Day 31 (Who Wears the Pants?)

Ahhh... more ebay.

We have a tiny closet. The man keeps most of his clothes in his dresser, but some things need to be hung. You can tell by "our" closet that its all mine. The poor man has zero room. So, time to clear some space for the one that works so hard for all of us. :)
I buy clothes I like and find on sale and forget about them. I am bad that way. All women are. Men are different with their clothing. They don't save a certain piece for some hypothetical situation that may pop up just to wear it. We do. Tisk tisk. Things go to waste this way.  I bought these two pairs of pants almost 3 years ago. Does my closet need decoration? No. That's not its purpose. So, away they go.
The man may not be Mr fashion sense, but he doesn't waste. We could take a page from the men, here,  ladies.  If you haven't worn it in a year, give it to a friend who would love it, get some extra household cash on ebay,  or donate it.
My ebay fees need to be paid because nothing is selling and the two that did didn't make much. This sale is for the house jar. Maybe I'll get the man a shirt he wants and will use.

Day 30

Every Wednesday, for the past eight years since my divorce, like clockwork, I check to see if it's a "lucky week" on the child support website. It rarely is. In the nine going on ten years of my daughters life, I have been to court and in touch with our attorney more times than I care to even count. This habitual oversight is frustrating,  aggravating, and stressful. I don't need it.
Yes, sadly this occurs more often than you may think or know about. Non payment of child support and child abandonment has become a disgraceful epidemic on our culture. My daughter has no idea who her father is. No money can repair that, but accepting some ounce of responsibility by paying mandated support helps me save more for her college. And she will be going to college.
Through the years my daughter has seen me dressed for court, she has heard my efforts on the phone with the probation department, she has heard the phone calls or seen the mail when he is arrested. In her 9 years, my ex husband has been arrested at least 10 times for non payment and had countless warrants issued. That's disgusting.
Through being a divorced parent with a newborn, raising her with zero help except from my mother, through sickness, quickly catching her first steps on my way out the door for work and crying the whole way there because I might miss something, I have never strayed from anything for my child. This is why, I suppose, I formed the habit of checking on the support and ensuring it was/is handled through the proper channels. Every two weeks, there I am, on the phone, reminding the overloaded probation drpartment that a warrant is past due to be issued.
I don't need this. Yes, I save it for her college or spend it on her school clothes, etc. Every holiday, (his favorite non payment months are her birthday and Christmas) I go broke to make sure she doesn't have less. Ever.
Im tired of telling the probation department to issue a warrant and I am tired of this 8 year old habit of scratching a lottery ticket every week to see if I've won some measly amount. Right now, he's back in arrears over $2400. Not quite his highest achievement, 13,000$ is yet to be beat. I'm done. Let the arrears add up this year. If he pays, let it stay there. I...we, don't need it.
Day 30... pardon my french, but screw his irresponsibility. I leave it to the police and the great hands of Karma.

Day 29

Today was pretty challenging for the blog. It is becoming increasingly difficult to get rid of the things I have been able to "part with". I put that in quotations because most of it is all still here.
The bins for Renie and The Hidden Closet are an issue because I have no car during the day and have to rely on another very busy mother. We've made three "dates" now, and between the flu hitting this house, Renies schedule, and Noelles schedule,  its been rough. But we will get there and get things gone. Same with Valerie's painting and Corinnes bin of clothes. Without the car except on weekends and the flu, same story, but I haven't forgotten and everything is on the 40 crazy "mom" lists.
Everything else, well... nothing is selling on ebay and I cannot list on etsy via the phone app. (Unless I am missing something, if so, please tell me. Both computers are on their way out). I believe the main problem  to be shipping, so I am going to try and sell locally via the blog,  facebook, snd Craigs list. I will also be using free cycle for stuff that wasn't so expensive.
I'd say I was open for trading, but that just brings more stuff in.
Today im listing Mia's old toybox. It can work unisex,  its in great condition, and we can drop off locally.
Dropping off is a good way to see old friends, or take a nice drive to look at other neighborhoods, as we have to move in June. So, its cool family driving time and stress free car rides with some good music.
If anyone is interested, please contact. We can easily bring the toybox and any of the ebay items still listed.
I'd also like to add that I have a friend who was influenced by the blog and sent me a photo of all the bags of stuff she cleaned out for donations and hand me downs. That's awesome. I have a bunch of free donation bags for lupus, and the vietnam vets if anyone wants them. All you do is fill them, call the number,  and leave on your porch and they will pick up.  Works very well for clothing.
Pass the word, check the ebay still listed under angel2213101 and contact my email directly for private purchase or donation.

Day 28

I am a Makeup Artist by profession. It's what I found could make some money when oil painting doesn't pay the bills. I look at it as a different canvas. I have a very large Beauty Kit, 3 Special FX and Character Makeup kits, one Hair Styling kit, a large bag of all my disposables and cleaners and a box of prosthetics. I always spend a little more to get the best for my kits.
My makeup bags, however...ugh. I have one small one for daily makeup, one in the linen closet for "extras" such as sponges,  etc and I just found another hiding in my jewelry drawer. In these "extra" bags, I found makeup older than my daughter. (Lipstick, mainly). Women have a serious problem with this. My business kits sparkle and I am constantly cleaning,  sanitizing,  and replenishing them if anything is in there longer than 3 months. I couldn't get over my own makeup bags. I found at least 5 out of date mascaras, over 10 different lipsticks, and even an empty bottle of perfume.
I know a lot of women hang on to items like lipstick because companies stop making that color, etc. It happens with all makeup. Get rid of it! If you need help, I'll helo you find a new color. Your makeup bag is a breeding ground for dirt you wipe on and off your face, oils that expel from the skin, and bacteria just from sitting in enclosed bags and containers. Ew. And you put them in your eyes, face, and mouth. Double ew.
I use one sponge per client in my chair and one "poof". When I am finished everything gets thrown away that is disposable and everything, I mean Everything... eyeshadiw, blush, powder compacts, brushes... get sprayed with pro grade 99% alcohol. Then the brushes are cleaned with brush cleaner on top of proper soap and water maintenance every few weeks.
I have never done this with my own bag. Why? The cleaning process isn't just for the next client... its just sanitary! We dont think of taking care of ourselves as we do others. Well, I'm telling you that you should.
If your mascara is 3 months old or older...chuck it. If you  have lipstick for over a year and barely use it, lesson learned,  throw it away.  If you can get an atomizer at any drug store for .99 and even buy drug store grade 92% or 80% alcohol to spritz on your makeup and sponges, it's a few dollars well spent.
You don't need to spend $300 on face creams, there's plenty of good washes women each find their favorite,  that are within a good price range. However,  you negate that by applying dirty and old makeup everyday. Old mascara could infect your eyes. And no matter how you scrub, dirty blush, powder and shadow will break you out. Dispose sponges often and clean your brushes. Spritz them with alcohol if you don't want to buy brush cleaner.
Today what I do not need or want is crap and dirt collecting in 3 bags just because I like the color or soent 30$ on a mascara. If its old, get rid of it.
Adios, dirty makeup! Hope I grossed you all out enough to pull out your bags and start chucking things right now. ;)

Day 27

Curiouser and Curiouser.
Each day, someone seems to come along in one form or another and spark an idea. I love the connections and it makes this project turn more into a journey.
Today was a day for artists. I first thought to give a few names to a Facebook friend of mine who has been running a webzine for a few years now. It started with just artists names. Recommendations for interviews and articles. I had done an interview years ago for this online entrepreneur and always try to pass others along to get their names and work out there as well. I didn't think that my help would affect her so much, but it did, and I'm glad. She asked me to do a few articles and I graciously accepted.
When naming off a few of the artists,  one of them who has been posting sculpting work was in need of large amounts of clay to finish a project for a named client and friend coming to her area. I remembered instantly that I had a 5 lb box of clay that had been sitting in the closet for at least two years, still usable. I immediately asked for her address,  and now, for day 27 this artist will get the clay she needs.

Nothing can beat either smile from helping the webzine to sending the clay.

Share the blog and check the ebay listings to share as well!

Also, feel free to look at the webzine, www.skinartists.com and the sculptress, @Tamara Comeaux of Lafayette, Louisiana.

Pay it forward.

Day 26

Well, the inevitable happened. Now I am sick. I asked about something they could give me when I took the man to the doctor and was told "once you get the flu, you're immune to getting it again". Uh huh. Thanks, Doc.
Anyway,  I'm really surprised at all the friends writing to me on Facebook really taking to the blog and project. Keeps me going. Even when I can barely see from my sinuses being so swollen. I like the fact that blogging even small challenges and knowing people will read forces me to reach my goals. I may just use this blog to quit smoking. We shall see. Baby steps.
So yesterday I promised I'd either upcycle my grandmother's pot holder or throw it out. I did both. The only salvagable piece was the heart design. I cut it out and even cut the loop to hang. I chucked tje rest of it. One of the times I miss my grandmother the most is when I am sick. She would always show up with homemade soups, stuffed artichokes, cake, and all sorts of goodies. She never let me be alone and sick. It simply was not an option. Even when she was 82 and could no longer drive, this woman took an 8 hour bus trip to come and see me after I had major spinal surgery. Nothing could keep her away. Stuffed artichokes have vitamins,  yes, but it was more her comfort and care. I decided to take the salvaged heart and its hook from the potholder and turn it into a natural hot/cold pack. I have to back it and stuff with flax seeds, lavender,  eucalyptus, lemon balm and chamomile. I figure I could transform the useless no memory pot holder into grandma's comfort when anyones sick. So, a homeopathic pack it shall become.
One of my readers wrote to me yesterday admiring the blog. For today, I have something to part with that screams her name. I'd rather not post pictures as id like to just surprise her in the mail. I assure you something is being given up with a story I shall expain in the card I send with the object. I know this will put a smile on her face. Wanting an object is one thing. Knowing another person would smile and love it more is another. Thanks for the inspiration to keep blogging,  day 26 is yours.

The blue lace betsey sunglasses didnt sell on ebay as the others did. If anyones interested, contact.

Stay well all!

Day 25

Well, one of the pairs of sunglasses listed will sell by the end of today. As I said on a previous day, it's not so hard being able to give things up. The hard part seems to be getting rid of them. I'm fine with giving away a lot of it, but I do battle with not being able to get some money back for spending so much on some of the more expensive items ive chosen to part with. It's a battle of "well, if I can't get some money back for it, I might as well keep it and use it". This battle is no easy one, but I'm working on it.
Yesterday with the house being sick I didn't list anything material. I saw another point to this and wanted to add on today. There are some things you can recycle or "up cycle" within the home. I've been collecting onion bags... you know, the mesh ones, to use for better drying my herbs. They work pretty well with most. My Patchouli plants are the only ones not liking that drying technique. Small uses of recycling onion bags, sauce jars, etc come in handy around the house, but when they start to pile up, you have to notice your recycling ideas, although with good intention, are not working for a clutter problem or for necessity. Too many times I have seen recyclers become recycling hoarders. This isn't recycling.
On another note, I have come across another want vs need demon to battle. Items from lost loved ones going to waste.  These are tough. It's one thing to keep family heirlooms and sentiments but when you've lost a ton of people, stuff starts to collect and suddenly becomes prized as a possession. I have so many items from my grandmother. For example,  her tailoring dress form (the family has always called her "Susie") is from the early 1930s, still bears my grandmother's pencil lines and will never leave my home or family. You could offer me millions. The answer would be no. However,  her burnt, ripped, barely useable heart shaped pot holder I can't throw out. Why?  She'd be the first one telling me to chuck it. I can't.  Ive grew up in the kitchen with my grandma,  as every italian female did. This burnt and worn potholder has no use other than to tie me to my grandma. I have Susie. I have so many other things from her. Why can't I part with the damned pot holder? It's silly objects like that I have to take time and creatively think, as she did, being a master seamstress,  how to either re create the worn pot holder into something useful and upcycle or "get rid of it", as she'd say. Today I am going to spend some time thinking about a damned pot holder and if I can't upcycle it, I am going to part with it. The memories of my grandmother are recorded in her dress work in my closets and susie, and being the greatest grandmother in photos, memories, and my heart. Not a potholder I probably grabbed at a Santa shop in grade school for one dollar. I've lost so many friends and family in my 32 years, a lot of my "stuff" is theirs, or things they gave to me. A dear friend of mine loved purple so much, I have a beautiful lace hippie purple skirt and a short one strap glitzy purple dress hanging in my closet storage, never worn. Out of all the other stuff I have of his, and all the clothing donations, these two purple things I will probably never wear, still hang in my closet because of him. I wish there was someone else that knew him that would appreciate these, but 10 years out of date and age over a decade, its hard to find them, in my mind, an acceptable home. He'd laugh at me too.
So... todays blog is a battle of me vs a potholder and a one strap purple dress. I think I'll wear the skirt the next time I hang out with a friend that also knew him well, at least once, take a picture, and maybe then let it go.
Let the battle begin.

This is for all my lost loved ones and friends. Nothing can replace you.

Day 24

Today is going to be brief because I have a sick household on my hands. One, possibly all of the dvds from day one are going and the coach sneakers for charity I took down out of disappointment from ebay. I gave them to my cousin who not only bears the exact name of the sneaker style, but lost her father, my godfather to cancer when she was just three years old. She has become an amazing runner just as he was and her next run for charity she will add my friends mothers name and run for her as well. I dropped the donation for the asking amount of tge sneakers and will be dropping more before the fundraising ends.
I spent my morning waking up early to the man who nevet gets sick having an extremely high fever and back and forth getting my daughter ready for school. Not everything we give up is material. Running around like superwoman is something every mom knows all too well. Today the need in this house is getting the man I love better and my child the attention and homework help as if there was no exhaustion in my body. Today I give up the want to sleep a little more so my loved ones are fully taken care of. This is a want and need that money can't buy.

Please spread the blog and ebay word. I really want to give a great donation to the two charities mentioned in the blog and can only do that if I sell the stuff!

Thanks for all the love, encouragemt, and help keeping this "project" and blog of mine going.
Everyone stay warm, healthy and happy. In the end, that is the ultimate necessity goal.

Day 11 (23)

Well, by now, I should have given the correct dates to match up exactly. Starting mid month threw the blog dates off, however, the first day had 13 items to "catch up". If you're interested in any Day 1 items, most were too "small" for ebay, contact and we can do a private sale.
Unfortunately, plans got all tangled for going to Renie's shop yesterday and today, but the bins are ready and waiting, and I will be there soon enough.
Today I thought for a while about what to sell, especially because ebay listings are not doing well. The Harley sister bracelet got sold and I received an offer on The Office lot that was so low it wouldn't even cover fees. As much as I am trying to get rid of things I do not need, I also do not need to spend money to do so. At least giving to charity is free. I still have the pink worn once Coach sneakers up on ebay for charity.  Sadly, the most viewed of all the blogs yet and the least viewed on ebay. Please pass the word about them. Its for a good cause. Same with the Betsey purse. It's for charity folks.
Today is not. Well, not completely. This one item I never really wanted to a give up because of its value, but there is absolutely nothing I could do with it except keep it in a drawer and say I own it. What's the point? How many items do we have where its the exact same story? I needed something "big" to start covering ebay fees AND I want to put extra money towards the donation I had already planned for the coach sneakers because they aren't selling and I feel horrible. Divas... prepare. Today is a silk Chanel scarf. Ebay prices have these going for $500 and upwards to 1500$. I'm listing for $400 obo and splitting the payoutcwith the charity.
Chanel is great, yes, I understand fashion, but to me, it's not necessary and being wasted. Please pass the word and check out all the other blog items.

Day 10

Sorry folks... no fabulous pictures of crap to get rid of today. However, I have 7 large plastic bins packed and ready to go to my cousins consignment shop in Ramsey. Hidden Closet will not only buy a couple things from my 7 bins and a few from things my friend Noelle packed up, but split the leftover  clothes between Battered Womens shelters and Clothes for Sandy victims. I also got an email from a friend who has a girl! (Finally! All my friends have boys!) So now I can put aside all the nice 5t and up clothes for another mom.
Not too special of a blog for story purposes, but those 7 bins will add a few bucks to the house savings,  be donated to 2 charities and passed along to a friend who has a little girl as well. Not bad for one day in the grand scheme. ;)

Anyone locally interested in my cousin's Shop, look up Hidden Closet in Ramsey NJ on facebook.

Day 9

This project is actually getting difficult. One week in and I am hitting road blocks. This makes me like the idea so much more. I have already set my mind on certain things that I absolutely could not part with, such as books, music, and family heirlooms.
Today I took up to cleaning again and decided to attack one of the 7 storage closets I have. Dont get too excited, that huge space with 7 closets is deemed unlivable by town code because it has no heat or fire a escape, so now its just storage and junk, basically a fire hazard. Go figure.
I saw some objects I haven't seen in years that I considered putting up. 80s colored coral necklace and bracelet sets from Long Beach Island. I figured it just another effort for Sandy relief, but sadly, upon further inspection, they need good cleanings. Next I saw a box of fragile figurines from childhood. All porcelain Disney. I know there are collectors for that and could put it towards finally taking my daughter to Disney World this summer, but I got scared to mail them in their delicate forms via ebay. If one broke, I'd feel horrible,  and I figured it best to wait on those until more sales came to pay to ship them properly.
I guess another difficulty is seeibg an object that has some meaning to you, may be worthless to most other people. Then what? Do I just throw these memories in the trash? I just cant get myself to do that,  I still have hopes for good homes.
Ebay is a great source to get rid of things, but it is fickle. Fees pop up for both ebay and PayPal,  their shipping calculations are not always exact, and buyers that use the site are particular. I dont mean particular just with condition, I mean they dont even give certain items a glance over. Now I find myself looking for things to cater to ebay more than sentimental stories to pass on or cooler objects that wouldn't make the ebay cut.
I have plans in the works for days of pure large bulk donations,  consigments, and yard sales, but I'd still like an object just for this blog everyday. I'd like to be able to help or pass on directly as well.
So, todays items will yes, list on ebay, but if a friend needs them, ill cancel the listing and just help with shipping. Its a cokd week, and with a child, every Christmas,  she gets winter clothes from everyone. One year, she got 4... yes 4 pink bubble vests. I'm putting 2 up. She never wore them. One she did, and the other I gave away. Most of my friends have toddlers or boys and its hard to help with all these beautiful and brand new hand-me-downs, which to moms is always a blessing well received.
So day 9... one 6-7 old navy vest and one 6-7 gap vest. (The ruffled one in darker pink is the gap). Never worn without tags from hanging in the closet for 3 years. Dont follow size for vests, my child got these at age 4 as a peanut and at 9 could probably still fit. The only kids clothes reusable for years.

Please pass the blog. I notice some of the days the blog gets the most hits are the days for charity, but yet those have the fewest hits on ebay. Tisk tisk.

Ebay id: angel2213101. All the items from the blog are there with the exception of the smaller items from day one and the sold bracelet from day 4. Keep warm all!

Day 8

https://support.barbellsforboobs.org/individual-fundraising/Drost

Today is an item I have been waiting to use for charity and wouldn't you know it, the charity I needed came along to me last night.
My Aunt worked over 30 years as a Coach and was taken by breast cancer in 9 months just a short time ago. I've lost more people in my family to cancer than I can count anymore. When she was doing treatment, I did a Komen walk for her and grabbed these pink coach sneakers as a joke since she and everyone else in that family are athletic,  and I am not. I wore the sneakers for the Komen walk and never wore them again. 
Today, I am getting ready for another coach,  her sister and my step mother's retirement party, as well as a childhood friend who had both these coaches in school as teachers donation link. She recently lost her mother, and I figure these sneakers should belong to someone else and another charity now. As time goes on, we step from funerals to birthday parties and retirement celebrations. We still remember all those who we've lost, but continue living for them. Coincidentally,  another childhood friends mother did this walk with me and she just lost her mother the other day to cancer as well.
The donation link is at the top of the blog and thats where the profit from this sneaker auction will go.

Remembering many today, sending hugs across the country and just around thr block as well as personally giving them in a few hours for my stepmother.

Feel free to donate. Im going to on my own past the auction,  and any coach loving sneaker size 8s out there,  bid up this auction for a good cause that links to numerous people in my life and friends lives.

Day 8 feels right.

Day 7

Well, the first item sold. Monday I will be off to the post office to ship out the Harley Bracelet.
Yesterday, as I said, I did some significant cleaning through my huge storage area.  One part of which is my art studio. I have paintings sitting there from past exhibitions that I couldn't part with and had gotten serious big bucks offers on. Some I will never let go, but if youre going to create anything new, "out with the old", as they say. For me, and my fellow artist friend fro my high school, it's more like "wave goodbye".
Back in 1997, in high school art class, she and I were THE artists. She was always so talented, in a Box way much different from my style,  but we both clicked. She was the only one of my various friends that liked Nine Inch Nails as I did. We peeled away from school a few times just blasting March of the Pigs. Ahhh... the days.
About 5 years ago, we reconnected through facebook and had a great time bringing back the laughs we both needed at tge same times. Artists alwats find each other once they bond and connect to other artists. We continued to see each other through her work schedule as a lawyer, and mine on set for any independent film I could take. Lugging my kits to her apartment for a week long filming just b because I'd be working so much id have no time to commute from north jersey. She I knew the no time life well. Working almost 22 hours a day for her partners, blackberry never resting. We lost I ourselves as artists for a bit.
Then nine inch nails announced the last tour, wave goodbye. We had to. And for one sunday in Jones Beach, we said goodbye to 20 years of music, common interest, and experiencing the peace of the blackberry not going off or exhaustion from 108 hours on set in 5 days, we saw how we needed to change and I wave  goodbye to what we didnt like about our lives before the likes were gone.
I wrote to a friend and galery owner yesterday to see if she had room for a couple of the paintings I decided I could part with. One if which was there before, a Reznor portrait. He's been exhibited twice and was always listed NFS (not for sale), even with a 7k offer. I'm not ebay-ing my art. No. There's a limit. And when looking at it, some huge starfucker could buy it, and in 5 years, my And my work could be in the trash. I knew the only I thing to do, the place the huge painting belonged, was with Valerie. I posted on her facebook and asked if she wanted it. I was surprised and taken back that my dear friend and fellow sister in art immediately texted me and was able excited and honored to have it.
Valerie's acceptance of the offer was alone worth more than any monetary offer for the piece and I know that the only place on this planet it will ever belong, is with her.

Next weekend, I will wave goodbye to my painting and say hello to Val for lunch.

2 items on their way out. One sold, one priceless. Thanks for all of it Val. See you soon.

Pictures added for you all to wave goodbye to Trent, too. Lol.

Day 6

I'm already beginning to see how this project may not be so easy. Today, I spent hours cleaning and going through our huge 3rd floor storage space, music helping me on my cleaning journey, hoping, yet again, I'd find a special item to part with that also had a good story for this blog.
The hard part is not realizing what you can part with. That's actually quite a liberating and exciting feeling. It also doesn't take any special genius to post an item for sale on ebay, or scribble a blog on their phone for that matter. The hard part is maintaining the very point of the project for not just myself, but the encouragement for anyone who reads. It may seem contradictory that I begin a project to truly discover want vs. need, and then post items for people to purchase. Here's the thing, folks... "One persons trash is another ones treasure". This is why the stories are Important. If you ARE going to buy anything- not just from me- make it worthy. The very NEED to WANT is embedded in our nature. Many women want a Betsey Johnson bag, but do not see the need or any connective value. The Betsey bag is not a listing for a purse. It's a listing for a donation to charity with a bonus of something you may want I for donating. (Read day 2). Many people do not donate because they get nothing from it. Its sad but true. Day 2 gave you a stepping stone.
As far as other listings, like I said, ones trash is anothers treasure. Somewhere on this planet, there are a group of friends who love The Office TV show. Instead of all getting trashed at a bar and individually spending over 100 $, I listed a set with a game for half the price. This proverbial group can have fun hang out nights together playing a dvd game. Remember Clue? In these economic times, to a the right people, one item can lead to nights of endless fun. A mom who is superwoman and loves espresso can buy the espresso maker with comfort knowing shes givibg back to two other superwoman moms. Its a different item than one off the shelf. Its a story when making espresso for company, or a reminder while making each jolted brew that its worth it to be up late still cleaning or working through exhaustion.
The boots I thought people would figure out. "Walk in another person's shoes for a day". I have a had nany days where simply walking becomes a luxury. Multiple Sclerosis hit me at 28. Walk for me. Walk with pride, head up high, simply because you can. That feeling alone, trust me, is priceless. Sadly, most about don't see these luxuries until they are gone. Id rather walk than have the boots. You'd rather have the boots than my legs. Its just the will of the universe.
A while back, as a young one in Catholic School, I remembered one sermon from our priest. I didnt pay attention often, so I knew it meant something. It did and still does. The long/short of it was that you can't expect to be see the world or c whats really there if you are always wearing dirty glasses or the wrong ones for your eyes. Our ability to see is one of our most important gifts. Use yours wisely, friends.

For those who have not been seeing so well, im posting not one,  but three pairs of sunglasses up. Ones that never quite fit my vision, but will hopefully improve yours.

Betsey Johnson White Aviators
Betsey Johnson Blue Lace retros
Michael Kors white retros.

First buyer gets a free pink case to protect their vision.

Ebay: angel2213101

Contact from blog for offers and I will take off ebay and discount for blog readers. Now for the plug... share thr blog. Remember, if you dont I need it or want it, someone c else out there does. ;)

Day 5

Today I thought for two hours in the doctor's office wating room about what I should blog and give up for Day 5. I waited for some miraculous sign that would come along and instantly link me with a quaint backstory. Nothing. On the way home, I thought about "nothing". How many people have nothing, how many material items I have, dont use, or bought for no reason. I thought about waste. I thought about how lucky I am in the grand scheme of things. And there it was. Lucky.
3 years ago, when I first got sick, and learned very fast that all my beautiful and expensive high heels were out of the question, what did I do? I shopped the Internet for MORE expensive shoes that had no heel. Hey, step one of coping. I found this amazing and very expensive pair of Lucky Brand goatskin knee high combat boots and without a thought, stupidly turned super consumer and spent $225 plus shipping. The worst part? 3 years later, I've never had a chance to wear them. Still in the box, all wrapped up with nowhere to go, piled with all the other shoe boxes in my closet that fall on my head. Well, whaddya know. I turned nothing into lucky.
Today I will list and swear to get rid of the nothing, much like the never ending story of consumerism that envelops us to the point we dont see how Lucky we are. Bye bye boots.

Ebay: angel2213101
Contact email on blog for outside offers. Help share the blog!

Day 4

I wanted to try and change things up a bit each day and still somehow connect them to the daily experiences of the year.
Almost a decade ago, I moved from Northern Jersey to Queens. I loved living in Queens and although there were many rough patches, it was a brief period of reinvention. It took me a few months to find work when I learned for the first time, and very fast, that simply being an artist did not pay the bills.
I worked in a salon for a few months and it was the most hellish and stressful experience of my life. I was supposed to have gotten an instant job at New York City Harley Davidson, but the owner jerked me around for a month and I wound up in the most upper class salon on Long Island. While driving to work each day, dreading my new salon job, I saw a new Harley Davidson being built. The sign out front said Miracle Mile. I remember thinking to myself that nothing about the trek to the salon each day was a Miracle,  and how much I needed one.
One day, overstressed, overworked, and underpaid, I stopped in the newly opened dealership and asked for a job. My soon to be manager and I clicked right off the bat, and within a week, I not only had a new job, but gained 4 older and 2 younger sisters. Cheryl, Rosa, Roseanne and Linda (I called her Marie...a joke we shared from A Bronx Tale) changed my life in ways I doubt they know. We were there for each others block parties, late college graduations, wedding showers, bachelorette parties, weddings, and holidays. We were... the "girls". We had the model department for the East Coast and still laughed together all day. A sisterhood that no one could expect or find again.
Working at Harley had its perks. We all had a discount, and who can stop women from shopping? Needless to say, I am still overloaded with all sorts of Harley merchandise.
This bracelet was one of my favorites. I always wanted the tiffany style bracelet like this and knew I'd never have the money. I thought to myself, I'd never find the amazing people I found at Tiffanys, and I embraced the piece of jewelry, reminding me that a tiffany bracelet may be beautiful, but the sisterhood at Harley was priceless.
Years went by and we all went our own ways, but I still have a photo of myself and the sisterhood on my bookshelf.
I am currently working on Tshirt design ( what I originally thought I'd be doing for Harley) for a close family friends son who just passed. His brothers are meeting up a year from now to memorialize him and ride free for him. I was having trouble thinking of this memorial design because I did not know him. But bikes have always brought brothers, uncles, dads, and sisters into my life. People that will always be priceless and never forgotten. This is the way of Harley.
So today, Day 4, I part with the bracelet thats been sitting in my drawer. The photograph on my shelf is what I can never give up. The jewelry should go to another sister out there and let the legends of all the sister and brotherhoods live on. Here's to "the girls".

Day 3

Today I took down the last of the holiday decor, my favorite part, the cards. One dropped on the floor next to my makeshift buffet piece where I saw a present still sitting from 2 Christmases ago. Unused.
My mother bought me an espresso maker a few Christmases ago when she was low on money for the holiday. Still, at my age, she'd never let me go without. It was my first Christmas after being diagnosed with MS, a burden that not only I bear, but my mother took on as well. Helping me with bills and extra money when I couldn't work from relapses. Dammit if that woman still didnt charge up her Macy's card to give me presents to open.
This happens too often on holidays. People who love you go broke or spend what they can't just to put "things" into your life and under the tree. Out of all of mom's gifts that year, the espresso maker was my favorite. Who doesn't love coffee?
But, like most holiday build up, I haven't used it. Whether it be for no company, counter room, need for that big of a jolt that often, or that I never found a cup set. I see my mother's wonderful intentions and love wasting on my shelf.
Mom has done so much to help me since I had my daughter, since I got sick, since I was born. I dont need an item on my shelf to prove it. And id rather sell it and give her some cash to finally buy herself something than keep it brand new on the shelf in fear she will be hurt.
So, todays item to sell is a DeLonghi EC5 espresso maker, never used, still in the box, smothered in love from my Mom. The sale will go to her, whether she likes it or not.
I posted some of the bigger items on ebay, I know they take fees, but I am getting a pile and the point is to get rid of things. The small stuff I will just sell via contact or donate to the local thrift store for lupus at the end of the project.

Contact for offers via email. Ebay listings under angel2213101.

I want a coffee maker, but I will always need my mother. Here's to mom and her Macy's bill.

Day 2

My dog is named Betsey after the purse she was enamored with when I first found her. After that, it became an excuse to virtually buy stock in Betsey Johnson. Anyone that has come across me in the last 6 years knows my slight Betsey fetish. It got really bad when I was at school in SoHo and the Betsey Boutique was right around the block. My first set makeup kits were Betsey luggage. Yes. That bad.
Today I worked with a photographer who was one of my first teammates and became a dear friend and peer in the industry. Not to mention an unbelievable human being. This is a man that although his photography resume and fashion week work for the past 20 years is all anyone dreams of, he spends his time counselling troubled youths, preaching at his church, helping models new to the business, and travelling the world to spend months at a time helping those who need it in depraved countries. That is just a few examples of the person John is. I wish I could travel and help people. With my daughter and my wonderful MS that hates hot weather, I dont know how I could.
If anyone sees want vs. need its John.
So, for day 2, I'm ready to give up this frivolous and once sentimental Betsey Johnson purse. I thought it meant so much. Reminding me of school, the fun I had on many of my first sets, seeing old friends from afar and getting dolled up... ocassions, memories. I dont need a silly purse to remind me of those wonderful times and I feel almost like a bad person for owning anything after hearing from John how those children live.
I am selling this purse for $30. 100% of the sale will be donated to the place John tells me needs it the most. Thank you John, thank you Betsey, and thanks ahead to any buyer or reader. Lets all take a page from Johns book. Want vs. Need, folks.

Day 1

Day 1

A while back, I came across an article about a new book. I've been wanting to read it since, but decided with the new year to use the welcomed idea and read the book upon completion of my little project based on the idea.
The book is called "100 things". Has anyone read it? If so, don't give it away! The article summarized the book, essentially the idea of want vs. Need in such a consumer soaked society and limiting posessions down to 100 items.
As with most right now, the economy is killing us and the one and only "thing" we all want and save for in this apartment with a crappy landlord and pavement backyard is a home. I have decided to start a project of my own for 2013 and get rid of something everyday. It may not get me down to 100 items, but selling 365 items may help us build that house savings account up just a bit further and get rid of "things" at the same time. Learning what is truly important or special and what simply isn't. As today is the 13th day of the new year, I've picked 13 small items to start and each day I will add another. I cant wait to see the result by December 31st!

So, yes, todays first blog is not all that powerful and interesting, simply an introduction to get the ball rolling.

The first 13 items are: "The Office" Seasons 1-5 and the DVD "board game" to go with it. I also have a beautiful set of 6 crystal coasters, a set of Egyptian Candle hokders with candles, DVD "Whatever Works", "The Spirit","21" all watched once, and finally, a nice column candke holder set.

I'm sure the time will come for the Coach bags, all the expensive high heels, my $1500 limited and numbered Pearl Jam never played CD set and much more expensive items,  but fir days 1-13 I'm starting small.

I'm not using ebay, their fees along with paypal when using ebay really take a chunk out. Anyone interested, I will be listing here each day and giving my paypal address for payments. Even if you dont want to buy, subscribe and pass the word...the project itself may just get interesting.

For purchase: email aliciazeringo@gmail.com
                              Same email for paypal.

Thanks! And away we go!