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Post by dewryce on Jan 25, 2024 3:54:16 GMT
We may be moving soon, so this thread is full of inspiration! I emailed the director of youth services at our library this morning because they have a weekly knit night for kids/teens. I have a huge bag of yarn I won't be using, so I dropped it off this afternoon for them to use. She was so thrilled. I told her I may have more in my desk at work and will drop it off if I do. I also have a bag of clothes I need to drop off. DH doesn't want me getting rid of some of the stuff, but I can't remember the last time I wore them. I wear sweats around the house and alternate between pairs of jeans when we do go out. So out they will go. The best thing you can do before any move is declutter and purge, purge, purge…you are in the right place! |
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Post by mommaho on Jan 25, 2024 10:07:35 GMT
Daily declutter task from My Simpler Life Declutter Calendar: Dance in your living room.I love this thrown in the mix! When we are having particularly stressful days at work we have a "Thirty Second Dance Party" that gets us up and moving and forgetting about some of the jerks and deadlines we deal with! If a really good song comes on I'll just randomly crank up the volume on my computer and some participate, sometimes it is me all by myself. LOL I worked more on my scrapbook room this past weekend, I'm down to sorting all the stamps that I've collected and know that I won't use again, might be able to get those on Marketplace this weekend but that is a 'maybe'. I've gathered up our tax documents and finally got the last item I needed for my Mom's taxes as well. Finalizing her taxes is the last thing I'll need to do besides the division of funds to my sister since Mom's passing in October. It will be a relief to be finished with my narcissistic sister - a huge decluttering of my mind! |
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Post by rymeswithpurple on Jan 25, 2024 14:42:27 GMT
We may be moving soon, so this thread is full of inspiration! I emailed the director of youth services at our library this morning because they have a weekly knit night for kids/teens. I have a huge bag of yarn I won't be using, so I dropped it off this afternoon for them to use. She was so thrilled. I told her I may have more in my desk at work and will drop it off if I do. I also have a bag of clothes I need to drop off. DH doesn't want me getting rid of some of the stuff, but I can't remember the last time I wore them. I wear sweats around the house and alternate between pairs of jeans when we do go out. So out they will go. The best thing you can do before any move is declutter and purge, purge, purge…you are in the right place! Thanks! Fingers crossed. DH's interview is on Monday, and we should know by the end of next week if he got the job. We live in a one-bedroom apartment right now, and the goal is to be in a house (!) if we move. It's very exciting. I'm so happy for and proud of him. |
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Post by dewryce on Jan 25, 2024 22:18:15 GMT
The best thing you can do before any move is declutter and purge, purge, purge…you are in the right place! Thanks! Fingers crossed. DH's interview is on Monday, and we should know by the end of next week if he got the job. We live in a one-bedroom apartment right now, and the goal is to be in a house (!) if we move. It's very exciting. I'm so happy for and proud of him. Everything is crossed, keep us posted! |
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Post by dewryce on Jan 25, 2024 23:07:54 GMT
Daily declutter task from My Simpler Life Declutter Calendar: Dance in your living room.  I love this thrown in the mix! When we are having particularly stressful days at work we have a "Thirty Second Dance Party" that gets us up and moving and forgetting about some of the jerks and deadlines we deal with! If a really good song comes on I'll just randomly crank up the volume on my computer and some participate, sometimes it is me all by myself. LOL I worked more on my scrapbook room this past weekend, I'm down to sorting all the stamps that I've collected and know that I won't use again, might be able to get those on Marketplace this weekend but that is a 'maybe'. I've gathered up our tax documents and finally got the last item I needed for my Mom's taxes as well. Finalizing her taxes is the last thing I'll need to do besides the division of funds to my sister since Mom's passing in October. It will be a relief to be finished with my narcissistic sister - a huge decluttering of my mind! Seriously, dancing makes everything better! DH is big on serenading me, often while dancing, (Harry Connick, Jr. and Tom Jones are big, oh and Johnny Cash) and grabbing me to dance. Always puts a huge smile on my face We also like to out on music and dance while cleaning. |
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Post by rymeswithpurple on Jan 25, 2024 23:59:00 GMT
Thanks! Fingers crossed. DH's interview is on Monday, and we should know by the end of next week if he got the job. We live in a one-bedroom apartment right now, and the goal is to be in a house (!) if we move. It's very exciting. I'm so happy for and proud of him. Everything is crossed, keep us posted! Thank you! I sure will! |
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Post by dewryce on Jan 26, 2024 5:13:24 GMT
I love this thrown in the mix! When we are having particularly stressful days at work we have a "Thirty Second Dance Party" that gets us up and moving and forgetting about some of the jerks and deadlines we deal with! If a really good song comes on I'll just randomly crank up the volume on my computer and some participate, sometimes it is me all by myself. LOL I worked more on my scrapbook room this past weekend, I'm down to sorting all the stamps that I've collected and know that I won't use again, might be able to get those on Marketplace this weekend but that is a 'maybe'. I've gathered up our tax documents and finally got the last item I needed for my Mom's taxes as well. Finalizing her taxes is the last thing I'll need to do besides the division of funds to my sister since Mom's passing in October. It will be a relief to be finished with my narcissistic sister - a huge decluttering of my mind! Seriously, dancing makes everything better! DH is big on serenading me, often while dancing, (Harry Connick, Jr. and Tom Jones are big, oh and Johnny Cash) and grabbing me to dance. Always puts a huge smile on my face We also like to out on music and dance while cleaning. Tonight it was Hamilton while I went through more storage stuff and he took the fridge apart to clean the parts I couldn’t reach the other day! Unfortunately, after going through all of our other camping boxes I only found a handful more items to donate. I mean I guess that means I’ve done a good job before, but man I really love the mental weight lifted when I can get rid of a lot and make more room in a space. I did reorganize a few bins though. And, I’ll know better now that everything is in good shape. I also got to the top shelf of the pantry I couldn’t reach without help so can check that off my list. Went through a couple of our kitchen drawers and got rid of a few things that I’ve been holding on to for too long. It was time to admit I was never going to use them. Even though tonight was a bit disappointing on the decluttering aspect, I have to acknowledge that I did it and reorganized even when I didn’t have time to wipe out the interiors and make new labels. A big deal for perfectionist me so yay! |
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Post by lg on Jan 26, 2024 12:06:29 GMT
Peas I finally did it. I recycled my cracked purple Tupperware as I got new glass containers as a Christmas present. I made myself do a practise run with the glass first to make sure I could get it to work without smashing it and today I bit the bullet!
The cupboard, although all of the containers could technically fit, is soooo easy to open and reach into now that they’re gone.
I’m looking at some other containers now and trying to remember the last time I used them… might be time for them to go too!
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Post by crazy4scraps on Jan 26, 2024 13:41:53 GMT
crazy4scraps Give this light a try. SO bright! We haven’t upgrading the lighting in our garage like we meant to so I finally caved and bought this. It’s amazing. Now, I’ll fully admit to being paranoid (for no knowledgeable reason at all) about it starting a fire simply because it’s not the lighting original to the electric plan, is so bright, and we didn’t have an electrician install it. You just screw it in to your light socket. So we make sure and turn it off every time. Again, based on no actual knowledge whatsoever. I’ve never noticed it getting hot. I just wanted to update that my DH brought one of these home last week after I mentioned wanting one for the basement overhead light. Just put it in yesterday and  WHOA does that make a huge difference! If anyone has a dark corner with one sad, dim overhead light, I would highly recommend. |
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Post by dewryce on Jan 26, 2024 16:43:15 GMT
Daily declutter task from My Simpler Life Declutter Calendar:
Go through one storage pile.
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Post by mommaho on Jan 27, 2024 11:22:43 GMT
I love this thrown in the mix! When we are having particularly stressful days at work we have a "Thirty Second Dance Party" that gets us up and moving and forgetting about some of the jerks and deadlines we deal with! If a really good song comes on I'll just randomly crank up the volume on my computer and some participate, sometimes it is me all by myself. LOL I worked more on my scrapbook room this past weekend, I'm down to sorting all the stamps that I've collected and know that I won't use again, might be able to get those on Marketplace this weekend but that is a 'maybe'. I've gathered up our tax documents and finally got the last item I needed for my Mom's taxes as well. Finalizing her taxes is the last thing I'll need to do besides the division of funds to my sister since Mom's passing in October. It will be a relief to be finished with my narcissistic sister - a huge decluttering of my mind! Seriously, dancing makes everything better! DH is big on serenading me, often while dancing, (Harry Connick, Jr. and Tom Jones are big, oh and Johnny Cash) and grabbing me to dance. Always puts a huge smile on my face We also like to out on music and dance while cleaning. Oh this is so sweet - my parents did the same thing and that is where I got my love for music. Your DH sounds like a keeper, that is for sure! My DH likes music but he won't break out in song like I do!  |
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Post by alsomsknit on Jan 27, 2024 14:41:44 GMT
Lost a pair of flip flops to my puppy. Gah!
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Post by dewryce on Jan 27, 2024 14:54:36 GMT
Daily declutter task from My Simpler Life Declutter Calendar: Go through one storage pile.This is the last time working on storage for a while so really dig in! What are y’all working on this week-end? I’m hoping to get through 3 drawers in the garage and clear off part of a shelf so that I can move some of the specialty cleaning supplies from their shelf in the pantry. And to go through the entire cleaning supplies shelf in the pantry, I know we don’t use all of them. My goal is to only have the cleaning supplies we use frequently in there, and to only keep those we absolutely need and use. Thanks mommaho he is for sure  |
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Jan 27, 2024 15:07:40 GMT
I have a lot to do this weekend. I have a bunch of paperwork to do for work but also really want to clean and go through a few clutter spots. Those include the rest of the kitchen cabinets to get rid of more expired food or things we don't eat, and to make better use of the cabinets that I cleared last week. I am still not sure what I want to put there. And we also just need to do general cleaning.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jan 27, 2024 15:55:48 GMT
The best thing you can do before any move is declutter and purge, purge, purge…you are in the right place! So true!
Also, good thoughts for you & your dh's health.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jan 27, 2024 16:10:39 GMT
A tiny win, but every beginning of the new year I try to replace all of my underthings. Socks & underwear especially.
I bought all new yesterday, and tossed the old. I don't know exactly why, but there is always a little voice in my head that I have to fight so hard, saying, "But there's still some use in thissssssss......"
Thankfully there is also a voice that tells me that I deserve things that are not totally worn out, and with holes starting.
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Post by Linda on Jan 27, 2024 17:23:21 GMT
What are y’all working on this week-end? Finishing up the iris box of random photos - I have about 2 dozen 4x6s and about the same of 8x10ish left to label and then I have to sort the big pile of 4x6 and put them in the Iris photo cases by year. Then I suspect I'll pull another Iris box off the shelf and figure out what is in it and make a plan for dealing with it. |
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mich5481
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,760 
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Post by mich5481 on Jan 27, 2024 19:47:33 GMT
I'm on my way to Mayo with my mom, so no decluttering for me.
Well, I may try to declutter some emails and files on my phone while we are traveling.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jan 27, 2024 20:13:47 GMT
and to make better use of the cabinets that I cleared last week. I am still not sure what I want to put there. Sounds like you are making progress! Don't be afraid to try something there and then change it if it doesn't work out. I recently changed out what and how I stored extras on the shelf of my food cabinet. I bought all new yesterday, and tossed the old. I don't know exactly why, but there is always a little voice in my head that I have to fight so hard, saying, "But there's still some use in thissssssss......" Child of depression era parent(s)? I am and still hear my mom saying not to toss things. The current version of depression era parents are the 'save the earth at all costs' people. It's all over the news and social media and I find that it is making people feel horrible about getting rid of things so they continue to live in clutter. Sometimes trash is trash and it is just a part of life. Lose the guilt! Lost a pair of flip flops to my puppy. Gah! Puppies! They are good for training you to keep your stuff picked up and put away!  My last Belgian had a thing for my left shoes (never the right) and my bras. The current dog was nicknamed Piranha Dog. He killed a couple of pair of leather boat shoes, a slipcover while it was ON the sofa, among many other items. Thanks! Fingers crossed. DH's interview is on Monday, and we should know by the end of next week if he got the job. Sending you all the good luck wishes for his interview. Hope that he gets the job! I'm on my way to Mayo with my mom, so no decluttering for me. Well, I may try to declutter some emails and files on my phone while we are traveling. Digital decluttering counts! I find that down time in lines and doctor appointments is a great time to clean up files. Don't forget the Photos on your phone. Do we really need all those photos of grocery store items we texted to someone? I think not (talking to myself here)! |
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Jan 27, 2024 20:57:54 GMT
Lg,if you have any more cracked Tupperware contact a Tupperware rep. It is guaranteed not to break and will be replaced. If you then don’t want it you can donate it.
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Post by alsomsknit on Jan 27, 2024 21:01:21 GMT
Lost a pair of flip flops to my puppy. Gah! Puppies! They are good for training you to keep your stuff picked up and put away! My last Belgian had a thing for my left shoes (never the right) and my bras. The current dog was nicknamed Piranha Dog. He killed a couple of pair of leather boat shoes, a slipcover while it was ON the sofa, among many other items. He was 4 months old yesterday. A Lab w/some Border Collie. He has a white spot on his chest and his fur is a touch longer than what a Lab would have. I swear there is Great Dane in him, as big as he is. Not my first experience with a Lab-mix. Dear word, this one is like Girlie on steroids. LOL! He has multiple items to contain him to keep him out of trouble. When DH is looking after him, he does not actually watch him. So, shoes at the back door were low hanging fruit. Girlie disemboweled 2 couches, did a number on the woodwork, chewed through drywall, and ruined the carpet in the family room by pulling up and chewing one of the edges. Thus, the multiple containment units. He is going to be amazing when we get him through puppy. |
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mich5481
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,760
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Post by mich5481 on Jan 27, 2024 21:07:28 GMT
I'm on my way to Mayo with my mom, so no decluttering for me. Well, I may try to declutter some emails and files on my phone while we are traveling. Digital decluttering counts! I find that down time in lines and doctor appointments is a great time to clean up files. Don't forget the Photos on your phone. Do we really need all those photos of grocery store items we texted to someone? I think not (talking to myself here)! Yes!! I have quite a bit I can clear off my phone. I need to go through my Contacts list - do I really need the number of the catering manager from my job from 10 years ago?!? 🤣 |
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Post by rymeswithpurple on Jan 27, 2024 21:29:11 GMT
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jan 27, 2024 21:35:02 GMT
**GypsyGirl** "Child of depression era parent(s)? I am and still hear my mom saying not to toss things"
Grandparents lived through the Depression, but I can't blame that. My parents didn't hold onto the "keep everything just in case" mentality.
I grew up with a squeaky tight budget, and new things (even new-to-me, from a thrift shop) were not guaranteed.
I'm by no means wealthy now, but I feel comfortable in the knowledge that I can buy undies for all of us on a whim.
And yet, my brain wants me to overthink.
Interesting tidbit that this post made me remember:
Because my grandparents lived through the Depression, they saved anything that could ever nominally have a reuse. All very neatly organized in their basement. Even with everything in there, I would never consider them hoarders. Especially since the only place it was contained was the basement. The rest of the house was like a museum, clean and elegantly decorated.
After they had passed away, and it was time to sell the house, I helped my parents clean it out.
Some of the things that were down there:
empty milk jugs twist ties, probably by the thousands large plastic yogurt containers, with their lids bolts of fabric, mouse chewed (grandmother had been an amazing seamstress, but age sometimes get to us) jars for canning, which they had done profusely in their younger and middle age years.
Obviously, the stuff went into the garbage and recycling.
It makes me remember to not keep now stuff for my kids for future homes. They are not going to want or need today's era stuff. There will be better stuff. And stuff that sits in disuse tends to get ruined by age or pests.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jan 27, 2024 22:01:28 GMT
It makes me remember to not keep now stuff for my kids for future homes. They are not going to want or need today's era stuff. There will be better stuff. And stuff that sits in disuse tends to get ruined by age or pests.
Excellent advice! I try to remind myself of this, especially with my sewing and quilting supplies. DD, nor a single one of her cousins, is the least bit interested in sewing or quilting. Makes me sad because I come from a long line - on both sides - of talented seamstresses and quilters and I am the last. I'm making a real effort to downsize my stash and pass things along to others who can use it now. |
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Post by lg on Jan 28, 2024 0:40:58 GMT
Lg,if you have any more cracked Tupperware contact a Tupperware rep. It is guaranteed not to break and will be replaced. If you then don’t want it you can donate it. They were cracked as I dropped them (so not covered by the warranty) and in Australia Tupperware is almost dead/bankrupt due to their shoddy business practices especially around replacements of “lifetime” items. I bought them as they have a lifetime guarantee but decided to recycle them and end the relationship. I tried the replace in the past but the item they replaced my collapsible bowl with (key word being collapsible!) was nothing like the original (large, not collapsible, no lid when mine had a lid etc so did not function at all the same as the original) and was in an offensive orange colour (no wonder they had it spare in the factory) AND I had to pay $20 postage for the privilege. Nope, no way, never again. And I say this as a person who has a whole pantry decked out in Tupperware, my craft items are stored in super rectangle modular mates, I stalked USA eBay listing for the door mounted pantry spice rack from the 80’s and I ordered the half sized oval modular mates just because from the USA too - I love the stuff and even had my kitchen tea as a Tupperware party. The ship has sailed on this loyal customer. |
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Jan 28, 2024 1:38:01 GMT
I joined a Facebook group called declutter 365 because I thought it was the one that Dewryce has been posting. I don’t think it is, but some of the ladies over there must have depression era parents because they try to find a way to salvage any tiny—even if you are donating. For example, someone asked about what to do with old sports trophies. People gave a few different ways to donate (like finding a trophy shop or giving to Girl Scouts or something). I appreciate the intention of not throwing things away, but if I had to think about where to donate every little thing, it wouldn’t get done. I’m trying to get in the mindset of just get it out of my house asap because I really struggle with that part.
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Post by dewryce on Jan 28, 2024 3:21:06 GMT
lg That sucks, I’m sorry. I’d be super disappointed if The Container Store started having bad customer service. I’ve invested a lot of money in a lot of their signature items (and pretty much everything in the store) for over 30 years now, and one of the things I love most about them besides quality is their amazing customer service. I joined a Facebook group called declutter 365 because I thought it was the one that Dewryce has been posting. I don’t think it is, but some of the ladies over there must have depression era parents because they try to find a way to salvage any tiny—even if you are donating. For example, someone asked about what to do with old sports trophies. People gave a few different ways to donate (like finding a trophy shop or giving to Girl Scouts or something). I appreciate the intention of not throwing things away, but if I had to think about where to donate every little thing, it wouldn’t get done. I’m trying to get in the mindset of just get it out of my house asap because I really struggle with that part. Yeah, you only have so much bandwidth. If you can go that far, great! But your family & home come first so if finding specific homes for odd items takes you out of the right mindset or stops your progress, you do what you’ve got to do. The declutter calendar I’m using is from My Simpler Life. She does offer a declutter group, which includes a one night a week focused chat, and a Facebook group. Or, it did when I did it in 2020 or 2021. There isn’t one scheduled right now but you might be able to sign up and be notified. Like many of these things, I imagine what you get out of it depends on how much time you can put into it, how involved you are, and the group you’re with. My group posted a lot of photos. And just by virtue of the fact that I paid for it (was pretty cheap) and was pretty involved in the FB Group and chat we finally got rid of the last of our final huge declutter, including the items we sold. It was quite a bit over all, including some pretty large items, and many of them had been sitting in our garage for over 10 years. It was worth it to me. Dawn (Minimalist Mom), Cas (Clutterbug) and Dana (a Slob Comes Clean) have a class Take Your House Back. I’m really interested in it, but not for the cost of almost $600. If I had a lot to do and had a hard time decluttering I probably would pay that because they have live all day declutter sessions (8 hours) some Saturdays. And you get access to those during your class sessions, but also to those going back to 2020. Then for $10 a year you can get live access to those that occur for that year. So if you’re someone who needs guidance and company while you declutter it could be really helpful and just what you need to really make an impact. Last September it went on sale for under $100. I’m going to keep an eye out for that again and will let y’all know if I see it.
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Post by dewryce on Jan 28, 2024 3:37:52 GMT
I got bupkus done today because I was playing with my craft paint. But we had a pretty productive evening. I got an entire garage hanging shelving unit (7 feet wide and from floor to ceiling) decluttered and reorganized a bit. Got rid of a lot. Didn’t wipe it down, or the things on it, or make labels. So again, patting myself on the back for not being such a perfectionist but just jumping in and doing what I could! There’s a lot more breathing room on all of the shelves and in the 6 drawers. Made room for the cleaning supplies I wanted to move out there. And decluttered and reorganized my cleaning shelf and a half in the pantry. Also picked up and organized a bit in the rest of the garage.
We have a 9 or 10 foot built in buffet that’s the depth of kitchen cabinets and most of it is covered in things to donate. By Monday night I bet it will be. I also worked on packing some of that to donate and give to friends and family. On it are items from a shelf above the fridge (Granma’s punch bowl & cups as I’m past the age of throwing showers and the like. My sister claimed them), and 2 shelves worth of items from above my stovetop including a lot of canning jars and a set of dishes and mugs we no longer need. Feels great!
Tomorrow is back to dot painting and I’ll pick up decluttering again on Monday.
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Post by Linda on Jan 28, 2024 3:52:58 GMT
Finishing up the iris box of random photos - I have about 2 dozen 4x6s and about the same of 8x10ish left to label and then I have to sort the big pile of 4x6 and put them in the Iris photo cases by year. 4x6s are labelled and sorted and put away by year - putting away was a project in itself. I'll tackle the 8x10s either tonight or tomorrow |
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WHOA does that make a huge difference! If anyone has a dark corner with one sad, dim overhead light, I would highly recommend.
My last Belgian had a thing for my left shoes (never the right) and my bras. The current dog was nicknamed Piranha Dog. He killed a couple of pair of leather boat shoes, a slipcover while it was ON the sofa, among many other items. 
