Community Chat

[deepwaterdotter]

Visiting with family while enjoying Chinese carryout and American dessert.

[jlkz]

@tansy 

I now have my " small, dressy " purses ( rarely used anymore ) stored side by side in a soft woven fabric basket which I store on a higher shelf since I rarely need to access it.  I cover the top with a hand towel which can be shaken out when needed if dusty.

My leather shoulder bags are hung on sturdy 3M hooks either along the walls of the regular coat closet ( out of season ).

Since I have a cape / poncho collection for the winter and fall, I use cascading hooks so they keep their shape and I get to see which one I want.  If you go this route, make sure that the rod you use to hand them on is well-secured to the walls.  The hanging items can get very heavy.

The hooks should be available on the A.  The overall effect is one of organization,  visual appreciation, great utilization of space, and highly functional.

I also have a collection of beaded long necklaces which I hang from 3M hooks on the three walls supporting my small makeup area.  An ottoman with storage for " work clothes " is tucked under the makeup top.  Jewelry stay neat, clean, untangled and easy to see.

On the very highest shelf, I have all my boxed Christmas stained glass window pieces and my small fiber optic tree, all covered by a small velour blanket.  Out of the way, covered and ready for easy access next December.

Out of season shoes are stored in matching, soft-sided square baskets ( Goodwill ! ) on a higher shelf.

Hope this helps with your 2026 project !

[tansy]

Good suggestions, @jlkz. I did hang my most worn necklaces near my nightstand. I have bracelets stored in a pretty glass bowl near the front door. I find I slip one on more often.

I have a number of sweaters and am looking at those hanging cloth gizmos.

[jlkz]

@bmorechick 

I make 2 or 3 huge batches of pasta sauce each year and freeze in ziploc bags and a few small plastic cups ( latter for a quick meatball sandwich ).  

You might have a more leisurely approach to the big day by just heating the frozen sauce.  What you said about the sauce being more delicious the next day is absolutely true: the flavors "marry."

Enjoy the day 🎄🎄🎄🎄⛄️🍷🥂🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🏈🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🥂🥂🍷🍷🎄🎄🎄🎄🥂🥂

[drizzellla]

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@Shanus wrote:

@qualitygal   After Christmas, I begin my winter clothing clean out. I did a lot before the big move and see there's still too much I never wear. Life is quite informal as I get older.

I do this during the year keeping a large tote in my closet for "donate". DH wants it donated by the end of the year for taxes.

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How True.

When I retired I did a huge purge of my nicer dress and work clothes. I took 3 car loads of donations. I knew I would not need so many dresses, skirts, suits, sweaters and dress shoes. 

Thought I did enough. Not even close. I do not think I have worn anything in the last 3 years that couldn't be washed in the washer. I have not worn any wool skirts, slacks or jackets, shirts that needed ironing or put on a pair of pantyhose. Even funerals and weddings seem to be more casual.

Did a purge of winter jackets a few weeks ago. We had to, we couldn't fit any more jackets in the hall closet. Time to keep going to bedroom closet.

[LavernLuvsShoes]

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@beckyb1012 wrote:

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... That New Year's Eve, I partied like it was 1999 and it was 1999. 

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I literally Laughed Out Loud, Girlfriend. 

[LuvmyLab]

After the hectic holiday season, I’ll be resting and relaxing.

[RedTop]

I will be continuing my focus on just breathing and taking life one day at a time with gratitude.  This time last year my husband was in his last days with us, but determined to see the new year.  Once he knew he made it into 2025, he was ready to let go.  

I miss my husband more than words can say, and yes there is sadness remembering this time last year when we worked so hard to make our last Christmas with him as normal as possible.  However, I have always made Christmas in this house about the reason for the season, and am determined to keep celebrating His birth and not let sadness and grief overtake this very special holiday with my family.  

[happilyretiredgirl]

Sleep and not clean my house....lol 

[QVCkitty1]

No plans , we will just wing it !