Day 181 - 3 Jump Ropes

Today I am offering 3 jump ropes. My girls got them in goodie bags. But, we already have a few and I am on the verge of getting rid of them, so these need to go. They take their jump ropes and tie each other up - so we don't need another 3 of them in the house!

Day 180 - Girls Clogs - GONE!

The clogs have been promised and will be gone in a little bit! Another success!!

Day 180 - Girls Clogs

Today I am offering a pair of brown clogs size 11 for girls. They are kind of suede with pink hearts and purple/pink swirls. These were also from my recent finds from my family. I promise to stop doing boring things like shoes as soon as I can!!

Day 179 - 2 Pairs of Ballet Slippers - GONE!

They have danced away...

Day 179 - 2 Pairs of Ballet Slippers

Today I am offering 2 a cute pairs of pink ballet slippers. They are from my sister-in-laws sister-in-law. They are too small for my girls. I am sure these will go to someone who has a little dancer in their home.

Day 178 - Dora Swimsuit - GONE!

Dora has left the building.

Day 178 - Dora Swimsuit

Today I am offering a pink size 4t Dora swimsuit. If you follow my blog you know how much I LOVE Dora. This was a gift to us and since she's not allowed in my house this is her eviction notice. I am a little concerned one swimsuit is not enough for a pick-up. What do you think?

Day 177 - Tap Shoes - GONE!

Some little girl is clomping away! I should have also given ear muffs.

Day 177 - Tap Shoes

Today I am offering a pair of tap shoes. My sister-in-laws sister-in-law (got it??) gave me lots of great kids clothing and shoes. I don't think my girls will be tappers, so I figured I'd pass these on. I am sure some little girl will have a blast in them!!!

Day 176 - Cookbook - Tuscan Cookery - GONE!

I had a few people want this book. Not as many as I would have expected, but it is a success!!

Day 176 - Cookbook - Tuscan Cookery

Today I am offering a very nice cookbook - Tuscan Cookery by Elisabetta Piazzesi. I can't remember where we got it from. I just know that I am super tired and don't know what else to freecycle! Nighty Night.

Day 175 - Handmade Blanket - GONE!

This blanket has found a new home in a nice new clean apartment! Not our crazy rocking chair. I hope it likes its new home and keeps someone warm!

Day 174 - Sprinkler - GONE!

Not a surprise, but the sprinkler has been taken! So glad some other kids will enjoy playing in it!!!

Day 175 - Handmade Blanket

Today I am offering a nice afghan blanket. It is primarily black with lots of other colors. I got it when I bought a rocking chair recently. The chair has become my husbands free-for-all crap collector in the bedroom - right now it has shirts, pants, socks - you name it on it. And, my pretty blanket below everything else. So, it needs a new home - one that will respect the nice blanket.

Day 174 - Sprinkler

Today I am offering a sprinkler. It is a pretty cool sprinkler, but has a few holes. Now, I don't know that holes on a sprinkler are that bad of a thing, but Dave thought it might be a good freecycle item. We'll see... Shhhhhhh... don't tell the girls their sprinkler is being freecycled.

Day 173 - Dining Table - GONE!

So happy to report that not only is the table gone, but it is going to a family that REALLY needs it! That's the best news ever!

Day 173 - Dining Table

Today I am offering a dining table. It seats 6 or maybe you can squeeze in 8. It can fold down very compact. This was my sister-in-laws moms table that got passed to me. We used it for a long time and it has been in the garage a while. It is taking way too much space and must be gone!!! I hope I have a taker or we might need to light it up in the fire pit!

Day 172 - Motorcycle Helmet - GONE!

No big surprise, the helmet is gone. I hope it is put to use and keeps someone safe.

Day 172 - Motorcycle Helmet

Today I am offering another motorcycle helmet - just like the one I did a few weeks ago. Same type of helmet - same story..................

Day 171 - Desk Chair - GONE!

I had almost given up hope, and then it finally went!! Funny that a bag of M&Ms goes faster than a desk chair!

Day 171 - Desk Chair

Today I am offering a desk chair. I found it outside in front of a neighbors home several months ago and brought it home for our friends/roommates to use. They just got a newer chair and this one must leave the building. It is in pretty good condition - for being free! Not perfect, but would work for someone who is not sitting at their desk 8 hours a day - that might not be too comfy!

Day 170 - California Baby Diaper Area Wash - GONE!

A little surprised, but this is gone! It is going to someone who knows me - perhaps that's why - they know I didn't do anything funny with it...

Day 170 - California Baby Diaper Area Wash

Today I am offering a 3/4 full bottle of California Baby Diaper Area Wash. It is in a spray bottle and helps with diaper rash, cuts and scrapes. I got this for the girls and they used it for a while. But, we are potty trained and I just don't think we'll need it anymore! Yippie!!

Not sure if this will go............

Day 169 - Book - The Next Thing on My List - GONE!

Waking up to an item being taken is a beautiful thing! I hope she enjoys the book!

Day 169 - Book - The Next Thing on My List

Today I am offering a book - The Next Thing On My List by Jill Smolinski. It is a total no-brainer book that can be read super fast. I think I got this for an airplane ride or something. Super easy to read, but not the kind of book you want to keep on your bookshelf. Hopefully it will go!

Day 168 - 2 Orange Backpacks - FLOP!

Boo Hoo... the bags did not go!!! Looks like I'll have to find another use for them or donate them...

Day 168 - 2 Orange Backpacks

Today I am offering 2 identical orange kid backpacks. They have drawstring straps and can hold a fair amount of stuff - perfect for camp or a sleepover - or even an extra diaper bag in the car.

We just got these at a great birthday party - and they are super cute. But, the girls also already each have 2 of their own backpacks. And, we just don't need them. Hopefully someone will have a use for them!!

Day 167 - Ravinia Basket -- GONE!

Going going gone!! Another super quickie!!!

Day 167 - Ravinia Basket

Today I am offering another gift from my MIL. A Ravinia type basket that can hold a few bottles of wine and some food. It is too small for any picnic we'd ever have at Ravinia, but would probably work for some. Especially those that focus on drinks and buy food there. I am sure it will go!

Day 166 - Candle Box - GONE!

I like the fast ones!! It is gone!!!!!!!!!

Day 166 - Candle Box

Today I am offering a nice green mosaic candle box. It glows really pretty - green and blue.

Dave and I had a vision of hanging several of these in our screened porch, but it just never looked right. So, we are not using it....

Onto another house......................

Day 165 - Tea Set - GONE!

That did not take long! I had 2 super fast responses and chose the woman who wants to use it as a gift for her daughter who is getting married. Just had a shower with a high tea theme - this fits in perfectly. Success!

Day 165 - Tea Set

Today I am offering a brand new Restoration Hardware Le The Pour Deux. It is a tea set that has 2 pots - one to brew and one to refresh that are nestled in a table trivet. Dave's cousin gave it to us for a wedding gift and it is really nice, but we just don't drink much tea and don't have a use for it. I think it would be great for someone who enjoys tea.

I am sure this will go pretty quickly. We'll see.............

Day 164 - Bubbles!!

Today I am offering 12 wedding type bubble bottles/wands. We got most of these at Dave's cousins wedding and not sure where the others are from. I am sure kids could have a blast with them! We just don't need any more bubbles in the house!

Day 163 - Girls Swimsuits - GONE!

That did not take long at all! The swimsuits are swimming to a new home!

Day 163 - Girls Swimsuits

Today I am offering a bag of girls swimsuits - ranging in sizes 4-7. I was initially given an even bigger bag and kept what I needed but have a surplus of 7 suits! Hopefully someone will have a little girls or two to take them for.

Day 162 - Book - Crashing Through by Robert Kurson - GONE!

Not a surprise, the book has been taken! I think having a short synopsis on the freecycle e-mail helped garner some attention.

Day 162 - Book - Crashing Through by Robert Kurson

Today I am offering a great condition hardcover book - Crashing Through by Robert Kurson. It is a NY Times Best Seller.

Dave works for a really great company. They do all kinds of things to make their employees feel valued and appreciated. They have a great fall festival for the kids with pumpkins and rides - just yesterday they had a big Italian Fest at lunch and brought in tasty food and he said it was great. Well, last year we went to a formal dinner for the company and heard Mike May speak. He was quite inspirational. The book being offered today is all about his life. A synopsis is below...

A highly successful entrepreneur, athlete, husband and father who undergoes experimental surgery to regain the vision that he lost in a chemical explosion at age three. When he chooses to pursue the risky procedure, he rejects the notion of blindness as an infirmity that requires healing. Instead, May views the restoration of sight as a new adventure to explore with the same gusto that he has demonstrated in all facets of life. Without pathos or pity, Welch vividly portrays May's challenge of processing the mental complexities of his newfound vision, including navigating the aisles of Costco and recognizing the gender of patrons at a neighborhood coffee bar.

Day 161 - Balloons & Streamers - GONE!

Not a surprise - they are gone! Let's just hope they come and get everything!!

Day 161 - Balloons & Streamers

Today I am offering a whole bunch of balloons and streamers. I have no idea where I got these, but don't really have a need for them. The balloons would be great if you had a helium tank - can you imagine how much fun that would be!!! I bet someone will want these for a kids birthday party!

Day 160 - Body Scrub

OMG! It's gone.

Day 160 - Body Scrub

Dave chose today's item - a bottle of body scrub - he picked it to see if people will pick up anything. And... the bottle is slightly used. I am actually kind of embarrassed to post this offer!!! We'll see..............

Day 159 - Lawn Ornament - GONE!

Surprise ... Surprise... I had a taker! I just hope she shows up to pick them up!!

So happy!!

Day 159 - Lawn Ornament

Today I am offering an Easter Lawn Ornament. It is a little fence with chickens and bunnies. My MIL gave it to us - imagine that! It is maybe 2 feet long and a foot long - there are 2 of them. They are cute, but I have no need for them!!! What's your guess on if it will go??

Day 158 - Cookbook - 1000 Great Recipes - GONE!

I got one taker for this book and am glad to have it on its way out of the house!! Hopefully I won't have a no-show!!!

Day 157 - Coach Purse - GONE!

It is not s surprise that this purse has been taken. I had about 20 responses from people wanting the purse. I chose a woman who wanted to give it to her 12 year old daughter. I thought she'd enjoy it. Hopefully she does!!

Day 158 - Cookbook - 1000 Great Recipes

Today I am offering a cookbook - 1000 Great Recipes. It has been on my shelf forever and I don't even look at it!! So, it must go! Recipes seem simple and have a photo of EACH recipe!!

Day 157 - Coach Purse

Today I am offering a brown leather Coach Purse. Probably about 7 years old, but in great condition with no scratches or anything. Smaller in size, but not tiny. I bought this at the Coach outlet forever ago and have used it, but not in a loooooong time! I hope someone else can put it to use!

Day 156 - Zoo Party Passes - GONE!

I found a member!!! And, they are super happy to get the passes. She was about to buy 3, but now only needs to buy 1!!

Day 156 - Zoo Party Passes

Today I am offering 2 Lincoln Park Zoo Party Passes. This looks like a really fun event. But, it is not on a day that we can go. Boo hoo. I am sure someone will want this - but they need a zoo member!!!

Day 155 - 2 Elmo Kites

Who would have thought we'd get 4 kits on Easter! 4 of the same exact kites!!! Well, we have 2 kids and really barely even need 2 kites - but definitely not 4!

I am sure these will go quickly!

Day 154 - Eucerin Lotion - GONE!

Boy did Dave laugh when I told him the lotion was taken!!

Day 154 - 8 ounces of Eucerin Lotion

Today I am freecycling a new 8 ounce tube of Eucerin lotion. I got it for the girls and never used it. I've never been one of those moms that lather the baby up with lotions and potions. I think I was feeling guilty of never using them so I bought it. And, it sat and sat. Well, it needs to get up and walk out of here!

My old kids want to freecycle....

About a week ago there was a big box in the house from a weed whacker we just bought. Apparently the box bothered Ev (or maybe got in her way) and she said she was going to freecycle it and walked it to our front porch - where I leave all the drop off items!

Then, a few days ago Erin decided big girls use green sippie cups in bed. She said her purple one was for babies and it should be freecycled.

Finally, yesterday Erin found 3 sets of bunny ears (the kind you wear at Easter). She said we only need 2 - for her and Evelyn. She said she was going to freecycle the third pair and dropped it in the laundry basket I collect all of my items in.

This is hysterical to me and Dave!! Apparently even though they are not yet 3 years old, they understand a lot more than we think they do!

Day 153 - Cookbook: Day Rachael Ray 30 Minute Meals 2 - GONE!

Well, the book is gone. I had many takers. Gave it to a woman who is going to give it to her daughter who loves Rachael Ray. I knew this was an easy one to get rid of!!

Honey Mustard and Red Onion Barbecued Chicken

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 red onion, chopped

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup brown sugar, a couple of handfuls

1 cup chicken stock

1/2 cup prepared honey mustard (recommended: Honey Cup brand)

1/2 teaspoon allspice, eyeball it

1/2 teaspoon curry powder, eyeball it

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breast

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Vegetable oil, for drizzling

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

▪ Preheat grill pan or griddle over medium high heat.

▪ Pour 2 tablespoons vegetable oil into a small saucepan over moderate heat. Add red onions and sauté 3 to 5 minutes. Add vinegar and reduce by half, 1 to 2 minutes. Add brown sugar and cook 1 minute to incorporate. Whisk in broth and honey mustard, allspice and curry. Bring sauce to a bubble and reduce heat to lowest setting.

▪ Coat chicken with a drizzle of oil and salt and pepper, to your taste. Place chicken on hot grill and cook 4 or 5 minutes, then turn. Baste chicken liberally with sauce and cook another 5 minutes. Turn once again and baste. Cook 2 or 3 minutes more to cook through and transfer chicken to a platter and serve.

Day 152 - Motorcycle Helmet - GONE!

I had 3 people want the helmet and only wish I had more to give! But, I might have another going on Freecycle in a few weeks, so stay tuned!!!

Day 153 - Cookbook: Day Rachael Ray 30 Minute Meals 2

Today I am offering a Rachael Ray 30 Minute cookbook. I've leafed through it a few times, but have a duplicate copy, so just don't need it. I am sure this will be snapped up super quick!!

Orange Freeze Recipe

2 pints orange sherbet

1 lime, for garnish (optional)

1 pint vanilla ice cream
1 liter carbonated lemon-lime beverage or lemon lime seltzer water

For each freeze, in a mixer mix 3 scoops orange sherbet & 1 scoop vanilla ice cream.

Add 1/4 liter lemon lime soda or lemon lime seltzer & 4 ice cubes to the mixer.

Set mixer top in place & mix on high setting until frothy & smooth.

Pour into fountain or tall glass & garnish glass rim with a round of lime & a straw.

Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Enjoy the Rachael Ray's Orange Freeze recipe

Day 152 - Motorcycle Helmet

Today I am offering a big yellow motorcycle helmet. It is in great condition - but we no longer have a motorcycle. Well, we do, but it is at my father-in-laws house and we never use it. So, the helmet sits in its bag and is sad and lonely - just wanting to save a life.

Two houses back, we lived in Evanston. Dave had a scooter that he enjoyed riding to work and wore a basic helmet. Well, it got stolen - the day we brought it home. So, we got a replacement that lasted a while - maybe a year??? Then, it got stolen. Hint - if you live in Evanston, don't have a scooter! We wised up and did not get another one.

We moved to Arlington Heights and had the dumb idea of getting a motorcycle. It was more my idea than his and it just never felt right and we did not use it much. So, it made its way to my father-in-laws and he enjoys taking it on weekend trips. He has the other helmet - not that he wears it! We're going to get it back and freecycle that one too...

We have not had the motorcycle about 2 years - thus the helmet has not been used in at least that long - but probably more like 3 years. Despite it not being used, this was a tough one for Dave to part with. Not that he will miss it, but because it was expensive for us at the time - and it admits he will probably not ride the motorcycle again. But, some day I think he'll get another scooter - so we won't get rid of that helmet!

Day 151 - Chicago Skyline Photo - GONE!

This one had a lot of people interested. I am glad to have it off to a new home where it will find some life!

Day 150 - Jewlery Box Handmade in India - GONE!

A little surprised, but it is gone! And, the kind woman who picked up left necklaces for the girls - they were so happy!