Organizing the Glove Box

I feel like opening the glove box is done at my own risk as receipts, napkins, travel mugs, and who-knows-what-else comes billowing out. I stuff my glove box with whatever, and then of course, when it becomes important for me to find those important pieces of paper: registration and proof of insurance, I am buried in years worth of oil change receipts.

Then I came across an idea in Real Simple magazine. Take of those accordion files made for receipts or coupons and use it to organize the glove box. I found a small, plastic accordion file at Target for about $4. It even has a little zip lock compartment in the front! So, here is how I cleaned out the glove box:

1. Pull everything out of the glove box.



2. The first thing to go back into the glove box is the owner's manual to the vehicle.



3. In the VERY FRONT of the accordion file, place your current proof of insurance and registration.



4. Then, in the different sections, put the receipts of any car work done



5. Throw away any trash, and file any car work over one year old in your home with other home records--but get them out of the glove box.



6. Stick $2 change in quarters in the zip lock pouch for those unexpected tolls and parking meters.



7. Decide on the other 3 or 4 important items you want in your glove box. I have a tire pressure gage, napkins, phone charger, and an emergency poncho (because my parents gave it to me. Yes, I live in the desert and have no need for an emergency poncho, but I feel like as soon as I toss it, I'll find myself in a situation where I'll inevitably need it)

Thoughts on John the Baptist

Mark 1:6-8 (New International Version)
"And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: 'After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.'"

I was reading through Mark and came across these verses and they made me think about how John the Baptist was freed up from everyday burdens that tend to entangle us.

1. His clothing is simple--Not that we all need to reduce our closets to one outfit, but I have mentioned before that I can waste 20-30 minutes each day trying to figure out what to wear. John kept is simple. He wasn't concerned if people had seen his outfit before or sit staring at his closet wondering what would impress others.


2. His meals are simple--Sometimes we eat what we want, not what we have, or what we can afford. Yes, we live in American where we can eat anything we want at any time we want, but really, feeding our impulses can cost us at least $400 a month in eating out, instead of settling for the PB & J or spaghetti that is in my cupboard. Plus, at least its better than bugs.


3. His lifestyle is simple--No car payment, no house payment, no credit cards. He lives with what is within his means. Revolutionary.


4. His message is simple--Jesus is coming. John isn't busy explaining all the intricacies of doctrine and theology. His faith revolves around the promises of God, and his focus is just a Savior.
   

Of course, as my friend Sam would point out, John the Baptist did end up beheaded, but I think I can learn lessons from how he lived his life.

Local Treasure Hunts

It seems like no matter what size city we grow up in, that famous phrase comes from our lips: "There is nothing to do here." My sister has an acquaintance who calls Tucson, "Nothing to Do-son."

The truth is, there is usually something going on in our own backyards, but we need a sense of adventure, be open to some creativity, and ready to explore.

I like to google the word "Festivals" + the city I live in + the year. So, "Festivals Tucson 2009." And thanks to the Internet, we have found some local treasures.

• St. Demetrios Greek Festival (September) $3 Entry Fee
  
  
• Tucson Celtic Festival & Highland Games (November) $12 Entry Fee ($10 if you bring a non-perishable food item)

• Winterhaven Festival of Lights (December) Free

I have also googled "Things to do in Tucson," and the first website that came up was from Trip Advisor. Of course! People travel to the cities we live in and post what to do around our towns, sites to see, and restaurants to try. Reap the benefits of the tourists' work; I like that. Trip Advisor listed museums, hiking routes, farmer's markets, and artisan neighborhoods and shops, all low cost or free to do.

Then, there are always the wonders of Facebook. It is amazing what suggestions you can get by simply posting your status as, "What is there to do in Tucson this weekend?" or "What is your favorite thing to do in Tucson?" Then, you get the local flavor:

• Rooster Cogburn's Ostrich Ranch $5 Entry & Feed Fee



• Disney Lane (near Christmas) Free

Happy exploring, and I hope you fall in love with your back yard!

The $5 Jewelry box

I have to credit my friend, Kat, for this stroke of brilliance. I was getting the tour of her house when I encountered the way she stores her jewelry in her closet. She had taken a peice of foam core, hung it in her closet, and hung her jewelry there for storage and display. And here is the brilliance of it:

• Everything is neatly displayed, making it easy to decide what to wear.
  
• Necklaces are not lost in a nest of knots.


• Takes up no shelf space, like a clunky jewelry box, and clothes can be hung in front.


• It's cheap

So, I decided to copy my friend and bought the supplies:

• A piece of foam core ($2.50 at Target)


• Push pin tacks ($1.99)

One added perk is that I had to go through all of my jewelry, and I ended up finding pieces I had forgotten that I owned. I cleaned out old and outdated jewelry, untangled necklaces, and set aside the pieces I wanted to keep. I really was limited to the space on the board, so it is actually a great way to limit how much jewelry I am hoarding.

I laid the board down on a flat surface, arranged my jewelry on it, and then placed the push pins where the jewelry is to be hanging from. Then, I removed the jewelry from the board, placing everything in the same order on another flat surface, so I didn't forget where I had placed all the jewelry. Then, hung the board in the back of the closet with a hammer and three small nails. Finally, I hung all the jewelry up. The foam core may not be as thick as the push pins, but it works.

When to Ebay, Craig's list, or Buffalo

Ahhh...the classic dilemma: How do I sell my stuff? It's a great way to make a few extra bucks while ridding my life of the excess and clutter that is around me. But, when do you use what resale service? Here's my quick guide to when to use what service:

1. Ebay

• This is where you make the most money.
• Items that are like new or slightly used.
• Items from brand names and stores that are sought after.
• When you have 1-5 items to get rid of.
• Useful if you have the time to sell each; about 30min-1hour for each item to set up, sell, and mail.

2. Buffalo Exchange, Plato's Closet, or other trendy used clothing stores, or Bookman's

• Average $2-$5 per item (maybe up to $10 for bigger items).
• It seems like these stores have a mental block from taking everything, they may take 10%-60% of your items, so you have to come with a lot.
• Good for if you have at least 2 large bags full.
• Items can be from new to more used than items you would put on Ebay.
• Brand names, styles from within the last year, or great vintage pieces.
• Most helpful if you can block out a morning or afternoon and hit all the stores that buy used clothing with the same bags.

3. Craig's list

• Craig's list is great if you just want someone to come and take your stuff more than you want to make a couple bucks.
• Don't expect to make money, maybe $2-5 for a bag of clothes.
• Price items based on what you would expect to pay at a garage sale, because that is what Craig's list is, a giant garage sale.
• Items can be in any condition.
• Should't take a lot of time or energy--it's more like a creative dump.
• One word of advice: never meet someone alone, bring a buddy.