Does that translate like in the old movies? You know where the target would get a face full of powder?
What: concealer
Why kept: vanity, out of sight
Last used: a few months ago
How long kept: well past it's recommended useful life
Destination: trash
Confession: I bought one for a dollar on ELF's website
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Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Sim City
What: I think it's the sim card from my last corporate mobile phone.
Origin: Extreme attachment.
How long kept: Since December 2007.
Usage: Not at all.
Why kept: I Might Need It.
Destination: The teeny pieces I snipped it into are now in the trash.
Confession: I found it in an envelope when sorting some files; I have no idea why I would have kept this. Because I could, I guess. Should Have Said "No."
Aargh.
Origin: Extreme attachment.
How long kept: Since December 2007.
Usage: Not at all.
Why kept: I Might Need It.
Destination: The teeny pieces I snipped it into are now in the trash.
Confession: I found it in an envelope when sorting some files; I have no idea why I would have kept this. Because I could, I guess. Should Have Said "No."
Aargh.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Guest Post: ewww...mold AND hepatitis!
"While looking in my basement for some fashion art to scan for a friend's book (she needs 1980s cut paper art) I stumbled on a ton of stuff mildewing away. (Guess that dehumidifier isn't as up to the task as I'd like!) This is a print-out of one of those big budget ad agency jobs for Big Pharma (which made me more nostalgic than the big hair and big jackets!) The RAC was a collection of Retail Award winning ads. I had a double page Macy's ad that was one of my all time favorite jobs--luckily it was centered and didn't get eaten by the mold. And the fashions themselves aren't so moldy either--fun "mod" '60s stuff, you know, when the '80s was into the '60s. Looking backward seems to be a forever trend.
This gets recycled, pronto."
Go, "S"!
This gets recycled, pronto."
Go, "S"!
Plastic Fantastic
Origin: Friends sent me home from a lovely lunch with enough amazing leftovers to feed me for two days.
Usage: Not at all. Unless storing other plastic containers counts as usage.
How long kept: About 6 weeks.
Why kept: It Might Be Useful.
Destination: It Was Useful! I made a major batch of hummus, more than enough to share with my friends. (So, it's kind of a Return To Lender situation, inadvertent since they never intended to see it again.)
Bonus: Still plenty of hummus left over for me!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Regifting!
What: Baby outfit (has lil puppy feet and says "I woof you"), new with tags. Gift basket with "relaxing" lotion, soap and body spray and some Yogi nursing support tea for the mom to be all in a gift bag I've had since the Boy was an infant
How long kept: most no more than 6-8 months with the exception of the gift bag that is going on 5 years
why kept: the Kid outgrew the outfit so fast! The tea I have plenty of and thought I'd share. And I think we've discussed that I no longer need to ever purchase soap for the next few years, thanks to my Bath and Body works stash. The gift bag was cute so it was sticky
Destination: in the car going to the baby shower on Sunday. Posted for Monday
Confession: I have SO many gift bags that I will probably never need to buy one. I gave probably about 30 of them away on freecycle a few years ago because there was NO way in heck I'd ever use them all. I've kept the cutest bags to reuse. Anywhoo the baby shower was.... great :) I have to think about planning one for my pregnant friend :)
PS the card even came from my Greeting Card Department... Money spent on this gift? I think I'm at $3 for the tea
Guest Post: Wilco away...
"A left-behind CD from a guy who worked on some of my home renovation 8 years ago. Um, I guess he doesn't want it back. I held on just in case, then played it yesterday, and it's not a keeper. So Wilco will go into the tag sale bag."
Ah, like the yoga tape. We all have the same stuff! Thanks, "S."
Ah, like the yoga tape. We all have the same stuff! Thanks, "S."
Mopping My Brow
What: Disintegrating mop head.
Origin: Desire for clean floors.
How long kept/last used: Ooh, quite some time. See confession.
Why kept: Out of Sight, Out of Mind.
Destination: Trash.
Confession: I haven't used this mop in years. (A while back, I decided that the floor got cleaner with an old fashioned rag and elbow grease.) I've been moving it around in my closet, with the mop head wrapped in a plastic bag, for quite some time. (The hint that it's time for something to go, right?) Today, I noticed that the sponge was disintegrating in the bag.
Eew.
Confession, part deux: If I were greener, I'd cut the sponge from the metal binding and take it for textile recycling (or composting). Sorry about that.
The rest of the mop's fate is TBD.
Origin: Desire for clean floors.
How long kept/last used: Ooh, quite some time. See confession.
Why kept: Out of Sight, Out of Mind.
Destination: Trash.
Confession: I haven't used this mop in years. (A while back, I decided that the floor got cleaner with an old fashioned rag and elbow grease.) I've been moving it around in my closet, with the mop head wrapped in a plastic bag, for quite some time. (The hint that it's time for something to go, right?) Today, I noticed that the sponge was disintegrating in the bag.
Eew.
Confession, part deux: If I were greener, I'd cut the sponge from the metal binding and take it for textile recycling (or composting). Sorry about that.
The rest of the mop's fate is TBD.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
"A" has been blogged
What: lavender lotion made by "A"
Last used: well this morning when I cleaned it up. Before that a while
Origin: I think she made it in 2005
Why kept: out of sight and it was a gift from "A"
Destination: garbage and I'll recycle the lotion container
I have no idea how this ended up on the floor. I've been thinking I should blog it because, 1) I don't use it (Sorry "A") and 2) it's pretty old. I guess this was the universe's way of saying "Let it goooooo!"
"A", I did use all the mint lotion and want to make more!
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Last used: well this morning when I cleaned it up. Before that a while
Origin: I think she made it in 2005
Why kept: out of sight and it was a gift from "A"
Destination: garbage and I'll recycle the lotion container
I have no idea how this ended up on the floor. I've been thinking I should blog it because, 1) I don't use it (Sorry "A") and 2) it's pretty old. I guess this was the universe's way of saying "Let it goooooo!"
"A", I did use all the mint lotion and want to make more!
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Travel Ban
What: Aaargh. Various accoutrements of travel.
Origin: Various, see confession.
How long kept: The youngest item shown is 10 years old. See confession.
Usage: Not in this century.
Why kept: Out of Sight, Out of Mind. And there's some Aargh in there, too.
Destination: Trash. Sadly, none of these items are made from the kinds of plastic we recycle in NYC.
Confession: This, along some other less photogenic stuff, is bounty from emptying out my bathroom linen cabinet. Some of these items were standard issue with cosmetic travel bags. One was purchased. None will be useful.
Finally there were two kits that United Airline used to give out on international business class flights. The last time I flew United Business was in May/June of 2000. Aargh.
(I kept the eyeshades. They Might Be Useful.)
On the plus side, I no longer have the kits I got on my last international business trip (2006?) I'd like to think I wouldn't take them, at this stage. They're never useful.
Clarification: I have cleaned that cabinet in the past 10 years! But not since starting this project.
Origin: Various, see confession.
How long kept: The youngest item shown is 10 years old. See confession.
Usage: Not in this century.
Why kept: Out of Sight, Out of Mind. And there's some Aargh in there, too.
Destination: Trash. Sadly, none of these items are made from the kinds of plastic we recycle in NYC.
Confession: This, along some other less photogenic stuff, is bounty from emptying out my bathroom linen cabinet. Some of these items were standard issue with cosmetic travel bags. One was purchased. None will be useful.
Finally there were two kits that United Airline used to give out on international business class flights. The last time I flew United Business was in May/June of 2000. Aargh.
(I kept the eyeshades. They Might Be Useful.)
On the plus side, I no longer have the kits I got on my last international business trip (2006?) I'd like to think I wouldn't take them, at this stage. They're never useful.
Clarification: I have cleaned that cabinet in the past 10 years! But not since starting this project.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Do you know the Muffin Man
What:wire ribbon with Gingerbread men on it
Why kept: I might need it and out of sight. I found it in The Boy's room (huh?)
How long kept: several Christmases ago.
Destination: garbage
Confession: this isn't my favorite pattern. I don't think I'd regift it. Plus I have a ton left over from that garage sale (see past post, I'll try to link it)
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Why kept: I might need it and out of sight. I found it in The Boy's room (huh?)
How long kept: several Christmases ago.
Destination: garbage
Confession: this isn't my favorite pattern. I don't think I'd regift it. Plus I have a ton left over from that garage sale (see past post, I'll try to link it)
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Clearly, I'm Blocking
What: A practically empty tube of, wait for it, sunblock.
Origin: Vanity.
How long kept: Hmmm. I'm guessing a couple of years, see confession.
Why kept: Out of Sight, Out of Mind. (See confession.)
Destination: Trash.
Confession: I last tried this sunblock probably 3 years ago. I found it in a travel ziplock bag that had slid to the back corner of my bathroom linen cabinet. So it was Out of Sight, Out of MInd.
It's a pretty orderly cabinet, but clearly due to have everything removed and evaluated for blogging.
Aargh. So many posts about sunblock. Interesting. "M", is it possible that all of our extraneous sunblock is finally gone from our respective households? (I notice that up in Beacon, "S" has only had to release one bottle; clearly she's a more mindful consumer of sun protection products.)
And I can answer my own prior question in the negative, as I know that there are bottles of sunblock at a lake house that must be released.
I've learned the lesson with food items: the "extra savings" I get from buying a gigantor bottle of canola oil evaporate into the ether when I can't use it all before it goes bad. Clearly, the same is true of beauty products. Sigh.
Origin: Vanity.
How long kept: Hmmm. I'm guessing a couple of years, see confession.
Why kept: Out of Sight, Out of Mind. (See confession.)
Destination: Trash.
Confession: I last tried this sunblock probably 3 years ago. I found it in a travel ziplock bag that had slid to the back corner of my bathroom linen cabinet. So it was Out of Sight, Out of MInd.
It's a pretty orderly cabinet, but clearly due to have everything removed and evaluated for blogging.
Aargh. So many posts about sunblock. Interesting. "M", is it possible that all of our extraneous sunblock is finally gone from our respective households? (I notice that up in Beacon, "S" has only had to release one bottle; clearly she's a more mindful consumer of sun protection products.)
And I can answer my own prior question in the negative, as I know that there are bottles of sunblock at a lake house that must be released.
I've learned the lesson with food items: the "extra savings" I get from buying a gigantor bottle of canola oil evaporate into the ether when I can't use it all before it goes bad. Clearly, the same is true of beauty products. Sigh.
Friday, June 25, 2010
The END (I hope)
What: maternity shirt and dress
Why kept: I might wear the shirt. It could pass as a regular shirt. But *i'd* know it was maternity. It is a little sticky too. The dress was out of sight out of mind
Last used: getting closer and closer to a year ago
Destination: my knocked up friend
I loved that shirt and it was a little hard to let go. But it will have a good home :). This was harder to let go that the cute Thanksgiving outfit!
I do truly believe that I have completely gotten rid of all maternity wear!! If I find more, it will be an "argh"!!
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Why kept: I might wear the shirt. It could pass as a regular shirt. But *i'd* know it was maternity. It is a little sticky too. The dress was out of sight out of mind
Last used: getting closer and closer to a year ago
Destination: my knocked up friend
I loved that shirt and it was a little hard to let go. But it will have a good home :). This was harder to let go that the cute Thanksgiving outfit!
I do truly believe that I have completely gotten rid of all maternity wear!! If I find more, it will be an "argh"!!
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Just In Case
What: Unfortunate manicure kit case.
Origin: I'm pretty sure that this was one of many swag-type items sent to me by the Leggs-Hanes Catalogue.
How long kept: Uh, that would have been in the late 80s or early 90s.
Why kept: See confession.
Destination: Textile recycling. (They take shoes, so this should qualify. I think it is actually leather.)
Confession: Anyone remember the Leggs-Hanes catalogue? (Does it still exist?) For the busy young exec who couldn't ever shop, the ability to order 60 pairs of stockings at once, priceless. (Of course, who wears stockings now?) They used to send all kinds of unwanted customer appreciation gifts, and I found this one in my bathroom linen cabinet, nearly empty.
This one was Out of Sight, Out of Mind. Way out.
Related musing: Pauvre Pierre Cardin. His oh-so-stylish clothes led to licensing agreements that put his name on anything. This cheesy case actually held some nice quality manicure tools, some of which I'm still using. I stuck the only remaining inhabitant of this case, a nail file, into my medicine cabinet. No doubt a few months down the road, I'll blog it, too.
Update: Yes, it still exists. However, I don't know if you still get the unsolicited swag.
Origin: I'm pretty sure that this was one of many swag-type items sent to me by the Leggs-Hanes Catalogue.
How long kept: Uh, that would have been in the late 80s or early 90s.
Why kept: See confession.
Destination: Textile recycling. (They take shoes, so this should qualify. I think it is actually leather.)
Confession: Anyone remember the Leggs-Hanes catalogue? (
This one was Out of Sight, Out of Mind. Way out.
Related musing: Pauvre Pierre Cardin. His oh-so-stylish clothes led to licensing agreements that put his name on anything. This cheesy case actually held some nice quality manicure tools, some of which I'm still using. I stuck the only remaining inhabitant of this case, a nail file, into my medicine cabinet. No doubt a few months down the road, I'll blog it, too.
Update: Yes, it still exists. However, I don't know if you still get the unsolicited swag.
Guest Post: No longer a fan of mine
"Never was, either, as it came with the house. Was put in the attic to draw the hot air out until it died this year. I suppose it lasted longer than ten years--not bad for a cheap box fan from Sears. Wonder if it was made in China. Off to the metal recycling bin."
Thanks, "S"!
Thanks, "S"!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Color Me Certifiable...
What: Pile of paper amassed during the course of a professional certification exam.
Origin: Credential-mania.
How long kept: A bit less than a month.
Why kept: See confession.
Destination: Shredder, and then recycling.
Confession: This is ordinarily sticky stuff for me. I still have a copy of my grad school application from the first half of the 90s. (Aargh, and I think that decided to keep it when I shredded the 90s earlier in this project.) So I'm pleased to have let this go.
NB: I haven't yet received my certification, and have a couple of other steps I must complete. I'm guessing that I'll be done sometime this year.
Origin: Credential-mania.
How long kept: A bit less than a month.
Why kept: See confession.
Destination: Shredder, and then recycling.
Confession: This is ordinarily sticky stuff for me. I still have a copy of my grad school application from the first half of the 90s. (Aargh, and I think that decided to keep it when I shredded the 90s earlier in this project.) So I'm pleased to have let this go.
NB: I haven't yet received my certification, and have a couple of other steps I must complete. I'm guessing that I'll be done sometime this year.
Moving along swimmingly
What maternity bathing suit top
Why kept: out of sight
How long kept: Last summer also last used then
Destination. Pregnant girlfriend!
I can't believe I keep finding maternity clothes except for 1/2 of tomorrow post :)
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Why kept: out of sight
How long kept: Last summer also last used then
Destination. Pregnant girlfriend!
I can't believe I keep finding maternity clothes except for 1/2 of tomorrow post :)
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Guest Post: Elvis, and these hangers, have left the building
"A friend just moved and needed hangers because hers are MIA. I have a stash right at my finger, or, toe tips. And I don't have to "Reconsider, Baby"--good riddance to sticky hangers that have been in the Memphis tote bag for over 5 years. (The bag itself is from 1986's trip to Graceland. Hmmm. Well, it's no longer hanging around either)."
"S," I know you won't be Lonesome Tonight for any of this! Thanks for posting.
"S," I know you won't be Lonesome Tonight for any of this! Thanks for posting.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Kiss (Off) and Make Up
What: Cosmetic travel kits of a more innocent era.
Origin: Misfiring organizational neuron.
How long kept/ Last Used: The flowered case dates to the 90's (see confession). I actually picked up the tweedy case for my office when I rejoined corporate life in 2005; it came home with me when we shut down in late 2007. There are multiple "Whys" and an Aargh in that one.
Why kept: Although both were Perfectly Good, neither are useful in the era of the Ziploc bag. Mostly, though, Out of Sight, Out of Mind.
Destination: Textile recycling.
Confession: The floral bag hasn't seen the inside of a suitcase since the late 90s. I actually stopped traveling with these and using Ziplocs in the late 90s. I was traveling for business every week, leaving on Monday and returning on Thursday or Friday. At the same time, I started going on "adventure camping" trips. Both of these experiences taught the benefits of traveling light! No need to schlep an extra 8 ounces or so to contain cosmetics. So the floral bag hasn't seen the light of day
Origin: Misfiring organizational neuron.
How long kept/ Last Used: The flowered case dates to the 90's (see confession). I actually picked up the tweedy case for my office when I rejoined corporate life in 2005; it came home with me when we shut down in late 2007. There are multiple "Whys" and an Aargh in that one.
Why kept: Although both were Perfectly Good, neither are useful in the era of the Ziploc bag. Mostly, though, Out of Sight, Out of Mind.
Destination: Textile recycling.
Confession: The floral bag hasn't seen the inside of a suitcase since the late 90s. I actually stopped traveling with these and using Ziplocs in the late 90s. I was traveling for business every week, leaving on Monday and returning on Thursday or Friday. At the same time, I started going on "adventure camping" trips. Both of these experiences taught the benefits of traveling light! No need to schlep an extra 8 ounces or so to contain cosmetics. So the floral bag hasn't seen the light of day
Thanksgiving
What: newborn Thanksgiving outfit
Why kept: it was a gift, nostalgia, sticky
Destination: to my friend that I've known since 1st grade (wow, I'm lucky to have several friends that I still keep in touch with on a regular basis that I've know since grade school -- and NOT because of facebook!)
She's having a baby a year later than we did. If she has a boy, she will be blessed with years of clothing!!! If its a girl, "Aunt M" will have fun shopping!! Seeing her on Friday! Yay!
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Why kept: it was a gift, nostalgia, sticky
Destination: to my friend that I've known since 1st grade (wow, I'm lucky to have several friends that I still keep in touch with on a regular basis that I've know since grade school -- and NOT because of facebook!)
She's having a baby a year later than we did. If she has a boy, she will be blessed with years of clothing!!! If its a girl, "Aunt M" will have fun shopping!! Seeing her on Friday! Yay!
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
I'm blushing but I'll make it up to you
What: blush
Origin: probably my wedding makeup
Last used: over 5 years ago
Destination: trash
I don't wear much make up so it gets well-aged and wasted. I haven't worn blush since my wedding. Sigh. Good bye
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Origin: probably my wedding makeup
Last used: over 5 years ago
Destination: trash
I don't wear much make up so it gets well-aged and wasted. I haven't worn blush since my wedding. Sigh. Good bye
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Jetsam
What: Various denizens of the kitchen (current and former).
Origin: Also various.
How long kept/Usage: See confession.
Why kept: Ditto on the variety, but mostly, Out of Sight Out of Mind (they were in kitchen cabinets) and I Might Need Them.
Destination: Housing Works.
Confession: Wine glasses, I probably bought the set in the mid-90s, and have picked them off one at a time. I really loved them, but I only had two left, and have since collected a slightly ragtag assembly of not-quite matching but nice glasses, none enough for a full set. I decided to see which set can actually be completed, and I'll release the rest.
Why, in the last weeks of my employment at a soon-to-be-defunct firm, did I take the corporate logo mug offered by our exec assistant -- she had found an unopened box of them as we packed to leave. Should Have Said, "No." Aargh.
I'm particularly proud of the silverware sorter. In the spring, I repurposed my kitchen "junk" drawer, which now holds towels and napkins...the contents have been moved or blogged. But I kept this for probably 2 months: It Might Be Useful. Once I noticed I was moving it around, I resolved to release it...
Bonus: This went over in one of the many shopping bags in my "bag of bags" collection that is slowly being blogged.
Origin: Also various.
How long kept/Usage: See confession.
Why kept: Ditto on the variety, but mostly, Out of Sight Out of Mind (they were in kitchen cabinets) and I Might Need Them.
Destination: Housing Works.
Confession: Wine glasses, I probably bought the set in the mid-90s, and have picked them off one at a time. I really loved them, but I only had two left, and have since collected a slightly ragtag assembly of not-quite matching but nice glasses, none enough for a full set. I decided to see which set can actually be completed, and I'll release the rest.
Why, in the last weeks of my employment at a soon-to-be-defunct firm, did I take the corporate logo mug offered by our exec assistant -- she had found an unopened box of them as we packed to leave. Should Have Said, "No." Aargh.
I'm particularly proud of the silverware sorter. In the spring, I repurposed my kitchen "junk" drawer, which now holds towels and napkins...the contents have been moved or blogged. But I kept this for probably 2 months: It Might Be Useful. Once I noticed I was moving it around, I resolved to release it...
Bonus: This went over in one of the many shopping bags in my "bag of bags" collection that is slowly being blogged.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Master of Puppets
What: Various socks and other fodder for puppets and other nephew crafts.
Origin: The desire to give creative, non-commercial gifts.
How long kept: Oh, some of them probably 2+ years.
Last Used: Christmas, 2009. (See confession.)
Why kept: The creative spirit might strike me...over and over and over again. And maybe I might not ever wear out another sock. Ever. Thus, I Might Need Them; They Might Be Useful. Good Crafting Intentions Gone Bad. Aargh.
Destination: Textile Recycling.
Confession: I started on a rather masterful 3-D sock turtle over Christmas for "M"'s youngest, did a bit more on it with input from his 4 year old big brother in late May. They took it home, though I think I might add some touches to it the next time I visit.
Confession, cont: There are a couple of completely trashed cleaning rags in that particular pile...everything went up to Union Square today, when I visited an eye doctor up there.
Origin: The desire to give creative, non-commercial gifts.
How long kept: Oh, some of them probably 2+ years.
Last Used: Christmas, 2009. (See confession.)
Why kept: The creative spirit might strike me...over and over and over again. And maybe I might not ever wear out another sock. Ever. Thus, I Might Need Them; They Might Be Useful. Good Crafting Intentions Gone Bad. Aargh.
Destination: Textile Recycling.
Confession: I started on a rather masterful 3-D sock turtle over Christmas for "M"'s youngest, did a bit more on it with input from his 4 year old big brother in late May. They took it home, though I think I might add some touches to it the next time I visit.
Confession, cont: There are a couple of completely trashed cleaning rags in that particular pile...everything went up to Union Square today, when I visited an eye doctor up there.
Real real gone (Monday)
What: Lightning McQueen birthday card (broken). It played music when you opened it
How long kept: since The Boys birthday several months ago
Why kept: it was lots of fun. It just recently stopped working and it was "sticky"
Destination: recycle
Hats off to the Boy!!
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
How long kept: since The Boys birthday several months ago
Why kept: it was lots of fun. It just recently stopped working and it was "sticky"
Destination: recycle
Hats off to the Boy!!
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Guest Post: bum (sugar) rush is for the birds
"Hummingbird food, bought around 4 years ago along with a feeder. It never attracted them (possibly because I didn't clean the feeder enough...ever?) Meanwhile, I have a wild digitalis (foxglove) that now draws the amazing little birds--and it's pale yellow, so go figure! Once it's gone, they are too. So I brought this up out of the basement to try again in the feeder now that they know to come Chez Sharon. I googled to see what the proportions are (because of course I threw out the instructions) and learned that this crap is worse than Kool-aid. Into the garbage, while I boiled up some sugar water with organic cane sugar. Now I'm sitting on the deck, waiting, watching..."
"S", when "M" reads this, I'm sure she'll start humming "Tuppence a Bag"; The Boy loves Mary Poppins. (It was one of my favorites, too.)
"S", when "M" reads this, I'm sure she'll start humming "Tuppence a Bag"; The Boy loves Mary Poppins. (It was one of my favorites, too.)
Sunday, June 20, 2010
A Good Box (One That's Not Evil)
It's a laundry box. When we helped my Grandma move out of her sizeable house into an apartment (oh, a long time ago) -- or maybe before then -- we found a few of these boxes. (If I recall correctly, one contained high school memorabilia from one of my uncles.)
What are they? I'll let the National Postal Museum tell us:
"Laundry BoxBack to school supplies included laundry mailing boxes for many college-bound students in the early twentieth century. The reusable mailing containers provided a convenient way to deal with a time-consuming cleaning job. Using the mail also saved on cost because shipping grubby clothes home to mother could be cheaper than a professional cleaner. From the 1910s into the 1960s, mailing laundry was an attractive option for anyone without the time, means, or resources to do the chore themselves. It suited undergraduates, summer campers, military personnel, and others.
Types of containers varied, but they all needed to be made of durable materials; able to withstand repeated opening, closing, and sealing; and be of a manageable size. The metal version in the National Postal Museum collection meets those criteria. The light-weight box measures 6 ½ inches deep by 19 ¾ inches long and 12 ¼ inches wide. Ready for multiple trips, the mailing label and postage could be slipped into a small frame on the lid, which itself could be secured and released from the box many times with the buckle and strapping."Yes, a mother's time was a cheap commodity back then.
This came to mind last year -- and then again recently -- when I was about to confess to "S" that there's one box that I haven't 86'd.
It's a box she used to send me 15 or 20 copies of a book a couple years back. It was brand new back then, and a very good box -- the kind that closes without tape because the flaps tuck cunningly into open spots. It can also be flattened out.
It's a Good Box.
Rather than schlepping things onto airplanes, I've used this box 5-6 times, maybe more, shipping things to and from Chicago and Minnesota on trips when I'm staying a while. The fact that I've re-used this box so many times reminded me of the aluminum laundry boxes we found at my Grandma's.
Wouldn't reusable boxes like this be a good thing to resurrect on "green" grounds? For now, when I need to avoid checking baggage, I'll keep using the box that "S" sent me. It's actually about the size of a laundry box.
(And as for the laundry boxes from Grandma's? I'll bet they're in the attic and Mom & Dad's.)
photo: from the National Postal Museum website.
Power outage nets blog items!
What: an OLD "cuute" oven mitt and the missing Hawaii pepper shaker
Where found: behind the refrigerator
Why kept: totally out of sight
Last used: well the refrigerator was purchased around 1999. I never used the pepper shaker, it was a cute garage sale purchase. The oven mitt, I have no idea.
We lost power at 10:10 pm on friday night. They told us last night that it would be 36 more hours before the power was restored. We pulled out the frig to get the plug so we could tap into our neighbor generator. (We are blessed with wonderful neighbors!) While we were back behind the frig, we found these items. We also found the missing "N" from the "frig phonics".
Power was restored early this morning around 12:30 am. Thank you ComEd for fixing our power ahead of schedule and thanks to the neighbors for the temp power. Luckily the weather is nice!!
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Where found: behind the refrigerator
Why kept: totally out of sight
Last used: well the refrigerator was purchased around 1999. I never used the pepper shaker, it was a cute garage sale purchase. The oven mitt, I have no idea.
We lost power at 10:10 pm on friday night. They told us last night that it would be 36 more hours before the power was restored. We pulled out the frig to get the plug so we could tap into our neighbor generator. (We are blessed with wonderful neighbors!) While we were back behind the frig, we found these items. We also found the missing "N" from the "frig phonics".
Power was restored early this morning around 12:30 am. Thank you ComEd for fixing our power ahead of schedule and thanks to the neighbors for the temp power. Luckily the weather is nice!!
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Guest Post: Wrap-ture
"I am a compulsive wrap-saver. If the Rapture ever comes, and Jesus wants us all to join Him, I am the moving service that can wrap the worldly belongings we might need. (Surely we'll be allowed to take SOMEthing? :) Well, this is all coming to an end--not only the world (tho I might be able to blot up some of the oil spill with my basement stash) but in the realm of what I can control--the hoarding of wrapping supplies. I have enough for this lifetime, and so this and anything that comes after this will get flattened and stuffed into the recycling bag."
"S", we really all do have the same stuff...
"S", we really all do have the same stuff...
I Can Hardly Contain Myself
What: Various containers (and the little round things are votive candle holders).
Origin: My craft stash, Good Crafting Intentions Gone Bad. And Out of Sight, Out of Mind.
How long kept: Hmmm. At least one of those tins is over 18 months old. I think that another dates to my last corporate stint, so pre-2008.
Usage: Never.
Destination: Recycling.
Rant: As I happen across magazine articles and blog posts about managing our stuff is the emphasis on containers. Storage Boxes are Evil; I'm holding to that one!
I don't mean that I should never store anything.
It's not a matter of finding the right way to keep stuff, it's a matter of matter: do I have things that don't matter? Probably not.
But how they matter, and how, or whether, this "mattering" should be a factor my life today...does.
Project Update: I'm getting to the stage where I can probably start to think about tackling one of those "graduate" level items, like my box of vintage clothes and the boxes of photos. I also have kitchen cabinets filled with dishes that I never use. On the plus side, I've gotten rid of most of the appliances that I never use.
Hmmm, where to start?
Origin: My craft stash, Good Crafting Intentions Gone Bad. And Out of Sight, Out of Mind.
How long kept: Hmmm. At least one of those tins is over 18 months old. I think that another dates to my last corporate stint, so pre-2008.
Usage: Never.
Destination: Recycling.
Rant: As I happen across magazine articles and blog posts about managing our stuff is the emphasis on containers. Storage Boxes are Evil; I'm holding to that one!
I don't mean that I should never store anything.
It's not a matter of finding the right way to keep stuff, it's a matter of matter: do I have things that don't matter? Probably not.
But how they matter, and how, or whether, this "mattering" should be a factor my life today...does.
Project Update: I'm getting to the stage where I can probably start to think about tackling one of those "graduate" level items, like my box of vintage clothes and the boxes of photos. I also have kitchen cabinets filled with dishes that I never use. On the plus side, I've gotten rid of most of the appliances that I never use.
Hmmm, where to start?
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Cast Off
What: Fun vampire book. (Written, in blood no doubt, by a mother-
daughter team whose last name is Cast. I'm funny.)
Origin: "M", see confession.
Usage/How long kept: Christmas gift, 2010, finished it last night.
Why kept: Out of Sight, Out of Mind...this was under some magazines, since dispatched. And then once I found it I decided to read it, thus I Might Need It.
Destination: Housing Works.
Confession: "M" and I were Buffy fans back in the day. She found the
Sookie Stackhouse series long before HBO did. This vamp tale is fun, and far better than the angsty and humorless *Twilight* (which I didn't even bother to finish). But ultimately, someone else will enjoy it, and I'll enjoy not storing it.
daughter team whose last name is Cast. I'm funny.)
Origin: "M", see confession.
Usage/How long kept: Christmas gift, 2010, finished it last night.
Why kept: Out of Sight, Out of Mind...this was under some magazines, since dispatched. And then once I found it I decided to read it, thus I Might Need It.
Destination: Housing Works.
Confession: "M" and I were Buffy fans back in the day. She found the
Sookie Stackhouse series long before HBO did. This vamp tale is fun, and far better than the angsty and humorless *Twilight* (which I didn't even bother to finish). But ultimately, someone else will enjoy it, and I'll enjoy not storing it.
Magazines
What: magazines
How long kept: the oldest is probably the real simple. I've been moving this around the house for a long time. It was a hand-me-down from Mom. I think it was from Spring of '09. The others are 2010
Why kept: the might be useful, I might finish reading them, I was going to Freecycle them
Destination:I usually share these magazines with others but today, I just need them gone! Out to the recycling bin with you!!
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How long kept: the oldest is probably the real simple. I've been moving this around the house for a long time. It was a hand-me-down from Mom. I think it was from Spring of '09. The others are 2010
Why kept: the might be useful, I might finish reading them, I was going to Freecycle them
Destination:I usually share these magazines with others but today, I just need them gone! Out to the recycling bin with you!!
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Got it under control
What: info guide on baby feeding
Origin: came with a free backpack from the hospital
Last used never
Why: I might read it, might be useful
Destination: recycle
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Origin: came with a free backpack from the hospital
Last used never
Why: I might read it, might be useful
Destination: recycle
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Friday, June 18, 2010
Guest Post: Out, out, damned toxic cleanser!
"A bottle of bleach cleanser that came with the house (so we're going back almost ten years here). I had pretty much switched over entirely to eco-friendly Shaklee cleanser but every once in a while tried this on a tough stain. No more...it goes in with the stuff that I don't pour down the drain, for a September disposal set up in a nearby town. Until then--in the garage, out of the house, and back to Basic-H. (And how did Lysol get its name--lye and sun? What MadMen genius ad campaign was that?)"
Good question, "S". It seems to me that other cleaners used "sol" in their names back in the day...I wonder?
Good question, "S". It seems to me that other cleaners used "sol" in their names back in the day...I wonder?
Off Key
What: Key for laptop cable.
Origin: Corporate loss prevention program.
How long kept/last used: Pre-December, 2007.
Why kept: Out of Sight, Out of Mind.
Destination: Trash.
Confession: This was in a cosmetic case (which used to be in my office drawer in my last corporate gig) in my bathroom linen cabinet. The cables were issued by my employer, so that laptops wouldn't be stolen from our desks at work -- which was possible but not probable. The cables weren't well-designed, either. One end looped around the leg of the modular desk, the lock itself turned a little metal device that clicked into a small hole in the plastic laptop housing. By policy, we were required to use them at all times. Practically, I could see that the laptop housing was weakening around the lock; it would have been a simple matter to rip it out. I locked the laptop in a drawer when I left my workstation for lunch or long meetings.
Our office was shuttered prior to the financial crisis, as the bank imploded via bizarre and ultimately unsuccessful merger, so there would be no hope of merging this lonely key with its equally ill-conceived partner.
Origin: Corporate loss prevention program.
How long kept/last used: Pre-December, 2007.
Why kept: Out of Sight, Out of Mind.
Destination: Trash.
Confession: This was in a cosmetic case (which used to be in my office drawer in my last corporate gig) in my bathroom linen cabinet. The cables were issued by my employer, so that laptops wouldn't be stolen from our desks at work -- which was possible but not probable. The cables weren't well-designed, either. One end looped around the leg of the modular desk, the lock itself turned a little metal device that clicked into a small hole in the plastic laptop housing. By policy, we were required to use them at all times. Practically, I could see that the laptop housing was weakening around the lock; it would have been a simple matter to rip it out. I locked the laptop in a drawer when I left my workstation for lunch or long meetings.
Our office was shuttered prior to the financial crisis, as the bank imploded via bizarre and ultimately unsuccessful merger, so there would be no hope of merging this lonely key with its equally ill-conceived partner.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Bee gone (copy cat)
What: lip balm (I never cared for this flavor of Burt's)
Why kept: the pursuit of non chapped lips, out of site
How long kept: I'd guess about 5 years for the carmex but less for the burts
Destination: trash
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Why kept: the pursuit of non chapped lips, out of site
How long kept: I'd guess about 5 years for the carmex but less for the burts
Destination: trash
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Sock It To...Anyone But Me
What: 2 (possibly more, see confession) spare socks.
Origin: Desire for warm ankles.
How long kept: Hmmm, how long do socks last? Definitely at least a couple of years.
Why kept: I am the queen of making sock puppets for my nephews. So, They Might Be Useful.
Destination: Textile recycling.
Confession: I need to look at my stash of spare socks -- I have a sense that the have been some Good Crafting Intentions Gone Bad.
Origin: Desire for warm ankles.
How long kept: Hmmm, how long do socks last? Definitely at least a couple of years.
Why kept: I am the queen of making sock puppets for my nephews. So, They Might Be Useful.
Destination: Textile recycling.
Confession: I need to look at my stash of spare socks -- I have a sense that the have been some Good Crafting Intentions Gone Bad.
Guest Post: crash & burn
"Art & calligraphy for businesses that never got off the ground. I was called in "on spec" which is what all artists hate. On speculation that it will happen. Take off. Garner income. All that happens is that you maybe learn a lesson--Never work "on spec!" Paper gets recycled."
Thanks, "S."
Thanks, "S."
It's a roller coaster
What: glass coaster
Why kept: it's pretty, storage boxes are evil
Origin: garage sale many many years ago
Last used: 4+ years ago B.K. (Before kids)
Destination: amvets pickup
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Why kept: it's pretty, storage boxes are evil
Origin: garage sale many many years ago
Last used: 4+ years ago B.K. (Before kids)
Destination: amvets pickup
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Bee Gone
What: Various lip balms.
Origin: Earthy beauty ambitions.
How long kept: Ooh, I'm not sure.
Last used: Not in at least 3 years.
Why kept: Out of Sight, Out of Mind, more from the bathroom medicine cabinet.
Destination: Trash.
Origin: Earthy beauty ambitions.
How long kept: Ooh, I'm not sure.
Last used: Not in at least 3 years.
Why kept: Out of Sight, Out of Mind, more from the bathroom medicine cabinet.
Destination: Trash.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
I'm wine-ing
What: two wine bottles transformed to oil candles
Why kept: I might need them, nostalgia
Last used: in March or April for Earth hour
Destination: freecycle
The hubby placed these out for the lady who wanted them but we forgot to snap a photo before they left. Oops
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Why kept: I might need them, nostalgia
Last used: in March or April for Earth hour
Destination: freecycle
The hubby placed these out for the lady who wanted them but we forgot to snap a photo before they left. Oops
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Guest (Room) Post
What: Stuff from the medicine cabinet in the guest bath at my parents' home.
Origin: Travel forgetfulness. And more on the obvious and never-ending sun protection theme.
How long kept: One of the sunblocks had no expiration date. That's a long time, folks. There was a nearly gone hair gel that dates back to 2001, I believe.
Why kept: Out of Sight, Out of Mind.
Destination: Central states landfill.
Origin: Travel forgetfulness. And more on the obvious and never-ending sun protection theme.
How long kept: One of the sunblocks had no expiration date. That's a long time, folks. There was a nearly gone hair gel that dates back to 2001, I believe.
Why kept: Out of Sight, Out of Mind.
Destination: Central states landfill.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Soap soap and more soap
What: hand soap. Two if the actually
Why kept: out of sight and I might need it but not with my stock of Bath and Bodyworks soap. I'll never use this stuff
How long kept: gosh, I won't even venture to guess!
Destination: sharing with my work
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Why kept: out of sight and I might need it but not with my stock of Bath and Bodyworks soap. I'll never use this stuff
How long kept: gosh, I won't even venture to guess!
Destination: sharing with my work
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Playing It Tight
What: Pair of white tights
Origin: Gulp, my high school dance classes???
How long kept: A very long time.
Why kept: Mostly Out of Sight, Out of Mind (see confession).
Destination: Textile recycling
Confession: These were among the treasures unearthed in a long unused, and now gone, suitcase. I placed these into my fabric stash,
along with some tweedy knit leg warmers from the same era. I was
thinking "sock monkey."
Now I'm thinking, Aargh.
Origin: Gulp, my high school dance classes???
How long kept: A very long time.
Why kept: Mostly Out of Sight, Out of Mind (see confession).
Destination: Textile recycling
Confession: These were among the treasures unearthed in a long unused, and now gone, suitcase. I placed these into my fabric stash,
along with some tweedy knit leg warmers from the same era. I was
thinking "sock monkey."
Now I'm thinking, Aargh.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Guest Post: No regrets, Ms. Vinaigrette
"A gift from over a decade ago, an empty vessel for a while, sent to the bidet (dishwasher) for a little clean-up and off to the 2 Bucks or I Chuck bag for later this summer. Not ready to retire just yet!"
"S", thanks for the twofer...
"S", thanks for the twofer...
Guest Post: sticky X 2
"I get honey on tap at my health food store. I just realized I had one empty tucked behind the latest one--and after working ice cream fast food counters I know all about moving the oldest stock up to the front before using the newest. Now they have been scraped clean, with the last tablespoon going into a pitcher of iced tea.(I know how hard the bees have it, and I don't waste one teaspoon!)
Containers rinsed & recycled. The lids, unfortunately, are a #4, non-recyclable in my town. Why can't the container people get their acts together and make the lids recyclable too?"
Now, that gives our "sticky" designation a whole new meaning -- thanks, "S".
Containers rinsed & recycled. The lids, unfortunately, are a #4, non-recyclable in my town. Why can't the container people get their acts together and make the lids recyclable too?"
Now, that gives our "sticky" designation a whole new meaning -- thanks, "S".
I've Been Framed
What: One of 3 frames containing the 1 year old photos of my now nearly 4 year old nephew.
Usage/How long kept: I had these hanging up until the little guy was past 3 years old, and his younger brother had turned 1.
Why kept: I loved them! They were Perfectly Good. They were a Gift from my sister-in-law.
Destination: I repainted this one, gave it a new ribbon, and gave it as a belated birthday gift to "M", with some help from her son, The Boy, who selected a photo of his younger brother as the appropriate photo for the repurposed frame.
Confession: "M", you've been blogged.
Confession, cont: Other family members, be on the lookout for the gift of my folk art stylings.
Usage/How long kept: I had these hanging up until the little guy was past 3 years old, and his younger brother had turned 1.
Why kept: I loved them! They were Perfectly Good. They were a Gift from my sister-in-law.
Destination: I repainted this one, gave it a new ribbon, and gave it as a belated birthday gift to "M", with some help from her son, The Boy, who selected a photo of his younger brother as the appropriate photo for the repurposed frame.
Confession: "M", you've been blogged.
Confession, cont: Other family members, be on the lookout for the gift of my folk art stylings.
OTC Rx
What: more OTC Rx
Why kept: might be useful
Last used: a few months ago
Destination: local health Sept drug disposal
It makes me so happy that my health department properly disposes of medical waste such as sharps and old medication. Once I called the pharmacy (years ago) to ask if they dispose of drugs. They said no, just flush it. I shuddered to think of all the various medications getting into our water system. Hmm I wonder what happens to the meds after I take them there.
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Why kept: might be useful
Last used: a few months ago
Destination: local health Sept drug disposal
It makes me so happy that my health department properly disposes of medical waste such as sharps and old medication. Once I called the pharmacy (years ago) to ask if they dispose of drugs. They said no, just flush it. I shuddered to think of all the various medications getting into our water system. Hmm I wonder what happens to the meds after I take them there.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Let's Go to The Videotape
What: Kids Yoga tape.
Origin: Borrowed from a former employee; left behind when we closed the business.
How long kept: 6 years.
Usage: Not at all
Why kept: Guilt. See confession.
Destination: Nephews.
Confession: I kept this fairly visible on my bookshelf, and would think about its owner, Beth, from time to time. I kept hoping to return it to her, but she has fallen out of my world. Nobody I know is still in touch with her. I googled her; I have a feeling that she got married and changed her name. If she turns up again, I will replace this for her with something equal or better.
Update, June 13: I did this tape twice yesterday with my 4 year old nephew. I'm sore today.
Origin: Borrowed from a former employee; left behind when we closed the business.
How long kept: 6 years.
Usage: Not at all
Why kept: Guilt. See confession.
Destination: Nephews.
Confession: I kept this fairly visible on my bookshelf, and would think about its owner, Beth, from time to time. I kept hoping to return it to her, but she has fallen out of my world. Nobody I know is still in touch with her. I googled her; I have a feeling that she got married and changed her name. If she turns up again, I will replace this for her with something equal or better.
Update, June 13: I did this tape twice yesterday with my 4 year old nephew. I'm sore today.
Miscellaneous
What: misc parts. The purple thing was from a mobile for the Boy. It was always an extra part, but he'd play with it sometimes. The other thing is from some slippers. It was a sample that showed the honeycomb construction and why they are so extremely comfy. The Boy was intrigued by this.
Why kept. Out of sight
How long kept: the purple thing under 5 years. The honeycomb was kept for about a month
Destination: recycle and trash respectively
This is Fridays post :)
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Why kept. Out of sight
How long kept: the purple thing under 5 years. The honeycomb was kept for about a month
Destination: recycle and trash respectively
This is Fridays post :)
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Friday, June 11, 2010
Bottled Up
What: Plastic bottle.
Origin: Travel kit.
Usage: Uh, never.
How long kept: Since the late 80s/early 90s.
Why kept: I Might Need It.
Destination: This is so old that it doesn't bear a recycling number...but I'm going to be optimistic and recycle it.
Confession: I doubt that this would have ever been watertight enough to actually travel with lotion in it. I recently purged this from my bathroom cabinet, where it had been since the mid-90s.
I had put it in the box with my craft stuff. After all, it was Perfectly Good. Repurposed, It Might Be Useful.
Confession, part two: Even though I've been using a Ziploc bag for my cosmetics since long before they were "required," I still have at least one, maybe 2 travel kits in that bathroom cabinet.
Aargh.
Update: Haha, in our blogging past, "M" and I have been known to simultaneously blog the same thing...very funny/scary that independently we came up with similar items and titles on the same day.
Origin: Travel kit.
Usage: Uh, never.
How long kept: Since the late 80s/early 90s.
Why kept: I Might Need It.
Destination: This is so old that it doesn't bear a recycling number...but I'm going to be optimistic and recycle it.
Confession: I doubt that this would have ever been watertight enough to actually travel with lotion in it. I recently purged this from my bathroom cabinet, where it had been since the mid-90s.
I had put it in the box with my craft stuff. After all, it was Perfectly Good. Repurposed, It Might Be Useful.
Confession, part two: Even though I've been using a Ziploc bag for my cosmetics since long before they were "required," I still have at least one, maybe 2 travel kits in that bathroom cabinet.
Aargh.
Update: Haha, in our blogging past, "M" and I have been known to simultaneously blog the same thing...very funny/scary that independently we came up with similar items and titles on the same day.
All bottled up
What: a bottle from I think some eucalyptus oil
Last used: when the Hubby had a bad cold, he put some in the shower. But since the cold was so nasty he couldn't smell it, so he used most of the bottle! Boy did the house stink :) this was several years ago
Why kept: good crafting intentions gone bad. I was going to put skulpey clay on it
Destination: recycle
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Last used: when the Hubby had a bad cold, he put some in the shower. But since the cold was so nasty he couldn't smell it, so he used most of the bottle! Boy did the house stink :) this was several years ago
Why kept: good crafting intentions gone bad. I was going to put skulpey clay on it
Destination: recycle
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Guest Post: it just slipped by me...
"A 2-day old banana peel has been on my counter (how's that for a confessional?) waiting to be deposited under a rose bush, for potassium. I'll blame it on the rain yesterday. I attended to it mere moments ago, before the fruit flies got wind of it. My kitchen is in the fruit fly Zagats Guide as a 5-star rating. Confession: it might have been indoors 3 days."
Circle of life, baby. Thanks, "S."
Circle of life, baby. Thanks, "S."
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