Thursday, November 3, 2016

THE BEST ADVICE FOR DECLUTTERING YOUR HOME, FILLING IT WITH MORE BOOKS AND THROWING A FEW BABIES IN


Hello November.  I am so happy to see you in all your glory (finally).  I wish I had a picture of the yellow leaves from the many walnut trees in my backyard.  It's a natural carpet.  Sometimes when I let the dogs out and stand on the porch it seems to be raining leaves.  We've had a lot of rain lately and I absolutely love how the leaves are matted to the ground, glistening and showing no sign of being swept away.  

I'm also loving bringing out my sweaters and boots.  I like small doses of muted colors, there's something about the earthy colors and layers.  Are we mimicking fall?  Wanting to stand out against the cold gray skies of winter?  We know how to dress for the elements here.  And we're smart.  And of course, I love an excuse to switch up my wardrobe.  

I want to share an article I recently read online.  I think you guys know that I devour information; fact, fiction, trivia, pop culture and history...you name it.  I thought I'd share some links here and there  in some of my posts in case the subjects interests you.  

Perusing Yahoo News, I came across an article regarding the 'correct age' a woman should stop wearing jeans.  Did your jaw just drop?  Read the article here.   

***

Now you know I wasn't going to post without mentioning the big win by the Chicago Cubs last night.    What a game.  Emotions were up and down much like we were from our seats (or stools).  We (mostly family) met at an Irish pub that my sister in law owns here on the Southside. and had a nice table in front of several TV screens.  I loved that one was closed captioned.  We had a ball; pizza, buckets of beer and lots of high fives.  I nearly didn't go out at all and I'm so glad I did.




Me and Abby.  I'm the one with my hat askew.  

Emily couldn't be there as she s due to have the baby any time now.  Son Jeff has been literally flying back and forth between Chicago and Cleveland.  He Face Timed us around the 8th inning.  I could be wrong but I sort of felt he wished he were here with us in Chicago celebrating although there wasn't a huge lack of Cub fan at Progressive Field.  

What a night!  The parade is tomorrow.  I had an appointment downtown and rescheduled it.  It will be craaaaaazy.  Abby. who lives just a few blocks from Wrigley Field has been a regular guest here.  Even when the Cubs were away, the celebrating in Wrigleyville was loud.  As our mayor, Rahm Emanuel said, "For once we don't have to say, 'Well, there's always next year'!"




No, no, no.  I am not wrapping Christmas gifts yet, I pulled this from last years photo files.  I was thinking about the reasons I didn't decorate for fall.  Other than some little pumpkins and a basket of apples, nothing.  On Halloween (was that just four days ago?) I went downstairs to my storage/hoarding room to find an orange scarf I like to put on Milo.  The room is chaotic with messy cartons and bins which were once categorized by the seasons and holidays.  It has become an aching pain in the arse as it's such a disaster and it's going to take forever to get in order.  In order to have decorated with some of the really cute things I have for fall, I would have had to move some of the clutter from my living spaces.  That would mean bringing it down to storage and making a bigger mess.  I'm spewing secrets here.  

I have a major goal to declutter before Thanksgiving.  I am going to pack up everything I don't need or hold close to my heart and add it to the lakehouse pieces for the lake garage sale in June.  Need is the key word here.  No matter which store I walk into; Target, HomeGoods, Kohls or Marshall's...there is never really going to be anything I need.  What I need is a diversion for when I feel cooped up.  This mess has finally caught up with me.  

I hear so many of us say that we are going to go lighter on this or that holiday, we are going to purge clutter.  Boy, I'm right there with everyone else.  I'm on a mission now and I hope as these next few months go by that I can share some of the things I'm going to do to resolve this problem.  In the meantime I want to share another article I read that might give you food for thought.  It's about clutter and you can find it here.  I've read many similar articles on this subject but this actually makes sense.  See a little pattern going on?  I want to pass some interesting ideas along to you as I find them relating to my life.  Simply click the link if you think it might be interesting.  



I am super influenced when a blogger recommends a book, in this case, books.  In a short description I can decide if it sounds interesting to me.  I then go to Amazon and read the low down and reviews.  Sometimes I hit the Order Now and the following day it's on my porch.  These books are by author Ellen Stimson.  To quote the cover of her first book, Mud Season: "How one woman's dream of  moving to Vermont, raising children, chickens and sheep and running The Old Country Store, pretty much led to one calamity after another."  And there is a continuation of her story in Good Grief.  The last book is a great hardcover of the author's traditions, recipes and photos for an old fashioned Christmas.  

I want to thank Courtney who writes the blog Golden Boys And Me, who made me dive in head first to order.  I can't wait to curl up in my favorite chair once the wind starts to howl and immerse myself in these books.   And by the way, you will love Courtney's blog so sign up to follow!



I so apologize for not giving you the correct link for the newspaper, The Reporter, that I will now be writing for.  I was really chuffed that some of you wanted to have a peek.  This is the correct website.  As far as viewing  the paper online, you will need to check that out...I don't think it will be for free.  After my article is published the third week of every month I think I'll post it here if you'd like.  

I can write between 500 to 600 words in my column.  When I submitted my article yesterday (and believe me, I had writer's block and extreme anxiety beforehand), I used a website called Word Counter Tool.  I had to revise and edit my article a few times as I kept going over my allotment.  I know all of you are well aware that my blog posts are veeeeeeery long.  For the heck of it I copy and pasted my December 2015 article for the Michigan newspaper on the website.  That's it above.  I knew it had to my longest article and yep, hang on to your hats... 16,616 words.  I've often felt I don't write posts, I write essays.  If you guys skip or skim I totally don't blame you.  



On that note I'm going to wind this post up.  And it is with something that is very special.  Son Kevin and Mary Clare are expecting another baby in May!  I am so, so excited for them.  Elsie will have a little brother or sister.  They are just so good at parenting, I just know that as their family grows, we will all be blessed.  So... three of my four kids are expecting.  The odds against something like that is  like the odds against the Cubs winning!  Emily and Mike are ready for Madelyn Elsie to be here next week.  Son Jeff and Deirdre will welcome their baby in early February, and then Kevin and MC will add to their little family in May.  It is raining babies!  Say a prayer for all of these special people.  I'll keep you posted!

See you all soon!

Jane x



P.S.  On a totally different side note I want to mention something about what I wrote in my last post regarding finding a ton of my treasures in the dumpster at the lakehouse.  I think the way I worded it made it looks like The Husband had tossed this stuff away and that's my fault.  So I have to correct myself and let you know it wasn't him (believe me, he'd be walking bent over right now).  The service people hired by the insurance company cleaned out a section of the garage that had water damage.  Sadly, it looks as if they were in a hurry as they tossed a lot of good stuff.  Gladly I was able to salvage most of it.  

39 comments:

Susie said...

Blondie, I am thrilled the Cubs won. I love your hometown. Oh my gosh, that's lots of new babies to sniff on. LOL. I love to smell their sweet little necks. Our granddaughter Lynzie mother to Max is expecting again in May. Max will be one and a half when the new baby arrives. I thought that was soon...but Lynzie and Mark wanted the children close together. You are going to be a busy Nana. I am trying my best to de-clutter too. I plan on doing lots , if the winter is a bad one...I'll just start boxing things up and hauling to goodwill. I'll be reading your articles. :):) Blessings to all of you, xoxo, Susie

Unknown said...

All around congratulations! Grandbabies galore and cousins close to age, very nice!
I like to read, so essays are find and you're certainly a good read:).
I've really scaled down on my seasonal decor and less tubs to contend with, a bit freeing.
Yahoo! The 7th game was nail-biting to the end. Congratulations to the Cubs!
Life is good, Kathleen in Az

Melanie said...

We are still riding on a high from the Cub's win! Such excitement. I can't even imagine being downtown today with all those people!

Good luck on your decluttering. I've done pretty well this past year with getting rid of stuff, but it's my basement that still needs work. It's never-ending! It's where I keep all my home decor and seasonal stuff and it still needs more weeding out and then organizing.

Such exciting news that Kevin and Mary Clare are expecting another baby! Your family is growing by leaps and bounds, all of a sudden. You are blessed!

Stonecropsister said...

Hi Jane,
It's wonderful news about all the babies to come! You must be so happy. I'm glad you enjoyed the Cubs-win celebration. I watched the game and it was a nail biter for sure, and it is such a nice thing to see how excited people are when their team wins. So it is great that you were able to enjoy sharing this excitement in person. xx Nancy

podso said...

Yea for the Cubs! What a win, what a game. I'm sure all the celebrations are fun. thanks for the links to the declutter stuff, always good to read and be inspired. I try to do a smidgeon each day. Hope you have a good weekend! We've finally gotten some cooler weather and my, does it put a spring in one's step!

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Hi Jane, what a great post. Loved all the information you wrote about. I love jeans and I get the ones that are best for old ladies. LOL My attire for winter is jeans with big warm sweaters and my Bearpaws.

My garage sounds like your basement. I had it all organized and now it looks like it's stirred by a spoon. I got rid of a work bench and a long low chest of drawers with a built in desk. So I had to go through all 6 drawers and purge or store crap. Now I need to go down there again. Never ends.

Congratulations on all the babies that are arriving to your family. How very exciting.

So glad that you were able to save some of your items at the Lake House.

Oh those Cubs, how great is that. I am so happy for them.

Congratulation on your article for the paper, you go girl.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Hugs,
Mary

Scribbler said...

Love reading your blog -- so much real life! I always feel like I am right there with you. Thought you might like to know that those Morning Glories are doing their thing yet again, here in November in Alabama. We are having such crazy weather down South, still hot and no rain. I am thrilled that the Cubs won, and I don't usually care about sports at all. The Hubs is a sports fanatic, but I am always a champion of the underdog. Congratulations on all the new babies. Now if my son could just get with it......

Kim said...

Babies are wonderful, Jane...congratulations to you! Your house is going to be exploding with the laughter of cousins very soon!! Now I am off to read whether or not I should still be wearing jeans! ;) I'm a little afraid to find out.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I read that article about not wearing jeans over 53....how rude! Anyhow, I am also decluttering. Congrats to the Cubs! It was a well deserved win.

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

I haven't read the articles (but I will). I have to say from the comments that it sounds ridiculous about not wearing jeans over 53! WTF??

Your family is growing by leaps and bounds Jane and I'm so happy for you. :).

You look adorable in your little askew hat, and a big congrats to Chicago on their win!

xxx

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

I'm back :). I read the article and it didn't say anything about not wearing jeans over 53. In fact, it said the right jeans can be worn at any age. Dor a second I thought I was going to have to burn my jeans ;).

Bluebird49 said...

Hey kiddo--your basement sounds not as bad as my attic, because there is no worse than that. I try not to think about it, because I am not allowed to go up those pull down steps since I started falling again this past year. My first blood clot--back 20 years ago really slowed me down some. Back then, though, I was in my 40s, my daughter was still living, and my son was getting married in June of 1996. I stayed in the hospital for over 6 weeks that year...getting out just in time for the wedding, (wheelchair and all.) This time 20 years later--I'm in my 60s and nothing is the same --- after every year now! ;)

Honey-I am so thrilled to hear about the new announcement of a new grandchild! Your "grand-nest" is not empty at all, is it??!
Oddly, my brothers were 10 and 5 years older than me, their "little" sister. They both had children the same year as I. (1 each...1 boy and 2 girls--1966!) Mama and Daddy had 1 new grandson, and 2 new granddaughters all in that one year. They were "their first batch of grands!" My older brother and I added another boy each in 1972 and 73. Then there were five!
My parents were having the time of their lives. Ed's parents had 9 children, and so they had already had a bunch of grands! So, I am so happy for you and the Husband.<3

Jen Kershner said...

Congratulations on another blessing on the way! Your family is growing by leaps and bounds! So much happiness!

ann said...

Three cheers for the Cubs, a long time coming and what a celebration. Wow. I know exactly what you mean by clearing the clutter and not buying anymore stuff. You have to come that realization a lot sooner than I did. Our stuff does tend to weight us down emotionally and physically. Congregations on a new grand baby. Writer's Block is a scourge when you have a deadline and a word count to meet. I don't know of a writer who doesn't suffer. I'll get around to reading your article, but right now I am off to start my day. Remind me if I forget.

sweetbriardreams said...

Sitting here Jane with a cozy jumper on, leggings and boots! Love this time of year and the comfortable fashions hiding away all the lumps and bumps, no matter what the age! :) So many congratulations on the growth of your family, a great one to be born into. Have a wonderful weekend my lovely xx

Rita C at Panoply said...

So glad to hear the backstory of how the lake house stuff was tossed and recovered! Raining babies, congratulations! Cubs winning, congratulations! Stop wearing jeans? Never! I am forever trying to declutter and, as much as I talk clutter, I really feel like my things are each in their place (but the Mr. would definitely disagree). My way of decluttering is just a little different, I guess. I keep things purchased for resale - foster - just because I love them so much. Truth is, they may never see display in my home, so eventually I let them go. It's that clutter that gives me the most anxiety, simply because I want to keep but still don't display it. That's where lazy comes in, I suppose. Have a great weekend, Jane!

Helen said...

Raining babies ~~ sounds delightful!

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Wow! It really is raining babies over there! Congrats all around and sending up prayers for perfect pregnancies and deliveries. Too funny about the jeans...I'm almost afraid to peek at the article. :)

HWIT BLOGG said...

What a lovely post and I just love visiting your blog! Great pictures too...
Have a happy Halloween!
Titti

Mereknits said...

Good news all around, salvaged items, new babies and a Cubs win! Hooray!!1

Carla from The River said...

YAY for the Cubs. We cheered all night long.

I will be praying for your babies. That is so fun for your family. I think you are an amazing mom. I love how close your family is. My family is not close, and my husband's side is not as well. We are praying our boys and us stay close. I just love how close your family is...oops already said that, but it means a lot to me.

Kit said...

Hello! The whole time I was watching the last game, my hubby asked me who I wanted to win. I told him the Cubs since I had a friend in Chicago (you!). So happy for all of you. And even more happy for all the babies that are coming, that is incredible! Purging will make you feel so good. I no longer buy decor, and I tell my kids to just give me small items as gifts. I feel so light and free now. Hang in there. Kit

Lynne said...

250 or 16,000 . . . I'll be reading . . .
Enjoying your style!
"Raining babies" and all . . .
What fun the future holds with all those little ones in the mix . . .
Go Cubs Go was the "name of the game" around here too.
Memories of my dad floated through my mind and ears as I
watched and listened . . .
What a series . . . What a victory . . ,

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Congratulations on another new baby-to-be in your beautiful family, Jane! And congratulations on the win for the Cubs! I think everyone (and their brother) watched this game and although we were so sorry for the other team, we were so rooting for the Cubs. I thought it was particularly poignant when I heard that women didn't even have the right to vote the last time the Cubs won. I read the 'jeans' article and I had to laugh.....of course it was written by a lovely young thing....how our outlook changes over the years. I do agree that there are some women who take their attempts to look younger a little bit far, but to give up our jeans? I don't think so. I am interested to hear how you manage the clutter. I have a whole room devoted to clutter, too. It really does bring the spirits down to look at it. I suppose we just have to be disciplined and not bring any more home. That's the hard part. Love seeing you with your sweet girl and seeing your son and pretty wife. Isn't it wonderful to see them thriving and starting their own families? I'll be looking for your articles. Good to know the hubs wasn't responsible for the dumpster dive. Take care xx Karen

Deb from frugal little bungalow said...

Oh my it is raining babies indeed! If they keep it up you will have your own little baseball team down the line! :)

Lisa said...

Jane your life is so full right now! You will soon be crawling in granbabies and I couldn't think of a more wonderful thing to be crawling in!!!
Ps congrats on the Cubs! I had my fingers crossed for y'all!

CoCo said...

Jane,

So exciting to hear of the new baby on the way! And can we just talk about the Cubs for a second? I can't believe they pulled it off...hello, chill bumps. I know from first hand experience that decluttering your house is a fulfilling journey. I started decluttering last year, myself and while I can't say every drawer, nook and cranny is perfect it is so much better than it used to be AND my heart is a little bit lighter too.

Have the best day,
CoCo

It's me said...

Happy new week...love Ria x

Nancy's Notes said...

Raining babies, how wonderful and so very exciting!!! Your life is so full of love, what a blessing!!

Linda said...

I am sooooo jealous Jane...fabulous news!
Cheers!
Linda :o)

Rachel said...

This post is so seasonal, I love it! And SO many warm congratulations, how exciting!!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Congrats on the new expected baby, Jane! How exciting! I started decluttering awhile back, but have kinda quit until our daughter gets moved out and into the other house we're hoping to have ready for her soon. Then I'll have more time and room to work with here. Lots more, lol! She's got a lot of stuff here since she was married before and brought a lot of it back home. We were happy about the Cubs win, what an exciting last game! Whew!

Benita said...

Congratulations!! I know you are thrilled! And I may be ordering the Christmas book...I love all things Christmas...and all things Fall....LOL Hope you are doing well! Love and hugs to you!

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Oh, boy, Jane, more babies in your family. How wonderful and exciting. So glad you got to go dumpster diving and save some of your valuables. Congrats on your column. That is really exciting..Happy Wednesday..Judy

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Jane, We are big Cubs fans here and so glad they won. It was a well deserved win.
Congrats on the new babies on the way. So glad you could recover some of your treasures thrown out. I read the jeans article and lots to think about with that one. I would be lost without my jeans, but then again, I do try and wear age appropriate styles.
Best wishes on your column. You are one talented writer. Your post pics are always fun to see.
Hugs

bj said...

Congratulations on new babies..nothing as fun as waiting for a birth...I haven't had a pair of jeans in years but am getting some for the winter. xoxo

Unknown said...

Your blog post is really very informative and interesting too. You detailed everything very well.

Rockville MD Professional Organizer

Stacey said...

Jane, I think it's just awesome that you are writing for the newspaper. You do have a gift for wonderful writing.

Decluttering....girl we just went from a big house to a tiny rent house. All this has done is point out to us that we have too much stuff! I need to be like a real blogger and revamp everything we own instead of buying anything else. Maybe.... :)

Congrats on the expected grandbaby. Your family has had some wonderful times in the last year or two. :)

thepoutingpensioner said...

Hi, I'm a newbie to your blog. Wow, there's a lot to devour, but devour I will as your blog is very giving. I definitely need to declutter - must make my house and my life lighter. Congratulations on all the babies, that really is a baby shower!
Though not American, I've been to Wrigley Park, and I did in fact have the t shirt but I bought too optimistically small so it sadly ended up in a charity shop bag. So I know that the place is electric on any "normal day" so there must have been a cosmic storm on that very special day. I'm pleased for you all!