Things I am thankful for in 2021

2021 is coming to a close and I want to thank each and every person who is subscribed to this blog. You have made my beauty and lifestyle journey something I am super proud of. Some of you read and comment regularly and I am truly thankful.

Obviously I am thankful for my family. I am lucky to have some pretty great kids who have given me some pretty great grandsons. Where are my girls tho?

We lost our precious cat Abby early last year but are very thankful for the ability to adopt another in need of a home and our Luna has really brightened each and every day she has been here.

I am thankful for being able to get the vaccine so I can go out in public again. As someone who is immune-compromised this is very important to me.

I am thankful for my second year of truly serious physical ‘fitness’. When the pandemic began I got serious about just how much weight I had gained in the last decade and started really taking my health more seriously.

I am thankful for my decluttering projects and the ability to purchase some useful items with the money earned from selling things that still have worth to someone else.

What are you thankful for?

If I had to replace only 5 bags in my collection – Tag

This tag has been going around Youtube again and I decided that Id like to try this challenge with the bags I have.

I have a pretty decent collection of mostly mid-range contemporary brands. (Like Coach and MK) and did sell several of my more luxury pieces a few months ago. Im not really attached to most of what I have but there are several bags I really would never sell and the pieces Ive chosen here are all non-negotiables. You wont find these for sale.

Michael Kors quilted leather Sloan crossbody/wallet on chain. This one is obviously inspired by a Chanel flap bag. This bag is PERFECT for a night out or more formal occasion. There are card slots and a zip pocket inside and the chain is the perfect length to wear this bag on your shoulder or as a crossbody.

Michael Kors quilted leather Susannah tote. This tote is great. I bought it because I wanted a Chanel tote that is quite similar but cannot bear to part with that much money. There are compartments and slip pockets and it has the right amount of smoosh. This tote is a few years old and always needs conditioning and shaping but its still fantastic!

Sam Edelman Naya camera bag – I bought this because I really wanted a red Gucci Soho Disco bag and couldnt afford it. (I now know this style of bag is one of my favorites) Its not leather but its so soft and malleable. I can fit everything I need including snacks! This is one of my favorites to wear to a concert. I dont have to worry about it at all!

Coach Willis. I was so torn between the now discontinued Cassie and this bag, but this bag wins because of its durability. This specific bag is from the early 90s and its still in great shape. You cant beat the leather in a vintage Coach bag. It holds a ton and I took this bag to the hospital when my daughter in law had our grandson, so theres a lot of sentimentality (I think I just made that word up)

Louis Vuitton Palm Springs Mini. This bag is so adorable. It holds more than you think it will. It is worry free since the leather is treated and canvas is nearly indestructible. I would love to get the larger size backpack that has the soft shoulder straps but that is out of my budget.

Do you have bags you would definitely replace if something happened to them?

Surprise closet cleanout

When we last ‘spoke’ I was telling yall about my mess of a closet. The cleanout of that declutter closet inspired me to go thru my own clothing. Its been a couple years since Ive had a social life due to the pandemic. So all the larger clothes I had purchased prior to the last two years were sort of forgotten about.

I wont complain about losing weight or going down a couple sizes, but Im sort of sad that I didnt have the opportunity to wear them as much as I would have.

I went thru everything!

Round one gave me about 25 items that I have taken photos of to post on Poshmark.

Pictured below are my pants, leggings and tank tops just waiting for someone to purchase.

These items will remain on Poshmark until March when I will have my donation to Green Drop scheduled. I also have a small pile of blouses to post.

Already updating my 2022 goals

This post has to begin with a confession. They say the first step in admitting you have a problem is admission – right?

Wellllllllll – I have a closet for my declutter/sale items and it is out of control. I would post a photo of this closet but the shame is real yall. In the past few months, I have not been taking care of the organization in this closet. Its had random items just thrown in and the door closed very quickly.

Ive decided that I cannot begin the new year with this mess so I will be emptying this monstrosity today, cleaning it out and reorganizing it. I dont know what is all in there, but its going to have to go!

Ill be posting most of the items on my Poshmark and Mercari accounts. (My user name is JustSheilz if you are interested)

Do you have an area that is just for items you know you will never use? How often do you clean it out?

My goals for 2022

This post is not a conclusive one. I will more than likely add to it, or modify it somewhat as we begin wrapping up 2021.

Ive been thinking a lot about my organizational plans for the upcoming year and I didnt want to do another 1,000 item declutter – mostly because Ive surpassed the amount 3/4 of the way into the year the last couple of years, as well as really sick of keeping track of the items Im decluttering.

However, I have really grown to love decluttering in general. This year I used the money from selling my unused items to purchase a new bed frame and mattress as well as exercise equipment.

While clearing out our storage unit last year, we decluttered a lot of items but we still kept more than what I wanted to. This upcoming year I plan to even clear out more.

Below are the goals for items to sell or donate

1. Purses – 15 pieces sold
2. Furniture – 6 pieces sold
3. Clothing – 20 pieces sold or donated
4. Shoes – 10 pairs sold or donated
5. Jewelry – 5 pieces sold

That is over 50 items I plan to sell next year.

I also want to donate at least one box of clothing or household items a quarter.

I have also been doing a weekly digital declutter. It feels great to go thru my bookmarks, saved files, and email folders. Ive been doing this at least twice a month, but devoting 15 minutes a day has really helped me keep on track.

Will you be doing some type of long term declutter project next year?

October 2021 Empties

October was one for the books!

I was able to empty 3 more products in my latest project pan Ive been really trying to concentrate on using my skincare especially since I havent worn makeup in a few weeks because I have some type eczema flare.

Its amazing to think that I was able to use up $190.99 up but that Dior serum and Lancome eye cream is on the higher end.

How did you do last month? Were you able to finish anything?