Green and Black Tiny Bag (Laura)

A gift came in this.  It's too small for anything else.  I tried to take my lunch to work in it only to have my lunch end up at the bottom of my other bag.

Somebody will enjoy this bag as much as I have enjoyed the gift that it held.

Item 17 BYOB bags (Laura)

I am the first to admit that I have a problem with BYOB bags.  I have WAAAY too many and most of them are the 99cent ones that the stores sometimes give away.  I do have a bunch of really cute ones decorated with fun pictures and "green" sayings about loving your mother and vegetables.  I probably have too many of them, as well.

These guys are definitely not cute, nor do they have funny sayings on them.  They can be among the first to go.

I'll get to the other ones later.

Item 16 Big Pile of Towels (Laura)

The dogs have better towels than these.  I am not kidding.

Good bye old friends.  I probably have stories to go with all of you but I am not going to tell them here.

Item 15 Plaid Pillowcases (Laura)

I think I bought these pillowcases when I got back from Africa.  

Let's see: That was in 1995.  Almost 20 years ago.  

They can go.  Someone might make something cute with them.  

I can only hope.

Item 14 Shampoo, Conditioner, and Hand Lotion (Laura)

I have way too much of this stuff already.

I only accepted it because I felt I couldn't say no.

Hmmm...  Maybe that's why I have so much stuff.

Enjoy.

Item 13 Bag of "Smelly Stuff" (Laura)

Don't get me wrong - I love getting presents.  Especially unexpected ones.  This bag is filled with the remainder of a gift that a parent gave me in August.  I have used the painkillers, the hand sanitizer, and the fizzy vitamin C. I have not used any of the hand lotion, body spray, or the candle.  Someone else will love these.  So, I am re-gifting them to the thrift store.  So that someone else can re-gift them to their teacher.

Item 12: Pink Purse (Laura)

I found this Liz Claiborne purse at a thrift store for $4!!!

I need to get rid of it.  I do.  I really do.  (Can you tell I am having a hard time with this?)

I have a new bag.  It's pretty and yellow and looks a little less "old woman."

Bye, cute pink bag.  You were fun.

Item 11 Embroidered Pillow Case (Laura)

We have a joke in our family that when my mom dies, we'll take all of her embroidery pieces to the thrift store and donate them.  We'll see about that.

This pillow case is not something that my mom did.  I am returning it to the place I got it from - the thrift store.  My kids loved it for a while but we just don't need it any more.

Much as I LOVE the feel of 100% cotton that's been washed and dried for ages...

Item 20:Oil (Rachel)

You think I'm kidding.

I'm not.

This was in my office.  It came from a few years back when I thought my car was leaking oil when it actually had an issue with the axle seal.  Long story.  For some reason, I still have it.  And I felt the need to keep it in my office.

Insert blank stare here.

I swear I'm not a hoarder!

xoxo

Item 19: More Little Bags (Rachel)

I don't need to blog much about these. I have too many little bags. Waaaaaaaaaay too many little bags.

Goodbye little bags.

Adieu.

Adieu.

Adieu.

Item 18: Ugly Black Bag (Rachel)

It's really outdated. I don't even remember the last time I used it! I think it was my bag when I was in Vancouver forever ago - that was 12 years ago, fyi.  There was nothing but tissues in the front pocket.

Time to find a new home little bag!


Rachel

Item #: 18
Item: Ugly Black Bag
Gone to: thrift store

Item 17: Coconuts Wedges (Rachel)

This is a bittersweet parting.

These shoes are sweet and I'm bitter.

I love these shoes.

They don't love my feet.

Silly me thought I could fit into an 8.

It would have been great except my toes started to turn purple.

Hmmm.  What deep lesson can I take from this?  You can't make someone love you if they don't, perhaps? Forcing the issue never results in anything good.  Or maybe it's that all that glitters isn't gold...

Sigh.

If only I listened to my own advice more.

Sayonara lovely, perfect wedges! I wish you feet my tootsies better.

Item #: 17
Item: Lovely Coconut wedge sandals
Gone to: Thrift store (man I really need to consider ebay!)

Items 13-16: Random Stuff (Rachel)

It's a giveaway extravaganza! So I was a little busy for the last couple of days, but I still managed to grab my items of the day and photograph them, just didn't get to the blogging part.  So without further adieu, here are my next four items:

Item 13: A Gorgeous Sun Hat

What can you even say about this beauty? No wonder I found it on the floor in my garage! Ain't she a beauty?  Yeah obviously which is why I wore it so often!  While I love the great sun protection it offered, or would have if I had worn it, it's just out of date at this point. Goodbye little hat - I hope someone finds you and loves you!

 Item 14: Incense. Really Old Incense.

This was a tough one. I have had this incense for years now - it was given to me by someone as a thank you present I believe though I can't remember who and I can't remember when and I have never burned it.  I'm a Nag Champa kinda girl.  So it's been sitting in my garage for a long time now and I think, given I can't remember any details of how I acquired it, that it is time for it to go.

Item 15: A Brita Pitcher

After the discovery that Denver tap water was actually tasteless, I gave up my Brita for good.  It just takes up precious space in my tiny fridge.  And really, after living in SE Asia, I don't need ice cold water. Any water will do.  As long as it isn't filled with cholera or typhoid.  I'm a simple girl really....

Item 16: Makeup Past It's Prime

Last but not least, my makeup.  It has been around for a while now.  In fact, too long.  And it's the wrong shade - or there's only one color left in the duo.  But yet, I keep it.  Why you ask? You know I have absolutely no idea! Maybe I'm convinced that some day I'll have use for the random shades or suddenly get a darker complexion that could handle that color blush.  

News flash! It's not going to happen!

Goodbye stuff! Can't say as I'm going to miss you.......

Rachel

Item #: 13-16

Item: Various

Gone to: Trash and thrift store

Item 12: Zebra Jacket (Rachel)

This jacket has been hanging in my closet for a very long. In fact, I can't even remember how long at this point. And, I know you are going to be shocked, I have never worn it! It's funky, it's cute and I thought it would look good with a pair of jeans and heels.

Yeah that never happened.

So funky coat, it's time to find another home with someone who won't abandon you in the closet!

Adios!

Rachel

Item #: 12
Item: Funky Coat
Gone to: Thrift Store (the box is getting full!)

Items 6 - 10 Assorted Clothing

I opened a drawer, closed my eyes, and pulled things out.  I was shocked that everything I had pulled out really needed to go.   REALLY. 

I need someone to nominate me for one of those shows...  hint, hint, hint.  I could pretend to really love these ratty old clothes and object to a makeover!  I could be a great drama queen!

Getting rid of these clothes makes room for new (more fashionable?) clothing to take its place.  I think that the money to buy those new clothes is out there, too!

Items 10 and 11: Nine West Mules and a Pretty Red Bag

Bags and shoes.  Bags and shoes.  Boats and hos.  Ok, maybe not boats and hos.

I admit it - I love bags and shoes.  Though I think at the moment I'm on a bag and shoe buying hiatus (thankfully!).  A lot of my old bags are of very questionable quality.  I mean hey, I am a teacher and one can only afford so much.

This challenge is teaching me a very important lesson.  It's time to start saving for quality.  I've spent a lot of my life buying things just because I liked them - even if they were made of plastic.  I need to take a page from my stepmother's book and start buying quality.  Saving up and buying something nice and durable rather than a million little pieces of, well, crap!

Hmmm...has a lot of parallels in life that little statement.  How many times have I settled for a million pieces of crap instead of waiting for something of much more quality?

Cue the crickets...

I guess I need to be less instant gratification - more slow simmer.  I need to remember that patience is important and that in this crazy world we live in, patience is becoming a dying art.

Sigh.

Goodbye shoes and bag.  I'm sure there will be other shoes and bags following in your footsteps.

Rachel

Item 9: My Shiny Silver Bag

Who doesn't need a super shiny silver bag?????

Bags.

Sigh........

I love them.

But it's time to start saying goodbye to a few...ok, a lot of them...

There was a receipt in the bottom of this bag from 2008 and an expired bottle of eye drops.  Clearly I don't use this bag often.

Why do I insist on keeping things around that I don't use?  Why do I need so many bags (or shoes for that matter!)? I can't possibly wear/use them all!  I guess that's the point of this blog.  I don't need these things in my life.  Things are not going to make my life better.  Things aren't going to make me happy.  Things aren't going to keep me warm at night or ask my how my day was or make me pee my pants laughing.  I don't need things.  I need friends and people that I love.  It's hard to make room in your life for the things you want when the things you already have are weighing you down.

I can tell you right now the shiny silver bag is not bringing any happiness to my life.  Nor is it going to make me happy.  So it goes.  Sayonara.

Someone might have a better use for you little silver bag!

Item #: 9
Item: Shiny Silver Bag
Gone to: Thrift Store

Item 8: My Mattress (not the dog)

The time has come, after just about 8 years of ownership, to bid adieu to my old mattress.  Of course I need a mattress so it will be replaced- but I don't need an achy body or a sore back!  So I'm getting rid of the mattress and hopefully the aches and pains!

As an aside, I need to take a minute to talk about mattress shopping!  There is a lot of anxiety involved in mattress shopping.  A lot.  Not only are mattresses not frequently reviewed online (could it be because company's change the name of their product for each of their retailers?) and it seems like the only people who bother to review are negative.  Read reviews about mattresses and you just want to crawl under a rock!  I think it might actually be easier to apply for a visa to Bhutan than it is to figure out what mattress to buy! Then throw in guarantees and warranties and return policies and it gets crazy! Who wants to spend $1000 on something just to be disappointed?  And what feels comfortable after a 30 minute trial in the store might turn into a nightmare at home.  Ugh! It's overwhelming!

What I learned in this process is that like any choice, all you can do is make the most informed decision that you can.  You have to realize that this product is going to last between 5-10 years and that at some point you are going to have to replace it.  A mattress is not something that will or should last for 20 years (unless maybe it is a Tempurpedic).  It is a big purchase!  I think realizing that there is no such thing as perfect and that you just have to make the best choice for you makes it possible to finally make a decision.

So I'm excited - for a good night's sleep and a new mattress and to finally say goodbye to my aches and pains.

Goodbye mattress (and aches and pains)! You've done me good for the last 8 years!

Rachel

Item #: 8
Item: Aches and Pains (and a mattress)
Gone to: Mattress Heaven

Item 7: Freebie Makeup Bags

There comes a time in life when you finally realize there's no such thing as free.  Sure people will give you things (but there are usually strings) and cosmetic companies will lure you in with their free goodies but then you get suckered into buying just one more thing in order to get that silly little free thing.

It happened to me again today - only I knew it was happening and I was ok spending an extra $20.98 for a free tv which I immediately traded in for something I  needed wanted: a home theater/blue ray system.

But for today, I'm happy to let these little bags go - despite the nagging feeling in the back of my head that I just might need them someday.  Well they've been in my garage for a very long time now and I'm pretty sure if I need a little bag as a matter of life or death, I could get one at Target.

It never ceases to amaze me what I will do for that little freebie.  (Cough. Cough. Sephora...) Tonight however, I say goodbye to these little freebies and welcome my new and more useful freebies into my house.

Bye little bags!

Rachel

Item #: 7
Item: Makeup bags
Gone to: Thrift Store

Item 6: A Plain Old CD Case

Ok, so there isn't a lot to say here.  It's a CD case. It's been sitting in my office for a few  years now.  I haven't used it.  It needs a new home.

There seems to be an abundance of stuff just hanging around my house that needs to go.  This really is a good project for me.

Out with the old.

Change. Opening up space for the things that I really want in my life.

So, goodbye little CD case - I hope you have a better, more useful life somewhere else!

Rachel

Item #: 6
Item: CD Case
Gone to: Thrift store

Item 5: My Panties in Bunch (Rachel)

There are few things in life that are worse than uncomfortable panties.  Ok, there's probably nothing in life that is worse than panties that bunch.  So why do I still have these?  Sentimental attachment? Memories of my worst wedgies?

I'm honestly not so sure.

Today I say goodbye to these panties that make me feel like a contortionist whilst trying to readjust them.  I say goodbye to being uncomfortable just because and to the multitudes of unwanted wedgies.  Life is too short to be uncomfortable!!!!

Goodbye panties!

Rachel

Item #: 5
Item: Panties in a bunch
Gone to: The trash

Item 4: Whatsamajigit (Rachel)

So I actually do know what it is - I just am never going to use it.  It's been in my closet since it was given to me.  Totally cool for small digital cameras - not effective at all if you are trying to prop up a three pound lens.  I wish I had had this when I was traveling in Asia.  I would have more pictures of me by actual things and less pictures of blurry blobs next to vaguely recognizable world landmarks.

While, it's been in my office/guest bedroom for too long now and it needs to find a better home with someone who can actually use it.  I need the space - not to fill up again but to make room for new and better things that are coming into my life.  They are far more important than something I couldn't even be bothered to take out of the packaging.

Goodbye little whatsamajigit!

Rachel

Item #: 4
Item: Tripod
Gone to: Thrift Store

#3 Christmas trays (Laura)

These Christmas trays are the result of very yummy gifts from dear friends and relatives.  The goodies were delicious and added to my waistline.  The trays, however cute they may be, are not going to add to the clutter that is exploding like a muffin top in my house.  I am okay with donating them.  I believe that the gift was the food that my loved ones made for me - not the vehicle upon which they were delivered!

You know, I blame Martha Stewart for this.

In the future, when I give foodstuffs as presents, I will either go back to the thrift store to search for a lovely tray or come up with a way to give goodies in a package that can be recycled (or eaten)!

Item 3: Picture Frames (Rachel)

Target Picture frames - I was lured by clearance! But that is a story for another day!

Getting rid of something that I have never used is one of the hardest things for me to do.  I mean it's still in the dang packaging.  And I might use it one day!

Ok so it's been 7 years and to be honest I really hate frames like this -- but still!

I might use them.

For something.

Some day.

Time for a reality check.  Reality is if I haven't used them now, I most likely won't ever use them.  Didn't someone once say the road to hell is paved with good intentions (and clutter)?  So true.  I think if I attack all of the good intention projects in my house, I would have a huge pile!

You know those little projects that need to be glued, sewn, rearranged, ironed, cut, or otherwise fixed in one way or another.  If I just fixed them when they broke, it would probably be alright.  But I don't.  there are 

For my own sanity and a clutter-free environment, it's time to let these still packaged picture frames go.

Goodbye little photo frames - I hope that someone uses you more than I ever did!

Rachel



Item #: 3
Item: Target Picture Frames
Gone to: Thrift store (or anyone who wants them!)

Item #2 (Laura) An Old PTA T-Shirt

This was sold by my daughter's former elementary school as a fund raiser.  I think I have worn it once.  The neck is oddly small and I think I lasted about 10 minutes in it.

I have a thing about "place" shirts.  I have collected many of them over the year but recently have purged most of them.  There were a few hold-outs in the back of a dresser drawer.  

I may have to hold onto them for those moments when it's too difficult to get rid of anything.  

Anyway, I am glad that the money I spent on this shirt went to help out the school but I don't really need this shirt any longer.

Bye!

Item 2: A Pile of Books (Rachel)

Me and books - we have a love affair.

I love them.

They take up space in my house.

I have been told to get a Kindle.  And I have been thinking about it - but a Kindle cannot replace the feel or smell of books.  So, I'm taking it one step at a time.  This year one of my goals is to read more and get sucked into technology less particularly before bed.  Which effectively rules out a Kindle for now.  Besides, I already own all of these books! Why would I want to go and buy them again for Kindle?

I digress...

So my stack of books (and some phone books!) - hopefully just the first of many.  It's time to start making more room in my house and clearing off some shelves on the bookcase.  I'm going to read like the wind and if I don't love love love the book in the future, it is getting donated when I am done reading it!

I think I just had a mini anxiety attack when I typed that!

I think what is most important is that I stop holding on to things that are just weighing me down.  It's so easy to look at my beautiful rainbow shelves of books (yes, yes they are color sorted) and feel happiness.  But what's the point when I'm not reading them??? My life hasn't really been conducive to reading books in the past few years for so many reasons.

Maybe I need to have a rule - read it in 6 months or it goes.

There goes that anxiety attack again.

Who knew that letting go of things could be so difficult?

Today I say goodbye to these books and look forward to letting go of more in the future.  They are just a bit of paper and ink and can easily be replaced digitally if you really need a copy of the 1970's Weight Watchers Cookbook.

Rachel

ps.As for the phone books - don't even get me started!!! I don't know how many times I've put myself on the do not deliver list! Who even uses phone books any more??? They are a giant waste of paper and energy!


Item #: 2
Item: Books
Gone to: Thrift Store / Recycle Bin

 

La's Item #1 Purple Track Pants

I think I bought these at the grocery store a few years ago.  They have never fit.  I appreciate that I was able to buy them and also to figure out that having my ass hang out of my pants is not a good look for me.  Thank you purple sweats for covering my body when I needed you but it is time for you to go.  Good bye.

Item 1: My Dollhouse Tortoise Shell Patent Leather Stilettos (Rachel)

Oh you shiny shoes!

I have had these shoes for about six years now.  I adore their shiny patent leather perfection and their spiky heel.  They are elegant and sexy - everything I would like to be!  I have always wondered what to wear them with - maybe that little black dress hiding in the the back of my closet?  Maybe a pair of skinny jeans and a cute top?

Wait.  I don't own any skinny jeans.

And I have only worn these beauties to vacuum my living room.

Totally practical.

You can still see the remnants of the price tag on the heel. 

It's time to go little shoes.

I guess it's like so many things in life - an image of perfection we have for ourselves that just doesn't ever live up to the hype.  I mean really - where and in what lifetime did I think I was going to wear these suckers?  I have no idea! They were pretty to look at but they sure as heck pinched the crap out of my toes!

So with a little sadness in my heart that these shoes never saw the light of day, I bid adieu to that tortoise shell patent (plastic) leather.  I hope you find a fabulous home!

Rachel

Item #: 1

Item: Dollhouse Tortoise Shell Patent Leather Stilettos

Gone to: The thrift store

Cleaning Out the Closets

“Some of us think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it is letting go.” — Herman Hesse

Hello people of the interwebs!  I have started a million blogs in the past and while some have sustained change in my life for a while, they have eventually faded in their usefulness in my life.  But I think it is time to try again. In an attempt to live more purposefully and find a little more clarity I would like to spend more time this year lightening my load - figuratively and literally.  This morning, while talking to my dear friend Laura, the perfect way to do this lightening threw itself into my path: a 365 day challenge.  All I have to do is get rid of one thing a day for 365 days.  Easy!

That remains to be seen.

It is funny how fast things accumulate.  All it takes is me watching an episode of Hoarders or one of my well meaning friends/family/strangers to make a comment and I get defensive and angry about my stuff.  As a disclaimer, I am not a Hoarder nor am I even close! I don't own any cats.  I do have too many books.  And I live in a house with no storage.  Like it or not, my stuff is starting to own me a little too much  for my liking.

It's time to make some changes.

2011 brought so many good and crazy things into my life.  It brought me yoga and an opened mind and heart and desire to live with more intention.  It brought me struggle with changing my physical body.  And it brought me love in so many ways big and small.  It also brought me the realization that I cannot open my life up to the good I'm being offered if I don't have space (literally and figuratively) for that good.  It's time to clean out my closets (and my garage) and make room for the things I truly want in my life.

For the next 365 days, Laura and I will be posting here to share with everyone the things we are getting rid of this year.  365 things that need to find a different home.  365 big and small things that are just taking up space in our lives, not making them better.  While I'd like to make bold promises about posting everyday - I realize that this is not always practical or possible so I will reserve the right to post a few days of things at a time.  No matter how frequently I blog, one thing is leaving my house (and no, it is not just moving to work!) every day for the next 365 days.

Oh and while I'm at it, I plan on losing 60 pounds too.

Here's to a fabulous, change-filled 2012!

Rachel