1 Review presents and hostess gifts
Of course your friends and family love you and were grateful for your hospitality, but no doubt you don't really need all the tokens of affection you received. Surely someone else could make better use of that collection of tea, those pot holders or that picture frame? Hold on to what you love, by all means, but get rid of the rest by dropping it off at Goodwill, Value Village or your favourite charity.
2 Tapers, tea lights, scented...
Candles make the season and since you've probably gone through a whack of them, replace your stock now. They don't have a shelf life so it'll be one less thing to shop for next year.
3 Move the furniture
You may be surprised what you find there. Take the cushions off sofas and chairs, vacuum along the wall behind the furniture and then turn your attention to the inside of the furniture itself. After the hosting you've done, no doubt it needs it.
4 Sort your CDs
Are there songs or compilations you wish you'd had at your last get-together? Are there CDs you just never listen to anymore? Now's the time to get rid of those and make a list of the titles you want to add to your collection. Look online –- some of your favourites may be on sale now.
5 Clean out the fridge
All those half bottles of olives, maraschino cherries, and other garnishes that you use only for special occasions… Those opened containers of sauces, dips and marinades that don't work with weekday meals… why hold on to them? The next time you need them, they will probably have passed their best-before date. Either plan menus around them or get rid of them and don't feel guilty about it.
Image courtesy of Crate and Barrel
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8 Comments
What a sadly materialistic and wasteful world we live in. Everything must be perfect, so buy, buy, buy! If your stock of candles is low, rush out and buy more now - think how terrible it would be if you didn't have any pretty scented candles next Christmas. And what a relief that those broken decorations give us an excuse to go shopping again!
I enjoyed this article and I think csdax needs to lighten up. Maybe some pretty scented candles will help!
If you don't want to shop, don't shop but the article was well written and some of these reminders are great to get done before you forget and most importantly while some of these items will be on sale! So relax csdax and if it's not what you're into, nothing to worry about.
I think csdax woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I found this article very useful. Does it mean that I am rushing out to buy STUFF? no but it is a great reminder to dump those cds that are taking up all of that dead space, and no I don't need candles, I know I owns them, I just couldn't find them over the holidays so this article reminded me to locate them. p.s. scented candles in January make me feel better!
Smile [csdax], I'm sure there's a a Value Village in your area to take advantage of (^^)...and no I'm not being hypocritical. I went through an uplifting 'purge' before the holidays...I couldn't understand why we as a culture enjoy, or more importantly-encourage- buying bulk amounts of things right after we use them up (the only annoying thing about costco!). I think what the real message is use what you already have before you give into the tempting sales right after new years and christmas. If you use what you bought awhile ago then you can check out the new materials/trends for 2009 without feeling guilty because of your full-to-exploding pantry or closet back home. Hope everyone has a great January, and indulges in the new trends while saving money by using what you already have! Take care! ~. Kaleigh
I am printing the whole calender out so I can try...laugh... I mean TRY to follow some good advise...it helps me with things and if I cant afford a lot of this advise being on a disability pention I sure appresheat the idea that I may find some ones unwanted gifts at the Goodwill or Bible thrift etc... three cheers for bargain stores...;-) Heidi12
Me again there is one good thing about Januarys...that is the feeling you get when all is put away and you get a good thank you letter in the mail about the last Christmas party open house... heidi12
nicely written, great ideas...and lots of work ahead! Happy New Year!