Good Morning, Cowboys and Cowgirls!

Well, Fall is officially here in New York, marking the start of my favorite 3 months. 

(Fun fact about me: I once had a cat in college whom my roommate and I named “October” because it was both of our favorite month). This weekend

marked three very important autumn rituals for me: I made pumpkin chocolate chip muffins to welsome in the season of all things

flavored pumpkin, I made my mother’s apple pie, and I broke out my boots and scarves–ahhh what a wonderful time of year!  This is also when we don our the cozy clothing and  blankets…

which leads me to this week’s scavenger hunt challenge.
  

Ever notice how linens tend to accumulate in your home when you buy a new set, but the old ones don’t find their way out?  What is our resistance to donating or tossing old linens?  Old towels can be great to have around for cleaning or for sopping up messes, and it’s always great to have extra linens for guests.  However, I would venture a guess that you have some linens that have been put out to pasture long ago and aren’t likely to be brought back into the rotation.  Let’s make some room in that overstuffed linen closet be weeding out what you’re done with.

 

Saddle up, put 10 minutes on the clock, and Get Ready…Get set…GO!

1. Grab a bag or box and lasso all the linens you can find in your home. Towels, sheets, blankets, and don’t forget tablecloths and napkins!
2.  Spread out the whole kit-and-caboodle.  Sort by type of item and sets.  Notice the mathematical improbability present in the ratio of pillow cases to sheet sets… (Where did they all come from?!)
3. Take a look at these sets and groups of linens and notice your reaction to each. It is likely that you have some emotional attachment so some of these items, as they may mark significant phases or transitions in your life.  Resisting letting go of that ratty first set of towels you bought for the house you moved into 15 years ago?  Ask yourself if the significance of that memory will fade if these towels were to find their way into your donation transition bin.  Feeling that tug of obligation when you uncover your grandmother’s napkins–don’t mindlessly tuck them away and forget about them for another 10 years–honor them by using them for an occasion this fall.  For the items that are not emotionally triggering, be honest and realistic–if it is not functional or special to you, donate or toss it.  If you want a home filled with items you love and use, start now.
4. For the remaining items, make sure that each has a purpose.  I’m keeping 2 extra queen sheet sets for the quest room…These mismatched washcloths will be cleaning rags…I’ll give myself this next year to use this tablecloth, otherwise it’ll be donated.   Then, make it easy on yourself to access and use the linens decided have earned a place in your home.  Assign a place for each category, and make sure everyone in your house knows where to find these items and where to put them back.

Time’s Up!  Kick off your boots and congratulate yourself on completing your fourth challenge.