Day 59 - Book - Your Baby's First Year

Today I am offering the book: Your Baby's First Year by the American Academy of Pediatrics. We got 2 of these books when I delivered the twins a few years ago. I never read one - nevermind the fact they gave us 2. I already got rid of one and hope someone else can out this one to use.

In many ways I really just don't like maternity and baby books. I think they just make people crazy! They make you overthink everything and you can just get so wrapped up in the details without using your own intuition or judgment. But, I know they are somewhat helpful. And, I am sure they will help some new parent with the many joys and struggles of an infant.

Happy Saturday!

Day 58 - Digital Photo Album - Gone!

What a hit!!! I think I had over 10 responses for the keychain! It always surprises me what is a hit and what isn't!

It ended up going to a man who got it for his wife and she is super excited about it! I hope they enjoy it and it brings many smiles to their faces.

Happy Weekend!

Day 58 - Digital Photo Album

Today is not a great day to be unorganized. My little one is throwing up and we need to get to the doctor. So, to make a long story short - today I am offering another Christmas present - a digital photo album key chain. New in box and never used. We got a few don't need anymore!

I am sure someone will enjoy having this!

Day 57 - Double Stroller - GONE!

Well, I have a taker! Actually, 2!

I had a friend drop by in the afternoon asking to borrow the stroller for a trip she is taking to Florida - perfect. And, when I get it back it will go to a fellow freecycler!

This is a nice BIG item to get rid of!

Day 57 - Double Stroller

Today I am offering a Jeep Double Stroller. If you read my family blog, you'll be right in guessing that this is the stroller the airline messed up. Despite their mistake, the stroller is not completely broken - just more difficult to open and close. But, I think if someone needed a stroller to keep in their garage, it would work just fine. We'll see if there are any takers - I bet there will be someone!

Why not keep it? Well, we don't use it often - the kids are barely ever in strollers. And, when we do use it we are traveling and opening/closing it. And, with no trips coming up we'll be just fine with our regular stroller. And, I am pretty tall and have a long stride. This stroller has a middle wheel and I kick it all the time - just can't walk at a normal clip.

So, I'm done with it!

Day 56 - The Motherhood of all Pregnancy Books - GONE!

I am so happy to have passed this book onto a newly pregnant woman who is so thrilled to begin reading it!!

Day 56 - The Motherhood of all Pregnancy Books

Today I am offering a book: The Motherhood of all Pregnancy Books by Ann Douglas.

I read through this when pregnant with my twins and found value in it. Although I might have another child one day, I think most of the info is available on the internet and just don't need the book. But, I am sure a new mother would love it. It is in great condition!

Day 55 - Package of Napkins and a Wine Topper - GONE!

Well, this set has found a home. A woman will be giving it to her sons teacher - a golf lover!

Yippie!

Day 55 - Package of Napkins and a Wine Topper

My day is way off kilter. My husband is out of town and I had to work this morning. That meant getting my 2.5 year old twins out the door by 8:30 and that's a tall order! But, they got to their sitters, I got to work and all is well. But, I have not freecycled yet! And, I don't know what to freecycle today. So, I am sitting in my family room and looking for an item to hit the road... What shall it be???

the chi machine?? Nope - that's still a keeper.
the slot machine?? My husband would kill me.
picture frames?? Nope - they all have pictures of my girls.
a stone elephant?? We're getting closer.......

this is hard!

Okay - how about a package of napkins and a wine topper? The napkins say "If they don't have golf in heaven I'm not going" and the wine topper is a golf ball.

We got them for Christmas in a grab bag thingy and have no use for them. They had not yet been put away from Christmas - now you can imagine how crazy my house is!

Did I mention we don't golf?

Day 54 - 3 White Wire Baskets - GONE!

I got a taker. Not sure if she really wanted them, but she's picking up on Saturday. She is one of the freecyclers I get funny e-mails from every now and then - not spam, just funny responses.

She responded to the post with a comment about how I wrote it and I told her to pick them up!

Hopefully she'll find use in them!

Day 54 - 3 White Wire Baskets

Today I am offering: 3 white wire baskets. They are about 6x10 and maybe 5 inches deep. They'd be great for storing stuff like craft supplies or bath toys.

I think I got them at The Container Store a hundred or so years ago and really don't know what they were used for! I've tried to like them and use them, but we just don't click.

Hard to imagine you don't click with a basket...

Day 53 - Cookbook: The Gluten Free Gourmet - Cooks Fast & Healthy - GONE!

Another hit! I had 2 respondents and gave it to a woman who cooks gluten free! So, that makes me very happy!!!

Day 53 - Cookbook: The Gluten Free Gourmet - Cooks Fast & Healthy

Today I am offering a cookbook: The Gluten Free Gourmet - Cooks Fast & Healthy by Bette Hagman. I can't remember who gave it to me, but I've never even really read through it. I don't need to cook gluten free, so it is just not something I've had much interest in. But, I recognize how hard it must be to cook gluten free and am sure someone will enjoy using many of the recipes.

Day 52 - Quilt Rack - GONE!

Matchmaker Matchmaker make me a match - find me a find - catch me a catch.

Who would have thought so many people would want a quilt rack!!!! I am so happy to have given the rack to a woman who quilts and can now display her beautiful quilts!!

Day 52 - Quilt Rack

Today I am off a: quilt rack. It is in great condition - just something we don't use.

I think many people have a nice quilt they only put on the bed to look fancy. And they take it off every night and sleep with different blankets. Well, I think that's too much work (or too complicated) for us. And, it has not been used in years.

Hopefully it'll find a new home and get a lot of use - in whatever manner the owner sees fit!

Day 51 - Igloo Cooler - GONE!

Wow - I had nearly lost hope! Until this morning I checked my e-mail and voila!!! I had a taker!

So happy!!!

Day 51 - Igloo Cooler

Okay - another item where I have no clue how we got it or where it is from! Today I am offering a: 24 can Igloo cooler. This would be a great cooler for Ravinia or a picnic - we just already have plenty of coolers!

Maybe Spring would be a better time to offer a cooler??????????

Day 50 - Dog Collar - GONE!

Shhh.... don't tell Dave - the dog collar is gone!

Ha!

Day 50 - Dog Collar

Today I am offering a: dog collar! This collar would be suitable for a male or female dog (not that the dog would care). It is blue with a Celtic like braiding of various colors. This was used by Buddy the Dog until his neck has become too fat! I washed it and it looks brand new.

Dave has very little confidence someone will want a used dog collar, but I think it will be a hit!

Day 49 - Animal Drawer Pulls - GONE!

Hippie - a little 5 year old will be very happy to have these drawer pulls!!!

Day 49 - Animal Drawer Pulls

Today I am offering: 4 super cute animal drawer pulls. This includes a zebra, lion, elephant and hippopotamus. These have been on the girls dresser, but we just have come to a point where we need regular pulls that you can be a little harder on. I think any little kid would love to have these and hope they go quickly.

Day 48 - Book: The Reader by Bernhard Schlink - GONE!

I am not surprised this book has been taken!

Since returning from my trip I have not been at all organized about my freecycling - just taking it day by day. I need to carve out an hour or so to collect and organize everything! It makes it so much smoother when I know what I've got everything organized. We'll see if I can find time today.

To make matters even crazier, I am the co-chair for my Twins Club's Resale and it is in 3 weeks - and I've got so much to do to get that ready! But, those efforts also have the primary goal of getting rid of stuff - so that's a good thing!

Day 48 - Book: The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

Today I am offering a book: The Reader by Bernhard Schlink. I actually had time to read this book in Florida - and enjoyed it. I was lucky enough to pick it up at the hotels library where you can take or drop off books. I think it will go because it was in Oprah's book club and is in the theaters now. We'll see!

Did you read the book? Did you like it?

Day 47 - Audiobook: What Should I Do With My Life - GONE!

Well, another item is gone. It is just so nice when the process works right. I post, someone responds, I select a "winner" and they PICK UP! I am so happy to have a front porch right now with nothing on it!!! Success!

Day 47 - Audiobook: What Should I Do With My Life

Today I am offering the audio version of: What Should I Do with My Life? Apparently I don't know what I should do with my life yet, because I have not listened to it. It is on my computer and I'll add it to my to-do list, as it does look very interesting!!

What am I doing with my life today?? Being a mom and a Realtor. Taking care of my husband and my dog. Trying to give back one day at a time.

In What Should I Do with My Life? Po Bronson manages to create a career book that is a page-turner. His 50 vivid profiles of people searching for "their soft spot--their true calling" will engage readers because Bronson is asking himself the same question. He explores his premise, that "nothing is braver than people facing up to their own identity," as an anthropologist and autobiographer. He tackles thorny, nuanced issues about self-determination. Among them: paradoxes of money and meaning, authorship and destiny, brain candy and novelty versus soul food. Bronson’s stories, limited to professional people and complete with photos, are gems. They include a Los Angeles lawyer who became a priest, a Harvard MBA catfish farmer turned biotech executive, and a Silicon Valley real estate agent who opened a leather crafts factory in Costa Rica.

Day 46 - Moen Kitchen Faucet - GONE!

HOLY SMOKES!!! This was an offer I was unsure about. Not really sure if anyone would want an old faucet! Man, was I wrong! I had over 10 people interested in getting the faucet. In the end it was a tough decision who should get it! I consulted my husband and we chose a gentleman that is renovating a kitchen for a disabled man.

I wish I had more to give!

Day 46 - Moen Kitchen Faucet

Today I am offering a: Moen Kitchen Faucet. This faucet has been on our kitchen sink for a long time. We thought it was broke, so bought a new one. But, by the time we took the old one off and got the new one on we realized it was not broken - just needed a tweek. But, we didn't want the hassle of removing he new one and putting back on the old one. Phew.

I think the tricky part about this offer is that the color is Ivory. But, if someone has an ivory sink or does not care that it matches, we might be a good match.

We'll see!!!

Day 45 - Power Strip - GONE!

Weekend posts are very interesting. On weekdays you get a response almost immediately. On the weekend it takes a long time. I think people are busy with their normal lives - not just checking e-mail while at work. So, I did not get a response on this until the afternoon - and then got 2 more...

I am happy it will live on at someone else's home.

Day 45 - Power Strip

Today I am offering a: extension cord/power strip. This baby is old and does not look very pretty, but works just fine! I asked my husband how we got it and he said it was "borrowed" from an old employer - oops.

So, hopefully it will live on and shed some light into another family's life.

Happy Saturday!

Bowling Set Update

A few weeks ago I gave away a plastic bowling set to a woman who runs an after school program. She thought her kids would enjoy it.

Well, I've been out of town and just returned home to a TON of mail!!! In it I got a big shocker!!

I got a nice postcard from the Children of Jerusalem Lutheran School. The teacher and children wanted to formally thank me!! That's a first that I've received an actual item in the mail to thank me! She must be a really good teacher - teaching not only book smarts, but the golden rule and strong social skills.

So many times I barely get a thank you - it really made my day to get a piece of mail thanking me.

Day 44 - Baby Boy Sweater - GONE!

I am not surprised this item is gone!! What did surprise me is there was only one response. But, I am sure the woman that took it will be happy to give it as a gift to some new little bundle of joy in the world.

Day 44 - Baby Boy Sweater

Today I am offering: a cute baby boy sweater. This is brand new item and would make a great gift for an infant. I bought the sweater in a great sale, but never needed it. I think it would be a perfect gift for a little newborn boy.

Day 43 - Mint Green Turkish Bathrobe - GONE!

I'm not surprised this one is gone!! I am so happy to read peoples comments and ideas. It reminds me that people do actually read this thing!!

Day 42 - Computer Mouses

I am a bit surprised!! The mouses are gone!!! I actually had more than one person want them. Yippie!

Day 43 - Mint Green Turkish Bathrobe

This was a Christmas present - and it was so kind and generous. But, I don't wear robes and really just don't need it. I am hoping someone else will get great use from it!! Today, I am offering a: women's size large mint green Turkish cotton bath robe.

These might be the hardest things to post - gifts. It really is making me second guess what gifts to give others - what will they really want or need or use! I have a good friend who swears by "the gift that goes away." That means you use the gift and then it is gone - some ideas are: a candle, gift certificate, notepaper, food, etc. I'm thinking this might be something I take more to heart.

And, as I am typing my husband said a good gift can be an experience - weather through a gift certificate or not. The ability to experience something and make a memory can be far more appreciated than the tangible.

Day 42 - Computer Mouses

There's a mouse in the house!!! Actually, 3 more than we need!!

How many computer mouses (or is it mice) can one really have? Well, today I am offering: 3 computer mouses. They are all relatively new with roller-ball tracks. I'd prefer to send them all off together, but am not sure anyone will really need that many. Maybe a school or computer lab would like them. We'll see....

Day 41 - Doll Crib - GONE!

Well, I've made a little girl very happy!! She has a new bed for her little dolls and is just thrilled. I am not only happy to have the crib gone, but to have made a little girls day.

Day 41 - Doll Crib

Today I am offering: an old fashioned doll bed.

Over a year ago a friend of ours gave us a super old fashioned doll bed. It is super cute. My mother-in-law even made Tinkerbell bedding and the girls enjoyed it - but fought over it!

For the girls 2nd birthday my mom gave them each their own doll bed - complete with bedding. Two is more than enough for me - so I need to purge the 3rd one - the one our friends have us. I am sure any little kid would enjoy this bed. Even if they don't play with dolls, it is a great "house" for all the stuffed animals that kids acquire.

Day 40 - Throw Pillows - GONE!

I am so glad someone will get to use these pillows! I had a surprising number of people want them. If only I had more to share. But, they will get used and that's a good thing. They are replacing pillows that were eaten by a dog. Bad Dog!

Day 40 - Throw Pillows

Today I am offering: a set of 2 throw pillows that have never been used. They are not exactly like the ones in this photo, but a similar look and feel. They are perfectly nice, but just not my style - hence they have never been used.

If someone did not like the style they could even recover them with other fabric. No chance I could do that, as I am about as crafty as a woodpecker.

Day 39 - Quicken 2005 - GONE!

Well, hopefully another soul will sleep better knowing their finances are in shape using Quicken. It is such a great tool - everyone should use something like it!!

Wanted: Double Jogging Stroller

I just signed up for the 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk and need to get training. Since I have little kids it would be great if I could take them on these training walks. And, a regular stroller does not cut it for long walks. So, I am hoping someone might have a double jogging stroller they are no longer using.

Day 39 - Quicken 2005

Today I am offering: Quicken 2005. We are big believers and users of Quicken. It is mainly my job to take care of the bills and finances - and without this tool I just don't think I could keep track of things properly. I am not perfect about reconciling every month - sometimes it is every other month. But, they year we had our twin daughters, we did not reconcile from June through the end of the year - and into the next year! What a mess!!! But, we got it all done and have done a much better job keeping things in line since then.

Day 38 - CD: Angels & Demons - GONE!

Yippee - this CD set will live on in another home. I am sure they'll enjoy listening to it and will pass it on once their done.

Have you ever listened to audio books? When my daughters were little I would listen to them in the car all the time. Now that they are older they demand music. But, I've always been more of a talk radio or book kind of person.

Hope you're having a great weekend!!

Day 38 - CD: Angels & Demons

Today I am offering the: audio CD of Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. During one of my long road trips with my husband we listened to ... almost all of it! We really enjoyed it, but not quite as much as the DiVinci Code - maybe it is because we did not listen to them in the proper order - we did DiVinci first. But, we did enjoy it. We burned it to our computer so some day we can finish it... We'll see when that will happen.

Day 37 - Book: Comfort Prayers by June Cotner - GONE!

So glad I put this book out for Freecycle. A woman will be giving it to her friend who is going to have a mastectomy later this month. I think that is the perfect use for a book like this and hope it provides her both peace and hope.

Day 37 - Book: Comfort Prayers by June Cotner

Today I am offering the book: Comfort Prayers by June Cotner. This is a timeless collection compiled by June Cotner, that brings hope, encouragement, and inspiration. A thoughtful book that will calm the soul and lead to a path of healing and recovery. This was a gift after a retreat that was enjoyable to read, but we just need no longer.

Following are some excerpts:

WHERE I’M BOUND

I am looking for comfort.

They tell me all I have to do is ask

and you will help me.

Simply.

I am in need of peace.

They urge me to turn to you

and you will grant my wish.

Silently.

I am searching for happiness.

They tell me to open my heart

and you will fill it with love.

Sweetly.

I am listening and

I promise to accept your truth.

Sincerely.

--Lori Eberhardy

CONSTELLATIONS

We find our way in the dark

using light from the lives of others.

Their sufferings and celebrations

are like constellations in the midnight sky,

orienting patterns above the horizon.

Tracing their paths through the night,

we connect our stories to one another;

circling together, we turn toward morning.

--Reverend Lynn James

LIFE IS A JOURNEY

Birth is a beginning

And death a destination.

And life is a journey:

From childhood to maturity

And youth to age;

From innocence to awareness

And ignorance to knowing;

And then, perhaps, to wisdom;

From weakness to strength

Or strength to weakness—

And often back again;

From health to sickness

And back, we pray, to health again;

From offense to forgiveness

From loneliness to love,

From joy to gratitude,

From pain to compassion,

And grief to understanding—

From fear to faith;

From defeat to defeat to defeat—

Until, looking backward or ahead,

We see that victory lies

Not at some high place along the way,

But in having made the journey, stage by stage,

A sacred pilgrimage.

Birth is a beginning

And death a destination.

And life is a journey,

A sacred pilgrimage—

To life everlasting.

--Rabbi Alvin I. Fine

Day 29 - Book: What to Expect When You are Expecting - Part 3 - GONE!

Finally, I got rid of this book!!!! It is going to be scanned and then available in audio version - which will make sure it gets lots of use from different people.

I think the whole scanning process is interesting. She said the book is chopped at the spine and a fast scan is done. Fascinating...

At last, it has a home.

Day 36 - Diaper Doublers - GONE!

Well, the Diaper Doublers soaked up a lot of response!!!

They have found a lovely new home with a little boy that is inadvertently driving his mom crazy by having so much laundry to do every morning when the bed is wet.

I sure hope this helps!!

FYI - they can be purchased at Babies R Us in the diaper section.

Day 36 - Diaper Doublers

Today I am offering: a brand spankin new box of Diaper Doublers. What on earth are diaper doublers?? Well, they are inserts that you put in a diaper to soak up a bit more than the diaper would normally do. They are great for nighttime use. Why don't I want them? Well, we use cloth diapers and just don't need them. But, for disposable diapers, they are great for bedtime use.

Day 35 - Glass Buckets - GONE!

I am not surprised that these bowls went quickly - like I said, they are nice. They are also unique.

In the spirit of what to use the bowl for, I figured I should provide a trifle recipe - that would look pretty in the glass bucket!! This one even looks pretty healthy. But, if all the low fat stuff makes you nervous - then go for the good stuff!!

Three Berry Lemon Trifle - save this one for the spring!!

• 1 (14 ounce) can fat free sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (8 ounce) carton non-fat reduced sugar lemon yogurt
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
• 1 (8 ounce) container reduced-fat whipped topping, thawed, divided
• 1 (16 ounce) package angel food cake mix, prepared and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 2 tablespoons slivered almonds, toasted

In a large bowl, combine the milk, yogurt, lemon juice and peel. Fold in 2 cups whipped topping.

In a 3-qt. trifle bowl or deep salad bowl, layer a third of the cake cubes, a third of the lemon mixture and all of the strawberries. Repeat cake and lemon mixture layers. Top with blueberries and remaining cake cubes and lemon mixture. Sprinkle with raspberries.

Spread remaining whipped topping over berries; sprinkle with almonds. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.

Day 35 - Glass Buckets

Today I am offering: 2 glass buckets. They are hard to describe, so I have included a photo.

I have not used them in years. These items are difficult to part with - simply because I like them and think they are attractive. They just don't really match my style. And, I have many things that are not my style - so I am trying to keep more of what I really love and not clutter the rest of my space with everything else.

Do you like the addition of photos????

Day 34 - CD: "The Ultimate Collection" of Mozart - GONE!

Well, that did not take long at all!! Really, I got responses after just a few minutes. But, I am not surprised, a timeless classic like this is a winner for anyone.

Day 34 - CD: "The Ultimate Collection" of Mozart

Yet another Christmas gift we are recycling... Today, I am offering: The Ultimate Collection by Mozart on CD. We think Dave's mom or maybe dad gave it to him. We did burn it, so we'll still get good use from the collection. But, we just don't ever listen to the actual CDs.

Day 33 - Cookbook - Appetizers for Dummy's - GONE!

The book is gone, but here is a recipe...

Crab Dip

4.5-ounce can crabmeat

1 hard-boiled egg

1 green onion

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1/4 teaspoon dried dill

1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

Drain the crabmeat and then flake it in a medium bowl.

Shell and mince the hard-boiled egg.

Mince the green onion.

Add all the ingredients to the crabmeat.

Mix well to blend thoroughly.

Cover and chill the dip for at least 2 hours.

Day 33 - Cookbook - Appetizers for Dummy's

This book was a wedding shower gift for me from my husbands grandmother. She had never met me - perhaps she did not know that I could cook. Anyhoo, today I am offering: Cookbook - Appetizers for Dummy's. Need I say more? Nevertheless, here is a recipe.....

Cocktail Franks in Spicy Barbecue Sauce

1 onion

2 cans (5 ounces each) tomato paste

4 cups water

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

2 tablespoons white vinegar

2 tablespoons molasses

2 teaspoons dry mustard

1 teaspoon salt

2 pounds cocktail franks

Mince the onion.

Lightly spray a 4-quart slow cooker with vegetable oil cooking spray.

Combine all the ingredients except the franks, including 1/4 cup minced onion, in the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on High for 1 to 2 hours, or until hot.

Separate the franks if they’re attached.

Add the franks and cook for 1 hour.

Day 32 - Pentax Camera - GONE!

In this digital age I did not know if a 35mm camera would go. I though perhaps everyone uses digital cameras and nobody would value a 35mm. I was wrong!! Dead wrong. I had about 6 people want the camera. I am so glad it will live for a while longer and get some use again!!

Day 32 - Pentax Camera

Today I am offering a: perfectly good 35mm Pentax camera. Problem is we don't use 35 mm cameras any longer. But, I am sure someone does and can get some use from it. Cameras are kind of like shoes in that they are hard to get rid of. I always think of all the places the shoes walked. And, I am now thinking of all the photos it has taken and places this camera has been to. Perhaps I am being to sentimental for an old camera...