Hola Amigos

I know it's been a while since I rapped at ya (really?  January? damn, time flies) but I've been busy.  Let's see... oh yeah.  New baby.  Had one of those in February.  Then spent the last year with a new baby, a toddler, a husband, a house, and a job.    Wah, wah, blah, blah.

The blog is back!  

I am excited to pick up on this again, in no small part because as my second child grows up I'm really ready to purge those awful-but-worth-their-weight-in-gold-when-they-entertain-babies Big Things (gently used jumparoo anyone?).  But also because I can use the extra kick in the pants to get rid of the crap that clutters my life.  

This year (and we're talking 2012 here) I'm thinking about Accidental Income.  I'm curious to try to monetize all those little extras this year and see where it gets me.  For example: that jar of change I collect from pockets when I do laundry (finders keepers bitches - if I leave $20 in my pocket and you do the laundry that Andrew Jackson is yours); those maternity clothes I'm bringing to the resale shop in January; how much do I save over a month with coupons?  And so on.

I've also decided to expand the blog a bit to include more of my "lifestyle" (yeah, that sounds obnoxious) and things I like that keep my world un-cluttered - not just Things I'm Getting Rid Of. [can we talk about Hoarders and Hoarders: Buried Alive at some point please?  Ugh - love.]

So let's start with a link!  Here is something fantastic I read today about the "5 Things to do 10 Minutes Before Bed".  Brilliant.  I already do numbers 1 and 2, and ready to add 3-5.  Let's get our shit together in 2012! [personal note: must find something that rhymes with twelve other than 'delve']

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/cleaning/5-things-to-do-before-you-go-to-bed-081785

Christmas Tree Recycling

And while I'm at it - don't forget about this little gem I found last year at Christmas.  If you live in the Chicagoland area and have a real tree to Get Rid Of, here's a company that will pick it up and recycle it for you (for a donation - I gave $35.  Is that enough?)

Do The Right Thing! Recycling

Get cash for your old gadgets

This info was in Sunday's paper.  I have not checked out any of the sites yet, but plan to (comments are directly from the Tribune).  Truth be told, writing this post is a way for me to get another piece of paper off my desk while having a record in case I find stuff in the future to ditch.  Wish I knew about these sources before I donated a TON of electronics to Goodwill last month...

BuyMyTronics - For many items you can print out a shipping label and mail your stuff free.

Green.ebay.com/instantsale - An alternative to selling on eBay or Craigslist.  Shipping is free.

Gazelle - A big buyer/recycler of electronics.

Geenphone.com - For cell phones only.

RecycleBank - Trade in your electronics for points that can be redeemed at stores.

MyBoneYard.com - For donations only

Remember me?

Hey out there.  Remember this blog I had?  Me too...

So just to recap last year, I did indeed get rid of at least 365 things.  Maybe they didn't all make the blog, but I know in my heart that I did it, and you're just gonna have to take my word.  I took a bunch of pictures of random things in December and when I finally get them off my camera I'll update here.  But believe me, I seriously lightened the load.

I really enjoyed doing this blog, and I will continue in 2011 as much as possible.  Our baby boy is due in something like 32 days and that is kicking my ass.  As will a toddler plus a newborn, I'm sure.  But I'll always have Things I'm Getting Rid Of and will share as much as possible.

Thanks for reading!
-Michele