An Invasion of a "STRANGER" Kind.... NEW THREAD IS UP!! Go Thee NOW!

[All7OfUs]

My family was hoarders. We had so much clutter. Mel's family threw everything out. I'm trying to be in the middle. But when it's time is up.... it's gotta go!

There certainly is moderation in everything. You don't want to seem cruel, yet, it's really not necessary to save every gum wrapper and dry marker either.

ooh caught red handed!

You need to work on your purging skills (and timing). Stealth. It's all about stealth.

Says she whose 10 year old found a POC weird sleigh thingy in the trash that he swears he made. I actually had no idea he made it.

Of course even he admitted it looked trashed, like it had gotten wet or something.

But he was very upset at the time.

Thankfully on the toy front they've largely outgrown the 50 cent toy...now it's more in the Bekka category of nasty stained tee's, beloved jeans that have holes.....sweatshirts that will never come clean again but they are their FAVORITE and of course....floods.

"They are NOT too short mom!" "But they are my favorites!"

Evan found 3 pairs of jeans I'd snagged. He needs to quit growing, I thought they were up high enough he couldn't see them. I personally don't find blown out knees to be a fashion statement.

Yeah, I was totally off my game when that happened. My resolve and skills have since grown.

A "weird sleigh thingy"!!?? Just that is funny in itself!! Sounds like you also need to sharpen those skills which require stealth!

And just how IS it that every piece of clothing is their favorite?? I just so don't get that!

I end up scanning what ever art work I can. That way it can hit the trash (when no one is looking) and I can save it- nice and neat on my hard drive!

Hey that's a great idea! I should do that to a couple pieces just to have them for when they are 40.

Morning! I actually slept! I think I went to bed around 1 but I fell asleep on the couch around 11 from a sleeping pill induced comma.

I'm hoping the over the counter stuff if taken for about a week at the same time every evening will do the trick. You don't think I'll get addicted to it, do you?

Hey!! A good night's sleep! Good for you!

No, I don't think you'll get hooked, but I would talk to your doctor if you can't seem to turn things around after week or so.

 

[that's nice]

All this with Mama's permission of course?
You do save some of the real deals, right?
Hi Tim, I'm Camille....I don't think we've been officially introduced.
I've seen you around of course.
We have an entire drawer at the bottom of our dresser that's dedicated to art work from my kiddos. I'm kinda sad and happy they've for the most part out grown making it. I don't think we could cram another beloved living thing in there!

Hi Camille!

LOL My DW would kill me if I did an unauthorized garbage run!

We save any of the better work but the 'average' stuff (geeez I feel weird typing this) takes a hike. I know it is only gonna get worse, being my DD is only 3. She comes home from school with 2-3 projects, paintings, drawings, etc... 2 days a week.

 

[MKBekka]

Hi Camille!

LOL My DW would kill me if I did an unauthorized garbage run!

We save any of the better work but the 'average' stuff (geeez I feel weird typing this) takes a hike. I know it is only gonna get worse, being my DD is only 3. She comes home from school with 2-3 projects, paintings, drawings, etc... 2 days a week.

I've got a 6 y/o cousin who notices if one sticker falls off her daily project from school.

 

[that's nice]

Hi Camille!

LOL My DW would kill me if I did an unauthorized garbage run!

We save any of the better work but the 'average' stuff (geeez I feel weird typing this) takes a hike. I know it is only gonna get worse, being my DD is only 3. She comes home from school with 2-3 projects, paintings, drawings, etc... 2 days a week.

Liesa's TR.....
Bring people together since 2009!

I've got a 6 y/o cousin who notices if one sticker falls off her daily project from school.

Kids are very observant. You should know... you're a kid too! errrr I mean teenager.

 

[MKBekka]

Liesa's TR.....
Bring people together since 2009!



Kids are very observant. You should know... you're a kid too! errrr I mean teenager.

Mom says 'just another service I provide'. Sure I'm a kid, but aren't we all at heart??

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Yeah, I'm not sure why they don't have the kids do a nice craft, like paint a cheap pot and actually plant a flower in it, so that it looks nice and is something they can keep for a long time. Plastic whistles and airplanes made of balsa wood last about 4 micro seconds- and end up under their beds for about 4 months. ???

That's what I try to do. Either a nice, take home craft if its an 'at home' party, or..GASP... no goodie bag if I spent $300 at Monkey Joe's or Planet Fun for a 'pro party' (like I did this year). Sheesh, bday's have totally gotten out of hand!

How do kids know when you throw out a $.50 toy they got 2 years ago?

They are too damn smart.

I know - its like a 6th sense!

I end up scanning what ever art work I can. That way it can hit the trash (when no one is looking) and I can save it- nice and neat on my hard drive!

What a good idea! I actually do save quite a bit of artwork, and school papers that show their hand in it - something where they did some writing, not just worksheets.

 

[eandesmom]

A "weird sleigh thingy"!!?? Just that is funny in itself!! Sounds like you also need to sharpen those skills which require stealth!

And just how IS it that every piece of clothing is their favorite?? I just so don't get that!

Well my excuse is the weird sleigh thingy was at the bottom of a box of xmas decorations and I found it as I was putting decorations away this year. So I wasn't exactly in "kid art preservation mode" if you know what I mean.

Apparently at one time it had a whole clay set up of presents and a Santa, none of which rings a bell in the deepest recesses of my mind. After looking at it, Evan concurred with the placement of it in the garbage. After he'd sulked, thrown a fit, cried, got it out, and then really looked at it. Of course.

 

[If U Had Wings]

I'd love to come help you de-junk!! It can be like therapy! and is very freeing, AND your house/ condo/ apt. will look fabulous!!

I can't wait until it looks better. At the moment it's looking quite scary. My bedroom is filled with piles. Piles like keep, donate, trash, hold for 6 months etc. (I hold all clothes that don't fit for 6 months. If they still don't fit then they go).

 

[All7OfUs]

Now, we get to the Series Within a Series of "A Soldier's Perks".

The idea of getting a VERY small something from each country's Pavilion around the World Showcase sprang to my mind when I was reminiscing about my last attempt to really explore there. It was a sad failure to be sure, due to too large a party and ansty people in it. I left sorely disappointed that I had hardly even stepped into ANY of the quaint little shops, but that the few I did poke around in for a very brief few moments, offered such a lovely array of scents and sounds, that they took me directly to "that world" for a short time. They were interludes that I hope I can recapture by intentionally and proactively taking some time to hunt down a few treasures around the Promenade. Let's shop!

I'm looking for just a small trinket that will immediately take my mind to that country and which captures the culture or traditions. I really am NOT looking for anything Mickey Mousey or Disneyana, just something really, truly representative of the country. My budget is around $4-$5 per country, with one exception (that's coming later), which would cost out around $50. So, we'll see how I do.

Even the research itself has been so very fun! I found a delightful site that was chock full of helpful information and ideas that I spent quite a while reading through. I hope you find it just as entertaining!

Click HERE: for that plethora of shopping around the world ideas.

Let's go clockwise- just because. In all my trips to EPCOT, I've got nearly a perfect 50/50 going with which direction I take as I cross over the bridge.

So, stopping first at Mexico then...

If I had a zillion dollars, I'd buy a rather large hand-painted carved animal. But money trees are scarce these days, as are golden egg laying hens. So, instead, I will mostly likely seek out the chili pepper glass swizzle sticks. I have no idea what the design is here, but if they are like this, I'll get a couple.



The allears info. says they are around $2.50 each, which is in my price range.

Another option, which I don't have a picture for, is a set of 2 mini maracas. Apparently, they sell for 2/$6.

I am certain there will be many more options that will look interesting as I start to browse, but those are my initial ideas. Anyone gotten a cute little Mexican something from La Plaza de Los Amigos???? What was it? Do you have a photo? How much was it??

Click Here for A Soldier's Perks- Pt. 4, Norwegian Knick-Knacks

 

[tinkgurl]

Aw, mini souvenirs from each country is a great idea! If they have a cute, tiny little Donald in a sombrero- you have to get it! Okay, no you don't have to get it.

 

[eandesmom]

I love the swizzle sticks and they'd get a lot more use than mini maracas which I know I'd misplace. Or step on. Or Evan's cat would think is a toy to roll around.



My kids were into the masks and hats in Mexico, and of course the puppets, none of which are $5 or under!

I love the concept of this treasure hunt!

 

[All7OfUs]

Mom says 'just another service I provide'. Sure I'm a kid, but aren't we all at heart??

I stole that from someone's PTR I saw this week- so funny!!

Yep, we're all just big kids, but hopefully we've gained a little class along the way. (Stop laughing, Tim and Glenn!)

That's what I try to do. Either a nice, take home craft if its an 'at home' party, or..GASP... no goodie bag if I spent $300 at Monkey Joe's or Planet Fun for a 'pro party' (like I did this year). Sheesh, bday's have totally gotten out of hand!

Yeah, what is WITH that!? My sister does the same thing!! $300 is like half a house payment!!! My kids are lucky to get a cake. Period. I think it will be different once we get back, but seriously, who are they going to invite here? They just don't do kids' parties here- ever.

Well my excuse is the weird sleigh thingy was at the bottom of a box of xmas decorations and I found it as I was putting decorations away this year. So I wasn't exactly in "kid art preservation mode" if you know what I mean.

Apparently at one time it had a whole clay set up of presents and a Santa, none of which rings a bell in the deepest recesses of my mind. After looking at it, Evan concurred with the placement of it in the garbage. After he'd sulked, thrown a fit, cried, got it out, and then really looked at it. Of course.

I purged our Christmas box too this year. Out went every tacky or weird item. I found a moose on a sleigh (sounds very similar to yours) that my DGma got my oldest. We never used it, so out it went. He agreed it had to go.

Glad he saw some sense in it!! Sheesh, un needed (that is so not a word) really needs to be chucked ASAP!!

I can't wait until it looks better. At the moment it's looking quite scary. My bedroom is filled with piles. Piles like keep, donate, trash, hold for 6 months etc. (I hold all clothes that don't fit for 6 months. If they still don't fit then they go).

You need an intervention, Crissy!! I wish I could come help. It would be painful for about 5 minutes, then you would feel so light and free!! We could out for lunch and coffee and talk about how clutterfree your place is and how wonderful it feels!! Then we could plan a trip together! to stock up on new stuff !!

 

[All7OfUs]

Aw, mini souvenirs from each country is a great idea! If they have a cute, tiny little Donald in a sombrero- you have to get it! Okay, no you don't have to get it.

Probably not. But if you're looking for one, I'd gladly pick you up one, if you forget it on your trip- which by the way is COMING UP VERY SOON!!!

I love the swizzle sticks and they'd get a lot more use than mini maracas which I know I'd misplace. Or step on. Or Evan's cat would think is a toy to roll around.



My kids were into the masks and hats in Mexico, and of course the puppets, none of which are $5 or under!

I love the concept of this treasure hunt!

Exactly what I was thinking!!! Seriously, other than sitting on a shelf somewhere, there's not a lot of use, and what I buy, I really do want to use. The new house has a bar cupboard with glass shelving, that I really hope to have nicely set up and use. We don't drink a lot at all, but it will be nice to have everything ready for guests or summer bbqs or for a hot winter drink, or the right glass for a blended something. I can see us actually using the swizzles.

I think it's a fun idea, and I can see some really fun photos opps for us ladies doing this hunt!!

 

[carissanboys]

I love your idea of a small souvenir from each country! I may have to steal that one. We plan on spending a large amount of time in the World Showcase on our trip in January so I can actually look around.

Aren't those hand-painted animals gorgeous??!

 

[All7OfUs]

I love your idea of a small souvenir from each country! I may have to steal that one. We plan on spending a large amount of time in the World Showcase on our trip in January so I can actually look around.

Aren't those hand-painted animals gorgeous??!

You should totally steal it! I would love to see what you get from each country too- it'll be fun to compare notes!

WS is my favorite! Really almost equal with MK! There's so much to see and explore and feel and smell and taste; Oh, I just can't wait!!

I love those carved animals! But the prices are outrageous! As are the sweaters in Norway.

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Oooh, this is a fun idea!

Well, I'm sure each country sell pins, no? You could turn them into magnets. Oh - I bet they sell magnets too, duh! How about a coffee mug or drinking glass? Antenna topper? Postcard? Candy? Something in a tin, like tea?

Does it need to have a theme, or might you look for something completely different in each country?

 

[Pollito916]

Ooh, I went to Epcot with my best friend when I was 16 (part of Spring Break in FL 1997!), but we only had about 2-3 hours there, which is not nearly enough. But we did the buy a small/cheap souvenier in country thing! Except we didn't make it all of the way around the world in that time, so I know we missed a few. I remember it being kind of difficult to find decent stuff under $10. The ones I remember are:

Mexico - small sombrero key chains
Norway - small troll
China - fan
Italy - small espresso cup and saucer
Morocco - turquoise necklace
France - Monet Waterlilies wall light switch plate

That's all I can remember, when I go home I will try to find them all and take a pic. Except maybe the troll. I think his nose may have broken off and he may have been circular filed. And I think the first fan may have broken, but I probably bought more since then.

One of my favorite purchases from Epcot was in 2005 at a Swarovski kiosk outside of Germany. It's a necklace with a teardrop stone in a beautiful blue color, and I get compliments on it every time I wear it. I don't remember the price, but I think it was under $100, maybe even under $50. When we went in 2008 we didn't see anything like it though, and were kind of disappointed.

 

[All7OfUs]

Oooh, this is a fun idea!

Well, I'm sure each country sell pins, no? You could turn them into magnets. Oh - I bet they sell magnets too, duh! How about a coffee mug or drinking glass? Antenna topper? Postcard? Candy? Something in a tin, like tea?

Does it need to have a theme, or might you look for something completely different in each country?

No, there really doesn't have to be a theme at all. Just something that will remind me of our time there, and help to transport me quickly back to our special time together.

I am pretty sure they all sell pins and magnets, but I think I'd rather have a variety of items that I might use or see everyday, all around the house.

I'd rather not get consumable things like candy- that'll disappear in a short time, then I'd have nothing. We've already discussed the merits of saving candy wrappers . So I woudn't do that, no matter where they are from.

Anyway, I think it can be done. And I think we're going to have a great time trying to meet this challenge!!

Ooh, I went to Epcot with my best friend when I was 16 (part of Spring Break in FL 1997!), but we only had about 2-3 hours there, which is not nearly enough. But we did the buy a small/cheap souvenier in country thing! Except we didn't make it all of the way around the world in that time, so I know we missed a few. I remember it being kind of difficult to find decent stuff under $10. The ones I remember are:

Mexico - small sombrero key chains
Norway - small troll
China - fan
Italy - small espresso cup and saucer
Morocco - turquoise necklace
France - Monet Waterlilies wall light switch plate

That's all I can remember, when I go home I will try to find them all and take a pic. Except maybe the troll. I think his nose may have broken off and he may have been circular filed. And I think the first fan may have broken, but I probably bought more since then.

One of my favorite purchases from Epcot was in 2005 at a Swarovski kiosk outside of Germany. It's a necklace with a teardrop stone in a beautiful blue color, and I get compliments on it every time I wear it. I don't remember the price, but I think it was under $100, maybe even under $50. When we went in 2008 we didn't see anything like it though, and were kind of disappointed.

yeah, I think you're right, finding something that's durable and not super cheesy is going to be tough- but do-able. I'd definitely agree that 3 hours is not NEARLY enough time to hunt and capture.

I have jewelry on my list too, but only one piece- in a special place. More on that later. I'd love to see a picture of your various things!!

See?? trolls with broken noses need to be circular filed. No need to keep junk like that. Although, I'll admit, I'd try to glue it back on.... Then I'd have an excuse to not throw it away.

 

[that's nice]

Is an alcoholic beverage from each country considered a souvenir? Maybe the hangover the next day would be considered one?

I think it would be hard to get a (quality) souvenir from each country for a cheap price. This threw me for a loop Ms. I don't want to shop in WDW. LOL

 

[tinkgurl]

Is an alcoholic beverage from each country considered a souvenir? Maybe the hangover the next day would be considered one?

I think it would count if you took pics while loopy to document it!