When you left Maine you inspired me to declutter, thanks to you Darlene I managed to downsize from a big farmhouse in France and relocate to an another country- Scotland. You kept me going. Thank you !
A Mystery Quilt Block sounds so fun! I especially love the decluttering. I think it’s so interesting how you are a perfectionist in certain things but not in quilting or crochet , which I love because I really can’t watch the perfectionist crafters, they give me anxiety. I love your “we can make it work” attitude.
Thank you for sharing your process to tackle a project that so often we can choose to ignore because it seems so overwhelming... I have been inspired to try your method on a few things here at home that have caused me stress thinking of how to start. I will be attempting to get these several things done that have haunted me... Thank you!!
I get distracted by clutter, to the point I become anxious and I can't deal with it. I've learned, over 59 years, that if I focus on one spot, then I can clean and organize and once I get started I can get a good bit done. I have to have lists too. I do it on my computer and print it out....I try to do things that will knock out multiple things at once....I love seeing the things checked off. I'm very much a planner. When I was in the hospital, I was planning on what I needed when I got home to make sure I could do the things that needed to get done....now my husband has broken his leg and ankle. (5 breaks) and it has sent me for a loop.....I'm getting better because we are conquering things one day at a time to make sure he can get what he needs. I'm going back to work next week, so I just need to know he will be ok. Don't laugh, but the bottoms of the Velveeta cheese boxes, or Walmart brand, makes great organizers.
This past fall, I learned about Project Dress a Girl. In a month, made 12 dresses for girls in poverty around the world ranging in size from toddler to teen. I used up a lot of my cottons (that’s one of criteria) and there are a lot of free patterns. Just an idea for donations. You ship them all to an ambassador who coordinates distribution. This year I hope to make 2 dresses a month in preparation to donate them at the end of September.
Hi Darlene. Your Maine decluttering really helped me because at the time I had my late mother's entire houseful of furniture and property in my own house and I could not bear to throw any away. I took baby steps, just filling one box every day or so, then taking it to the charity store straight away. It was very painful, but once the box had gone I never thought of it again. The same with perfectionism - if I can't make a major advance in a project I find it very hard to start at all, and yet it always surprises me how much can suddenly be done once a start is made.
I have the same problem, Darlene. I want perfection in everything, too. Didn't realize my hoarding is a sign of this. If I can't do it right and RIGHT NOW, I don't do it. I'm listening to you and trying your "baby steps."" I too am starting in the bathroom Keep helping me along! Thanks so much. ❤
After my parents died, I moved with most of their things to the UK. That was over ten years ago. I still struggle to part from them. Was diagnosed with ‘detachment disorder’. This hurt. I decided to detach myself from that therapist instead. - Kudos to all of you guys who can drastically declutter. I’m just not there yet.
I completely understand! I’m also a perfectionist! Due to health issues that my husband and I are recovering from, everything seems to be out of sorts here. I like your idea of taking it in small bites! I get easily overwhelmed when there’s so much to do! It can be paralyzing for me! I use lists all the time. I need to see my progress by checking things off the list. I would love to see a mystery quilt block series and your methods for organizing! Thank you!
You are so encouraging n I can’t wait to declutter n get organized especially since I can’t find anything when I need it. I will be watching your videos n I love the ideas of the butter boxes. Look forward for more of your great ideas. 😊
Hi Darlene! I really enjoyed this video! There is so much that you talk about that makes me feel like I'm not alone with struggling to do small things like just decluttering a bit at a time. I struggle a lot with that. So many people just don't get it or think it's ok to bully those of us who do struggle with some things in life. I watched your series of leaving Maine and it is amazing what a strong-willed woman you are. I think you have a lot of awesome ideas for things to do in the new year like quilts, crocheting, or anything else. I'm on board and look forward to your videos for the new year. You really are an inspiration to me, and I just want to say thank you for being you! "HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025! "
I will be trying to declutter my house as well. Thank you for sharing your ideas. That helps a lot. Happy New year to you both and Rocket. Have a wonderful night whether you stay home or go out.
Darlene, you kept hitting my buttons! I just kept saying, "That is just like me!!" Thank you for letting me know, that I can get somethings done, even when I don't want to. You make me feel a little saner. LOL
I love to declutter . Before I go to bed at night I come up with a plan for something to clean the next day. Love opening a clean drawer or closet! Thanks for sharing! Happy New Year!
Thank you for the awesome decluttering, tidying, organising & cleaning tips 😃! I would like to implement something like this in my life. I also think it would help my partner a lot, who has ADHD & really struggles with all of that. I'm excited to see more of your videos on this topic 😁.
Happy New Year from north west of England. I like your ideas darlene. I started to watch you around a year before you left Maine. i too struggle with throwing things away and tackling jobs in the house. anyway, I shall be following you throughout the coming year. Kind regards,Ann x
Have a designated place for your present stash! I finally found my stash from three years ago for this year. A family tradition when we open Christmas presents, we give out all the birthday, Mother's day, graduations we missed, just before we open Christmas. Lol, we are a family of ADHD people.
Must be different in different places. The rule here in Ontario, Canada, is that we can give out the canned food up until 12 months past the best before date. When I ran the food bank/pantry pre-world-shut down, I had a shelf that had things that were coming up to the 12 month mark, and they could take those as extras just to get them out the door. I had received donations that were past the 12 months, and we weren't allowed to hand those out. I was on welfare at the time, and the pastor(my boss) said I could take them home. I just gave out the last of what I had a few months ago, and she was so thrilled to get it.
Darlene, I’ve been “Facebook and UA-camd around you” for a while now. I do not think you really realize you are still very wired with your mom’s traumatic untrue thoughts of you. 😢 Seriously, you have so much awesomeness in you! You’re pretty, creative, clever, humble, humorous, and intelligent! I pray one day you will see who you really are - and to A LOT of people!❤ Happy New Year to you, Joe, Darrick, LeShell and Skylar, and the fur baby! Love and hugs ❤🤗!
I'm fully aware. I realize it all. I will always be wired this way and that's okay. I'm not trying to fix that because it's who I am. I just try to make changes to my surroundings in a way that helps me to relax a bit.
I did the 10 minutes thing for quite a while but there were times I hated the 10 minutes so much that I stopped. I had to take that pressure off me. Now I don't care if it's 10 seconds.
@darlene.michaud Usually when I say I'm going to do 10 minutes, I end up doing 2 hours! But I tell myself that's okay. Of course that means that that other thing I wanted to do didn't happen!Haha, at least something happened!🙂
Have any of y'all tried the Potato Chip Block? All cut pieces are the same size: 2.0 by 3.5 inch rectangles or 2.5 by 4.5 inches depending on the size block you want. Named because of the old commercial ... many might be too young to get the reference. Making these scrappy blocks is indeed addictive ... ya' can't make just one. And no matchy matchy seams or colors. A fun scrap pile buster. My favorite tutorial for this easy block is from March 2022. Her channel is Conquering Mount Scrapmore with Brenda. Wishing all a better year ahead.
In my town we have a Pet Pantry Where people can drop off food- toys- blankets- things for pets. Anything like that there?? People could order from Walmart - you could go and put it in the pantry from Rocket- even add a note from him 🐾
Hi Darlene! I love all your ideas! I donate my blankets to Project Linus here in SC . They are a wonderful organization and not picky at all! Blankets need to be at least 36 x 36 and can be quilted, fleece, crocheted, knitted, whatever . I am also going to try our library to play Mahjong, go to a crochet/knit group as well as the arts/crafts monthly class (it is Diamond ART this month which I would like to try but class is full). I , like you, have to force myself to try because I would rather just stay at home but need to get out and about a little and socialize I have now lived in SC 10 years (moved from Chicago area of 25 years) and haven't really met anyone or socialize except with my husband , who still works . Love your videos. Happy New Year to you all.😊💕🧶🎉🐶
I have been working ( volunteer) at a food pantry for two years, there are many churches that have a bin ready at the entrance to accept donations of food for people or/and animals. also personal products. We usually run short of everything, Many people are very generous , but there is always a need . We accept Walmart , Publix ,Dollar tree, Target. and many more ,and there is always homeless come to our door looking for help. Happy Healthy NewYear'
Darlene, one thing I would love to see is your take on a wonky star block. I am OCD and find wonky and crumb blocks very difficult to do. You may be able to show me how you would do it and help me to let loose a little. You are a blessing in our lives. Kiss Rocket for me. Happy New Year.
As for donation ideas, I thought I’d share. I saw a video once where the person made small zipper bags. She filled them with personal hygiene products, and a few other things, most purchased at the Dollar store. She carried them in her car to handout to the homeless people in her area. She said she would always have a few in her car to hand out. I thought it was such a kind gesture! I live in Arizona and sadly, we do have a large homeless population. Often times I see them on the corners with signs requesting help. I’ve not done it but plan to do it at some point in 2025.
I feel you! I used to get a lot of beauty products for free (drugstore all the way to luxury) from a past job. I eventually had so much, I decided I wanted to donate. Contacted three women shelters, all would not take them. I understand hygiene concerns, but all my stuff was new. I had so much products women would love and even cherish. Ended up selling most on ebay, the extra income was nice, but I wish I could have done some good lol
I am the same way. If it's going to be done it has to be done completely and it has to be perfect when it's done or I won't even do any of it. I am trying to make changes. Like instead of thinking about the fact that I have to clean out my covered world my storage containers and things are. I need to break it down to remove like 5 or 10 things at a time no matter what they are and decide if I'm keeping them or not. I am getting away from using plastic containers for anything unless it's for non-food items like organizing a drawer with them. Or using them to send leftovers home with somebody. I have a lot of glass containers that I can store things in but I just need to get those plastic ones out of there because I don't want to use them for food. I will not even try to hang a picture because I'm not sure it's going to be perfect when I get done. Afraid it's gonna be off-center or I'm gonna put a big hole in the wall or something disastrous will happen. Life is tough for me. LOL.
Wow a 33:40 video... lol I take after my dad, he hated making calls, he would always have my mom call... I miss my parents! You should do video on how you cut your bangs! I like the idea for buying something for Christmas, I'm gonna do that! I have Amazon Prime, so maybe have a Amazon wish list for Rocket!
ok gosh… I just deleted 2 months worth of junk emails and unsubscribed to ones I don’t want anymore…. that’s my exciting end of the yr celebration…lol and i will do more and hopefully get the yr cleaned up….but i have 2 big emails and 3 small ones… i use some for main correspondence and the rest for junk…and those r….grrrrr so many BUT, I will feel accomplished on one anyway… I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND THIS CONCEPT….
It's funny how that shit can still hurt. I got it done back then but some of the things I got rid of still haunt me so it's hard to start over. I'm filled with regrets! And some of the stuff I took should have been dumped in maine. It's never easy, but I will get this apartment organized!!!
O MY FREAKING GOD 😱 you did it again. I’M ACTUALLY FOUR MINUTES INTO YOUR VIDEO AND YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD. I ALREADY KNOW THAT THIS IS ME JUST LIKE YOU ALL THE WAY BACK BACK TO SCHOOL. THAT’S ME. THOSE ARE MY PROBLEMS SO I FULLY UNDERSTAND AND PEOPLE LAUGH WHEN THEY SAY YOU’RE A PERFECTIONIST LOOK AT YOU LOOK AT YOUR THINGS THAT’S ME. IT’S ALL OR NOTHING BLACK AND WHITE. THERE IS NO GRAY MATTER IN MY LIFE MY HUSBAND USED TO SAY THIS WHEN HE WAS ALIVE. I’M BLACK AND WHITE HE WAS RIGHT. DARLENE, YOU SHOULD BE A PSYCHIATRIST OR PSYCHOLOGIST BECAUSE YOU COMPLETELY FULLY UNDERSTAND AND HAVE THE ABILITY TO EXPLAIN IT WITH WORDS IN SIMPLE FORM.. great analogies I have to get back to you my granddaughter’s here. She’s listening to me. I will comment again.
There is nothing wrong with giving thrifty gifts. I found men's shirts at the thrift stores and made very colorful men's ties to make it look like a set. My brothers loved it.
Darlene, you refer to your pasta salad when you go to potlucks. Would you sometime tell your recipe for your salad? I make a pasta salad too but always looking for a new recipe. Thanks, your friend, Joan Y
It's always different and I never measure anything. Mayo, dressing, any condiment, any seasoning, some frozen veggies, cut up, any kind. Beans, black, pinto, kidney, any kind. All different shapes of pasta. I just toss in whatever I have. But I could try to record that at least once.
Contact homeless shelters. Lots of veterans go to them. Health kits, socks, food..etc..in the cold..hats, scarves, hand warmers etc. Our honor students did winter and spring ( for the a summer..wash cloths.(we can make them) sunscreen, shampoo, deodorant, soap. Lots of small shelters in need!❤
What if we did toiletries? You can send toiletries and you and Joe can do a live stream putting them in bags. The bags can be given to the homeless around town when you see someone on your way to the store etc.
The pantry I volunteer at we have a give away table with past dates and dented cans. I put a sign up to let them know why we give them away. Most people love that table and nothing is left.
When I first moved to Tennessee in 2009, I called the local sheriff department to donate blankets, books and stuffed animals for when kids were involved in an accident or being taken from home for some reason but I never got a callback. I also called University of Tennessee nicu to offer donations of blankets and quilts, no one returned my call. I just gave up trying to do things like that unless someone asked for something. It’s so disheartening to not have an outlet for the gifts and talents you use to create
One more thing. Homeless people are not picky. We have someone on Next Door asking if anyone has blankets and warm clothes that we will give her to take to the homeless camps. Next week, it is going to be cold here. Like high of 28. I have crap loud of blankets and warm clothes and have a contractors bag full of stuff. She is picking up Saturday.
We have little free pantries in different parts of town. Also the library has a section set aside for donations of food. Perhaps your area has something like that. No one in this country should be hungry.
If we were to take just one thing out per day, 5 days per week (I take weekends off from this madness, lol) that's 260 items. And yes, I get it about some days being excruciating. Those are the days I look for even a tiny scrap of paper to throw out. I consider that my accomplishment.
I've decided this year is a declutter year, and I'm starting today! My kitchen looks like a FERRET has been digging around in the cabinets and dancing on the counters. I'll start with the few dishes in the sink and then attack the ferret nest in that one corner. I think that's doable, and it'll make a big impact. :-) I love your list; I'm going to steal a lot of it! I look forward to more of your declutter videos for inspiration and encouragement. Thanks, Darlene! 🙂
What about people with pets that would take the donations. Families that need food, I don't know how you find them. We have NEXT DOOR here in Hermitage. I am sure it is there. People get on there with kids and pets and say they need help. They are not picky.
I love your sharing this. I feel there are more of us like this. I wish I could text you all my makeup that I don't use. I promise you, I know I have over 500 items easily of foundation, powder, shadow, mascara, primers and more. I put on the floor and took photos of. I wish I could show you. I need to throw away. Someone said give to women shelters. I don't know why I can't part with this stuff. I guess because I grew up poor. I call myself a makeup whore. lol. I get it. I will think of a way to show you what I have and don't use. I get in situations like your doing. I plan on throwing away. BUT I throw away a few things then I say, no this is still good. Well Frances, it is also 3 years old even new. So throw away. I didn't. I counted foundations on my last cleaning. I had 31 foundations. Almost full. I have 53 Mascaras. I have 29 eye shadow KITS and 43 single or double shadows. Really FRANCES. STOP THE MADNESS AND THROW AWAY. I also use card box trays. I make myself and use glue and make dividers. That counts, right?
When you left Maine you inspired me to declutter, thanks to you Darlene I managed to downsize from a big farmhouse in France and relocate to an another country- Scotland. You kept me going. Thank you !
A Mystery Quilt Block sounds so fun! I especially love the decluttering. I think it’s so interesting how you are a perfectionist in certain things but not in quilting or crochet , which I love because I really can’t watch the perfectionist crafters, they give me anxiety. I love your “we can make it work” attitude.
Thank you for sharing your process to tackle a project that so often we can choose to ignore because it seems so overwhelming... I have been inspired to try your method on a few things here at home that have caused me stress thinking of how to start. I will be attempting to get these several things done that have haunted me... Thank you!!
I get distracted by clutter, to the point I become anxious and I can't deal with it. I've learned, over 59 years, that if I focus on one spot, then I can clean and organize and once I get started I can get a good bit done. I have to have lists too. I do it on my computer and print it out....I try to do things that will knock out multiple things at once....I love seeing the things checked off. I'm very much a planner. When I was in the hospital, I was planning on what I needed when I got home to make sure I could do the things that needed to get done....now my husband has broken his leg and ankle. (5 breaks) and it has sent me for a loop.....I'm getting better because we are conquering things one day at a time to make sure he can get what he needs. I'm going back to work next week, so I just need to know he will be ok. Don't laugh, but the bottoms of the Velveeta cheese boxes, or Walmart brand, makes great organizers.
They are perfect organizers! I love free cardboard organizers, lol.
Lol, I'm 77 and still have a hard time not getting stalled by fear of not doing something perfecting. You've really helped me to forgive myself.
Happy New Year and may we will both meet our goals.🎆
This past fall, I learned about Project Dress a Girl. In a month, made 12 dresses for girls in poverty around the world ranging in size from toddler to teen. I used up a lot of my cottons (that’s one of criteria) and there are a lot of free patterns. Just an idea for donations. You ship them all to an ambassador who coordinates distribution. This year I hope to make 2 dresses a month in preparation to donate them at the end of September.
And your viewers can pick the fabric out at Walmart or help with the shipping cost to the ambassador.
Hi Darlene. Your Maine decluttering really helped me because at the time I had my late mother's entire houseful of furniture and property in my own house and I could not bear to throw any away. I took baby steps, just filling one box every day or so, then taking it to the charity store straight away. It was very painful, but once the box had gone I never thought of it again. The same with perfectionism - if I can't make a major advance in a project I find it very hard to start at all, and yet it always surprises me how much can suddenly be done once a start is made.
I have the same problem, Darlene. I want perfection in everything, too. Didn't realize my hoarding is a sign of this. If I can't do it right and RIGHT NOW, I don't do it. I'm listening to you and trying your "baby steps."" I too am starting in the bathroom
Keep helping me along! Thanks so much. ❤
Kindred spirits.
After my parents died, I moved with most of their things to the UK. That was over ten years ago. I still struggle to part from them. Was diagnosed with ‘detachment disorder’. This hurt. I decided to detach myself from that therapist instead. - Kudos to all of you guys who can drastically declutter. I’m just not there yet.
Happy New Year Darlene, Joe and Rocket! ❤❤❤ 🥰
I fucking love the butter box idea, great for the wallet and planet!
Happy New Year ! I totally love your approach to decluttering. Looking forward to more of your videos in 2025.
I completely understand! I’m also a perfectionist! Due to health issues that my husband and I are recovering from, everything seems to be out of sorts here. I like your idea of taking it in small bites! I get easily overwhelmed when there’s so much to do! It can be paralyzing for me! I use lists all the time. I need to see my progress by checking things off the list. I would love to see a mystery quilt block series and your methods for organizing! Thank you!
You are so encouraging n I can’t wait to declutter n get organized especially since I can’t find anything when I need it. I will be watching your videos n I love the ideas of the butter boxes. Look forward for more of your great ideas. 😊
Yes you clearing out your mom's place was amazing....sorry watching and commenting ...
Great ideas!!!
Thank you Darlene!! You Always inspire me!! This is just what I needed to help with decluttering for the new year! ❤
Hi Darlene! I really enjoyed this video! There is so much that you talk about that makes me feel like I'm not alone with struggling to do small things like just decluttering a bit at a time. I struggle a lot with that. So many people just don't get it or think it's ok to bully those of us who do struggle with some things in life. I watched your series of leaving Maine and it is amazing what a strong-willed woman you are. I think you have a lot of awesome ideas for things to do in the new year like quilts, crocheting, or anything else. I'm on board and look forward to your videos for the new year. You really are an inspiration to me, and I just want to say thank you for being you! "HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025! "
I will be trying to declutter my house as well. Thank you for sharing your ideas. That helps a lot. Happy New year to you both and Rocket. Have a wonderful night whether you stay home or go out.
YOU HAVE INSPIRED ME!! Thankyou! Happy New Year🎉
Thats a very great idea to set up a wishlist to save on shipping!!!
Darlene, you kept hitting my buttons! I just kept saying, "That is just like me!!" Thank you for letting me know, that I can get somethings done, even when I don't want to. You make me feel a little saner. LOL
I love to declutter . Before I go to bed at night I come up with a plan for something to clean the next day. Love opening a clean drawer or closet! Thanks for sharing! Happy New Year!
Thank you for the awesome decluttering, tidying, organising & cleaning tips 😃! I would like to implement something like this in my life. I also think it would help my partner a lot, who has ADHD & really struggles with all of that. I'm excited to see more of your videos on this topic 😁.
Happy New Year from north west of England. I like your ideas darlene. I started to watch you around a year before you left Maine. i too struggle with throwing things away and tackling jobs in the house. anyway, I shall be following you throughout the coming year. Kind regards,Ann x
Have a designated place for your present stash! I finally found my stash from three years ago for this year. A family tradition when we open Christmas presents, we give out all the birthday, Mother's day, graduations we missed, just before we open Christmas. Lol, we are a family of ADHD people.
I like making scrappy fabric storage bins for my drawers. And they are washable .. Darlene you should make some .. it’s fun ❤
You have given me the vision of my makeup draw to clean today!!!
Must be different in different places. The rule here in Ontario, Canada, is that we can give out the canned food up until 12 months past the best before date. When I ran the food bank/pantry pre-world-shut down, I had a shelf that had things that were coming up to the 12 month mark, and they could take those as extras just to get them out the door. I had received donations that were past the 12 months, and we weren't allowed to hand those out. I was on welfare at the time, and the pastor(my boss) said I could take them home. I just gave out the last of what I had a few months ago, and she was so thrilled to get it.
Darlene, I’ve been “Facebook and UA-camd around you” for a while now. I do not think you really realize you are still very wired with your mom’s traumatic untrue thoughts of you. 😢 Seriously, you have so much awesomeness in you! You’re pretty, creative, clever, humble, humorous, and intelligent! I pray one day you will see who you really are - and to A LOT of people!❤
Happy New Year to you, Joe, Darrick, LeShell and Skylar, and the fur baby! Love and hugs ❤🤗!
I'm fully aware. I realize it all. I will always be wired this way and that's okay. I'm not trying to fix that because it's who I am. I just try to make changes to my surroundings in a way that helps me to relax a bit.
@ Weird is ok! I’m weird too! I embrace my weirdness! That’s a good suggestion- really!😉❤️
Darlene, I’m doing your 5 things a day decluttering! My dumpster is full this week! Thanks!
Love, love, love your 2025 plans. I look forward to journeying with you through the new year.
I love the rest of your ideas. I esp. need a tray for lids to food containers. Thanks
You have inspired me
I have a nasty bathroom drawer that I will clean. Many other things need attention too but I will start like you are. Thank you
I like the baby steps. A small part of a larger task, or the time to work on it, say 10 minutes. I did that today.
I did the 10 minutes thing for quite a while but there were times I hated the 10 minutes so much that I stopped. I had to take that pressure off me. Now I don't care if it's 10 seconds.
@darlene.michaud Usually when I say I'm going to do 10 minutes, I end up doing 2 hours! But I tell myself that's okay. Of course that means that that other thing I wanted to do didn't happen!Haha, at least something happened!🙂
Have any of y'all tried the Potato Chip Block? All cut pieces are the same size: 2.0 by 3.5 inch rectangles or 2.5 by 4.5 inches depending on the size block you want. Named because of the old commercial ... many might be too young to get the reference. Making these scrappy blocks is indeed addictive ... ya' can't make just one. And no matchy matchy seams or colors. A fun scrap pile buster. My favorite tutorial for this easy block is from March 2022. Her channel is Conquering Mount Scrapmore with Brenda. Wishing all a better year ahead.
Love Brenda’s channel, and the potato chip block looks easy
Happy new year to you and your family. Have a blessed new year. Rockett and Joe be blessed in 2025.
Happy New Year Darlene
In my town we have a Pet Pantry Where people can drop off food- toys- blankets- things for pets.
Anything like that there?? People could order from Walmart - you could go and put it in the pantry from Rocket- even add a note from him 🐾
Hi Darlene! I love all your ideas! I donate my blankets to Project Linus here in SC . They are a wonderful organization and not picky at all! Blankets need to be at least 36 x 36 and can be quilted, fleece, crocheted, knitted, whatever .
I am also going to try our library to play Mahjong, go to a crochet/knit group as well as the arts/crafts monthly class (it is Diamond ART this month which I would like to try but class is full).
I , like you, have to force myself to try because I would rather just stay at home but need to get out and about a little and socialize
I have now lived in SC 10 years (moved from Chicago area of 25 years) and haven't really met anyone or socialize except with my husband , who still works .
Love your videos. Happy New Year to you all.😊💕🧶🎉🐶
I have been working ( volunteer) at a food pantry for two years, there are many churches that have a bin ready at the entrance to accept donations of food for people or/and animals. also personal products. We usually run short of everything, Many people are very generous , but there is always a need . We accept Walmart , Publix ,Dollar tree, Target. and many more ,and there is always homeless come to our door looking for help. Happy Healthy NewYear'
I so need to declutter or down Size ? Just moved & still had way way to much stuff.😊
Thank you so much for this video. It's good to know I'm not alone.
Baby step is better than no step! ✨
I need to do some throwing away. Lord help me
Join the club. The amount of sentiment that can be attached to stuff is very powerful.
New Years Eve and you got me thinking of declittering, 😂
Happy New Year, looking forward to watching your videos in 2025
Darlene, one thing I would love to see is your take on a wonky star block. I am OCD and find wonky and crumb blocks very difficult to do. You may be able to show me how you would do it and help me to let loose a little. You are a blessing in our lives. Kiss Rocket for me. Happy New Year.
I have several wonky star videos. Here's one of them ua-cam.com/video/l1hBbeJkXBk/v-deo.html
Love your videos, Darlene. Happy 2025!🎉
Im in for a mystery quilt block😊
Hell Darlene! Might you be willing to show your plan/lists on paper? As in how you organize the catagories for the week?
If Joe buys lg Velveta, those boxes are great. Or you could make fabric bowls??
I laughed when you showed your favorite lip stick. I have a lip brush that I use to dig out my very last favorite gloss.
Thanks for the inspiration!
As for donation ideas, I thought I’d share. I saw a video once where the person made small zipper bags. She filled them with personal hygiene products, and a few other things, most purchased at the Dollar store. She carried them in her car to handout to the homeless people in her area. She said she would always have a few in her car to hand out. I thought it was such a kind gesture! I live in Arizona and sadly, we do have a large homeless population. Often times I see them on the corners with signs requesting help. I’ve not done it but plan to do it at some point in 2025.
I feel you! I used to get a lot of beauty products for free (drugstore all the way to luxury) from a past job. I eventually had so much, I decided I wanted to donate. Contacted three women shelters, all would not take them. I understand hygiene concerns, but all my stuff was new. I had so much products women would love and even cherish. Ended up selling most on ebay, the extra income was nice, but I wish I could have done some good lol
I am the same way. If it's going to be done it has to be done completely and it has to be perfect when it's done or I won't even do any of it. I am trying to make changes. Like instead of thinking about the fact that I have to clean out my covered world my storage containers and things are. I need to break it down to remove like 5 or 10 things at a time no matter what they are and decide if I'm keeping them or not. I am getting away from using plastic containers for anything unless it's for non-food items like organizing a drawer with them. Or using them to send leftovers home with somebody. I have a lot of glass containers that I can store things in but I just need to get those plastic ones out of there because I don't want to use them for food. I will not even try to hang a picture because I'm not sure it's going to be perfect when I get done. Afraid it's gonna be off-center or I'm gonna put a big hole in the wall or something disastrous will happen. Life is tough for me. LOL.
Yes mystery- how about a mystery project. Sewing project or some craft project
Wow a 33:40 video... lol
I take after my dad, he hated making calls, he would always have my mom call... I miss my parents!
You should do video on how you cut your bangs!
I like the idea for buying something for Christmas, I'm gonna do that!
I have Amazon Prime, so maybe have a Amazon wish list for Rocket!
ok gosh… I just deleted 2 months worth of junk emails and unsubscribed to ones I don’t want anymore…. that’s my exciting end of the yr celebration…lol and i will do more and hopefully get the yr cleaned up….but i have 2 big emails and 3 small ones… i use some for main correspondence and the rest for junk…and those r….grrrrr so many BUT, I will feel accomplished on one anyway…
I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND THIS CONCEPT….
Baby Girl, you decluttered and moved from a whole house in Maine, you can do this!
It's funny how that shit can still hurt. I got it done back then but some of the things I got rid of still haunt me so it's hard to start over. I'm filled with regrets! And some of the stuff I took should have been dumped in maine. It's never easy, but I will get this apartment organized!!!
😂 I’m the same way! Need this in the worst way! Happy New Year 2025🎉
My favorite declutter person is a UA-cam channel called SpaceMakers. Have you seen her method?
I get it! I started today too
O MY FREAKING GOD 😱 you did it again. I’M ACTUALLY FOUR MINUTES INTO YOUR VIDEO AND YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD. I ALREADY KNOW THAT THIS IS ME JUST LIKE YOU ALL THE WAY BACK BACK TO SCHOOL. THAT’S ME. THOSE ARE MY PROBLEMS SO I FULLY UNDERSTAND AND PEOPLE LAUGH WHEN THEY SAY YOU’RE A PERFECTIONIST LOOK AT YOU LOOK AT YOUR THINGS THAT’S ME. IT’S ALL OR NOTHING BLACK AND WHITE. THERE IS NO GRAY MATTER IN MY LIFE MY HUSBAND USED TO SAY THIS WHEN HE WAS ALIVE. I’M BLACK AND WHITE HE WAS RIGHT. DARLENE, YOU SHOULD BE A PSYCHIATRIST OR PSYCHOLOGIST BECAUSE YOU COMPLETELY FULLY UNDERSTAND AND HAVE THE ABILITY TO EXPLAIN IT WITH WORDS IN SIMPLE FORM.. great analogies I have to get back to you my granddaughter’s here. She’s listening to me. I will comment again.
What do you think about putting quilt blocks and crochet squares together
That has been on my to do list for several years, lol.
Damn, I would of keep the containers 1. For the sprayer, the make up top to hold my stamps so the ink doesn’t get on my craft table.
There is nothing wrong with giving thrifty gifts. I found men's shirts at the thrift stores and made very colorful men's ties to make it look like a set. My brothers loved it.
Darlene, you refer to your pasta salad when you go to potlucks. Would you sometime tell your recipe for your salad? I make a pasta salad too but always looking for a new recipe. Thanks, your friend, Joan Y
It's always different and I never measure anything. Mayo, dressing, any condiment, any seasoning, some frozen veggies, cut up, any kind. Beans, black, pinto, kidney, any kind. All different shapes of pasta. I just toss in whatever I have. But I could try to record that at least once.
check with Tunica Humane society. I remember them asking for old towels and things.
I can't see shelters or pantries denying anything. That is disturbing. Everything is needed. Dang
love your ideas.
Contact homeless shelters. Lots of veterans go to them. Health kits, socks, food..etc..in the cold..hats, scarves, hand warmers etc. Our honor students did winter and spring ( for the a summer..wash cloths.(we can make them) sunscreen, shampoo, deodorant, soap. Lots of small shelters in need!❤
What if we did toiletries? You can send toiletries and you and Joe can do a live stream putting them in bags. The bags can be given to the homeless around town when you see someone on your way to the store etc.
The pantry I volunteer at we have a give away table with past dates and dented cans. I put a sign up to let them know why we give them away. Most people love that table and nothing is left.
When I first moved to Tennessee in 2009, I called the local sheriff department to donate blankets, books and stuffed animals for when kids were involved in an accident or being taken from home for some reason but I never got a callback. I also called University of Tennessee nicu to offer donations of blankets and quilts, no one returned my call. I just gave up trying to do things like that unless someone asked for something. It’s so disheartening to not have an outlet for the gifts and talents you use to create
Try Project Linus, they make quilts for kids in the situations you just said.
One more thing. Homeless people are not picky. We have someone on Next Door asking if anyone has blankets and warm clothes that we will give her to take to the homeless camps. Next week, it is going to be cold here. Like high of 28. I have crap loud of blankets and warm clothes and have a contractors bag full of stuff. She is picking up Saturday.
We have little free pantries in different parts of town. Also the library has a section set aside for donations of food. Perhaps your area has something like that. No one in this country should be hungry.
I bet if you just sat there where they live they would be grateful
I took three things out of my basement every day for a month. It was all I could handle. Some days three was excruciating .
If we were to take just one thing out per day, 5 days per week (I take weekends off from this madness, lol) that's 260 items. And yes, I get it about some days being excruciating. Those are the days I look for even a tiny scrap of paper to throw out. I consider that my accomplishment.
I do that shit all the time dipping y fingernails into lipstick and even eye shadow, foundation and if I don’t I stress out
Looks like mine.
Maybe a woman shelter what the heck with all these fussy places
I've decided this year is a declutter year, and I'm starting today! My kitchen looks like a FERRET has been digging around in the cabinets and dancing on the counters. I'll start with the few dishes in the sink and then attack the ferret nest in that one corner. I think that's doable, and it'll make a big impact. :-) I love your list; I'm going to steal a lot of it! I look forward to more of your declutter videos for inspiration and encouragement. Thanks, Darlene! 🙂
What about donations. Like buy coats (for kids in need) from Walmart in the winter. And other stuff later appropriate for the season or the need.
What about people with pets that would take the donations. Families that need food, I don't know how you find them. We have NEXT DOOR here in Hermitage. I am sure it is there. People get on there with kids and pets and say they need help. They are not picky.
I love your sharing this. I feel there are more of us like this. I wish I could text you all my makeup that I don't use. I promise you, I know I have over 500 items easily of foundation, powder, shadow, mascara, primers and more. I put on the floor and took photos of. I wish I could show you. I need to throw away. Someone said give to women shelters. I don't know why I can't part with this stuff. I guess because I grew up poor. I call myself a makeup whore. lol. I get it. I will think of a way to show you what I have and don't use. I get in situations like your doing. I plan on throwing away. BUT I throw away a few things then I say, no this is still good. Well Frances, it is also 3 years old even new. So throw away. I didn't. I counted foundations on my last cleaning. I had 31 foundations. Almost full. I have 53 Mascaras. I have 29 eye shadow KITS and 43 single or double shadows. Really FRANCES. STOP THE MADNESS AND THROW AWAY. I also use card box trays. I make myself and use glue and make dividers. That counts, right?
Are there dog rescue places that would enjoy your donations? It is sad how hard it is to help animals and people in need.
So hard to help and donate to people. It should be easier… 😢