Issues with Stuff....

I have issues. Stop laughing, I'm not talking about all my faults. I'm talking about issues with things, possessions, collections,  gifts.... STUFF!!

You see, I love to collect things, well, I used to love to. I'm now kind of over it. That's odd to say, but I really am. I'm tired of it. Making room in the house for things instead of us. Spending money on items that just sit there and serve no real purpose.  Problem is, I love the thrill of the hunt... finding that treasure for next to nothing and knowing it is worth something or discovering that elusive item that has been missing from your collection... you know the feeling, it's hard to just give that up.  But have been trying and doing better. I didn't even go to one yard sale, thrift shop, or antique store on our trip last weekend. I even avoided quilt and fabric shops(saw several of those as we drove).

So why the change in mind set you ask? Well, it's a couple of things. For one, I have been trying to simplify the house and change my style a bit... make cleaning easier and have a fresher lighter look. And the other reason, I really don't know what our future holds in the next year. I honestly don't know where we will be living. And the thought of packing all this crap up and moving it does not appeal to me and who's to say I will have room for it all.  So as much as I love to go to goodwill, the thought of bringing more stuff home just makes me sick.

But the real dilemma is, what do I do with it? I do like most of my stuff, but I don't like the look it creates.  That darn pinterest gives me too many ideas and looks that I want to try, I just don't have the space for all of it!!  What do you guys do?  If you have something you like, but you find something else you like in it's place(but still like the first thing). Do you get rid of the old to make room for the new or just pack it away?  Am I the only one who likes to change things so much.  Then I worry that I may want that old look back. I told you I have issues!   I really just want a house that is DONE and comfortable and doesn't consume me.  Maybe it's because I'm a stay at home mom(and I do stay at home most of the time) so I see these walls almost 24/7, it makes the house so much more of an issue for me.  I know so many people whose houses are just a place to go to, eat, and sleep at. They don't worry about what they look like.  But that just isn't me and I don't see that changing any time soon because I do enjoy making my house a home.  Yes, I know I am starting to ramble, sorry, I guess my mind feels as cluttered as my house does right now.

Ok, let's take a look at this collection to start with.  My egg stuff.  I like it, but I'm over it and it takes up my whole hutch in my kitchen. None of it serves a purpose other than to take up space and fill your visual view.  I could store pretty white dishes on those shelves that we would actually use.  BUT, I feel like I'm stuck with this stuff because my dad bought most of it for me.  I guess if I had more display space it wouldn't bother me so much. And I do like the look of the items, it's just with 9 people in this house I feel like the space is taken up by too much stuff(can I use that word any more!).

 I did pare down my copper collection last year, but in reality it could all go and I probably wouldn't miss it. But then I feel like I should keep it because some of it I have had since I got married and some of it was gifts.

 Wooden kitchen utensils, again, WHY?  Why do we collect things?

 Cake stands and plates, a major downfall of mine. I have lots(not all our in this picture). They are all over the kitchen, from 10 or so lining the walls on top the kitchen cupboards, to cupboards full of them, to several on the kitchen counter. But I only use one or two!!!   I always think one day I will have a grand tea party or when my girls get married I will use them.  So for maybe 3 days they will get used, but the rest of the time they will just sit there. Sounds legit right?(did I really just type that?)

 Baskets.  What can I say, I have always liked baskets.  I used to have tons, the numbers have shrunk, but still, these baskets aren't doing anything. They aren't holding things or hiding away stuff we need, again, they are just taking up visual space.

 This post is starting to sound a bit down and a tad bit neurotic, totally not my intention.  I'm just tired of stuff, but I don't know what to do with it because I'm not sure I can let it go yet.


I found this picture today on pinterest and I just love the look of it.  It's simple and clean but does still have some collectibles in it. But notice the architecture of the room? I think that's what makes the difference. The wide beadboard on the walls and the lip plate shelf around the room adds the character to the space so you don't need all the stuff.  And yes, I realize that my table couldn't look like that because we actually eat dinner at ours every night, but a smaller flower scape would work.

I don't know if this post accomplished anything with my issues with stuff, other than letting you all know that I have them!  But maybe I'm not alone out there and you have some pointers and advice on how to pare down on things and let go of stuff.

What's the word of the day.....  you got it......  Stuff!!!


Have a simple day,


Tiff